Midterm Questions

Question 1

how can graywater be used in a building?

Answer 1

toilet flushing, irrigation, and other uses that do not require potable water are perfect applications for graywater

Question 2

how does building water affect building energy use?

Answer 2

drinking water and wastewater systems account for approximately 2 percent of energy use in the United States, adding over 45 million tons of greenhouse gases annually

Question 3

why is stormwater a problem in buffalo?

Answer 3

stormwater (excess rainfall or snowmelt that isn’t absorbed by the ground) can cause problems such as flooding, erosion, and sedimentation; property and habitat damage; harm to fish and aquatic organisms; and decreased water quality

Question 4

what are green infrastructure strategies that minimize stormwater?

Answer 4

Rainwater harvesting systems reduce stormwater pollution by slowing runoff and collecting rainfall for later use. The variety of systems range from the backyard rain barrel and the commercial building cistern to ground level pits

Question 5

how to conserve water inside a building?

Answer 5

Separately meter your irrigation
Separately meter your cooling tower. 
Better manage your irrigation schedule. 
Change some of your more water intensive plants. 
Make sure your irrigation is maintained. 
Change your flush valves. 
Change your aerators. 
Touch free faucets.

Question 6

how to conserve water outside a building?

Answer 6

Use a hose nozzle to turn water on and off when you wash your car or water plants.
Water at the right time of day.
Adjust your watering schedule to the season.
Install a rain barrel to collect rainwater, and use it to water your lawn and garden or wash your car.

Question 7

what problems arise from chemical refrigerants?

Answer 7

Greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and emissions from some refrigerants are contributors to global warming by absorbing infrared radiation and holding it in the atmosphere

Question 8

what are the advantages and disadvantages of glazing?

Answer 8

Pros- Adds beauty to the overall space, It can transmit natural light in both directions, Usually weather-resistant and requires minimal cleaning
Cons- Causes a lot of glare, Allows absorption of heat

Question 9

what are the greenhouse gases?

Answer 9

Water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and ozone

Question 10

how does building construction affect the environment?

Answer 10

Construction firm’s biggest negative impact on the environment is caused by the burning of fossil fuels, like gas and diesel.

Question 11

what is the advantage to putting new buildings in higher density areas?

Answer 11

Higher densities may maintain water quality better, particularly at the lot and drainage levels. Denser developments require less space to fit the same number of residences on the same piece of land. Less land consumption means less impervious cover in the drainage.

Question 12

what causes light pollution?

Answer 12

Light pollution is caused by inefficient or unnecessary use of artificial light

Question 13

what is ozone?

Answer 13

A gas molecule composed of three oxygen atoms. Often called “smog,” ozone is harmful to breathe

Question 14

how does insulation affect the performance of a building?

Answer 14

By insulating a house, one can reduce the heat loss in buildings in cold weather or climate, and reduce the heat surplus in warmer weather or climate.

Question 15

what are two types of insulation that use natural or recycled materials?

Answer 15

Radiant barriers and reflective insulation systems

Question 16

how can ventilation be used effectively for cooling?

Answer 16

Spot ventilation helps to keep homes cool by removing heat from areas where a lot of heat is produced

Question 17

how does color play a role in buildings?

Answer 17

Color plays a significant role in the perception of a space in the human mind. When lighter shades are used, it makes the space appear bigger

Question 18

how do trombe walls regulate temp in a building?

Answer 18

Rooms heated by a Trombe wall often feel more comfortable than those heated by forced air because of the comfort provided by large warm surface radiating heat.

Question 19

what does grid connected mean?

Answer 19

an electricity generating solar PV power system that is connected to the utility grid. e.g. solar panels

Question 20

what are the advantages and disadvantages of photovoltaic panels?

Answer 20

Pros- Clean and silent. Because they do not use fuel other than sunshine, PV systems do not release any harmful air or water pollution into the environment, deplete natural resources, or endanger animal or human health.
Cons- Some toxic chemicals, like cadmium and arsenic, are used in the PV production process, More expensive