BSS511S - BUILDING SERVICES - 1ST OPP - JUNE 2025


BSS511S - BUILDING SERVICES - 1ST OPP - JUNE 2025



1 Page 1

▲back to top


n Am I BI A u n IVER s I TY
OF SCIEnCE Ano TECHnOLOGY
FACULTYOF ENGINEERINGAND THEBUILTENVIRONMENT
DEPARTMENTOF LANDAND SPATIALSCIENCES
QUALIFICATION(S):
DIPLOMA IN PROPERTYSTUDIES and BACHELOROF PROPERTYSTUDIES
QUALIFICATION(SC) ODE:
NQF LEVEL:5
06DIPS, 08BOPS
COURSECODE: BSS511S
COURSENAME: Building Servfces
DATE:June 2025
PAPER:THEORY
DURATION:3 HOURS
MARKS: 100
EXAMINER
FIRSTOPPORTUNITYEXAMINATIONQUESTIONPAPER
Mrs ElinaTeodol
MODERATOR:
Mr Verinjaerako Kangotue
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Read the entire question paper before answering the Questions.
2. Please write clearly and legibly I
3. The question paper contains a total of 4 questions.
4. You must answer ALLQUESTIONS.
5. Make sure your Student Number is on the EXAMINATION BOOK(S).
PERMISSIBLEMATERIALS
1. Non-programmable Scientific Calculator
THISQUESTION PAPERCONSISTSOF 8 PAGES(Including this front page)

2 Page 2

▲back to top


Building Services
8S5511S
Question 1
Choose the correct answer for each of the following multiple-choice questions. Each correct answer carries 1
mark.
1.1 What feature in The EdgeAmsterdam building tracks occupancy and adjusts building settings
automatically?
A) Infrared sensors only
B) RFID-basedaccesssystems
C) Digital ceiling with motion and environment sensors
D) Time-scheduled HVAC units
1.2 What is the primary role of a Building Management System (BMS)?
A) Security surveillance
B) Manage building aesthetics
C) Monitor and manage building's mechanical and electrical equipment
D) Exclusively control the building's lighting systems
1.3 Which of the following certification is NOT used for sustainable buildings?
A) ISO9001
B) BREEAM
C) LEED
D) Green Star
1.4 Which of the following best describes a Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF)system?
A) A system using chilled beams to regulate temperature
B) A zoned HVACsystem adjusting refrigerant flow based on demand
C)A single-unit HVACsystem for small offices
D) A passive cooling system without mechanical components
1.5 What does the integration of sustainable design in building construction aim to minimize?
A) Initial construction costs
B) Energy use
C) Building height restrictions
D) Time required for construction
First Opportunity Question Paper
Page 2 of 8
June 2025

3 Page 3

▲back to top


Building Services
B5S511S
1.6 A new office building has consistently experienced power outages and flickering lights. What is the
most likely issue to investigate first?
A) Inadequate plumbing systems
B) Overloaded electrical circuits
C) Faulty HVACsystems
D) Inefficient building insulation
1.7 What is the benefit of daylight harvesting in a BMS system?
A. Prevent light pollution
B. Eliminate the use of artificial lighting
C. Automatically adjust lighting to reduce energy use
D. Increase heating load in winter
1.8 A hospital is planning to improve its air quality to prevent the spread of infections (capture microscopic
airborne particles). Which feature should be prioritized?
A) Increased natural ventilation
B) Installation of HEPAfilters in the HVACsystem
C)Adding more air conditioning units
D) Reducing the number of air exchanges per hour
1.9 A building manager wants to reduce energy costs using the existing BMS. Which strategy should be
implemented first?
A) Increase the setpoint temperature for air conditioning
B) Implement occupancy-based lighting control
C) Replace all lighting with LEDlamps immediately
D) Install additional sensors for better data collection
1.10 A design team is aiming for a high LEEDcertification for a new commercial building. What sustainable
design element is essential to achieve this?
A) State-of-the-art gym facilities
B) High-performance building envelope
C) Luxury finishes in interior design
D) Use of exotic building materials
First Opportunity Question Paper
Page 3 of 8
June 2025

4 Page 4

▲back to top


Building Services
B5S511S
1.11 During a summer heatwave, a newly constructed office building reports significantly higher
temperatures on the top floor compared to lower floors. What could be a primary factor in this issue?
A) Insufficient roof insulation
B) Inadequate window shading on the top floor
C) Faulty fire alarm systems
D) Inefficient plumbing systems
1.12 A project manager must choose a heating system for a large, open-plan office building in a cold
climate. Which system would provide the most consistent heat distribution and energy efficiency?
A) Portable electric heaters placed strategically around the office
B) Radiant floor heating systems throughout the office space
C)Centralized forced air heating with few ducts
D) Individual space heaters at each workstation
1.13 An architect is designing a building in a high-density urban area with limited access to natural light.
Which strategy should be prioritized to enhance indoor environmental quality?
A) Incorporation of a central atrium with skylights
B) Use of dark, heat-absorbing exterior materials
C) Installation of small, tinted windows
D) Reduction of communal space to increase window surface area per office
1.14 Which technology would best improve energy efficiency in a building where employees complain
about varying temperatures and drafts?
A) Standard thermostats placed in every room
B) High-volume low-speed (HVLS)fans in central locations
C)Zoned HVACsystems with smart thermostats
D) Increased use of space heaters in colder areas
1.15 In a renovation project for an old building, which update would most significantly improve
sustainability and energy efficiency?
A) Replacing all existing windows with triple-glazed windows
B) Applying a new coat of paint to all exterior walls
C) Installing new carpeting throughout the building
D) Upgrading the aesthetic design of the fa~ade
First Opportunity Question Paper
Page 4 of 8
June 2025

5 Page 5

▲back to top


Building Services
B5S511S
1.16 A building is being designed in a tropical climate. Which feature is crucial to minimize heat gain and
reduce cooling loads?
A) Deep window overhangs and shaded facades
B) Extensive use of glass walls for natural light
C) High ceilings with no fans
D) Closed spaces with minimal windows
1.17 A facility manager is tasked with reducing water consumption in a corporate building. Which initiative
should be implemented first?
A) Installation of water-efficient toilets and urinals
B) Increase the price of bottled water in the cafeteria
C) Ban on personal water bottles
D) Reduce the operating hours of the building's water fountains
1.18 For a building located in an earthquake-prone area, which engineering solution is essential to enhance
safety and durability?
A) Lightweight roofing materials
B) Earthquake-resistant structural design
C) Increased use of glass in exterior design
D) Installation of traditional HVACsystems
1.19 What is the primary benefit of integrating smart meters and energy management systems in building
operations?
A) They reduce the need for manual security systems.
B)They provide real-time data to optimize energy usageand cost.
C)They eliminate the need for any HVACsystems.
D) They decrease the importance of interior design.
1.20 A developer wants to ensure that a new residential complex adheres to sustainability standards. Which
certification should the building aim to obtain?
A) ISO9001 Quality Management
B) BREEAMor LEEDEnvironmental Design
C) Six Sigma Efficiency Standards
D) FDA Health Compliance
[20)
First Opportunity Question Paper
Page 5 of 8
June 2025

6 Page 6

▲back to top


Building Services
Question 2
2.1 Define Building Services and explain their purpose in a commercial facility.
2.2 List any four (4) components in building controlled by a BMS.
2.3 Explain two (2) benefits of green building certification.
2.4 How does the "hot-desking" model at The Edge contribute to sustainability?
2.5 What are the three functions of a security system in a building?
2.6 Distinguish between the following terms as used in building services.
i) Variable Refrigerant flow and Central HVACsystems
ii) Green Energy and Renewable Energy
iii) Greywater and black water systems in buildings
B5S5115
(2)
(2)
(2)
(3)
(3)
(4)
(4)
(4)
[24)
Question3
CaseStudy:FNBHoldings@Parkside,Windhoek
Overview:
FNB Holdings @Parkside is one of Namibia's pioneering smart buildings, showcasing cutting-edge sustainable
building practices. Certified by the Green Building Council of South Africa with a 6-star Green Star rating, the
building integrates solar PV systems, rainwater harvesting, smart lighting, and a building management
system (BMS).
Usethe HypotheticalData provided below to perform all calculations:
EnergyGenerated: 950,000 kWh/year
EnergyConsumed:700,000 kWh/year
First Opportunity Question Paper
Page6of8
June 2025

7 Page 7

▲back to top


Building Services
ConventionalBuildingEnergyConsumption:1,400,000 kWh/year
Rainwater Used:280,000 litres/year
ConventionalWater Consumption:560,000 litres/year
LightingEnergyBefore LEDIntegration: 180,000 kWh/year
LightingEnergyAfter LEDIntegration: 110,000 kWh/year
B5S511S
3.1 Energy Efficiency Analysis
i) Calculate the net energy surplus of FNBHoldings based on the energy generated and consumed.
(4)
ii) Compare the energy efficiency of FNBHoldingswith a conventional building using the provided
data.
(2)
iii) Calculate the percentage energy savingsachieved by FNBHoldings over the conventional
building.
(4)
iv) Draw a bar chart to compare the energy consumption of the FNB Holdings and a conventional
building and clearly label the chart. Provide a brief discussion under the chart explaining what
the chart demonstrates and any insights it provides into the FNB'ssustainability and efficiency
practices.
(4)
3.2 Water Management Analysis
i) Analyse the effectiveness of the rainwater harvesting system at FNB Holdings by calculating the
percentage of water saved compared to a conventional building. Use the given data to support
your calculation.
(4)
ii) Draw a pie chart to illustrate the water usage at FNB Holdings, showing the proportion of
rainwater used versus potable water.
(4)
3.3 Amart Building System Impact Analysis
i) Calculate the percentage reduction in energy consumption for lighting before and after the
integration of LEDlighting and smart controls.
(3)
ii) Discusshow smart building systems (like automated lighting and climate control) can enhance
overall building efficiency. Support your answer with calculations from the provided data. (4)
First Opportunity Question Paper
Page 7 of 8
June 2025

8 Page 8

▲back to top


Building Services
BSS511S
iii) Draw a bar chart to show the reduction in lighting energy consumption before and after the
integration of LEDand smart controls.
(3)
[32)
Question4
4.1 A commercial building integrates a BMSwith HVACzoning and occupancy-based lighting. Evaluate how
these features contribute to energy efficiency and cost savings.
(4)
4.2 A building has 100 lights rated at 15W. If they are switched on for 8 hours a day, calculate the monthly
energy consumption in kWh.
(4)
4.3 A new HVACsystem claims to save 35% of energy compared to a traditional system that uses 10,000
kWh/month. Calculate the energy saved per year.
(4)
4.4 A BMStracks temperature anomalies every 5 minutes. If an HVACfault is detected within 20 minutes,
how many readings were likely taken?
(2)
4.5 The Edgeuses 28,000 sensors. Discussthe implications for data-driven building management.
(3)
4.6 The Nedbank HQ in Namibia uses 47% fly ash in cement. Explain two environmental benefits of this
practice.
(2)
4.7 Calculate water savings if a rainwater harvesting system saves 500 litres/day. Estimate monthly
savings.
(2)
4.8 Using examples, distinguish between passive and active sustainable design features.
(3)
[24)
First Opportunity Question Paper
Page 8 of 8
June 2025