2017 Past Paper Questions

Question 1

Describe the concept of embodied energy.

Answer 1

Embodied energy is the name given to the collective sum [1] of all the energy required to produce any material, product or service. [1]

Question 2

Explain what happens during the acidogenesis and methanogenesis stages associated with anaerobic digestion.

Answer 2

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 – bio gas. [1]

Question 3

Rural communities in Northern Ireland experience a number of challenges in order to remain sustainable in an increasingly urbanised and technologically advanced world. In the face of these challenges, discuss four different issues that underpin the development of sustainable rural communities.

Answer 3

Any four issues from:
• The economic cost and environmental impacts of linking isolated dwellings [1] to water, waste water, energy supply, communication and transport networks. [1]
• application of independent energy solutions using indigenous energy sources, [1] for example biomass, agricultural waste treatment, wind power and small-scale district heating solutions. [1]
• potential for use of local water sources [1]; (e.g. local wells/boreholes for non-potable water). [1]
• use of small-scale waste water treatment solutions [1] (provision and operation of septic tanks). [1]
• benefits of local food production and consumption [1] from environmental, economic and social perspectives (e.g. farmer’s markets; community gardens/allotments; more income for farmers and local communities; more local employment; reduced transportation and ‘food miles’). [1]
• impact of communication technologies to enhance accessibility to rural areas [1] without generating new travel demands (e.g. availability of high speed broadband; video conferencing; working from home). [1]

Question 4

Define what is meant by the term ‘U value’.

Answer 4

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.

Question 5

Name two of the main environmental building performance measurement systems for buildings in the UK.

Answer 5

• BREEAM [1]

* CSH [1]

Question 6

You are employed as a sustainability adviser by an organisation and have been asked to provide advice on One Planet Living. Name and outline three of the principles of One Planet Living which your organisation could adopt.

Answer 6

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]

Question 7

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.

Answer 7

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]

Question 8

Explain the linkage between a carbon footprint and an ecological footprint.

Answer 8

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]