Which term describes failures of power and environmental infrastructure like HVAC systems?

• A. Environmental
• B. Physical
• C. Technical
• D. Operational

Answer: (A)

Environmental risks cover failures in the physical surroundings and utilities that keep systems running, such as power supplies and climate controls like HVAC. When power or environmental systems fail, it can take down equipment and disrupt operations, even if the devices themselves aren’t broken. This category specifically addresses conditions in the environment—temperature, humidity, power reliability, water leaks, and similar factors—that threaten availability and safety.

Physical would focus more on the tangible assets themselves, not the surrounding conditions. Technical deals with software, hardware vulnerabilities, and cyber-technical issues. Operational concerns relate to people, processes, and procedures. So the scenario described—failures of power and environmental infrastructure—fits environmental best.