LEED Green Associate: Practice Exam #1 & Terms

If a building owner has a LEED for New Construction certified building, what is the minimum amount of time that must pass to attain LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance?

1 Year

A Green Associate Candidate's approved exam application is valid for how long?

1 year from the approval date

What types of water are considered 'nonpotable water' within the LEED rating system?

1. Captured rainwater 2. Greywater

The calculation for Regional Materials credit compliance is based on what factors?

1. Cost of the total materials value 2. Weight, if considering a fraction of a product

'Process Water' applications in a LEED project may include which of these examples?

1. Dishwashers 2. Water associated with a manufacturing process 3. Laundry facilities Process water: not drinking water; used for more industrial uses; gone through extensive treatment though

Reducing your building's electric consumption would impact which of the following LEED credits?

1. EAc1: optimize energy performance 2. EAc6: green power 3. EAc2: on site renewable energy

Which waste streams should be tracked for rate of diversion?

1. Gypsum 2. Dimensional wood 3. Cardboard

Use of recycled materials in LEED projects are intended to

1. Increase demand for products made with recycled materials 2. Reduce impact of extraction practices

What broad concepts is LEED generally organized by?

1. Innovation 2. Advocacy and Policy 3. Awareness and Education

What does the Construction Carbon Calculator from buildcarbonneutral.org do for a project?

1. It estimates the potential of the landscape to release and sequester carbon. 2. It provides an estimate that establishes a base number to clarify the carbon implications of the construction process.

If a building is certified LEED Core and Shell which other possible certifications would the building or portions of the building most likely be able to attain?

1. LEED Commercial Interiors 2. LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance

Strategies for waste reduction and diversion include what?

1. Managing construction for less waste 2. Identifying diversion opportunities 3. Using prefabricated components

What are benefits provided by windows?

1. Operable windows allow occupants to control acoustic separation from outdoor sources of noise. 2. Operable windows allow occupants to increase outdoor air ventilation to their area. 3. Windows with operable shades allow occupants to modulate the level of daylight entering their area.

Good daylighting design includes which strategies?

1. Proper building orientation 2. Light shelves

Locally-sourced materials have which of the following positive effects?

1. Reducing air pollution from freight travel 2. Limiting traffic on roadways 3. Minimizing expansion of infrastructure

If a project is in an existing building w/ limited roof area & a limited budget, which of the following are most reasonable strategies for the team 2pursue 2avoid contributions to greenhouse gas emissions?

1. Reducing the project's energy use 2. Offsetting emissions by purchasing Renewable Energy Credits

During the early design stages of a new construction project, the project team has decided to implement a vegetated roof. This feature can help contribute to achievement for which credits?

1. SS Credit 6.1: Stormwater Design: Quantity 2. SS Credit 7.2: Heat Island Effect: Roof 3. SS Credit 6.2: Stormwater Design: Quality

Stormwater management can include the collection and reuse of water for nonpotable purposes such as landscape irrigation, toilet and urinal flushing, and custodial uses. What does this help accomplish?

1. To reduce stormwater runoff 2. To avoid unnecessary consumption of expensive and energy intensive potable water

What factors directly impact daylight calculations?

1. Window Area 2. Floor area 3. Visible transmittance

Project teams use shielded, full cutoff exterior lighting fixtures in an effort to achieve what?

1.. Decrease stress to nocturnal species 2. Prevention of light trespass

How many Continuing Education hours must LEED Green Associates earn biennially?

15 hours, 3 of which must be LEED-specific hours

What minimum competency score must candidates meet to successfully become a LEED Green Associate?

170

The New Buildings Institute published a study in 2008 that investigated 121 LEED-certified commercial office buildings in the United States. They found that those buildings used _______ energy than the national average.

24% Less

Studies show that in LEED buildings, the average annual energy intensity is lower than conventional buildings by _____.

25%

For an average office building in the United States, _______ percent more energy is expended by office workers commuting to and from the building than is consumed by the building itself for heating, cooling, lighting, and other energy uses.

30%

In 2008, transportation accounted for what percentage of total greenhouse gas emissions in the United States?

33%

What minimum percentage must a LEED for New Construction project recycle to be recognized for successfully implementing a construction waste management plan?

50%

Two equally-sized sized neighboring stores are being constructed, and one is pursuing LEED certification. A new parking lot with fifty spaces will be shared by the two stores. The LEED Project Boundary includes:

50% of the parking spaces, sidewalks, and landscaping

Ecosystem

A basic unit of nature that includes a community of organisms and their nonliving environment linked by biological, chemical, and physical processes.

Carbon Footprint

A measure of greenhouse gas emissions associated with an activity.

LEED Interpretations

A project team can contribute to the evolution of the LEED rating system by submitting a request for precedent-setting rulings to be reviewed first by a GBCI certification reviewer and then by LEED staff and committee.

High Performance Green Building

A structure designed to conserve water and energy; use space, materials, and resources efficiently; minimize construction waste; and create a harmful indoor environment

On-site energy production typically involves which of the following?

A system that generates clean electricity REC = Renewable Energy Certificate

What is the Renewable Energy Certificate (REC)?

A tradable commodity representing proof that a unit of electricity was generated from a renewable energy resource.

Integrated Design Team

All the individuals involved in a building project from early int eh design process, including the design professionals, the owner's representatives, and the general contractor and subcontractors

Credit Interpretation Requests (CIRs) are intended to request:

An alternate pathway for achieving an existing LEED credit A formal question asked of GBCI from the project team. These are submitted when teams require clarification on their approach to achieving a specific prerequisite or credit

Life Cycle Assessment

Ana analysis of the environmental aspects and potential impacts associated with a product, process, or service

Full-Time Equivalents (FTEs) are calculated as

Average annualized number of people who use the building

Which of the following places are considered community services?

Bank Dental Office Park

Recycled material must:

Be inventoried (listed) based on material cost

Why does climate change merit special attention in LEED?

Buildings and land-use are responsible for a large proportion of greenhouse gas emissions

Biodegradable

Capable of decomposing under natural conditions.

Green label certifies the sustainability criteria of which product?

Carpet

In the LEED ratings system, green power Renewable Energy Certificates are certified by the

Center for Resource Solutions Green e-program

What are the four levels of certification available to every project in any LEED rating system?

Certified (40-49 points) Silver (50-59 points) Gold (60-79 points) Platinum (80+ points)

Which common building HVAC system component is a significant water user?

Cooling Tower

The performance of most systems _________ with time, and thus a building's total emissions footprint incrementally ________ over time unless care is taken to maintain the systems properly.

Degrades / Increases

What are the three dimensions of sustainability often described as the triple bottom line or the three legged stool?

Economic prosperity, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility

The purpose of an Alternative Compliance Path is to

Enable International LEED teams to meet Credit Intent and Requirements with strategies that are more appropriate for that country.

One strategy to address location and linkages is to encourage multiple modes of transportation which will

Enable walking and use of public transportation

What life cycle assessment is used to determine the ___?

Environmental aspects and potential impacts of green building

Credit weightings are based on ___?

Environmental impacts and human benefits

Recycled content, as it applies to LEED projects defined in accordance with the International Organization of Standards document, ISO 14021, addresses

Environmental labels and declarations

In Credit Templates, default values should never be changed? True or false?

False

When is Exemplary Performance allowed?

For a limited number of LEED credits, as specified in the relevant LEED Reference Guide

What causes the heat island effect in urban areas?

Heat island effect is a result of dark surfaces and roadways in urban areas that absorb and retain sun's heat during the day and slowly release the heat at night.

Which of the following are considered community resources?

Hospital Restaurant Gymnasium

Green building emphasizes using what type of design process?

Integrative

A potential use for nonpotable, recycled greywater waste is

Irrigation Systems

What value does a water end-use profile provide to a project?

It defines the value of any particular measure for overall water conservation efforts.

LEED for Neighborhood Development is a significantly different rating system because _____?

It has fewer, and different credit categories

How does the Guide to Purchasing Green Power help project teams?

It provides an overview of green power markets and describes the necessary steps to buying green power.

Which of the LEED rating systems have the same number of potential points and certification level thresholds?

LEED for Neighborhood Development; Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance; Healthcare

What is the name of the third-party online forum written by professionals in the field that provides tips and guidance on applying LEED credits and the LEED Certification process?

LEEDuser

LEED is an acronym for

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design

A LEED for New Construction project is looking for the best site for their building. Incentivizing use of public transportation is a goal for the project. Which of the following are appropriate strategies for this?

Locate the project within easy walking distance of bus stops

Environmental Sustainability

Long term maintenance of ecosystem components and functions for future generations.

The cost of Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) is

Market-driven and paid to the renewable energy provider

Sustainability

Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs (Brundtland Commission)

Which strategy is unique to LEED for Schools?

Minimum acoustic performance

LEED addresses locally harvested and manufactured materials through which of the following building products and systems?

Paving products

When is the best time to incorporate an integrative approach for a building project?

Predesign

Which two types of credits comprise all LEED rating systems?

Prerequisites and optional credits

Gerrymandering (manipulating) of a LEED Project Boundary is:

Prohibited

A LEED Project Team is designing a school. Which of the following credit topics presents the best opportunity for educating about green building and LEED Credits in a K-5 facility?

Protect and store habitat; heat island effect; water efficient landscaping

A LEED Project Team plans to use low-emitting materials. The qualities and attributes of these materials may also help to achieve which of the following credits:

Recycled Content and Regional Materials

The intent of rewarding construction waste management is to

Reduce landfill use

The installation of low flow faucet aerators at hand washing stations will result in which of the following?

Reduced energy use & reduced water use

Implementation of green building strategies such as daylighting, passive cooling, high efficiency mechanical systems, and stack ventilation contribute to what type of cost savings?

Reduced life cycle costs

Building on greenfields is less appropriate for development because it:

Reduces land for open space and farming

A high solar reflectance index (SRI) roof would contribute to:

Reducing heat island effect

Green Power

Refers to environmentally preferable energy and energy technologies that address both electric and thermal energy production

Which is the correct value to look for to address heat island effect when you choose a roofing material?

SRI (Solar Reflectance Index)

Which of the following strategies is unique to Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance?

Solid Waste Management Policy

What constitutes the largest use of energy in buildings in the United States?

Space Heating

Which of the following tools is LEAST likely to assist in evaluating the potential life cycle costs and benefits of a green building design strategy? BIM; BEM; SWPPP; LCA; LCC

Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)

Regenerative Design

Sustainable plans for built environments that improve existing conditions. Goes beyond reducing impacts to create positive change in the local and global environments - the level beyond sustainable

Market Transformation

Systematic improvements in the performance of a market or market segment. Ex: EPA's Energy Star program has shifted the performance of homes, buildings, and appliances toward higher levels of energy efficiency by providing recognition and comparative performance information through its Energy Star labels

What treaty banned the production of Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and outlined a Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) phase-out Management Plan?

The Montreal Protocol

When certifying under the LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance rating system, what is the minimum occupancy rate?

The building must be in a state of typical occupancy for at least 12 months prior to submitting for certification

Green building improvements provide the best return on investment during which stage?

The earliest possible stage

What is the minimum performance period duration for Water Efficiency Credits within LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance rating system?

Three months

What is the primary purpose of LEED Online?

To facilitate the LEED registration and project certification process

What is a realistic goal for a project team to set for a preliminary rating meeting?

To identify target credits and to determine target certification level

Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) represent

Tradable commodities proving energy was produced by renewable sources

USGBC logo artwork for propriety marks must be used from the

USGBC marketing department

Which type of site is it environmentally preferable to build on?

Urban Infill Lot & Abandoned Strip Mall

The first step in determining whether a product is "regional" is

Verifying the manufacture location is within range of project site

LEED projects may include which of the following refrigerants?

Water, ammonia, HFCs

In the case of new construction, what should be evaluated prior to site selection?

Zoning Codes