BUILDING MATERIALS

• What are green building materials composed of?

  Renewable resources
• Why are green building materials considered environmentally responsible?

  Impacts are considered over the product's life
• How does using reclaimed wood benefit the environment?

  It prevents the need for new timber
• What does reclaimed wood refer to?

  Wood that has been repurposed
• Where can reclaimed wood originate from?

  Vintage buildings and structures
• What type of plant is bamboo classified as?

  A grass
• Why is bamboo considered eco-friendly?

  It grows rapidly and has exceptional strength
• How long does it take for bamboo to reach maturity?

  Three to five years
• What is the benefit of bamboo's rapid growth?

  Less land is required to produce it
• What is metal recycling?

  Processing waste metal to create new material
• What are the advantages of recycling metal?

  Environmental benefits and energy savings
• What is recycled steel?

  A sustainable alternative to traditional steel
• How does using recycled steel benefit the environment?

  It reduces energy consumption and raw materials
• What are straw bales made from?

  Hollow stem or straw of cereal grains
• What is the purpose of using straw bales in construction?

  They provide insulation for walls and roofs
• What type of tree does cork come from?

  Cork oak
• How is cork harvested?

  From the bark without harming the tree
• What are the properties of cork?

  Thermally and acoustically insulating
• What is rammed earth construction?

  A technique using compacted natural materials
• What materials are used in rammed earth construction?

  Clay, sand, chalk, and gravel
• What is hempcrete made of?

  A composite of lime and hemp
• What are solar shingles made of?

  Photovoltaic sheets
• What do solar roof tiles do?

  Convert sunlight into electricity
• What are Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)?

  Harmful chemicals that evaporate into the air
• What are low VOC paints designed to do?

  Improve indoor air quality
• What are green roofs also known as?

  Living roofs
• What benefits do green roofs provide?

  Reduce stormwater runoff and improve air quality
• What is a hazardous material?

  Any item that can cause harm
• What is asbestos?

  A naturally occurring mineral with fibers
• What are some uses of asbestos?

  Construction and military applications
• What is lead?

  A naturally occurring metal
• What are some uses of lead in buildings?

  Coatings, paints, and pipes
• What are PCBs?

  Man-made organic chemicals
• Where can PCBs be found?

  In building structures like windows and walls
• What is mercury used for?

  In batteries and lighting systems
• What are chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)?

  Nontoxic, non-flammable chemicals
• What are the uses of CFCs?

  Aerosol sprays and refrigerants
• What should be done with hazardous materials in buildings?

  Identify and evaluate their condition
• What is the purpose of an operations and maintenance plan for hazardous materials?

  To manage hazardous materials remaining in buildings
• What should be done to notify building occupants about hazardous materials?

  Inform them of locations and precautions