Explore how resource consumption in conventional buildings impacts the total emissions footprint over time. Expert insights for the USGBC LEED Green Associate certification exam.
Table of Contents
Question
Unless mitigated, resource consumption over the life of a conventional building __________________ .
A. remains steady
B. fluctuates between increasing and decreasing the total emissions footprint
C. gradually decreases the total emissions footprint
D. incrementally increases the total emissions footprint
Answer
D. incrementally increases the total emissions footprint
Explanation
Unless mitigated, resource consumption over the life of a conventional building incrementally increases the total emissions footprint. This is because conventional buildings often use non-renewable resources for energy and materials, which contribute to greenhouse gas emissions during extraction, production, use, and disposal.
In conventional buildings, resource consumption tends to incrementally increase the total emissions footprint over the life of the building unless mitigated through sustainable practices. This is due to several factors:
- Aging systems: As building systems age, they often become less efficient, leading to increased energy and water consumption, which in turn increases the emissions footprint.
- Lack of upgrades: Conventional buildings may not undergo regular upgrades to incorporate more efficient technologies, resulting in a gradual increase in resource consumption and emissions.
- Occupant behavior: Without proper education and incentives, occupants may engage in resource-intensive behaviors, contributing to an increased emissions footprint over time.
- Maintenance issues: Poor maintenance practices can lead to inefficiencies in building systems, causing higher resource consumption and emissions.
- Changing occupancy needs: As the building’s occupancy or usage changes over time, resource consumption may increase to meet new demands without implementing sustainable strategies.
To mitigate the incremental increase in emissions, building owners and managers can adopt sustainable practices, such as regular energy audits, system upgrades, occupant engagement, and proper maintenance. These measures can help stabilize or even decrease the total emissions footprint over the life of the building.
USGBC LEED Green Associate certification exam practice question and answer (Q&A) dump with detail explanation and reference available free, helpful to pass the USGBC LEED Green Associate exam and earn USGBC LEED Green Associate certification.