Multiple Choice Questions samples
What is the main goal of the circular economy? a) Increase product consumption
b) Promote single-use plastics
c) Eliminate waste and keep resources in use
d) Maximize extraction of virgin resources
Which of the following is an example of a renewable resource?
a) Coal
b) Natural gas
c) Solar energy
d) Aluminium
The principle of biomimicry in design is best described as:
a) Mimicking human architecture
b) Copying ancient building styles
c) Drawing inspiration from nature's systems
d) Using animal skins in design
Which SDG is most aligned with responsible production and consumption?
a) Goal 3
b) Goal 7
c) Goal 12
d) Goal 17
What is a key characteristic of passive design?
a) Relies heavily on air conditioning
b) Uses only artificial lighting
c) Optimises natural light and ventilation
d) Requires mechanical ventilation
Which city is known for integrating green infrastructure and public transport effectively?
a) Las Vegas
b) Curitiba
c) New Delhi
d) London
What does “closing the loop” refer to in sustainability?
a) Completing a construction cycle
b) Eliminating middlemen in supply chains
c) Ensuring materials are reused or recycled continuously
d) Restricting product distribution
What is a cradle-to-cradle approach in materials?
a) Designing for landfill disposal
b) Planning for product failure
c) Creating products that can be perpetually recycled
d) Designing only for children
What does the term overfishing imply?
a) Fish farming in excess
b) Exporting too many fish
c) Harvesting fish faster than they can replenish
d) Importing unsustainable seafood
The Green Building Rating System that focuses on net-zero and regenerative practices
is:
a) ISO 9001
b) BREEAM
c) LEED
d) Living Building Challenge
Short Answer Questions Samples
1. Explain how digital fabrication supports sustainability. Include examples.
2. What is the significance of community involvement in sustainability initiatives?
Illustrate with a case study.
3. Describe the relationship between food systems and transportation. Why is this
interconnection important for sustainability?
4. Define biophilic design and discuss its benefits for urban environments.
5. Differentiate between finite and renewable resources with relevant examples.
6. How can design influence ethical and social responsibility in sustainability?
7. Explain the concept of life cycle thinking in the context of product design.
8. Discuss three additional “Rs” beyond Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle, with examples.
9. What role does policy play in promoting sustainable systems? Refer to any Indian or
international policy.
10.Describe the importance of urban green spaces in building resilient cities.
Long Answer Questions Samples
1. How can design play a transformative role in achieving the UN Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs)?
- Discuss with examples of design projects that contribute to at least three SDGs.
2. Examine the principles and applications of the circular economy in product and
system design.
- Include examples of businesses or cities implementing circular strategies.
3. Analyse the environmental, economic, and social impacts of material lifecycles.
- Support your response with a case study of a material/product from extraction to
disposal or recycling.
4. Evaluate how innovation and emerging technologies (such as AI, IoT, and digital
fabrication) are reshaping sustainable systems.
- Use examples from architecture, urban design, or product development.
5. Discuss the importance of community engagement and collaboration in successful
sustainability initiatives.
- Use at least two case studies to highlight key strategies and outcomes.
6. Explore the concept of nature-based solutions and their role in addressing urban
sustainability challenges.
- Provide case studies that show how integrating natural systems improves resilience
and liveability.
7. Compare and contrast linear and circular economic models.
- Use diagrams and examples to explain how design decisions differ between these
two systems.
8. Critically assess the role of policy and governance in implementing sustainability
practices at the local and global level.
- Refer to specific frameworks like the Paris Agreement, NAPCC, or European Green
Deal.
9. Discuss the ethical considerations in design with respect to sustainability.
- Explain how designers can integrate social responsibility into their process, citing
relevant examples (e.g., Fairphone, OLPC).
10.Apply systems thinking to propose a sustainable redesign of an everyday system (e.g.,
transportation, food delivery, water usage).
- Detail the interconnections, stakeholders, and strategies that would improve
environmental and social outcomes.