(2019·贵阳摸底考试)Pollution's serious effects on the environment have become more obvious in recent years.Most scientists agree that efforts are necessary to protect our environment from further harm.
As we know，the construction industry consumes a large quantity of energy and resources and creates a huge amount of pollution.So green buildings are in great need.
The environmental benefits of green buildings include the protection of ecosystems and biodiversity(生物多样性)，improved air and water quality，less waste flowing into streams and the protection 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 houses includes technical and artistic planning with nature protection 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(使减少到最低限度) human effects 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 expenses are needed for larger buildings as well，so it is important to build the small ones.
Green roofs are another feature of green houses that reduce energy use and costs.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 protection，recycling and waste reduction.In addition，renewable energy sources such as solar power，waterpower and wind power are used for heat and electricity，which greatly reduces costs and decreases the influence on the environment.
【语篇解读】 本文主要介绍了绿色建筑的优势和特色。
1．What can we know about green buildings?
A．Producing no waste.
B．Only using clean energy.
C．Being made of new materials.
D．Being environmentfriendly.
D [推理判断题。根据对全文的整体理解特别是第三段的内容可推知，绿色建筑整体上是环保的，故选D。]
2．What is a green building probably like according to the fifth paragraph?
A．Large. B．Small.
C．Green. D．Low.
B [细节理解题。根据第五段最后一句“More energy and expenses are needed for larger building as well，so it is important to build the small ones”可推知，绿色建筑应该倾向于小型建筑，而非高楼大厦，故选B。]
3．What is the purpose of using green roofs?
A．To fit the environment.
B．To keep warm.
C．To collect nature water.
D．To reduce costs.
D [细节理解题。根据倒数第二段中的“Green roofs are another feature of green houses that reduce energy use and costs”可知，绿色屋顶可以降低能源使用和成本，故选D。]
4．What is the text mainly about?
A．Promoting energy efficiency.
B．Environmental benefits.
C．Green buildings.
D．Ecosystems and biodiversity.
C [主旨大意题。根据文章的关键词“green buildings”和对全文的整体理解可推知，本文主要讲的是绿色建筑，故选C。]
