Section 2: Unit 24: Energy Issues and Trends

Some of the major problems with buildings today are that they use

40% of raw stone, gravel, and sand, indirectly causing toxic runoff, deforestation, air and water pollution from processing 25% of virgin wood is used for construction, adding to deforestation, flooding, biological, and cultural diversity losses Buildings use 40% of total energy, adding to local air pollution, acid rain, damming of rivers 16% of total water withdrawals, adding to water pollution; this competes with agriculture and ecosystems for water Poor air quality in 30% of new and renovated buildings, adding to higher incidence of sickness - and ultimately, lost productivity in tens of billions of dollars annually

1 of 10 - According to a consumer energy study and survey that investigated conservation attitudes, what percent of people want energy efficient dwellings? 50% 62% 78% 82%

62%

What are four trends regarding energy consumption and conservative attitudes?

86% of Americans would choose one home over another based on energy efficiency 78% of Americans who just bought homes say nobody talked to them about energy efficiency 62% of people want energy-efficient dwellings 63% say energy prices have increased enough to make them consider changing their consumption habits

___________ includes all of the inspections provided in the Home Energy Survey and also includes diagnostic testing using specialized equipment such as a blower door (which measures how air tight your home is), duct leakage tester (which measures tightness of your air ducts), combustion analyzer and thermal infrared camera (which shows improper caulking, windows, framing gaps, and other such issues) to determine: The amount of leakage from HVAC distribution ducts The amount and location of air leaks in the building envelope The effectiveness of insulation inside walls and ceilings Any existing or potential combustion safety issues Other tools for residential use including a bolometer (a capture hood that allows maximum air distribution through registers), co-heat tests (which measure overall heat loss from windows), and electric moisture meters (which measure moisture in a building material)

A Building Performance Audit

_________________is the most in-depth performance audit of an existing home.

A Comprehensive HERS Rating

2 of 10 - Which of the following is one of (are) the types of energy assessments defined by RESNET? Home Energy Survey Building Performance Audit Comprehensive HERS Rating All of the answers shown

All of the answers shown

The building envelope consists of four things:

Below Grade - foundation Exterior Walls Fenestration - [Fenestration comes from the Latin word for window. In general, it refers to openings in a structure; i.e. the design and arrangement of openings in a building envelope] Roofs

RENEWABLE energy sources include:

Biomass - using garbage to create electricity, heat, compost material, or fuels Solar - using solar cells capable of converting sunlight into electricity Geothermal - using the earth's natural heat to provide heating, cooling, and water heating Wind - using wind energy to create electricity Hydroelectric - using flowing water to create electricity

Name six materials that are used to gain LEED® points in green building.

Carpeting made from recycled tires, tile made from recycled glass Fabrics for upholstery, windows, and accessories made from organic cotton which can gain LEED® credits Sidewalks made from recycled tires that absorb rainwater, recycle it through a pump, and use it to flush toilets and water the yard in dry times Wood for flooring from trees that are not killed, but just shaved Building walls made from foam to withstand higher wind velocity Adhesives, insulation, grout, and finishes all with low or no VOCs that damage a home's or commercial building's indoor air quality

Name NAR's five core principles.

Commitment to housing opportunity and choice Building better communities Protecting the environment Respecting the rights to own, use, & transfer real property Implementing fair & reasonable fiscal measures

4 of 10 - As the green movement accelerates, what effect does this have on consumers? Consumers are demanding lower mortgage rates to match the energy efficiency savings. Consumers are demanding more green buildings. Consumers are overwhelmed with the influx of information on green building. Consumers are viewing the movement as a fad and typically ignoring the entire idea.

Consumers are demanding more green buildings.

7 of 10 - During a loan application, which of the following is NOT an important recommendation lenders can make to applicants? Energy efficient improvements to lower utility costs Energy efficient improvements to improve indoor air quality Energy efficient improvements to lower negative contributions to the environment Energy efficient improvements to add usable space to the interior of the home

Energy efficient improvements to add usable space to the interior of the home

8 of 10 - Energy-Efficient Mortgages were first introduced by which entity? Fannie Mae Freddie Mac HUD FHA

Fannie Mae

Define green building.

Green building is the practice of increasing the efficiency with which structures and their sites use energy, water, and materials and reducing the impact on human health and the environment through better locating of our buildings, design, construction, operation, maintenance, and waste removal through the complete building life cycle.

The Residential Services Network (RESNET) rating index known as

HERS (Home Energy Rating System Index) provides scores from 1-100 for residential properties.

What has the USGBC determined through its research?

Health is better in green-built homes and commercial structures Student test scores are 20% higher in green schools, and teachers are more engaged in their work In green hospitals, nurses make fewer mistakes and patients are released two days earlier In green office buildings, productivity is higher and absenteeism is lower In green shopping malls, retail sales are higher

What are the considerations in sustainable buildings?

High benefit lighting techniques Less toxic materials Energy-efficient air handling systems Access to natural day lighting Superior indoor air quality (IAQ) Individual control of heat, light, and ventilation Landscapes designed to conserve rainwater and natural sunlight

What are five issues that can occur as a result of a breakdown in the relationship between the systems in a house? (Any of the following are correct answers.)

High energy bills, uneven temperatures from room-to-room, drafts, moisture, mold, mildew, poor indoor air quality (IAQ), ice dams, pest infestations, seemingly uncontrollable humidity levels, and premature deterioration of building materials

9 of 10 - The RESNET energy assessment in which a professional performs a visual inspection with no diagnostic testing is a Home Energy Survey Building Performance Audit Comprehensive HERS Rating LEED Certification

Home Energy Survey

3 of 10 - Although home buyers are looking for more green features in home they purchase, what is still the most important feature they look for in a home? Size Location Price Number of bedrooms

Location

LEED® Certifications are Certified (40-49 points), Silver (50-59 points), Gold (60-79 points), and Platinum (80 points and above), and are available for:

New construction (most popular) Existing buildings Commercial interiors (including tenant build-outs) Core and shell without fill-outs Schools, retail, healthcare, and RESIDENTIAL HOMES

What is included in a HERS report?

Overall Rating Score of the house in its current condition Recommended energy upgrades Estimate of the cost, annual savings, and useful life of upgrades Improved Rating Score after the installation of recommended upgrades Estimate of total energy cost for home before and after energy upgrades

What energy-efficient features should an ENERGY STAR home include to improve home quality, lower energy demand, and reduce air pollution?

Properly installed insulation, high performance windows, tight construction and ducts, efficient HVAC equipment, efficient products and appliances, and third party verification

6 of 10 - The LEED® _____________ is a tool for green building and construction. Uniform Construction Code Rating system Mandatory standards requirement Environmental Protection Agency

Rating system

Why do homeowners order energy audits?

Save money on their energy bill Increase the comfort of their home Increase their home's resale value Increase their home's marketability Uncover hidden problems Help the environment Take advantage of government incentive programs

Points are awarded based on the following items:

Sustainable sites (26 possible) Water efficiency (10 possible) Energy and Atmosphere (35 possible) Materials and Resources (14 possible) Indoor Environmental Quality (15 possible) Innovation in design (6 possible) Regional priority (4 possible)

To earn the ENERGY STAR, what guidelines must a home meet?

The home must be at least 15% more energy efficient and include additional energy saving features that make them 20-30% more efficient than standard homes.

What is the least complex option of energy assessment, and what is the most in-depth option?

The lease complex option is a Home Energy Survey which is a visual inspection with no diagnostic testing. The most in-depth performance audit is a Comprehensive HERS Rating which consists of the evaluation, diagnostic testing, cost-effective recommendations, and work specifications contained in a Building Performance Audit.

ENERGY STAR at http://www.energystar.gov/ is a joint program of the

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy dedicated to helping us all save money and protect the environment through energy-efficient products and practices. 30 % more efficent

Briefly explain an energy-efficient mortgage.

When a buyer applies for a mortgage loan, the lender factors in a rating for energy savings and if the buyer takes advantage of the tax advantages the government offers, the buyer may qualify for a higher loan.

10 of 10 - One energy efficient mortgage option is for the lender to _____________________ to allow a larger loan for a house that is already energy efficient. deduct the cost of the energy efficient upgrades add in the cost of the energy efficient upgrades stretch the credit-to-income qualifying ratios stretch debt-to-income qualifying ratios

stretch debt-to-income qualifying ratios

f 10 - Independent Home Energy auditors are used by ENERGY STAR® to verify energy efficiency measures are in place. test for radon and wood-destroying insect infestation. determine if a property is eligible for its LEED® certification. All of the answers shown

verify energy efficiency measures are in place