CLARB CLARB Environmental Systems and Sustainability Questions and Answers 2

Question 1

What does 'carbon sequestration' mean in the context of landscape architecture?

Accepted Answer

The capture and long-term storage of atmospheric carbon dioxide in vegetation biomass and soil

Answer

The release of carbon dioxide from decomposing plant material and soil

Answer

The measurement and reporting of carbon emissions from construction activities

Answer

The specification of carbon-neutral building materials in landscape projects

Question 2

What is a 'wildlife corridor' in landscape planning and design?

Accepted Answer

A connected strip of natural habitat that allows animal movement between larger isolated natural areas

Answer

A designated maintenance access path through a planted area

Answer

A fenced enclosure that protects sensitive plant communities from deer browse

Answer

A required buffer strip around jurisdictional wetlands

Question 3

What is the primary environmental benefit of specifying permeable pavement in a landscape design?

Accepted Answer

Allowing stormwater to infiltrate into the ground, reducing runoff and recharging groundwater

Answer

Significantly reducing construction costs over conventional paving

Answer

Providing a softer, more comfortable surface for pedestrian use

Answer

Completely eliminating the need for any subsurface drainage infrastructure

Question 4

In ecological restoration practice, what does the term 'reference ecosystem' mean?

Accepted Answer

A relatively undisturbed natural plant community used as a model for restoration goals

Answer

A curated database of endangered and threatened plant species lists

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A previously restored site used for long-term performance comparison

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A laboratory-cultivated plant community grown for restoration stock

Question 5

Which of the following best describes 'integrated pest management' (IPM) in landscape maintenance?

Accepted Answer

A systematic approach combining biological, cultural, mechanical, and targeted chemical controls to minimize pest damage with least environmental impact

Answer

A policy that eliminates all pesticide use under any circumstance

Answer

An approach relying exclusively on chemical pesticides to eliminate all pest populations

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A strategy that removes all plant species susceptible to common pests

Question 6

What does the SITES (Sustainable Sites Initiative) rating system primarily evaluate in landscape projects?

Accepted Answer

The ecological performance of landscape and land development projects independent of buildings

Answer

Indoor environmental quality and occupant comfort

Answer

Structural integrity of landscape hardscape elements

Answer

Energy consumption of landscape irrigation and lighting systems only