Revisoin (chp 1 Sustaiabliilty And Future Developement) Flashcards
Spec paper Q3(a). Using the information in the figure below, discuss the link between a nations Ecological Footprint and its Carbon Footprint.
A carbon footprint measures the total greenhouse gas emissions caused by a person, group or nation, this being mainly as a result of the combustion of carbon based fuels to meet their energy needs.
The ecological footprint on the other hand considered the broader environmental impact of all the population of a nation by quantifying the amount of land that is required to support all the activities of that nation.
Including food production, waste disposal etc, as well as energy production.
Therefore the carbon footprint measures just one of the many enviromental impacts that are included within the calculation of the ecological footprint.
2015 Q3(b). Define and explain the concept and measurement of an ecological footprint.
An ecological footprint is based on consumption over a specific year.
Expressed as the amount of land a sea required to support the use of natural resources.
A means of comparing usage of natural resources and lifestyles, and checking this against natures ability to provide for this.
Spec paper Q3b(ii) The global ecological footprint for each person can be calculated as 1.84 hectares.
Explain this calculation in relation to those living in the developed world.
People living in highly developed western countries have a much larger footprint and are effectively taking up more than their fair share of the earths resources.
To make the ecological footprint more ‘equal’ actions need to be taken within the developed world to recuse individual impact and support driven to the developing world to develop in a more sustainable fashion.
These actions could include:
- Reduction in individual transport.
- Less flying on aircraft.
- Producing less waste.
- Increasing home efficiency.
2015 Q6(c). A household decided to install insulation in the loft. Stage one environmental benefit gained by doing this.
- Reduced carbon emissions.
- Increased levels of home comfort.
- Reducing likelihood of condensation and mildew.
2016 Q2(c) A family is considering putting cavity insulation into the walls of their home state one economic benefit and one environmental benefit of energy conservation to be gained by doing this.
Economic benefits;
- Reducing heating costs.
- Improving the value of your home.
- Grant assistance available for the work.
Environmental benefits;
- Reduced carbon emissions.
- Increased levels of home comfort.
- Reducing likelihood of condensation and mildew.
2016 Q2(d). Unfortunately the family does not have the necessary finances to install wall insulation straightaway. Outline two different ways in which they might change their day to day behaviour in order to minimise their energy consumption for home heating.
- Turning down their heating controls / thermostat could reduce boiler running time.
- Closing windows and doors when heating is on could reduce heat loss through openings.
- Turning heating off at night and when house is unoccupied could reduce boiler running time.
- Putting draught excluders on doors to reduce heat loss through droughts.
2015 Q6(b). Describe two measures that could be taken to improve the energy efficiency of the outside of Amy’s bedroom.
- Adding additional insulation to the external wall will improve energy efficiency.
- Improved glazing will improve the energy efficiency of the room.
- Improving air tightness around windows will mean that the building is more energy efficient.
Describe one energy efficiency measures which could be implemented Ona a window and explain why this measure would improve the energy efficiency of the window.
- Sealing around the edges of the window. This will improve the air tightness and reduce the heat loss caused by
droughts. - Install double glazing windows. These will have improved U-values and will reduce heat loss through window.
Spec paper Q5(a). Define what is meant by the U-value of a construction material.
The U-Value for a particular construction material is the rate at which heat is conducted away through 1m2 of the material for each 1 degree difference in temperature between the outside and the inside of the building.
2015 Q6(d)(ii). Explain two core requirements for a Zero Carbon Home
- The fabric Preformace must, at a minimum, comply with the Fabric Energy Efficiency Standard.
- Any CO2 emissions that remain after consideration of heating, cooling, fixed lighting and ventilation must be
less than than or equal to the Carbon Complince limit established for zero carbon homes. - Any reminding CO2 emissions, form regulated energy sources must be reduced to zero.
