BC Ch. 13 Green Construction

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Questions and Answers

What is Green Construction primarily focused on?

Building methods that are energy-efficient and environmentally friendly (correct)

Using the cheapest materials available

Building only with wood

Constructing buildings quickly

What is the historical context of Green Construction?

It includes traditional methods like sod-roofed houses and windmills (correct)

It only applies to commercial buildings

It is a new concept that started in the 21st century

It has always included photovoltaic panels

What is the purpose of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program?

To promote the use of only concrete in construction

To build taller buildings

To construct buildings with no windows

To assess environmental impact and improve sustainability (correct)

What is a major concern about green certification programs like LEED and BREEAM?

They often lack a focus on fire safety Signup and view all the answers

Which program was introduced to address fire safety in green buildings?

International Green Construction Code (2012) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is not a goal of green construction practices?

Creating aesthetically unpleasing structures Signup and view all the answers

How do green certification programs impact construction costs?

They may increase upfront costs but lower lifetime costs Signup and view all the answers

What type of materials are prioritized in green construction?

Sustainable and renewable materials Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of deenergizing electrical systems?

To deenergize the system and reduce shock hazards Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable risk associated with insulating materials such as polystyrene and polyurethane?

They may increase fire risks Signup and view all the answers

Rainwater Reclamation Systems are primarily used for what purpose in green construction?

To store and utilize rainwater for various building needs Signup and view all the answers

Gray Water Systems serve which primary function?

For fire suppression and irrigation Signup and view all the answers

What can pose a collapse risk in Green Roof systems?

Due to added weight from vegetation and soil layers Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant hazard associated with Roof-Mounted Wind Turbines?

The spinning blades can be hazardous during firefighting operations Signup and view all the answers

What role does a Heat Exchanger fulfill in Solar Water Heating Systems?

To transfer heat from a fluid to water Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes an Off-Grid System?

A system that does not rely on the public electrical grid Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant fire risk associated with Glass Insulation?

It accelerates fire development by delaying fire-induced breakage Signup and view all the answers

How should firefighters approach a green roof during a fire incident?

Use horizontal ventilation or PPV fans Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary use of fireproofing materials in construction?

For furniture, beams, and trusses Signup and view all the answers

What challenge does dense vegetation on a structure present for firefighting efforts?

It can hinder access and ventilation efforts Signup and view all the answers

What is Hempcrete primarily composed of?

The Cannabis plant’s hurd core, lime, and water Signup and view all the answers

Why is strategic preplanning critical for buildings with green energy systems?

To identify hazards and develop appropriate firefighting strategies Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary hazard of utilizing water storage tanks in green buildings?

They add significant dead load, increasing collapse risks Signup and view all the answers

What defines a Green Roof?

An insulating roof cover made of vegetation and materials supporting plant growth Signup and view all the answers

Which type of insulation is frequently seen in cold storage buildings?

Polystyrene insulation Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential risk associated with Green Roofs?

Added weight can lead to structural collapse and vegetation can become combustible if not maintained Signup and view all the answers

What ventilation method should be avoided when dealing with a green roof?

Vertical ventilation through dense vegetation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of Polystyrene Insulation?

As a spray-applied foam or rigid plastic insulator for energy conservation Signup and view all the answers

What is a Radiant Barrier designed to do?

A flexible reflective membrane used to reduce cooling energy costs Signup and view all the answers

What does the U.S. Green Building Council primarily oversee?

The LEED certification program Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant hazard related to Photovoltaic (PV) roof panels?

They can cause electric shock, roof collapse, and release toxic materials during a fire Signup and view all the answers

What represents a hazard in using Biopolymers for construction?

They are combustible materials made from renewable sources Signup and view all the answers

What should firefighters avoid doing when handling PV systems?

Breaking the panels or associated equipment Signup and view all the answers

What safety protocol should firefighters follow regarding Roof-Mounted Wind Turbines?

Avoid all contact and treat as a severe hazard Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV)?

PV systems integrated directly into building materials like walls and roofs Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary risk of Flexible Laminate Solar Panels?

They can be dangerous when installed by non-professionals Signup and view all the answers

What defines an Off-Grid PV System?

A PV system not connected to the public electrical grid, requiring battery storage Signup and view all the answers

What hazard is commonly associated with batteries used in Off-Grid Systems?

They pose a continual shock hazard and can generate hydrogen gas, posing an explosion risk Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of Roof-Mounted Wind Turbines?

To convert kinetic wind energy into mechanical energy to produce electricity Signup and view all the answers

What concern arises with Solar Water Heating Systems during a fire?

The added weight can lead to structural collapse Signup and view all the answers

What information should fire departments include in preplans for buildings with green energy systems?

Notations like 'GC electrical roof hazards' Signup and view all the answers

Which type of ventilation is prioritized on green roofs?

Horizontal ventilation and positive-pressure ventilation (PPV) fans Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Green Construction Overview

Green Construction focuses on energy-efficient and environmentally friendly building methods.
Historical context includes traditional building techniques such as sod-roofed houses and windmills.

Certification Programs

The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program assesses environmental impact and aims to improve sustainability.
A concern with green certification programs is their often inadequate focus on fire safety.
The International Green Construction Code (2012) was introduced to address fire safety in green buildings.

Materials Used in Green Construction

Bamboo is widely used for furniture, beams, and trusses.
Hempcrete is made from the Cannabis plant’s hurd core, lime, and water.
Green Roofs consist of vegetation and materials that support plant growth, providing insulation.

Risks and Concerns

Green Roofs may pose risks of structural collapse due to added weight and can become combustible without proper maintenance.
Polystyrene insulation is utilized as a spray-applied foam or rigid plastic for energy conservation.
Photovoltaic (PV) Roof Panels come with risks such as electric shock, roof collapse, and releasing toxic materials in fires.

Firefighter Safety and Protocols

Firefighters should avoid cutting through PV panels during emergencies to prevent electrocution and equipment damage.
Building-Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) integrate PV systems into building materials, enhancing aesthetics and energy production.
It’s vital for fire departments to include notes like “GC electrical roof hazards” in preplans for buildings with green energy systems.

Specialized Systems and Equipment

Off-Grid PV Systems operate independently from the public electrical grid and necessitate battery storage.
Risks are associated with batteries in Off-Grid Systems due to shock hazards and potential hydrogen gas explosion.
Roof-Mounted Wind Turbines convert wind energy into electricity but pose dangers from their spinning blades during firefighting efforts.

Sustainable Water Management

Rainwater Reclamation Systems enable the storage and use of rainwater for building needs.
Gray Water Systems are designed for fire suppression and irrigation, enhancing water efficiency.

Insulation and Fire Safety

Certain materials like polystyrene and polyurethane may increase fire risks while being used for insulation.
Glass insulation can accelerate fire development due to delayed breakage under heat.
Precautions like using horizontal ventilation or PPV fans are crucial when dealing with green roofs during a fire.

Vegetation Management

Vegetation on building walls can become highly combustible if not properly maintained, posing fire hazards.
Firefighters should prioritize horizontal ventilation, avoiding vertical approaches that could hinder access and ventilation.

Planning and Safety Measures

Preplanning is vital for identifying hazards related to buildings with green energy systems to enhance firefighting strategies.
Water storage tanks, while useful, can add significant dead loads, elevating the risk of collapse in green buildings.

Emerging Materials and Technologies

Biopolymers are renewable and combustible materials used in construction, presenting new challenges in fire safety.
The U.S. Green Building Council administers the LEED certification program, promoting sustainable building practices.

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Description

Test your knowledge on Green Construction with this quiz that features 40 multiple-choice questions. Explore its focus on energy-efficient and environmentally friendly building methods, as well as its historical context and modern practices.