Chapter 12- Firefighting Concerns of Green Construction

Question 1

The stated objectives of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program are as follows:

Answer 1

• Lower operating costs and increase asset value
• Reduce waste sent to landfills
• Conserve energy and water
• Be healthier and safer for occupants
• Reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions
• Qualify for tax rebates, zoning allowances, and other incentives in hundreds of cities

Question 2

For the purposes of studying green construction from a firefighting perspective, we can group these green systems and materials into four general categories:

Answer 2

• Eco friendly materials
• Energy conservation
• Water conservation
• Energy generation

Question 3

Green concrete includes __ wall panel systems. Although not combustible, __ wall panel systems offer the potential of trapping the heat of a fire inside the structure.

Answer 3

ICF

Question 4

While such water can be considered for firefighting purposes, all apparatus must be thoroughly flushed with potable, fresh water.

Answer 4

Gray water

Question 5

A group of modules is known as an __.

Answer 5

Array

Question 6

The arrays typically face __ (sometimes west) to get the maximum exposure to the sun.

Answer 6

South

Question 7

Each individual PV roof panel–also known as a __ contains many semiconductor cells.

Answer 7

Module

Question 8

__ systems use a roof mounted collector (containing a network of closely spaced tubes; they look similar to a PV panel, but they are not the same) and a pump to move the sun heated fluid to the water tank.

Answer 8

Active

Question 9

__ systems heat the water directly through the use of a batch collector, essentially a large well insulated tank designed to heat the water within.

Answer 9

Passive

Question 10

In terms of construction materials, a naturally produced plastic from renewable, living sources (e.g., starches, wood), instead of nonrenewable sources such as oil.

Answer 10

Biopolymers

Question 11

PV systems that are incorporated into the building itself in the form of either PV shingles or PV wall panel systems.

Answer 11

Building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV)

Question 12

A composite material composed of clay, straw, sand, and earth; similar to adobe; typically laid in courses.

Answer 12

Cob

Question 13

Wastewater from industrial processes, laundries, and other sources.

Answer 13

Gray water

Question 14

PV systems that are not connected to a traditional public electrical grid; they are often located in rural areas.

Answer 14

Off grid systems

Question 15

Stud less wall assemblies using a core of polyurethane.

Answer 15

Structural insulated panels (SIP)

Question 16

Installed as an exterior sheathing in wood frame dwellings, providing structural stabilization (similar to plywood and particleboard sheathing over wood studs), insulation, and a barrier to moisture.

Answer 16

Structural insulated sheathing (SIS)

Question 17

Construction that is deemed to be energy efficient and environmentally friendly; also known as green construction.

Answer 17

Sustainable construction

Question 18

A set of glass exterior panels and concrete block wall with a void space in between (used in smaller buildings).

Answer 18

Trombe wall