WorksheetsEnvironmental Stewardship & Sustainability
Total questions: 69
Worksheet time: 35mins
Consideration of sustainable practices forces organizations to shift their focus from:
long term to short term.
external to internal.
internal to external.
short term to long term.
An organization has decided to invest in modular furniture and an open floor plan, with low cubicle walls, in its new facility. For a Triple Bottom Line analysis of this proposal, which of the following questions focuses most closely on the equitableness of the initiative?
Will the arrangement lower carbon emissions
How can the initiative decrease lighting use
How does this plan compare in price with other options
Will the increase in flexibility reduce occupant morale and satisfaction with the facility
When a sustainable FM practice is considered viable, it:
can demonstrably accomplish its sustainable objectives.
balances the wellbeing of both occupants and the environment.
prioritizes the interests of the environment over the interests of the organization and its occupants.
considers long-term consequences to both the organization’s financial wellbeing and the environment’s ability to sustain life.
Which of the following statements best describe a strategic sustainability plan?
A high-level decision-making tool used by management and occupants to assess the sustainability of a specific decision
A statement of the organization's long range sustainable objectives and plans that informs tactical actions
A step-by-step procedure to be used in implementing and assessing a specific sustainable project
An expression of the sustainable principles to which the organization has committed
Which of the following are organizational benefits of sustainable FM?
Reduced number of FM staff needed
Smaller facilities
Improved health of building occupants
Increased O&M budget
What is the definition of sustainability?
Balancing the demands of business with the demands of environment.
Taking the side of the environment over any other cause.
Development that meets the needs of the present while not compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Creating a world where the environment is the first priority.
The purpose of the Triple Bottom Line in sustainability is to:
encourage communication and exchange of ideas.
illustrate connections and balance among three sustainability aspects.
help decision makers ensure an organization’s economic interests are served first.
provide an outline for FM sustainability policies.
Why is it important to identify the key stakeholders in the organization?
They are the link to the community.
They can develop the business case.
They provide a link to the sustainability policy.
They can act as contributors or potential barriers.
What is the output of tactical plans for sustainable FM?
A facility sustainability mission statement
Specific sustainability projects
Recommended changes in O&M and capital spending
A designated sustainability officer
Which of the following statements about green leasing is correct? Green leasing:
are designed primarily to help facility owners/operators reduce their energy costs.
focuses primarily on changing occupants’ habits.
is used only in new buildings that have achieved sustainability.
can apply to both net and gross leases.
A facility has decided, as part of its sustainability plan, to implement automated building technology. After a year of work and considerable investment, FM can report to management only the costs associated with the purchase and implementation of technology and training of staff. How could this sustainability project have been improved?
Inclusion of performance objectives based on baseline facility performance data
Confirming management support for project
Hiring outside consultants to decrease implementation time and cost
Completing a SWOT analysis of the project
Simple payback period is calculated by dividing the initial cost of a project by
annual expected savings.
return on investment.
indirect costs.
duration of the project's benefits.
What primary purpose does a sustainability policy serve in an organization? A sustainable policy:
lists all products and actions that are to be avoided.
provides guidance on future decisions that affect the organization's sustainability.
summarizes the organization's sustainable values for external stakeholders.
describes, step by step, how sustainable initiatives will be implemented.
Defining the scope and the extent of a sustainability policy with the main stakeholders is part of what step when creating a sustainability policy?
Agree that the sustainability policy mission meets the strategy and expectation
Get an executive sponsor
Agree on policy boundaries
Identify stakeholders and map their expectations
What financial concept is based on the premise that money one has now is worth more than money one will receive in the future?
Total cost of ownership
Return on investment
Cradle-to-grave costs
Time value of money
A facility is attempting to decrease its water consumption over the coming year. It collects information about current use and researches various sustainable initiatives. What is the logical next step for this organization?
Install new water-conserving fittings and fixtures.
Develop performance goals that will be used to evaluate the program's effectiveness.
Launch a communication campaign to introduce the new initiative to occupants
Collect water utility invoices.
Which of the following tools/techniques is used to compare two or more projects that are different with regard to size (monetary requirements) and timing?
Life-cycle cost analysis
Simple payback period
Return on investment
Total cost of ownership
Which phase of developing a sustainability plan includes formulating and validating the plan?
Analysis
Planning
Acting
Understanding
The most common methodology for calculating greenhouse gas emissions is:
Statement of Energy Performance.
Greenhouse Gas Protocol Initiative
Energy Efficiency Standard Protocol.
Sustainable Practices Initiative.
The Common Carbon Metric:
is used to calculate a facility’s supply chain carbon footprint.
compares similar facilities in terms of total carbon emissions annually.
applies an average fuel-carbon emissions conversion factor to determine the carbon emissions of energy consumed by a facility.
calculates facility carbon emissions per occupant or square meter per year.
What is the benefit of using a balanced scorecard to evaluate an organization’s sustainable performance? A balanced scorecard:
provides a single, numerical representation of success.
can be accomplished quickly and inexpensively.
integrates multiple perspectives and priorities of key stakeholders.
assessment is required in most certification systems.
Which of the following formulas are used to determine a facility’s energy use intensity (EUI)?
Average number of occupants divided by building area
Building area divided by annual building energy use in kBtus or megajoules (MJ)
Building area divided by annual building energy use in currency
Annual building energy use divided by building area
Which of the following statements about the use of metrics in sustainability is correct?
Metrics in this area tend to be more subjective.
Self-benchmarking leads to inflated reporting of sustainability achievements.
Metrics must be approved by international bodies.
Performance metrics can be a diagnostic tool.
FM wants to avoid the disruption and waste created by interfacility moves. How can FM strengthen its business case for a new workplace design that requires investment in communications systems and furnishings?
Build a stronger relationship with line department heads
Propose a sample workspace design using proposed furnishings and network options
Offer metrics related to number and costs of moves
Build a stronger relationship with financial decision makers
Which of the following statements about ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager is correct?
It is administered by third parties.
Portfolio Manager is more a management tool than a whole-building certification system
It does not factor in subtractions from carbon use, such as onsite generation of electricity from renewable energy sources.
It measures only carbon emissions.
The purpose of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) framework is to:
certify organizational reports on sustainability activities to stockholders.
establish a common methodology for measuring greenhouse gas emissions.
certify buildings as having achieved specific environmental criteria.
standardize how organizations report the outcomes of their sustainability plans.
Which ISO standard provides guidance on social responsibility?
ISO 15392
ISO 14001
ISO 21930
ISO 26000
What is the significance of achieving ISO 14001 certification?
Provides the principles and requirements for type III environmental declarations of building products.
Identifies and establishes general principles for sustainability in building construction and is based on the concept of sustainable development as it applies to the life cycle of buildings and other construction works.
Indicates that an organization has fulfilled the requirements for an environmental management system.
Provides guidance on concepts, terms and definitions related to social responsibility as well as the background, trends and characteristics of social responsibility.
What is the key difference between ENERGY STAR’s Statement of Energy Performance (SEP) and the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) used in the United Kingdom?
The SEP is required for all buildings, but the EPC is required only for new buildings.
The SEP includes comparisons with other structures.
The EPC provides an energy use intensity rating for the building.
The EPC is required by law.
In general, building certification systems:
reflect the needs of different types of structures and operations.
are designed for new construction only.
use self-assessment methods.
are relatively uniform in their focus on the areas of sustainability.
Which of the following statements about ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager is correct?
Portfolio Manager includes tools to calculate a building's carbon footprint.
It measures only carbon emissions.
It does not take indirect emissions into the equation.
It does not factor in subtractions from carbon use, such as onsite generation of electricity from renewable energy sources.
A facility manager at a large airport has determined that the facility wastes a significant amount of energy and water each year as the result of leaks. Which of the following actions would be an effective way to address this problem area?
Install infrared sensors on faucets.
Ensure occupant comment cards and boxes are present in all restrooms.
Meter restrooms separately to identify problem spots.
Automate a leak reporting system for janitorial staff.
Graywater is:
domestic wastewater from kitchen, bathroom and laundry sinks, tubs and washing machines.
sewage that has been chemically treated to allow reuse.
rainwater collected from facility roof and directed into holding tanks for reuse.
water withdrawals from onsite sources, rather than municipal sources.
How does an organizational commitment to sustainable procurement directly affect facility professionals? A facility manager will have to:
revise supplier practices to increase their sustainability.
use data from suppliers to calculate and compare their carbon footprints.
eliminate the use of hazardous materials in facility processes.
determine a product's total cost of ownership.
A facility manager for a large university campus/research center proposes that meeting supplies be purchased and used in a more sustainable manner. Coolers and urns will furnish water, rather than individual bottles. Paper copies will be minimized and visitors will instead be referred to meeting "pages" on the center’s website. This tactic is in line with the organization’s sustainability plan. The Director of Research objects, however, saying that these changes hurt the organization’s image with prestigious visitors. What should the facility manager do?
Educate the Director about the place of this tactic in the organization’s sustainability plan.
Respect the social perspective of the Triple Bottom Line.
Conduct a focus group with campus occupants.
Do a total cost analysis for the Director.
Which of the following best defines a renewable energy certificate?
A statement certifying the amount of renewables used to generate a kilowatt of electricity in a particular electrical product.
A certification of the ability of an onsite power generating system to produce excess energy for sale offsite.
A representation of the environmental value of an energy product.
Regulatory recognition of the source of energy used to generate an electrical product.
Which of the following statements about a facility’s lighting system is true?
Adhering to guidelines defining adequate lighting levels will ensure that a facility’s lighting design is sustainable.
Maintaining the aesthetic objectives of architects and designers should not factor into an analysis of an initiative aimed at improving the energy efficiency of facility lighting.
Changes in facility lighting affect electricity consumption but have little effect on energy efficiency in other core building systems.
Replacing lamps before they fail can save energy.
Why are sustainable procurement initiatives audited?
For future certification purposes.
To verify that all of the appropriate parties are being tracked.
To encourage more parties to participate.
To check for compliance against sustainable goals.
FM might consider which of the following as an advantage for installing a solar photovoltaic system?
Utility is required to purchase electricity produced by distributed generation systems.
The facility's organization is very resilient and not particularly vulnerable to fluctuations and interruptions in power.
Facility processes use a great deal of heated water.
Electricity rates are low and stable.
Which of the following statements about facility water use benchmarking techniques is correct?
Data should focus on water consumption rather than cost, since rates may vary over time.
Water submeters are not required but will add value to the benchmarking process.
Benchmarking requires the use of water meters that provide almost real time consumption data.
Most facilities consume water in similar proportions for typical uses.
Which of the following would be considered examples of sustainable facility water use?
Installation of automatic irrigation systems
Once-through cooling systems
Use of stormwater runoff from heavy equipment parking and maintenance area for irrigation
Installation of water submeters
One of the side benefits of using methane gas as a source of energy is that:
it produces more energy than natural gas.
methane breaks down into organic components that nourish soils.
it improves the environment by removing methane from the atmosphere, which is much more harmful than carbon dioxide
because it is a major component of smog, removing methane from the air also improves human health.
What is the most common method for validating a product's sustainability claim?
Using "watchdog" groups
Checking their website
A four step eco-validation process
Third party certification
Which of the following statements best defines the term building commissioning? Building commissioning is:
modeling a facility under anticipated conditions to create a benchmark of energy efficiency.
the process of turning responsibility for a facility’s operation over to building owners/operators.
a process of verifying and documenting that facility systems are performing as intended at design or installation.
a thorough examination of the manner in which facility systems consume energy.
FM can improve the sustainability of the building envelope by:
increasing efficiency of core building systems.
adding more windows.
scheduling periodic inspections of building exterior for cracks and gaps.
scheduling regular replacement of exterior material subject to deterioration.
Sustainable use of materials and resources includes which of the following criteria?
Facility management secures lowest cost.
Occupants are allowed to make their own purchasing decisions.
A majority of all materials purchased are produced from post consumer recycled content.
Practices are examined to determine if materials can be eliminated or reduced.
In a net metering arrangement:
a special meter is installed to assure the power company always supplies more energy than it purchases.
meters are installed at strategic areas of the facility to establish average use and identify outlying usage rates.
the utility company does not guarantee that it will purchase excess energy produced onsite by a facility.
the facility meter runs backward when it contributes energy to the power grid, rather than taking from the grid.
A facility’s municipal water source uses inclined block pricing. How does this type of pricing system influence facility water use?
The rates ratchet up when defined levels of use are reached.
The facility will pay less if it is able to decrease its consumption levels.
Rates will be high during the day and during the work week.
The more the facility uses, the less it pays.
FM wants to lower the facility's demand charges on its electricity invoices. Which of the following actions would accomplish that goal?
Participate in a demand response arrangement with an energy wholesaler.
Purchase electrical products that have been generated with renewable energy sources.
Reschedule activities that are not time sensitive to times when the facility is not at full occupancy or activity level.
Ensure facility lights are turned off during unoccupied periods.
A demand controlled ventilation system has been installed in a theater complex with multiple stages, rehearsal areas and lobbies. It is a warm summer night and audiences are entering the building. The system controller detects that the CO₂ level has been reached. What will happen next?
The system dampers will open to admit more outside air
An exhaust system will be initiated to expel facility air.
An alarm will sound in a maintenance area, where the appropriate action can be taken.
The system dampers will close.
Standby power waste occurs when:
boiler systems not in operation must maintain minimal water temperatures.
an appliance or device is not in use but is still consuming electricity
electrical power is not used efficiently because of the characteristics of the load.
electricity delivered to the facility is distributed throughout the building.
FM is participating on a design committee for an organization’s new space, an existing older warehouse. The organization is growing rapidly and its structure is evolving with its products and market. Right now, occupant turnover rate is high. What is the best suggestion FM could make in this situation to ensure that the resulting workplace will be more flexible?
Allow occupants more choice in furnishings to attract talent.
Designate window space around the outside of the floors to individual enclosed offices for management.
Incorporate wireless networks.
Increase underfloor space to accommodate all wiring/cabling requirements.
FM prepares a list of approved meeting sites for an organization committed to sustainability. Both sites are older hotels and are not certified buildings. Site A offers shuttle service with fuel cell powered vehicles and there are many onsite amenities for guests, including exercise rooms, tennis and an executive golf course. A meeting coordinator facilitates printing and distribution, signage, equipment, beverage and food service. The hotel also offers free wireless. Site B has implemented a low waste protocol for meetings. Meeting materials are available electronically for those with digital devices, eliminating a significant amount of printing. Food service in meeting rooms uses china rather than disposables. Hotel landscaping features local plant choices; swimming pools are heated with solar thermal systems and the water is treated with fewer chemicals. How should a SFP assess these two sites?
Site B should be listed as preferable because of its numerous sustainable practices.
Both sites should be added because both have made significant changes in their meeting protocols in the interest of sustainability.
Site A should be listed because of its use of alternative fuel in shuttle vehicles.
Neither site should be listed. Newer facilities designed for sustainable energy use should be identified.
A furniture making facility includes a manufacturing floor, materials storage area, employee break rooms and an office area filled with electronics, printers and copiers. The facility is located in an agricultural area, amid fields that are periodically sprayed with herbicides and pesticides. The facility has expanded over the years. A warehouse/garage area was added several years ago when capacity for shipping and receiving outgrew the original building. There is a livestock operation upwind from the facility. Occupants try to mask the livestock odors with scents and ozone air purifiers. The air distribution system uses fiberglass insulation in the ductwork. Which of the following factors could be considered an outside threat to facility indoor air quality (IAQ)?
Dust from fabrication area
Air purifiers
Air pollution from neighboring facilities
Air distribution ductwork
FM manages a leased commercial building and mentions to the building owners that talks with one of the tenants, a fitness center, have been scheduled to see how the tenant could help the facility increase its sustainable practices. The owners are puzzled and ask what role this tenant could play. What would be the best way for this tenant to contribute?
The center and facility could collaborate on providing shower and locker accommodations to occupants commuting by bicycle.
The center could curtail its hours of operation to save energy.
The center could offer discounted membership to other facility occupants.
The center could allow the SFP to place sustainable literature in their changing rooms.
Sufficient levels of fresh air and minimal levels of harmful gases and pollutants define which of the following?
Sustainable ventilation
Sustainable indoor air quality
Sustainable site systems
Sustainable facility air turnover
A sound masking system would be most appropriate in which of the following situations?
An open plan office area that uses low cubicle walls
An airport ticketing area
A medical facility designed with some open waiting areas and private offices and examination rooms
A classroom building
Because it is located in a part of the building that receives full sun most of the day, the facility’s entrance wall needs to be stripped and repainted each year. What would be the most sustainable approach to solving this maintenance issue?
Accept the wall’s diminished appearance and reseal it every other year.
Use a sealant that is higher in VOCs but will last longer.
Accept this as an annual chore to avoid contributing more waste by replacing the exterior.
Replace the exterior finish with a material less prone to sun damage.
One of the primary benefits of sustainable workplace management is:
increased occupant attachment to a specific workspace.
increasing the productivity of occupants.
decreasing the space required by the organization.
eliminating churn.
A large municipal facility includes a sizeable customer service area on the entry level, private offices, and open work areas. At a meeting of the facility’s sustainability committee, the facility manager proposes daylight harvesting systems. A representative of facility occupants challenges that this proposal is all about reducing use of electricity but does not fulfill the social aspects of the Triple Bottom Line. It does not help occupants. How should the facility manager respond?
The technology behind daylight harvesting has been tested and will perform as promised.
The proposal provides greater control to occupants over their lighting.
The proposal does provide benefits by decreasing the facility’s use of indirect energy and potentially reducing taxes.
Daylight harvesting ensures lighting levels are adequate for occupants while providing more natural light which helps productivity.
What is the most common measure of success of a recycling program?
Recycled volume as percentage of facility waste
Employee satisfaction
Environmental impact
Indoor air quality improvement
FM is trying to tackle the contribution of a large, low-pitched, dark green metal warehouse roof to the local heat island effect. The warehouse has a small staff that tends the automated shipping system. The roof is in satisfactory condition and is not scheduled for replacement for another 15 years. Does the warehouse roofing present a good opportunity for a sustainable initiative?
No. The possible energy savings are minimal.
Yes. The large roof could be ideal for an extensive vegetative roof with amenities that could be enjoyed by all occupants.
Yes. A roofcoating with a high solar reflective index could be applied.
No. Since the roof is in good repair at this time, it would be better to explore sustainable opportunities in other areas of the facility.
FM cannot find any practical means to recycle facility waste. Which of the following is the most viable option?
Combust material onsite.
Donate as much as possible.
Purchase more electronics designed for recycling.
Reduce consumption.
Which of the following would be the best way to prevent facility occupants from disposing of used or leftover cleaning liquids in a storm water drain?
Conduct on-site visits and correct the inappropriate behavior promptly when it occurs.
Put signage at the drain, indicating that it is a storm drain and not to be used as a disposal outlet.
Include this item in an annual training meeting for occupants working in facility service areas.
Distribute educational materials to explain the costs of storm water pollution to the community.
What is the recommended interval for inspection of collection and storage areas for hazardous materials?
Weekly
Daily
Annually
Monthly
FM for a large insurance company thinks the organization could reduce its carbon footprint by implementing a telecommuting policy that would decrease the number of occupants driving each day to the facility. Which action would most ensure this initiative’s success?
FM works with Human Resources (HR) to develop operational details of the new policy.
FM conducts a focus group of employees to gauge interest.
FM works with occupant groups to assure all occupant demands are met.
FM provides information to interested employees on how to telecommute successfully.
What is the first step in creating a construction waste management plan?
Identify the types and quantity of waste.
List waste disposal options.
Identify waste management sites and contractors.
Identify the responsible party.
Properly shielded fixtures are considered a sustainability issue because:
they increase lamp life and therefore decrease waste.
Proper shielding decreases a lamp’s energy consumption.
occupant safety is increased.
they decrease light pollution of the night sky.
Which of the following illustrates aligning facility processes with an organization’s sustainable commitment?
Organization departments are allowed to order their own supplies separately from their preferred vendors.
The facility’s public areas are decorated during holidays with exotic potted plants which are disposed as they begin to fade.
Facility managers work with food service providers to reduce the amount of single use plates, cups and utensils.
Contractors are allowed to choose waste disposal methods.
