LEED GA Mock Exam 1

Which of the following water saving items can be used for outdoor, indoor, and processed water? (Choose 2) a. Water efficient fixtures b. Sub-meters c. Native plants d. Water saving education programs

Answer: B, D

A developer has selected an urban site near a shopping center. This will help which of the following? a. Community connectivity b. Reducing urban runoff c. Community relationship d. Minimum city code requirements

Answer: a

Energy used by elevators and escalators is: a. Process energy b. Non-process energy c. Regulated energy d. Renewable energy e. Non-renewable energy

Answer: a

If a LEED project has a CFC phase-out plan, which of the following must occur? a. The project can only allow 5% or less of annual CFC leakage b. CFC must be replaced within 5 years c. CFC must be replaced with CO2 d. CFC must be replaced with halons

Answer: a

Which of the following is the most important feature of durability? a. The ability to endure and last for a long time b. Low maintenance c. Little or no unexpected extra costs d. Low maintenance and operation expense over the lifetime of the product

Answer: a

Which of the following must be certified under only one LEED rating system? a. 100% of the LEED project gross floor area b. 80% of the LEED project gross floor area c. Everything inside the property boundary d. 100% of the LEED project gross site area

Answer: a

Which of the following needs to be implemented for water efficiency? a. A baseline of water use b. HET c. Waterless urinals d. Xeriscape

Answer: a

Which of the following will not reduce materials sent to recycling facilities? a. Recycling b. Reusing materials c. Reducing materials used d. Reworking

Answer: a

Which program is used to qualify off-site green power for LEED? a. Green-e b. Center for Resource Solution c. Green label d. Green certified

Answer: a

Who of the following publishes GWP and ODP scores? a. The World Meteorological Organization b. ASTM c. USGBC d. The Global Climate Control Board

Answer: a

With regard to the credit, Optimize Energy Performance, who has the most influence in decision-making? a. MEP Engineer b. Architect c. Contractor d. Health Department Plan Checker

Answer: a

For the same project mentioned in Question 49, if the total area is 1 acre, what is the site coverage for this project? a. 48% b. 46% c. 43% d. 38%

Answer: a 1 acre = 43, 560 sf site coverage = first floor area / site area 21,000 / 43,560 = 48%

Which of the following includes standards regarding major factor affecting human comfort? a. ASHRAE 55-2010 b. ASHRAE 62.1-2010 c. Green Label Plus d. Green Building Index

Answer: a ASHRAE 55-2010 includes standards regarding major factors affecting human comfort, such as temperature, humidity, air speed, etc. ASHRAE 62.1-2010 is related to natural ventilation. The Carpet and Rug Institute's Green Label Plus program is in regards to carpet and rugs. Green Building Index is a sustainable building rating tool used in Malaysia.

Which of the following sets the minimum standard of water use reduction? a. Energy Policy Act (EPAct) of 1992 b. Uniform Plumbing Codes (UPC) c. WaterSense Standards d. International Plumbing Code (IPC)

Answer: a Although called the Energy Policy Act, it deals with water savings.

Who rules on CIRs? a. The Technical Advisory Group b. The LEED Administrator c. GBCI d. USGBC

Answer: a GBCI depends on the Technical Advisory Group for CIRs.

Which of the following is considered open spaces for a LEED project? a. Landscape areas b. Tennis courts c. Sidewalks d. Areas under canopy e. Atriums with views to the ocean

Answer: a Open spaces need to be VEGETATED and PERVIOUS areas. Areas under canopy and atriums with views to the ocean are typically NOT considered open spaces for a LEED project.

A project team is seeking LEED BDC NC certification for a building. Which of the following is true? a. The project team cannot seek precertification as a marketing tool for funding and attracting tenants b. The project team can seek precertification as a marketing tool for funding and attracting tenants c. The project must have a signed lease or LOI for at least 70% of the spaces d. The project must be located in a new neighborhood

Answer: a Precertification is for the LEED BDC CS rating system or LEED Volume Program ONLY. If the project has a signed lease or LOI for at least 70% of the spaces, this is good, but NOT require by GBCI. GBCI also does NOT require the project to be located in a new neighborhood for LEED BDC NC.

Which of the following can be the most efficient way to save energy? a. Proper building orientation and fenestration b. High performance HVAC systems c. LEED certified equipment d. None of the above

Answer: a Proper building orientation and fenestration can take full advantage of the dominant winds in the summer, and avoid chilly north winds in the winter. These characteristics can also take full advantage of passive heating from the sun in the winter, and avoid the westerly sun in the summer. This can be more efficient than ALL the HVAC equipment combined.

Which of the following are not considered laws? a. USGBC LEED reference guides b. Building codes c. ADA c. Municipal codes e. EPA codes of Federal Regulations

Answer: a Reference guides by USGBC are NOT laws because they have not gone through the legislation process. They are rules set by the USGBC and have NO legal authority like the other governing agencies. LEED standards are voluntary. You choose to obey the rules when you seek certification for a building, but these rules are NOT laws.

With regard to LEED v4, which of the following LEED rating systems has fewer points for the WE category? (Choose 2) a. LEED BDC NC b. LEED BDC CS c. LEED BDC Schools d. LEED IDC CI e. LEED OM EB

Answer: a, b Points for the WE category: a. LEED BDC NC: 11 pts b. LEED BDC CS: 11 pts c. LEED BDC Schools: 12 pts d. LEED IDC IC: 12 pts e. LEED OM EB: 12 pts

For a project's initial research, what are some of the most important local issues? (Choose 3) a. Site orientation b. Parking regulations c. Incentives for sustainable design d. ACEEE e. TRCs

Answer: a, b, c American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) and Tradable Renewable Certificates (TRCs) are universal and not local issues.

A project team is seeking extra points under the Innovation (IN) credit category. Which of the following is a feasible strategy? (Choose 2) a. Set up a display area inside the building to educate the public on this building's LEED performance b. Try to gain more points than the original target level of LEED certification c. Double the performance for a LEED credit d. None of the above e. There is not enough information

Answer: a, c

For a building using a halon-based fire suppression system, which of the following is true? (Choose 2) a. Halons cause damage to the ozone layer b. This building cannot seek LEED certification c. This building must meet Fire Department requirements concerning halons d. The halons must have a leakage rate of 10% or less

Answer: a, c Halons cause damage to the ozone layer, but a building using halon-based fire suppression system can still seek LEED certification. This building must meet Fire Department requirements concerning halons.

Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEV) are defined by the standards set up by: (Choose 2) a. California Air Resources Board b. Center for Resource Solution c. ACEEE d. SCAQMID

Answer: a, c Only vehicles classified as Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEV) by California Air Resources Board or vehicles with a green score of at least 45 on the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) annual vehicle rating guide are qualified as fuel efficient and low emitting vehicles for LEED credit.

Which of the following buildings cannot obtain LEED certification? (Choose 2) a. A new building that uses CFC b. A new building that does not use CFC c. A remodel project with a plan to phase out CFCs in 15 years d. A building that uses natural refrigerants e. A building that uses dry ice

Answer: a, c The manufacture of HVAC units containing CFCs was stopped in the United States in 1995. These units had been phased out from existing buildings located in the US by 2011.

A project team should include the following as part of regulated (non-process) energy: (Choose 3) a. Lighting for interiors b. Refrigeration and kitchen cooking c. Space heating d. Service water heating e. Energy for computers, office, and general miscellaneous equipment

Answer: a, c, d The project team should include the following as REGULATED (NON-PROCESS) ENERGY: - HVAC, exhaust fans and hoods - lighting for interiors - surface parking, garage parking, building facade and grounds - space heating and service water heating, etc.

A project team should include the following as part of process energy: (Choose 3) a. Lighting that is part of the medical equipment b. Lighting included as part of the lighting power allowance. c. Energy for water pumps d. HVAC e. Energy for elevators and escalators

Answer: a, c, e The process team should include the following as part of PROCESS ENERGY: - refrigeration and kitchen cooking - laundry (washing and drying) - elevators and escalators - computers, office and general miscellaneous equipment - lighting not included in the lighting power allowance (such as lighting that is part of medical equipment) - other uses like water pumps, etc.

A project team is seeking LEED certification for a single building. What does the LEED project boundary include? (Choose 2) a. Only the portion of the site submitted by the project team for LEED certification b. Overlaps with the edge of the building c. Overlaps with the edge of the development d. The entire project scope of work

Answer: a, d

Which of the following is not true? (Choose 2) a. Water from kitchen sinks can be reused for landscape irrigation or flushing toilets b. Water from kitchen sinks cannot be reused for landscape irrigation or flushing toilets c. Reclaimed water requires special piping with a different color d. Reclaimed water cannot reduce portable water use

Answer: a, d

Which of the following statements are not true? (Choose 2) a. Bicycle racks will help community connectivity b. High SRI pavement will alleviate the heat island effect c. Green roofs can reduce storm water runoff and alleviate the heat island effect d. Retention ponds will not reduce storm water runoff

Answer: a, d

Which two of the following have the same meaning? (Choose 2) a. Albedo b. SRI c. Refraction d. Reflection e. Solar Reflectance

Answer: a, e

A construction waste management plan should include which of the following? a. The recycling capacity of the neighborhood recycle center b. Materials to be used for alternative daily cover (ADC) c. If the existing ceiling should be reused d. The percentage of reused materials

Answer: b

ASHRAE standards apply to all of the following except: a. SS b. WE c. EQ d. EA

Answer: b

Rainwater is: a. Potable water b. Non-potable water c. Black water d. Raw water e. Gray water

Answer: b

What are the most important criteria for LEED building rating system? a. Quantifiable performances b. Prerequisites c. Credits d. Third party evaluations e. Third party standards

Answer: b

Which of the following analyze the potential savings over a building's life span? a. ROI b. Life-cycle analysis c. Life-cycle cost analysis d. Life-cycle saving analysis

Answer: c ROI is a return on investment. Life-cycle analysis is used to analyze the environmental impact of a building over its lifetime Life-cycle savings analysis does not exist.

Which of the following is gray water? a. Storm water b. Laundry water c. Dishwasher water d. Water in retention ponds

Answer: b

Which of the following is gray water? a. Water from the bathroom sinks and kitchen sinks b. Water from bathtubs c. Water from toilets d. Rainwater collected in cisterns e. Storm water that has not come in contact with toilet waste

Answer: b

Which of the following standards specifies minimum ventilation rates for IAQ Performance? a. ASHRAE 52.2-2007 b. ASHRAE 62.1-2010 c. ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2010 d. ASTM

Answer: b

Which of the following only applies to the LEED EQ category? a. ASHRAE Advanced Energy Design Guide for Retail Buildings 2010 b. ASHRAE Standard 55-2010 c. ASHRAE 62.1-2010 d. ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2010

Answer: b ASHRAE 62.1-2010 relates to both EQ and EA category. The other two standards relate to LEED EA category only.

Which of the following is the best to measure a material's ability to reflect sunshine? a. Albedo b. SRI c. Color d. Hue

Answer: b Both albedo and SRI are good indexes, but SRI is the better option. SRI stands for Solar Reflectance Index.

For the same project mentioned in Question 49, if the total buildable site area is 1 acre, what is the FAR for this project? a. 438% b. 386% c. 338% d. 298%

Answer: b FAR (Floor Area Ratio) = total building area / buildable site area 168,000 / 43,560 = 386%

A project seeking LEED certification may incur extra time for the following except: a. Team member meetings b. A city's plan check c. Commissioning d. Construction Administration

Answer: b LEED certification does NOT involve extra time or effort for a city's plan check or permitting (DOB permits)

A tenant purchased some furniture containing VOCs that was manufactured 450 miles from the job site. Which of the following LEED categories will be affected? a. SS b. EA c. MR d. EQ e. This project cannot seek LEED certification

Answer: d

What are RECs? a. The amount of fossil fuels avoided by buying renewable energy and expressed in kilograms b. The positive attributes of power generated by renewable sources c. The amount of renewable energy purchased from a third party approved by the Green-e program d. None of the above

Answer: b RECs mean Renewable Energy Certificates. They represent positive attributes of power generated by renewable sources. When you purchase RECs, you are buying the attributes, NOT necessarily the real power used in your project. Anyone can purchase RECs from anywhere, even if the power used in his/her project is not green power. The money s/he pays allows others to generate or use green power, and achieves overall reduction of the use of fossil fuels in the world. This is a marketing approach for sustainability.

Recycled materials will contribute to which of the following? a. Traffic alleviation and smog reduction b. Protection of virgin materials c. Energy savings d. MEP cost savings

Answer: b Recycled materials can protect virgin materials, but may require more energy to process, can increase traffic, and increase MEP cost.

You are working on a remodel project seeking LEED certification. What should you do about the existing HVAC units containing CFCs? a. Replace CFCs with dry ice b. Replace CFCs with natural refrigerant c. Replace CFCs with halons d. Phase out CFCs in 10 years

Answer: b The manufacture of HVAC units containing CFCs was stopped in the US in 1995. These units had been phased out from existing US buildings by 2011. Halons are used for fire supression system, not HVAC systems. Dry ice is commonly used to preserve food, instead of being used as HVAC refrigerant.

What is the maximum number of Regional Priority points a project can achieve? a. 3 b. 4 c. 5 d. 6

Answer: b The maximum number of Regional Priority points a project can achieve is 4 out of 6 possible points. A project team needs to select which 4 of the 6 points to use.

An office building uses ammonia (NH3) as a refrigerant. Which of the following is true? a. NH3 has a higher ODP than HCFC b. NH3 has a lower GWP than HCFC c. NH3 is easier to leak out than HCFC d. CFC is easier to leak out than HCFC

Answer: b http://www.gbci.org/Files/References/The-treatment-by-LEED-of-the-Environmental-Impact-of-HVAC-Refrigerants.pdf Special attention to the Table on ODP and GWP. No need to remember exact value of all ODPs and GWPs, but you need to know the rough number for various groups of refrigerants.

A project team is preparing a construction waste management plan. Which of the following should be included? (Choose 2) a. The removal of refrigerants containing ODP and GWP b. Recycle areas c. The removal and disposal of hazardous materials like PCBs d. The reduction of building size

Answer: b, c

If a building's wastewater overflows, which of the following can come into contact with potable water? (Choose 2) a. CO b. Toxic metal c. Grease d. Halons

Answer: b, c

The priorities for LEED projects are based on: (Choose 2) a. Costs and benefits b. Environmental guidelines c. Carbon footprint d. Project constraints

Answer: b, d

Which of the following can earn points for Innovation? (Choose 2) a. Meeting the requirements of all LEED prerequisites and credits b. Exceptional performance above and beyond the LEED requirements for an existing credit c. Finding a solution responding to the project's regional priorities d. Innovative performance in green building categories not covered by an exiting LEED credit

Answer: b, d

Which of the following sets the baseline for water use? (Choose 2) a. Energy Policy Act (EPAct) of 1992 b. Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) c. WaterSense standards d. International Plumbing Code (IPC)

Answer: b, d

Which of the following cannot save water for landscape irrigation? (Choose 2) a. Mulches b. Perennials c. Hardscape d. Overhead irrigation e. Head to head coverage

Answer: b, d Hardscape can reduce landscape area; mulches can prevent moisture loss. Both can reduce water for landscape irrigation. Perennials use more water. Overhead irrigation can increase water loss due to runoff and evaporation by the sun and wind. Head to head coverage is a standard practice for landscape irrigation.

The economic benefits of green buildings include: (Choose 2) a. Reduced disturbance of wetland b. Lower water bills c. Increased use of rapidly renewable materials d. Better EQ and less liabilities

Answer: b, d Reduced disturbance of wetlands is an environmental benefit, not necessarily an economic benefit. Increased use of rapidly renewable materials may not save money. Better EQ does create fewer liabilities, lowers the cost related to employees' health, and reduces the number of employee sick days.

Which of the following is a prerequisite for purchasing green power? (Choose 3) a. The completion of the commissioning plan b. Communication with the key stakeholders c. Consultation with an electrical engineer d. Compilation of energy data e. Evaluation of onsite and offsite energy choices

Answer: b, d, e The completion of the commissioning plan will occur AFTER on-site renewable systems are selected. Consultation with an electrical engineer is a good practice, but it is not as important as the other choices.

A project team uses a strategy to earn an Innovation (IN) point for a project in California. Which of the following is true? a. The same strategy can be used and guaranteed for an IN point in other projects b. The same strategy can be used for other projects in the same region c. The same strategy may or may not earn an IN point in another project d. None of the above

Answer: c

Choose the non-alternative-fuel vehicle from the following: a. A hybrid car b. A bus powered by natural gas with at least 20 mpg. c. A fuel-efficient car powered by gas with at least 40 mog d. An electric car

Answer: c

Construction waste reduction strategies include which of the following? a. Purchasing materials manufactured locally b. Using durable materials c. Donating unused materials to charities d. Burning the construction waste on site

Answer: c

SMACNA address which of the following items related to LEED? a. Metal work b. VOCs c. Air quality during construction d. ODP e. Certified wood

Answer: c

The best way to prevent environmental impact caused by refrigerant leakage is to: a. Choose high quality plumbing materials, and perform high quality installation and maintenance. b. Use refrigerants without ODP c. Design a building with natural ventilation and use no refrigerants d. None of the above

Answer: c

The heat island effect can typically create ___ degrees Fahrenheit of change in temperature? a. 1 b. 5 c. 10 d. 20

Answer: c

Which of the following are the most commonly used energy codes in the United States? a. Universal Energy Conservation Codes b. IPC by International Code Council c. International Energy Conservation Codes d. Energy Rating Codes

Answer: c

Which of the following is not true? a. A LEED project team has to review the USGBC or GBCI website for previously submitted CIRs before submitting a new one b. A LEED project team has to renew the USGBC reference guide before submitting a CIR c. All LEED rating systems can have CIRs except LEED ND d. A fee has to be paid for each CIR submitted

Answer: c

Which of the following is the best way to alleviate suburban sprawl? a. Build more low-rise, high-density housing b. Provide underground parking spaces c. Improve community connectivity d. Provide more pedestrian walkways

Answer: c

Which of the following is the most effective way to reduce storm water runoff? a. Building a roof with high SRI value b. Using pavers with high albedo c. Grouping buildings together d. Adding trees to a parking lot

Answer: c

Which of the following is used to measure a LEED building's environmental performance? a. Life cycle analysis b. Cradle-to-cradle anaylisis c. Whole building perspective d. Integrated design approach e. Overall energy reduction

Answer: c

A project team is seeking LEED certification for an 8-story building. The building has 8 equal floors, and the total square footage of the building is 168,000 sf. What is the building's footprint? a. 168,000 sf b. 42,000 sf c. 21,000 sf d. None of the above

Answer: c 168,000 sf / 8 = 21,000 sf

Which of the following is considered a project soft cost? a. Carpet b. Doors c. Permit fees d. Trees and shrubs

Answer: c All the other answers are hard costs (material costs)

A project team is working on a LEED project composed of 6 buildings on a campus. Each building is located on a 1 acre parcel of land. How should the project team determine the boundary of the LEED project? a. Each building should have its own LEED project boundary at the edge of the 1 acre land b. The LEED project boundary should be the perimeter of the 6 acre site c. The project team can make its own decision and determine the LEED project boundary d. There is not enough information to determine the LEED project boundary

Answer: c For a single building project, the perimeter of the LEED project is typically the project's boundary. For a multi-building project, the LEED project team can choose a portion of the project site to submit as the LEED project boundary.

When should a project team start to plan a building's LEED certification? a. At schematic design b. At design development c. At pre-design stage d. At construction stage

Answer: c For planning a project's LEED certification, the earlier this is done in the process, the better.

Green-e is used for which of the following? a. On-site green energy b. On-site renewable energy c. Off-site renewable energy d. None of the above

Answer: c Green-e product requirements written by the Center for Resource Solution (CRS) are used as guidelines for purchasing your building's electricity from OFF-SITE renewable resources. The purchase is based on quantity, NOT the cost, and contracts for this renewable energy should be at least 5 years long.

Which of the following is a pre-consumer recycled item? a. Aluminum storefront created from materials reclaimed from the manufacturing process b. Demolition concrete pieces used at another project c. Rigid insulation created from materials reclaimed from the manufacturing process of form cornice d. Scraps re-used in the carpet manufacturing process

Answer: c Scraps re-used from the same manufacture process, such as reground and rework, cannot be included as pre-consumer recycled items or post-consumer recycled items. Demolition concrete pieces used at another project are salvaged materials.

A project team is seeking LEED BDC NC certification for a 3-story residential building. Each floor is 600 sf. Which of the following is true? a. The project team can seek LEED BDC NC certification because the building is less than 100,000 sf b. The project team can seek LEED BDC NC certification because the building is more than 1,000 sf c. The project team cannot seek LEED BDC NC certification d. The project team can seek LEED BDC NC certification because it meets LEED's MPRs

Answer: c The project cannot use LEED BDC NC certification because the building is less than 9 stories high. The project team should use the LEED BD+C: Homes and Multifamily Low rise rating system instead.

A project team created a drive-by recycling program for the general public to recycle batteries and used electronics. The project team can gain a point under which of the following categories? a. SS b. MR c. IN d. EQ

Answer: c The project team can gain a point under IN because this program provides quantitative performance improvements for environmental benefit, which is substantially better than typical sustainable practice, and is applicable to other projects. Answer b is incorrect because the recycling credit for MR involves the building occupants (not the general public), and is limited to the following materials only: - paper - cardboard - metal - glass - plastics

Where can a LEED Green Associate find the latest errata for LEED reference guides online? a. www.gbci.org b. www.nrdc.org c. www.usgbc.org d. www.epa.gov

Answer: c USGBC is in charge of creating all reference guides and the related errata.

For a LEED project, which of the following should not be used in a fire suppression system? (Choose 2) a. Dry ice b. Water c. HCFCs d. CFCs

Answer: c, d

Which of the following is not blackwater? (Choose 2) a. Water from kitchen sinks b. Water from toilets c. Harvest rainwater d. Water from floor drains e. Rainwater that has come into contact with animal waste

Answer: c, d BLACKWATER, otherwise known as brown water, foul water, or sewage, is water from the kitchen sink, dishwasher, or water that has come into contact with human or animal waste.

Which of the following is not a fossil fuel? (Choose 2) a. Gas b. Natural gas c. Biofuel d. Solar power

Answer: c, d Biofuel is generated from plant materials like crops, trees, and grasses.

A project team is seeking LEED certification for a building. The project can be certified under either the LEED BDC NC or LEED BDC CS rating system. How should the project team determine which LEED system to use? (Choose 2) a. Use the system that can gain most points for LEED b. Ask the landlord for advice c. Use the 40/60 rule d. Make and independent decision e. Use the 30/70 rule

Answer: c, d Using the system that can gain the most point for LEED makes sense, but it not mandated by USGBC. Asking a landlord for advice is not a good choise and is NOT professional; the project team should be the advisor for the landlord. The rule 40/60 for LEED: if a LEED system applies to 40% or less of the project or spaces, do not use it. If a LEED system applies to 60% or more of the project or spaces, use it. In the end, the project team makes an independent and final decision.

Which of the following can reduce stormwater runoff and alleviate the urban heat island effect? (Choose 3) a. Increasing the site coverage ratio b. Increasing Floor Area Ratio (FAR) c. Using a vegetated roof d. Using porous pavement with high albedo e. Building a retention pond on the site

Answer: c, d, e Increasing the site coverage or FAR will increase impervious area and will increase stormwater runoff. Porous pavement will help recharge the groundwater thereby reducing stormwater runoff, and high-albedo (high-reflectivity) materials will increase reflectivity to alleviate the urban "heat island" effect. Vegetated roofs and retention ponds can also reduce stormwater runoff and alleviate the urban "heat island" effect.

What kinds of energy will generate the most pollution? (Choose 3) a. Wind b. Biofuel c. Gas d. Natural gas e. Nuclear power

Answer: c, d, e Wind and biofuel are clean energy. Natural gas is pretty clean, but still generates air pollution.

Which of the following will not reduce materials sent to landfill? (Choose 2) a. Recycling b. Reusing materials c. Using regrounded materials d. Reducing materials used e. Reworking

Answer: c, e

Green building through a holistic design approach will result in which of the following? a. Longer construction time b. Shorter construction time c. Extra cost d. Synergy e. Savings over a building's lifetime

Answer: d

Per Montreal Protocol, HCFCs have to be phased out by: a. 1995 b. 2010 c. 2011 d. 2030

Answer: d

The LEED O&M rating system is different from other LEED rating systems in which of the following ways: a. The LEED O&M rating system can be applied to any building type. b. The LEED O&M rating system emphasizes measuring and verification. c. The LEED O&M rating system emphasizes life cycle costing d. The LEED O&M rating system deals with buildings after construction is completed.

Answer: d

What is the fundamental reason for global warming? a. Too many cars on the street b. The use of biofuel c. Too many green houses were built in the past century d. Too much carbon dioxide e. Too much carbon monoxide

Answer: d

Which of the following are most appropriate for a vegetated roof? a. Native plants b. Tress with large canopies c. Adaptive plants d. Lightweight plants e. There is not enough information to answer this question

Answer: d

Which of the following is the best statement regarding water savings for LEED credits? a. Water savings for LEED credits are per building codes. b. Water savings for LEED credits are per green building codes. c. Water savings for LEED credits are per federal regulations. d. Water savings for LEED credits are based on the percentage of water savings achieved by each design case as compared with a baseline building.

Answer: d

Which of the following is a car share membership program? a. Three or more people going to work in the same vehicle b. A program in which two or more people share the cost of a parking space c. A shuttle service program from a train station to work places d. A program for people to rent a vehicle on a daily or hourly basis

Answer: d Answer a is considered carpooling. Answer b is simply sharing parking cost. Answer c is a shuttle service program.

A LEED project's landscape area includes which of the following? a. Green roofs b. Naturalistically designed retention ponds c. Sidewalks d. Vegetated roofs

Answer: d Green roofs include vegetated roofs AND light color reflective roofs. Light color reflective roofs are NOT landscape areas. Retention ponds and sidewalks are not considered landscape areas.

The State of California is building a visitor center on a 200,000 sf park. How big does the visitor center need to be, in order to meet the MPRs for LEED? a. 1,000 sf b. 2,000 sf c. 3,000 sf d. 4,000 sf e. There is not enough information to determine the minimum sf of the visitor center

Answer: d MPRs include some very basic requirements. For example: 1. The building must be 1,000 sf minimum for LEED BDC NC, LEED BDC CS, LEED BDC Schools, LEED EB O&M. There is a 250 sf minimum for LEED IDC CI. 2. The building to site ration must be 2% or higher. 2% x 200,000 sf = 4,000 sf

If you pass the LEED Green Associate Exam, what can you use on your business card? a. The GBCI logo b. The LEED GA logo per USGBC guidelines c. The LEED GA logo per GBCI guidelines d. The LEED Green Associate logo per GBCI guidelines

Answer: d Per GBCI, LEED GA is never an approved abbreviation of the LEED Green Associate title or logo.

Which of the following sites is the best for community connectivity? a. A site close to the ocean b. A site close to a train station c. A brownfield site d. A site close to a shopping center

Answer: d The qualified Basic Services that can help to gain LEED points for community connectivity include, but are not limited to: place of worship, restaurant, supermarket, convenience grocery, laundry, cleaner, beauty salon, hardware, pharmacy, medical/dental, bank, senior care facility, community center, fitness center, daycare, school, library, museum, theater, park, fire station, post office

Which of the following is the foundation of the LEED building rating system? a. Prerequisites b. MPRs c. Prerequisites and credits d. The triple bottom line

Answer: d Triple bottom line = people, profit, and planet

For LEED certification you should include the following as part of the project's area except: a. A parking lot b. A landscape area c. An interior space d. A shared parking structure on adjacent property

Answer: d You cannot include a shared parking structure on an adjacent property as part of the project area, because it belongs to someone other than your project owner.

A project team is working on a LEED BDC NC project. How much CFC-refrigerant can the team use? a. 2% b. 5% c. 7% d. None

Answer: d You cannot use CFC-refrigerant in new buildings. LEED BDC NC is a rating system for new buildings.

A project team is seeking LEED Platinum certification for a school project. When can the project team advise the school board that the LEED Platinum certification has been achieved? a. After the project's substantial completion b. After the LEED registration is approved c. After the construction review d. After the design review e. After the LEED application is reviewed and approved by GBCI

Answer: e

Which of the following is not gray water? a. Water from kitchen sinks b. Water from toilet c. Harvest rainwater d. Water from outdoor area drains e. None of the above f. All of the above

Answer: f GRAY WATER is the household water that has not come into contact with the kitchen sink or toilet waste.