Energy Performance and Sustainability Flashcards
What is energy performance analysis?
It evaluates how efficiently a building consumes energy for heating, cooling, lighting, and appliances.
How does energy performance analysis reduce operational costs?
It identifies inefficiencies in energy use and optimizes systems like HVAC, lighting, and insulation, lowering utility bills.
How does energy performance analysis help reduce environmental impact?
It minimizes energy waste, reducing carbon emissions and supporting global efforts to combat climate change.
Why is energy performance analysis important for meeting regulatory requirements?
It ensures compliance with standards like EPCs (Energy Performance Certificates) or BERs (Building Energy Ratings) to avoid fines or legal issues.
How does energy performance analysis improve occupant comfort and health?
It enhances air quality, ventilation, and temperature control while reducing risks of mold and dampness.
How does energy efficiency affect asset value?
Energy-efficient buildings have higher resale and rental value due to lower operational costs and regulatory compliance.
How does energy performance analysis predict long-term costs?
By enabling lifecycle cost analysis, it identifies savings from energy-efficient upgrades over the building’s lifespan.
What role does energy performance analysis play in benchmarking performance?
It provides metrics like Energy Use Intensity (EUI) to assess and compare building efficiency.
How does energy performance analysis guide retrofit projects?
It identifies areas needing improvement, such as upgrading insulation or replacing inefficient windows.
How does energy performance analysis support renewable integration?
It determines the feasibility of adding renewable systems like solar panels or wind turbines to reduce dependency on non-renewable energy.
What is energy modeling?
A simulation using software like IES VE or EnergyPlus to predict energy use during the design phase.
What is post-occupancy evaluation?
An assessment of actual energy performance after the building is occupied, identifying gaps between design intent and real-world performance.
How is thermal imaging used in energy performance analysis?
It detects areas of heat loss or insufficient insulation in a building.
What is air tightness testing?
A method to measure leaks in a building envelope, minimizing uncontrolled airflow and energy waste.
How do smart monitoring systems help in energy performance analysis?
IoT sensors collect real-time data on energy use, enabling optimization of building operations.
What is sustainability in construction?
It means meeting present needs without compromising future generations, balancing environmental, social, and economic considerations.
How does energy-efficient design contribute to sustainability?
Passive strategies like natural ventilation, insulation, and optimized natural lighting reduce energy consumption.
How does renewable energy integration contribute to sustainability?
Solar panels, wind turbines, and geothermal systems reduce reliance on non-renewable energy sources.
What are examples of green materials used in sustainable construction?
Bamboo, recycled steel, fly ash concrete, and other low-embodied-energy materials.
How does sustainable construction address waste reduction?
By recycling and reusing construction materials and adopting modular construction for repurposed components.
How does water conservation play a role in sustainable construction?
Features like low-flow fixtures, rainwater harvesting, and greywater recycling reduce water consumption.
What certifications promote sustainable practices?
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method).
What is a net-zero building?
A building designed to produce as much energy as it consumes annually, using renewable energy and efficient technologies.
What is biophilic design in sustainable construction?
The integration of natural elements like green roofs and indoor plants to improve well-being and reduce energy use.
