Question 1

A hot, humid climate design would most likely include _____ .
A) the long side facing sunward
B) north-opening U-shaped buildings with courtyards
C) partially submerged structures
D) minimal windows on the east and west sides

Accepted Answer

Minimizing windows on the east and west sides reduces heat gain from the low-angle sun, which is beneficial in hot, humid climates.

Question 2

A temperate climate design would most likely include _____ .
A) heavily insulated windows and floors
B) massive walls
C) most windows on the sunward side
D) raised structures

Accepted Answer

In a temperate climate design, most windows should be on the sunward side to allow for maximum sunlight to enter the building and provide natural warmth. Heavily insulated windows and floors may also be included, but massive walls and raised structures are not necessary features of a temperate climate design.

Question 3

_____ energy is the sum of all the energy used to construct a building from harvest to manufacture to installation.
A) Process
B) Embodied
C) Functional
D) Generated

Accepted Answer

Embodied energy is the energy used to manufacture, transport and construct a building. It includes the energy used to extract raw materials, process them into usable materials, manufacture components, transport them to the site and assemble them into a building. Therefore, B is the best choice as the other options (A, C, and D) do not match the definition of embodied energy.

Question 4

Although a factor to consider, the location of a building is not as important as its design.

Accepted Answer

While design is important, the location of a building can greatly impact its functionality and success. Factors such as accessibility, traffic patterns, and surrounding infrastructure all play a role in a building's effectiveness, making location a key consideration in many cases.

Question 5

Green building is an effort to build _____ .
A) responsibly and sustainably
B) inexpensively and uniformly
C) with cutting edge technology and resources
D) structures that don't require fossil fuels

Accepted Answer

Green building focuses on building responsibly and sustainably, which includes using environmentally friendly materials and practices, reducing energy consumption, and minimizing waste. The other options listed are not necessarily the main goals of green building.

Question 6

A cold climate design would most likely include _____ .
A) minimal surface area
B) placement of windows to prevent direct illumination
C) wind traps
D) cooking spaces  isolated from sleeping spaces

Accepted Answer

In cold climates, minimizing surface area reduces heat loss, as heat transfer occurs across surfaces. A design with minimal surface area is more energy-efficient, keeping the interior warmer.

Question 7

Constant exposure to polluted air in buildings is a cause of many health disorders, a condition sometimes called _____ .
A) chronic fatigue syndrome
B) autoimmune disease
C) sick building syndrome
D) chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder

Accepted Answer

Chronic exposure to polluted air in buildings can cause a condition known as sick building syndrome, which can lead to various health disorders such as headaches, fatigue, and respiratory problems. Option A (chronic fatigue syndrome) and option D (chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder) may also be caused by indoor air pollution, but they are specific health disorders rather than a general term for the condition. Option B (autoimmune disease) is not necessarily related to indoor air pollution.

Question 8

Because CFL bulbs contain mercury that is harmful to humans and the environment, they should not be used to replace incandescent light bulbs.

Accepted Answer

While it is true that CFL bulbs contain small amounts of mercury, they are still considered safe to use and can actually be better for the environment overall than incandescent bulbs because they use less energy and last longer. However, it is important to dispose of CFL bulbs properly and not simply throw them in the trash. Recycling programs exist specifically for this purpose.

Question 9

A building that could be considered green in one location may not be green in another.

Accepted Answer

Different locations have different climate, resources, and social factors that affect the sustainability of a building. A green building in a tropical area may require more focus on natural ventilation and solar shading, while a green building in a cold climate may need more efficient insulation and heating systems. Therefore, a building's greenness should be evaluated based on its specific context and location.

Question 10

Which of the following locations would be the best choice for a green building site?
A) In close proximity to existing infrastructure
B) On a site that has never been previously built on
C) In areas that have cultural significance
D) On undeveloped land away from highly populated areas

Accepted Answer

Building in close proximity to existing infrastructure will reduce the need for new infrastructure and decrease the carbon footprint associated with transportation and installation of new systems. Additionally, it can potentially reduce construction costs and increase accessibility for occupants.

Question 11

The extraction of resources to construct buildings is part of green building but has little to no impact on our quality of life.

Accepted Answer

The extraction of resources can have significant impacts on our quality of life, such as habitat destruction, air and water pollution, and displacement of communities. Therefore, it is important to consider sustainable sourcing and resource efficiency in green building practices.

Question 12

Green building does not impose a particular design or construction method, nor does it generally appear distinctive from standard construction.

Accepted Answer

Green building focuses on creating buildings that are more environmentally sustainable, energy-efficient, and healthy for occupants. This can be achieved through a variety of design and construction methods, but it does not necessarily require a unique or distinct aesthetic. In many cases, green buildings blend in seamlessly with their surroundings and may not be noticeably different from conventional buildings at first glance.

Question 13

Many common electronic devices never fully turn off. If not disconnected from the power supply, they continue to draw electricity even when switched off. This hidden use of energy is called ______ .
A) operational energy
B) minimal loads
C) embodied energy
D) phantom loads

Accepted Answer

This phenomenon is referred to as phantom loads, also known as standby power or vampire power. These small, constant energy draws can add up over time, contributing to wasted energy and increased electricity bills.

Question 14

For a temperature of about 68 °F, most people find a relative humidity _____ to be acceptable.
A) less than 30%
B) between 30% and 70%
C) at least 75%
D) between 75% and 80%

Accepted Answer

According to ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers), a relative humidity between 30% and 60% is recommended for indoor comfort at a temperature of about 68 °F. Therefore, option B is the most appropriate answer. Option A is inadequate and can lead to dry skin and respiratory problems. Option C and D are too high and can lead to mold growth and other health issues.

Question 15

A green building should maintain a constant temperature _____ during the winter.
A) of 68°F
B) between 76°F and 80°F
C) of 80°F
D) between 69°F and 75°F

Accepted Answer

A green building should maintain a constant temperature between 69°F and 75°F during the winter as this helps to conserve energy and reduce heating costs while still maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature for occupants. Maintaining a temperature of 68°F or lower may be too cold for some occupants, while maintaining a temperature of 80°F or higher would use too much energy and increase heating costs. A temperature range of between 76°F and 80°F may be too warm and also use too much energy.

Quiz 1: Introduction to Green Building

A hot, humid climate design would most likely include _____ .

A temperate climate design would most likely include _____ .

_____ energy is the sum of all the energy used to construct a building from harvest to manufacture to installation.

Although a factor to consider, the location of a building is not as important as its design.

Green building is an effort to build _____ .

A cold climate design would most likely include _____ .

Constant exposure to polluted air in buildings is a cause of many health disorders, a condition sometimes called _____ .

Because CFL bulbs contain mercury that is harmful to humans and the environment, they should not be used to replace incandescent light bulbs.

A building that could be considered green in one location may not be green in another.

Which of the following locations would be the best choice for a green building site?

The extraction of resources to construct buildings is part of green building but has little to no impact on our quality of life.

Green building does not impose a particular design or construction method, nor does it generally appear distinctive from standard construction.

Many common electronic devices never fully turn off. If not disconnected from the power supply, they continue to draw electricity even when switched off. This hidden use of energy is called ______ .

For a temperature of about 68 °F, most people find a relative humidity _____ to be acceptable.

A green building should maintain a constant temperature _____ during the winter.