Sustainability Exam 2

Which fossil fuel produces more greenhouse gas emissions?

Coal produces more than natural gas.

How can power be renewable but not green?

Renewable means the source restores itself; it is only 'green' if it causes little to no environmental harm.

Why do solar and wind need energy storage?

They are intermittent (don't run 24/7), so batteries provide power when there is no sun or wind.

What are causes of global biodiversity loss?

Habitat destruction, over-harvesting, disease, and manmade environmental changes.

What is "critical habitat?"

Specific geographic areas containing features essential to saving an endangered species.

Which status is worse: endangered or threatened?

Endangered is worse; it means the species is in immediate danger of extinction.

How can a developer protect species without stopping a project?

Use conservation easements, buffer zones, or follow seasonal construction schedules.

What human hazard causes the most bird deaths in the U.S.?

Collisions with buildings and glass.

Why do birds hit building glass?

They see reflections of sky/plants as open space or try to reach indoor plants seen through the glass.

How do you design buildings to reduce bird hits?

Use less glass on lower floors, add screens/shutters, or use glass with visible patterns.

What are the principles for responsible outdoor lighting?

Reduce glare, prevent sky glow (upward light), and stop light trespass (spilling onto other property).

Who pays to clean up a contaminated site if the owner cannot?

The federal Superfund (CERCLA).

What is the difference between greenfields and brownfields?

Greenfields are untouched land; brownfields are abandoned industrial sites that may be polluted.

What waste does RCRA govern?

Solid, industrial, and hazardous waste (garbage, sludge, and toxic chemicals).

How does RCRA classify a mix of hazardous and non-hazardous waste?

The entire mixture is classified as hazardous waste.

What is a social life cycle analysis (S-LCA)?

A study of how a product affects people (workers/communities). Impact varies by location.

What are common social 'impact categories'?

Human rights, working conditions, and impact on local culture.

What is an urban "heat island?"

An urban area much hotter than the countryside because asphalt and buildings trap heat.

What are the social impacts of heat islands?

Increased heat-related illnesses and higher energy bills for cooling.

How can you mitigate heat islands?

Use green roofs, light-colored pavements, and plant more trees.

What is a life cycle cost analysis (LCCA)?

A calculation of the total cost of a project over its entire life (building, power, repairs).

How is a cash flow diagram used?

It is a timeline showing money going out (costs) and coming in (revenue).

What is present worth?

The value of future money in today's dollars to help compare costs over time.

Does a high-risk investment use a high or low discount rate?

A high discount rate, which makes future money worth less today due to uncertainty.

How does risk management help sustainability?

It prevents accidents and disasters that would cause massive environmental or economic damage.

How does risk management help resilience?

It identifies threats early so a project can be designed to bounce back quickly after a disaster.

Why classify risks as controllable or not?

To decide if you can fix them through design or if you need insurance/emergency plans.

How is a decision tree used?

It maps out different choices and the possible risks or outcomes for each path.

What is a probability-risk matrix?

A chart ranking risks based on how likely they are and how much damage they would do.

What are the 5 risk strategies?

Avoidance, Transfer, Mitigation, Sharing, and Acceptance.

What was the first green rating system in the U.S.?

LEED (launched by the USGBC).

What is a prerequisite?

A mandatory requirement that must be met before earning points or certification.

How do you earn points in LEED/Envision?

By making choices like picking a brownfield site, using recycled materials, or reducing water.

What is an integrative design process?

A team approach where experts work together from the start to find efficient solutions.

Why would a developer want a green certification?

For marketing, to follow government laws, or to save money on long-term utility bills.

Which system has prerequisites?

LEED.

Name water conservation strategies.

Low-flow toilets, xeriscaping (low-water plants), and automatic faucets.

What is graywater?

Gently used water from sinks/showers reused for flushing toilets or watering plants.

What is the BUG method?

It measures light pollution (Backlight, Uplight, Glare). A low score is better.

Who competes with LEED?

Green Globes (for buildings); Envision is used for large infrastructure.

What is the 'restorative' level in Envision?

The highest level where a project actually fixes or improves the natural environment.

What is the 'conventional' state?

The baseline/normal building standards used to measure green performance.

How does Envision handle non-applicable criteria?

They are removed from the total points so the project isn't penalized.

Do fees change based on project cost?

Yes, higher-cost projects usually pay higher fees for Envision verification.

What is an ENV SP?

An Envision Sustainability Professional who passed an exam to be an expert in the system.