(2020·宁夏银川一中高三第一次月考)Pollution's disastrous effects on the environment have become more obvious in recent years, leading to a movement to promote energy efficiency, less reliance on fossil fuels and a reduction in air and water pollution.Most scientists agree that such changes are necessary to protect our environment from further harm.
The construction industry consumes a large quantity of energy and resources and creates a huge amount of pollution.In the United States, building and development account for 39 percent of the country's total energy use, 12 percent of total water consumption, 68 percent of total electricity consumption and 38 percent of carbon dioxide emissions, according to the Environment Protection Agency.
Green buildings use less energy, water, create less waste and are healthier to live, work and go to school in than standard buildings.Builders of green buildings use techniques that use resources more efficiently during the entire building cycle — construction, restoration, operation, maintenance (维护) and demolition (拆毁) — than those who construct more regular buildings.
The environmental benefits of building green include the protection of ecosystems and biodiversity, improved air and water quality, less waste flowing into streams and the conservation of natural resources.Green buildings can also result in lower operating costs because they typically use less energy and fewer materials and improve indoor air quality, improving the health of people who live there.
The process of building green includes technical and artistic planning with nature conservation in mind.Building designs often reflect the surrounding environment and natural resources and use renewable building materials such as bamboo and straw.In addition, recycled resources found locally are used for green buildings, reducing the cost and air pollution associated with transporting materials long distances.
Careful site selection is important to minimize (最小化) human impact on the surrounding environment.For example, placing a structure in an area that allows it to take advantage of cool breezes (微风) and sunlight can reduce energy use and expenses.More energy and expense are needed for larger buildings as well, so it is important to build small.
Green roofs are another feature of green houses that reduce energy use and cost.These roofs are partially or completely covered with plants, which helps to keep heating and cooling costs low, prevent water running off and deal with pollutants.
Other features of green buildings often include energy and water conservation, recycling and waste reduction.In addition, renewable energy sources such as solar power, hydropower (水能) and wind power are used for heat and electricity, which greatly reduces costs and decreases the impact on the environment.
语篇解读：本文是一篇说明文。文章主要介绍了绿色建筑的优势和特色，呼吁人们建设这样的绿色建筑。
8．What is the text mainly about?
A．The necessity of promoting energy efficiency.
B．The process of building green buildings.
C．Green buildings' effects on the environment.
D．The benefits and features of green buildings.
解析：选D　主旨大意题。根据全文可知，本文主要介绍了绿色建筑的优势和特色。故选D。
9．According to the text, green buildings refer to the buildings that ______.
A．use energy and resources more efficiently
B．only use clean energy
C．are made of recycled materials
D．produce no waste
解析：选A　细节理解题。根据第三段“Builders of green buildings use techniques that use resources more efficiently during the entire building cycle — construction, restoration, operation, maintenance (维护) and demolition (拆毁) — than those who construct more regular buildings.”可知，绿色建筑指的是更有效地利用能源和资源的建筑物。故选A。
10．Which of the following statements is TRUE about green buildings?
A．They rely on fossil fuels and solar power for heat and electricity.
B．Small buildings are less efficient in energy use than larger ones.
C．The ecosystem has to be considered when building a green building.
D．They are difficult to maintain and thus need more operating costs.
解析：选C　细节理解题。根据第四段“The environmental benefits of building green include the protection of ecosystems and biodiversity, improved air and water quality, less waste flowing into streams and the conservation of natural resources.”可知，建造绿色建筑时必须考虑生态系统。故选C。
11．Green roofs are used because ________.
A．they fit the surrounding environment well
B．they can help to control the temperature in the building well
C．they can keep natural water for use in everyday life
D．they are cheaper than other kinds of roofs
解析：选B　细节理解题。根据倒数第二段“These roofs are partially or completely covered with plants, which helps to keep heating and cooling costs low, prevent water running off and deal with pollutants.”可知，他们可以帮助控制大楼里的温度。故选B。