MArch Master of Architecture Environmental Systems & Sustainability 2

Question 1

The Passivhaus (Passive House) standard achieves extremely low energy consumption primarily through which combination of strategies?

Accepted Answer

Superinsulation, airtight construction, heat recovery ventilation, and minimal thermal bridges

Answer

Passivhaus dramatically reduces energy use through a very high-performance building envelope combined with mechanical ventilation and heat recovery to maintain air quality.

Question 2

In building energy modeling, what does 'EUI' (Energy Use Intensity) measure?

Accepted Answer

Annual energy use per square foot of building area (kBtu/sf/yr)

Answer

EUI normalizes a building's total annual energy consumption by its floor area, allowing meaningful comparison of energy performance across buildings of different sizes.

Question 3

A 'green roof' (vegetated roof) provides which primary environmental benefits in urban settings?

Accepted Answer

Stormwater retention, urban heat island reduction, and improved building insulation

Answer

Green roofs absorb rainfall to reduce runoff, reflect or evapotranspire solar energy to reduce urban heat islands, and add insulating value to the roof assembly.

Question 4

ASHRAE Standard 90.1 is a critical reference for US architects because it establishes minimum requirements for:

Accepted Answer

Energy efficiency in commercial buildings, including envelope, lighting, and HVAC

Answer

ASHRAE 90.1 is the primary US energy code baseline for commercial buildings, setting minimum performance levels for building envelope, lighting power density, and mechanical systems.

Question 5

In sustainable site design, what is the primary purpose of a 'bioswale'?

Accepted Answer

A vegetated channel that slows, filters, and infiltrates stormwater runoff

Answer

Bioswales are landscaped channels that manage stormwater runoff by slowing flow, filtering pollutants through soil and plant uptake, and promoting groundwater infiltration.

MArch Master of Architecture Practice Test

MArch Master of Architecture Practice Test

MArch Master of Architecture Environmental Systems & Sustainability 2