7) Materials and Resources (59)

What do the credits in the Materials and Resources (MR) category focus on? A. Selecting materials that are more energy efficient than traditional building materials B. Helping project teams select materials that have the most environmental benefits at the least cost C. Minimizing the embodied impacts associated with the entire life-cycle of building materials D. Reducing the quantity of materials used on a project

C. Minimizing the embodied impacts associated with the entire life-cycle of building materials This is Correct.

How can an architect make sure that the general contractor understands what products to include in a project? A. Send the contractor an email B. Include the products in the specifications C. Tell the contractor during the LEED charrette D. Select the materials to use in LEED online

B. Include the products in the specifications This is Correct. Specifications are created by architects and given to the contractor for the purposes of purchasing the right quantity and type of materials. Specifications include drawings of what is to be built. They are legally binding documents. Specifications are detailed and might include: Use #2 salvaged oak flooring in the main lobby, along with the dimensions and layout of the lobby. Purchase the oak flooring locally.

Which greenhouse gas is produced in landfills as a result of solid waste disposal? A. CO2 B. Radon C. Methane D. NH3

C. Methane This is Correct. As trash decomposes in landfills methane is produced - a potent greenhouse gas.

A project team is reviewing potential building materials for a school project. What impact would reusing brick and stone found off-site have on the triple bottom line? A. The reuse would be sustainable. B. The reuse would decrease energy performance. C. The reuse would reduce peak energy demands. D. The reuse would take away local jobs.

. The reuse would be sustainable. This is Correct. A material that is reused or re-purposed is more sustainable than a new material, and frequently it is cost effective to include these in a project. In this example, old brick and stone probably cost the same as new brick and stone and they don't have to be extracted. B. The reuse would decrease energy performance. Energy performance would be the same. C. The reuse would reduce peak energy demands. Energy demands would be the same D. The reuse would take away local jobs. This is not correct.

A laboratory project requires a lot of special-use equipment and systems to keep the areas inside sterile. What would a sub-contractor need to safely handle a product during installation? A. A Material safety data sheet (MSDS) B. A Health product disclosure (HPD) C. The quantity of recycled content in a product D. MERV 13 filters

A. A Material safety data sheet (MSDS) This is Correct. Material Safety Data Sheets are intended to provide workers and emergency personnel with procedures to safely handle a product during fabrication, installation, or in a life-safety event. The information given in an MSDS is not a comprehensive disclosure of contents, nor does it fully address all potential health hazards that may be associated with a product. B. A Health product disclosure (HPD) An HPD is a format for reporting product contents and health information about products and materials. C. The quantity of recycled content in a product This would not be needed. D. MERV 13 filters Filters are for the HVAC system and would not be needed by a sub-contractor.

A construction waste management plan should address what items? A. A community recycling program and source reduction B. A target diversion rate and what materials should be diverted from the waste stream C. Where onsite waste can be incinerated and where certified wood can be procured D. The disposal of hazardous materials and corporate sustainability reporting

A. A community recycling program and source reduction Source reduction is the process of reducing product size and packaging needs that occur at the point of manufacturing, not at the construction site. Community recycling is not part of a construction waste management program B. A target diversion rate and what materials should be diverted from the waste stream This is Correct. A construction waste management plan should address what materials will be diverted from the landfill, as well as how they will be diverted and how the plan will be policed. For example: Will we recycle cardboard? What types of bins will we need? Where will they be stored? How will we protect the material from rain? Only your actual construction and demolition debris are included - wood scraps, metal, drywall, cardboard boxes, etc. Construction waste is calculated by weight or volume. C. Where onsite waste can be incinerated and where certified wood can be procured The use of certified wood is a design decision related to sustainable materials selection. Waste should not be incinerated onsite D. The disposal of hazardous materials and corporate sustainability reporting CSRs are used for material selection. The plan would include information on the disposal of hazardous materials

Which project layout would be the best for reducing demand for new materials? A. An outdoor shopping mall built on a greenfield B. A multi-building office project with single-story buildings C. Single-home residences in a suburban area D. A dense, mixed-use neighborhood

A. An outdoor shopping mall built on a greenfield Compared to the mixed-use project, the outdoor mall would use more new materials. B. A multi-building office project with single-story buildings Having multiple buildings that are each one-story compared to having a single tall building would use more new materials. C. Single-home residences in a suburban area Compared to the mixed-use project, single-story homes would use more new materials. D. A dense, mixed-use neighborhood This is Correct. The greater the density of a project, the more environmentally friendly it is. Putting more people into a building compared to building more buildings is better. Mixed-use projects such as putting apartments on top of retail stores reduce materials because the project isn't building separate buildings for residential and retail. Less buildings means less new materials. Finally, more dense building requires less roads and infrastructure, saving more materials.

A product with a Health Product Declaration (HPD) will assist the project team in selecting products that meet which of the following criteria: A. Are more durable B. Have less negative health effects C. Can be recycled D. Are verified to have been responsibly sourced

A. Are more durable This information would come from an LCA. B. Have less negative health effects HPDs help determine which products may cause health problems. C. Can be recycled This is a product attribute. D. Are verified to have been responsibly sourced This would come from a corporate sustainability report or other responsible extraction criteria.

Which of the following material can be certified under the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)? A. Bamboo floors B. Leather furniture C. Wheatboard desks D. Linoleum floor tiles

A. Bamboo floors This is Correct.

How can a project team learn about the environmental impacts of a manufacturer's extraction operations and the product's supply chain? A. By reviewing the manufacturer's corporate sustainability report (CSR) B. By conducting a life-cycle assessment of the product C. By checking if the company is a USGBC member D. By analyzing the product's health product declaration (HPD)

A. By reviewing the manufacturer's corporate sustainability report (CSR) This is Correct. A CSR report is a third-party verified report that includes information on how the manufacturer extracts or sources materials. B. By conducting a life-cycle assessment of the product Don't confuse EPDs/LCA with raw material sourcing. Environmental product declarations include the life-cycle impacts of a product. CSRs help to identify products/manufacturer's that have been verified to be extracted or sourced in a responsible manner. C. By checking if the company is a USGBC member USGBC doesn't verify extraction practices. D. By analyzing the product's health product declaration (HPD)

What document does the project team create for the administrative and procedural requirements for salvaging, recycling, and disposing of non-hazardous demolition and construction waste? A. Building recycling plan B. Building commissioning plan C. Construction waste management plan D. Owners Project Requirements (OPR)

A. Building recycling plan The building recycling plan addresses how materials should be collected and stored for recycling, once the building is occupied. B. Building commissioning plan The commissioning plan is a document that outlines the organization, schedule, allocation of resources, and documentation requirements of the commissioning process. C. Construction waste management plan This is Correct. A construction waste management plan contains the administrative and procedural requirements for salvaging, recycling and disposing of non-hazardous demolition and construction waste. Only your actual construction and demolition debris are included - wood scraps, metal, drywall, cardboard boxes, etc. The plan should include a target diversion rate (a goal that can be measured) such as 'divert 75% of construction waste'. Construction waste is calculated by weight or volume. D. Owners Project Requirements (OPR)

A project has construction debris that is nonrecyclable waste. Which of the following actions can the project team take with the waste that will help the project with construction waste management? A. Bury it on site B. Waste-to-energy C. Exclude it from the credit calculations D. Send it to a landfill

A. Bury it on site This doesn't help earn the credit. B. Waste-to-energy This is Correct. Waste-to-energy is "the conversion of nonrecyclable waste materials into usable heat, electricity, or fuel through a variety of processes, including combustion, gasification, pyrolization, anaerobic digestion, and landfill gas (LFG) recovery" It's quite popular and Europe and becoming more common. When strict air-quality guidelines are followed, it's a good way to dispose of trash and generate energy in the process. C. Exclude it from the credit calculations All waste must be accounted for in LEED as part of construction waste management. D. Send it to a landfill Sending it to a landfill doesn't help earn the credit.

A tenant is reviewing cabinets for an office kitchen. One option is wheatboard cabinets sourced from different areas and compressed together with glue. A second option is solid oak cabinets extracted and manufactured locally. How can the environmental attributes of the products be compared? A. By a review of the manufacturer's corporate sustainability policy B. By a life-cycle assessment C. By the product's MSDS D. By an air-quality sample

A. By a review of the manufacturer's corporate sustainability policy The corporate sustainability policy would be for the entire company, not the single product being compared. B. By a life-cycle assessment This is Correct. Life-cycle assessment is "an evaluation of the environmental effects of a product from cradle to grave, as defined by ISO 14040-2006 and ISO 14044-2006." - USGBC The LCA would indicate attributes to compare between the products. C. By the product's MSDS Material safety data sheets would probably not come with kitchen cabinets. D. By an air-quality sample Air-quality sampling is done to measure indoor air quality.

The project owner of an office park wants to make sure that once a tenant leaves, the tenant space can be quickly and easily renovated. How would the project team meet this goal? A. By designing for flexibility B. By finding contractors who are willing to work on weekends C. By selecting a waste hauler that has enough hauling capacity D. By selecting materials that are sized appropriately

A. By designing for flexibility This is Correct. Designing for flexibility helps reduce construction waste and the need for new building materials. It also allows renovations to occur more quickly because modular systems are frequently used. B. By finding contractors who are willing to work on weekends This would speed up the process but not make it easier. C. By selecting a waste hauler that has enough hauling capacity D. By selecting materials that are sized appropriately This reduces the quantity of construction waste.

An environmentally conscience tenant wants to select flooring that is environmentally preferable in an effort to plan ahead for when the tenant will eventually move to a larger office space. Which of the following flooring products meet the criteria? A. Carpet that a manufacturer takes back after its end of life and uses as alternative daily cover on landfills B. Wood flooring that is converted to bio-fuel in a co-generation plant C. Linoleum tile that a manufacturer takes back after its end of life and exports to another country to be recycled. D. Ceramic tile that a manufacturer takes back after its end of life and recycles into a new product using their ISO certified facilities

A. Carpet that a manufacturer takes back after its end of life and uses as alternative daily cover on landfills This is not an acceptable type of re-use because it ends the lifecycle of the raw material. Carpet is easily recyclable. B. Wood flooring that is converted to bio-fuel in a co-generation plant This is not an acceptable type of re-use because it ends the lifecycle of the raw material. Wood flooring can be refinished and kept in use for 100s of years. C. Linoleum tile that a manufacturer takes back after its end of life and exports to another country to be recycled. This would be an unreliable and difficult method to track a lifecycle analysis. D. Ceramic tile that a manufacturer takes back after its end of life and recycles into a new product using their ISO certified facilities This is Correct.

In an existing office building, how can the project team determine if there are additional opportunities for increasing the amount of waste diverted from ongoing operations? A. Conduct a waste-stream audit B. Survey the building occupants C. Review the monthly waste-haul receipts D. Count the number of recycling bins

A. Conduct a waste-stream audit This is Correct. What can't be measured can't be managed. The audit of the waste streams shows how much and of what type of waste is being generated by the project. Once the quantities are known, researching can be done to learn how to best reduce them.

A floor covering that can be recycled into a new product at the end of its useful life would be what type of product? A. Cradle to cradle B. Cradle to grave C. Renewable D. Passive

A. Cradle to cradle This is Correct. Cradle to cradle is a term used in life-cycle analysis to describe a material or product that is recycled into a new product at the end of its useful life. Cradle to cradle is an example of a closed system. The Herman Miller Aeron chair is an example of a cradle to cradle product. It is designed so all parts can be separated and then reused and/or recycled. B. Cradle to grave Cradle to grave is a view of materials and products where products that have reached the end of their useful lives are considered worthless. This is a type of open system. C. Renewable Some forms of energy are described as renewable. Building materials are usually reused, salvaged, refurbished, but not renewable. D. Passive This is not correct.

For new construction projects, which of the following tools enable the project team to understand the environmental impact of a building over its entire life? A. Cradle-to grave life cycle analysis (LCA) B. EPA ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager C. LEED Online D. ENERGY STAR rating

A. Cradle-to grave life cycle analysis (LCA) This is Correct. A life-cycle assessment provides information on a building over all phases of its life. Using LCA in the design process helps the project team understand which short- and long-term impacts different design decisions will have, allowing them to make better design decisions.

An environmental product declaration (EPD) for LEED must conform to which of the following standards? A. ISO B. Green-e C. Local code or jurisdiction D. ASHRAE

A. ISO This is Correct. The International Standards Organization (ISO) standards are used for EPDs in LEED. B. Green-e Green-e certifies RECs and carbon offsets. C. Local code or jurisdiction D. ASHRAE ASHRAE standards are used in LEED for energy performance and minimum indoor air quality.

Which of the following are strategies do NOT help a project team design for flexibility? A. Demountable partitions B. Modular casework C. Moveable furniture D. Operable windows

A. Demountable partitions A demountable partition is "a temporary interior wall that can be easily reconfigured. In a health care facility, acoustical concerns and embedded equipment, as in a surgery suite, may prevent demountable partitions from being used." - USGBC B. Modular casework Modular and movable casework is "shelving and cabinetry designed to be easily installed, moved, or reconfigured. In a retail setting, items that are movable but semi-permanently attached using mechanical fastening systems for operational use are considered furniture and not base building elements (e.g., a table or display bolted to the floor, or shelving attached to a wall)." - USGBC C. Moveable furniture Movable furniture and partitions are "items that can be moved by the users without the need of tools or assistance from special trades and facilities management." - USGBC D. Operable windows This is correct. This is a type of individual occupant control.

What is an example of adaptive reuse? A. Designing classrooms so they can be divided into separate class spaces B. Designing a building with a flexible floor plan that can accommodate offices or apartments C. Renovating a historic home D. Renovating an old steel mill into an apartment complex

A. Designing classrooms so they can be divided into separate class spaces A classroom divider is not a type of reuse. The classrooms aren't designed for another purpose in the future. B. Designing a building with a flexible floor plan that can accommodate offices or apartments This is an example of designing for flexibility. In this example the building can have offices now but in 20 years could be updated to apartments more easily than if the design did not include this option. C. Renovating a historic home This is just renovation. D. Renovating an old steel mill into an apartment complex This is Correct. Adaptive reuse is the practice of redesigning and using a structure for a use that is significantly different from the building's original use.

When selecting windows for a building project, along with performance and adaptability, what else should the project team consider? A. Embodied energy of the windows B. Leverage points in the windows C. The social context of the windows D. Reusing old windows

A. Embodied energy of the windows This is Correct. Embodied energy is an accounting methodology which aims to find the sum total of the energy necessary for an entire product lifecycle. This lifecycle includes raw material extraction, transport, manufacture, assembly, installation, disassembly, deconstruction and/or decomposition. For example consider a clay brick. This includes the energy to extract the clay, transport it to the brick-works, form the brick, fire it in the kiln, transport it to the building site and put the brick into place. It also includes all the indirect energy required, i.e., all the energy required to manufacture the equipment and materials needed to manufacture a brick, e.g. trucks, kilns, mining equipment, etc. All have a proportion of their energy invested in the brick. When selecting a building material there are three things that should be considered: 1. Performance - How will the material perform compared to other alternatives? Consider insulation - should the project use foam insulation, batt insulation, or something else for the best insulating properties? 2. Adaptability - Can the insulation be reused in the future when the building is at the end of its life or will it need to be disposed of? 3. Embodied energy - How much energy went into manufacturing each type of insulation being considered. Was the insulation sourced close by or was manufactured in an environmentally unfriendly plant and then shipped from overseas? B. Leverage points in the windows A leverage point is a tipping point in a system where a small change can lead to large changes in results. C. The social context of the windows Windows do not have a social context. D. Reusing old windows LEED does not encourage reusing old windows since they are usually less energy efficient.

Which of the following does LEED use as a standard means of reporting the environmental impacts of a product, such as global warming potential and greenhouse gas emissions? A. Environmental Product Declarations B. Greenhouse Gas Inventory C. Carbon management tool D. MSDS

A. Environmental Product Declarations This is Correct. Typically, an EPD will include information about a product's impact on global warming, ozone depletion, water pollution, ozone creation, and greenhouse gas emissions.

What should be included in a construction waste management plan? A. If any construction waste materials to be recycled will be commingled or separated B. The distance products were purchased from the construction site C. Which existing building materials - if any - will be reused D. New technologies and materials that will help reduce waste

A. If any construction waste materials to be recycled will be commingled or separated This is Correct. The construction waste management plan will describe where construction and demolition debris is going to go. The plan outlines diverting construction debris from landfills through reusing, salvaging, and recycling materials. Part of this decision is to use commingled or separate recycling. Only your actual construction and demolition debris are included - wood scraps, metal, drywall, cardboard boxes, etc. The plan should include a target diversion rate (a goal that can be measured) such as 'divert 75% of construction waste'. Construction waste is calculated by weight or volume. B. The distance products were purchased from the construction site This is not needed. C. Which existing building materials - if any - will be reused This decision is part of the design phase where questions might be asked such as 'are we going to reuse the roof of this existing building'. If the answer is no, then the waste management plan would include information on where the roof is going. D. New technologies and materials that will help reduce waste This decision would be part of the design plan, not part of how to divert and dispose of waste.

Which of the following is an effective way to lessen the overall environmental consequences of an interior space over its lifetime? A. Installing demountable interior nonstructural walls B. Installing 1.6 gpf (6 lpf) toilets C. Choosing products that have a published Environmental Product Declaration (EPD D. Selecting a site located 1 mile (1,600 meters) from public transportation

A. Installing demountable interior nonstructural walls This is Correct. This strategy is part of designing for flexibility which reduces the demand for new building materials over time. B. Installing 1.6 gpf (6 lpf) toilets This is the baseline water consumption of a toilet (water closet). LEED requires improving upon this. C. Choosing products that have a published Environmental Product Declaration (EPD Remember an EPD doesn't make a product good or bad. An EPD just states 'what the effects of a product are on the environment and people. A product may perform better in some environmental categories than others as listed on the EPD. The EPD helps project teams compare products to choose those that do less harm. D. Selecting a site located 1 mile (1,600 meters) from public transportation For access to quality transit the minimum walking distance required by LEED is 1/2 mile (800 meters)

REACH Optimization would be used in which of the following credit categories? A. Materials and Resources B. Energy and Atmosphere C. Location and Transportation D. Indoor Environmental Quality

A. Materials and Resources This is Correct. REACH is the Regulation on Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals. REACH requires all companies manufacturing or importing chemical substances into the European Union in quantities of one ton or more per year to register these substances. The main aims of REACH are to ensure a high level of protection of human health and the environment from the risks that can be posed by chemicals, the promotion of alternative test methods, the free circulation of substances on the internal market, and enhancing competitiveness and innovation. REACH makes the industry responsible for assessing and managing the risks posed by chemicals and providing appropriate safety information to their users. LEED products that do not contain substances in the Authorization List or Candidate List can be used to meet certain credit requirements in the Materials and Resources category.

Which of the following is one of the most toxic and common sources of indoor air pollution in an existing building? A. Mercury B. VOCs C. CFCs D. Radon

A. Mercury This is Correct. Standard fluorescent lamps contain mercury.

The purchasing policy for the ongoing operations of a building should address which of the following? A. Ongoing consumables B. Pest control service C. Utility rates D. Designing for flexibility E. Renewable Energy Credits (RECs)

A. Ongoing consumables This is Correct. Ongoing consumables are "a product that has a low cost per unit and is regularly used and replaced in the course of business. Examples include paper, toner cartridges, binders, batteries, and desk accessories. Also known as ongoing purchases." - USGBC B. Pest control service Services are not part of the purchasing plans for the operations of a building. C. Utility rates Utility rates are not in the purchasing policies. D. Designing for flexibility Designing for flexibility includes things like movable or demountable partitions - not materials that would be in a purchasing policy for the operations of a building. E. Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) RECs are not in purchasing policies.

Which of the following purchasing decisions would reduce the environmental harm used in the operations of a school project? A. Paper towels that are FSC certified, cafeteria food from a local farm, ENERGY STAR computers B. Power adapters, new textbooks made from new-growth wood pulp, trash cans C. High VOC paints, low SRI roofing materials, metal furniture D. High VOC carpets and carpet pads, low VOC furniture, green cleaning products

A. Paper towels that are FSC certified, cafeteria food from a local farm, ENERGY STAR computers This is Correct. FSC-certified paper products are environmentally preferable because they reduce the demand for virgin resources. Purchasing food locally meets the goal by supporting the local economy. Computers and equipment that is ENERGY STAR rated meets the goal because they use less energy and enter sleep mode when not in use. B. Power adapters, new textbooks made from new-growth wood pulp, trash cans Power adapters don't reduce environmental harm on their own. Textbooks made with recycled paper are preferred. C. High VOC paints, low SRI roofing materials, metal furniture Low VOC paints are preferred for better IAQ. D. High VOC carpets and carpet pads, low VOC furniture, green cleaning products Low VOC carpets are preferred for better IAQ.

Which of the following is an example of a source control waste reduction strategy? A. Pre-ordering materials cut to size B. Using commingled recycling C. Installing recycling bins onsite D. Reusing salvaged materials onsite

A. Pre-ordering materials cut to size This is Correct. Source reduction is the first and best way to minimize waste. Source reduction starts at the source-such as pre-ordering materials cut to size and choosing modular construction, which generates less onsite waste. B. Using commingled recycling Commingled recycling does not reduce waste at the source. C. Installing recycling bins onsite Installing recycling bins does not reduce waste at the source. D. Reusing salvaged materials onsite Using salvaged materials does not reduce waste at the source.

Which of the following is an environmental benefit of reusing a building? A. Preserves a site's historical, cultural, and aesthetic values B. Reduces CFCs C. Reduces demands on virgin resources D. Increases water efficiency

A. Preserves a site's historical, cultural, and aesthetic values This is a benefit to the community or the people aspect of the triple bottom line. B. Reduces CFCs CFC reduction is based on the type of refrigeration. C. Reduces demands on virgin resources This is correct. Because less new materials are required, virgin resources are preserved. D. Increases water efficiency Building reuse and water efficiency are two different and unrelated LEED topics.

Which of the following would help with sustainable purchasing during building operations? A. Purchasing cafeteria food from a nearby distribution center B. Ordering toner cartridges online C. Purchasing recycled printer paper D. Removing any ENERGY STAR qualified vending machines

A. Purchasing cafeteria food from a nearby distribution center Sustainable purchasing of food would include local sourcing of food and beverages. A nearby distribution center doesn't give enough information to make this the best choice. B. Ordering toner cartridges online C. Purchasing recycled printer paper This is Correct. The recycled printer paper is a sustainable purchasing option. D. Removing any ENERGY STAR qualified vending machines If the vending machines were removed completely this would just reduce energy use.

A door found onsite and turned into a table as part of a major renovation would be considered what type of material? A. Reused B. Renewable material C. Commingled material D. Recycled material

A. Reused This is Correct. The door is an example of a reused material. Reused materials are construction materials recovered from building sites and reused on different building sites in the same or a different capacity. Examples can include flooring, brick, beams, and doors. B. Renewable material Renewable materials are made from renewable sources, such as bamboo. C. Commingled material These are materials recycled into a single storage bin. D. Recycled material Recycled content contains materials that have been recycled. An example is insulation made from recycled newspapers.

A project team for a school project is designing classrooms that will improve the learning experience. Which of the following building components meet this goal while maintaining preferable life-cycle impacts? A. Reused acoustic tiles B. Single-pane glazing C. New polyester carpet tiles D. Refurbished desks that contain recycled content

A. Reused acoustic tiles This is Correct. School projects have a prerequisite for acoustics. This choice is a reused product, which is preferable because it doesn't require any raw material extraction. B. Single-pane glazing Single-pane glazing is not energy efficient and would not be preferred in a project. C. New polyester carpet tiles Based on the given information, this choice cannot be selected over the correct answer. D. Refurbished desks that contain recycled content While this component has preferable life cycle impacts, this choice does not improve the learning experience as would the acoustic tiles.

Some wood flooring recovered from a local barn demolition is being used for flooring in a new office project. What type of material is the wood flooring considered? A. Reused material B. Recycled and refurbished material C. Virgin resource D. Recycled content

A. Reused material This is Correct. Reused materials are construction materials recovered from building sites and reused on different building sites in the same or a different capacity. Examples can include flooring, brick, beams, and doors. B. Recycled and refurbished material The flooring is not a recycled material. C. Virgin resource Virgin wood is new wood. Since the wood flooring was obtained from the demolition project the wood was not new and was not cut down from a forest specifically for the use in the project. D. Recycled content Do not confuse recycled content with reused materials. Recycled content contains materials that have been recycled. An example is insulation made from recycled newspapers.

Which of the following action is aided by completing a life-cycle assessment (LCA) of a building during the design process? A. Shortening the construction schedule B. Reducing the amount of materials used C. Reducing change orders D. Decreasing the project costs

A. Shortening the construction schedule An LCA doesn't shorten the construction schedule B. Reducing the amount of materials used This is Correct. An LCA provides insight into the building design. Through this process the materials may be reduced. C. Reducing change orders An LCA doesn't reduce change orders D. Decreasing the project costs The project costs may go up or down depending on the results of the LCA and the influence these results have on the design. Project costs are likely aided by an LCC (Life-cycle costing).

Which of the following strategies should a hospital project choose to extend the life of the building and conserve building resources as the surrounding population grows? A. Site the building in a dense area B. Purchase additional land on which to construct additional buildings C. Select low-emitting materials D. Design rooms with modular systems

A. Site the building in a dense area This meets neither project goal. B. Purchase additional land on which to construct additional buildings Additional buildings would extend the project but this choice does not conserve resources. C. Select low-emitting materials This meets neither project goal. D. Design rooms with modular systems This is Correct. Designing for flexibility is a concept that considers the future use of the building and how it may be modified while at the same time reducing waste and reducing the need for new materials. Modular room partitions, modular furniture, and zoned utility systems allow for future expansion.

Selecting products that have been developed with a sustainable design is an example of: A. Source reduction B. Recycling C. Waste diversion D. Reuse

A. Source reduction This is Correct. Source reduction reduces the materials brought into a building. This includes products that have reduced packaging and products developed with sustainable design principles.

When reviewing products in the integrative design, which of the following are preferable base building material attributes that should be considered? A. Supporting the local economy & Durability B. End of Life Recyclability & USGBC certified products C. Being created in the same or neighboring countries & HPDs D. Supporting the local economy & USGBC certified products

A. Supporting the local economy & Durability This is Correct. Materials extracted and manufactured locally support the local economy and are preferable to materials from farther away. & Durable materials last longer, reducing the demand for new materials. B. End of Life Recyclability & USGBC certified products End of Life Recyclability is a preferred attribute; However, There are no USGBC certified products. LEED only recommends attributes, not specific brands or products. C. Being created in the same or neighboring countries & HPDs Sourcing outside of your country is in conflict with supporting the local economy; However, HPDs are preferable. D. Supporting the local economy & USGBC certified products Materials extracted and manufactured locally support the local economy and are preferable to materials from farther away. However, There are no USGBC certified products. LEED only recommends attributes, not specific brands or products.

What is true regarding carpet made from recycled milk jugs? A. The material would increase the need for virgin materials B. The carpet contains post-consumer recycled content C. The carpet is more durable than conventional carpets D. The carpet has lower life cycle costs than conventional carpets

A. The material would increase the need for virgin materials B. The carpet contains post-consumer recycled content This is Correct. Postconsumer recycled content - is the percentage of material in a product that was consumer waste. The recycled material was generated by household, commercial, industrial, or institutional end-users and can no longer be used for its intended purpose. It includes returns of materials from the distribution chain. Examples include construction and demolition debris, materials collected through recycling programs, discarded products (e.g., furniture, cabinetry, decking), and landscaping waste (e.g., leaves, grass clippings, tree trimmings). (ISO 14021) C. The carpet is more durable than conventional carpets There is usually similar performance of products that contain recycled material and products made with only virgin materials. D. The carpet has lower life cycle costs than conventional carpets There is usually similar costs when comparing products that contain recycled material and products made with only virgin materials.

The choice of a building material used for a project should be determined by what criteria? A. The size of the company supplying the materials B. How long the material has been used in other projects C. The cost of the material D. If the company is a USGBC member

A. The size of the company supplying the materials Good materials can come from small or large companies. B. How long the material has been used in other projects This might be a factor, but some newer materials may perform better than older materials. The inverse is also true. C. The cost of the material This is Correct. This is the economic portion of the triple bottom line. D. If the company is a USGBC member While many suppliers are USGBC members, this alone doesn't indicate a quality material.

What are the environmental benefits of using salvaged wood flooring in a residential project? A. The wood flooring will have a lower cost since it did not have to be extracted from a forest B. The wood flooring will reduce the demand for virgin resources C. The wood flooring will have a lower installation cost D. The wood flooring will increase the tax base of the local economy

A. The wood flooring will have a lower cost since it did not have to be extracted from a forest A lower cost would be an economic benefit. Most salvaged flooring would have a higher cost since they tend to be of higher quality wood. B. The wood flooring will reduce the demand for virgin resources This is Correct. Salvaged materials reduce the demand for virgin materials and reduce waste. Flooring that is taken from a demo project can be reused elsewhere so that trees do not have to be cut down to supply wood for new flooring. C. The wood flooring will have a lower installation cost The installation cost is an economic issue, not an environmental issue. D. The wood flooring will increase the tax base of the local economy There is a benefit to society (remember the triple bottom line?) assuming the material was salvaged locally and re-used locally.

In which of the following ways would a project use environmental product declarations (EPDs)? A. To identify products that contain hazardous chemicals B. To select product's that have met a minimum standard of energy efficiency C. To help the project team understand a product's sustainable qualities D. To find certified green building products

A. To identify products that contain hazardous chemicals Health product declarations (HPDs) contain information on chemicals of concern found in products. B. To select product's that have met a minimum standard of energy efficiency EPDs do not include information on the energy efficiency of a product. C. To help the project team understand a product's sustainable qualities This is Correct. EPDs act as neither product ratings nor ecolabels; rather, they help architects, designers, specifiers, and other purchasers better understand a product's sustainable qualities and environmental repercussions. As such, EPDs equip manufacturers with a valuable tool for differentiation and empower customers to make more informed purchasing decisions. D. To find certified green building products EPDs are not a product certification.

For what purpose would a project team do a life-cycle assessment? A. To measure the VOC content between different paints B. To compare the raw materials of different products C. To understand the trade-offs of material selection and energy performance D. To calculate a project's indoor baseline water use

A. To measure the VOC content between different paints MSDS would be compared for this. B. To compare the raw materials of different products This is a different LEED credit than LCA. C. To understand the trade-offs of material selection and energy performance This is Correct. One reason to do an LCA of a building is to be able to compare different material choices and see how they impact the project over the building's life. D. To calculate a project's indoor baseline water use This is done by using the baseline flush and fixture rates along with calculating FTE.

How can projects reduce sending waste to a landfill? A. Use materials with low lifecycle costs B. Prioritize manufacturer's with optimized supply chains C. Use local materials D. Provide Recycling Infrastructure

A. Use materials with low lifecycle costs Using materials with lower life cycle costs helps reduce operating costs and maintenance expenses over the products lifetime. B. Prioritize manufacturer's with optimized supply chains Specifying products from a manufacturers with leadership extraction practices will reduce negative life cycle impacts. C. Use local materials Using local materials helps reduce the transportation costs associated with moving materials as well as helping the local economy. D. Provide Recycling Infrastructure This is Correct. Recycling and reuse of construction and demolition debris help reduce waste that is sent to a landfill. Providing occupants with recycling bins helps reduce waste during operations and maintenance.

Which of the following materials, if reused, would NOT be considered pre-consumer recycled content? A. Walnut shells B. Sunflower seed hulls C. Sawdust D. Construction and demolition debris

A. Walnut shells Walnut shells are a type of pre-consumer recycled content. The walnut shells are taken from the walnut processing line at the food plant and shipped somewhere else to be turned into composite wood products such as cabinetry. B. Sunflower seed hulls Sunflower seed hulls are a type of pre-consumer recycled content. C. Sawdust Sawdust can be taken from a lumber mill and sent to another manufacturer where they turn it into medium density fiberboard (MDF). D. Construction and demolition debris This is correct. Construction and demolition debris is a post-consumer material. For example wood and steel scraps that are left over from installation can be recycled and turned into something else.

For solid waste management, which of the following ranks the highest by the EPA to reduce waste? A. Waste to energy B. Reuse C. Recycling D. Source reduction

A. Waste to energy Waste-to-energy, or energy-from-waste, is the process of generating energy in the form of electricity and/or heat from the incineration of waste. B. Reuse C. Recycling D. Source reduction This is Correct. Source reduction, also known as waste prevention or pollution prevention, is the elimination of waste before it is created. It involves the design, manufacture, purchase or use of materials and products to reduce the amount or toxicity of what is thrown away. An example of source reduction is using less packaging to ship a product or material or using dimensional lumber of the exact size needed. The four preferred strategies of the EPA for reducing waste are, in order: Source reduction Reuse Recycling Waste to energy

A wood product is environmentally preferable if it has which of the following attributes? A. Wood harvested from the land of an indigenous tribe B. Wood harvested from an unmanaged forest C. Wood that is sustainably grown and harvested D. Wood that does not rot from the treatment of carcinogenic chemicals

A. Wood harvested from the land of an indigenous tribe Products that don't interfere with the local population are preferable. B. Wood harvested from an unmanaged forest Wood harvested responsibly from managed forests is preferable. C. Wood that is sustainably grown and harvested This is Correct. Products that are sustainably grown and harvested are preferable. D. Wood that does not rot from the treatment of carcinogenic chemicals Products free of toxins are preferable.

What is FSC Certified wood? A. Wood that has been sourced (extracted, manufactured, purchased) within 100 miles (160 km) of the project site B. Composite wood that contains post-consumer recycled wood, usually from construction and demolition debris C. Composite wood that does not contain any urea formaldehyde D. Wood that has been procured from well managed forests

A. Wood that has been sourced (extracted, manufactured, purchased) within 100 miles (160 km) of the project site This is an example of a locally sourced product. In LEED v4 products sourced (extracted, manufactured, purchased) within 100 miles (160 km) of the project site are valued higher than those that are not. For LEED v2009 projects the distance is 500 miles. B. Composite wood that contains post-consumer recycled wood, usually from construction and demolition debris This type of material is not certified. C. Composite wood that does not contain any urea formaldehyde This type of wood is not certified. D. Wood that has been procured from well managed forests This is Correct. Wood that has been certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is acceptable for LEED credits. FSC Certified wood comes from well managed forests that use responsible logging practices.

A material that has met which of the following standard would contribute to material ingredient optimization? A. GreenSeal B. Cradle-to-Cradle Certified C. Health Product Declaration D. Global Reporting Initiative

B. Cradle-to-Cradle Certified This is correct.

What is greenwashing? A. Changing local zoning codes to be greener B. The implementation of a green cleaning custodial policy C. Advertising a product or policy to be more environmentally friendly than it really is D. Building green buildings in an industrial area

C. Advertising a product or policy to be more environmentally friendly than it really is This is Correct. The term greenwashing is generally used when significantly more money or time has been spent advertising being green, rather than spending resources on environmentally sound practices. The term greenwashing was coined by New York environmentalist Jay Westervelt in a 1986 essay regarding the hotel industry's practice of placing placards in each room promoting reuse of towels ostensibly to 'save the environment'. Westerveld noted that, in most cases, little or no effort toward reducing energy waste was being made by these institutions - as evidenced by the lack of cost reduction this practice effected. Westerveld opined that the actual objective of this 'green campaign' on the part of many hoteliers was, in fact, increased profit. Westerveld thus labeled this and other outwardly environmentally conscientious acts with a greater, underlying purpose of profit increase as greenwashing.

When choosing products that have Environmental Product Declarations (EPD), which factor is used in determining if LEED credit can be earned? A. The cost of the qualifying products as a percentage of the total building envelope material's cost B. The cost of the qualifying products as a percentage of the total project cost C. The number of different permanently installed products used from different manufacturers D. The number of different permanent and temporary products used from one manufacturer

C. The number of different permanently installed products used from different manufacturers This is Correct. When purchasing materials a certain number of products must be selected to meet LEED credit requirements. For LEED a product must be a permanently installed building product, and is defined as 'an item that arrives on the project site either as a finished element ready for installation or as a component to another item assembled on-site.' - USGBC Example products include: steel, wood, drywall, carpet. Things that are not considered products that count towards the MR credits include: Scaffolding Concrete formwork Anything temporary

The manufacturer of a foam ceiling acoustic tile has disclosed the ingredients in the product. With this information project teams will be able to do which of the following? A. Evaluate the greenhouse gas emissions of the product B. Select less expensive products C. Determine if the product is locally sourced D. Make better-informed decisions

D. Make better-informed decisions This is Correct. The purpose of having manufacturers disclose materials is for project teams to make better decisions and encourage manufacturers to make efforts to improve the environmental qualities of their products over time.

A manufacturer has a carpet tile that includes an environmental product declaration (EPD) and health product declaration (HPD). The manufacturer has also published a corporate sustainability report (CSR). Which of the following do these documents aid? A. Reducing product costs B. Material design optimization C. Transparency D. Improving the community

C. Transparency This is Correct. Each building disclosure and optimization credit in the Materials and Resources section has two options for compliance. The first option is for material transparency - what's in the material or how was it obtained. There are third party certifications used to confirm transparency. Transparency in the materials credits comes from publishing: EPDs, which include the life-cycle impacts of a product. CSRs help to identify products/manufacturers that have been verified to be extracted or sourced in a responsible manner. "HPD" is an acronym for "Health Product Declaration." The HPD is a standard format for reporting product content and associated health information for building products and materials. HPD is free for all to use. The HPD's ongoing development, maintenance, and evolution is grounded in a transparent process that relies on input from both customers and producers and is overseen by the non-profit Health Product Declaration Collaborative. The other option is an optimization path. This one requires teams to use products that are certified by a third party to demonstrate an impact reduction below industry average.

A large home builder is developing a new neighborhood with 200 homes. What strategy would NOT help the builder save on material costs and conserve materials? A. Advanced framing B. Structural insulated panels C. Reducing hallways D. Low VOC paints

D. Low VOC paints This is correct.

Which of the following does NOT reduce the energy use and waste associated with the demolition and construction of buildings? A. Restoring existing buildings B. Preserving historic structures C. Rehabilitating blighted buildings D. Incinerating construction waste from a demolition

D. Incinerating construction waste from a demolition This is correct.

Which of the following is NOT a strategy to reduce construction waste? A. Sell unused materials B. Recycle materials C. Use salvaged materials D. Maximize the building footprint

D. Maximize the building footprint This is Correct. Increasing the size of the building footprint would likely increase the amount of construction waste.

Which of the following legally binding documents describe the quality of the materials to be used on the project? A. Cradle-to-Grave Analysis B. Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) C. Health Product Declaration (HPD) D. Specifications

D. Specifications This is Correct. Specifications are created by architects and given to the contractor for the purposes of purchasing the right quantity and type of materials. Specifications include drawings of what is to be built. They are legally binding documents. Specifications are detailed and might include: Use #2 salvaged oak flooring in the main lobby, along with the dimensions and layout of the lobby. Purchase the oak flooring locally.

Which of the following does NOT exemplify strategies of reducing harm to the environment over a building's entire life? A. Restoring a historic building B. Using salvaged flooring in a new building C. Conducting a life-cycle assessment to help reduce a building's environmental footprint D. Tearing down a building and putting up a more energy-efficient one in its place

D. Tearing down a building and putting up a more energy-efficient one in its place This is correct. Studies show that most of the time an existing building can be renovated/reused and achieve the same energy savings as a new building would have, without demolishing and sending the old building to the landfill.