Sustainable Architecture and Design

Whether it is called Green Building, Earth-Friendly, or Ecological Construction, the three words that best describes the idea behind Sustainable Design are:

• Endure, Sustain,

  Exist

• Imagine, Believe, Achieve

• Adaptable, Durable, Ideal

• Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

A rating system used to evaluate key sustainable areas of building projects is called __________.

• Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)

• The Green Rating Group (TGRG)

• Earth First People Next (EFPN)

• Clean Air Clean Water (CACW)

Sustainable Design incorporates which of the following?

• Sustainable Energy Use

• Sustainable Water Use

• Sustainable Material Use

• All of the above

Answer explanation

Energy use, Water use, and Material use are all aspects of Sustainable Design.

An Energy Star score is a government-backed labeling program that identifies superior energy efficiency for factories, office equipment, home appliances, and electronics.

• True

• False

Sustainable (Green) Design is more than specifying appliances that are certified efficient by the Energy Star Program.

• True

• False

A key element or elements of Sustainable (Green) Design is the process of designing a home so that it _______________.

• all of the above

• blends with the environment aesthetically.

• flows with the terrain with minimal impact

• takes advantage of prevailing winds.

Net Zero Gain occurs when _____________.

• a home produces as much or more energy as the occupants consume in a year.

• a home gains no benefit from the added expense of Going Green.

Passive Solar Design is when the southern walls of a home are mostly glass in order to gain as much warmth from the winter sun as possible.

• True

• False

Sustainable Design in terms of the building site includes reducing the amount of impervious materials, e.g., driveways, walkways, and other hardscape surfaces.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Managing storm water runoff is an essential element in Sustainable Design.

Landscaping is NOT generally viewed as an important aspect of Sustainable Design.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Landscaping is definitely viewed as an important and integral aspect to Sustainable Design. Ground covering, drought resistant plant selections, and Shading offers sustainable construction elements to any building project.