[GD] Green Designation Certification
Review Guide
**Question 1. Which insulation material has the highest R‑value per inch?**
A) Fiberglass batts
B) Cellulose blown‑in
C) Closed‑cell spray foam
D) Rigid foam board
Answer: C
Explanation: Closed‑cell spray foam provides roughly R‑6 to R‑7 per inch, higher than fiberglass
(R‑3.2), cellulose (R‑3.5), and most rigid foam boards.
**Question 2. In a high‑performance home, what is the primary purpose of air sealing the
building envelope?**
A) To increase structural strength
B) To reduce uncontrolled air infiltration and exfiltration
C) To improve acoustic privacy
D) To enhance natural daylighting
Answer: B
Explanation: Air sealing minimizes unwanted air movement, which reduces heating and cooling
loads and improves energy efficiency.
**Question 3. Which of the following best describes a thermal bridge?**
A) A location where insulation is thicker than surrounding areas
B) A continuous path of high conductivity material that bypasses insulation
C) A window with a low U‑factor
D) An HVAC duct that is insulated
Answer: B
, [GD] Green Designation Certification
Review Guide
Explanation: Thermal bridges are conductive paths (e.g., studs, steel connectors) that allow heat
to bypass insulation, increasing heat loss.
**Question 4. A window with a low Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) is most beneficial in
which climate?**
A) Cold, heating‑dominant climate
B) Hot, cooling‑dominant climate
C) Mixed‑mode climate
D) Desert climate with high diurnal swings
Answer: B
Explanation: Low SHGC reduces solar heat entering the building, which is desirable in hot
climates to limit cooling loads.
**Question 5. Low‑E glass primarily improves which performance metric?**
A) Structural integrity
B) Sound transmission class (STC)
C) Thermal performance by reducing heat loss in winter and gain in summer
D) Air infiltration rate
Answer: C
Explanation: Low‑emissivity coatings reflect infrared radiation, improving the window’s
insulating properties.
**Question 6. Which HVAC system type can provide both heating and cooling while achieving a
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) of 20 or higher?**
A) Conventional electric resistance furnace
B) High‑efficiency gas furnace with a standard air conditioner
, [GD] Green Designation Certification
Review Guide
C) Variable‑speed heat pump
D) Single‑stage oil furnace
Answer: C
Explanation: Modern variable‑speed heat pumps can reach SEER ratings of 20+, delivering
efficient cooling and heating.
**Question 7. An Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) differs from a Heat Recovery Ventilator
(HRV) by:**
A) Transferring both sensible heat and latent moisture
B) Only transferring sensible heat
C) Operating only in winter
D) Using a refrigerant loop for heat exchange
Answer: A
Explanation: ERVs exchange both heat and moisture, which helps control indoor humidity while
recovering energy.
**Question 8. Which fixture typically uses the least water per use?**
A) Standard 2.5‑gallon per flush (GPF) toilet
B) Dual‑flush toilet (1.6 GPF full, 0.8 GPF reduced)
C) Low‑flow showerhead (2.0 gpm)
D) Faucet aerator (0.5 gpm)
Answer: B
Explanation: Dual‑flush toilets allow a reduced‑flush option, cutting water use more than
standard fixtures.
**Question 9. Greywater systems are most commonly used for:**
, [GD] Green Designation Certification
Review Guide
A) Drinking water supply
B) Irrigation and toilet flushing
C) Heating domestic water
D) Fire suppression
Answer: B
Explanation: Greywater, reclaimed from showers and sinks, is typically redirected for irrigation
or toilet use.
**Question 10. Xeriscaping primarily reduces the need for:**
A) Fertilizer application
B) Landscape lighting
C) Irrigation water
D) Soil amendment
Answer: C
Explanation: Xeriscaping uses drought‑tolerant plants and efficient design to minimize irrigation
requirements.
**Question 11. Which indoor pollutant is most directly associated with off‑gassing from new
building materials?**
A) Radon
B) Carbon monoxide
C) Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
D) Ozone
Answer: C
Explanation: VOCs are emitted from paints, adhesives, and sealants, especially shortly after
installation.
Review Guide
**Question 1. Which insulation material has the highest R‑value per inch?**
A) Fiberglass batts
B) Cellulose blown‑in
C) Closed‑cell spray foam
D) Rigid foam board
Answer: C
Explanation: Closed‑cell spray foam provides roughly R‑6 to R‑7 per inch, higher than fiberglass
(R‑3.2), cellulose (R‑3.5), and most rigid foam boards.
**Question 2. In a high‑performance home, what is the primary purpose of air sealing the
building envelope?**
A) To increase structural strength
B) To reduce uncontrolled air infiltration and exfiltration
C) To improve acoustic privacy
D) To enhance natural daylighting
Answer: B
Explanation: Air sealing minimizes unwanted air movement, which reduces heating and cooling
loads and improves energy efficiency.
**Question 3. Which of the following best describes a thermal bridge?**
A) A location where insulation is thicker than surrounding areas
B) A continuous path of high conductivity material that bypasses insulation
C) A window with a low U‑factor
D) An HVAC duct that is insulated
Answer: B
, [GD] Green Designation Certification
Review Guide
Explanation: Thermal bridges are conductive paths (e.g., studs, steel connectors) that allow heat
to bypass insulation, increasing heat loss.
**Question 4. A window with a low Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) is most beneficial in
which climate?**
A) Cold, heating‑dominant climate
B) Hot, cooling‑dominant climate
C) Mixed‑mode climate
D) Desert climate with high diurnal swings
Answer: B
Explanation: Low SHGC reduces solar heat entering the building, which is desirable in hot
climates to limit cooling loads.
**Question 5. Low‑E glass primarily improves which performance metric?**
A) Structural integrity
B) Sound transmission class (STC)
C) Thermal performance by reducing heat loss in winter and gain in summer
D) Air infiltration rate
Answer: C
Explanation: Low‑emissivity coatings reflect infrared radiation, improving the window’s
insulating properties.
**Question 6. Which HVAC system type can provide both heating and cooling while achieving a
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) of 20 or higher?**
A) Conventional electric resistance furnace
B) High‑efficiency gas furnace with a standard air conditioner
, [GD] Green Designation Certification
Review Guide
C) Variable‑speed heat pump
D) Single‑stage oil furnace
Answer: C
Explanation: Modern variable‑speed heat pumps can reach SEER ratings of 20+, delivering
efficient cooling and heating.
**Question 7. An Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV) differs from a Heat Recovery Ventilator
(HRV) by:**
A) Transferring both sensible heat and latent moisture
B) Only transferring sensible heat
C) Operating only in winter
D) Using a refrigerant loop for heat exchange
Answer: A
Explanation: ERVs exchange both heat and moisture, which helps control indoor humidity while
recovering energy.
**Question 8. Which fixture typically uses the least water per use?**
A) Standard 2.5‑gallon per flush (GPF) toilet
B) Dual‑flush toilet (1.6 GPF full, 0.8 GPF reduced)
C) Low‑flow showerhead (2.0 gpm)
D) Faucet aerator (0.5 gpm)
Answer: B
Explanation: Dual‑flush toilets allow a reduced‑flush option, cutting water use more than
standard fixtures.
**Question 9. Greywater systems are most commonly used for:**
, [GD] Green Designation Certification
Review Guide
A) Drinking water supply
B) Irrigation and toilet flushing
C) Heating domestic water
D) Fire suppression
Answer: B
Explanation: Greywater, reclaimed from showers and sinks, is typically redirected for irrigation
or toilet use.
**Question 10. Xeriscaping primarily reduces the need for:**
A) Fertilizer application
B) Landscape lighting
C) Irrigation water
D) Soil amendment
Answer: C
Explanation: Xeriscaping uses drought‑tolerant plants and efficient design to minimize irrigation
requirements.
**Question 11. Which indoor pollutant is most directly associated with off‑gassing from new
building materials?**
A) Radon
B) Carbon monoxide
C) Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
D) Ozone
Answer: C
Explanation: VOCs are emitted from paints, adhesives, and sealants, especially shortly after
installation.
