2017 - Past Paper Question Flashcards
Describe the concept of embodied energy
Embodied energy is the name given to the collective sum [1] of all the energy required to produce any material, product or service. [1]
Identify the stages associated with anaerobic digestion.
Mechanical Pre-Treatment Hydrolysis Acidogenesis Acetogenesis Methanogenesis
Explain what happens during the acidogenesis and methanogenesis stages associated with anaerobic digestion.
Acidogenesis: soluble organic compounds are fermented [1] into volatile fatty acids and alcohols. [1]
Methanogenesis: the bacteria convert acetic acid and hydrogen [1] into methane and carbon dioxide – biogas. [1]
Explain how in situ bioreactors are used to treat contaminated soil
The bioreactor is placed below ground level. [1] Contaminated groundwater is circulated/pumped through the bioreactor. [1] Micro-organisms in the bioreactor break down contaminants. [1]
Define what is meant by the term ‘U value’
The U value is a measure of the rate at which heat is conducted through 1m2 of a material for each one degree difference in temperature between the outside and the inside of the material.
Identify the different stages of the Zero Carbon Homes hierarchy
Allowable Solution
Carbon Compliance —– On site low/zero carbon heat and power, Fabric Energy Efficiency
Name two of the main environmental building performance measurement systems for buildings in the UK
BREEAM [1]
CSH [1]
Name and outline three of the principles of One Planet Living which your organisation could adopt.
Any three from:
• Zero carbon [1]; making buildings more energy efficient and delivering all required energy with renewable technologies. [1]
• Zero Waste [1]; Reducing waste, reusing resources where possible and sending zero waste to landfill. [1]
• Sustainable Transport [1]; Reducing the need for travel, and encouraging low and zero carbon means of transport to reduce emissions. [1]
• Sustainable materials [1]; Using sustainable and healthy products, such as those with low embodied energy, sourced locally, made from renewable or waste resources. [1]
• Local and sustainable food [1]; Supporting sustainable and humane farming, promoting access to healthy, low impact, local, seasonal and organic diets and reducing food waste. [1]
• Sustainable water [1]; Using water efficiently in buildings, farming and manufacturing. Designing to avoid local issues such as flooding, drought and water course pollution. [1]
• Land use and wildlife [1]; Protecting and restoring biodiversity and creating new natural habitats through good land use and integration into the built environment. [1]
• Culture and community [1]; Respecting and reviving local identity, wisdom and culture; encouraging the involvement of people in shaping their community and creating a new culture of sustainability. [1]
• Equity and local economy [1]; Creating bioregional economies that support equity and diverse local employment and international fair trade. [1]
• Health and happiness [1]; Encouraging active, sociable, meaningful lives to promote good health and well-being. [1]
It is generally agreed that someone living in a developed country will have a larger ecological footprint than someone living in a developing country. Explain why this may be the case
An ecological footprint is based on consumption over a specific year [1]; It is expressed as the amount of land and sea (bio-productive area) required to support the use of natural resources [1];
It is a means of comparing the usage of natural resources and lifestyles and checking these against nature’s ability to provide for this. [1]
This is likely to be greater for someone living in a developed country compared to someone living in a developing country because of their greater use of resources and production of waste. [1]
Explain the linkage between a carbon footprint and an ecological footprint.
A carbon footprint considers net greenhouse gases emitted [1]; and is an increasingly important part of the ecological footprint which considers a much wider range of environmental impacts in terms of resources used. [1]
Discuss the constraints on developing wave and tidal power from the seas around Northern Ireland.
Your answer should focus on the following areas: research and development/commercial viability conflict with other sea users
availability of suitable sites
impact on marine life and habitat
visual and noise pollution.
Constraints
• Significant amount of research and development is required to make tidal/wave energy systems, which are consistently commercially viable.
• The UK/Ireland operate busy shipping lanes and therefore locating the devices is difficult – need to ensure that they do not impact on navigation/undersea infrastructure (cables etc.)/fishing areas.
• Not all locations are suitable – e.g. tidal systems require a sufficient difference in high and low tides to ensure efficiency of the technology.
• Impact of tidal barrages, wave attenuators on migration of marine life and habitats (e.g. wading birds, mudflats etc.).
• Visual and noise pollution; unsightly appearance within scenic locations and sensitive coastal locations; undesirable underwater noise created by turbines.
Define what is meant by a ‘smart material’
Definition: A material with the ability to alter its basic physical properties or change its shape [1] when an external influence such as temperature, light level, pressure or electricity changes. [1]
Describe one application of a smart system with reference to engineering, transportation or waste management.
Any one application from:
• Engineering (medical technology) – use of smart systems can lead to improved diagnostic tools and less intrusive operating procedures. [1] Sensors and feedback systems will raise an alarm if there is a concern. [1]
• Transportation – there could be an increase in the development of more energy efficient devices for mobility, [1] e.g. hybrid vehicles and electric traction and the efficient control of traffic movement in our cities. [1]
• Waste management – the use of smart systems for the disposal and control of waste. [1] This would also allow us to dispose of waste more efficiently and/or economically. [1]
Discuss the landfilling and recycling of waste, referring in detail to the following:
The breakdown of waste in landfills;
The design of modern engineered landfill sites such as Dry Tomb and Bioreactors;
The process of waste recycling at a Materials Recovery Facility.
The breakdown of waste in landfills.
• Organic waste breaks down anaerobically;
• Methane and carbon dioxide are released;
• Methane is a potent greenhouse gas which is linked to global warming;
• Methane is a fire hazard;
• Leachate is produced, which is contaminated water;
• Leachate can enter the environment and cause pollution;
• Rotting waste attracts vermin.
The design of modern engineered landfill sites such as Dry Tomb and Bioreactors.
• Modern landfills are designed to capture greenhouse gases and leachates to prevent pollution;
• Dry tomb reactors are lined at the base to prevent leakages; • The waste is covered with soil at intervals;
• Waste breakdown is very slow;
• Bioreactor landfills are designed to break down organic waste rapidly;
• They can be aerobic or anaerobic;
• Methane and leachate are collected and removed;
• Methane can be used to drive a generator;
• Bioreactors can use the leachate to enhance the waste degradation process.
The process of waste recycling at a Materials Recovery Facility.
• Waste recycling begins with the user;
• Mixed recyclables are taken to a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF);
• Only certain items can be recycled, e.g. glass, aluminium, paper, some plastics;
• Materials are sorted manually and mechanically;
• Single materials are then sorted by grade, size and crushed or shredded into bales for sale.
