LOW CARBON BUILDING DESIGN

(16CVP309)

Summer 2017 Two hours

Answer THREE questions

USE A SEPARATE ANSWER BOOK FOR EACH QUESTION
All questions carry equal marks
Candidates may use any Loughborough University approved calculator

1. a) Describe appropriate design adaptations in order to keep a building

located in London both dry (free from flood risks) and cool during
summer time (three adaptations for each) when facing future
climatic conditions. [6 marks]

b) Explain the ‘balanced ventilation’ principle used in Passivhaus

mechanical ventilation system design by sketching and explaining
the purpose of the three different zones when using Mechanical
Ventilation with Heat recover (MVHR).

Draw a sketch to illustrate this concept with arrows showing the

ventilation flow and air circulation path in these zones. Then list
nine typical rooms found in a domestic dwelling and for each room
indicate its typical ventilation zone classification. [14 marks]

2. a) Describe the design process for a contingency mixed-mode [10 marks]

building.

b) Based on the lecture material you received about Coventry

University library and the visit to the building, describe five features
of the building, which contribute to its low energy performance, that
you would not expect to see in a traditionally serviced building. [10 marks]

Continues/…

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3. a) You are checking the calculations prepared by a colleague for a

single- family Passivhaus and discover that with respect to the
windows, a frame thickness that is smaller by 10cm has been used
for the calculation instead of the measurement given in the data
sheet below. This error affects 5 windows on the west side of the
building, the external dimensions of which are 1.25m width, and
2.25m height. The location has 80 kKh/a heating degree hours.

Data sheet:
Ug = 0.5W/(m²K)
Uf=0.75W/(m²K)
Corrected (actual facing) width of frame 0.17m (on each side)
ψGlass edge = 0.035W/(mK)

Calculate how the correction of this error will affect the annual
transmission heat losses through the windows. [8 marks]

b) Describe the process of carbon footprinting when applied to a

building and list six points that contribute to a higher carbon
footprint. [6 marks]

c) Describe the four different boundaries often defined when referring

to different types of Life Cycle Assessment for buildings and
building components. [6 marks]

4. a) Explain the impact of anthropogenic Carbon dioxide emissions on

the terrestrial carbon balance. [4 marks]

b) Explain the term radiative forcing in the context of climate change. [3 marks]

c) Explain the difference between operational and embodied carbon. [3 marks]

d) What are the limiting criteria with respect to specific heating energy
demand, total primary energy demand, and U-values (both overall
and glazing) required for Passivhaus design certification? [4 marks]

e) List and describe briefly the six different climate zones of the
world. [6 marks]

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5. a) Explain the difference between multi-objective optimization and

sensitivity analysis using sketches if appropriate, pointing out
advantages and disadvantages of each. [8 marks]

b) The ‘guidance on sustainability’ from the Engineering Council

describes the role and responsibilities of professional engineers
with respect to sustainability. List five of the six principles that guide
and motivate engineers when making decisions for clients,
employers and society which affect sustainability. [5 marks]

c) The ‘Guidance on Risk’ document from the Engineering Council

describes the role of professional engineers and technicians in
dealing with risk, and their responsibilities to society. List five of the
six principles that guide and motivate professional engineers and
technicians in identifying, assessing, managing and communicating
risk. [5 marks]

d) List four important methods that an engineer will routinely use to

demonstrate that their design work and working practices are both
ethical and sustainable? [2 marks]

C Hopfe
M Cook