I can help with that.
Here are the answers to all the questions in the provided image, with each
answer designed for a 5-mark response.
1. Global Warming
a) Explain the causes and effects of global warming. Global warming is the long-term
heating of Earth's climate system observed since the pre-industrial period. The primary cause is
the human-induced increase in greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, mainly from burning
fossil fuels. This traps heat, a process known as the greenhouse effect. Other causes include
deforestation, industrial processes, and agriculture. The main effects are:
● Rising Sea Levels: Due to melting glaciers and thermal expansion of seawater.
● Extreme Weather Events: More frequent and intense heatwaves, droughts, floods, and
storms.
● Ecosystem Disruption: Changes in habitats leading to species extinction and migration.
b) Discuss the contribution of buildings towards global warming. Buildings contribute
significantly to global warming throughout their lifecycle.
● Construction: The production of building materials like cement and steel is
energy-intensive and releases a large amount of carbon dioxide.
● Operation: Buildings are major consumers of energy for heating, cooling, lighting, and
ventilation. This energy is often generated by burning fossil fuels.
● Demolition: The disposal of construction and demolition waste contributes to emissions
and landfill issues.
Buildings are responsible for a large portion of global energy consumption and greenhouse gas
emissions.
2. Carbon Footprint and Global Efforts
a) Define carbon footprint and explain its importance. A carbon footprint is the total
amount of greenhouse gases (including carbon dioxide and methane) that are generated by an
individual, organization, event, or product. It's usually expressed as tons of CO2 equivalent. Its
importance lies in its ability to quantify the environmental impact of human activities. By
measuring a carbon footprint, we can identify major sources of emissions and take targeted
action to reduce them, contributing to global efforts to combat climate change.
b) Discuss global efforts to reduce carbon emissions. Global efforts to reduce carbon
emissions involve international agreements, national policies, and corporate initiatives. The
Paris Agreement is a landmark global effort where nearly all countries committed to limiting the
global temperature increase to well below 2°C, and to pursue efforts to limit it to 1.5°C. Other
efforts include:
● Carbon Trading and Taxes: Policies that put a price on carbon to incentivize companies
to reduce emissions.
● Investment in Renewable Energy: Transitioning from fossil fuels to clean energy
sources like solar and wind power.
● Promoting Energy Efficiency: Implementing policies and technologies that reduce
energy consumption in buildings and industries.
3. Green Buildings
a) Define green building and explain its features. A green building is a structure that is
designed, constructed, and operated to be environmentally responsible and resource-efficient
throughout its lifecycle. Its key features include:
● Energy Efficiency: Using less energy for heating, cooling, and lighting.
● Water Efficiency: Reducing water consumption through technologies like rainwater
harvesting and low-flow fixtures.
● Sustainable Materials: Using recycled, renewable, or locally-sourced materials.
● Waste Reduction: Minimizing construction and operational waste.
● Improved Indoor Environment: Providing good air quality, natural light, and comfortable
temperatures.
b) Explain the necessity of green buildings in India. Green buildings are crucial for India due
to its rapid urbanization and high population density.
● Energy Savings: India faces a significant energy deficit, and green buildings can
substantially reduce energy consumption and demand.
● Water Conservation: As a water-stressed nation, efficient water management in
buildings is vital.
● Health and Well-being: Green buildings with better indoor air quality can improve the
health and productivity of occupants.
● Economic Benefits: They lead to lower operational costs, higher property value, and
create jobs in the green construction sector.
4. Benefits and Energy Sources
a) Discuss the environmental and economic benefits of green buildings. Environmental
Benefits:
● Reduced Carbon Emissions: Lower energy consumption leads to a smaller carbon
footprint.
● Water Conservation: Efficient water use helps conserve a vital natural resource.
● Waste Reduction: Less waste is generated during construction and operation.
● Biodiversity Protection: Using sustainable materials and responsible land use practices
helps protect natural habitats.
Economic Benefits:
● Lower Operating Costs: Reduced energy and water bills.
● Higher Property Value: Green-certified buildings often have a higher market value.
● Job Creation: The green building sector creates new jobs in design, construction, and
manufacturing.
● Incentives: Governments often offer tax rebates or other incentives for green building
projects.
b) Explain the role of alternate energy sources in sustainable buildings. Alternate energy
sources are fundamental to the sustainability of modern buildings. They provide clean energy,
reducing the reliance on fossil fuels.
● Solar Power: Rooftop solar panels can generate electricity for lighting, heating, and
appliances.
● Geothermal Energy: This is used for efficient heating and cooling by harnessing the
stable temperature of the ground.
● Passive Solar Design: This involves designing the building to maximize solar heat gain
in winter and minimize it in summer through proper orientation and window placement,
reducing the need for conventional heating and cooling.
5. Water Management and Green Rating
a) Analyze water management strategies in green buildings. Effective water management in
green buildings is crucial for sustainability. Key strategies include:
● Rainwater Harvesting: Collecting and storing rainwater for non-potable uses like flushing
toilets, irrigation, and washing vehicles.
● Greywater Recycling: Treating and reusing water from sinks, showers, and laundry for
irrigation and toilet flushing.
● Low-Flow Fixtures: Installing water-efficient faucets, showerheads, and toilets to reduce
consumption.
● Smart Irrigation Systems: Using moisture sensors and timers to provide water to
landscapes only when needed.
b) Explain how buildings can be analyzed for green rating. Buildings are analyzed for green
ratings using a set of well-defined criteria that measure their environmental performance. Rating
systems like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and India's GRIHA
(Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment) are used for this purpose. The analysis
typically covers:
● Site Selection: Evaluating the building's impact on the land and local ecosystem.
● Water Efficiency: Assessing the building's water consumption and management.
● Energy and Atmosphere: Reviewing energy consumption, renewable energy use, and
greenhouse gas emissions.
● Materials and Resources: Checking the use of sustainable and recycled materials and
waste management.
● Indoor Environmental Quality: Evaluating air quality, lighting, and thermal comfort.
Points are awarded in each category, and based on the total score, the building receives a
rating (e.g., Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum).
