8) Indoor Environmental Quality (61)
A government project with an open office plan will have partitioned cubes with frosted glass above eye level position for privacy. This design choice would negatively impact which of the following elements? A. Individual occupant controls B. Views to the outside C. Individual thermal comfort D. CO2 monitoring
B. Views to the outside This is Correct. Frosted glass would block the views to the outside.
A developer for an office project is considering a natural ventilation system. Which of the following will be the MOST important in determining if the system will be appropriate? A. Whether or not the system can connect to a building automation system B. Whether or not the system can provide enough fresh air C. Whether or not the system can be submetered D. Whether or not the system is quiet
B. Whether or not the system can provide enough fresh air This is Correct. The system first and foremost has to provide enough fresh air to meet the prerequisite of LEED. All the other choices may be important, which would be determined in the integrative process.
What amount of time do people in the United States spend on average indoors? A. 50% B. 60% C. 70% D. 80% E. 90% Skip
E. 90% This is Correct. The importance of the Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) category is partly due to how much time people spend indoors. How healthy the indoor environment is, such as air quality, is related to human health.
Which of the following would help increase the daylight brought into a space? A. Low VOC interior walls, single-pane glazing, and reused furniture B. Clerestory windows, light shelves, reflective paint, and skylights C. Ergonomic furniture, reused acoustic ceiling tiles, polished concrete flooring, and movable partitions D. Task lighting, occupancy sensors, window blinds, and operable windows
B. Clerestory windows, light shelves, reflective paint, and skylights This is Correct.
Properly designed daylighting results in which of the following? A. An increased lighting power density B. A decreased need for glare control C. A decreased need for artificial lighting D. The need to add operable windows
A. An increased lighting power density Lighting power density is the installed lighting power per unit area. By adding more daylighting, the lighting power density can be decreased (not increased). In simple terms - if more daylight is added to a particular area, there is less of a need for electric light. B. A decreased need for glare control Glare and brightness need to be addressed when implementing daylighting. Glare can increase as more sunlight is let into a space. C. A decreased need for artificial lighting This is Correct. D. The need to add operable windows The two are exclusive of each other.
In which of the following ways does integrated pest management (IPM) help a building owner save money? A. Because over application can be avoided B. By avoiding first costs of non-chemical structural controls C. Because pests are never present on the site D. Because only beneficial insects that contribute to a healthy ecosystem are allowed to thrive on the site.
A. Because over application can be avoided This is Correct. IPM is "a method of pest management that protects human health and the surrounding environment and improves economic returns through the most effective, least-risk option." - USGBC IPM can help by choosing the best ways to handle pests by first addressing underlying causes of the problem rather than treating problems after they occur. An example would be taking steps to keep pests out of the building envelope before they find a way in. IPM avoids over application and only using appropriate chemicals to save on costs. B. By avoiding first costs of non-chemical structural controls Non-chemical structural controls are part of the integrated preventive design in IPM. It could be considered a first cost with a fast ROI. C. Because pests are never present on the site This cannot be controlled as an absolute. D. Because only beneficial insects that contribute to a healthy ecosystem are allowed to thrive on the site. This cannot be controlled as an absolute.
How can a project team in a hot climate reduce a building's energy use and increase daylighting? A. By installing appropriately sized and located windows B. By installing glass over the entire exterior of the building C. By siting the building in an area surrounded by other buildings that can provide shade D. By locating private offices along the perimeter of the building walls
A. By installing appropriately sized and located windows This is Correct. Installing windows that are appropriate for the climate and that are strategically located is the correct choice. This refers back to the integrative process and discussing the best options. B. By installing glass over the entire exterior of the building In a hot climate, putting glass all over the exterior increases energy use. C. By siting the building in an area surrounded by other buildings that can provide shade The shade reduces energy use, but it also reduces daylighting opportunities if the surrounding buildings are blocking out the light. D. By locating private offices along the perimeter of the building walls Private offices, janitorial rooms, storage closets, etc. should be located near a building's core (center). This maximizes daylighting by not having walls block out lighting.
A project owner wants to create a healthy work environment for employees. To help ensure indoor air quality, which of the following should be monitored? A. Carbon-dioxide levels B. Wind speed and direction C. Daylighting levels D. Submetering of the HVAC system
A. Carbon-dioxide levels This is Correct. Carbon-dioxide monitoring indicates the quality of the air in a space. If there is too much CO2, the system can increase airflow to improve quality. B. Wind speed and direction Projects don't measure wind speed and direction (unless it's an airport). C. Daylighting levels Daylight levels are unrelated to indoor air quality. D. Submetering of the HVAC system Submetering will show the energy use of the system, not if the system is keeping the air clean.
A building owner wants to have improved IAQ after construction to improve occupant health. Which of the following products would a project team NOT need to verify have low-VOCs? A. Computer workstations B. Acoustic insulation C. Ceiling paint D. Granite countertops
A. Computer workstations Furniture and furnishings may be made of several components, including woods, glues, paints, fabrics, and foam. BIFMA is a standard that is used to rate the emissions of furniture and furnishings. B. Acoustic insulation Acoustic insulation can off-gas. C. Ceiling paint Paints and sealants should be checked to see if they are low-emitting. D. Granite countertops This is Correct. Granite is a naturally occurring material with low or no VOCs.
Which of the following preventive maintenance tasks would a facility manager routinely perform to maintain indoor air quality? A. Conducting a flush-out and Replacing air filters B. Calibrating sensors and Replacing air filters C. Conducting a flush-out and Cleaning the ducts with UV light D. Dusting all blinds with electrostatic cloths and Calibrating sensors
A. Conducting a flush-out and Replacing air filters A flush-out is performed by the design team (including owner, CxA, and Contractor) during the construction phase. It only needs to be done after significant construction. However, Replacing air filters should be done as part of a routine preventive maintenance schedule. B. Calibrating sensors and Replacing air filters This is Correct. Checking the CO2 sensors and the outdoor airflow monitors are tasks the facility manager could do periodically to make sure the system is functioning as designed. and Replacing air filters should be done as part of a routine preventive maintenance schedule. C. Conducting a flush-out and Cleaning the ducts with UV light A flush-out is done once prior to occupancy to remove construction contaminants from the air. In addition, The LEED rating system does not recommend cleaning the ducts with UV light. D. Dusting all blinds with electrostatic cloths and Calibrating sensors Dusting is part of a cleaning program, performed by Janitorial vendors infrequently. However, Calibrating sensors are tasks the facility manager could do periodically as part of preventive maintenance.
A project team is trying to maximize the number of points they can achieve for their LEED project by identifying synergies. Which of the following elements would not help achieve this goal? A. Daylight sensors B. Occupancy sensors C. Occupant lighting controls D. Operable windows
A. Daylight sensors The big three when it comes to saving energy and optimizing lighting is daylighting combined with occupancy sensors and individual occupant controls. Daylighting, of course, reduces the energy required for lighting. By having daylighting sensors, the interior lighting levels are adjusted automatically to further save energy by increasing artificial lighting only in areas that need it. If a space is unoccupied, occupancy sensors can turn off artificial lighting. Finally, individual task lighting lets each occupant turn on lights for their own comfort. B. Occupancy sensors The big three when it comes to saving energy and optimizing lighting is daylighting combined with occupancy sensors and individual occupant controls. Daylighting, of course, reduces the energy required for lighting. By having daylighting sensors, the interior lighting levels are adjusted automatically to further save energy by increasing artificial lighting only in areas that need it. If a space is unoccupied, occupancy sensors can turn off artificial lighting. Finally, individual task lighting lets each occupant turn on lights for their own comfort. C. Occupant lighting controls The big three when it comes to saving energy and optimizing lighting is daylighting combined with occupancy sensors and individual occupant controls. Daylighting, of course, reduces the energy required for lighting. By having daylighting sensors, the interior lighting levels are adjusted automatically to further save energy by increasing artificial lighting only in areas that need it. If a space is unoccupied, occupancy sensors can turn off artificial lighting. Finally, individual task lighting lets each occupant turn on lights for their own comfort. D. Operable windows This is correct.
A tenant of an office space wants an open office layout. What is one trade-off of this decision? A. Daylighting will be harder to achieve. B. The space will not be able to include task lighting. C. The acoustics may be poor. D. The room will have decreased air quality.
A. Daylighting will be harder to achieve. Open office layouts improve daylighting options because there are less walls and daylight can get further into the building if lower partition cubes are used. B. The space will not be able to include task lighting. Task lighting would be able to be included. C. The acoustics may be poor. This is Correct. A trade-off with the open office layout is in a large, open space the acoustics are usually poor. D. The room will have decreased air quality. An open office does not impact air quality.
Which factors affect an occupant's thermal comfort? A. Daylighting, air monitoring, and cleanliness B. VOC levels, glare, and acoustics C. Temperature, humidity, and air movement D. Acoustics, ergonomics, and views
A. Daylighting, air monitoring, and cleanliness Cleanliness is not a thermal comfort factor. B. VOC levels, glare, and acoustics VOC levels are unrelated to thermal comfort. Glare from too much daylight impacts visual comfort rather than thermal comfort. C. Temperature, humidity, and air movement This is Correct. D. Acoustics, ergonomics, and views These are all related to occupant comfort and control, but not thermal comfort.
An effective thermal comfort strategy considers the six primary factors that affect thermal comfort. A close collaboration between the owner, architect, and who else is critical to achieving thermal comfort success? A. Engineer B. Building code inspectors C. Lighting designer D. Landscape designer
A. Engineer This is Correct.
When thinking about room layouts early in the design process, which of the following should be considered? A. Environmental tobacco smoke control B. Acoustics C. Using materials with recycled content D. Entryway systems
A. Environmental tobacco smoke control ETS control is considered in relation to the exterior of the building, not room layouts. B. Acoustics This is Correct. Acoustics are often overlooked, but they should be considered early in the design process when designing room layouts in order to select a room design that aids this element. C. Using materials with recycled content Room layouts and material selection are unrelated. D. Entryway systems Entryway systems are part of the design of linking the outside to the inside of the building, not room layouts.
Which strategy supports improved indoor air quality during operations and maintenance? A. Flushing out the building before occupancy B. Locating air intakes away from garage areas C. Outlining green cleaning procedures and goals for custodians D. Using building materials with low life-cycle impacts
A. Flushing out the building before occupancy A flush-out removes contaminants before occupants move in. B. Locating air intakes away from garage areas This is a good design decision but not part of O+M. C. Outlining green cleaning procedures and goals for custodians This is Correct. Part of green cleaning involves including the custodians in the integrative process to get their input and to work together to create goals and procedures for reducing indoor contaminants from cleaning chemicals. D. Using building materials with low life-cycle impacts This is a design decision, not part of O+M.
Which type of products would reduce the environmental effects of cleaning products? A. Green-e B. Environmental Choice C. CRI D. Green Label Plus
A. Green-e Green-e is for RECs and carbon offsets. B. Environmental Choice This is Correct. Environmental Choice has many standards that apply to green cleaning products. C. CRI The Carpet and Rug Institute has certifications for carpet, carpet pads, and carpet cleaning equipment. D. Green Label Plus Green Label Plus indicates carpets have low VOC content.
An owner has selected an office building site in a natural area. They want to provide views to the outside to most people while also using daylighting to reduce energy demand. Which strategy would achieve these goals? A. Having adjustable window shades and operable windows B. Locating conference rooms and offices near the glazing C. Installing cubicles with low partitions and placing conference rooms and offices in the core of the building D. Installing an under floor air distribution system
A. Having adjustable window shades and operable windows The operable windows help with individual occupant comfort. The adjustable shades help with glare control. B. Locating conference rooms and offices near the glazing This design would block the daylight from interior workstations. C. Installing cubicles with low partitions and placing conference rooms and offices in the core of the building This is Correct. Low partition cubes allow daylight to extend farther into the building. Locating offices and rooms near a building's core prevents their walls from blocking views and daylight. D. Installing an under floor air distribution system This helps with thermal comfort.
When determining the ventilation levels of a space needed for good thermal comfort, which of the following should the project team consider? A. How much glass is in the facade B. The space's proximity to the exterior building envelope C. The activities performed in the space relative to its size D. The time of day the space will be used
A. How much glass is in the facade This would affect glare and lighting more than ventilation. B. The space's proximity to the exterior building envelope Envelope proximity is does not influence ventilation demand. C. The activities performed in the space relative to its size This is Correct. Ventilation design is a combination of the number of occupants in the space and the size of the space, thus demonstrating a population density. D. The time of day the space will be used Ventilation rates must deliver minimum design thresholds during all occupied hours.
A building owner has concerns about the costs of increasing the ventilation from the minimum required for indoor air quality. Which of the following could help offset the operating costs? A. Implementing a green-cleaning program B. Installing higher rated MERV filters C. Specifying low-emitting materials D. Using demand control ventilation
A. Implementing a green-cleaning program This is not correct. B. Installing higher rated MERV filters Better filters will not offset operating costs. C. Specifying low-emitting materials The type of materials do not offset the operating costs. D. Using demand control ventilation This is Correct. Demand-control ventilation is based on monitoring spaces and only increasing the ventilation when set points are reached. This is based on having CO2 sensors/monitors in the room. For example, if a room has five people in it and then ten more come in, the CO2 in the air would go up. The sensor would register this and increase the airflow. If the ventilation is only increased as needed, the operating costs go down instead of the system running at a maximum at all times.
A project team member is discussing adding soft surfaces to a perimeter room. What would be the result of doing this? A. Improved acoustics B. Reduced glare C. Improved daylighting D. Reduced contaminants
A. Improved acoustics This is Correct. Acoustic surfaces such as soft surfaces, building geometry, and duct insulation all help improve the acoustics of a space.
Changing the building envelope from single-pane glazing to double-pane glazing would result in which of the following? A. Increased energy efficiency B. Increased daylighting C. Improved occupant controls D. Decreased energy demand
A. Increased energy efficiency Energy efficiency is using less energy to accomplish the same amount of work. B. Increased daylighting Daylighting would not be increased. It would be about the same. C. Improved occupant controls D. Decreased energy demand This is Correct. The design of the building envelope (including the glazing) impacts the energy demand of the building. While more glazing (windows) increases daylighting, the heat gain from allowing more light in may increase HVAC loads. Double-pane glazing is a better insulator than single-pane glazing.
Including task lighting and increasing ventilation levels in a new building has what effect on the triple bottom line? A. Increased occupant performance B. Decreased maintenance C. Lower first costs D. Decreased ozone depletion
A. Increased occupant performance This is Correct. Strategies that improve employees' health and productivity over the long run have a large return on investment. Studies show happier employees are more productive. B. Decreased maintenance The maintenance would be unaffected. C. Lower first costs First costs may be higher due to the increased sizing of the ventilation system. D. Decreased ozone depletion Increasing ventilation may increase energy use. This doesn't mean the building would be any hotter or cooler.
What can a project team do to reduce the need for pesticides? A. Install hardscapes around the entire building perimeter B. Develop a coordinated program of nonchemical strategies C. Use only native plants in the landscaping D. Do not permit smoking around building entrances
A. Install hardscapes around the entire building perimeter This would not help, as bugs will traverse pavement. B. Develop a coordinated program of nonchemical strategies This is Correct. IPM begins with monitoring and baiting to reduce the need for chemical pesticides. C. Use only native plants in the landscaping Pests may live in areas with either native or non-native plants. D. Do not permit smoking around building entrances This is related to ETS control.
A project administrator needs specific information on an interior paint used in a tenant space. The information on the VOCs in the paint need to be uploaded into LEED Online. Where would this information be found? A. LEED Online materials database B. USGBC materials database C. MSDS D. Local building code office
A. LEED Online materials database LEED Online does not have a materials database. B. USGBC materials database USGBC does not have a materials database. C. MSDS This is Correct. The project manufacturer will have a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) that lists the VOC content of the paint. D. Local building code office The local building code office does not keep this information on file.
What product for an entryway system allows for good indoor air quality and is a good material choice? A. Low VOC rubber mat B. Carpeted tile shipped from overseas C. Stone tiles extracted and manufactured locally D. Wood flooring made in another country
A. Low VOC rubber mat This is Correct. LEED entryways should be grills, grates, or mats to help clean people's shoes off as they walk in. This keeps dust/dirt/contaminants out. The low VOC material is the best choice available. B. Carpeted tile shipped from overseas Products shipped from overseas are not a good material choice C. Stone tiles extracted and manufactured locally Stone is not a choice for an entryway in LEED. D. Wood flooring made in another country Wood flooring in an entryway does not improve indoor air quality.
A business owner wants to have an open office plan in a tenant space. To increase daylighting and optimize views, which of the following should the plan include? A. Low partitions B. Task lighting C. Single-pane glazing D. Solid doors
A. Low partitions This is Correct. A typical LEED synergy is daylighting and views. If more light is let in, most likely this is being accomplished through the use of windows. Those same windows can be used to provide occupants with views to the outside. Low-cube partitions allow more people to have views. Vision panels are interior windows placed in walls or doors allowing people to see through the wall/door.
During the integrative process a building owner decides to replace a low VOC ten-year carpet tile with a less expensive and higher VOC twelve-year carpet tile. Which of the following would be impacted by this change? A. Material reuse B. Construction waste management C. Indoor air quality D. Raw material sourcing
A. Material reuse Since the carpet is new, material reuse is not relevant. B. Construction waste management Construction waste management would not be impacted. C. Indoor air quality This is Correct. The higher VOC carpet tile impacts indoor air quality. D. Raw material sourcing Not enough information is provided about the carpets to know if raw material sourcing is an issue.
Which of the following should a green cleaning policy include? A. Measures to prevent against unwanted pests and the amount of waste to divert from the waste stream B. Standards for selecting products and technologies and certification of cleaning equipment C. A waste stream audit of recyclable materials and instructions for calibrating indoor air quality sensors D. The replacement of Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) filters and the selection of low VOC materials, furniture, and finishes
A. Measures to prevent against unwanted pests and the amount of waste to divert from the waste stream This is part of a waste-stream policy and integrated pest management (IPM). B. Standards for selecting products and technologies and certification of cleaning equipment This is Correct. A green cleaning policy should include: 1. The standards used to select products and technologies such as Green Seal or California Code of Regulations. 2. Certification of cleaning equipment from the carpet and rug institute. C. A waste stream audit of recyclable materials and instructions for calibrating indoor air quality sensors This is part of a waste-stream policy and improving indoor air quality. D. The replacement of Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) filters and the selection of low VOC materials, furniture, and finishes Replacing MERV filters is part of operations and maintenance to improve air quality. Selection of low VOC materials, furniture, and finishes during the building process helps improve indoor air quality of the occupants.
The practice of placing windows or other transparent media and reflective surfaces in such a way that during the day natural light provides effective internal illumination is referred to as: A. Natural ventilation B. Daylighting C. Passive ventilation D. Lighting power density
A. Natural ventilation Natural (or passive) ventilation uses the natural forces of wind and buoyancy to deliver fresh air into buildings through doors, windows, or other designed opening (chimneys). B. Daylighting This is Correct. This is the definition of daylighting. C. Passive ventilation See natural ventilation D. Lighting power density Lighting power density is the installed lighting power per unit area (the amount of electrical power used to illuminate a space). It is usually expressed in Watts per unit of area. Reducing the lighting power density for a project can reduce energy use
For which of the following reasons is it important to provide individual lighting and thermal comfort controls to building occupants? A. Occupant controls help improve productivity B. Occupant controls help improve indoor air quality C. Occupant controls help increase ventilation D. Occupant controls help improve acoustics
A. Occupant controls help improve productivity This is Correct.
In a naturally ventilated building, which of the following would provide occupants with control over their temperature? A. Operable windows B. A single-office thermostat C. CO2 sensors D. Outdoor air monitors
A. Operable windows This is Correct. Operable windows allow users near those windows to control their environment.
When would a project team need to consider increasing the ventilation levels to improve indoor air quality? A. Pre-design B. Before the occupants move in C. After the occupants have moved in D. During building commissioning
A. Pre-design This is Correct. Increasing ventilation may require a bigger ventilation system. It may also consume more energy to run the system. By the time the building is being constructed, these decisions can be too late.
At which point during the project schedule would a flush-out occur? A. Prior to occupants moving in B. Prior to the building water being turned on C. After the building envelope is weather-tight D. After HVAC ducts have been sealed and protected
A. Prior to occupants moving in This is Correct. A flush-out runs the mechanical systems with 100% outside air to remove contaminants. Flush-outs are usually done after construction is complete and prior occupants moving in. B. Prior to the building water being turned on A flush-out is unrelated to water. C. After the building envelope is weather-tight This is not correct. D. After HVAC ducts have been sealed and protected Since the flush-out uses the mechanical systems, the HVAC ducts need to be available and not sealed.
The developer of a school project in a sunny region suggests using light shelves to bring daylight into some of the classrooms. Which of the following issues would arise as a result of this strategy? A. Reduction of low-emitting materials B. Interference with outside views C. Glare reduction D. Decreased acoustic performance
A. Reduction of low-emitting materials This is not correct. B. Interference with outside views The height of the light shelves do not interfere with views C. Glare reduction This is Correct.Anytime daylight is brought into the building, glare reduction needs to be considered, no matter what method is used to bring in the daylight. D. Decreased acoustic performance A light shelf would not impact acoustics.
For which of the following reasons is it important to conduct occupant surveys? A. Surveys are a Minimum Program Requirement. B. Surveys identify areas that need improvement. C. Surveys are required for ongoing commissioning. D. Surveys reduce the ongoing waste stream.
A. Surveys are a Minimum Program Requirement. One of the goals of a survey is to improve acoustics, lighting, air quality, and overall building cleanliness, all of which improve employee satisfaction. B. Surveys identify areas that need improvement. This is Correct. A survey will provide facility managers with information on areas of the building that may be under performing. C. Surveys are required for ongoing commissioning. Occupant surveys are not required for ongoing commissioning. D. Surveys reduce the ongoing waste stream. Occupant behavior changes help reduce the ongoing waste stream.
Designing a building with a natural ventilation system will impact which of these credit category? A. Sustainable Sites B. Energy and Atmosphere C. Materials and Resources D. Integrative Strategies
A. Sustainable Sites No credits from this category are impacted by designing a building with natural ventilation. B. Energy and Atmosphere This is Correct. A natural ventilation system (aka passive ventilation) will reduce the energy demands of a building. No mechanical cooling system will need to installed and run. C. Materials and Resources No credits from this category are impacted by designing a building with natural ventilation. D. Integrative Strategies
Which of the following does LEED require for good indoor air quality? A. That smoking indoors is prohibited B. That low-emitting materials are specified C. That the building is kept clean during construction D. That a green cleaning policy is implemented
A. That smoking indoors is prohibited This is Correct. This is a prerequisite and is required for LEED certification. LEED requires a no-smoking policy for the building and around building entrances, operable windows, and air intakes. B. That low-emitting materials are specified This is an optional credit. C. That the building is kept clean during construction This is an optional credit. D. That a green cleaning policy is implemented This is an optional credit.
When conducting a confidential occupant survey to rate the lighting, acoustics, temperature, and cleanliness of a building, who is primarily responsible for reviewing the results and taking any corrective action? A. The facility manager(s) B. The building owner(s) C. The architect(s) D. The occupant(s)
A. The facility manager(s) This is Correct. The facility manager is the primary person responsible for the survey and its follow-up corrective action. That is not to say the other choices would not be involved - just to a lesser degree.
A project design with a focus on creating a healthy building includes materials with low VOC emissions, grates used in the entryway, higher-rated MERV filters, and air intakes located in an open-air parking garage. Which of these design strategies negatively impacts good indoor-air quality? A. The grates used for the entryway B. The higher-rated MERV filters C. The location of the air intakes D. The materials with low VOC emissions
A. The grates used for the entryway Grates are a good choice for capturing dirt from occupants entering the building. B. The higher-rated MERV filters Higher-rated MERV filters capture more air particulates. C. The location of the air intakes This is Correct. Air intakes should be located near fresh air sources and away from exhaust or smoking areas. D. The materials with low VOC emissions Materials with low VOC emissions are preferable for good indoor air quality.
In order for an occupant survey to improve the triple bottom line of a project, what should occur after the survey results have been assessed? A. The survey results should be shared with USGBC. B. The survey results should be uploaded to LEED online. C. Corrective action should be taken to address any problems. D. The building systems manual should be updated to include the survey results.
A. The survey results should be shared with USGBC. This does not improve the triple bottom line. B. The survey results should be uploaded to LEED online. A credit might require this but this action does not improve the triple bottom line. C. Corrective action should be taken to address any problems. This is Correct. Surveys should be followed with analysis and corrective action if necessary. D. The building systems manual should be updated to include the survey results. Just storing the results doesn't accomplish anything.
A project team is beginning the integrative process late into the design-phase of a new office building. At this point, which of the following could still be changed and would be a low-cost solution for improving daylighting? A. The types of furnishings B. The orientation of the building C. The number of glazing panes D. The window configuration
A. The types of furnishings This is Correct.
One side of a building is oriented toward the afternoon sun. Which of the following can give occupants control over excessive brightness and glare? A. Thermal comfort controls B. Operable windows C. Individual task lighting D. Adjustable window shades
A. Thermal comfort controls Thermal comfort controls would not help with brightness or glare. B. Operable windows Operable windows help with natural ventilation. C. Individual task lighting Task lighting is part of a good daylighting strategy. If individual occupants can control their own lighting, it eliminates the need for overhead lighting of an entire area. D. Adjustable window shades This is Correct. Window shades that occupants can adjust manually or automatically help reduce brightness and glare.
Why should a building have a green cleaning policy? A. To reduce the environmental effects of cleaning products B. To decrease the time it takes to clean a building C. To reduce the costs of cleaning a building D. To provide the janitorial staff with an opportunity to be part of the integrative design
A. To reduce the environmental effects of cleaning products This is Correct. A green cleaning policy is intended to reduce levels of chemical, biological, and particulate contaminants that can compromise air quality, human health, building finishes, building systems, and the environment. B. To decrease the time it takes to clean a building Using green cleaning products does not reduce cleaning time. C. To reduce the costs of cleaning a building Green cleaning products have comparable costs; they are not more expensive than non-green alternatives. D. To provide the janitorial staff with an opportunity to be part of the integrative design The janitors may have valuable input to the cleaning, but the policy is not so they can be included in the project team.
What is the best design strategy for improving indoor air quality during operations and maintenance of a building? A. Use air filters with high Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) ratings B. Orient the building for optimal sun exposure C. Use natural refrigerants D. Use soft surfaces on the interiors
A. Use air filters with high Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) ratings This is Correct. Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) ratings are a standard comparison of the efficiency of an air filter. The MERV scale ranges from 1 (least efficient) to 16 (most efficient), and measures a filter's ability remove particles from 3 to 10 microns in size. The ratings were developed by ASHRAE. B. Orient the building for optimal sun exposure Building orientation can impact the particulates entering the building due to the direction the wind blows. However it isn't as big of a factor as the air filters used. C. Use natural refrigerants The type of refrigerant does not directly impact the particulates in the air. D. Use soft surfaces on the interiors Soft surfaces are good for acoustic design, not air quality.
A building owner and general contractor are creating a construction plan to improve the air quality during the construction process. What should the plan address? A. Use low VOC materials, monitor carbon dioxide, monitor outdoor airflow B. Keep dust and dirt out of the building, protect materials from moisture damage, flush-out the building before occupancy C. Increase ventilation, calibrate sensors and monitors, conduct an occupant survey D. Conduct custodial training, use fans to blow out construction dust, orient the building properly
A. Use low VOC materials, monitor carbon dioxide, monitor outdoor airflow These choices all improve occupant health after construction. B. Keep dust and dirt out of the building, protect materials from moisture damage, flush-out the building before occupancy This is Correct. Housekeeping during the construction process keeps dust and dirt from collecting in the building and it's installed systems. Protecting materials from moisture damage can prevent rot and mold. Protecting equipment from dust and dirt by capping cand covering intakes and openings protects the systems. A flush-out runs the mechanical systems with 100% outside air to remove contaminants. Flush-outs are usually done after construction is complete and prior occupants moving in. C. Increase ventilation, calibrate sensors and monitors, conduct an occupant survey These choices all improve occupant health after construction. D. Conduct custodial training, use fans to blow out construction dust, orient the building properly Custodian training helps with green cleaning (after construction). Using fans to blow out dust is not a recommended strategy. Building orientation helps reduce energy demand.
A business owner is building an office in a city that has air quality issues during the summer. The owner wants to hear recommendations for design decisions that improve indoor air quality. Which of the following strategy that would achieve the project goal? A. Use materials with low VOC emissions B. Orient the building east to west C. Permit smoking around side entrances only D. Use natural ventilation
A. Use materials with low VOC emissions This is Correct. Low-emitting materials improve indoor air quality. B. Orient the building east to west Building orientation helps with daylighting and harvesting free energy. C. Permit smoking around side entrances only In LEED, smoking is not allowed at any of the building entrances. D. Use natural ventilation Natural may be worse because the poor outside air would be coming into the building unfiltered.
A healthcare project team in the pre-design phase is discussing ways to protect patient privacy. Which of the following strategies would help achieve this goal? A. Using sound isolation B. Placing recovery rooms toward the core of the building C. Designing waiting areas with views to the outdoors D. Reducing the building's footprint
A. Using sound isolation This is Correct. Sound isolation is part of acoustic performance. In healthcare, patient privacy is important - discussions between doctors and patients should be private. Sound isolation helps achieve this. B. Placing recovery rooms toward the core of the building Room placement near the building core does not impact privacy. C. Designing waiting areas with views to the outdoors This does not address privacy. D. Reducing the building's footprint This is not correct.
A building design in a cool climate includes daylighting, natural ventilation, operable windows, and individual lighting controls. What else can be included in the design to improve occupant comfort and control? A. Walk off mats in all emergency exits B. Ergonomic desks C. Bicycle racks near the building entrance D. Discounted transit passes
A. Walk off mats in all emergency exits Walk off mats at building entrances help keep dust and dirt out of the building for better indoor air quality (IAQ). B. Ergonomic desks This is Correct. Ergonomic furniture and workstations are a way to improve occupant comfort. C. Bicycle racks near the building entrance Bicycle racks help encourage alternative transportation D. Discounted transit passes Discounted public transportation helps encourage alternative transportation
A company is designing an open office plan for seventy-five employees working in an entire floor of a building. Daylighting will be used to provide natural light and reduce energy costs. To ensure effective lighting quality for all of the occupants, the design should include which of the following? A. Zoned daylighting controls B. Light shelves C. Automatic shades D. Reflective paint and surfaces
A. Zoned daylighting controls This is Correct. Because the plan is for an entire floor of a building, different areas of the project will receive different levels of lighting throughout the day. To make sure all occupants have quality lighting, a zoned system that adjusts lighting levels based on the quantity of daylight coming in will work best. People in darker areas would have more artificial light, while those in the sunnier areas would have less.
Which design strategy allows occupants to actively participate in energy savings? A. Daylighting B. Task lighting C. Views to the outdoors D. Smoking away from the building
B. Task lighting This is Correct. This is the only choice that an occupant can actively do: turn on or off task lighting. Lighting control for occupants helps them see better by controlling the lighting levels in their area. LEED projects should provide individual occupant controls and group controls for shared spaces (like a conference room).
A delivery of drywall arrived at a building site during a rain storm. Some of the drywall was exposed to the rain. What should the general contractor do with the material? A. Install it anyway B. Send it to the landfill C. Ask for replacement drywall from the seller D. Wait for it to dry out and then install it
C. Ask for replacement drywall from the seller This is Correct. What is this question really asking? A building material got wet, what does that impact? For good indoor air quality, remember a general contractor is responsible for keeping building materials dry so that no mold is introduced into the building. Installing it or waiting for it to dry and then installing it are not good options (how could it be known for certain that it's dry below the surface?). Sending it to the landfill is not good for the environment. The seller might replace it and send the damaged materials back to be ground up into new product.
The developer of a new restaurant wants to include a smoking room inside. Which of the following statements is true about the project's ability to earn LEED certification? A. The project is exempt from ETS control. B. The project could get an exception for ETS control. C. The project cannot earn LEED certification because it will not meet all the prerequisites. D. The project could earn LEED certification if appropriate signage is put up designating the smoking area.
C. The project cannot earn LEED certification because it will not meet all the prerequisites. This is Correct. No smoking is allowed to meet the LEED prerequisite.
Why would a project team use low-emitting materials? A. These materials provide soft surfaces to improve acoustics B. These materials reduce the glare from interior finishes. C. These materials protect the health of construction personnel and building occupants. D. These materials allow more daylight into the core of a building.
C. These materials protect the health of construction personnel and building occupants. This is Correct. Low-emitting should bring low VOC to mind. VOCs are "substances that vaporize at room temperature and can cause health problems. VOCs off-gas from many materials, including adhesives, sealants, paints, carpets, and particle board." - USGBC While the smell may sometimes be good (New car smell is an example of a VOC) what is inhaled is not actually good or healthy for individuals. By eliminating/reducing VOCs and their off-gassing, the health of those working with the materials and being around the materials is improved.
A building in a warm climate will not have operable windows or natural ventilation due to a limited number of days each year that these strategies would be beneficial. Which of the following would help the project team give ventilation control to occupants? A. Movable furniture B. Window blinds C. Adjustable height partitions D. Adjustable air diffusers
D. Adjustable air diffusers This is Correct. Adjustable air diffusers help with ventilation control. Thermostats help with temperature control. Thermostats can be provided for zones to help refine the temperature for different areas.
Which of the following contaminants is not removed by a proper ventilation system? A. Radon B. Material off-gassing C. CO2 concentrations D. CFCs
D. CFCs This is correct. CFCs are part of refrigerant management. Ventilation doesn't remove them.
To improve occupant satisfaction a project team conducts a survey of the occupants. Which of the following is NOT important IEQ topics to ask about in the survey? A. Are any areas are too hot or too cold? B. Is the lighting adequate? C. How are the acoustics? D. How frequently does an individual take public transportation to work?
D. How frequently does an individual take public transportation to work? This is correct.
Which of the following elements should not be considered to facilitate communication in school classrooms? A. Soft surfaces B. Duct insulation C. Building geometry D. Increased ventilation
D. Increased ventilation Increasing the ventilation will improve indoor air quality.
Which responsibility would belong to the general contractor during construction to improve indoor air quality? A. Verifying construction waste is placed in the proper trash bins B. Implementing a pest control management plan C. Overseeing the rainwater management plan D. Making sure someone is sweeping periodically to control dust
D. Making sure someone is sweeping periodically to control dust This is Correct. The general contractor has a role in indoor air quality during construction. They should: * Keep the site free of dust and dirt (inside) * Protect building materials from moisture damage (rain/snow) to prevent mold growth * Cap and seal mechanical ducts so dust does not enter the ventilation system * Prevent smoking in and around the building
A project team in a dry region is designing a project with an entryway that leads to a downtown city block. The building owner wants to reduce dirt, dust, and contaminants tracked into the building from people's shoes. Which of the following is not an appropriate choices for an entryway system that would improve indoor air quality? A. Metal grills made of aluminum B. Steel grates C. Rubber mats manufactured overseas D. Marble tile extracted and manufactured locally
D. Marble tile extracted and manufactured locally This is correct.
Where is smoking NOT prohibited for a project? A. Building entrances B. Operable windows C. Air intakes D. Walking trails
D. Walking trails This is correct.
