Topic 2: Sustainablility Paper 1

What is a major challenge for resource management in the 21st century?

• Development of renewable and sustainable resources

• Installation of end-of-pipe technologies

• Dematerialization of complex designs

• Increased reconditioning

Answer explanation

Development of renewable and sustainable resources is a major challenge for resource management in the 21st century.

Petit Pli® is a company that designs clothes for children as they grow. This means the child can wear the same pair of trousers (pants) from 9 months up to 4 years (48 months). Refer to the diagram below showing Petit Pli® trousers at different stages.

• reduce

• re-engineering

• repairing

• recycling

Answer explanation

The correct term is 're-engineering' because Petit Pli® designs clothes that can be worn by children as they grow, requiring adjustments to fit different stages of growth.

What is the main advantage of hydrogen fuel cell-powered trains compared to electric-powered trains?

• Zero CO2 emissions

• Lower set-up costs

• Faster transportation

• Recharge ability

Answer explanation

The main advantage of hydrogen fuel cell-powered trains compared to electric-powered trains is zero CO2 emissions, making them more environmentally friendly.

In green design, the prevention principle refers to...

• providing absolute proof of environmental damage

• remedying environmental harm that has been done

• waiting for environmental damage to occur

• the avoidance of environmental hazards

Answer explanation

In green design, the prevention principle refers to the avoidance of environmental hazards.

31% of plastic waste ends up in landfills, 39% is incinerated (burned) and only 30% is recycled. The ideal waste mitigation strategy to combat this problem is:

• Dematerialization

• Circular economy

• Re-engineering

• Reconditioning

Answer explanation

The correct choice is Circular economy because it focuses on reducing waste by reusing, recycling, and regenerating materials in a closed-loop system.

Figure 1 is an example of a tool used by designers to demonstrate the stages and impacts of a project. What is Figure 1 an example of?

• Life cycle analysis (LCA) matrix

• Design for the environment software

• Affinity diagramming

• Environmental impact assessment matrix

Answer explanation

Figure 1 is an example of an Environmental Impact Assessment Matrix, used by designers to demonstrate project stages and impacts.

Which of the following renewable energy resources could be considered as having the least environmental and social impact?

• Geothermal energy

• Solar

• Wind

• Hydropower

Answer explanation

Solar energy could be considered as having the least environmental and social impact among the listed renewable energy resources.

Which of the following best describes a circular economy?

• Maximizing the amount of material that can be recycled

• Designing products so they produce the minimal amount of pollution

• Designing products so their waste can be used as a resource

• Designing products so they can be disposed of as easily as possible

Answer explanation

Designing products so their waste can be used as a resource

Which of the following is considered most reliable in terms of constant supply?

I. Solar

II. Nuclear

III. Tidal

• I and II only

• I and III only

• II and III only

• I, II and III

Answer explanation

Nuclear and Tidal are considered most reliable in terms of constant supply, making II and III the correct choices.

Which of the following waste mitigation strategies involves the use of small amounts of energy?

I. Re-use

II. Recycle

III. Repair

• I and II only

• I and III only

• II and III only

• I, II and III

Answer explanation

The correct choice is I and III only because re-use and repair involve minimal energy compared to recycling which requires more energy for processing.