A
Given the recent interest in green buildings in the media, let's think differently. Instead of focusing on increasing the supply of energy, what if we focus on reducing demand?
Can we start with ending the open-door practice of street-front shops? While cool air from these shops is refreshing to walkers, it carries a cost. Energy is used in the air conditioning process.
So it must be possible to look for changes to encourage more energy-saving designs. For instance, if we fix ceiling fans, air-conditioning homes could surely be avoided for part of the year. Ceiling fans(吊扇)will use far less energy if ceiling fans are fixed.
In homes built under the small-house policy in New Territories, the ceiling may be too low for ceiling fans. If the 9-meter building height rules were relaxed, ceiling fans could be fixed to reduce energy use. Present thinking in sustainable(可持续的)building design and operation needs integrated(协调统一的)design. that is, bring together all parties to create a building with better performance that achieves energy reduction.
For integrated design to succeed, all parties must come together and think beyond each person's circle of influence. Better solutions are impossible to avoid with integrated design. Buildings would no longer be engineered after the basic architecture(建筑)was built. Positive project outcomes may include reduced air-conditioning load, reduced power use for electric lighting. and a reduction in the amount of materials used.
We need to ask if we are ready to look beyond our own small circles and seek an improved approach to building design. By that I mean an integrated design resulting in more environmental buildings.
21. What's the author's attitude towards the open-door practice of the street shops?
A. Supportive. B. Optimistic. C. Disapproving. D. Uncaring.
22. Why does the author suggest fixing ceiling fans?
A. To help reduce energy use.
B. To follow an old practice.
C. To completely replace air conditioners.
D. To help cut down on daily costs.
23. What can be the best title for the text?
A. Waste less, live better
B. Green buildings call for integrated design
C. How to reduce the energy cost
D. Goodbye, air conditioning
