Prime Time 7/8, Language in Use, Arbeitsheft

“Passive houses” vs. “Active houses” Houses are stationary objects, so using terms like “passive” and “active” to describe them initially seems a little odd. These terms actually refer to design strategies that create comfort for occupants while drastically cutting down on energy use. Passive strategies take advantage of nature – specifically the sun and wind – to achieve comfort. This approach builds on traditional methods that have been used in residential design for centuries. Active houses follow passive design techniques but take them to the next level by producing their own energy. a) Passive houses and active houses possess certain distinguishing features. First, have a look at the keywords below and fill in the suitable words into the gaps in the middle column. 4 moisture site stale windows absorb climates expensive insulated loss low Category “Passive” housing “Active” housing location site (1) orientation: a home should be positioned to take advantage of the path of the sun building materials properly (2) walls and roofs that (3) heat from the sun and warm the house at night triple-pane (4) to prevent heat (5) or gain technology heat-recovery system exchanges (6) for fresh air and eliminates mould-causing (7) quite (8) -tech: no need for air conditioner or furnace quite high-tech: computer system regulates, monitors, and adjusts power use costs approximately 10% more (9) to construct than conventional house possible problems strategies might not work in all (10) b) Go online and find out which features apply to active houses. Write them into the right-hand column. c) Write sentences that contrast the two ideas. Use words and phrases from below. although • as a consequence • as well as • besides • even though • for this reason • furthermore • however • in addition • in spite of • moreover • nevertheless • not only … but also • on the contrary • on the one hand … on the other hand • therefore • whereas 63 12 Saving the planet Nur zu Prüfzwecken – Eigentum des Verlags öbv