Chapter 3 | Environmental Issues and Trends

Question 1

Describe the 4 potential motivations for initiating environmental programs

Answer 1

1. Economic considerations (only if it pays for itself)
2. Regulatory Issues
   (laws enforce level playing field)
3. Market Factors
   (Customers demand it)
4. Social Responsibility
   (feel-good motivation)

Question 2

What are two main problems with relying on fossil energy?

Answer 2

1. Non-renewable

2. Pollution

Question 3

Describe how geothermal energy can be used to cool a building and its drawback?

Answer 3

Pipes are run under the frost line and circulate water through the building to cool it. Need large area of land

Question 4

Describe how geothermal energy can be used to heat a building and its drawback

Answer 4

Water becomes the heat source for a heat pump. Large amount of land. very expensive

Question 5

What are the advantages of using hydrogen as an energy source?

Answer 5

Very clean burning

Produces only water vapor

Question 6

What are the disadvantages of using hydrogen as an energy source?

Answer 6

Not as energy dense as gasoline

May produce nitrous oxide

Question 7

How is city steam created and why is it not more widely used?

Answer 7

It cannot be transmitted over long distances.
Need to be close to power plant
Not very renewable

Question 8

What are the 4 types of solar energy and their problems?

Answer 8

1. Hydroelectric (dams): floods above, effects ecosystem below
2. Tidal: takes up large plots of ocean that shipping cannot run through
3. Wind: High capital, bird strikes, need grid sized batteries
4. Solar Panels: take up a lot of space. soak up the sun causing problems if an ecosystem depends on that

Question 9

Who (4) should be on an energy management committee and why?

Answer 9

1. Chief Engineer (technical expert on building)
2. Controller (Money expert/tracks results)
3. Public relations (keeps people informed)
4. Union representative (changes effect union workers)

Question 10

Describe each of the five subdivisions of energy audits

Answer 10

1. Envelope audit (energy leaving building through walls/windows/doors, etc.)
2. Functional audit (Equipment checks)
3. Process audit (Cost effective procedures)
4. Transportation audit (cost effective transportation)
5. Utility audit (cost effective energy source)

Question 11

Describe the four energy-management controls, how it functions, primary way it reduces energy cost.

Answer 11

1. Time clocks (turns things on/off at specified times. reduces total energy)
2. Load cycling (Cycles energy between 1 or more energy hogs. Reduces peak demand)
3. Electric demand (preset limit, once limit reached, nothing turns on til something is turned off. Reduces peak demand)
4. Computer (does everything)

Question 12

What 6 factors should be considered when purchasing an energy management system?

Answer 12

1. Manufacturers tend to overstate savings
2. System maintenance
3. Personnel training
4. Cost
5. Warranties
6. Service contracts

Question 13

Why is it important to have third party certification when selecting a “green” cleaning product?

Answer 13

Ensure standards are met

Question 14

List the seven main areas of assessment in LEED certification

Answer 14

1. Sustainable site
2. Water Efficiency
3. Energy and Atmosphere
4. Materials and Resources
5. Indoor Environmental Quality
6. Innovation in Design
7. Regional Priority