Managing Sustainable Facilities Flashcards

A facility generates 200 tons of waste annually and diverts 140 tons from landfill. What is the waste diversion rate?

Answer: 70%

Waste diversion rate = 140 ÷ 200 × 100 = 70%.

Which standard provides the framework for facility energy management systems (EnMS) and is aligned with ISO 14001?

Answer: ISO 50001

ISO 50001 establishes requirements for an Energy Management System (EnMS) and shares the Plan-Do-Check-Act structure with ISO 14001.

A building's chiller plant efficiency is measured in kW/ton. A lower kW/ton value indicates:

Answer: Better chiller efficiency

kW/ton measures electrical input per ton of cooling output; a lower ratio means less electricity used per unit of cooling, indicating better efficiency.

Which type of green roof provides the greatest stormwater retention capacity but also the greatest structural load?

Answer: Intensive green roof (deep growing medium)

Intensive green roofs have deep soil profiles (>6 inches) that hold significantly more stormwater but impose greater structural loads on the building.

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which element of sustainable design must NOT compromise accessibility requirements?

Answer: Accessible parking and pathways

ADA-mandated accessible routes, parking spaces, and pathways must be maintained regardless of sustainability modifications to the site.

A facility manager is evaluating Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). One REC represents:

Answer: 1 megawatt-hour of electricity generated from renewable sources

One REC represents the environmental attributes of 1 MWh of electricity generated from a renewable energy source.

Which strategy addresses 'sick building syndrome' most directly in an existing facility?

Answer: Increasing outdoor air ventilation rates and improving filtration

Sick building syndrome is primarily caused by poor IAQ; increasing ventilation and improving air filtration directly addresses contaminant dilution and removal.