Health, PWD Safety & Accessibility

What is the impact of material choice in building and construction?

It affects the environment and our lives.

What are the essential principles linking design choices to the global environment?

Consumption of natural resources, energy use during production, by-product emissions, and product longevity.

What are two positive approaches to creating a safe and healthy built environment?

1. Take inspiration from traditional building techniques. 2. Seek out new products developed through clean processes.

What does the closed-loop cycle in green design emphasize?

Emulating nature's cycles to avoid resource depletion, pollution, and waste.

What are some environmental aspects of the closed-loop cycle?

Replacement of petrochemical products with natural, non-hazardous materials.

What is the benefit of using raw materials from a variety of species?

It spreads the impact and allows for regeneration.

What is meant by 'embodied energy' in evaluating materials?

The total energy consumed in the production or processing of a product.

What factors contribute to poor indoor air quality?

Offgassing of chemicals, particulate contaminants, combustion gases, and electromagnetic fields.

What are the three forms of recycling?

1. Reuse in original state, 2. Reprocess to form new materials, 3. Disassemble and reuse components.

What ethical issues can arise from the demand for cheap goods?

Inadequate working conditions, child labor, and unfair wages.

What is the significance of using renewable energy in green design?

It allows for energy recycling and reduces environmental impact.

How can product life be extended in green design?

Through disassembly and reuse of components, and recycling.

What is the goal of seeking out new products in green design?

To find materials that are developed through clean processes.

What is the role of natural paints and lime plasters in green design?

They are examples of non-hazardous, renewable materials.

Why is it important to control the supply and demand of materials?

To protect the source from depletion and ensure sustainability.

What is the environmental impact of pollutants emitted during manufacture?

They contribute to air, land, and water pollution.

What is the importance of local sourcing of raw materials?

It reduces transportation impact and supports local economies.

What does the term 'clean processes' refer to in green design?

Manufacturing methods that minimize waste and environmental harm.

How does the use of renewable energy sources like solar and wind power benefit green design?

They reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower carbon emissions.

What is the significance of evaluating a product's ability to biodegrade?

It determines the product's environmental impact after its useful life.

What are the consequences of poor indoor air quality?

It can lead to health issues and discomfort for occupants.

What are the main categories of materials and surfaces in interior design?

Flooring, Wall, Paints, Glass, Fabric

What is a key functional criterion for flooring?

Durability

Which flooring material is known for its softness and warmth?

Carpet

What flooring material is considered poor in slip resistance?

Vinyl

What does the shading coefficient measure?

The ratio of solar heat gain through a glazing system compared to clear, unshaded double strength window glass.

What is the significance of U-value in glass?

It measures how much heat energy is transferred through the window; lower U-values indicate better insulation.

What type of glass is laminated for safety?

Laminated glass, which consists of two sheets of glass with a transparent film.

What is the environmental impact of synthetic paints?

They are some of the most harmful decorating materials due to high VOC content.

What are the four main ingredients of paint?

Pigments, Binding Agents, Solvents, Additives and fillers.

What is the purpose of using natural and artificial light in interior design?

To enhance the ambiance and energy efficiency of spaces.

What are tubular skylights used for?

To bring natural light into spaces where traditional skylights cannot reach.

What is the goal of LEED certification in interior design?

To embody a series of recommended 'green' characteristics for sustainability.

What does the term 'embodied energy' refer to in flooring materials?

The total energy required to produce a material, from extraction to manufacturing.

What is a characteristic of organic carpet?

It is made from natural fibers and is more environmentally friendly.

What is the benefit of using responsibly harvested wood in design?

It promotes sustainability and reduces environmental impact.

What is the primary concern with synthetic carpet?

It often has high VOC emissions during manufacture.

What does the term 'sound absorbency' refer to in wall linings?

The ability of a material to reduce sound transmission.

What are the environmental criteria for wall linings?

Resource Depletion, Embodied Energy, Emissions During Manufacture, Effect on Indoor Air, Capacity for Recycling/Biodegrading.

What is the purpose of using window films?

To improve thermal insulation and reduce solar heat gain.

What is the benefit of using double-glazed units?

They provide better thermal insulation and noise control.

What is the significance of the 'bring the light in' message?

It emphasizes the importance of maximizing natural light in interior spaces.

What is the impact of using hand-picked materials in harvesting?

It reduces wastage and environmental impact.

What is the role of energy efficiency rating in home systems?

It helps assess and improve the energy consumption of appliances.

What does the term 'low emissivity' glass refer to?

Glass designed to reduce heat transfer and improve thermal insulation.

What is a characteristic of toughened glass?

It is very strong and shatters into small, relatively safe pieces.

What is the environmental benefit of using natural dyes in fabrics?

They reduce chemical use and environmental impact during production.

What is the main advantage of using solar bottle bulbs?

They provide an innovative and cost-effective way to bring light into homes.

What does 'R, R, R' stand for in sustainability?

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.

What is the importance of educating clients about harmful chemicals in products?

To promote healthier living environments and sustainable choices.

What is the impact of emissions during the manufacture of materials?

It affects indoor air quality and overall environmental sustainability.

What is the purpose of using additives in paint?

To enhance performance characteristics like durability and drying time.

What is a common issue with vinyl flooring?

It often has poor slip resistance.

What does the term 'capacity for recycling' refer to?

The ability of a material to be processed and reused after its initial use.