1) LEED Process (107)

A LEED credit that supports local economies and strengthens the green building industry and supply chains supports what impact category? A. Build a Greener Economy B. Promote Sustainable and Regenerative Material Resources Cycles C. Enhance Social Equity, Environmental Justice, Community Health and Quality of Life D. Global Biodiversity, Habitat Protection and Land Preservation

A. Build a Greener Economy This is correct. The Build a Greener Economy impact category components are: - Enhance the Value Proposition of Green Building - Strengthen the Green Building Industry and Supply Chain - Promote Innovation and Integration of Green Building Products and Services - Incentivize Long Term Growth and Investment Opportunities - Support Local Economies

What impact category addresses reducing negative environmental impacts throughout the materials life-cycle? A. Promote Sustainable and Regenerative Material Resources Cycles B. Reverse Contribution to Global Climate Change C. Protect, Enhance and Restore Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services D. GHG Emissions Reduction from Materials and Water Embodied Energy Use

A. Promote Sustainable and Regenerative Material Resources Cycles This is correct. The components of the Protect, Enhance and Restore Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services are: - Local Biodiversity, Habitat Protection and Open Spaces - Global Biodiversity, Habitat Protection and Land Preservation - Sustainable Use and Management of Ecosystem Services

What is the intent of the Indoor Environmental Quality credits? A. Promote better indoor air quality and access to daylight and views B. Using reused materials inside the building envelope C. Reducing indoor potable water use D. Decreasing the lighting power density for interior lights

A. Promote better indoor air quality and access to daylight and views This is correct.

What are the goals of the Minimum Program Requirements? A. Protect the integrity of the LEED program B. Ensure prerequisites are met C. Verify buildings are meeting environmental goals D. To host a LEED Charette

A. Protect the integrity of the LEED program This is correct. B. Ensure prerequisites are met This is the role of the base application and preliminary review. C. Verify buildings are meeting environmental goals This can only be done with performance data in operations phase. D. To host a LEED Charette This is something the project team does but is not a minimum program requirement nor the goal of MPRs.

What is the point range for a project to earn LEED Silver? A. 40-49 B. 50-59 C. 60-69 D. 70-79

B. 50-59 This is correct. Certified 40-49 points Silver 50-59 points Gold 60-79 points Platinum 80+ points

What is each LEED rating system made up of? A. 3rd party standards B. A combination of credit categories C. Impact categories D. Interpretations

B. A combination of credit categories This is correct. "Each rating system is made up of a combination of credit categories.Within each of the credit categories, there are specific prerequisites projects must satisfy and a variety of credits projects can pursue to earn points. The number of points the project earns determines its level of LEED certification."

What are the roles of USGBC? A. Overseeing LEED credential maintenance and third-party technical reviews of registered LEED projects B. Administering and creating the LEED rating systems and issuing LEED building certifications C. Auditing member companies and providing building grants to for-profit companies D. Promoting the triple bottom line and administering the LEED exams

B. Administering and creating the LEED rating systems and issuing LEED building certifications This is correct. USGBC is responsible for administering and creating the LEED rating systems.USGBC issues LEED building certifications once they have been approved by GBCI's third-party review.

The area of a project site that is used by the building structure, defined by the perimeter of the building plan is the: A. Building envelope B. Building footprint C. Development footprint D. Building shell

B. Building footprint This is correct. This is the definition of the building footprint. A. Building envelope The building envelope (aka building shell) is the exterior surface of the building. It includes the walls, windows, roof, and floor. C. Development footprint The development footprint is the total land area of a project site covered by buildings, streets, parking areas, and other typically impermeable surfaces constructed as part of the project. D. Building shell

What is USGBC's vision? A. Transform the way buildings and communities are designed, built, and operated B. Buildings and communities that will regenerate and sustain the health and vitality of all life within a generation C. See the transformation of a built environment that leads to a sustainable future D. Lead and accelerate the transformation to high-performing, healthy green buildings, homes, and communities throughout the United States

B. Buildings and communities that will regenerate and sustain the health and vitality of all life within a generation This is correct. This is USGBC's vision.

What is the minimum certification level in LEED? A. certified B. Certified C. Accredited D. Approved

B. Certified This is correct. The LEED levels are Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. A. certified 'certified' with a lowercase 'c' is incorrect. C. Accredited Buildings are certified, people are accredited. Sometimes people get that backwards. D. Approved There is no 'Approved' certification level for LEED.

Each LEED credit and prerequisite includes the intent of the credit/prerequisite. What is the 'intent' of a credit/prerequisite? A. Details the level of performance needed to achieve a credit B. Identifies the main sustainability goal or benefit of the prerequisite or credit C. Addresses the synergies and trade-offs between credits D. Outlines concerns specific to specific regions

B. Identifies the main sustainability goal or benefit of the prerequisite or credit This is correct. This is USGBC's definition of a LEED intent. A. Details the level of performance needed to achieve a credit This is what requirements contain, or exemplary performance. C. Addresses the synergies and trade-offs between credits This information is covered in the related credits section of the reference guide. D. Outlines concerns specific to specific regions This is what regional variations contain.

Exemplary performance and pilot credits are awarded in what LEED category? A. Awareness and education B. Innovation C. Sustainable Sites D. Core and Shell

B. Innovation This is correct. All LEED rating systems award projects for innovative, exemplary performance, and pilot credits. Innovative strategies are those that are not addressed in the LEED rating system. Exemplary performance strategies are earned when a higher threshold is achieved beyond that required by the credit. Pilot credits are experimental credits project teams can pursue. A. Awareness and education Awareness and education is awarded in the Innovation category.

What is the maximum number of project administrators that can be assigned to a LEED project? A. 3 B. 2 C. 1 D. Unlimited

C. 1 This is correct. There is only one project administrator per project.

For a project to be LEED Platinum a minimum of how many points must be earned? A. 60 B. 70 C. 80 D. 90

C. 80 This is correct. Certified 40-49 points Silver 50-59 points Gold 60-79 points Platinum 80+ points

What is the exterior surface of the building referred to as? A. Building footprint B. Building density C. Envelope D. Floor area ratio

C. Envelope This is correct. The building envelope (aka building shell) is the exterior surface of the building. It includes the walls, windows, roof, and floor.

A project that earns 65 points would earn what level of certification? A. Certified B. Silver C. Gold D. Platinum

C. Gold This is correct. At least 40 points must be earned for a building to be LEED Certified at the base level (Certified). Certified 40-49 points Silver 50-59 points Gold 60-79 points Platinum 80+ points

What describes a project that has been certified to the base level? A. LEED's Certified B. LEED Accredited C. LEED Certified D. LEED Certified certified

C. LEED Certified This is correct. "LEED Certified" with capital "C" (and no hyphen) is used to describe a project that has been certified to the base level: Certified. A. LEED's Certified This is not correct. B. LEED Accredited People are accredited, not buildings. D. LEED Certified certified Due to repetition, the wording "project 'A' is LEED Certified certified" is not recommended. "Certified" to reference both certification and level is sufficient.

The LEED Green Building Rating System is all of the following EXCEPT: A. Voluntary B. Consensus-based C. Market-driven D. Privately funded

D. Privately funded This is correct. "The LEED Green Building Rating System is voluntary, consensus-based, and market-driven. Based on existing and proven technology, it evaluates environmental performance from a whole building perspective over a building's or neighborhood's life cycle, providing a definitive standard for what constitutes a green building in design, construction, and operation." - USGBC

Which of the following are LEED impact categories? A. Build a Greener Economy and Protect and Restore Water Resources B. Reuse Dependence on Fossil Fuels and Create a Strong Sense of Place C. Social Capital, Natural Capital, and Economic Capital D. Natural Context, Infrastructural Context, and Social Context

A. Build a Greener Economy and Protect and Restore Water Resources This is correct. These Impact Categories answer the question: "What should a LEED project accomplish?: 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 Resources Cycles Build a Greener Economy Enhance Social Equity, Environmental Justice, and Community Quality of Life B. Reuse Dependence on Fossil Fuels and Create a Strong Sense of Place These two choices are components of impact categories. Reuse Dependence on Fossil Fuels is component of Reverse Contribution to Global Climate Change. Create a Strong Sense of Place is a component of Enhance Social Equity, Environmental Justice, Community Health and Quality of Life. C. Social Capital, Natural Capital, and Economic Capital These are alternative terms for People, Planet, Profit of the triple bottom line. D. Natural Context, Infrastructural Context, and Social Context These are the factors of Location.

Which of the following documents establishes the terms and conditions of the LEED Certification Program to which the building owner is bound? A. Certification agreement B. LEED certification C. Agent's authority D. Owner's project requirements

A. Certification agreement This is correct. The purpose of the Agreement is to establish the terms and conditions of the LEED Certification Program (the "Program,") to which You (and Your Agent, if any) are bound. The Program consists of the process whereby GBCI reviews documentation submitted by participants to determine if a building, interior space, or neighborhood, as described to GBCI, complies with the requirements of the LEED Green Building Rating System and has accumulated the minimum number of points necessary to achieve pre-certification or a particular level of LEED Certification (i.e., LEED Certified, LEED Silver, LEED Gold, or LEED Platinum). GBCI administers the Program and confers pre-certification and LEED Certification under license from the U.S. Green Building Council, Inc. ("USGBC"). B. LEED certification LEED certification is what is awarded to a building, it is not a document that establishes terms and conditions for the Program. C. Agent's authority The agent's authority agreement allows an agent to act on behalf of an owner to perform certain actions. D. Owner's project requirements The OPR documents how the owner expects the building to function.

What does the LEED Volume Program help with? A. Cost-effective LEED certification on a volume scale B. Comparing baseline energy use among buildings C. Comparing design case energy use among buildings D. Policy support for LEED documentation

A. Cost-effective LEED certification on a volume scale This is correct. Among other things the LEED Volume Program provides a cost-effective path to achieving LEED certification on a volume scale.

The total land area of a project site covered by buildings, streets, parking areas, and other typically impermeable surfaces constructed as part of the project is the: A. Development footprint B. LEED neighborhood C. Stormwater retention area D. Restored area

A. Development footprint This is correct.

How are the number of points a credit can earn in LEED determined? A. Each credit is independently evaluated by USGBC within the seven impact categories. B. The points are assigned by the GHG emissions related to the credit. C. Member companies vote on which credits should receive the most points. D. The points are set by how difficult the credit is to achieve.

A. Each credit is independently evaluated by USGBC within the seven impact categories. This is correct. The USGBC LEED Steering Committees determine the credit weighting based on a point allocation methodology. The basic approach is that each of the LEED credits are independently evaluated along each of the seven impact categories, in a matrix style format with credits as rows, impact categories as columns, and associations between credits and impact categories as individual cells. For each cell, an association between credit and impact category is determined and given a weight that depends on the relative strength of that association (i.e. credit outcome weighting).

Protecting human health globally and across the entire built environment life cycle is part of what impact category? A. Enhance Individual Human Health and Well-Being B. Create a Strong Sense of Place C. Sustainable Use and Management of Ecosystem Services D. Promote Innovation and Integration of Green Building Products and Services Skip

A. Enhance Individual Human Health and Well-Being This is correct. The components of the impact category Enhance Individual Human Health and Well-Being are: - Support Occupant Comfort and Well-Being - Protect Human Health from Direct Exposure to Negative Health Impacts - Protect Human Health Globally and Across the Entire Built Environment Life Cycle

What impact category most directly helps with the people aspect of the triple bottom line? A. Enhance social equity, environmental justice, and community quality of life B. Protect and restore water resources C. Promote sustainable and regenerative material resources cycles D. Protect, enhance, and restore biodiversity and ecosystem services

A. Enhance social equity, environmental justice, and community quality of life This is correct. This impact category directly emphasizes social equity and community.

How does LEED evaluate the environmental performance of a building? A. From a whole building perspective over a building's life cycle B. Using LEED Online C. Through a cradle to grave analysis D. By the amount of energy reduction Skip

A. From a whole building perspective over a building's life cycle This is correct. See LEED Today in reference. LEED looks at the environmental performance of a building through the building's entire life cycle, from pre-design until deconstruction. B. Using LEED Online LEED Online is the tool used for LEED documentation and tracking the project's progress. C. Through a cradle to grave analysis Cradle to grave is the linear view of the life of a product, from creation to the end of useful life, i.e. disposal. LEED uses the term 'whole building perspective' or 'whole building approach', not cradle-to-grave. D. By the amount of energy reduction Energy reduction is only one factor in LEED. Site, water, materials, and the indoor environment are the other factors.

What components are included in the impact category for Reverse Contribution to Global Climate Change? A. GHG Emissions Reduction from Building Operations Energy Use and GHG Emissions Reduction from a Cleaner Energy Supply B. GHG Emissions Reduction from Materials and Water Embodied Energy Use and Water Quality Protection C. GHG Emissions Reduction from Materials and Water Embodied Energy Use and Move to Cyclical, Non-Depleting Material Cycles D. GHG Emissions Reduction from a Cleaner Energy Supply and Protect Human Health from Direct Exposure to Negative Health Impacts

A. GHG Emissions Reduction from Building Operations Energy Use and GHG Emissions Reduction from a Cleaner Energy Supply This is correct. The 5 components of this impact category are: 1. GHG Emissions Reduction from Transportation Energy Use 2. GHG Emissions Reduction from Materials and Water Embodied Energy Use 3. GHG Emissions Reduction by Embodied Energy of Water Reduction 4. GHG Emissions Reduction from a Cleaner Energy Supply 5. Global Warming Potential Reduction from Non-Energy Related Driversv B. GHG Emissions Reduction from Materials and Water Embodied Energy Use and Water Quality Protection Water Quality Protection is a component of Protect and Restore Water Resources. C. GHG Emissions Reduction from Materials and Water Embodied Energy Use and Move to Cyclical, Non-Depleting Material Cycles Move to Cyclical, Non-Depleting Material Cycles is a component of Promote Sustainable and Regenerative Material Resources Cycles. D. GHG Emissions Reduction from a Cleaner Energy Supply and Protect Human Health from Direct Exposure to Negative Health Impacts Protect Human Health from Direct Exposure to Negative Health Impacts is component of Enhance Individual Human Health and Well-Being.

At a minimum, a project team must successfully do which of the following to obtain LEED certification? A. Gather documentation for 40 of the points available B. Record all vendors used on the project C. Achieve a minimum of 40% Diversion. of Construction and Demolition Waste from landfills D. Hire a LEED AP

A. Gather documentation for 40 of the points available This is correct. The minimum number of points required for certification is 40. B. Record all vendors used on the project The product vendors are not needed when submitting documentation on the project. C. Achieve a minimum of 40% Diversion. of Construction and Demolition Waste from landfills The material prerequisite is for waste planning. D. Hire a LEED AP USGBC consultants are not required for projects.

Promoting the triple bottom line is a part of USGBC's: A. Guiding principles B. Vision C. Mission D. Strategic goals

A. Guiding principles This is correct. USGBC has seven guiding principles outlined in the 2013-2015 strategic plan. They are: (1) PROMOTE THE TRIPLE BOTTOM LINE - USGBC will pursue robust triple bottom line solutions (people, planet, profit) that clarify and strengthen a healthy and dynamic balance between environmental, social, and economic prosperity. (2) ESTABLISH LEADERSHIP - USGBC will foster both revolutionary and evolutionary leadership by championing societal models that achieve a more robust triple bottom line. (3) RECONCILE HUMANITY WITH NATURE - USGBC will endeavor to create and restore harmony between human activities and natural systems. (4) FOSTER SOCIAL EQUITY - USGBC will continue to respect all communities and cultures and aspire to be a fully inclusive movement that embraces opportunities which broaden and expand our reach through partnerships and initiatives. (5) MAINTAIN INTEGRITY - USGBC will be guided by the precautionary principle in utilizing technical and scientific data to protect, preserve and restore the health of the global environment, ecosystems, and species. (6) BE INCLUSIVE - USGBC will ensure inclusive, interdisciplinary, multi-sector, and democratic decision making with the objective of building understanding and shared commitments toward a greater common good. In this spirit, USGBC will continue to seek common ground and partner with allied, influential organizations and leaders in the field to confront mutual challenges. (7) EXHIBIT TRANSPARENCY - USGBC will continue to operate in an organizational culture that places honesty, openness, and transparency above all else.

Which of the following appropriately refers to LEED's system goals? A. Impact Categories B. Prerequisites C. Credits D. Prerequisites and Credits

A. Impact Categories This is correct. LEED's system goals are referred to as "Impact Categories." Seven Impact Categories were developed and approved by the LEED Steering Committee for incorporation into LEED v4. These Impact Categories answer the question: "What should a LEED project accomplish?" B. Prerequisites Mandatory strategies are deemed "prerequisites" for entering the system. C. Credits Optional strategies are referred to as "credits" D. Prerequisites and Credits

A new building tenant is leasing 2-stories in an existing 10-story building. What rating system would be appropriate for the project? A. LEED Interior Design and Construction: Commercial Interiors B. LEED Building Design and Construction: New Construction C. LEED Operations and Maintenance: Existing Buildings D. LEED Building Design and Construction: Core and Shell

A. LEED Interior Design and Construction: Commercial Interiors This is correct. LEED Interior Design and Construction: Commercial Interiors is for interior spaces that are a complete interior fit-out. (-USGBC) B. LEED Building Design and Construction: New Construction LEED Building Design and Construction: New Construction is for buildings that do not primarily serve K-12 educational, retail, data centers, warehouses and distribution centers, hospitality, or healthcare uses. New construction also includes high-rise residential buildings 9 stories or more. (-USGBC) C. LEED Operations and Maintenance: Existing Buildings LEED Operations and Maintenance: Existing Buildings is for buildings that are undergoing improvement work or little to no construction. It is typically used by building owners not tenants that lease a portion of the space. (-USGBC) D. LEED Building Design and Construction: Core and Shell LEED Building Design and Construction: Core and Shell is for the exterior shell and core mechanical, electrical, and plumbing units, but not a complete interior fit-out. LEED BD+C: Core and Shell is the appropriate rating system to use if more than 40% of the gross floor area is incomplete at the time of certification. (-USGBC)

What LEED rating system helps create better, more sustainable, well-connected neighborhoods? A. LEED ND B. LEED BD+C: Schools C. LEED Homes D. LEED O+M: Existing Buildings

A. LEED ND This is correct. LEED for Neighborhood Development integrates the principles of smart growth, urban-ism and green building into the first national system for neighborhood design.

What rating system has a credit category named Smart Location and Linkage? A. LEED ND B. LEED BD+C C. LEED O+M D. LEED ID+C

A. LEED ND This is correct. Smart location & linkage credits promote walk-able neighborhoods with efficient transportation options and open space.

What should be used during all project phases to verify the green building goals are being met? A. LEED Project Checklist B. Commissioning plan C. Sustainable purchasing policy D. Materials checklist

A. LEED Project Checklist This is correct. The LEED Project Checklist is the quick list of what credits the project team has decided to pursue in the pre-design phase, based on the project vision and the project's green building goals. Through each phase this checklist is consulted to ask 'are we on track and are we working towards meeting those credits we set out to do?' B. Commissioning plan The commissioning plan is used to verify the installed systems are working as designed. C. Sustainable purchasing policy This policy is used to document environmentally preferable materials to purchase. D. Materials checklist The materials checklist would be used by contractors to purchase materials needed for the project.

Who is responsible for ensuring the use of the consensus process to evolve LEED in accordance with the mission, guiding principles, and strategic plan of USGBC? A. LEED Steering Committee B. LEED Technical Committee C. LEED Technical Advisory Groups D. LEED Board of Directors

A. LEED Steering Committee This is correct. The LEED Steering Committee (LSC) is an integrated group of volunteers and staff charged with developing and maintaining LEED as a leadership tool, preserving the integrity of the LEED rating systems, and ensuring the use of the consensus process to evolve LEED in accordance with the mission, guiding principles, and strategic plan of USGBC. A standing committee of USGBC Board of Directors, the LEED Steering Committee is the governing body of all LEED committees. B. LEED Technical Committee The LEED Technical Committee oversees Technical Advisory Groups (TAGs) and other technical working groups and recommends solutions regarding technical issues to the LEED Steering Committee. Its responsibilities include coordinating cross-category matters within LEED, reviewing LEED credits and prerequisites for technical validity and recommending improvements, and assessing LEED's technical rigor, coherency, and achievement trends through a system of performance metrics. C. LEED Technical Advisory Groups Under the direct management of the LEED Technical Committee, Technical Advisory Groups (TAGs) recommend technical solutions to rating system development and maintenance issues. The groups provide a consistent source of technical advice to LEED committees and working groups regarding credit and prerequisite improvement and supporting tool development. Technical Advisory Groups are structured to include expertise for specific technical issues: location and planning, sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, and indoor environmental quality. D. LEED Board of Directors USGBC Board of Directors articulates and upholds the vision, values, and mission of USGBC. Directors meet in person three times each year and by teleconference regularly throughout the year.

What is one difference between LEED Interpretations and project CIRs? A. LEED interpretations are precedent-setting. B. LEED interpretations are not published publicly. C. LEED interpretations are created by certification review teams. D. LEED interpretations can only be used by the project that submitted them.

A. LEED interpretations are precedent-setting. This is correct. LEED interpretations are precedent setting. There are three significant ways in which LEED Interpretations are different from Project CIRs: 1. Precedent-setting LEED Interpretations are to be used by any project certifying under an applicable rating system. All project teams are required to adhere to all LEED interpretations posted before their registration date. This also applies to other addenda. Adherence to rulings posted after a project registers is optional, but strongly encouraged. A Project CIR can only be used by the project that submitted it. 2. Published Online LEED interpretations will be published in a searchable database at usgbc.org. Project CIRs are not published publicly. 3. Subject to consensus-based review LEED interpretations undergo review by the US Green Building Council's (USGBC) member-selected volunteer LEED committees. Project CIRs are created by the certification review teams at the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI). B. LEED interpretations are not published publicly. LEED interpretations are published publicly. C. LEED interpretations are created by certification review teams. LEED interpretations are created by project teams and have a consensus-based review. D. LEED interpretations can only be used by the project that submitted them. CIRs can only be used by the project that submitted it.

Which of the following statements regarding LEED Interpretations is NOT true? A. LEED interpretations are used to add new requirements to the LEED Rating System. B. LEED interpretations can be applied to multiple projects. C. LEED interpretations are an opportunity to contribute to LEED in a significant way. D. LEED interpretations are reviewed by LEED committees comprised of member-selected green building practitioners and USGBC staff.

A. LEED interpretations are used to add new requirements to the LEED Rating System. This is correct. LEED interpretations are not an avenue for making significant changes or new requirements to the LEED rating system. LEED interpretations are also not the intended path for fixing errors in the LEED rating systems and reference guides. USGBC publishes clarifications (also called addenda) to address those issues. B. LEED interpretations can be applied to multiple projects. A LEED interpretation can be used for all projects certifying under the rating systems that it applies to, as indicated in the LEED Interpretations and Addenda database. C. LEED interpretations are an opportunity to contribute to LEED in a significant way. A LEED interpretation is an opportunity to contribute to the LEED conversation in a significant way. This is in addition to opportunities such as commenting and voting during the new rating system creation process, suggesting addenda, volunteering on a USGBC committee, etc. D. LEED interpretations are reviewed by LEED committees comprised of member-selected green building practitioners and USGBC staff. A LEED interpretation is reviewed by LEED committees comprised of member-selected green building practitioners and USGBC staff.

What LEED credit category rewards projects within relatively dense areas, near diverse uses, with access to a variety of transportation options, or on sites with development constraints? A. Location and Transportation B. Sustainable Sites C. Innovation D. Smart Location and Linkage

A. Location and Transportation This is correct. B. Sustainable Sites SS credits encourage strategies that minimize the impact on ecosystems and water resources. C. Innovation Innovation credits address sustainable building expertise as well as design measures not covered under the five LEED credit categories. D. Smart Location and Linkage Smart location & linkage credits promote walkable neighborhoods with efficient transportation options and open space. This is a credit category in LEED ND only.

Which of the following are mandatory for LEED certification? A. Meeting all prerequisites B. Having a LEED AP on the project C. Earning at least 50 points D. Pursuing 4 Regional Priority credits E. Earning Innovation points

A. Meeting all prerequisites This is correct. Meeting the prerequisites are mandatory for certification. Credits are optional, though a certain number of credits are needed for certification. The project team chooses which credits to pursue. Prerequisites are not a choice. B. Having a LEED AP on the project This is an innovation credit C. Earning at least 50 points Non-homes projects must earn at least 40 points for a level of Certification. D. Pursuing 4 Regional Priority credits This is an optional credit in its own category. E. Earning Innovation points This is an optional credit in its own category..

A project team is shrinking the building footprint to increase the amount of open space on a project. What impact category does this design decision support? A. Protect, Enhance and Restore Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services B. Protection and Restoration of Water Regimes and Natural Hydrological Cycles C. Protect Human Health from Direct Exposure to Negative Health Impacts D. Provide Affordable, Equitable and Resilient Communities

A. Protect, Enhance and Restore Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services This is correct. The components of the impact category Protect, Enhance and Restore Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services are: - Local Biodiversity, Habitat Protection and Open Spaces - Global Biodiversity, Habitat Protection and Land Preservation - Sustainable Use and Management of Ecosystem Services By increasing open space the project could earn a LEED credit for increasing open space.

Which of the following impact categories is given the greatest weight in LEED? A. Reverse Contribution to Global Climate Change B. Enhance Individual Human Health and Well-Being C. Protect and Restore Water Resources D. Protect, Enhance and Restore Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services E. Promote Sustainable and Regenerative Material Resources Cycles F. Build a Greener Economy

A. Reverse Contribution to Global Climate Change This is correct. Weighting of the LEED v4 impact categories account for differences in scale, scope, severity, and relative contribution of the built environment to the impact. The weightings are: 35% Reverse Contribution to Global Climate Change 20% Enhance Individual Human Health and Well-Being 15% Protect and Restore Water Resources 10% Protect, Enhance and Restore Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services 10% Promote Sustainable and Regenerative Material Resources Cycles 5% Build a Greener Economy 5% Enhance Social Equity, Environmental Justice, Community Health and Quality of Life

Which of the following impact categories are given the greatest weight in LEED? A. Reverse Contribution to Global Climate Change and Enhance Individual Human Health and Well-Being B. Protect and Restore Water Resources and Protect, Enhance and Restore Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services C. Promote Sustainable and Regenerative Material Resources Cycles and Reverse Contribution to Global Climate Change D. Build a Greener Economy and Enhance Social Equity, Environmental Justice, Community Health and Quality of Life

A. Reverse Contribution to Global Climate Change and Enhance Individual Human Health and Well-Being This is correct. Weighting of the LEED v4 impact categories account for differences in scale, scope, severity, and relative contribution of the built environment to the impact. The weightings are: 35% Reverse Contribution to Global Climate Change 20% Enhance Individual Human Health and Well-Being 15% Protect and Restore Water Resources 10% Protect, Enhance and Restore Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services 10% Promote Sustainable and Regenerative Material Resources Cycles 5% Build a Greener Economy 5% Enhance Social Equity, Environmental Justice, Community Health and Quality of Life

What must a project do to earn LEED certification after selecting a rating system? A. Satisfy all prerequisites for the selected rating system and earn a minimum number of points B. Satisfy relevant prerequisites for the selected rating system and earn a minimum number of points C. Earn a minimum number of points only D. Pay the relevant fees and have a Green Rater approve the project

A. Satisfy all prerequisites for the selected rating system and earn a minimum number of points This is correct. After selecting a rating system a project must satisfy all prerequisites and earn a minimum number of points to be certified. 'Satisfy relevant prerequisites' is not correct because project teams can't choose what prerequisites to meet for a given rating system. All prerequisites for the rating system the project will certify under must be followed. At least 40 points must be earned for a building to be LEED Certified at the base level (Certified). Certified 40-49 points Silver 50-59 points Gold 60-79 points Platinum 80+ points B. Satisfy relevant prerequisites for the selected rating system and earn a minimum number of points C. Earn a minimum number of points only Prerequisites must also be met. D. Pay the relevant fees and have a Green Rater approve the project Green Raters are only relevant to the LEED Homes and Multifamily Lowrise rating system.

What factor impacts the cost of earning LEED-certification? A. Square footage of the building B. The number of stories the building has C. The number of Full Time Equivalents (FTEs) that will occupy the finished building D. The type of land the building was built on

A. Square footage of the building This is correct. The square footage of the project is the primary cost consideration for LEED-certification. Remember certification and registration fees are not the same. B. The number of stories the building has This may affect the cost of the project, but not the cost of the certification. C. The number of Full Time Equivalents (FTEs) that will occupy the finished building This may affect the cost of the project, but not the cost of the certification. D. The type of land the building was built on This may affect the cost of the project, but not the cost of the certification.

What LEED credit category encourages strategies that minimize the impact on ecosystems and water resources? A. Sustainable Sites B. Water Efficiency C. Location and Transportation D. Regional Priority

A. Sustainable Sites This is correct. Sustainable sites credits encourage strategies that minimize the impact on ecosystems and water resources. B. Water Efficiency Water efficiency credits promote smarter use of water, inside and out, to reduce potable water consumption. C. Location and Transportation Location and transportation credits reward projects within relatively dense areas, near diverse uses, with access to a variety of transportation options, or on sites with development constraints. D. Regional Priority Regional priority credits address regional environmental priorities for buildings in different geographic regions.

A university client asks about certifying multiple buildings. Which of the following is an appropriate response? A. The Campus Program can be used for projects not necessarily uniform in design or operations but located on a single campus location. B. The LEED Volume Program is always used for certifying more than one building. C. The Campus Program is used for certifying multiple buildings if they are adjacent to each other. D. The Neighborhood Development rating system would be used to streamline the documentation process.

A. The Campus Program can be used for projects not necessarily uniform in design or operations but located on a single campus location. This is correct. This choice is the description of the Campus Program. LEED volume is for prototype-based projects, usually in different areas. Campus is for projects located on a single campus. A big university with many satellite schools building the same classroom in multiple, distant locations would be LEED Volume. A school classification doesn't automatically indicate a Campus Program. B. The LEED Volume Program is always used for certifying more than one building. This is only true in certain circumstances, such as when there are twenty-five or more projects. C. The Campus Program is used for certifying multiple buildings if they are adjacent to each other. The Campus Program is used when there are less than twenty-five projects and they are non-uniform in size. The projects do not have to be adjacent. D. The Neighborhood Development rating system would be used to streamline the documentation process. This is not true.

Which of the following LEED rating systems would the project team of a planned new three-story apartment building choose? A. The LEED Homes rating system that corresponds to the ENERGY STAR program in which they are participating. B. LEED ND: Plan C. LEED BD+C: New Construction and Major Renovations D. LEED Multifamily Midrise

A. The LEED Homes rating system that corresponds to the ENERGY STAR program in which they are participating. This is correct. For LEED Homes and Multifamily Lowrise is used for single-family homes and multi-family residential buildings of one to three stories. Projects three to five stories may choose the homes rating system that corresponds to the ENERGY STAR program in which they are participating. B. LEED ND: Plan LEED ND: Plan is used for projects in conceptual planning, master planning phases, or under construction. C. LEED BD+C: New Construction and Major Renovations New construction or major renovation of buildings that do not primarily serve K-12 educational, retail, data centers, warehouses and distribution centers, hospitality, or healthcare uses. New construction also includes high-rise residential buildings nine stories or higher. D. LEED Multifamily Midrise Multi-family residential buildings of 4 to 8 occupiable stories above grade. The building must have 50 % or more residential space. Buildings near eight stories can inquire with USGBC about using midrise or new construction, if appropriate.

Which of the following helps reinforce the open consensus process of new LEED versions? A. The balloting process with USGBC membership B. The feedback projects receive from LEED credit reviewers C. Government oversight D. The addition of new LEED adaptations

A. The balloting process with USGBC membership This is correct. What is consensus in LEED?"LEED is developed by USGBC member-based volunteer committees, subcommittees, and working groups in conjunction with staff. LEED development follows a structure that includes a balanced representation of stakeholders and management of conflict of interest, to ensure that the development of LEED is transparent and consensus-based. The LEED committee structure balances market needs and constraints with consistency and technical rigor in the development and improvement of the credits within LEED, to ensure the quality and integrity of the LEED brand. The balloting process of new versions with USGBC membership reinforces the open consensus process. The appeal procedures that are implemented by USGBC further support the consensus process and ensure the fair treatment of affected stakeholders. All of these measures are essential to protecting and enhancing the integrity, authority, and value of LEED." - USGBC B. The feedback projects receive from LEED credit reviewers This is part of the project review process, not LEED development. C. Government oversight LEED does not have government oversight. D. The addition of new LEED adaptations "Adaptations to the existing version include the ability for both specific space types and international projects to be addressed through the creation of credit adaptations. This allows new paths to be introduced in existing credits to meet the needs of projects that would otherwise be unable to utilize the requirements in LEED." - USGBC

Which of the following determines the level of certification a project earns? A. The number of points a project earns B. The size of the building C. The rating system selected D. The number of prerequisites attempted

A. The number of points a project earns This is correct. Projects earn points by achieving the credits selected by the integrated team during the design process. The number of points a project earns determines the level of LEED certification. There are four levels of certification - the number of points a project earns determines the level of LEED certification that the project will receive. Certified: 40-49 points Silver: 50-59 points Gold: 60-79 points Platinum: 80+ points

What is one role of GBCI? A. Third-party technical reviews of registered LEED projects B. Approving the LEED Rating Systems C. Promoting the triple bottom line D. Auditing USGBC Member Companies

A. Third-party technical reviews of registered LEED projects This is correct. GBCI administers the LEED certification program, performing third-party technical reviews and verification of registered projects to determine if they have met the standards set forth by the LEED rating system.

Who develops ongoing improvements to LEED? A. USGBC member-based volunteer committees in conjunction with USGBC staff B. USGBC Technical Advisory Groups (TAGs) C. World Green Building Council (WGBC) D. USGBC Board of Directors

A. USGBC member-based volunteer committees in conjunction with USGBC staff This is correct. "LEED is developed by USGBC member-based volunteer committees, subcommittees, and working groups in conjunction with staff. LEED development follows a structure that includes a balanced representation of stakeholders and management of conflict of interest, to ensure that the development of LEED is transparent and consensus-based. The LEED committee structure balances market needs and constraints with consistency and technical rigor in the development and improvement of the credits within LEED, to ensure the quality and integrity of the LEED brand. The balloting process of new versions with USGBC membership reinforces the open consensus process." - USGBC B. USGBC Technical Advisory Groups (TAGs) Under the direct management of the LEED Technical Committee, Technical Advisory Groups (TAGs) recommend technical solutions to rating system development and maintenance issues. The groups provide a consistent source of technical advice to LEED committees and working groups regarding credit and prerequisite improvement and supporting tool development. Technical Advisory Groups are structured to include expertise for specific technical issues: location and planning, sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, and indoor environmental quality. C. World Green Building Council (WGBC) This is not correct. D. USGBC Board of Directors This is not correct.

"To transform the way buildings and communities are designed, built, and operated, enabling an environmentally and socially responsible, healthy, and prosperous environment that improves the quality of life" denotes which of the following: A. USGBC's mission B. USGBC's vision C. USGBC's 2013-2015 strategic plan D. The purpose of LEED Online

A. USGBC's mission This is correct. This statement describes USGBC's mission.

When there are two or more rating systems that might be applicable to a project, how should the project team decide which rating system to use? A. Use the 40/60 rule B. Choose the rating system that has the most regional priority credits C. Choose the rating system that will result in the lowest certification costs D. Check with local code what rating system to use

A. Use the 40/60 rule This is correct. LEED has a 40/60 rule to help project teams decide on a rating system: If a particular rating system is appropriate for 40% or less of a LEED project building or space, then that rating system should not be used. If a particular rating system is appropriate for 60% or more of a LEED project building or space, then that rating system should be used. Project teams with buildings and spaces that do not fall into the scenarios described in a) and b) must independently assess their situation and decide which rating system is most applicable. B. Choose the rating system that has the most regional priority credits Regional priority credits are for regions, not for individual rating systems. Each region (zip code) has six regional priority credits. C. Choose the rating system that will result in the lowest certification costs Most of the time the certification costs will be the same for new construction projects. D. Check with local code what rating system to use Local code would not define what LEED rating system to select from.

A hamburger franchise is planning on building thirty new restaurants across the country in the next two years. Each restaurant is based on the same prototype. How should the multiple buildings be certified? A. Using the LEED Volume Program B. By registering each project individually with LEED Online C. Using the LEED Campus Program D. As a LEED for Neighborhood Development project

A. Using the LEED Volume Program This is correct. The LEED Volume Program is a streamlined certification process for organizations planning to certify a large number of new construction projects that are prototype-based. B. By registering each project individually with LEED Online The LEED Volume Program is more streamlined as a process than registering each project individually with LEED online. C. Using the LEED Campus Program The Campus Program, in contrast to the LEED Volume Program, is for projects not necessarily uniform in design or operations but located on a single campus location. D. As a LEED for Neighborhood Development project This choice is not applicable to this scenario.

What is the scope of the Protect and Restore Water Resources impact category? A. Water Conservation, Water Quality Protection, and Protection and Restoration of Water Regimes and Natural Hydrological Cycles B. GHG Emissions Reduction by Embodied Energy of Water Reduction and GHG Emissions Reduction from Materials and Water Embodied Energy Use C. Protection and Restoration of Water Regimes and Natural Hydrological Cycles and Local Biodiversity, Habitat Protection and Open Spaces D. Water Quality Protection, GHG Emissions Reduction from Materials and Water Embodied Energy Use, and Protect, Enhance and Restore Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services

A. Water Conservation, Water Quality Protection, and Protection and Restoration of Water Regimes and Natural Hydrological Cycles This is correct. The components of this impact category are: - Water Conservation - Water Quality Protection - Protection and Restoration of Water Regimes and Natural Hydrological Cycles

In what instances would a project team submit a request for a Credit Interpretation Ruling (CIR)? A. When the reference guide does not address a specific issue B. When the person registering the project has a question about the registration process C. When the Project Manager quits or changes companies D. When appealing a credit that has been denied

A. When the reference guide does not address a specific issue This is correct. CIRs should be used when you can't find the answer in the reference guide. B. When the person registering the project has a question about the registration process Projects that haven't been registered do not have access to submit a CIR. C. When the Project Manager quits or changes companies D. When appealing a credit that has been denied CIRs are not used to appeal a credit.

Where should a project team go for updates and errata for the LEED BD+C: New Construction rating system? A. usgbc.org B. LEED online C. GBCI.org D. LEED reference guides

A. usgbc.org This is correct. Any updates, changes, errata to any LEED rating system are found on USGBC's website and nowhere else. B. LEED online C. GBCI.org D. LEED reference guides The reference guides don't always have the most recent updates. Check USGBC's website instead.

What are three important factors of the LEED Green Building Rating System? A. It is mandatory B. It is consensus-based C. It is the only green building standard D. It is government-financed

B. It is consensus-based This is correct. USGBC member committees develop the LEED Rating System via a robust consensus process that has been refined since its inception. The key elements of the LEED Rating Systems are: * A consensus process that has a balanced and transparent committee structure * Technical Advisory Groups to ensure scientific consistency and rigor * Opportunities for stakeholder comment and review * Member ballot of new rating systems and certain changes to existing rating systems * A fair and open appeals process A. It is mandatory LEED is voluntary. C. It is the only green building standard LEED is not the only green building standard. Other standards include: * Green Globes * Living Building Challenge * Passive Haus * BREEAM D. It is government-financed USGBC is non-profit organization that derives revenue from training classes, consulting, and reference materials.*

If an error is found in the LEED rating system, which of the following would USGBC use to address the error? A. LEED Interpretations B. LEED Addenda C. Project CIR process D. Consensus-based review

B. LEED Addenda This is correct. USGBC periodically publishes clarifications (also called addenda) to address errors in the LEED rating systems and reference guides. A. LEED Interpretations LEED Interpretations, just like project credit interpretation rulings (Project CIRs), are official answers to technical inquiries about implementing LEED on a project. They help people understand how projects can meet LEED requirements. C. Project CIR process Project CIRs give project teams the quick answer they need to proceed with the certification process. D. Consensus-based review LEED Interpretations undergo review by the USGBC member-selected volunteer LEED committees. Project CIRs are created by the certification review teams at the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI).

An architect is designing a mixed use building that will have retail space on the lower floors and residential condominiums on the upper floors. The building will also include space for a pre-kindergarten learning facility. What LEED rating system would be most appropriate? A. LEED BD+C: Schools B. LEED BD+C: New Construction C. LEED BD+C: Retail D. LEED ID+C: Commercial Interiors

B. LEED BD+C: New Construction This is correct. A mixed use project for new construction would use the LEED BD+C: New Construction rating system. A. LEED BD+C: Schools LEED BD+C: Schools would not be applicable because the project includes retail and residential space. C. LEED BD+C: Retail LEED BD+C: Retail would not be applicable because the project includes retail and residential space. D. LEED ID+C: Commercial Interiors LEED ID+C: Commercial Interiors is used for tenant fit-outs, not new construction.

A multi-family building that is 3 stories tall would be certified under what rating system? A. LEED BD+C: New Construction B. LEED Homes and Multifamily Lowrise C. LEED Multifamily Midrise D. LEED ID+C: Commercial Interiors

B. LEED Homes and Multifamily Lowrise This is correct LEED Homes and Multifamily Lowrise is appropriate for single family and low-rise (1-3 stories) multifamily residential buildings that are undergoing new construction or a gut rehab. A. LEED BD+C: New Construction LEED BD+C: New Construction is primarily for whole buildings that are new or undergoing major construction. This rating system is appropriate for any project that does not have another LEED rating system defined (Schools, Healthcare, Retail).LEED BD+C: New Construction can be used for residential projects of 4 or more stories. C. LEED Multifamily Midrise Mid-rise (4-8 stories) multifamily residential buildings, dormitories, and assisted living facilities can use LEED Multifamily Midrise. D. LEED ID+C: Commercial Interiors LEED ID+C: Commercial Interiors is appropriate for interior spaces that are undergoing alteration work for at least 60% of the certifying gross floor area. (-USGBC)

What additional LEED certification would a project team likely pursue for an office building that has already earned LEED BD+C: Core and Shell if the offices will be leased out to tenants? A. LEED BD+C: New Construction B. LEED ID+C: Commercial Interiors C. LEED Homes D. LEED BD+C: Core and Shell post-certification

B. LEED ID+C: Commercial Interiors This is correct. LEED BD+C: Core and Shell covers base building elements such as structure, envelope and the HVAC system. Once a tenant has been established then additional certifications can be earned. Projects where 50% or less of the leasable square footage is owner-occupied are generally not candidates for LEED BD+C: New Construction.

If a building has already earned LEED BD+C: New Construction certification what additional certifications could the building earn in the future? A. LEED BD+C: Core and Shell B. LEED ID+C: Commercial Interiors C. LEED Homes D. LEED for Neighborhood Development

B. LEED ID+C: Commercial Interiors This is correct. LEED ID+C: Commercial Interiors could be earned for the interior spaces. A. LEED BD+C: Core and Shell LEED BD+C: Core and Shell cannot occur after LEED BD+C: New Construction certification. C. LEED Homes This only applies to single family homes. D. LEED for Neighborhood Development LEED for Neighborhood Development applies to the community, not to a building.

Performance periods are part of which LEED rating system family? A. LEED BD+C B. LEED O+M C. LEED ID+C D. LEED ND

B. LEED O+M This is correct. LEED O+M projects have a performance period requirement where various building systems are measured over time. A. LEED BD+C LEED BD+C does not have a performance period. C. LEED ID+C LEED ID+C does not have a performance period. D. LEED ND LEED ND does not have a performance period.

What is the proper designation for a project that has earned 80 points and met all prerequisites? A. LEED Certified Platinum B. LEED Platinum C. LEED Gold D. LEED Certified Gold

B. LEED Platinum This is correct. LEED Platinum is earned for projects with 80+ points. A. LEED Certified Platinum This is not a correct designation and should not be used. C. LEED Gold LEED Gold is earned for projects with 60-79 points. D. LEED Certified Gold This is not a correct designation and should not be used.

What tool is used to determine the target certification level? A. LEED Online B. LEED Scorecard C. EPA's Target Finder D. CIR

B. LEED Scorecard This is correct. The LEED Scorecard helps teams decide what credits to achieve. A. LEED Online LEED Online is the tool used for documenting the project. C. EPA's Target Finder Target Finder is a no-cost online tool that enables architects and building owners to set energy targets and receive an EPA energy performance score for projects during the design process. D. CIR CIRs are specific questions regarding one credit or one prerequisite. They are submitted using LEED Online or using a standalone CIR form.

What is submitted to document that the requirements of a credit or prerequisite were met? A. LEED Project Checklist B. LEED credit form C. CIR D. Building operating plan

B. LEED credit form This is correct. Each rating system will have its own set of forms that must be completed and submitted for documentation and verification. These credit forms accessed via LEED Online. Credits/prerequisites are assigned by the project administrator. Whoever has been assigned responsibility for the credit/prerequisite by the administrator fills out the credit form using LEED Online. Once all of the credit forms are completed for those credits being attempted, the project administrator will submit the project for review. The credit forms are also referred to as credit templates, submittal templates, or submittals. A. LEED Project Checklist The LEED Credit Checklist helps project teams track their credits against requirements for certification. The LEED Credit Checklist is also called the LEED Scorecard. C. CIR CIRs are used for technical guidance on credits. Anyone on the project team can submit a CIR, as long as the person has access to LEED Online (through the project administrator). D. Building operating plan This would be used by operations and maintenance staff to keep up the building.

What does LEED stand for? A. Leadership in Energy Efficient Design B. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design C. Leadership in Energy and Efficient Design D. Leadership in Environmental Efficient Design

B. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design This is correct.

Which of the following defines the types of buildings, spaces, and neighborhoods that the LEED rating system is designed to evaluate? A. Prerequisites B. Minimum Program Requirements C. LEED Online D. Credits

B. Minimum Program Requirements This is correct. Reference: http://www.usgbc.org/guide/bdc... Domain: Communicate broad and basic green building concepts to team or colleagues Sub: Structure of each LEED rating system MPRs are the minimum characteristics or conditions that make a project appropriate to pursue LEED certification. These requirements are foundational to all LEED projects and define the types of buildings, spaces, and neighborhoods that the LEED rating system is designed to evaluate.

A member company wants to display its USGBC member logo. What would be an appropriate use for the USGBC member logo? A. On a company's product to show product endorsement B. On company letterhead C. On legal documents D. On any partner website of the member company

B. On company letterhead This is correct. While we receive many comments about the relevance of these types of questions, the subject matter may come up on your exam. A LEED Green Associate's tasks includes creating project profiles/case studies/press releases which require knowledge of the USGBC trademark and logo policies. Use of the USGBC member logo is limited to member companies.

What best defines the project boundary? A. Portion of the project site submitted for LEED certification B. Platted property line of the project defining land and water within it C. Total area within the platted property line not including any non-constructed areas D. Total area within the legal property boundaries of the site; this encompasses all areas of the site, including constructed and non constructed areas

B. Platted property line of the project defining land and water within it This is correct. The project boundary is the platted property line of the project defining land and water within it. (-USGBC) A. Portion of the project site submitted for LEED certification The LEED boundary is the portion of the project site submitted for LEED certification. (-USGBC)For single building developments, this is the entire project scope and is generally limited to the site boundary - they are not necessarily the same thing. In the case of a multiple building project the LEED boundary is that part of the entire project being submitted for certification as determined by the project team. For example for a campus project that might have 5 buildings, each building is submitted separately for certification. The LEED boundary is set for each of the 5 buildings though they cannot overlap if they property is contiguous. C. Total area within the platted property line not including any non-constructed areas This is not any type of area. D. Total area within the legal property boundaries of the site; this encompasses all areas of the site, including constructed and non constructed areas The property boundary is the total area within the legal property boundaries of the site; it encompasses all areas of the site, including constructed and non constructed areas. (-USGBC)

What statement is true regarding the LEED Scorecard? A. There is one LEED Scorecard that can be used for any rating system B. The LEED Scorecard is organized by LEED category C. Innovation credits are not listed in the LEED Scorecard D. The LEED Scorecard gives the project team the option of not earning prerequisites

B. The LEED Scorecard is organized by LEED category This is correct. Each LEED category is listed, along with the credits and prerequisites for that category. A. There is one LEED Scorecard that can be used for any rating system Each rating system family (BD+C, ID+C, O+M, ND) has one project checklist. Within the excel file each rating system from that family is listed as a separated form. C. Innovation credits are not listed in the LEED Scorecard Yes, they are listed. D. The LEED Scorecard gives the project team the option of not earning prerequisites Prerequisites are automatically filled in as being awarded in the project checklist.

What is the purpose of the LEED Pilot Credit Library? A. To provide extensions of existing rating systems to address specific types of spaces or requirements for international projects B. To allow credits to be refined through LEED project evaluations before they complete the balloting process for introduction into LEED C. Provide precedent-setting rulings reviewed by USGBC on formal inquiries submitted by LEED project teams that can be applied to multiple projects. D. To manage the LEED documentation process

B. To allow credits to be refined through LEED project evaluations before they complete the balloting process for introduction into LEED This is correct. The LEED Pilot Credit Library facilitates the introduction of new prerequisites and credits to LEED. The process allows projects to test credits that haven't been through USGBC's complete drafting and balloting process. A. To provide extensions of existing rating systems to address specific types of spaces or requirements for international projects The LEED Rating System adaptations can be considered extensions of existing rating system to address specific types of spaces or requirements for international projects. For example the LEED BD+C: New Construction rating system currently has the following adaptations: LEED BD+C: Core and Shell LEED BD+C: Schools LEED BD+C: Retail LEED BD+C: Data Centers LEED BD+C: Warehouses LEED BD+C: Hospitality LEED BD+C: Healthcare C. Provide precedent-setting rulings reviewed by USGBC on formal inquiries submitted by LEED project teams that can be applied to multiple projects. This is the purpose of LEED Interpretations. D. To manage the LEED documentation process This is done through LEED Online.

What LEED rating system addresses exterior site maintenance programs? A. LEED BD+C: Schools B. LEED BD+C: New Construction C. LEED O+M: Existing Buildings D. LEED BD+C: Core and Shell

C. LEED O+M: Existing Buildings This is correct. Any type of maintenance should be a reminder of the operations and maintenance of a building. The LEED O+M Rating Systems helps building owners and operators measure operations, improvements and maintenance on a consistent scale, with the goal of maximizing operational efficiency while minimizing environmental impacts. LEED for Existing Buildings addresses whole-building cleaning and maintenance issues (including chemical use), recycling programs, exterior maintenance programs, and systems upgrades. It can be applied both to existing buildings seeking LEED certification for the first time and to projects previously certified under LEED BD+C.' - USGBC

Grammatically, what language is the appropriate usage to describe a project that has been certified at any level? A. LEED Certified B. LEED certification C. LEED-certified D. LEED Certified certified

C. LEED-certified This is correct. "LEED-certified" with lowercase "c" is used to describe a project that has been certified.. LEED-certified A. LEED Certified "LEED Certified" with capital "C" (and no hyphen) is used to describe a project that has been certified to the base level: Certified. B. LEED certification "LEED certification" with lowercase "c" is used to describe the certification process. C. LEED-certified This is correct. "LEED-certified" with lowercase "c" is used to describe a project that has been certified. D. LEED Certified certified Due to repetition, the wording "project 'A' is LEED Certified certified" is not recommended. "Certified" to reference both certification and level is sufficient.

Which of the following are credit categories found in the LEED scorecard? A. Sustainable Sites and Indoor Air Quality B. Water Efficiency and LEED AP C. Materials and Resources and Sustainable Sites D. Energy Performance and Materials and Resources

C. Materials and Resources and Sustainable Sites This is correct. The intent of this question is to learn the common categories of the LEED rating systems. The LEED credit categories common among the rating systems are: Location and Transportation Sustainable Sites Water Efficiency Energy and Atmosphere Materials and Resources Indoor Environmental Quality Innovation A. Sustainable Sites and Indoor Air Quality Please note: The correct category name is Indoor Environmental Quality, not Air. Air quality is a subset of IEQ. B. Water Efficiency and LEED AP Please note: LEED Accredited Professional is a credit within the Innovation category D. Energy Performance and Materials and Resources Please note: The correct category name is Energy and Atmosphere.

LEED requires which of the following to be done in order for a project to earn certification? A. Include a LEED AP on the project B. Have the project administrator be a LEED AP C. Meet the Minimum Program Requirements D. Achieve at least 50 points

C. Meet the Minimum Program Requirements This is correct. ALL projects must meet the same 3 Minimum Program Requirements A. Include a LEED AP on the project No LEED AP is required for project certification. It is an innovation point. B. Have the project administrator be a LEED AP The project administrator does not have to be a LEED AP. D. Achieve at least 50 points Projects must achieve at least 40 points (not 50 points) to become LEED Certified.

What term refers to a mandatory project characteristic, measurement, quality, value or function as identified within the LEED rating system? A. Credit B. Minimum Program Requirement C. Prerequisite D. Exemplary performance

C. Prerequisite This is correct. In addition to the Minimum Program Requirements, each version of LEED contains unique prerequisite requirements that must be satisfied in order to achieve certification. The term prerequisite refers to a mandatory project characteristic, measurement, quality, value or function as identified within the LEED rating system. Prerequisites represent the key criteria that define green building performance. Each project must satisfy all specified prerequisites outlined in the LEED rating system under which it is registered. Failure to meet any prerequisite will render a project ineligible for certification. A. Credit Credits are optional. A minimum number of points must be earned from the available credits in each rating system to earn certification. B. Minimum Program Requirement A project must adhere to the LEED Minimum Program Requirements, (MPRs) in order to achieve LEED certification. LEED projects must comply with each applicable MPR. These requirements define the types of buildings that the LEED Green Building Rating Systems were designed to evaluate, and taken together serve three goals: 1. to give clear guidance to customers 2. to protect the integrity of the LEED program 3. and to reduce complications that occur during the LEED Certification process (GBCI) D. Exemplary performance Exemplary performance can help a project earn Innovation credits.

What are the key criteria that define green building performance? A. Minimum program requirements B. Third party standards C. Prerequisites D. Innovative designs

C. Prerequisites This is correct. The prerequisites are the key criteria that define green building performance. - GBCI A. Minimum program requirements USGBC maintains Minimum Program Requirements (MPRs) for some versions of the LEED rating systems. While the MPRs are not part of the rating systems, this criterion is applicable as it identifies the basic construction and development activities for which the LEED program was designed to evaluate. (-USGBC) B. Third party standards LEED references third party standards in order to meet the requirements of some credits/prerequisites. D. Innovative designs Innovative designs can earn a project bonus points.

Credit Interpretation Requests (CIRs) are most likely used for what part of the LEED process? A. Addenda and updates to the LEED Rating Systems B. Appeal of denied credits C. Technical guidance for LEED credits D. Communicating with the project administrator and/or project team

C. Technical guidance for LEED credits This is correct. CIRs are used for technical guidance on credits. Anyone on the project team can submit a CIR, as long as the person has access to LEED Online (through the project administrator). Once a CIR is submitted a payment must be made to GBCI in order for GBCI to review the CIR.A CIR can be used for administrative inquiries, although doing so is rare. Inquiries must request guidance on just one credit or prerequisite (unless there is technical justification to do otherwise) and generally contain one concise question or a set of related questions. It is often helpful to discuss the inquiry within context of the credit's intent. (GBCI) A. Addenda and updates to the LEED Rating Systems These are available from the USGBC website. B. Appeal of denied credits This is done via LEED Online. D. Communicating with the project administrator and/or project team This is done via LEED Online.

Which of the following must occur before a project team pursues a LEED Interpretation? A. A committee must review the request. B. The project team must contact USGBC customer service. C. The inquiry must first undergo the project CIR process. D. The project must earn a LEED certification.

C. The inquiry must first undergo the project CIR process. This is correct. All formal inquiries first undergo the project CIR process. Project teams that want their formal inquiry to be considered for a LEED interpretation must opt in and pay for the LEED interpretation at the time they submit their inquiry. A. A committee must review the request. A committee review may occur after the LEED interpretation has been submitted. B. The project team must contact USGBC customer service. USGBC customer service can be used for technical issues, such as those that occur with the website. D. The project must earn a LEED certification. During the certification process a LEED Interpretation can be pursued.

How many of the 110 possible LEED points can be earned for addressing regionally specific environmental issues? A. 10 B. 1 C. 2 D. 4

D. 4 This is correct. LEED points are awarded on a 100-point scale, and credits are weighted to reflect their potential environmental impacts. Additionally, 10 bonus credits are available, four of which address regionally specific environmental issues. All rating systems with 100 baseline points and 10 bonus points. Of the 10 bonus points 4 are for regional priority.

What is the point range for a project to earn LEED Gold? A. 70-79 B. 50-59 C. 60-69 D. 60-79

D. 60-79 This is correct. Certified 40-49 points Silver 50-59 points Gold 60-79 points Platinum 80+ points

Which of the following actions can NOT be performed by a project team member using LEED Online? A. Managing public-facing project details B. Submitting technical inquiries regarding LEED credits C. Coordinating resources among project team members D. Accessing web-based reference guides

D. Accessing web-based reference guides This is correct. The web-based reference guides are accessible only through a user's USGBC online account, not through LEED online.

What are the basic types of LEED improvements that are updated through revisions on a regular development cycle? A. Addenda and LEED reviewer comments B. Adaptations and Credit interpretation requests C. Next version of LEED rating system and LEED technical requests D. Addenda and Next version of LEED rating system E. Credit interpretation requests and LEED technical requests

D. Addenda and Next version of LEED rating system This is correct.

Which of the following is not a credit category for LEED for Neighborhood Development? A. Smart Location and Linkage B. Neighborhood Pattern and Design C. Green Infrastructure and Buildings D. Awareness and Education

D. Awareness and Education This is correct. In the commercial building rating systems the topics of Awareness and Education are covered under the Innovation category.

Which of the following is NOT a minimum program requirement (MPR)? A. Permanent location on existing land B. Reasonable LEED boundaries C. Compliance with project size requirements D. Commitment to sharing whole-building energy and water usage data

D. Commitment to sharing whole-building energy and water usage data This is correct. This is an MPR in LEED v2009, not LEED v4.In LEED v4 the sharing of energy and water data are now prerequisites within the rating systems and no longer MPRs.

For which of the following would a LEED Green Associate use the Green Building Information Gateway (GBIG)? A. Communicating with local USGBC chapters to obtain project assistance B. Issuing a press release to the green building community C. Updating a project's public information D. Exploring and comparing the green dimensions of the built environment

D. Exploring and comparing the green dimensions of the built environment This is correct. One of the tasks of a LEED Green Associate is to create project profiles/case studies/press releases. Part of the public relations guidelines for LEED-certified projects may be to utilize the Green Building Information Gateway (GBIG). The GBIG is a global-innovation platform used for exploring and comparing the green dimensions of the built environment. A. Communicating with local USGBC chapters to obtain project assistance Regional chapters can provide assistance and can be found through USGBC's website. B. Issuing a press release to the green building community A press release would be issued by the project team or owner through a news outlet. C. Updating a project's public information LEED Online would be used to update a project's information.

Which LEED rating system can be certified before full occupancy? A. LEED BD+C: Schools B. LEED BD+C: New Construction C. LEED O+M: Existing Buildings D. LEED BD+C: Core and Shell E. LEED ID+C: Commercial Interiors

D. LEED BD+C: Core and Shell This is correct.

A building owner's project includes a major HVAC renovation, significant envelope modifications, and core plumbing renovation. An interior fit-out is not part of the project. What LEED rating system would be most appropriate for this project? A. LEED ID+C: Commercial Interiors B. LEED BD+C: New Construction C. LEED O+M: Existing Buildings D. LEED BD+C: Core and Shell

D. LEED BD+C: Core and Shell This is correct. LEED Building Design and Construction: Core and Shell is for the exterior shell and core mechanical, electrical, and plumbing units, but not a complete interior fit-out. LEED BD+C: Core and Shell is the appropriate rating system to use if more than 40% of the gross floor area is incomplete at the time of certification. (-USGBC) A. LEED ID+C: Commercial Interiors LEED Interior Design and Construction: Commercial Interiors is for interior spaces that are a complete interior fit-out. (-USGBC) B. LEED BD+C: New Construction LEED Building Design and Construction: New Construction is for buildings that do not primarily serve K-12 educational, retail, data centers, warehouses and distribution centers, hospitality, or healthcare uses. New construction also includes high-rise residential buildings 9 stories or more. (-USGBC) C. LEED O+M: Existing Buildings LEED Operations and Maintenance: Existing Buildings is for buildings that are undergoing improvement work or little to no construction. (-USGBC)

A telecom company is building a new ten-story office and data center. The office space will be on the top seven floors and the data center on the first three floors. Which of the following rating system would be best suited for the project? A. LEED BD+C: Data Centers B. LEED BD+C: Warehouses and Distribution Centers C. LEED BD+C: Core and Shell D. LEED BD+C: New Construction

D. LEED BD+C: New Construction This is correct. LEED BD+C: New Construction. New construction or major renovation of buildings that do not primarily serve K-12 educational, retail, data centers, warehouses and distribution centers, hospitality, or healthcare uses. New construction also includes high-rise residential buildings nine stories or higher. For LEED BD+C: Data Centers to be applicable the size of the data center in relation to the building must be 60% or more. In this case it is only the bottom three floors, which would be just 30%. A. LEED BD+C: Data Centers LEED BD+C: Data Centers. Buildings specifically designed and equipped to meet the needs of high density computing equipment such as server racks, used for data storage and processing. LEED BD+C: Data Centers only addresses whole building data centers (greater than 60 %). B. LEED BD+C: Warehouses and Distribution Centers LEED BD+C: Warehouses and Distribution Centers. Buildings used to store goods, manufactured products, merchandise, raw materials, or personal belongings, such as self-storage. C. LEED BD+C: Core and Shell LEED BD+C: Core and Shell Development. Buildings that are new construction or major renovation for the exterior shell and core mechanical, electrical, and plumbing units, but not a complete interior fit-out. LEED BD+C: Core and Shell is the appropriate rating system to use if more than 40 % of the gross floor area is incomplete at the time of certification.

What LEED developments address specific space types and international requirements? A. LEED credit weightings B. LEED Pilot Credit Library C. Next version LEED D. LEED Rating System adaptations

D. LEED Rating System adaptations This is correct. The LEED Rating System adaptations can be considered extensions of existing rating system to address specific types of spaces or requirements for international projects. For example the LEED BD+C: New Construction rating system currently has the following adaptations: LEED BD+C: Core and Shell LEED BD+C: Schools LEED BD+C: Retail LEED BD+C: Data Centers LEED BD+C: Warehouses LEED BD+C: Hospitality LEED BD+C: Healthcare A. LEED credit weightings LEED credit weightings determine how many points a credit can earn. LEED awards more points for strategies that have the highest potential for making the biggest change. B. LEED Pilot Credit Library The LEED Pilot Credit Library facilitates the introduction of new prerequisites and credits to LEED. The process allows projects to test credits that haven't been through USGBC's complete drafting and balloting process. C. Next version LEED The next version of LEED covers the big changes that occur when the rating system gets overhauled every 3-4 years.

How does USGBC support achievement of its mission "to transform the way buildings and communities are designed, built and operated, enabling an environmentally and socially responsible, healthy, and prosperous environment that improves the quality of life"? A. Partnership with GBCI B. Financial incentives C. Free consulting D. Local chapters

D. Local chapters This is correct.Connecting LEED professionals in a region elevates the knowledge base of that community to transform their built environment.

The point values of a credit are based on the credit's ability to: A. Increase building costs B. Be easily implemented C. Contribute to a higher certification level D. Mitigate the environmental harms of a building

D. Mitigate the environmental harms of a building This is correct.

What is required of all new LEED buildings? A. Must have a minimum building height, have a daylighting strategy, and provide for occupant comfort B. Must have an ENERGY STAR score of 50, use sustainable building materials, and have preferred parking C. Must have access to public transportation, manage rainwater, and have a FAR of at least 1.5 D. Must be a permanent structure, use a reasonable site boundary, and have a minimum floor area

D. Must be a permanent structure, use a reasonable site boundary, and have a minimum floor area This is correct.

What is true about a project that earns 38 points towards certification? A. The project would be LEED Certified B. The project would be LEEDs Certified C. The project would be LEED certified D. The project would not earn certification E. The project would be LEED Silver

D. The project would not earn certification This is correct. Projects must earn a minimum of 40 points. Anything less does not earn certification. A. The project would be LEED Certified While this is the correct designation for a project that earns 40-49 points, 38 points does not earn anything. B. The project would be LEEDs Certified LEEDs Certified is not the correct designation for a project. It is LEED Certified for the lowest level of certification. C. The project would be LEED certified LEED certified is not the correct designation for a project. It is LEED Certified for the lowest level of certification. E. The project would be LEED Silver 50-59 points earns LEED Silver.

How are LEED credits that significantly contribute to accomplishing the system goals of the seven impact categories given more emphasis? A. The requirements are easier to achieve B. The have more options to meet the requirements C. They contain third party standards D. They can earn more points

D. They can earn more points This is correct. "For LEED to be successful in driving the market toward certain priorities while still maintaining flexibility, credits that significantly contribute to accomplishing the system goals of the seven impact categories are given more emphasis by being assigned more points." - USGBC

What best defines the property area? A. Portion of the project site submitted for LEED certification B. Platted property line of the project defining land and water within it C. Total area within the platted property line not including any non-constructed areas D. Total area within the legal property boundaries of the site; it encompasses all areas of the site, including constructed and non-constructed areas

D. Total area within the legal property boundaries of the site; it encompasses all areas of the site, including constructed and non-constructed areas This is correct. The property boundary and/or property area is the total area within the legal property boundaries of the site; it encompasses all areas of the site, including constructed and non constructed areas. A. Portion of the project site submitted for LEED certification The LEED boundary is the portion of the project site submitted for LEED certification. (-USGBC) B. Platted property line of the project defining land and water within it The project boundary is the platted property line of the project defining land and water within it. It is used to define the construction area. C. Total area within the platted property line not including any non-constructed areas This is not any type of area.

Which of the following instances of documentation is an acceptable form when the name of the organization is appearing in a press release for the first time? A. United States Green Building Council B. U.S.G.B.C. C. U.S. GBC D. U.S. Green Building Council

D. U.S. Green Building Council This is correct.USGBC Name: The official organization name is the U.S. Green Building Council. "USGBC" is the official acronym. Use the complete name for any first reference. Subsequent references in copy may use USGBC. NOTE: When using "USGBC" as a noun, do not precede with "the." For example: Contact USGBC for more information.

Which of the following is NOT a component of the impact category Enhance Social Equity, Environmental Justice, Community Health and Quality of Life? A. Create a Strong Sense of Place B. Provide Affordable, Equitable and Resilient Communities C. Promote Access to Neighborhood Completeness Resources D. Promote Human Rights and Environmental Justice E. Support Occupant Comfort and Well-Being

E. Support Occupant Comfort and Well-Being This is correct. Support Occupant Comfort and Well-Being is a component of the impact category Enhance Individual Human Health and Well-Being.