Question 1
Show Answer Legend
If a project is not located near mass transit, what might the team do to help reduce automobile
use for LEED certification?
A Provide a shuttle to mass transit
B Require employees to use mass transit
C Nothing can be done
D Petition community board for additional transit lines
Notes:
Providing a shuttle to mass transit when it is not within convenient distance of the project is a
recommended strategy in LEED. Petitioning may or may not be successful. Telecommuting
would be another option.
Question 2
Show Answer Legend
What percentage of waste does construction and demolition debris contribute to landfills each
year in the United States?
A 20%
B 50%
C 40%
D 30%
Notes:
Reference: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (1997). U.S. EPA Characterization of
Building-Related Construction and Demolition Debris in the United States
There are conflicting definitions/values for this data.
The USGBC Core Concepts Guide states buildings account for 30% of waste output.
The USGBC Reference Guides state construction and demolition debris make up 40% of the
solid waste stream in the United States.
The EPA estimates that 136 million tons of construction and demolition debris was generated in
the U.S. in a single year. Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (1997). U.S. EPA
Characterization of Building-Related Construction and Demolition Debris in the United States.
The EPA estimates 210 million tons of municipal solid waste was generated in the same year.
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (1997). Characterization of Municipal Solid
Waste in the United States. Report No. EPA 530/R-98-007.
We go with 40% in this question because it comes from the LEED Reference Guides and uses
the same terminology in the question.
Question 3
What happens after the project registration fee is paid to GBCI?
Show Answer Legend
A The project team gains access to LEED Online
B The project will receive a certification plaque
C The project will have a Green Rater assigned to the project
D The project will receive pre-certification
Notes:
When a project registers and pays the registration fee, the team will have immediate access to
LEED Online, LEED project tools and resources and will be entered into the LEED project
database.
Green Raters are specific to LEED for Homes.
Pre-certification is available only to LEED Core & Shell, not to every project.
Question 4
Show Answer Legend
What additional LEED certification could a building earn if the building has already earned
LEED Core & Shell?
A LEED Building Design & Construction (New Construction)
B LEED for Homes
C LEED Interior Design & Construction (Commercial Interiors)
D LEED Core & Shell post-certification
Notes:
LEED Core & Shell covers base building elements such as structure, envelope and the HVAC
system. Once a tenant has been established then additional certifications can be earned.
Question 5
What area would NOT be considered previously developed?
Show Answer Legend
A Wetland
B Site of an old barn
C Railroad yard
D Abandoned urban parking lot
Notes:
Reference: LEED for Homes Glossary
Previously developed land has pre-existing paving, construction, or significantly altered
landscapes. Land that has been altered and turned into a natural use such as agricultural,
forestry, or nature preservation does not count.
A wetland would not have a building on it, so it would not be considered previously developed.
Question 6
The Green Label Plus certification is used for what material?
Show Answer Legend
A Cleaning products
B Floors
C Carpets
D Wood
Notes:
Green Label Plus certified carpets have low VOC content.
Question 7
What needs to be included when providing bicycle storage for people?
Show Answer Legend
A Bicycle security
B Shared bicycles for employees to move between buildings
C Bicycle lanes for accessibility
D Car bike racks
Notes:
Bicycle racks, lockers, indoor/outdoor storage rooms must be secure. Showering facilities must
be provided for commercial projects.
Question 8
Show Answer Legend
What community issues are of primary importance for the project team to research?
A Local incentives, policies, and regulations that promote green design
B Local voting records on city sales and other taxes
C Requirements for parking spaces
D Building codes
E Availability of RECs
Notes:
See GBCI reference material Pre-Design Issues - TYPICAL GREEN BUILDING GUIDELINE
ISSUES
Voting records on taxes are not of primary importance.
RECs are not a community issue. They can be purchased from anywhere in the country
regardless of the project's location.
Question 9
Show Answer Legend
Sustainable design strategies are effectively implemented only by using a:
A Incremental approach
B Whole building approach
C Conventional approach
D Flexible approach
Notes:
By taking into consideration the building site, the building structure, all of the systems, and the
use of the building, the project team applies a 'whole building' approach.
While the LEED Rating System is flexible and independent, effective sustainable design
strategies rely on a whole building approach, not a part or incremental approach.
Question 10
What is the function of the ozone layer?
Show Answer Legend
A Protects the earth from solar wind
B Prevents smog creation
C Keeps the earth's atmosphere warm
D Absorbs ultraviolet light
Notes:
The ozone layer absorbs 97-99% of the sun's high frequency ultraviolet light-light that is
potentially damaging to life on earth. Source: NASA.
Show Answer Legend
Question 11
What are the results of incorporating green measures through a comprehensive,
holistic design?
A Shorter schedules
B Longer schedules
C Credit synergies
D Cost savings
Notes:
Synergies among credits and sustainability goals yield a successful whole building
design.
Question 12
Show Answer Legend
What is the most environmentally appropriate water to use for flushing a toilet?
A Water from the municipal supply
B Graywater
C Blackwater
D Well water
Notes:
Graywater is water from laundry machines or showers that is not suitable for
drinking, but can be used for other purposes such as irrigation and flushing toilets.
Graywater is defined by the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPS) as untreated house-hold
wastewater which has not come into contact with toilet waste or kitchen sinks.
Some states and local codes have their own definitions.
Question 13
Show Answer Legend
The EPA Act of 1992 does NOT address what type of water consuming devices?
A Cooling towers
B Kitchen faucets
C Boilers
D Urinals
Notes:
References: EPA Act of 1992, 2005
The EPA Act covers flow rates of showers, faucets, and toilets.
Question 14
Show Answer Legend
What term refers to the investigation and valuation of the environmental impacts of
a given product or service caused or necessitated by its existence?
A Soft cost
B Life-cycle costing
C Life-cycle analysis
D Hard cost
E Durability analysis
Notes:
Life-cycle-analysis (LCA, also known as life cycle assessment, ecobalance, and
cradle-to-grave analysis) is the investigation and valuation of the environmental
impacts of a given product or service caused or necessitated by its existence.
Life cycle assessment evaluates a products 'environmental impact'. This differs
from life cycle costing evaluates a product's 'economic performance'.
Question 15
Show Answer Legend
Which of the following statements are true regarding regional priority credits
(RPCs)?
A RPCs are awarded for using local green power
B RPCs are not new credits; they are 'bonus points'
C RPCs can be earned by reducing automobile use
D RPCs are awarded for locating the project in urban areas
Notes:
Reference: RPC FAQ
Regional Priority Credits - these are bonus points for encouraging teams to attempt
LEED credits that address specific environmental priorities in the project's region.
Each zipcode in the U.S. has 6 LEED credits that are extra important to that
zipcode. A project that achieves one of those credits earns a bonus point, up to a
maximum of 4. Here is an example. In Georgia zipcode 30002 saving water is
important, because Georgia has had a lot of droughts lately.
See what is important in your zipcode here:
http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=1984
RPCs are not new credits; they are 'bonus points' for existing credits.
Pre-2009 rating systems are not eligible unless the project moves to the LEED 2009
rating system.
RPCs for international projects do not exist.
Question 16
Show Answer Legend
What is the average LEED certification fee for a project registered by a USGBC
member?
A $10,000
B $2,000
C $5,000
D $1,000
Notes:
Reference: USGBC's LEED FAQs:
http://www.usgbc.org/ShowFile.aspx?DocumentID=3330
LEED certification fees vary by project size but the average certification cost is
$2000.
New fees went into effect January, 2010 so over time the average should go up.
The current average is based on the thousands of existing buildings that were
already certified.
Question 17
Show Answer Legend
What is a density radius calculation used for?
A To define the area where basic services are located
B To measure any bus/rail line locations relative to the entrance of a building
C To define the project site area
D To define properties included in the development density calculation
Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System,
SS Credit 2
While not directly referenced in the requirements of Develop Density and
Community Connectivity, the density radius is used in the density calculations as is
applicable under exam objective II.A / II.B
The density radius calculation is used to draw a circle around the project plan and
identify properties within or intersecting that radius. Those properties must be
factored into the development density calculation for certain credits.
Question 18
Show Answer Legend
USGBC was organized and then LEED was created because the green building
industry lacked which important factor?
A An oversight organization to bring together all parts of the green building industry
B A certification award to encourage interest in the real estate industry
C A system and organization to spread green building information
D A standard measurement and definition of green building
Notes:
According to referenced material, the EBOM introduction, after the formation of the
USGBC, the members realized that the sustainable design industry needed a
system to define and measure green building.
Question 19
Show Answer Legend
How is environmental performance of a building evaluated through the use of
LEED?
A Through the amount of energy reduction
B Throughout the building's life cycle
C Through a cradle-to-cradle analysis
D Through an integrated design approach
Notes:
Reference: LEED for Existing Building Operations + Maintenance Introduction,
under LEED Today
http://www.gbci.org/ShowFile.aspx?DocumentID=3664
LEED looks at the environmental performance of a building through the building's
entire life cycle, from pre-design until deconstruction.
An integrated design is used to design the greenest building possible while
considering the triple-bottom-line.
Energy reduction is only one factor in LEED. Site, water, materials, and the indoor
environment are the other factors.
Question 20
Show Answer Legend
Construction waste management should address what items?
A Deciding if comingled vs. separate recycling containers will be used
B Determining what sustainable materials will be used for construction
C Identifying where new materials will be purchased from
D Selecting products that have less packaging
Notes:
Construction waste management addresses diverting construction and demolition
debris from landfills. This can be done by recycling materials, donating materials to
charitable organizations, donating materials to salvage yards, etc. The end goal is
to keep the C&D debris out of landfills and incinerators. LEED awards credit for
diverting certain percentages of C&D debris from the waste stream. For New
Construction projects must divert 50% of C&D debris from landfills/incinerators.
When materials are recycled as part of a construction waste management plan, the
project team needs to decide if comingled or separate recycling containers will be
used.
Identifying where new materials will be purchased from and what materials will be
used is part of selecting sustainable materials. The type of material and their costs
do not impact the construction waste management calculations.
Selecting products with less packaging does not reduce construction waste
diversion from the point of earning LEED credits for construction waste
management. Construction waste management points are earned when 50% or
more waste is diverted from landfills/incinerators. Consider the packaging for
product A that takes up 10 cubic feet and the packaging for product B that takes up
5 cubic feet. If the packaging for product A is half recycled and half sent to the
landfill, how much waste is diverted? 50%. If the packaging for product B is half
recycled and half sent to the landfill, how much waste is diverted? 50%. The
calculations are based on how much waste is diverted once the waste is on site. Not
how much waste is diverted while the product is being packaged.
Question 21
Which of the following are transient occupants?
Show Answer Legend
A Full time employees
B Shift workers
C College students in a classroom
D Part-time receptionists
E Shoppers
Notes:
Transient occupants are occupants that do not use facilities consistently and on a
regular or daily basis. Students, shoppers, and museum visitors are all types of
transient occupants.
Full-time equivalent (FTE) represents a regular building occupant in a project
building. An FTE of 1.0 means that the person is equivalent to a full-time worker,
while an FTE of 0.5 signals that the worker is only half-time.
Transient occupants, along with Full Time Equivalents, are used when calculating
reductions in water usage, and some alternative transportation credits.
Question 22
Show Answer Legend
A preliminary rating would NOT include what item?
A Completed LEED Score Card
B Credits that will be attempted
C Targeted LEED certification level
D Conceptual design
Notes:
The preliminary LEED rating would include three things:
1. The targeted LEED award level (Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum).
2. The credits that have been selected to meet the targeted award level.
3. A completed LEED Score Card to help determine the target certification level.
Question 23
Show Answer Legend
Which of the following is an example of a source control waste reduction strategy?
A Using comingled recycling
B Pre-ordering materials cut to size
C Reusing salvaged materials onsite
D Installing recycling bins onsite
Notes:
Reference: O&M Glossary
Source reduction is the first and best way to minimize waste. Source reduction
starts at the source-such as pre-ordering materials cut to size and choosing
modular construction, which generates less onsite waste.
Installing recycling bins, using salvaged materials, and comingled recycling does
not reduce waste at the source.
Question 24
Show Answer Legend
For the purposes of LEED certification, a project building includes all areas except:
A An occupied and operational building
B Shared parking structure on a neighboring property
C Parking lots
D The grounds around the building
Notes:
Reference: O&M Glossary
A project building is the real property, including an occupied and operational
building(s) and the associated grounds that is registered for and actively pursuing
LEED certification.
While it may seem correct to use the term 'project boundary' in the question
instead of 'project building', the O+M glossary uses the term 'Project Building' so
that is what we have used in the question.
Question 25
Show Answer Legend
Which is not a Minimum Program Requirement?
A Minimum building to site area ratio
B Minimum floor area
C Permanent building / space
D Uniform site boundary
Notes:
See gbci.org / Project Certification / Information and Policies / Minimum Program
Requirements
Question 26
Show Answer Legend
When should innovative techniques first be addressed for a LEED project?
A After the design phase is complete
B When products are ordered
C During the planning process
D Throughout the construction process as new ideas arise
Notes:
Reference: AIA Integrated Project Delivery
The point here is that ideas and changes should occur in the design phase when
they are least costly. Making a change during the construction phase can result in
cost overruns, schedule overruns, and negative impacts to the synergies of the
green building goals. Spend more time on design, and the construction will cost
less.
Question 27
Show Answer Legend
What strategy is effective at reducing potable water consumption indoors?
A Installing low-consumption flush fixtures and low-flow rate faucets
B Installing fixtures that meet the EPAct 1992 standard
C Increasing potable water demand
D Implementing cooling tower water management
Notes:
The intent of the water efficiency category is to reduce potable water demand, not
increase it.
Low-flow fixtures help reduce water potable water use indoors.
Cooling tower water management is part of process water reduction.
EPAct 1992 is the standard used to calculate baseline water usage, not the design
case. EPAct 1992 mandated the use of water conserving plumbing fixtures in
residential, commercial and industrial buildings.
The fixture and flow rates of EPAct 1992 are used to set the water use baseline for
a building. The design case must reduce water use 20% over the baseline. In order
to do this low flow fixtures must be used in the design, or replacing potable water
with graywater/stormwater. Think of the fixtures and flow rates of EPAct 1992 as
the worst case scenario.
Question 28
Show Answer Legend
Which of the following can reduce the volume of recycled materials sent to
recycling facilities?
A Purchasing materials with recycled content
B Reusing materials
C Installing recycling chutes
D Using comingled recycling
Notes:
To cut down on the volume of materials to be recycled reuse the materials instead
of recycling them. An example is reusing water bottles or keeping paper for scrap
paper instead of putting them in the recycle bins.
Question 29
Show Answer Legend
What should direct the activities of the design team from the pre-design stage
through all subsequent stages of the project?
A Plumbing codes
B Landscape design
C Refrigerant choice
D LEED Reference Guide
Notes:
Reference: Sustainable Building Technical Manual Part II
The LEED Reference Guide contains the environmental design guidelines the
integrated project team will need for the project.
Question 30
Show Answer Legend
On a project with older existing HVAC&R system that uses CFCs, what can the
project team do to earn LEED certification?
A Replace the CFCs with natural refrigerants
B Purchase RECs to offset the CFC use
C Purchase carbon credits
D Replace the CFCs with Halons
Notes:
The project team can replace or retrofit the existing system with one that is CFCfree, or agree to have a phase out plan that is completed 5 years after project
completion.
Question 31
Show Answer Legend
The project team will not meet the threshold requirements of a particular LEED
credit. What is the proper course of action that the team should take regarding this
credit?
A Apply for an exception
B Appeal the credit
C Not include the credit in the final application
D Submit a CIR
Notes:
There will be times when a credit planned on being earned may not be achievable.
For example, maybe not enough electricity can be saved for an EA credit, or maybe
the building owner changes his or her mind about a particular credit to cut building
costs. If a credit cannot be earned, do not include that credit in the final
application. Note that the question asks what should be done regarding this credit,
not what should be done to achieve certification. If the loss of the credit impacts
the number of points needed for certification or a certain level of certification, the
project team needs to find a way to make up the lost points.
Question 32
Show Answer Legend
Section 608 of the EPA Clean Air Act established regulations that helped with what
issue?
A Smog
B Using and recycling ozone-depleting compounds
C Humidity from heat islands
D CO2 levels inside buildings
Notes:
Section 608 of the Clean Air Act established regulations on ozone-depleting
compounds.
Here is a good summary of Section 608 of the Clean Air Act:
http://www.refrigerant-tracker.com/Section-608-US-Clean-Air-Act.a.html
Question 33
Show Answer Legend
What minimum floor area is needed for New Construction, Core and Shell, Schools, Existing
Buildings: Operations and Maintenance projects?
A 10,000 sq. ft.
B There is no minimum
C 1,000 sq. ft.
D 5,000 sq. ft.
Notes:
Reference: GBCI website, Policy Manual, Minimum Floor Area Requirements
1,000 sq. ft. minimum for commercial projects.
250 sq. ft. for commercial interior projects.
Question 34
Which of the following will have a direct environmental impact?
Show Answer Legend
A Taking advantage of utility incentives
B Meeting the project schedule
C Minimizing erosion during construction
D Offering rebates on solar systems
Notes:
See GBCI reference material Pre-Design Issues - TYPICAL GREEN BUILDING GUIDELINE
ISSUES
Question 35
Show Answer Legend
Which of the following will NOT help reduce the non-roof heat island effect?
A Placing parking under cover
B Increasing the number of parking spaces
C Planting large non-native trees for shading
D Using paving materials with high SRI values
Notes:
Increasing the number of parking spaces would increase the heat island effect.
The heat island effect is created when developed areas have higher temperatures than
surrounding rural areas. An urban heat island effect is caused by sunlight heating up dark
colored surfaces such as roads and rooftops. Huge quantities of heat are generated in buildings
that have dark rooftops and absorb heat rather than reflect it.
LEED defines a heat island as one whose temperatures are at least 10 degrees higher than
those of surrounding suburban or rural areas.
Question 36
What can help reduce indoor potable water use?
Show Answer Legend
A Installing a blackwater system
B Replacing fixtures with salvaged toilets manufactured in 1992
C Installing reduced-flow aerators on sinks
D Installing a green roof
Notes:
Retrofitting/designing a building with flow-restrictors and reduced-flow aerators reduce water
use.
Fixtures made pre-1993 do not comply with EPAct 1992, and are inefficient.
Show Answer Legend
Question 37
What does the emissivity of a material refer to?
A The environmental benefits of the material over time
B The ratio of energy radiated by a particular material to energy radiated by a black body at the same temperature
C Measure of a material's ability to reflect sunlight (including the visible, infrared, and ultraviolet wavelengths) on a scale of 0 to 1
D How hot a surface would get relative to standard black and standard white surface
Notes:
The emissivity of a material is the ratio of energy radiated by a particular material
to energy radiated by a black body at the same temperature. It is a measure of a
material's ability to radiate absorbed energy.
Question 38
Show Answer Legend
Which of the following would be classified as a soft construction cost?
A Purchase of some steel
B Rental of a dumpster
C Civil engineer consulting fee
D Down payment on the property
Notes:
A soft construction cost is one that is not directly related to building, construction,
etc. These can be architectural, legal, financing, engineering fees and other costs
incurred before and after construction.
Question 39
Show Answer Legend
What is the floor-to-area ratio?
A The floor area of the building divided by the total area of the site (square feet per acre)
B The relationship between the total land area of the project site and the portion of the site where construction can occur
C The relationship between the total building floor area and the allowable land area the building can cover
D The relationship between the total building floor area and the total hardscapes
Notes:
The floor-to-area ratio is the relationship between the total building floor area
and the allowable land area the building can cover.
In green building having a smaller building footprint (building up and having a taller
building) is better than having a shorter, wider building (building out) because the
smaller building footprint will have less of an impact on the surrounding
environment. This can preserve green spaces and natural ecosystems.
The building density is the floor area of the building divided by the total area of
the site (square feet per acre).
Floor area ratio and floor-to-area ratio are two terms for the same thing. In the
LEED GA exam objective the term is listed as floor area ratio, while USGBC
provides the definition for floor-to-area-ratio.
The remaining answer choices are made-up ratios that are not used in green
building.
Question 40
Show Answer Legend
What is the average housing density of a high density development area?
A 15 or more dwelling units per acre of buildable land
B 7 or more dwelling units per acre of buildable land
C 20 or more dwelling units per acre of buildable land
D 10 or more dwelling units per acre of buildable land
Notes:
Reference: LEED for Homes Rating System, Compact Development
For residential areas, ten or more dwelling units per acre of buildable land qualify
as high density.
Seven or more is moderate density, while 20 or more is very high density.
Question 41
Show Answer Legend
What urban area is a best choice for a LEED project?
A Areas that are not previously developed
B Areas with a high development density
C Areas with zero development density
D Areas with low development density
Notes:
Choose urban areas that are previously developed with high development densities
Question 42
What information should not appear in a CIR?
A Supporting information
B Background information on the issue
C Confidential information
D Attachments such as photographs, drawings, and product information sheets
Show Answer Legend
Notes:
Refer to the USGBC Guidelines for CIR Customers:
http://www.usgbc.org/ShowFile.aspx?DocumentID=1510
From USGBC:
'Inquiries must request guidance on just one credit or prerequisite (unless there is
technical justification to do otherwise) and generally contain one concise question
or a set of related questions. It is often helpful to discuss the inquiry within context
of the credit's intent.'
CIRs will be published so do not include confidential project information. Since
there is no way to include attachments, the focus should be on a clearly written
statement.
Question 43
Show Answer Legend
What tool provides cost-effective streamlined certification processes for multiple
building certifications?
A ENERGY STAR Target Finder
B ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager
C LEED Online
D USGBC Portfolio Program
Notes:
Reference: http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=1729
The USGBC Portfolio Program lets organizations achieve LEED certification on a
volume scale. For example if the organization has dozens of buildings across the
country.
Question 44
Show Answer Legend
What site and/or project characteristics would contribute to maximizing open
space?
A Building on a Greenfield site
B Building next door to a park
C Building on a previously developed site
D Creating a narrow 10 story building instead of a wider 5 story building
Notes:
Stacking the floor plans reduces the size of the building footprint.
Building next door to a park does not count as maximizing open space, because the
park would not be part of the LEED project boundary.
Question 45
Show Answer Legend
What is an appropriate use of the USGBC Logo?
A To indicate that a company is a USGBC member
B On a product that can help earn LEED credits such as white roofing material
C On a website used as a link to a third-party site describing LEED
D Next to text that discusses the LEED Rating System
Notes:
This question pertains to exam objective I.P USGBC Policies (e.g., trademark
usage; logo usage) from the LEED GA Candidate Handbook. While we receive many
comments about the relevance of these types of questions the subject matter may
come up on your exam.
The use of the USGBC and LEED logos are listed in the exam objectives to prevent
misuse of these logos and to purposely or inadvertently spread incorrect
information about LEED and USGBC. It is important to know how you can and
cannot use the logo so that you help the green building movement rather than
hinder it.
See USGBC Website on Logo use:
http://www.usgbc.org/ShowFile.aspx?DocumentID=3885
The USGBC logo cannot be used to link to third-party websites or for product
certification.
The USGBC Member logo is used to denote USGBC membership, not the USGBC
logo. The USGBC logo cannot be used for to indicate membership - the USGBC
member logo is required to be used. There is both a USGBC logo and a USGBC
member logo, both of which have differing uses and requirements.
Question 46
Show Answer Legend
What term refers to a mandatory project characteristic, measurement, quality,
value or function as identified within the LEED rating system?
A Prerequisite
B Minimum Program Requirement
C Certification Requirement
D Credit
Notes:
From GBCI Website GBCI Policy Manual:
A project must adhere to the LEED Minimum Program Requirements, (MPRs) in
order to achieve LEED certification. LEED projects must comply with each applicable
MPR.These requirements define the types of buildings that the LEED Green
Building Rating Systems were designed to evaluate, and taken together serve
three goals:
1. to give clear guidance to customers
2. to protect the integrity of the LEED program
3. and to reduce complications that occur during the LEED Certification process
http://www.gbci.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=172#Rating_SystemsPrerequisites
In addition to the Minimum Program Requirements, each version of LEED contains
unique prerequisite requirements that must be satisfied in order to achieve
certification. The term prerequisite refers to a mandatory project characteristic,
measurement, quality, value or function as identified within the LEED
rating system. Prerequisites represent the key criteria that define green building
performance. Each project must satisfy all specified prerequisites outlined in the
LEED rating system under which it is registered. Failure to meet any prerequisite
will render a project ineligible for certification.
Question 47
What statement is true about RECs?
Show Answer Legend
A RECs are sold separately from electricity
B RECs are sold within a 500 mile radius of the project
C RECs may only be sold in locations approved by Green-e
D RECs can be sold back to an electricity provider through net-metering
Notes:
Reference: Guide to Purchasing Green Power
RECs represent the reduced emissions of renewable energy compared to
conventional fossil fuels. RECs are sold separately allowing people to purchase the
'greenness' of the electricity. This allows anyone to purchase an REC even if the
power to their building is not green power.
RECs have no geographic constraints, because they are sold separately from
electricity. A project in Maine can purchase RECs from any other state.
Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) are synonymous with Green tags, and
Tradable Renewable Certificates (TRCs).
Question 48
Show Answer Legend
What are the goals of the LEED 2009 Minimum Program Requirements?
A Give clear guidance to customers
B Protect the integrity of the LEED program
C Ensure prerequisites are met
D Reduce certification process challenges
E Verify buildings are meeting environmental goals
Notes:
From GBCI Website GBCI Policy Manual:
A project must adhere to the LEED Minimum Program Requirements, (MPRs) in
order to achieve LEED certification. LEED projects must comply with each applicable
MPR. These requirements define the types of buildings that the LEED Green
Building Rating Systems were designed to evaluate, and taken together serve
three goals:
1. to give clear guidance to customers
2. to protect the integrity of the LEED program
3. and to reduce complications that occur during the LEED Certification process
MPRs have 3 goals (above), and 7 things that must be complied with. The
difference is goals vs. tasks. MPRs are minimum characteristics that a project must
possess in order to be eligible for LEED Certification.
MPRs do not ensure prerequisites are met. The certification process (leedonline)
and the people reviewing LEED applications ensure the prerequisites are met and
that the building has met the credits applied for.
http://www.gbci.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=172
In addition to the Minimum Program Requirements, each version of LEED contains
unique prerequisite requirements that must be satisfied in order to achieve
certification. The term prerequisite refers to a mandatory project characteristic,
measurement, quality, value or function as identified within the LEED
rating system. Prerequisites represent the key criteria that define green building
performance. Each project must satisfy all specified prerequisites outlined in the
LEED rating system under which it is registered. Failure to meet any prerequisite
will render a project ineligible for certification.
Question 49
Show Answer Legend
Which statement is true about CFCs in the United States?
A CFC production in the United States will be phased out by 2010
B CFC production in the United States will be phased out by 2030
C CFC production in the United States ended in 1995
D CFCs are no longer used in the United States
Notes:
Under the Montreal Protocol, CFC production in the United States ended in
1995. To implement the Montreal Protocol, the EPA established Section 608 of
the EPA Clean Air Act for regulating the use and recycling of ozone-depleting
compounds.
Many refrigeration systems of existing buildings still use CFCs in the United
States. For these projects, the project team can take 5 years from project
completion to phase out CFC-based refrigerants, as long as the annual leakage
rate of CFC-based refrigerants is reduced to 5% or less.
Question 50
Show Answer Legend
At a minimum, what materials must a recycling program include?
A Food waste
B Glass
C Paper
D Light bulbs
E Metals
Notes:
At a minimum, a recycling program must include:
paper
cardboard
glass
plastics
metals
Stones, dirt, hazardous materials, batteries, mercury-containing light bulbs, and
food waste would not be included.
The collection of recycled materials requires an easily accessible dedicated
area for collection and storage. When implementing the storage area consider
using signs to help people find the area, and to show what materials go in what
bins (for non-comingled recycling). If the storage area is outside make sure it is
protected from the elements and nobody can steal your materials (metals can
be worth a lot of money).
Question 51
Show Answer Legend
The heat island effect can vary temperatures by more than ________.
A 10 degrees Fahrenheit
B 5 degrees Fahrenheit
C 20 degrees Fahrenheit
D 15 degrees Fahrenheit
Notes:
The heat island effect is created when developed areas have higher
temperatures than surrounding rural areas. An urban heat island effect is
caused by sunlight heating up dark colored surfaces such as roads and
rooftops. Huge quantities of heat are generated in buildings that have dark
rooftops and absorb heat rather than reflect it.
LEED defines a heat island as one whose temperatures are at least 10 degrees
higher than those of surrounding suburban or rural areas.
Question 52
Show Answer Legend
A project design will include the use of native trees for landscaping. What
project area would this strategy not affect?
A Reducing water for landscaping
B Reducing potable water use
C Restoring a previously developed site
D Increasing the use of sustainable materials
Notes:
The question asks what project area would not be affected.
Sustainable materials are building materials, not plants for the landscape.
Native plants require less irrigation, less fertilizer, and less maintenance than
non-native plants. Native plants thus reduce the need for potable water use for
landscaping, and reducing water use for landscaping in general. Native plants
can be used to restore previously developed sites to increase open space.
Question 53
Show Answer Legend
Developing nations banned chlorofluorocarbons under the:
A Executive Order 95-231
B Kyoto Treaty
C EPA Clean Air Act
D Montreal Protocol
Notes:
Reference: Treatment by LEED of HVAC Refrigerants
The Montreal Protocol banned CFCs. Developing nations signed on to
phase out the use of CFCs, while some other nations still produce and
use CFCs.
Under the Montreal Protocol, CFC production in the United States
ended in 1995. To implement the Montreal Protocol, the EPA
established Section 608 of the EPA Clean Air Act for regulating the
use and recycling of ozone-depleting compounds.
Question 54
Show Answer Legend
How can projects reduce waste sent to a landfill?
A Reuse materials
B Use local materials
C Use materials with low lifecycle costs
D Recycle materials
Notes:
Recycling and reuse help reduce landfill waste from construction
debris.
Question 55
Show Answer Legend
The leakage rate is the speed at which an appliance loses refrigerant,
measured between refrigerants charges or over _____, whichever is
shorter.
A 12 months
B 18 months
C 6 months
D 24 months
Notes:
Reference: O&M Glossary
See leakage rate
Question 56
What generally defines the LEED project boundary?
A Site boundary
B Area of disturbance and all surrounding roadways
C Building footprint and hardscapes
Show Answer Legend
D Building footprint
Notes:
Generally the LEED project boundary is the same as that of the site
boundary. For multi-building projects the team may determine the
project boundary by the portion the development covers.
Question 57
Show Answer Legend
What are acceptable ways to use USGBC in text according to the
USGBC logo guidelines?
A U.S. Green Building Council
B United States Green Building Council
C USGBC
D U.S. GBC
E US Green Building Council
Notes:
Reference: USGBC logo guidelines
http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=1835
This question pertains to exam objective I.P USGBC Policies (e.g.,
trademark usage; logo usage) from the LEED GA Candidate
Handbook. While we receive many comments about the relevance of
these types of questions the subject matter may come up on your
exam.
Question 58
Show Answer Legend
________ aids the project team with synergies among prerequisites
and credits.
A LEED Score Card
B LEED Online
C USGBC
D GBCI
E A LEED AP
Notes:
One of the roles of the LEED AP is to help with synergies among
prerequisites and credits.
Question 59
Show Answer Legend
Which of the following statements is true about innovative design?
A Using graywater on a project is innovative design
B Having an integrated project team is innovative design
C Coming in under budget and on schedule is innovative design
D Prerequisites cannot earn innovative design credits
Notes:
Prerequisites must be earned for certification. No innovation points
are awarded for prerequisites.
Question 60
Show Answer Legend
What is the average water savings in a commercial building when
implementing water efficiency goals?
A 30%
B 10%
C 40%
D 20%
Notes:
According to USGBC, the average commercial building can achieve a
30% water savings. Normally, this doesn't come at any added cost.
Question 61
Show Answer Legend
What does the use of light colored pervious paving help with?
A Construction waste management
B Durability
C Irrigation
D Heat island effect
Notes:
Light colored paving, or paving with a high SRI value, helps reduce
the heat island effect.
Pervious paving helps with reducing stormwater runoff by allowing
stormwater to percolate through the pavement.
Pervious paving is not necessarily more durable than regular paving.
The heat island effect is created when developed areas have higher
temperatures than surrounding rural areas. An urban heat island
effect is caused by sunlight heating up dark colored surfaces such as
roads and rooftops. Huge quantities of heat are generated in
buildings that have dark rooftops and absorb heat rather than reflect
it.
LEED defines a heat island as one whose temperatures are at least 10
degrees higher than those of surrounding suburban or rural areas.
Question 62
Show Answer Legend
What has a long atmospheric life, causing harm to the ozone layer?
A NH3
B CFC
C HC
D HCFC
Notes:
Treatment by LEED of Environmental Impact of HVAC Refrigerants,
Refrigerant Types 2.0
CFCs are refrigerants that were banned because they lead to the
depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer.
Question 63
Show Answer Legend
What may happen if a project does not comply with the minimum
program requirements?
A The project team will need to submit a CIR
B Additional fees or fines may be incurred
C An alternative compliance path can be used
D The building's certification may be revoked
Notes:
Reference: GBCI website, Minimum Program Requirements
A project must adhere to the LEED Minimum Program Requirements,
(MPRs) in order to achieve/retain LEED certification. Failure to comply
with MPRs may result in the certification being revoked. No fees will
be refunded.
Visit gbci.org and review the Minimum Program Requirements page.
A project can meet the MPRs prior to certification, then earn project
certification, and later on something may change where the project
no longer meets the MPRs. An example of this scenario is if the
occupancy rate of the building decreases.
Note that after the project is certified (attained any LEED certification
at any level) the project must continue to meet the MPRs or
certification can be revoked. For example if a hotel is certified and
then the hotel shuts down, the hotel is not maintaining the minimum
occupancy levels required by the MPRs. The certification could be
revoked.
Question 64
Show Answer Legend
What is a car share membership program?
A A program where two or more people drive together to reduce automobile use
B A program where two people share a common parking space in urban areas
C A shuttle that ferries people from mass transit to the workplace, school, etc.
D A program where cars can be rented on an hourly or daily basis to reduce automobile ownership
Notes:
Car sharing is an alternative to car rental and car ownership. Cars are
located throughout cities in convenient locations. People who sign up
for the program can reserve the cars and use them for a short period
of time. See zipcar.com for an example.
Question 65
Show Answer Legend
What would NOT qualify as a previously developed site?
A Lot where there used to be a road
B Lot reseeded with native grasses
C Greenfield lot donated to the city
D Lot that was recently graded
Notes:
See glossary - previously developed includes any site altered by
direct human activities (reseeding, paving, grading, etc.)
Question 66
Show Answer Legend
Each LEED 2009 Rating System has ___ Regional Priority credits
specified by zip code and can earn ___ points for the Regional Priority
section.
A 4, 4
B 6, 4
C 6, 3
D 6, 5
Notes:
Reference: USGBC website:
http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=1971
Regional Priority Credits - these are bonus points for encouraging
teams to attempt LEED credits that address specific environmental
priorities in the project's region. Each zipcode in the U.S. has 6 LEED
credits that are extra important to that zipcode. A project that
achieves one of those credits earns a bonus point, up to a maximum
of 4. Here is an example. In Georgia zipcode 30002 saving water is
important, because Georgia has had a lot of droughts lately.
See what is important in your zipcode here:
http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=1984
Here is an example for zipcode 29821. This zipcode has 6 credits
listed that are of environmental priority. They are:
SS Credit 4
SS Credit 6
WE Credit 2
EA Credit 1
EA Credit 4
IEQ Credit 2.3
For the time, lets ignore what the names of those credits are because
it is beyond what you need to know for your exam. What is important
is you can see there are 6 different credits for the zipcode.
If your project achieves 4, 5, or 6 of the credits in that list, the
project gets 4 bonus points under the Regional Priority category. If
the project achieves 2 of those credits, the project gets 2 bonus
points. Just remember - pick from 6 credits, but you can only earn a
maximum of 4 points.
Question 67
Show Answer Legend
An office cubicle that contains post-consumer aluminum content
would contribute to what credit area?
A Rapidly Renewable Materials
B Recycled Content
C Construction Waste Management
D Certified Materials
Notes:
Post-consumer aluminum content is a type of recycled material.
Question 68
Show Answer Legend
In cooler climates how can a new building be designed to use no
refrigerants?
A The building could use halons for cooling
B The building could be cooled with natural refrigerants such as propane or ammonia
C The building could have a CFC phase-out plan in place
D The building could use natural ventilation
Notes:
The no refrigerant option for buildings can be achieved with natural
ventilation. Natural ventilation can be done in cooler climates where
ventilation can be provided by opening windows or using fans to pull
in outside air to cool the building. Using refrigerants requires
mechanical ventilation.
Question 69
Show Answer Legend
Which of the following assess environmental performance of products
and services and provide guidance on improving their environmental
performance?
A LEED
B ISO 14000
C ASHRAE
D IESNA
Notes:
The ISO 14000 product oriented standards include Environmental
Labels and Declaration, Life Cycle Assessment, and Design for
Environment. These standards are intended to be applicable for
assessing the environmental performance of products and services as
well as providing guidance on improving their environmental
performance.
The ISO 14021 series standards, Environmental Labels and
Declaration, are communication tools that convey information on
environmental aspects of a product or service to the market.
These standards are used for recycled materials to label their pre
and/or post consumer content.
Question 70
Show Answer Legend
What gives the ozone layer legal protection?
A US DOE
B Kyoto Protocol
C ASHRAE Standards
D Montreal Protocol
Notes:
According to Treatment by LEED of Environmental Impact of HVAC
Refrigerants, the legal protection of the ozone layer is well in place
throughout most of the international community via the Montreal
Protocol.
Under the Montreal Protocol, CFC production in the United States
ended in 1995. To implement the Montreal Protocol, the EPA
established Section 608 of the EPA Clean Air Act for regulating the
use and recycling of ozone-depleting compounds.
Question 71
Which of the following is a type of biofuel?
A Hydro
B Corn oil
C Wind
Show Answer Legend
D Solar
Notes:
Biofuels are made from organic material, such as animal and plant
waste.
Question 72
Show Answer Legend
What will have to be included in the project work if the project is to
be considered a major renovation?
A Toilet replacements
B Complete HVAC overhaul
C Carpet and flooring upgrades
D Installation of a new irrigation system
Notes:
A major renovation usually includes HVAC replacement.
Question 73
Show Answer Legend
Why should a project team choose local products for construction?
A Higher quality materials
B Increased durability
C Increased source reduction
D Reduced transportation costs and transportation emissions
Notes:
By selecting local/regional materials, energy use due to
transportation is reduced. By reducing the amount of fuel it takes to
deliver a product, CO2 emissions are cut down.
Local/regional materials also support the local economy and the use
of nearby resources instead of extracting the same resource from a
farther location.
Question 74
What is at the core of an integrated project?
A Working toward individual goals
B Individual rewards
C Cost-based decision making
Show Answer Legend
D Collaborative team members
Notes:
Reference: AIA Integrated Project Delivery
Integrated projects are based on integrated teams and frequent,
collaborative communications.
Question 75
Show Answer Legend
What type of residences have at least 15% more efficiency than the
2004 International Residential Code?
A Residences with energy efficient appliances
B ComfortWise
C ENERGY STAR
D Residences built with sustainable materials
Notes:
Reference: LEED Homes Glossary
See www.energystar.gov/homes
ENERGY STAR qualified homes are at least 15 percent more energy
efficient than homes built to the 2004 International Residential Code
(IRC).
Many of the rating systems use parts of the Energy Star standard for
meeting the requirements of some credits. It is important to know
Energy Star is a government standard, because you will come across
it.
LEED Homes using Energy Star ratings to measure energy
performance. Energy Star is run by the EPA.
Question 76
Which items are considered pre-consumer recycled items?
A Cotton insulation manufactured from factory reject denim jeans
B Steel beams created from metal reclaimed from the manufacturing line
C Carpets made from nylon that include scraps from production
D Demolition debris used on another project
Show Answer Legend
Notes:
Pre-consumer content is material diverted from a waste stream
during the manufacturing process. Excluded from pre-consumer
content are materials that have been reutilized within the same
process that generated them, such as rework, regrind, or scrap
generated in the process and then put back into the process.
Cotton insulation is created from scraps from other manufacturing
processes before the scraps reach consumers.
Scraps that are reclaimed and used to manufacture the same items
(carpet, steel beams) do not count as pre-consumer content or postconsumer content, and thus must be excluded.
Question 77
Show Answer Legend
Which items can contribute to Construction Waste Management
credit?
A Brick
B Asbestos flooring
C Tree stumps
D Sheetrock
Notes:
Hazardous material and excavation do not count toward this credit.
For the purposes of the LEED Construction Waste Management credit,
hazardous material and excavation do not count toward this credit.
The reason LEED does not allow this is because these materials can
skew the amount of construction waste kept from landfills. Consider a
project that removes 50 tons of dirt from the site and the total waste
for the construction site was 100 tons. With those values you could
say 50% of waste was diverted but that is not how the LEED
calculations are done. The project team hasn't kept any construction
waste from the landfill - they only hauled off some dirt to another
location. The 50 tons of dirt are excluded from any calculations. Only
your actual construction and demolition debris are included - wood
scraps, metal, drywall, cardboard boxes, etc.
Question 78
The ASHRAE standards cover which LEED topics?
Show Answer Legend
A Minimum requirements for the energy efficient design of most buildings
B Ventilation rates
C VOC emissions
D Carbon emissions
E Thermal comfort conditions
Notes:
Reference: http://www.ashrae.org
ASHRAE 62.1-2007 Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality
specifies minimum ventilation rates. These rates are used to improve
indoor air quality as part of the IEQ credit category.
ASHRAE 55-2004 Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human
Occupancy help with defining what makes a comfortable indoor
environment for occupants. Indoor conditions are considered
acceptable if 80% or more of occupants find them acceptable.
ASHRAE 90.1-2007 establishes minimum requirements for the energy
efficient design of buildings (not included are single family homes or
multifamily homes less than 3 stories).
Question 79
Show Answer Legend
What is an example of climate change?
A A five-year drought
B An unexpected snowstorm in Phoenix
C A century-long decrease in temperature by 1 degree
D A significant two-year increase in wind speeds
Notes:
Reference: O+M Glossary
Climate change refers to any significant change in measures of
climate (such as temperature, precipitation, or wind) lasting for an
extended period (decades or longer) (Environmental Protection
Agency).
Question 80
What is the primary benefit of integrated project planning?
Show Answer Legend
A Obtaining local, state, and federal incentives for green design and construction strategies
B Reducing costs over traditional construction practices
C Maximizing opportunities for integrated, cost-effective adoption of green design and construction strategies
D Achieving the highest LEED rating possible
Notes:
Reference: LEED for Homes Rating System, Integrated Project
Planning
Question 81
Show Answer Legend
Which of the following are not alternative fuel vehicles?
A Gas-electric hybrid
B Diesel powered car
C Methanol powered truck
D Liquid natural gas powered van
Notes:
For LEED, alternative-fuel vehicles are defined as those vehicles that
'use fuels such as electricity, hydrogen, propane, compressed natural
gas, liquid natural gas, methanol, and ethanol. Efficient gas-electric
hybrids are also included in this group.'
For LEED, low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehicles are defined as
'vehicles that are either classified as Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEV) by
the California Air Resources Board or have achieved a minimum
green score of 40 on the American Council for an Energy Efficient
Economy (ACEEE) annual vehicle rating guide.'
Some diesel powered cars have a minimum green score of 40 from
the ACEEE and qualify as low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehicles.
However these vehicles are not alternative fuel vehicles.
Question 82
What is the difference between HFCs and HCFCs?
A HFCs are natural refrigerants
B HCFCs have a higher global warming potential and higher ozone depletion potential than HFCs
C HFCs are being phased out by the Montreal Protocol while HCFCs are not
D HFCs are slightly less efficient refrigerants than HCFCs
Show Answer Legend
Notes:
Reference: Treatment by LEED of HVAC Refrigerants
HFCs have next to no ozone depletion potential but have high global
warming potential.
HCFCs have higher ozone depletion potential than HFCs but have
lower global warming potential (on average).
HFCs, while generally better for the environment in regards to ozone
depletion potential, are less efficient than HCFCs. Because they are
less efficient a building that uses HFC refrigerants must spend more
energy to keep the building as cool compared to using HCFC
refrigerants. Using more energy to cool the building uses more fossil
fuels to run the HVAC equipment and generates more pollution,
thereby increasing the greenhouse effect and global warming.
Question 83
Show Answer Legend
Which of the following would not be included in local zoning or local
code requirements?
A Green power
B Open space limits
C Minimum parking spaces
D Fire supression systems
Notes:
Zoning is a method of land use regulation used by local governments
in most developed countries. Zoning may be use-based (regulating
the uses to which land may be put), or it may regulate building
height, lot coverage, and similar characteristics, or some combination
of these.
Green power is generated off-site, and requiring its use in projects
would not be part of local code. Perhaps it will in the future but today
it is not.
In LEED, green power refers to off-site generated renewable energy.
Since the energy comes from offsite it would not impact the building
project or need to reference any zoning/codes for the project.
Question 84
Which of the following would not curb automobile use?
Show Answer Legend
A Setting parking fees at levels to encourage carpooling
B Creating incentive programs for carpooling
C Creating a ride share board
D Encouraging street parking
Notes:
Encouraging street parking does not promote alternatives to driving.
Question 85
Show Answer Legend
A multi-building development has five buildings each on a two-acre site. How is the
LEED project boundary determined?
A The project team determines the boundary
B Each building has the boundary at the edge of the two-acre area
C The boundary is at the perimeter of the ten-acre area
D The boundary is at the edge of the building footprint
Notes:
USGBC definition of LEED project boundary = the portion of the project site
submitted for LEED certification. For multiple building developments, the LEED
project boundary may be a portion of the development as determined by the
project team.
Question 86
Show Answer Legend
What are ways to reduce water pollution from stormwater runoff?
A Impervious concrete hardscapes
B Open grid paving
C Rain gardens
D Increasing the building footprint
Notes:
Impervious materials increase stormwater runoff, as does increasing the size of the
building footprint.
A rain garden is used to capture stormwater runoff. Open grid paving and pervious
surfaces allow stormwater to percolate through the surface instead of running off.
Question 87
Which of the following causes depletion of the ozone layer?
Show Answer Legend
A Solar radiation
B Mercury
C Heat islands
D Halons
Notes:
Reference: Treatment by LEED of HVAC Refrigerants
Halons are chemicals commonly used in fire suppression systems and cause ozone
depletion.
Question 88
Show Answer Legend
Potable water comes from what sources?
A Cooling towers
B Municipal water supply
C Wells
D Cisterns
Notes:
Potable water is water that meets or exceeds EPA's drinking water standards and
comes from wells or the municipal water supply.
Question 89
Show Answer Legend
What types of water can NOT be used for irrigation purposes?
A Blackwater
B Potable water
C Stormwater
D Laundry water
Notes:
Reference: USGBC Glossary
Waste water from toilets and urinals is considered blackwater and cannot be used
for irrigation (unless it has been treated first).
Graywater is defined by the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPS) as untreated house-hold
wastewater which has not come into contact with toilet waste or kitchen sinks.
Graywater includes used water from bathtubs, showers, bathroom wash basins,
and water from clothes-washer and laundry tubs. It does not include water from
kitchen sinks or dishwashers.
We receive many questions on this graywater issue - does the soap from showers
matter, what if someone washed diapers in the laundry - the main point to
remember is that the definition of graywater includes shower and laundry water
and that LEED allows graywater use.
Question 90
Show Answer Legend
A counter made of recycled glass obtained and manufactured within 500 miles of
project would contribute toward:
A Recycled materials only
B Regional materials only
C Neither regional nor recycled materials
D Both regional and recycled materials
Notes:
The glass is considered recycled content (post-consumer). Since the glass counter
was manufactured within 500 miles, it is also a regional/local material.
You may hear regional materials also referred to as local materials. Exam objective
V.B from the GBCI handbook is 'Locally (regionally) Harvested and Manufactured
Materials'. The USGBC GA study guide also has 'Regional/Locally Sourced Materials'
in the book's definitions. The terms mean the same thing.
Question 91
What implies a direct impact on global warming?
Show Answer Legend
A Refrigerant charge
B Service life
C Global warming potential
D Ozone depleting potential
Notes:
Global warming potential describes an item's or action's direct effect on global
warming.
Question 92
Show Answer Legend
What is submitted to document that the requirements of a credit or prerequisite
were met?
A CIR
B Letter templates
C LEED Scorecard
D Building operating plan
Notes:
Each rating system will have its own set of forms that must be completed and
submitted for documentation and verification. These forms are called letter
templates, and are dynamic PDF forms that can be filled out and saved on a
computer then uploaded directly back to LEED Online.
Credits/prerequisites are assigned by the project administrator. Whoever has been
assigned responsibility for the credit/prerequisite by the administrator fills out the
letter template and uploads it to LEED Online upon completion. Once all of the
letter templates are uploaded for those credits being attempted, the project
administrator will submit the project for review.
The credit forms are also referred to as letter templates, credit templates, submittal
templates, or submittals.
Question 93
Show Answer Legend
How can automobile use be reduced?
A Providing incentives for purchasing fuel efficient vehicles.
B Creating a ride share board
C Creating parking further from the building entrance
D Replacing the parking lot with underground parking
Notes:
Reducing automobile use saves energy and reduces environmental issues
associated with car pollution.
A ride share board makes it easier to carpool.
Does providing incentives for fuel efficient cars reduce automobile use? No, because
if you were given an electric car that does not stop or reduce your driving. It does
decrease emissions because you are not driving your old gas powered car, but it
doesn't reduce your driving miles.
Does creating parking further from the building entrance stop you from driving a
car? That would probably just make irritated employees because they have to walk
farther to get to the front door.
Question 94
Water use reduction helps with what other project area?
A Energy use
B Heat islands
C Erosion control
D Plumbing codes
Notes:
Show Answer Legend
Reducing water use reduces the energy needed to move, pump, and heat that
water.
Question 95
Show Answer Legend
Which of the following are sources of graywater?
A Washing machines
B Municipal potable water supply systems
C Toilets
D Wells
E Showers
Notes:
Graywater is water from laundry machines or showers that is not suitable for
drinking, but can be used for other purposes such as irrigation and flushing toilets.
Graywater is defined by the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPS) as untreated house-hold
wastewater which has not come into contact with toilet waste or kitchen sinks.
Some states and local codes have other definitions.
Question 96
Show Answer Legend
What are adaptive plants?
A Plants that are invasive
B Plants that require more water than other plants
C Flowering plants that only bloom once a year
D Plants that are low maintenance
Notes:
Adaptive plants are low maintenance and not invasive.
Question 97
Show Answer Legend
What is an advantage of comingled recycling vs. separate containers?
A People and contractors are more likely to use it
B Recycling fees will be reduced
C More materials can be put into one container
D The materials can be donated more easily
Notes:
Comingled recycling uses one bin for all recycled materials. This approach is
common for curbside pickup recycling programs for residences.
People with items to throw away find it easier to throw the item into one container,
especially subcontractors on a construction project who are pressed for time.
Research shows that participation and recycling levels increase when sorting is not
required.
Question 98
Show Answer Legend
Which of the following would help with water efficient landscaping?
A Increasing open space
B Increasing the permeability of the landscape
C Replacing hardscapes with open grid paving
D Using drip irrigation
Notes:
Drip irrigation is one of the most efficient means of watering a landscape.
Drip irrigation has a 90% irrigation efficiency compared to 65% for conventional
sprinkler systems.
Question 99
Show Answer Legend
What term also means site area?
A Building footprint
B Building lot
C Property area
D Development footprint
Notes:
Reference: O&M Glossary, site area
The intent of this question is for you to learn about how LEED defines different
areas of the project. While other definitions may exist the exam will test on how
LEED defines these areas and not on personal experience or if students think the
definition is correct or not.
Site area is defined as: 'The total area within the project boundary of the applicant
building, and includes all areas of the property, both constructed areas and
nonconstructed areas. The open space of the site area is the portion not covered by
the building footprint.'
The development footprint is the area of the project site that has been disturbed for
development. This area includes the building footprint, hardscapes, and parking
lots.
The building footprint is the area of the building as defined by the perimeter of the
structure. Parking lots, walk ways, and landscaping are not included.
LEED defines open space as the property area minus the development footprint,
unless local zoning has its own definition (in which case the local zoning takes
precedence).
Question 100
Show Answer Legend
What area is included in the building footprint?
A Area of the building structure
B Ponds
C Stone walkways
D Parking lots made with permeable concrete
Notes:
Reference: O&M Glossary
The area of the site occupied by the building structure, not including parking lots,
landscapes, and
other nonbuilding facilities.