23-CS-3 Sustainability, Engineering and the Environment · May 2014
Nivaar worked solution (AI-drafted; not reviewed by a licensed engineer)
National Exams — May 2014 — 11-CS-3 Sustainability, Engineering and the Environment. Closed book; approved calculator permitted. Any four questions constitute a complete paper; all questions are of equal value (25 marks each).
Question text not reproduced: the examination questions are © Engineers and Geoscientists BC. Open the official past paper (linked at the top of this page) to read the question, then follow the worked solution below.
| Technology | Land requirement | Cost | Noise | Emissions | Safety concerns |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solar PV | Medium–high | Medium | Low | Low | Low (electrical; toxic manufacturing materials) |
| Wind | Low footprint / high spacing | Low–medium | Medium | Low | Medium (blade/ice throw, birds/bats) |
| Hydroelectric | High (reservoir) | Low (after build) | Low | Low | Medium–high (dam failure) |
| Geothermal (heating) | Low | Medium | Low | Low | Low (drilling) |
| Biofuel (liquid) | High (cropland) | Medium | Low | Medium | Medium (flammable; food-vs-fuel) |
Solar PV: needs sizeable panel area (medium–high), though rooftops reuse space; medium (falling) cost; silent; near-zero operating emissions but toxic manufacturing solvents and panel end-of-life; low risk beyond electrical. Wind: small ground footprint but wide spacing; low–medium cost; audible aerodynamic noise (medium near homes); near-zero operating emissions; safety risks of ice/blade throw and wildlife strikes. Hydroelectric: reservoirs flood large areas (high); very low operating cost; quiet; low emissions (some reservoir methane); dominant risk is dam failure. Geothermal heating: small footprint; medium cost (drilling); quiet; very low emissions; low risk. Liquid biofuel: large cropland demand (high) competing with food; medium cost; low noise; only moderately clean (combustion CO₂ plus farming emissions); flammability and food-vs-fuel concerns.
