1. What does renewable energy mean?
Renewable energy is a natural kind of energy that renews itself without the interference of humans. This feature gives renewable energy a unique advantage over fossil fuel making it impossible to wear out. Renewable energy comes from many different sources:
a) The Sun (solar energy)
b) The Wind
c) Moving Water (hydropower, wave and tidal energy)
d) Heat under the surface of Earth (geothermal energy)
e) Biomass (wood, waste, energy crops)
2. What benefits does renewable energy offer?
a) Renewable energy can easily be controlled without harming the environment.
b) The use of renewable energy does not emit any greenhouse gas, such as carbon dioxide, and thus, does not damage the environment.
c) Renewable energy is continually available; it does not wear out.
3. Does renewable energy contribute to sustainability?
Yes, renewable energy comes from sustainable sources and thus, makes it easer for suppliers to provide continually and move towards a sustainable energy economy.
4. What are Green Buildings?
Green buildings are buildings designed to be efficient in the use of water and energy, and to create a healthy environment for people to live or work. They can be residential, commercial, Industrial, educational, or even hospitals. A green building looks just like any other building but operates in a different manner to provide a better life.
5. What benefits does a Green Building offer?
a) Less consumption of energy
b) Economic
c) No Toxic Emissions
d) No participation in global warming
e) No effect on the ozone
f) Biodiversity
g) Productivity
h) Bring us closer to a sustainable energy economy
6. Does a green buildings cost more than a normal building?
No, a green building costs nothing more than a normal building. Not only that, but a green building can actually save money once it starts operating.
7. Are green buildings certified?
Yes, bellow are two certifying programs commonly used:
a) Energy Star: this program evaluates and certifies all kinds of buildings on basis of energy efficiency only.
b) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED): this is a standard program used internationally to certify commercial buildings, industrial buildings, and schools. Hospitals are certified using GreenGuide program which is based on (LEED).
8. Can a normal building be restructured to become a green building?
Yes, normal buildings can be refurbished or retrofitted to become green buildings. This can work with all kinds of buildings.
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