Question

Which of the following is a key feature of green building design?

• A. Excessive energy consumption
• B. Traditional construction materials only
• C. Ignoring indoor air quality
• D. Efficient use of resources and energy

Hint:

\textbf{Green Building Design (Sustainable Design):} Aims to minimize environmental impact and enhance occupant health.
\textbf{Key Features/Principles:}
\textbf{Energy efficiency} and use of renewable energy.
\textbf{Water efficiency.}
\textbf{Sustainable material selection} and resource efficiency.
Good indoor environmental quality (air, light, thermal comfort).
Waste reduction.
Site sustainability.
"Efficient use of resources and energy" is a core tenet.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Green Building Design (also known as sustainable building design or eco-friendly design) aims to create buildings that minimize negative impacts on the environment and human health, and maximize positive impacts, throughout their lifecycle (design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation, and demolition). Key features and principles of green building design include:
Efficient use of resources and energy (Option d): This is a core principle.
Energy efficiency: Reducing energy consumption for heating, cooling, lighting, and appliances through passive design strategies, high-performance building envelopes (insulation, glazing), energy-efficient systems (HVAC, lighting), and use of renewable energy sources (e.g., solar).
Water efficiency: Reducing water consumption through water-efficient fixtures, rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling.
Material efficiency: Using sustainable, recycled, rapidly renewable, locally sourced, and low-impact materials. Minimizing construction waste. Designing for durability and adaptability.
Improved Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ): Enhancing occupant health and comfort through good indoor air quality (ventilation, low-VOC materials), thermal comfort, daylighting, and acoustic quality.
Site selection and sustainable site development: Minimizing impact on ecosystems, responsible land use, managing stormwater.
Waste reduction and management.
Reduced environmental impact: Lowering greenhouse gas emissions, pollution, and resource depletion. Let's evaluate the options:
(a) Excessive energy consumption: This is the opposite of a green building goal. Green buildings aim for energy efficiency.
(b) Traditional construction materials only: Green building design encourages the use of sustainable materials, which can include some traditional materials (e.g., local stone, timber from sustainable forests) if they are environmentally sound. However, it also embraces innovative and recycled materials. It's not about using *only* traditional materials; the criteria are sustainability and low environmental impact.
(c) Ignoring indoor air quality: Good indoor air quality is a crucial aspect of green building design for occupant health and well-being.
(d) Efficient use of resources and energy: This accurately summarizes a fundamental and key feature of green building design, encompassing energy efficiency, water efficiency, and material efficiency. Therefore, the efficient use of resources (energy, water, materials) and energy is a key feature of green building design. \[ \boxed{\text{Efficient use of resources and energy}} \]