LEED-Green-Associate Exam Dumps - LEED Green Associate Exam

ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager is an online tool developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that allows building owners and managers to measure and track the energy and water performance of their buildings, as well as benchmark their buildings against similar buildings nationwide. The tool uses a 1-100 ENERGY STAR score to rate the energy efficiency of a building relative to its peers, where a score of 50 represents median performance and a score of 75 or higher indicates top performance1 . References: LEED v4 Green Associate Candidate Handbook1, ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager

The Materials and Resources Credit category calculation addresses the permanently installed building products that are part of the building’s structure, enclosure, and interior elements. These include framing, flooring, insulation, windows, doors, interior walls, ceilings, and finishes. Process equipment, elevators, furniture, and formwork for concrete are not included in the calculation . References: LEED v4 Green Associate Candidate Handbook, LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide

Sustainable forestry is the practice of managing forest resources in a way that meets the current and future needs of humans for forest products, while also conserving and enhancing the ecological, social, and economic values of the forest and its surrounding landscape1. One of the key aspects of sustainable forestry is to maintain the biodiversity of the forest, which refers to the variety and abundance of living organisms, such as plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms, and their interactions within the forest ecosystem2. Biodiversity is important for the health and resilience of the forest, as it provides essential ecosystem services, such as carbon sequestration, water purification, soil formation, nutrient cycling, pollination, pest control, and climate regulation23. Biodiversity also supports the livelihoods, cultures, and well-being of forest-dependent communities and indigenous peoples23.

References:

• What is sustainable forestry?
• Why is biodiversity important for forests?
• LEED v4 - FSC United States

In addition to temperature and air movement, humidity is another factor to consider when implementing thermal comfort strategies. Humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air, which affects how warm or cool people feel. High humidity can make people feel hotter and more uncomfortable, while low humidity can cause dryness and irritation of the skin, eyes, nose, and throat. Thermal comfort strategies should aim to maintain an optimal level of humidity that balances human comfort and health with energy efficiency and moisture control. The other options are not factors to consider when implementing thermal comfort strategies. Methane off-gassing is the release of methane gas from organic matter decomposition or anaerobic digestion, which contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. Carbon dioxide concentrations are a measure of indoor air quality that indicates the level of ventilation and fresh air supply in a space. Combustion processes from vehicles are sources of outdoor air pollution that emit carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and other harmful substances. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, page 29; USGBC, [Indoor Environmental Quality], page 2.

As of 1996, the Montreal Protocol banned the production of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), a chemical compound known to have ozone-depleting potential. CFCs are synthetic substances that were widely used as refrigerants, propellants, solvents, and foam-blowing agents. CFCs have high ozone depletion potential (ODP), which means they can destroy the ozone layer that protects the Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation. The Montreal Protocol is an international treaty that aims to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances. The Montreal Protocol banned the production of CFCs in 1996 for developed countries and in 2010 for developing countries1 . References: LEED v4 Green Associate Candidate Handbook1, UNEP’s Montreal Protocol

In the context of a LEED project, the charrette is a meeting of stakeholders, project team members and others to establish project objectives. The charrette is a collaborative and participatory process that involves brainstorming, discussing, and generating ideas and solutions for the project’s sustainability goals, design strategies, performance targets, and evaluation methods. The charrette is usually held at the early stages of the project to ensure alignment and integration among all parties involved. The LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook states that one of the steps in the integrative process is to “conduct a preliminary LEED assessment with key project team members, including owner” [1, p. 12]. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, [Charrette | Whole Building Design Guide]

Native species are plants that are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, and therefore require less water and maintenance than non-native species. By maximizing the use of native species in the landscaping design, the project can reduce the need for potable water for irrigation and achieve the Outdoor Water Use Reduction credit under LEED v4 Water Efficiency category1.

References:

• LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide1, page 35

The project team’s strategy of using low-flow toilet fixtures and integrating non-potable water strategies for the building interior falls under the Water Efficiency category. The Water Efficiency category addresses the conservation and management of water resources in buildings and landscapes. Using low-flow toilet fixtures reduces the amount of potable water used for flushing toilets, saving water and energy. Integrating non-potable water strategies for the building interior involves using alternative sources of water, such as rainwater, graywater, or reclaimed water, for non-potable purposes such as toilet flushing or irrigation, reducing the demand for potable water and wastewater generation. The other options are not categories that this strategy falls under. Innovation is a category that recognizes exemplary performance, innovative strategies, or pilot credits that are not covered by existing LEED credits. Sustainable Sites is a category that addresses the selection, development, and maintenance of project sites in ways that minimize environmental impacts and enhance human health and well-being. Optimized Process Water Use is not a LEED category or credit. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, page 31; USGBC [Water Efficiency], page 1-2.

The Facility Manager is typically responsible for monitoring ongoing energy performance over the life of a building. They oversee the operation and maintenance of building systems, including HVAC, lighting, and other energy-using equipment, and can implement energy management strategies to optimize performance. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

The LEED credit weightings are based on the impact categories defined and established by the USGBC, which is the organization that developed and administers the LEED rating system. The impact categories are aligned with the USGBC’s mission and vision of transforming the built environment to enhance environmental and human health. The impact categories are also informed by the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Tools for the Reduction and Assessment of Chemical and Other Environmental Impacts (TRACI) methodology, which provides a framework for assessing environmental impacts across different categories. References: LEED Link: Impact categories, section “LEED v4 impact categories”; LEED v4 Impact Category and Point Allocation Process Overview, page 1; LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, page 14

Recycling is a strategy that can be used during the building process and after occupation to reduce waste. Recycling involves collecting, sorting, processing, and reusing or selling materials that would otherwise be discarded as waste. Recycling can save natural resources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, create jobs, and lower disposal costs1 . Recycling can also help to achieve LEED credits in the Materials and Resources category by reducing the amount of construction and demolition waste generated by the project or by diverting waste from landfills or incinerators. References: LEED v4 Green Associate Candidate Handbook1, EPA’s Recycling Basics2, LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide

Green Cleaning is a plan that is implemented after occupancy to ensure that the building is maintained in a way that reduces the environmental and health impacts of cleaning products, equipment, and practices. Green Cleaning is part of the LEED v4 Operations and Maintenance rating system, and it includes credits for purchasing sustainable cleaning products and materials, using green cleaning equipment, implementing an indoor integrated pest management program, and developing a green cleaning policy1.

References:

• LEED v4: Operations and Maintenance Guide1, pages 36-41

Resource depletion is a major environmental concern related to energy use. The extraction and use of non-renewable energy resources (such as fossil fuels) can lead to their depletion over time. This is why strategies that reduce energy use or utilize renewable energy sources are important in green building practices. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

EPA’s ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager is a no-cost, interactive energy management tool that allows you to securely track and assess energy and water consumption across your building portfolio12. You can use Portfolio Manager to benchmark your building’s performance, set investment priorities, verify savings, and apply for ENERGY STAR certification23. Portfolio Manager does not measure embodied energy, which is the total amount of energy required to produce, transport, and install building materials.

Rainwater is the type of water that would be most useful for landscape irrigation when considering water conservation and water efficient landscaping. Rainwater is water that falls from the sky as precipitation, and it can be collected and stored in tanks, barrels, cisterns, or ponds for later use1. Rainwater is a renewable and free source of water that does not require any treatment or pumping, unlike potable water, which is water that is safe for human consumption and often comes from municipal sources2. Potable water is a scarce and valuable resource that should be conserved for drinking, cooking, and hygiene purposes, rather than for irrigation2. Clean water is a vague term that can refer to any water that is free of contaminants, but it does not necessarily mean that it is potable or suitable for irrigation3. Blackwater is water that contains human or animal waste, such as sewage or toilet water, and it poses a health and environmental risk if used for irrigation without proper treatment4. Therefore, rainwater is the best option for landscape irrigation, as it reduces the demand for potable water, lowers the utility bills, and benefits the plants and soil1.

References:

• Rainwater Harvesting for Landscape Irrigation
• Potable Water
• Clean Water
• Blackwater

Prerequisites and credits are the two types of requirements that make up the LEED rating system. Prerequisites are the basic elements or strategies that must be included in any LEED certified project, regardless of the rating system or the level of certification1. Credits are the additional elements or strategies that can be included in a LEED project to achieve higher levels of performance and certification1. Credits are optional and have different point values depending on their environmental benefits and impacts2. Therefore, the correct answer is B. Prerequisites are mandatory and credits are optional.

References:

• LEED v4 | U.S. Green Building Council
• LEED credit library | U.S. Green Building Council

Building-Level Water Metering is a prerequisite in LEED v4 Water Efficiency category. Building-Level Water Metering means that the project must install permanent water meters that measure the total potable water use for the building and associated grounds. The project must also commit to sharing the water usage data with USGBC for at least five years after occupancy or certification. The LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook states that this is one of the two prerequisites in the Water Efficiency category [1, p. 14]. References: [LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook], [Building-Level Water Metering | U.S. Green Building Council]

The percentage rule is a method to determine the most appropriate LEED rating system for a project when several rating systems may be applicable1. To use this rule, first assign a rating system to each square foot or square meter of the building, and then choose the most appropriate rating system based on the resulting percentages1. The entire gross floor area of a LEED project must be certified under a single rating system and is subject to all prerequisites and attempted credits in that rating system1. The percentage rule states that if one rating system covers more than 60% of the gross floor area, that rating system should be used1. If no rating system covers more than 60% of the gross floor area, but one covers more than 40%, then that rating system should be used1. If no rating system covers more than 40% of the gross floor area, then the project team can choose any applicable rating system1. Therefore, the answer is B. 40/60 rule.

References: =

• LEED rating system selection guidance

This formula is used to calculate the percentage of restoration area for the LEED v4 credit SSc2: Protect or Restore Habitat1. The restoration area is the portion of the site that is restored with native or adapted vegetation, and the total previously disturbed site area is the area that was altered by human activity before the project2.

References := NC-v4.1 SSc2: Protect or Restore Habitat | LEEDuser, LEED CERTIFICATION- REQUIREMENTS FOR SS CREDIT: PROTECT OR RESTORE …

Graywater refers to relatively clean wastewater from domestic activities such as washing dishes, laundry, and bathing. Water from lavatory faucets falls into this category. Graywater can be treated and reused for non-potable purposes such as toilet flushing or irrigation, which can help conserve water. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

According to LEED, one of the factors that should be considered when locating a site for a project is the infrastructure context. The infrastructure context refers to the existing physical systems that support a site, such as roads, utilities, transit networks, water supply, wastewater treatment, stormwater management, and waste disposal. Choosing a site that has access to adequate infrastructure can reduce the environmental impacts of developing new infrastructure, such as land disturbance, resource consumption, energy use, emissions, and pollution. The LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook states that one of the intents of the Location and Transportation category is to “reduce environmental harm from transportation infrastructure” [1, p. 12]. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, [Location and Transportation | U.S. Green Building Council]

LEED certification is a process that evaluates the environmental performance and sustainability of a building project based on a set of rating systems. To earn LEED certification, a project must satisfy all the mandatory requirements, or prerequisites, of the chosen rating system, and earn a minimum number of points by meeting optional criteria, or credits. The number of points determines the level of certification: Certified (40-49 points), Silver (50-59 points), Gold (60-79 points), or Platinum (80+ points)123.

Employing a LEED AP (Accredited Professional) on the project team is not a requirement for LEED certification, but it can provide an advantage, as LEED APs have demonstrated their knowledge and expertise in green building and LEED rating systems. Having a LEED AP on the project team can also earn one point under the Integrative Process credit4.

Conducting a whole-building life-cycle assessment is not a requirement for LEED certification, but it can be an option for earning points under the Building Life-Cycle Impact Reduction credit. A life-cycle assessment is a method of evaluating the environmental impacts of a building over its entire life span, from extraction of materials to disposal or reuse3.

Earning a minimum of 50 points or meeting a prerequisite is not a sufficient condition for LEED certification, as it does not account for the other prerequisites or the level of certification. A project must meet all the prerequisites and earn at least 40 points to qualify for the lowest level of certification

Greenwashing is a term that describes misinformation presented to consumers to portray a product or policy as being more environmentally friendly than it is. Greenwashing can be done by using vague or misleading claims, false labels or certifications, irrelevant or exaggerated benefits, or hidden trade-offs. Greenwashing can deceive consumers into buying products or supporting policies that are not truly green, and undermine the credibility and effectiveness of genuine green initiatives1 . References: LEED v4 Green Associate Candidate Handbook1, EPA’s Greenwashing

The Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) reviews and provides the final LEED certification report to projects. GBCI was established in 2008 as a separately incorporated entity with the support of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). GBCI administers project certifications for LEED and other green business certification programs. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

A scorecard rule for LEED Credit Point Allocation is that there is a maximum of 100 base points available for each rating system. These points are distributed among the different credit categories based on their relative contribution to the overall environmental impact and human health benefits of a project. The point allocation process is informed by a weighting methodology that uses life cycle assessment and expert judgment to assign weights to each of the LEED impact categories. The impact categories reflect the goals and priorities of LEED, such as reversing climate change, enhancing human health, protecting water resources, and promoting social equity. References: LEED v4 Impact Category and Point Allocation Process Overview1; LEED scorecard5

process water is water that is used for specific processes in industries, businesses, or buildings. Process water can include water used for cooling, heating, washing, rinsing, sterilizing, humidifying, or other purposes. Process water can also include water used for building systems, such as cooling towers, boilers, chillers, or irrigation123.

Process water is different from domestic water, which is water used for human consumption or hygiene, such as drinking, cooking, bathing, or flushing toilets. Process water is also different from wastewater, which is water that has been contaminated by human or industrial activities and requires treatment before being discharged or reused24.

Process water is an important aspect of water efficiency in LEED certification. LEED v4.1 offers credits for optimizing process water use by reducing the demand or increasing the use of alternative sources of water, such as rainwater, graywater, or reclaimed water

 Life-cycle costing is an economic analysis method that considers all costs associated with an asset over its entire life cycle, from acquisition and installation to operation, maintenance, and disposal. In this case, the building manager is comparing the total costs of owning and operating two different boilers over their respective lifetimes. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

A salvaged wood door from another site qualifies under the Materials and Resources sustainable criteria of materials reuse. Materials reuse is the practice of using existing materials or products for new purposes without altering their form or composition. Materials reuse reduces the demand for virgin materials, saves energy and resources, and prevents waste generation. The other options are not applicable to a salvaged wood door from another site. Certified wood is wood that has been harvested from forests that are managed in an environmentally responsible, socially beneficial, and economically viable manner according to the standards of an accredited certification system such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). Bio-based materials are materials that are derived from plants or animals, such as bamboo, cork, wool, or cotton. Waste diversion is the practice of diverting waste from landfills or incinerators by recycling, reusing, salvaging, or donating materials. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, page 28; USGBC, [Materials and Resources], page 4.

ASHRAE 90.1-2010, Appendix G is the referenced standard for defining the baseline building performance for energy simulation modeling in LEED v4 for Building Design and Construction. The baseline building is a hypothetical building that represents the minimum energy performance required by ASHRAE 90.1-2010, which is a standard for energy efficiency in buildings. The baseline building is used as a benchmark to compare the proposed design of the project and to calculate the percentage of energy cost savings achieved by the project. The baseline building performance is evaluated by following the procedures and assumptions specified in Appendix G of ASHRAE 90.1-2010, such as building envelope, lighting, HVAC systems, service water heating, and renewable energy.

The other options are not relevant to the question, as they are standards for different aspects of green building, such as thermal comfort (ASHRAE 55-2010), air filtration (ASHRAE 52.2-2007), and ventilation (ASHRAE 62.1-2010).

References: LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, p. 341 1; [ASHRAE website]

An owner who wants to update the interior materials of the office while promoting a healthier indoor work environment using LEED strategies can specify low-emitting materials as one of the strategies to achieve this goal. Low-emitting materials are materials that have low or no emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or other pollutants into the indoor air. VOCs are organic chemicals that can evaporate or vaporize at room temperature and can adversely affect the indoor air quality (IAQ) of a building and the health, comfort, and productivity of the occupants. Some sources of VOCs in buildings are paints, coatings, adhesives, sealants, flooring, furniture, and cleaning products. Specifying low-emitting materials can reduce the exposure and risk of VOCs for the occupants and improve IAQ12. References: LEED v4 Green Associate Candidate Handbook1, LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide2

Climate change is weighted the most in the LEED rating systems because it is considered the most urgent and significant environmental challenge facing humanity. Climate change is caused by the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, which trap heat and alter the global climate patterns. Climate change can have severe consequences for human health, biodiversity, water resources, food security, and social equity. LEED projects can help mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from building operations and materials, as well as enhancing resilience and adaptation to climate impacts. The LEED impact categories and point allocation process assigns 35% of the total points to climate change. References: LEED v4 Impact Category and Point Allocation Process Overview2; LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, Introduction, page 9

Stone that is harvested and processed 80 mi (128.7 km) from the project site and purchased 75 mi (121 km) away is considered a local material because it meets the criteria of being extracted, harvested, recovered, or manufactured within 100 mi (160 km) of the project site. Local materials can help reduce environmental impacts associated with transportation, such as greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and energy consumption. Local materials can also support the local economy and community. LEED projects can earn credits for using local materials under the Materials and Resources category. References: Local Materials in India3; LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, Materials and Resources, page 65

Occupancy sensors are devices that detect the presence or absence of people in a space and automatically turn the lights on or off accordingly. By installing occupancy sensors for the building’s lighting system, projects can achieve two benefits: improving the indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and reducing the energy consumption. Occupancy sensors can enhance the IEQ by providing lighting control for individual spaces, allowing occupants to adjust the light levels to their preferences and needs. Occupancy sensors can also save energy by avoiding unnecessary lighting when spaces are unoccupied, thus lowering the electricity demand and greenhouse gas emissions. References: LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, p. 507 1; LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Operations and Maintenance, p. 241 1

Setting project goals is the action that the design team should conduct first in order to incorporate green building strategies in a six-story commercial building renovation project. Setting project goals is an important step in the integrative process that defines the vision and expectations for the project’s sustainability performance and guides the decision-making throughout the design and construction phases. Setting project goals involves engaging key stakeholders, such as owners, users, designers, contractors, and operators, and identifying measurable objectives, targets, and metrics for various aspects of green building, such as energy efficiency, water conservation, material selection, indoor environmental quality, site selection, and transportation access. The LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook states that one of the steps in the integrative process is to “establish sustainability goals early in project development” [1, p. 12]. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, [Integrative Process | U.S. Green Building Council]

LEED credits are weighted based on their potential environmental impacts and human benefits. Those that most directly address these areas are given greater weight in the scoring system. This approach is intended to prioritize actions that have the greatest positive impact on critical environmental issues such as climate change, water resources, biodiversity, air pollution, and human health. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

Systems thinking is a principle that is part of the integrated process, which is a collaborative and holistic approach to green building design, construction, and operation. Systems thinking involves understanding the interrelationships and interactions among the various components of a system, such as the building, its occupants, its site, its climate, and its energy sources. Systems thinking helps to identify synergies, optimize performance, avoid unintended consequences, and create multiple benefits for the project13. References: LEED v4 Green Associate Candidate Handbook1, LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide3

Soft surfaces contribute to a comfortable acoustic environment by absorbing sound waves and reducing noise levels. This can include items such as carpets, upholstered furniture, and acoustic ceiling tiles. In contrast, hard surfaces (like wood cabinets, hollow metal doors, or glass partitions) can reflect sound waves and increase noise levels. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

A flush-out is a process that is conducted prior to building occupancy and removes indoor airborne contaminants by thoroughly exhausting old air and replacing it with fresh outdoor air. A flush-out is one of the options for achieving the LEED Indoor Air Quality Assessment credit, which aims to reduce indoor air quality problems resulting from construction or renovation and promote the comfort and well-being of occupants1. A flush-out requires that the building be supplied with a total air volume of 14,000 cubic feet of outdoor air per square foot of gross floor area while maintaining an internal temperature of at least 60°F and no higher than 80°F and relative humidity no higher than 60%. The flush-out can be done before or during occupancy, but the latter option requires a minimum ventilation rate and duration2. A flush-out can help to remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulate matter (PM), and other pollutants that may be emitted from construction materials, finishes, furnishings, and equipment3.

Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) are tradable, non-tangible energy commodities that represent the environmental attributes of one megawatt-hour of electricity generated from renewable sources, such as wind, solar, hydro, or biomass1. RECs can be purchased by anyone, regardless of their location or utility provider, to support the development of renewable energy and reduce their carbon footprint2. RECs can also help projects earn points for the LEED v4 Innovation credit for Green Power and Carbon Offsets, which requires the purchase of at least 50% of the total building energy use from renewable sources or offsets for a minimum of five years3.

References:

• Using Renewable Energy for LEED Certification
• Renewable Energy Certificates For Green Building Explained
• LEED v4, Renewable Energy, and Carbon Offsets

LEED certification is awarded based on the number of points a project earns across several categories of green building performance. The range of points required to achieve the Certified level of certification for the commercial LEED Rating System is 40-49, out of a possible 110 points. The other levels of LEED certification are: Silver (50-59 points), Gold (60-79 points), and Platinum (80 or more points)12. References: LEED v4 Green Associate Candidate Handbook1, LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide2

A strategy for preventing light pollution is to install shielded fixtures. Light pollution is the excessive or inappropriate use of artificial lighting that can have adverse effects on human health, wildlife, ecosystems, and astronomy. Shielded fixtures are lighting devices that direct light downward and prevent light from escaping upward or sideways. Shielded fixtures can reduce light pollution by minimizing glare, sky glow, light trespass, and energy waste13. References: LEED v4 Green Associate Candidate Handbook1, International Dark-Sky Association’s Lighting Basics3

The scorecard is the recommended tool for the project team to utilize in order to determine the target certification level. The scorecard is a document that lists all the prerequisites and credits available for a specific rating system, along with their point values and requirements. The project team can use the scorecard to track their progress and estimate their potential score based on their design strategies and performance goals. The scorecard also helps the project team to identify synergies and trade-offs among different credits, prioritize their efforts, and optimize their resources.

The other options are not useful for estimating the certification level, as they are tools for documenting or clarifying specific credits or issues. The credit submittal form is a template that guides the project team on how to submit the required documentation for each credit. The project CIR (Credit Interpretation Request) is a service that allows the project team to ask technical questions or request clarifications on credit requirements or standards from USGBC or GBCI reviewers. The certification level cannot be determined without complete drawings, as they are necessary to demonstrate compliance with credit criteria.

References: LEED v4 User Guide, p. 12 2; LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, p. 21 1

Occupant surveys are tools that can be used to identify indoor environmental issues and prepare a corrective action plan to make necessary changes. Occupant surveys are questionnaires that collect feedback from the building users about their satisfaction, comfort, health, and productivity in relation to the indoor environmental quality (IEQ) factors, such as thermal comfort, indoor air quality, lighting quality, acoustic quality, and occupant control. Occupant surveys can help to identify the sources and causes of IEQ problems, as well as the potential solutions and improvements. Occupant surveys are also required for some LEED credits, such as IEQc7.2 Thermal Comfort, Verification1, which requires a corrective action plan if more than 20% of the occupants are dissatisfied with the thermal conditions in the space2. The other options are not directly related to identifying indoor environmental issues and preparing a corrective action plan, as they involve different types of tools or metrics that are not relevant for measuring occupant satisfaction and comfort.

The Commissioning Authority (CxA) should be brought onto the project team early in the Schematic Design (SD) phase, as recommended by the LEED rating system1. This allows the CxA to participate in the design process and provide input on the owner’s project requirements, the basis of design, and the commissioning plan. The CxA can also help to identify and resolve potential issues before they become costly problems during construction or operation.

References:

• LEED v4 for Building Design and Construction, p. 36
• LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, p. 11
• Commissioning Authority Guide
• Commissioning Authority | WBDG - Whole Building Design Guide

The protection and restoration of natural vegetation, wetland areas and bodies of water through building footprint consolidation helps to preserve open space and sensitive areas, which are important for maintaining biodiversity, ecosystem services, and human well-being. Building footprint consolidation refers to the strategy of minimizing the area of land that is occupied by a building and its associated infrastructure, such as roads, parking lots, and utilities. By reducing the building footprint, project teams can avoid or minimize the impacts of development on natural habitats, wetlands, and water bodies, which often provide critical functions such as water quality improvement, flood control, wildlife habitat, and recreation. LEED v4.1 recognizes and rewards this strategy in the Sensitive Land Protection credit1, which aims to conserve existing natural areas and restore damaged areas to provide habitat and promote biodiversity2. References: LEED Link: Sensitive Land Protection, section “LEED v4.1 BD+C: Sensitive Land Protection”; Sensitive Land Protection | U.S. Green Building Council, section “Intent”

Recycling is a strategy that can be used to reduce the amount of construction waste that is sent to landfills or incinerators. Recycling involves collecting, sorting, processing, and reusing or selling materials that would otherwise be discarded as waste. Recycling can save natural resources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, create jobs, and lower disposal costs1 . References: LEED v4 Green Associate Candidate Handbook1, EPA’s Recycling Basics

Regional Priority credits are awarded to encourage projects to address local environmental issues that are of particular importance or concern for the region where the project is located. These issues may include water scarcity, air quality, habitat protection, or human health. Regional Priority credits are not new LEED credits, but rather existing credits that have been identified by regional councils or chapters of USGBC as having higher priority or relevance for their areas. Projects can earn up to four bonus points by achieving Regional Priority credits. References: LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, Introduction, page 13; LEED v4 Impact Category and Point Allocation Process Overview1

An integrative design process is a collaborative and holistic approach that involves the project team and stakeholders from the early stages of the project to identify the project goals, analyze the site and climate conditions, explore multiple design options, and optimize the performance and cost-effectiveness of the project. By applying an integrative design process, a LEED project can achieve higher levels of sustainability and efficiency, as well as reduce the risks of errors, delays, and change orders12. References: LEED v4 Green Associate Candidate Handbook1, LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide2

 Selecting native plants to provide habitat for local fauna is a strategy that a design team should consider in order to decrease the impact of a new construction project. Native plants are plants that have evolved in a specific region and have adapted to the local climate and soil conditions. Native plants can offer many benefits for the environment, such as:

• Reducing water use and runoff by requiring less irrigation and fertilization
• Enhancing biodiversity and ecosystem services by supporting native wildlife and pollinators
• Improving air quality and mitigating climate change by sequestering carbon and reducing greenhouse gas emissions
• Increasing soil health and stability by preventing erosion and improving infiltration
• Creating a sense of place and cultural identity by reflecting the natural heritage of the region

The other options are not strategies that would decrease the impact of a new construction project. Maximizing views of the existing wetland may improve occupant satisfaction, but it does not necessarily reduce the environmental footprint of the project. Locating the project in an existing office park with ample parking may reduce land use and transportation impacts, but it may also increase heat island effect and stormwater runoff. Increasing the project’s footprint to maximize roof space for a solar array may increase renewable energy generation, but it may also increase site disturbance, material use, and energy demand. References: : Native Plants

Non-potable water is water that is not suitable for human consumption, but can be used for other purposes that do not require potable quality water. Non-potable water sources include rainwater, reclaimed/recycled water and greywater. Greywater is wastewater from sinks, showers, bathtubs, washing machines and dishwashers that can be reused for applications such as toilet flushing, irrigation and cooling tower make-up water12. Using non-potable water can reduce the demand for potable water and contribute to LEED water efficiency credits34.

References :=

• SRI Calculator | LEEDuser
• What Is Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) of Materials?
• Water Efficiency and LEED Certification | Contractor
• Water Balance Analysis - ASHRAE
• What is LEED? | Net Zero Water Inc. - Net Zero Water

Teams organize and work as part of an integrative process by working in small groups and as a whole with iterative processes. The integrative process is a method of design and construction that involves the collaboration and coordination of all project stakeholders from the beginning to achieve the project’s sustainability goals1. The integrative process requires teams to work in small groups, such as subcommittees or task forces, to focus on specific aspects of the project, such as energy, water, materials, indoor environmental quality, and site ecology2. The small groups then report back to the whole team and share their findings and recommendations, allowing for feedback and integration among different disciplines and systems2. The integrative process also requires teams to work with iterative processes, which means that they repeat and refine the design and analysis cycles until they reach the optimal solutions that meet the project’s performance targets3. The iterative processes enable teams to explore various scenarios, test assumptions, identify synergies and trade-offs, and evaluate the life-cycle impacts of their design decisions34.

References:

• Integrative process | U.S. Green Building Council
• LEED v4 | U.S. Green Building Council
• The Integrative Process in LEED V4 — ArchEcology
• New LEED Pilot Credit Establishes an Integrative Process for Health Promotion
• LEED Integrative Process Credit Explained - Projectific, Inc.

ASHRAE 62.1 is a standard that ensures adequate ventilation is supplied to building occupants. ASHRAE stands for the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, a professional organization that develops standards and guidelines for the design, operation, and maintenance of buildings. ASHRAE 62.1 is a standard that specifies the minimum ventilation rates and other measures for new and existing buildings that are intended to provide acceptable indoor air quality (IAQ) for the occupants. Ventilation is the process of supplying outdoor air to or removing indoor air from a building. Adequate ventilation is important for maintaining good IAQ, which can affect the health, comfort, and productivity of the occupants13. References: LEED v4 Green Associate Candidate Handbook1, ASHRAE’s Standard 62.13

One of the values and benefits of building green is that it will enhance the health of the building occupants. Building green is a process that incorporates environmental considerations into every stage of a building’s life cycle, from design to construction to operation to end-of-life. Building green can improve the indoor environmental quality (IEQ) of a building, which is the physical and psychological conditions of the indoor spaces that affect the health, comfort, and productivity of the occupants. Building green can enhance IEQ by using low-emitting materials, providing adequate ventilation, controlling temperature and humidity, optimizing daylighting and lighting quality, reducing noise levels, and promoting occupant well-being12. References: LEED v4 Green Associate Candidate Handbook1, LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide2

Good site design benefits a project in which of the following ways: makes occupants comfortable by providing green spaces. Green spaces are areas of vegetation that improve the quality of life for building occupants and visitors by providing natural views, fresh air, shade, noise reduction, and recreational opportunities. They also reduce heat island effect, improve stormwater management, and sequester carbon dioxide. The LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook states that one of the intents of the Sustainable Sites category is to “enhance occupant comfort by providing green spaces” [1, p. 13]. References: [LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook], [Green Spaces | U.S. Department of Energy]

The intent of waste management in the Materials and Resources credit category is to reduce the amount of waste and toxins hauled to landfills. This can be achieved through strategies such as recycling, composting, reusing materials, and reducing overall material consumption. By reducing waste, we can conserve natural resources, reduce pollution from waste treatment and disposal processes, and decrease the demand for landfill space. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

A list of materials to be diverted from disposal is a component of a construction waste management plan. A construction waste management plan is a document that outlines the goals, procedures, and responsibilities for diverting construction and demolition waste from landfills or incinerators. A list of materials to be diverted from disposal identifies the types and quantities of materials that can be recycled, reused, salvaged, or donated, as well as the destinations and methods for diversion. The other options are not components of a construction waste management plan. Projected cost savings from diverting waste is a potential benefit of implementing a construction waste management plan, but it is not a required component. Quantity of waste generated from excavated soil is a factor that affects the construction waste generation rate, but it is not a component of a construction waste management plan. Distance of the recycling facility from the project site is a factor that affects the transportation emissions and costs associated with diverting waste, but it is not a component of a construction waste management plan. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, page 28; USGBC, [Materials and Resources], page 3.

Energy use intensity (EUI) is a measure of energy use per unit of floor space. It is calculated by dividing the total energy consumed by the building in one year (measured in kilowatt-hours or kilo-British Thermal Units) by the total gross floor area of the building (measured in square feet or square meters). EUI is a useful metric for comparing the energy performance of different buildings or benchmarking against national averages. EUI can vary depending on building type, climate, occupancy, and other factors. Generally, a lower EUI indicates better energy efficiency and lower environmental impact. References: What is Energy Use Intensity (EUI)?2; Energy Use Intensity (EUI)3

One of the things that LEED promotes by encouraging compact development is walkability. Compact development is a form of urban planning that aims to reduce sprawl and make more efficient use of land and resources by increasing density, diversity, and connectivity of land uses5. Compact development can enhance walkability by creating mixed-use neighborhoods that provide a variety of destinations within walking distance, such as shops, services, workplaces, schools, parks, and transit stops. Walkability can offer multiple benefits for the environment, health, economy, and social equity. For example, walkability can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution by replacing car trips with walking or transit; improve physical and mental health by increasing physical activity and reducing stress; support local businesses and generate tax revenues by increasing foot traffic and property values; and foster social cohesion and civic engagement by creating vibrant public spaces and enhancing accessibility for all6. References: Compact urban development6; LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, Location and Transportation, page 15

LEED encourages compact communities because they provide reduction in travel associated with reaching services. Compact communities are communities that have high-density development patterns, mixed land uses, walkable streets, and diverse transportation options. Compact communities reduce the need for driving long distances to access various services, such as work, education, health care, recreation, or shopping. This reduces fuel consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, traffic congestion, and infrastructure costs. The LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook states that one of the intents of the Location and Transportation category is to “reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT)” [1, p. 12]. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, [Compact Communities | U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development]

One of the requirements for the Sustainable Sites Credit: Rainwater Management is that projects must use Green Infrastructure (GI) and Low Impact Development (LID) techniques within the LEED project boundary. GI and LID are design approaches that mimic natural hydrologic processes to manage stormwater runoff at its source. GI and LID techniques include strategies such as rain gardens, bioswales, permeable pavements, green roofs, rain barrels, cisterns, and vegetated buffers. The other options are not requirements for the Sustainable Sites Credit: Rainwater Management. Maximizing open space within the LEED project boundary is a requirement for the Sustainable Sites Credit: Open Space. Calculating the total rainwater runoff for 75th percentile rainfall events is a requirement for the Sustainable Sites Credit: Site Assessment. Using a combination of both structural and non-structural measures to manage a 90th percentile rainfall event is an option for meeting Option 1 of the Sustainable Sites Credit: Rainwater Management. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, page 27; USGBC, [Sustainable Sites], page 4-5.

Sustainable landscape design aims to create landscapes that are in harmony with the local environment, conserve natural resources, and provide ecological benefits. One of the outcomes of sustainable landscape design is restoring and regenerating habitat for native plants and animals, which enhances biodiversity and ecosystem services.

References:

• LEED v4 for Building Design and Construction, p. 582
• LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, p. 11

Should non-design team stakeholders be included in design charrettes?

• No, because it may increase legal liability
• Yes, because it may help to reduce future litigation
• No, because they lack the expertise to contribute design ideas
• Yes, because they enhance understanding of community concerns

Answer: D

Design charrettes are collaborative sessions where stakeholders brainstorm and generate design solutions for a project. Non-design team stakeholders, such as community members, clients, users, and regulators, can provide valuable input and feedback on the project goals, needs, challenges, and opportunities. Including them in design charrettes can help to create more sustainable, inclusive, and responsive design outcomes that meet the expectations and requirements of all parties involved. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, page 14; LEED Green Associate | U.S. Green Building Council, section “LEED v4 Rating Systems”

The LEED rating system is designed to address the most important environmental impacts and human benefits of green building. The impact categories are based on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s TRACI method (Tool for the Reduction and Assessment of Chemical and Other Environmental Impacts), which evaluates the potential environmental effects of a product or process over its life cycle. The impact categories are: reverse contribution to global climate change; enhance individual human health and well-being; protect and restore water resources; protect, enhance and restore biodiversity and ecosystem services; promote sustainable and regenerative material cycles; build a greener economy; enhance social equity, environmental justice, community health and quality of life. Among these categories, reducing contribution to climate change and enhancing human health and well-being have been identified as the most important ones for a LEED project to accomplish. References: LEED v4 Green Associate Candidate Handbook, LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide

Regenerative design is a type of design that goes beyond sustainability and aims to restore or enhance the natural systems that support life. Regenerative design projects not only minimize their environmental impact, but also contribute positively to the environment and society. An example of regenerative design is a building that generates electricity from renewable sources, such as solar panels or wind turbines, and sends the excess electricity to the grid, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting the transition to a clean energy economy.

References:

• What Is Regenerative Design? | LEED Blog1
• LEED v5 | U.S. Green Building Council2
• The Future of LEED Will Be Positive | BuildingGreen3

The water use reduction for a project is determined by finding the difference between the baseline conditions and the calculated installed case. The baseline conditions are the water use of the project if it were designed to meet the minimum requirements of the Energy Policy Act of 1992 or a local equivalent, whichever is more stringent. The calculated installed case is the water use of the project based on the actual fixtures and fittings installed or specified. The water use reduction is calculated as a percentage of savings from the baseline conditions. The LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook states that one of the strategies for achieving water efficiency is to “calculate water use reduction by comparing a building project’s water use with the water use baseline calculated for the building after meeting the Energy Policy Act of 1992 fixture performance requirements” [1, p. 14]. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, [Water Use Reduction | U.S. Green Building Council]

Recycling is the term for collecting, reprocessing, marketing and using materials that are diverted or recovered from the solid waste stream. Recycling is a process that transforms waste materials into new products that can be used for different purposes. Recycling reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills or incinerators, conserves natural resources, saves energy, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. The LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook states that one of the intents of the Materials and Resources category is to “reduce waste through recycling during construction and occupancy” [1, p. 15]. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, [Recycling Basics | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency]

Increasing the amount of ventilation in an occupied space affects the Indoor Environmental Quality credit category. Ventilation is the process of supplying fresh outdoor air and removing stale indoor air from a building. Ventilation can improve the indoor environmental quality by diluting or removing indoor pollutants, such as carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds, or particulate matter, and enhancing the thermal comfort and well-being of the occupants. The LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook states that one of the strategies for achieving indoor environmental quality is to “increase ventilation rates” [1, p. 16]. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, [Ventilation | U.S. Department of Energy]

The reclaimed wood doors can be used to meet the Materials Reuse credit under the Building Product Disclosure and Optimization category in LEED v4. This credit rewards projects for reusing materials that have been recovered from existing buildings or products, and reduces the demand for virgin materials and the associated environmental impacts. The credit does not have any distance requirements for the source of the reused materials, unlike the Recycled Content and Regional Materials credits.

References:

• LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide1, page 36
• LEED v4 and Low Carbon Building Materials2, page 19

A charrette is an intensive planning session where citizens, designers, and others collaborate on a vision for development. It provides a forum for ideas and offers the unique advantage of giving immediate feedback to the designers. More importantly, it allows everyone who participates to be a mutual author of the plan. This should be conducted first to ensure all stakeholders are aligned on the project goals and strategies before proceeding with detailed analyses or modeling. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

Integrative design is the term that encourages team members to collaborate throughout the process of design and construction to create synergistic solutions. Integrative design is an approach that considers the interrelationships among various building systems, environmental factors, and occupant needs, and seeks to optimize the performance, cost, and environmental benefits of the project. The LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook states that one of the intents of the Integrative Process category is to “support high-performance, cost-effective project outcomes through an early analysis of the interrelationships among systems” [1, p. 12]. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, [Integrative Design Process | Whole Building Design Guide]