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WorksheetsSustainable construction worksheet extraction
Total questions: 20
Worksheet time: 10mins
An apartment block constructed in the 1950s is to be demolished. The proposal is to replace the demolished building with a new modern and sustainable timber frame apartment block. Which of the following are economic benefits of using sustainable methods for the new apartment block? Select all that apply.
Reduced operational energy costs through high levels of insulation and efficient glazing
Reusing materials from the demolished building to cut purchase and disposal costs
Sourcing materials locally to shorten supply chains and reduce transport costs
Using prefabricated timber frames to shorten build time and reduce on-site waste
Increasing reliance on long-distance deliveries to secure bulk discounts
Which of the following are reasons why cellulose is a more sustainable insulation material than foam? Select all that apply.
Made largely from recycled paper and other renewable fibres
Typically lower embodied energy over its life cycle than many foams
Uses blowing agents with higher global warming potential than most foams
Easier to recycle or repurpose at end of life compared with many foams
Derived mainly from petrochemical feedstocks
The site of an old chemical factory close to a town is to be redeveloped into low-rise retail units. Which statements correctly identify advantages and disadvantages of building on this brownfield site? Select all that apply.
Potential contamination may require decontamination, increasing time and costs.
Existing infrastructure and services nearby can reduce development time and costs.
There is greater impact on untouched habitats than a comparable greenfield site.
Planning permission may be more likely as the project regenerates previously used land.
Proximity to a town can attract buyers and reduce transport distances for customers and workers.
An inner city industrial site has been abandoned and is contaminated. A developer is proposing to build houses on this site. Which statements correctly identify advantages and disadvantages of developing this housing project on this brownfield site? Select all that apply. (6 marks)
Existing infrastructure and services are already in place, lowering initial development costs.
Decontamination and demolition may add significant costs and require specialist procedures.
The inner-city location is likely to increase traffic and noise during and after development.
Buyers would have to live far from urban areas, making the site less attractive.
Regenerating derelict land can gain planning support and improve the local environment.
A developer is planning to build a new sustainable housing development and intends to use locally supplied construction materials. Which statements correctly describe advantages or disadvantages of using locally supplied construction materials for the housing development? Select all that apply.
Reduced transport distances lower emissions and pollution.
Shorter local supply chains improve delivery certainty.
Local sourcing guarantees the lowest material prices due to high competition.
Limited choice and supplier capacity may restrict design options.
Using local materials supports the local architectural vernacular and may ease planning approval.
A developer proposes new retail units on a former parkland greenfield site. Which of the following are additional costs that could occur as a result of building on the greenfield site? Select all that apply.
Installing new service infrastructure on a site that is not fully developed.
Relocating or protecting animal habitats present on the parkland.
Reduced planning fees because greenfield sites require less oversight.
Protecting trees under preservation orders, which may constrain layout.
Demolition of existing industrial buildings and remediation of contamination already on site.
A developer is proposing to build a new housing estate and has the choice of either a brownfield or greenfield location. Which of the following are additional costs that could occur as a result of building on the greenfield site? Select all that apply. (Total for question = 4 marks)
Installing new service infrastructure such as utilities to a site that is not fully developed
Creating local amenities to meet the demand of an increased population
Longer planning approval times that delay construction and increase costs due to public concerns
Relocating animal habitats or protecting endangered or protected species present on the site
Lower land purchase price because greenfield sites are always cheaper than brownfield
An architect is designing a sustainable house. Which of the following are reasons why a building’s orientation needs to be considered? Select all that apply. (Total for question = 4 marks)
Reducing heating energy by maximising potential solar gain and internal thermal mass
Reducing overall energy use by orientating for solar gain, lowering energy costs and conserving resources
Reducing the need for artificial lighting by orientating to maximise daylight
Maximising the effective use of solar panels by orientating to receive more sunlight
Increasing mains water pressure regardless of site conditions
Select two sustainable methods of construction other than minimising waste.
Prefabrication of elements
Use of brownfield sites
Increasing the use of greenfield sites
Maximising single-use materials on site
Ignoring building orientation
Identify two low embodied energy materials.
Timber
Glass
Concrete
Straw
Steel
Identify two low embodied energy materials used in the construction of a building.
Stainless steel
Float glass
Sawn timber
Engineering brick
Sheep's wool
Identify two sustainable materials used in a building.
Glass
Timber
Steel
Sheep's wool
Reinforced concrete
Name one sustainable material used in the construction of a building.
Timber
Stainless steel
Reinforced concrete
Float glass
Straw bales are used in sustainable construction. Name the building element that straw bales are used to construct.
Walls
Roof trusses
Floor joists
Foundations
Low-rise buildings have performance requirements. Which of the following materials could be recycled when a traditionally built house is demolished? Select all that apply.
Bricks
Metals
Glass
Plasterboard
Doors
An architect is designing a series of low-rise apartment blocks and is keen to adopt sustainable methods wherever possible. Which of the following are sustainability-related advantages of structural insulated panels (SIPs)? Select all that apply.
Reduced on-site waste compared with traditional builds
High thermal performance that lowers operational energy use
Rapid installation that shortens site time and disruption
High embodied carbon relative to conventional masonry
Difficult to recycle and therefore poor end-of-life performance
Explain two ways that the use of prefabrication can reduce onsite construction waste. Select two options.
Factory fabrication improves quality control, reducing offcuts and errors before delivery to site.
Pre-cut, standardized components minimize onsite cutting and packaging waste.
Increased on-site customization leads to more rework and scrap.
Larger onsite crews increase handling steps that create additional waste.
Which of the following is a benefit of using straw bales in building construction?
Heavy structural support
Expensive material cost
High insulation value
Low fire resistance
Which material is commonly recycled and reused in sustainable building projects?
Glass
Plastic
Aluminum
All of the above
What is the main reason for choosing timber as a sustainable construction material?
It is a renewable resource
It is the cheapest material
It is always locally available
It requires no maintenance
