LEED Green Associate
What is a COMMISSIONING AUTHORITY (CxA)?
The individual designated to organize, lead and review the completion of commissioning process activities. The CxA facilities communication among the owner.
Under the Montreal Protocol what year must developing countries who signed the protocol stop producing CFCs?
2010
How many LEED adaptations are there?
21
How many LEED adaptions are there?
21
A New Building Institute study found that average energy uses in a green building are what percent lower than typical buildings?
24%
What is the baseline flow rate of a faucet?
2.2 gpm (gallons per minute).
What fraction of the built environment (buildings and transportation systems) make up all greenhouse gas emissions?
2/3
What minimum water savings are LEED v3 projects required to achieve?
20%
total exam points
200
What is a CIR?
A CIR is a credit interpretation ruling and is a process for project applicants seeking technical and administrative guidance on how LEED credits apply to their projects and vice versa.
What is a corporate sustainability report?
A CSR report is a third party verified report that includes information on how the manufacturer extracts or sources materials.
What is a CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY REPORT (CSR)?
A CSR report is a third-party verified report that includes information on how the manufacturer extracts or sources materials
What is the purpose of the LTC Access to Quality Transit credit?
It reduces motor vehicle use and related greenhouse gas emissions by encouraging development in locations with multimodal transportation choices.
What is the WE prerequisite WEP Outdoor Water Use Reduction?
It reduces outdoor water use, through the estimate of the landscape water requirement by developing a water budget. It allows designers to see the effects of irrigation, plant types, and density have on water supply.
ASHRAE 189.1
Alternative compliance path to the International Green Construction Code (IgCC)
What are ALTERNATIVE COMPLIANCE PATHS (ACPs)?
Alternative compliance paths or ACPs allow international projects to identify equivalent means of demonstrating compliance to the credit.
ACEEE
American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy - publishes an annual list of green cars
What does ACEEE stand for?
American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy
ANSI
American National Standards Institute, Administrator and coordinator of the United States private sector voluntary standardization system
ASTM
American Society for Testing and Materials is a source for technical standards for materials, products, systems, and services
ASHRAE
American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Engineers
NH3 is also known as:
Ammonia
Landscape Water Requirement (LWR)
Amount of water that the landscape of the site will require during the site's peak watering month
What is the purpose of the SSC Light Pollution Reduction credit?
It reduces the consequences of deployment for people and wildlife, improves nighttime visibility, and increases night sky access.
What is the environmental benefit of using SALVAGED MATERIALS?
It reduces the demand for virgin materials.
What is the purpose of the SSC Heat Island Reduction credit?
It reduces heat islands and minimizes effects on human and wildlife habitats and microclimates.
What is the purpose of the WEC Indoor Water Use Reduction credit?
It reduces indoor water use.
For the SS credit how does heat island reduction for non roof and roof work?
It refers to the extra thermal gradient in developed area when compared with undeveloped areas.
What is the purpose of the SSC Site Development-Protect or Restore Habitat credit?
It restores damaged areas to promote biodiversity and provide habitat, and protects existing natural areas.
For the SS credit how does Construction activity pollution prevention work?
It stops erosion due to wind or water runoff during construction and protects and stockpiles topsoil for reuse.
What is Water Metering?
It tracks water use for both project building and any related grounds to allow the project team to get a better understanding between specs and actual performance of water use.
What is the purpose of the WEC Water Metering credit?
It tracks water use to identify opportunities for additional water savings and supports water management.
What is the IgCC?
Provides the building industry with language that both broadens and strengthens building codes in a way that will accelerate the construction of high performance green building.
Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC)-based refrigerant
Refrigerant in fluid state containing hydrocarbons, which absorb heat at low temperatures and reject heat at higher temperatures
What types of projects would LEED for Commercial Interiors be used for?
Tenant Improvements
Vision glazing
Term used for windows that provide exterior views
What is the purpose of the SSC Open Space credit?
To create exterior open space that promotes interaction with the environment, passive recreation, social interaction and physical activities.
What is embodied energy?
The available energy that was used in the work of making a product. Embodied energy is accounting methodology which aims to find the energy.
Integrated Process Team
all members of the project team working towards the integrated process, including building owners, maintenance staff, planners, designers, etc.
Ambient Temperature
temperature of the surrounding air or other medium (EPA)
Air Quality Standards
the level of pollutants prescribed by regulations that are not to be exceeded during a given time in a defined area (EPA)
Cradle to Grave
the linear view of the life of a product, from creation to the end of useful life, ie disposal
What is the most effective way to optimize energy efficiency?
the most effective way to optimize energy efficiency is by utilizing an integrative whole-building approach.
Diversity of Uses
the number of different types of space per acre in an area, think of a mixed-use development, which has both houses and offices
What are HCFCs?
the stratospheric ozone layer. These are us in refrigerants that are being phased out with the signing of the Montreal Protocol and due to their ODP (ozone depletion potential). Though HCFCs deplete the ozone layer, they are more efficient than some more ozone neutral counterparts.
Baseline Condition
before LEED project was initiated, but not necessarily before any development or disturbance took place. Baseline conditions describe the state of the project site on the date of the developer acquired right to a majority of its buildable land through purchase of option to purchase.
Perviousness
being able to allow water or air to filtrate through
Off-Gassing (outgassing)
the slow release of a gas that was trapped or adsorbed in some material. off-gassing can be significant if it collects in a closed environment where air is stagnant or recirculated and the gas has negative health effects. off-gassing example: new car smell
Wastewater
the spent or used water from a home, community, farm, or industry that contains dissolved or suspended matter (EPA)
Sustainable Forestry
the stewardship and use of forests and forest lands in a way, and at a rate, that maintains their biodiversity, productivity, regeneration capacity, vitality and their potential to fulfill, now and in the future, relevant ecological, economic and social functions, at local, national, and global levels, and that does not cause damage to other ecosystems
LEED Online
web portal and site that allows teams to register a LEED project and to upload each section of the certification application
Commingled Recycling
when all recyclables for collection are mixed but kept separate from other waste
Retrocommissioning
when an exisiting building undergoes the commissioning process to discover if improvements or changes should be made to improve the building
Montreal Protocol
an international treaty designed to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production of numerous substances believed to be responsible for ozone depletion
carbon monoxide (CO)
an odorless, colorless, and toxic gas that is produced from vehicle exhaust, incomplete combustion of fuel in boilers or furnaces, and improperly vented appliances
Montreal Protocol (1987)
banned the production of CFC refrigerants and began the phase out of HCFC refrigerants.
Green Power
renewable energy such as solar, wind, biomass, hydro, and geothermal energy
Externality
side effect or consequence of an industrial or commercial activity that affects other parties without this being reflected in the price of the goods or services involved, i.e. the pollution created in power generation for one state blown over another state
Raingarden
similar to a bioswale, a depression with vegetation that filters and slows down rainwater to reduce peak discharge rates
Regenerative
similar to cradle-to-cradle, processes that restore, renew or revitalize their own sources of energy and materials, creating sustainable systems that integrate the needs of society with the integrity of nature. i.e. a building or community that might create more energy than it uses, or purifies stormwater before it leaves the project site
Systems thinking
Looking at a problem as a small part of a larger system used in problem solving
Life-Cycle Approach
Looking at the entire life of a project, product, or service rather than a single snapshot of a system LCA, LCC
What are ways to manage runoff?
Low-impact development (LID) and green infrastructure
HFC-507A
Low-temp refrigeration
Is it better for a refrigerant to have a higher or lower ODP and GWP?
Lower
What are the benefits of LEED certified buildings?
Lower operating costs and increased asset value, reduce waste sent to landfills, energy and water conservation, more healthful and productive environment.
Is it better for a refrigerant to have a higher or lower OPD and GWP?
Lower.
For the SS credit how does light pollution reduction work?
Lowers development impact on nocturnal environments and reduces glare and improves nighttime visibility.
What has USGBE adapted to establish metrics and rating systems to measure building performance?
Triple bottom line.
Hard Cost
purchase price of a hard asset such as masonry, wood, steel, carpet, tile, mechanical systems, roofing
Nested System
systems withing systems that are related because they affect and effect each other
Conservation
the careful utilization of a natural resource in order to prevent depletion
HFC-410A
A/C
Water Balance Approach
Aims to balance the water supply with water consumption
What is GEOTHERMAL energy?
Geothermal Energy is electricity generated by harnessing hot water or steam from within the earth.
How much does it cost for USGBC non-members to register a project?
$1200
What is the cost for a Credit Interpretation Request (CIR)?
$220
What does an APPEAL cost per credit?
$500
When applying for innovation credits, a project team
(A) Cannot submit any previously awarded innovation credit. (B) May receive credit for performance that doubles a credit requirement threshold. (C) May submit a product or strategy that is being used in an existing LEED® credit. (D) May receive a credit for each LEED AP that is on the project team. This question represents Knowledge Domain A. LEED Process, credit categories and Task Domain A. LEED Green Associate Tasks
A developer wants to make a profit by building a new office that maximizes daylighting and views. What actions might the developer take to fulfill all parts of the triple bottom line?
(A) Restore habitat onsite (B) Purchase ergonomic furniture (C) Pursue local grants and incentives (D) Provide lighting controllability for occupants This question represents Knowledge Domain I. Project Surroundings and Outreach, environmental impacts of the built environment and Task Domain A. LEED Green Associate Tasks, assist others with sustainability goals.
Ozone
(O3) is a gas composed of 3 oxygen atoms. it's not usually emitted directly into the air, but at ground level is created by a chemical reaction between oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the presence of sunlight. ozone has the same chemical structure whether it occurs miles above the earth or at ground level and can be 'good' or 'bad' depending on its location in the atmosphere. (EPA)
Plug Loads
(Receptacle load) All the electrical use by all equipment that is connected to electrical system via receptacles
Nonprocess Energy
(Regulated Energy) The energy consumed by the items that are used to condition spaces and maintain comfort and amenities for building occupants
Wet Pond
(Retention Pond) Pond designed to hold specific amount of water indefinitely
What is SMACHNA used for?
(SMACNA) guidelines play a key role in construction activity pollution prevention. The standard provides an overview of air pollutants associated with construction, control measures, construction process management, quality control, among other things.
What LEED category would SMACNA standards be used for?
Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ)
Nested Systems
*see diagram on page 26 of concepts book
Questions a project team must explore
*see list on page 27 of concepts book
In what 3 ways are LEED Interpretations different than Project CIRs?
-Precedent-setting -Published online -Subject to consensus-based review
-Cradle to cradle
(closed system)- sustainable- diversion of waste from a landfill
What are USGBC's seven guiding principles?
-Promote the triple bottom line -Establish leadership -Reconcile humanity with nature -Foster social equity -Maintain integrity -Be inclusive -Exhibit transparency
Emissivity
(of a material) the ratio of energy radiated by a particular material to energy radiated by a black body at the same temperature. measure of a material's ability to radiate absorbed energy
terms related to Life-cycle approach -Cradle to grave
(open system)- not sustainable- ends in landfill
What can be used to assist with the certification of projects in a campus of multi-building setting such as corporate campuses, college campuses and government installations?
** The LEED for Multiple Buildings and On-Campus Building rating system provides direction in applying LEED for New Construction to projects in a campus or multi-building settings --> It is intended for projects where either (1) several buildings are constructed at once or in phases, or (2) a single building is constructed in a setting or existing buildings with common ownership or planning with the ability to share amenities or common design features.
-Upstream activities
- extraction of raw materials used to make a product
Name the different type of building visitors.
-Retail customers -Outpatients -Volunteers -Higher -education students
-Downstream activities
- processing of extracted raw materials all the way to delivery
-Embodied energy
- the total amount of energy used to extract materials, manufacture, transport, install, and use a product across its life cycle
What are 3 benefits of LEED Interpretations?
-Can be applied to multiple projects -Part of the LEED conversation -Reviewed by USGBC committees
What are the different point/certification levels for LEED certification?
-Certified, 40 to 49 points -Silver, 50 to 59 points -Gold, 60 to 79 points -Platinum, 80+ points
What steps occur in the pre-design phase?
-Develop Green Vision -Establish Project Goals and -Green Design Criteria -Set Priorities -Develop Building Program -Establish Budget -Assemble Green Team -Develop Partnering Strategies -Develop Project Schedule -Review Laws and Standards -Conduct Research
What are the phases of the LEED integrative process?
-Discovery -Design and Construction (Implementation) -Occupancy, Operations, and Performance Feedback
Name the different types of regular building occupants
-Employees -Staff -Volunteers -Residents -Primary and secondary school students -Hotel guests -Inpatients
What material are not allowed to be included in the calculations for Construction Waste Management?
-Excavated materials such as dirt and trees. -Hazardous materials such as asbestos and lead covered debris.
What are examples of STRUCTURAL INCENTIVES for green building?
-Expedited review / permitting process -Density and height bonuses
What other green building rating systems are available?
-Green Globes -BREEAM -Green Star -IgCC
What are the long term effects of climate change?
-Higher sea levels -Higher temperatures -Longer droughts
What are examples of highpriority designation areas?
-Historic districts -Priority designation sites (Federal Empowerment Zones, EPA National Priorities List, etc.) -Brownfield
What are the benefits of good acoustics?
-Increased learning in schools -Increased privacy in healthcare -Increased employee productivity/satisfaction
What are the benefits of LEED-certified buildings?
-Lower operating costs and increased asset value -Reduced waste sent to landfills -Energy and water conservation -More healthful and productive environments for occupants -Reductions in greenhouse gas emissions -Qualification for tax rebates, zoning allow
LEED v4 Impact Category and Point Allocation Development Process
-Reverse contribution to global climate change -Enhance individual human health and well-being -Protect and restore water resources -Protect, enhance, and restore biodiversity and ecosystem services -Promote sustainable and regenerative material resources cycles -Build a greener economy -Enhance social equity, environmental justice, community, health, and quality of life
Construction activity pollution prevention should address what environmental protection measures?
-Soil erosion -Waterway sedimentation -Airborne dust
What is the waste reduction hierarchy?
-Source reduction -Reuse -Recycling -Waste-to-energy
What are examples of NONFINANCIAL INCENTIVES for green building?
-Technical assistance -Marketing assistance
What products can have a WaterSense label?
-Toilets -Private lavatory faucets -Showerheads
What are three important factors of the LEED Green Building Rating System?
-Voluntary -Consensus-based -Market-driven
advantages of indoor
-restoration of soil health -repurposing of derelict buildings -increased crop production -elimination of weather-related crop failures -production of locally grown crops in urban areas -elimination of pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers -development of year-round crops
Integrative Process
1 Credit, beginning with pre-design and continuing throughout the design phases, identify and use opportunities to achieve synergies across disciplines and building systems. Use the analysis to inform the OPR (owners project requirements), BOD (basis of design), design documents, and construction documents. Discovery then implementation.
What are the Minimum Program Requirements (MPR) for a LEED Project?
1- Must be a permanent location on existing land 2- Must use a reasonable site boundary 3- Must comply with the project size requirements
What are names of the LEED Rating Systems?
1-Building Design and Construction(BD+C) 2-Interior Design and Construction(ID+C) 3-Operations and Maintenance(O+M) 4-Neighborhood Development(ND) 5-Homes
What are some examples of mass transit?
1-Busses 2-Ferries 3-Rail lines 4-Shuttles
What are the different certification levels LEED projects can earn?
1-Certified 2-Silver 3-Gold 4-Platinum
What can cause the heat island effect?
1-Dark surfaces that absorb heat (black roofs, asphalt). 2-Vehicle exhaust. 3-Air conditioners. 4-Reduced air flow from tall buildings and narrow streets.
What are some ways the TRIPLE BOTTOM LINE is referred to?
1-Ecology, environment, economics. 2-People, profit, planet. 3-Economics, ecology, social equity.
What general documentation must be submitted for LEED certification?
1-Project photos/drawings 2-Typical floor plans 3-Elevations
How can potable water use be reduced for irrigation?
1-Use graywater or rainwater for watering. 2-Use drip irrigation. 3-Install native and adaptive plants.
What are some ways to capture rainwater to prevent runoff?
1-rain garden. 2-green roofs. 3-retention pond. 4-bioretention pond.
What LEED credit category has credits that reference the Green Seal standard?
Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ)
The Cumulative effect of conventional practices in the building industry has profound implications for human health, the environment, and the economy
1. Clearing of land for development destroys wildlife habitat 2. Extracting, manufacturing and transporting materials may pollute water and air, release toxic chemicals and emit greenhouse gases. 3. Building operations require large inputs of energy and water and generate substantial waste streams 4. Transportation to and from buildings compounds the harmful environmental effects associated with vehicle use, such as increased energy consumption and pollution
LEED ID+C (Interior Design and Construction) includes the following categories
1. Commercial interiors 2. Retail 3. Hospitality
Three Phases of the Integrative Process
1. Discovery: expansion of what is conventionally called predesign. Actions taken during this phase are essential to achieving a projects environmental goals cost-effectively. 2. Design and Construction: begins with schematic design, but will incorporate all the understandings of the system interactions that were found in discovery 3. Occupancy/Performance Feedback: Measures performance. Critical in determining success of performance targets, informing building operations, and taking corrective action when targets are missed
LEED O+M (Operations and Maintenance) includes the following categories
1. Existing buildings 2. Retail 3. Schools 4. Hospitality 5. Data centers 6. Warehouses and Distribution Centers **difference between BD+C is this is for existing buildings that require little to no renovations
LEED Homes includes the following categories
1. Homes and multifamily lowrise 2. Multifamily midrise
6 Key Areas / Credit Categories
1. Location & Transport 2. Sustainable Sites 3. Water Efficiency 4. Energy & Atmosphere 5. Materials & Resources 6. Indoor Environmental Quality
Obstacles of Iterative Processes
1. Meetings can be expensive to run and hard to schedule 2. Communication can often break down in meeting 3. People may be resistant to green goals 4. Traditionalists may reject it 5. People may be reluctant to embrace new technologies
What are the Minimum Program Requirements (MPR) for a LEED project?
1. Must be in a permanent location on existing land 2. Must use a reasonable site boundary 3. Must comply with the project size requirements
What are the minimum program requirements? (3)
1. Must be in a permanent location on existing land 2. Must use reasonable LEED boundaries 3. Must comply with project size requirements
Location includes these three factors
1. Natural context: climate, sun, wind, orientation, soils, precipitation, local plants 2. Infrastructural Context: Available resources, materials, skills, and connections to utilities, roads, and transit 3. Social Context: Connections to the community and other destinations, local priorities, cultural history and traditions, local regulations and incentives
LEED BD+C (Building Design + Construction) includes the following categories
1. New construction and major renovation 2. Core and Shell 3. Schools 4. Retail 5. Data centers 6. Warehouse and Distribution Centers 7. Hospitality 8. Healthcare
LEED ND (neighborhood development) includes the following categories
1. Plan - designed for projects in the conceptual or master planning phases OR under construction 2. Built project - near completion or completed within 3 years
What knowledge domains relate to the EQ category?
Indoor air quality Lighting Sound Occupant comfort, health and satisfaction
What are the impact categories? (7)
1. Reverse contribution to global climate change 2. Enhance individual human health and well-being 3. Protect and restore water resources 4. Protect, enhance, and restore biodiversity and ecosystem services 5. Promote sustainable and regenerative material resource cycles 6. Build a greener economy 7. Enhance social equity, environmental justice, community health, and quality of life
What does the type entryway system selected for a building impact?
Indoor air quality.
What is the baseline flush rate of a urinal?
1.0 gpf (gallons per flush).
What is the baseline flush rate of a water closet?
1.6 gpf (gallns per flush).
What types of systems use CFCs?
1.Centrifugal chillers. 2.Refrigerators. 3.Humidifiers.
What types of power have the greatest negative environmental impact?
1.Coal 2.Gas 3.Hydropower 4.Other fossil fuels
What are some types of flow fixtures?
1.Showerhead. 2.Spray valve. 3.Lavatory faucet.
By what amount can HEAT ISLAND elevate temperatures in urban area?
10 degrees F or more.
In order for a replacement or conversion of a chiller to be considered economically unfeasible, the simple payback of the replacement or conversion must be longer than?
10 years
By what amount can HEAT ISLANDS elevate temperatures in urban area?
10°F or more
What is the total number of points available a LEED project can earn?
110 possible points
Buildings Account for:
14% of potable water consumption 30% of waste output 40% of raw material use 38% of carbon dioxide emissions 24% - 50% of energy use 72% of electricity consumption
score needed to pass exam
170
When was the USGBC formed? Who formed it? What is the organization status of USGBC?
1993 David Gottfried Rick Fedrizzi Mike Italiano a nonprofit organization
U.S. General Services Administration surveyed 12 green buildings and found the following savings and improvements:
26% less energy use 27% higher levels of occupant satisfaction 13% lower maintenance costs 33% lower emissions of CO2
Integrative process phases
3 phases: discovery, implementation, and occupancy active and continual participation of all team members during all phases of a project
Water saving fixture can reduce water use in a project by what amount?
30% (USGBC)
Water saving fixtures can reduce water use in a project by what amount?
30% (USGBC)
How many Regional Priority credits can a LEED project earn?
4 points
How many Regional Priority credits can a LEED project earn?
4 points.
what % of energy used today do buildings account for?
40%
LEED Certified
40-49 Points
2014 study of demand for LEED Green Associates and LEED APs
46% increase in the previous 12 months with just over 9K jobs specifically requiring a LEED credential
If an existing building uses CFC-based refrigerants how long can the project wait to phase out the refrigerants and still earn LEED certification?
5 years
For LEED, if a project has an existing CFC-based refrigeration system and it is not economically feasible to replace the system, what annual leakage of the existing system is allowed?
5%
LEED Silver
50-59 Points
How many miles from a project site can a material be extracted and still be considered REGIONAL?
500 miles is the maximum
How many points can be earned in the Innovation in Design category?
6 points
How many points can be earned in the Innovation category?
6 points.
Except for LEED BD+C: Core and Shell, at least _______% of the project's gross floor area must be complete by the time of certification.
60%
LEED Gold
60-79 Points
LEED Platinum
80+ Points
the EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency) found that what percentage of time is spent indoors?
90%
What does the type of entryway system selected for a building impact?
Indoor air quality.
What is the minimum FULL TIME EQUIVALENT (FTE) occupancy for a LEED project?
A LEED project must serve 1 or more Full Time Equivalent (FTE) occupant(s), calculated as an annual average in order to use LEED in its entirety.
What is meant by Life-Cycle Assessment?
A Life-Cycle Assessment is an Analysis of the environment aspects and potential impacts associated with a product, process, or service.
What is meant by LIFE-CYCLE ASSESSMENT?
A Life-Cycle assessment is an analysis of the environment aspects and potential impacts associated with a product, process, or service.
What does a PREREQUISITE represent?
A PREREQUISITE REPRESENTS key criteria that define green building performance. They must be completed for a project to earn certification.
What is the purpose of an REC?
A Renewable Energy Certificate is a tradable commodity that allows organizations without access to off-site green power to purchase the benefits of green power.
What two measurements are used to calculate a percent reduction in water use?
A baseline design case and an installed design case
What is BIOFUEL?
A biofuel is a solid, liquid or gaseous fuel derived from relatively recently dead biological material and is distinguished from fossil fuels which are derived from long dead biological material.
What is a BASELINE BUILDING PERFORMANCE?
A building baseline building performance would be the annual energy cost for a building designed to those minimum standards. ASHRAE 90.1.
Baseline Water Consumption
A calculated projection of building water use assuming code-compliant fixtures and fittings with no additional savings compared with the design case or actual water meter data.
What is radon?
A cancer-causing radioactive gas. Radon in the ground, groundwater or building materials enters working and living spaces and disintegrates into decay products.
What is a CARPOOL?
A carpool is when two or more people share a ride in the same vehicle. Make sure to remember this when doing any carpool calculations.
Distinct Energy System (DES)
A central energy conversion plant that provide thermal energy, shared by a group of buildings
Negative Feedback Loops
A change brings an additional change in the opposite direction.
What is the triple bottom line?
A change from being primarily financially driven to considering economics, environment, and social responsibility.
What is DEMAND RESPONSE?
A change in electricity use by demanding side resources from their normal consumption patterns in response to changes in the price of electricity.
What is a closed system?
A closed system is a system with a closed loop, and is thought of as more sustainable. For example, plants growing in a field, grow, produce oxygen, take in water, then die and decay which helps plants grow. Closed systems can be linked so one system uses
What is a LEED CHARRETTE?
A collaborative session in which building stakeholders and building expert address design and project issues early in the building process.
What is an ECOSYSTEM?
A collection of living things and the environment in which they live. For example, a prairie ecosystem includes coyotes, rabbits , streams, and grasses among many other living things.
What is RETRO-COMMISSIONING?
A commissioning process that can be performed on existing buildings to identify and recognize system improvements that make the building more suitable.
What is a LEED category?
A subset of the LEED Rating System. Each rating system has several green building categories.
What is a REFRIGERANT?
A compound used in refrigerators/freezers and air conditioners to lower temperatures
What is a DIVERSE USE?
A distinct, officially recognized business, nonprofit, civic, religious or governmental organization or dwelling units residential or office use.
What is a FLUSH OUT?
A flush out runs the mechanical systems with 100% outside air to remove contaminants. Flush outs are usually done after construction to complete prior occupants moving in.
What is a FLUSH-OUT?
A flush-out runs the mechanical systems with 100% outside air to remove contaminants. Flush-outs are usually done after construction is complete and prior occupants moving in
What are GREENHOUSE GASES?
A gas such as carbon dioxide or methane which contributes to potential climate change.
What are some positive synergies with adding a green roof to a project?
A green roof can help with: stormwater management (Sustainable Sites), reducing heat islands (Sustainable Sites), maximizing open space (Sustainable Sites), reducing energy use (due to the added insulation) (Energy & Atmosphere)
What is a GREEN SCORE?
A green score measure the greenness of an automobile.
What is a HIGH PERFORMANCE green building?
A high performance green building is one that is energy and resource efficient.
ENERGY STAR
A joint program of the US Environmental Protection Agency and the US Dept of Energy helping us all save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices
What are local ordinances?
A law usually found in a municipal code.
What is fundamental refrigerant management?
A minimum threshold for refrigerant selection. LEED requires zero use of CFC based refrigerants in new based building HVAC&R systems.
What is SOLAR REFLECTANCE INDEX (SRI)?
A measure of the constructed surfaces ability to stay cool in the sun by reflecting solar radiation and emitting thermal radiation.
What is DENSITY?
A measure of the total building floor area or dwelling units on a parcel of land relative to the buildable land of that parcel. Units for measuring density may differ according to credit requirements.
What is Global Warming Potential as it relates to refrigerants?
A measurement of how much effect given refrigerant will have on global warming in relations to carbon dioxide. This is measured over a 100 year period.
What is Global Warming Potential as it relates to refrigerants?
A measurement of how much effect the given refrigerant will have on global warming in relation to carbon dioxide, where CO2 has a GWP of 1. This is usually measured over a 100-year period. In this case the lower the value of GWP the better the refrigerant is for the environment.
Annual Sunlight Exposure (ASE)
A metric that describes the potential for visual discomfort in interior work environments. It is defined as the percentage of an analysis area that exceeds a specified direct sunlight illuminance level more than a specified number of hours per year.
Spacial daylight autonomy (sDA)
A metric used to describe annual sufficiency of ambient daylight in building interiors
What minimum Green Score is required by LEED for a vehicle to qualify as a green vehicle?
A minimum Green Score of 45 is required on the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) annual vehicle rating guide.
What is Environmental Building News?
A monthly newsletter featuring comprehensive, practical information on a wide range of topics related to sustainable building.
Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Survey (CBECS)
A national sample survey that collects information on the stock of US commercial buildings, their energy related building characteristics, and their energy consumption and expenditures
Ammonia is what type of refrigerant?
A natural refrigerant
CO2 is what type of refrigerant?
A natural refrigerant
What is a negative feedback loop?
A negative feedback loop is a system where the output may signal the system to stop changing.
What is USGBC?
A non-profit trade organization that promotes sustainability in how buildings are designed, built, and operated.
WaterSense
A partnership program sponsored by the EPA, helping consumers identify water-efficient products and programs
Positive Feedback Loop
A produces B, which in turn produces more A. Ex. interest savings account
Buildings that protect the history and character of a place also promote sustainability
A project team can take advantage of the community's past by reusing materials with historic value.
South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD)
A public agency in southern California with the mission to maintain healthful air quality
What is a RAIN GARDEN?
A rain garden is a structural control for promoting infiltration, capturing and treating runoff.
Wingspread Principles on the US Response to Global Warming
A set of principles people and organizations can sign to show support for addressing the issue of climate change
Adjacent Site
A site containing a previously developed site at a minimum of 25% of the boundary bordering parcels
What is a GREENFIELD site?
A site not previously developed or graded that could support open space, habitat, or agriculture.
What is a PREVIOUSLY DEVELOPED site?
A site that was previously built on has been graded or contained a parking lot, roadway or other structure.
What is a DEMAND RESPONSE EVENT?
A specific period of time when the utility or independent service operator calls for a change in the pattern or level of use in grid-based electricity from its program participants.
What should a project vision include?
A statement that embraces sustainable principles and an integrative process. A vision statement should support and enforce the sustainability goals.
Bioswale
A stormwater control feature which uses a combination of engineered basin, soils, and vegetation
What is REUSE?
A strategy to use existing materials in a similar or different capacity that allows for the preservation of natural resources.
Added Microbial Treatment
A substance added to a product (paint, flooring) to kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms. Some products such as linoleum, exhibit natural antimicrobial properties. Despite current practice, science has not proven that antimicrobial treatments reduce infection transfer in building finishes more effectively than standard cleaning procedures.
What is a RIDE SHARE?
A transit service in which individuals travel together in a passenger car or small van that seats at least four people. It can include human powered conveyances.
What is a retention pond?
A type of best management practice (BMP) that is used to manage storm-water runoff to prevent flooding and downstream erosion, and improve water quality in an adjacent river, stream, lake or bay.
What is a CARBON OFFSET?
A unit of carbon dioxide equivalent that is reduced avoided or sequestered to compensate for emissions occurring elsewhere.
What are the LEED Reference Guide's used for?
A user's manual that guides a LEED project from registration to certification of the design and construction of a project.
What are the LEED Reference Guides used for?
A user`s manual that guides a LEED project from registration to certification of the design and construction of a project.
What is SRI?
A value that incorporates both solar reflectance and emittance in a single value to represent a material's temperature in the sun. Materials with the highest SRI values are the coolest choices for paving. SRI is usually present on a scale of 0 least reflective to 100 most reflective.
LEED promotes what type of approach to sustainability?
A whole building approach.
What is the Owner's Project Requirements (OPR) document?
A written document that details the ideas, concepts, and criteria determined by the owner to be important to the success of the project.
Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs)
AKA green tags; represent a tradable, nontangible commodity associated with the qualities of renewable energy generation. REC is a proof that, when purchased, an amount of energy was created using renewable energy sources.
Light Tubes
AKA sun tubes or sun pipes are structures that are used to transport sunlight into desired area of building
What standard applies to natural ventilation?
ASHRAE 62.1
What ASHRAE standards would be used for the Energy and Atmosphere category?
ASHRAE 90.1
What is the main ASHRA standard in which HVAC systems must adhere?
ASHRAE 90.1
What do GREENHOUSE GASES (GHG) do to the environment?
Absorb and emit radiation at specific wavelength emitted by Earths surface, Increased concentrations of gases are a root cause of global climate change.
What do GREENHOUSE GASES (GHG) do to the environment?
Absorb and emit radiation at specific wavelengths within the spectrum of thermal infrared radiation emitted by Earth's surface, clouds, and the atmosphere itself. Increased concentrations of greenhouse gases are a root cause of global climate change.
Strategies for Achieving Energy Efficiency
Address the envelope Install high performance mechanical systems Use high efficiency infrastructure: efficient street lighting, LEDs Capture efficiencies of Scale Use Energy Simulation Monitor and Verify Performance
Strategies for Incorporating Ongoing Performance Measurement into a Project
Adhere to owners project requirements Provide staff training Conduct preventative maintenance Create incentives for occupants and tenants
What are the roles of GBCI?
Administration of the LEED exams -Overseeing LEED Credential Maintenance -Third-party technical reviews of registered LEED projects
What are the principles of the USGBC?
Advocate the triple bottom lines; balance the environmental, social, and economic needs or sometimes summarized as planet, people and profit. Build leadership, strive to achieve the balance between humanity and nature, uphold integrity and restore, preserve and protect the environment.
What is albedo?
Albedo is synonymous with solar reflectance. It is a measure of the ability of a surface material to reflect sunlight in forms of visible, infrared, and ultraviolet wavelengths, which is measured on a scale of 0 to 1. Black paints has an albedo of 0 and white paint as an albedo of 1.
Team Meetings
Allow the group to work together on new synergies. I.E. Development of an integrated water conservation system might require collaboration between landscape architect, civil engineer, structural engineer, MEP designer, etc. More effective if facilitated by neutral party
What is the LEED Pilot Credit Library?
Allows credits to be refined through LEED project evaluations before they complete the balloting process for introduction into LEED
What is an REC?
Also known as Green tags, Renewable Energy Credits, or Tradeable Renewable Certificates (TRCs), are tradeable environmental commodities in the United States which represent proof that 1 megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity was generated from an eligible renewable energy resource.
What are LEED system goals?
Also known as impact categories, they are as follows; Global climate change Social equity, environmental justice, and community quality of life Individual human health and wellbeing Greener economy Biodiversity and ecosystem Water resources Sustainable and regenerative material resource cycles
What is the pre-design phase of an environmentally responsive design?
An added step to the design process which includes integrated building design, defining environmental design guidelines, and assembling an integrated team
LEED v4 Green Associate Candidate handbook
An important exam reference that features current policies and procedures for the LEED v4 Green Associate professional credentialing exam and includes exam specifications (such as the task and knowledge domains), exam references, and sample questions
What is considered innovative wastewater technologies?
Indoor water that is reused when its legal, safe, and appropriate.
What is an ALTERNATIVE fuel vehicle?
An alternative fueled vehicle uses low-polluting, nongasoline fuels such as electricity, hydrogen, propane, compressed natural gas, liquid natural gas, methanol, and ethanol.
What is LOW IMPACT DEVELOPMENT (LID)?
An approach to managing rainwater runoff that emphasizes on-site natural features to protect water quality by replicating the natural land cover hydrologic.
What is an AQUIFER?
An aquifer is an underground water-bearing rock formation or group of formations that supply groundwater, wells or springs.
Charettes
An important tool in an iterative process A charette brings together the project team with stakeholders and outside experts as needed for creative thinking and collaboration
What is Green Seal used for?
Green Seal is an independent nonprofit organization that identifies and promotes products that are environmentally preferable.
Triple Bottom Line Example
An energy-efficient building that saves the owners money but makes the occupants sick is not sustainable
What is a SITE ASSESSMENT?
An evaluation of an area's above ground and subsurface characteristics, including its structures, geology, and hydrology. Site assessments typically help determine whether contamination has occurred and the extent and concentration of any release of pollutants. Remediation decisions rely on information generated during site assessments.
Green Seal
An independent nonprofit organization that promotes the manufacture and sale of environmentally responsible consumer products, usually used as the standard for low VOC materials and green cleaning
What do you call a collaborative, facilitated approach to project design and execution?
An integrative process.
Demand Response (DR)
An intentional reduction in electricity usage in response to a demand response event, or changes in the price of electricity
Forest Stewardship Council
An international certification and labeling system for products that come from responsibly managed forests and verified recycled sources
What is the Montreal Protocol?
An international treaty designed to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production of a number of substances believed to be responsible for ozone depletion.
What is LEED?
An internationally recognized green building certification system.
What does designing for flexibility mean?
Designing for flexibility is a concept that considers the future use of the of the building and how it may be modified while at the same time reducing waste.
What is an open system?
An open system is a system that constantly takes in items from outside the system, uses them and then releases them as waste. This system has no feedback loop. Think of a normal home where groceries, products, or water come into the home, are used and then released as waste water or garbage.
What are some positive synergies with adding an underfloor air distribution system?
An underfloor air distribution system helps with:, thermal comfort of occupants (Indoor Environmental Quality), reducing energy use (Energy & Atmosphere)
What is systems thinking?
An understanding of the built environment as a series of relationships in which all parts influence man other parts.
What is value engineering?
Analysis of the requirements of a project for the purpose of achieving the essential functions at the lowest costs.
Energy
Analyze energy-usage to create actionable solutions for energy efficiency alternatives include: wind turbines, photovoltaic (PV) systems; especially at high-energy-use facilities and processes
Synergy
Combined effects of two or more agents or forces greater than the sum of their individual.
Location is a critical element of green building
It can define appropriate strategies yet it can also limit how green a project can be
Strategies to reduce waste during operations and maintenance
Develop a solid waste management policy Conduct a waste stream audit Maintain a recycling program Monitor, track, report Compost Provide recycling for durable goods
What refrigerant has the greatest ODP?
CFC-11
HCFC-123
CFC-11 Replacement
HFC-134a
CFC-12 or HCFC-22 replacement
What do CFCs do to the environment?
CFCs destroy the ozone layer.
List in order the environmental impact of refrigerants from worst to least.
CFCs, HCFCs, HFCs, Natural refrigerants
Harmful refrigerants
CFCs- chlorofluorocarbons HCFCs- hydorchlorofluorocarbons
CIRs can be used for what purpose?
CIRs are used to ask one clear and concise question for technical and administrative guidance on MPRs, Prerequisites and Credits.
Name five natural refrigerants
CO2 (Carbon dioxide), H2O(water), NH3 (ammonia), HC (hydrocarbons), Air
Floor-to-area ratio (FAR)
Calculated by dividing total SF of building by SF of lot of building
What is a LIFE-CYCLE COST Analysis?
Calculates expected future operating, maintenance and replacement costs of designs and features used to assist owners in developing design and budget estimate.
What is BLACKWATER?
Blackwater is wastewater from toilets and urinals. Wastewater from kitchen sinks by the use of a garbage disposal, showers or bathtubs is considered blackwater under some state or local codes.
Reclaimed water
Blackwater that has been processed for reuse
Wastewater from kitchen sinks is what type of water?
Blackwater.
Wastewater from toilets is what type of water?
Blackwater.
What does the ISO 14000 standard do?
Assess environmental performance of products and services and provide guidance on improving their environmental performance
Life-cycle costing (LCC)
Assesses a product's a total cost for the whole lifetime of the product by evaluating both the initial price and the operating costs
Facilitator
Assists the team in expressing new ideas and ensuring that varying perspectives are valued May come from outside the project team to distill the big picture from multiple viewpoints
How many LEED AP's are required to participate in a project to earn one Innovation in Design point?
At least 1 principal participant of the project team must be a LEED AP to earn the point. Though a project should have a LEED AP on staff to assist with the project, it is not required for project certification.
How many LEED AP's are required to participate in a project to earn one Innovation point?
At least 1 principal participant of the project team must be a LEED AP with specialty appropriate for the project to earn an Innovation credit.
How many LEED AP`s are required to participate in a project to earn one Innovation point?
At least 1 principal participant of the project team must be a LEED AP with specialty appropriate for the project to earn an Innovation credit.
What is a REGULATED LOAD?
Any building end use that has either a mandatory or a prescriptive requirement in ASHRAE standard 90.1.
Who can access LEED Online?
Anyone assigned to a project by the project administrator
Who can become a LEED AP?
Anyone that passes GBCI's exams and has the appropriate experience.
Who can volunteer for LEED committees?
Anyone.
Where can RECs be purchased?
Anywhere and are not bound by geography. Differ from actual electricity which must be purchased from a local provider.
What are the environmental benefits of an REC?
Avoid the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions associated with conventional electricity use, Reduce some type of air pollution.
Linear Approach
Approach of conventional building process, in which team member completes work individually and passes it to next person
Who uses LEED?
Architects, real estate professionals, facility managers, engineers, interior designers, landscape architects, construction managers, lenders and government official's.
Stakeholder Meetings
Are held with neighbors, community members, and others with a vested interest in the project. Provide interaction and understanding with the community issues, concerns and ideas. Really important to win the trust of the local communities.
What are BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES (BMP) used for?
BMPs are strategies that are proven, effective, and sometime innovative. In LEED they are referred to in the areas of storm-water runoff treatment and the reduction of Total Suspended Solids (TSS).
What is BUS RAPID TRANSIT?
BRT is an enhanced bus system that operates on exclusive bus lanes or other transit rights of way. The system is designed to combine the flexibility of buses.
What are some types of DIVERSE USES?
Bank, Place of Worship, Convenience Grocery, Day Care Center, Cleaner's, Fire Stations, Beauty Salons, Hardware, Laundry, Library, Medical or Dental etc.
What are some types of BASIC SERVICES?
Bank, Place of Worship, Convenience Grocery, Day Care Center, Cleaners, Fire Station, Beauty Salon, Hardware, Laundry, Library, Medical or Dental Office, Senior Care Facility, Park, Pharmacy, Post Office, Restaurant, School, Supermarket, Theater, Community Center, Fitness Center, Museum.
What is a BASIC SERVICE?
Basic services are open to the public, and are those that people might use regularly. In LEED, pedestrian access must exist between the project site and the service to include it in the number of available services.
What must a project be located near to have community connectivity?
Basic services.
BOD
Basis of Design
What materials should not be included in co-mingled recycling?
Batteries, Light bulbs, Food
What are the benefits of an integrative green building approach?
Better indoor air quality, improved occupant performance, reduced operating and maintenance costs, durable facilities, reduced environmental impact, potentially no increase in construction costs, optimized return on investment and opportunity of learning.
Buildings need to be in high-density areas.
Biking, walking, carpooling, public transportation, and green vehicles are the optimal forms of alternative transportation.
What is BIOMASS?
Biomass is plant material from trees, grasses, or crops that can be converted to heat energy to produce electricity.
Wastewater from kitchen sinks is what type of water?
Blackwater
What factors are used to establish a baseline water demand when calculating for water efficiency in commercial or residential applications?
Calculations are based on estimated occupancy usage and must include only the following fixtures and fixture fittings, water closet, urinals, faucets, showers, kitchen faucets and rinse spray valves.
What knowledge domains relate to the EA category?
Building loads Energy efficiency Alternative and renewable energy practices Energy performance management Environmental concerns
What types of projects would LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance be sued for?
Building owners and operators to measure operations, improvements and maintenance.
What are transient occupants?
Building visitors and other part-time or occasional occupants, such as students, volunteers, visitors, etc.
What is USGBC's vision?
Buildings and communities will regenerate and sustain the health and vitality of all life within a generation.
How are basic services identified for a project?
By drawing a half mile circle around the project site and identifying the services within the radius.
How is development density calculated?
By drawing a radius from the project building.
Observation of the System
By observing the place, people, wildlife, plants, and weather, team members can understand the patterns that make the place unique. The building ownership and management structure, use and users, and relationship with the community need to be taken into account. Systematic data collection, analysis, mapping, occupant surveys, building walkthroughs, and audits.
How are diverse uses identified for a project?
By walking distance from the project site.
What are CFCs?
CFC stands for CHLOROFLUOROCARBON. This is a type of hydrocarbon that used in most types of refrigerants for building, chiller, refrigerators and humidifiers.
What are CFCs ?
CFC stands for Chlorofluorocarbon. This is a type of hydrocarbon that is used in most types of refrigerants for building applications such as centrifugal chillers, refrigerators, and humidifiers. Most applications were installed prior to ozone concerns and they are currently being phased out by the Montreal Protocol.
What type of project requires a master site for registration?
Campus
What are 3 benefits of LEED interpretations?
Can be applied to multiple projects, part of the LEED conversation, reviewed by USGB committees.
BUG Rating System
Luminaire classification system that classifies a luminaire according to backlight, uplight, and glare
What are some types of NATURAL REFRIGERANTS?
Carbon dioxide (CO2) Ammonia (NH3) Propane Air Water Hydrocarbons (HC)
What are some examples of construction Hard costs?
Cement, steel, drywall, wood, and land.
What are some examples of construction hard costs?
Cement, steel, drywall, wood, land
What does Certification by Forest Stewardship Council mean?
Certification means forest managers have adopted environmentally and socially responible forest management practices. And certification allows companies to manufacture and sell products made from sustainable wood.
What does the Certification by FOREST STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL mean?
Certification means forest managers have adopted environmentally and socially responsible forest management practices. And certification allows companies to manufacture and sell products made from sustainable wood.
What are the different point levels for LEED certification?
Certified, 40-49 Points Silver, 50-59 Points Gold, 60-79 points Platinum, 80+ points
What are the LEED Certification LEVELS
Certified, Silver, Gold, Platinum
What is the LEED campus program?
Certifies multiple buildings that may not have the same deisgn but are located on the same site, and must be under the samy entiry.
What is Chain-of-Custody (CoC) Certification?
Chain of Custody refers to chronological documentation of paper trail. COC is important in LEED when dealing with certified wood.
Halons
Chemicals used in fire suppression systems
Bio-based Material
Commercial or industrial products (other than food or feed) that are composed in whole, or in significant part, of biological products, renewable agriculture materials (including plant, animal, and marine materials), or forestry materials. For the purposes of LEED, this excludes leather and other animal hides.
Strategies for Reducing Outdoor Water use
Choose local plants Use xeriscaping Select efficient irrigation technologies Use nonpotable water for irrigation Install submeters to track water consumption and leaks
Strategies to Address Location
Choose redevelopment and infill development: sometimes brownfield sites (contaminated sites) as an opportunity to do more Locate near existing infrastructure: close to roads, power lines, water supplies Protect Habitat: avoid sensitive site elements Increase Density: maximize FAR (floor area ratio) Increase Diversity of Uses: Provide the services that are needed in the community Encourage Multiple modes of Transportation: walk, bike, public transit
Reduction in potable water consumption from water efficient landscaping are attributed to what techniques?
Choosing the correct plant species density and microclimate factors, irrigation efficiency use of captured rainwater use of recycled wastewater.
Reductions in potable water consumption from water efficient landscaping are attributed to what techniques?
Choosing the correct plant species, density and microclimate factors, Irrigation efficiency, use of captured rainwater, use of recycled wastewater, use of water treated and conveyed by a public agency specifically for nonpotable uses or absolutely no potable water use.
Iterative Process
Circular Establish goals - brainstorm creative solutions - Research/refine - explore synergies between strategies - Measure success - Implement new goals based on work thats done Not a linear process Team works together in small groups and as a whole to develop the project design and plan collaboratively
What team member creates an erosion and sedimentation control (ESC) plan for construction activity pollution prevention?
Civil engineer
USGBC is not neutral on climate change.
Climate change is the most significant environmental impact on society today, with the built environment as its single largest contributor.
Explain the Preferred Parking Spaces in the Location and Transportation credit (LT).
Closest to the main entrance of the project, exclusive of handicap spaces.
What is CO-MINGLED RECYCLING?
Co-mingled recycling accepts a wide range of recyclable materials. This allows materials to be collected in one bin, or location, prior to being sent to a recycling facility for separation. This type of recycling takes up less space and has better participation from occupants.
What is at the core of the integrative process?
Collaborative team members.
What does a building automation system do?
Collect data about a buildings systems and track it over time.
What is COMMINGLED RECYCLING?
Commingled recycling accepts a wide range of recyclable materials. This allows materials to be collected in one bin, or location, prior to being sent to a recycling facility for separation. This type of recycling takes up less space and has better participation from occupants.
What is COMMINGLED RECYCLED?
Commingled recycling accepts a wide range of recycle materials. This allows material to be collected in one bin or location prior to being sent to a recycling facility.
HCFC-22
Common Application: A/C, Chiller
CFC-502
Common Application: Low-temp refrigeration
CFC-12
Common Application: Refrigerators, chiller
CFC-11
Common Application: centrifugal chiller
CFC-114
Common Application: centrifugal chiller
CFC-500
Common Application: centrifugal chiller, humidifier
Goals of systems thinking
Communication across all levels of the organization so that a solution in one area does not result in a problem in another area
What is the purpose of COMMUNITY CONNECTIVITY?
Community connectivity helps to limits urban sprawl and reduces automobile use.
What do the prerequisites of the Sustainable Sites credit require a project team to do?
Complete an early site assessment, plan the locations of hardscape areas and buildings to avoid harming open space, habitat and water in order to protect sensitive ecosystems.
Iterative cycle
Conduct research and collect data within the scope of the work Analyze the data Share the data analyses with team members at group workshops Receive feedback to identify synergies, wastes, and other opportunities for savings and efficiency across all of the disciplines Create/refine design
Iterative process
Conducting research, sharing data, receiving feedback, and refining the design repeatedly until all of the project's sustainable goals are met used in tandem with the integrative process
What is an REGULARLY OCCUPIED SPACE?
Conference rooms, guest rooms, kitchens , hotel lobby.
What is a REGULARLY OCCUPIED SPACE?
Conference rooms, guest rooms, kitchens, hotel lobby
What are site factors of a LEED Project?
Connectivity Zoning Requirements Development
Management Plans During Construction
Construction Activity Pollution Prevention Plan: addresses measures to prevent erosion, sedimentation, and discharges of potential pollutants to water bodes Indoor Environmental Quality Management Plan: Protection strategies for indoor air quality (i.e. isolating construction areas, etc) Waste Management Plan: addresses the sorting, collection, and disposal of waste generated during construction or renovation
What are some of the specific measures to be followed in order to receive the Sustainable Sites credit?
Construction activity pollution prevention, Site development that protects or restores habitat, storm water design with quality control and quantity control, Heat island reduction for non-roof and roof, and light pollution reduction.
What is CONSTRUCTION & DEMOLOTION debris?
Construction and demolition debris are waste building materials, dredging materials, tree stump, and rubble resulting from construction remodeling.
What is CONSTRUCTION & DEMOLITION debris?
Construction and demolition debris are waste building materials, dredging materials, tree stumps, and rubble resulting from construction, remodeling, repair, and demolition of homes, commercial buildings and other structures and pavements.
What are examples of POSTCONSUMER recycled content?
Construction and demolition debris material collected through recycling programs, discarded products, furniture, cabinetry, decking, landscaping waste.
What are examples of POST-CONSUMER recycled content?
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)
What is considered a construction HARD COST?
Construction hard cost are considered to be CSI Masterformat 2004 Edition.
What are SALVAGED MATERIALS?
Construction material recovered from building sites and reused on different building sites in the same or different capacity.
What is CONVENTIONAL IRRIGATION?
Conventional irrigation is watering using above-ground sprinkler heads.
What does the LEED Volume Program help with?
Cost-effective LEED certification on a volume scale
What does the LEED volume program help with?
Cost-effective LEED certification on a volume scale.
Energy Policy Acts of 1992 (EPAct)
Created standards and laws to increase clean energy use and improve overall energy efficiency in the US
How are CIRs submitted?
Credit interpretation request must be submitted through LEED Online.
Who are CIRs submitted?
Credit interpretation requests must be submitted through LEED online.
What are Credit SYNERGIES?
Credit synergies happen when credits work together and have an increased benefit many times at lower combined cost.
What are CREDIT SYNERGIES?
Credit synergies happen when credits work together and have an increased benefit, many times at a lower combined cost.
What parts of the LEED rating system are optional?
Credits are optional, prerequisites are required
What should a LEED project accomplish?
Credits in the rating systems that are higher on the list are allocated more points
What can cause the heat island effects?
Dark surfaces that absorb heat (black roofs, asphalt), vehicle exhaust, air-conditioners, reduced air flow from tall buildings and narrow streets
Strategies to Reduce Water during Construction
Design buildings that produce less waste Develop a construction waste management policy: outline procedure for water diversion Establish a tracking system
Strategies for Sustainable Neighborhood Pattern and Design
Design walkable streets: focus on building frontage, ground level facade, sidewalks. Include street trees, shade, benches and other amenitites Use compact development strategies Promote connectivity: avoid culs-de-sacs Provide diverse land uses: mix of services, shops restaurants, schools, etc Create diverse community: Incorporate rather than segregate senior housing Support access to food Ensure easy access to grocery stores
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
Disclosure that looks at the entire life cycle of a product and assesses the cost of the product on the environment. Products that contain an EPD will give information about a product's impact on global warming, human toxicity, etc.
Health Product Declaration (HPD)
Disclosure that provides a product's material ingredients, list of potential chemicals, related concerns, and additional health information
What is the most important phase of the integrative process?
Discovery
What are the three phases of Integrative Process?
Discovery - essential for achieving cost effectiveness and a projects environmental goals. Design and Construction - uses system interactions that were found during discovery and incorporates them into schematic design. Period of Occupancy, Operations and Performance - sets up feedback mechanisms and measures performance. It is crucial to determining success in achieving performance targets.
What are the phase of the LEED integrative process?
Discovery, design and construction implementation, occupancy, operations and performance feedback.
What is graywater?
Domestic wastewater composed of wash water from kitchen, bathroom, and laundry sinks, tubs, and washers. (EPA)
How can Innovation points be earned?
Doubling the credit requirements or using a new strategy that is quantifiable.
How can Innovation credit be earned?
Doubling the credit requirements using a new strategy that is quantifiable or achieving pilot credit.
What is DRIP IRRIGATION?
Drip irrigation delivers water at low pressure through buried mains and sub mains.
What does the ISO 14000 standard do? ?? what is energy star?
ENERGY STAR is specific to energy performance and can be used to compare building performance.
How is a building's energy efficiency benchmarked?
EPA's ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager
How is a buildings energy efficiency benchmarked?
EPA`s energy star portfolio manager.
Low-flow fixtures use less water than what standard?
EPAct 1992
What standard is used to determine the baseline water demand of a building?
EPAct 1992
What is product transparency?
Each building disclosure and optimization credit in the materials and resources section has two options for compliance.
Sensitive Lands
Ecologically sensitive areas such as prime farmland, floodplain, habitat, waterbodies, or wetland
What is PHOTOVOLTAIC (PV) energy?
Electricity from photovoltaic cells that convert the energy in sunlight into electricity.
What does a PHASE-OUT plan pertain to?
Eliminating CFC-based refrigerants and converting them to less environmentally harmful refrigerants.
Emergent Properties
Emergence of certain properties in the systems as a result of interaction of individual elements
What environmental benefit does purchasing off-site renewable energy green power have?
Emissions reduction.
What environmental benefit does purchasing off-site renewable energy (Green Power) have?
Emissions reductions
Name the different types of regular building occupants?
Employees, staff, volunteers, residents, primary and secondary school students, hotel guests, and inpatients.
Negative Feedback loops
Enable a system to self-correct and stay within a particular range
Alternative Compliance Paths (ACPs)
Enable international projects to earn the appropriate prerequisites/credits by allowing them to meet international standards or their local standards instead of U.S. based standards
What is an OCCUPIED SPACE?
Enclosed areas intended for human activities.
Strategies to Address Transportation in Operations and Maintenance
Encourage carpooling Promote alternative fuel vehicles Offer incentives Support alternative transportation
What are the three paths to achieving the LTC High Priority Site Credit?
Encouraging investment in Historic areas. Rewarding the location of certain appropriate projects on economically disadvantaged or depressed sites. Promoting the redevelopment of contaminated sites.
ASHRAE 90.1
Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings - this standards establishes minimum requirements for the energy efficient design of buildings.
CFCs impact what LEED category(s)?
Energy and Atmosphere (EA)
What LEED category would the Green-e standard be used for?
Energy and Atmosphere (EA)
Where does lighting power density apply to LEED projects?
Energy and Atmosphere (EA). Reducing the lighting power density reduces energy use.
What category does lighting power density have the greatest impact on?
Energy and Atmosphere (EA). Reducing the lighting power density reduces energy use.
Green-e
Energy certification program is a voluntary certification and verification program for renewable energy products. Includes renewable energy certificates, utility greenpricing programs, and competitive electricity products
What is energy use intensity measured in?
Energy consumed per unit of floor space.
What is Energy EFFICIENCY?
Energy efficiency is the use of technology that requires less energy to perform the same function as a conventional item.
What is ENERGY EFFICIENCY?
Energy efficiency is the use of technology that requires less energy to perform the same function as a conventional item. A compact fluorescent light bulb that uses less energy than an incandescent bulb to produce the same amount of light is an example of energy efficiency. The decision to replace an incandescent light bulb with a compact fluorescent is an example of energy conservation.
Home Energy Rater (HERS) Rater
Energy rater credential administered by the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET)
An energy simulation model or energy model is generated for what reasons?
Energy simulation model or energy models are used to provide the anticipated energy consumption of a building and permits a comparison of energy performance, given proposed energy efficiency measures, with the baseline.
What does the ISO 1400 standard do?
Energy star is specific to energy performance and can be used to compare building performance.
What is free energy?
Energy with low or no cost that comes as a result of building design. Examples are daylighting, natural ventilation, or onsite solar power wind energy.
Low-Impact Development (LID)
Engineering approach to rainwater runoff
*EA prerequisite Fundamental Refrigerant Management and EA credit
Enhanced refrigeration management requires projects to entirely avoid the use of CFC refrigerants.
What is ISO 14021?
Environmental Labels and Declaration .This standard is used for recycled materials to label their and /or post-consumer content.
What standards can be used to identify green cleaning products?
Environmental choice and green seal.
True or False: LEED projects are more expensive than traditional projects
Generally this is false, but sometimes they cost more or less depending on the situation. This point is often argued among the building community.
Masking systems
Equipment used to reduce background noise in spaces
What are the three types of LEED improvements made on a regular basis?
Errata and addenda, adaptations, next version of LEED.
Strategies for Reducing Energy Demand in Design and Planning
Establish design and energy goals Size the building appropriately Use free energy: natural ventilation, solar energy, and daylight Insulate the building envelope
ASHRAE 52.2
Establishes a test procedure for evaluating the performance of air-cleaning devices as a function of particle size, MERV, filtering efficiency
Cradle-to-gate Assessment
Evaluates a product's life cycle from its resource extraction/harvesting to becoming a manufactured product ready for sale at the factory gate
What is life cycle costing?
Evaluates a products economic performance.
Life-cycle assessment (LCA)
Evaluates all the environment effects of a product quantitatively for the whole lifetime of that material
How often must LEED O+M project recertify?
Every 5 years.
How often must LEED O+M projects recertify?
Every 5 years.
Goal Setting
Every green building project needs to be grounded in strong goals and set a clear pathway to ensure they are achieved. Setting lofty sounding general goals will not provide enough information to guide a project. For example, if you say the project should be healthful what does that really mean? if by healthful the team means that the project should protect indoor air quality, one metric for that might be the amount of volatile VOCs in the building materials. A target associated with that metric might be that all paints have zero VOCs. Goals should reflect the spatial scales and time zones that the project can affect, assuming a realistic rate of change. Stopping global climate change is beyond the space and time constraints of one project so to realistically set a goal to address climate change, a target could be "to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030"
What are some examples of construction SOFT COSTS?
Examples are Architectural, Engineering, Financing, and Legal Fees.
What are some examples products made from RAPIDLY RENEWABLE materials?
Examples are bamboo flooring and plywood, cotton batt insulation, linoleum flooring, sunflower seed board panels, wheatboard cabinetry, wool carpeting, cork flooring, bio-based paints, geotextile fabrics such as coir and jute, soy-based insulation and form-release agent, and straw bales.
What is Eutrophication?
Excessive richness of nutrients in a lake or body of water, frequently due to runoff of land which causes a dense growth of plant life and death of animal life from lack of oxygen.
What types of projects would LEED O+M be used for?
Existing buildings that are undergoing improvement work or little to no construction.
What are examples of STRUCTURAL INCENTIVE for green building?
Expedited review permitting process, density and height bonuses.
What materials should not be reused in a project?
Exterior windows and plumbing fixtures. Newer products are more efficient.
True or False: Can a product can earn Innovation in Design credits?
FALSE
True or False: Can a product can earn Innovation credit?
FALSE
True or False: Using an integrative process takes longer than traditional projects
FALSE
True or False: Using an integrative process takes longer than traditional projects?
FALSE
True or False: LEED projects are more expensive than traditional projects
FALSE Generally this is false, but sometimes they cost more or less depending on the situation. This point is often argued among the building community.
True or False: can a product can earn Innovation credit?
FALSE.
Just focusing on building design and construction alone will not achieve the emission reduction required to mitigate climate change -- building location is equally important
FOR EXAMPLE: A typical code-compliant 135,000 sq.ft office building in a car-oriented suburban location will be responsible for approximately 8375 tons of carbon. Because this building is in the suburbs, emissions from transportation make up half of the emissions of the project
True/False: A product can earn LEED certification?
False
True or False: LEED projects are more expensive than traditional projects?
False Generally this is False, but sometimes they cost more or less depending on the situation.
Team Process
Favors design-build of Integrative Project Delivery contracting process rather than a traditional design-bid-build Evaluation of bids is based on best low bid rather than the lowest bid
Manufacturing
Find ways to conserve energy -closed-loop systems for process water, renewable energy resources, high-performance equipment, building automation, and recycling other sustainable solutions can also reduce water contamination and emissions- such as sulfur dioxide (SO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and greenhouses gases (CO2)
What is the Location and Transportation Category?
First it focuses on selecting sites in high density areas that have existing infrastructure, are on brownfields, and avoid sensitive habitats. Second, focuses on methods of ALTERNATIVE transporation Third, focuses on the connection to amenities
What is FLY ASH used for?
Fly ash can be used as a substitute for Portland cement in concrete. Fly ash then becomes a recycled product.
What is the Indoor Environmental Quality category?
Focuses on air quality, temp, lighting quality, and acoustic design. Focusing on strategies that improve human health and comfort of the indoor environment
What is the Regional Priority category?
Focuses on most important environmental issues identified within a particular region 6 credit choices - 4 points
What is the Sustainable Sites category?
Focuses on reducing environmental impacts through site assessment, site design, and site management
What is the Materials and Resource category?
Focusing on reducing resource depletion by diverting waste from landfills and using sustainable building materials. Strategies include: source reduction, building material use, and recylcing
What types of projects would LEED BD+C core and shell be used for?
For designers, builders developers and new building owners who want to address sustainable design for new core and shell construction.
What types of projects would LEED BD+C: Core & Shell be used for?
For designers, builders, developers and new building owners who want to address sustainable design for new core and shell construction. Covers base building elements such as structure, envelope and the HVAC system.
What types of projects would LEED for Core and Shell be used for?
For designers, builders, developers and new building owners who want to address sustainable design for new core and shell construction. Covers base building elements such as structure, envelope and the HVAC system.
Building associated transportation versus operations
For the average office, 30% more energy is expended by workers commuting than by the building energies. Even for an office building built to modern energy codes (ASHRAE 90.1-2010) more than twice as much energy is used by commuters than the building
Strategies for Meeting Energy Demand with Renewable Energy
Generate renewable energy: use of wind turbines, solar hot water heaters, etc Purchase off-site renewable energy or carbon offsets: buy green power, renewable energy certificates, and carbon offsets to reduce enviro impact of energy
GIS
Geographic Information Systems can help illustrate how different elements intersect and overlap.
What is FTE?
Full-Time Equivalent - or regular building occupants who spend 40 hour per week in the project building.
What organization is responsible for LEED project registration?
GBCI
What does GPF stand for?
Gallons per Flush.
What does GPM stand for?
Gallons per Minute.
The water use of a water closet is measured in what units?
Gallons per flush (gpf).
The water use of a faucet is measured using what units?
Gallons per minute (gpm).
How does GERRYMANDERING relate to a LEED project boundary?
Gerrymandering of a LEED project boundary is prohibited: the boundary may not unreasonably exclude sections of land to create boundaries in unreasonable shapes for the sole purpose of complying with prerequisites or credits.
What is a common issue with day lighting?
Glare.
What is a common issue with daylighting?
Glare.
What variables measure a refrigerants impact on the environment?
Global Warming Potential (GWP) and Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP)
What does GWP stand for?
Global Warming Potential.
What is GLOBAL WARMING?
Global Warming refers to climate change that causes an increase in the average temperature of the lower atmosphere of the earth.
What are the benefits of having a LEED certified building?
Government initiatives and funding USGBC validation of achievement Recognition for commitment to environmental issues Branding opportunities and market exposure
Wastewater from faucets is what type of water?
Graywater.
What are the benefits of Integrated Project Delivery?
Greater efficiency, lower construction costs, lower lifecycle costs, greater quality and sustainability, greater likelihood the schedule will be met.
What is Green Building
Green building is a process that applies to buildings, their sites, their interiors, their operations, and the communities in which they are situated. It pursues solutions that represent a healthy and dynamic balance between environmental, social, and economic benefits
Green power must be certified by which organization for LEED credit?
Green-e
What PROGRAM certifies green power?
Green-e
What standard defines green power?
Green-e
What standard qualifies carbon offsets?
Green-e Climate certified (or equivalent)
What is Green-e?
Green-e is a program established to promote green electricity products and provide consumers with a nationally recognized method to identify those products.
HFC-407C
HFC-22 replacement
What refrigerant has the greatest GWP?
HFC-23
What is a tradeoff to using HFCs?
HFCs are less efficient and therefore consume more energy to produce the same level of cooling as CFC's.
What type of impact do HFCs have on the ozone layer?
HFCs have a low impact on the ozone layer but many HFCs have a high Global Warming Potential (GWP)
Less harmful refrigerants
HFCs- hydrofluorocarbons
What is a health product declaration HPD?
HPD provide a full disclosure of the potential chemicals of concern in products by comparing product ingredients to a wide variety of hazard lists.
What is a REGULAR BUILDING OCCUPANT?
Habitual users of a building.
What are HALONS?
Halons are a group of chemical compounds used in fire suppression systems and fire extinguishers that contribute to ozone depletion.
What is a construction hard cost?
Hard costs are mostly comprised of the actual construction costs incurred to build the project. Examples include masonry, wood, steel, carpet, tile, mechanical systems, and roofing.
What does air pollution cause?
Harm or discomfort to humans or other living organism or damages the natural environment into the atmosphere.
What is HARVESTED RAINWATER?
Harvested rainwater is rainwater that has been collected for uses such as landscaping irrigation toilet flushing or other non-potable water use.
What is a HEALTH PRODUCT DECLARATION (HPD)?
Health Product Declaration (HPDs) provide a full disclosure of the potential chemicals of concern in products by comparing product ingredients to a wide variety of "hazard" lists published by government authorities and scientific associations.
What do LEED APs do on a project?
Help streamline the certification process
What do LEED APs with specialty do on a project?
Help streamline the certification process
What do LEED AP`s with specialty do on project?
Help streamline the certification process.
What does building commissioning help do?
Helps project teams ensure that systems are designed efficiently, are installed appropriately, and operate as intended.
ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager
Helps track and assess energy and water consumption within individual buildings as well as across an entire building portfolio
What types of projects would LEED for Homes be used for?
High-performance green homes.
What are the benefits of using an integrative process?
Higher performing buildings healthier buildings and cost savings over the long term.
What are examples of high priority designation areas?
Historic districts, priority designation sites, federal empowerment zones, EPA National Priorities list and brownfield.
Dry ponds (Detention Ponds)
Hold excess rainwater for some time, thereby allowing the rainwater to slowly seep into the ground without contamination.
HERS Index
Home Energy Rating System Index
Light Shelves
Horizontal light reflecting overhangs that are positioned to reflect the day-light into the desired area of the building
What are the amount of points a credit can earn (credit weighting) based on?
How well the credit address environmental and health concerns.
What is the 40/60 rule?
If a rating system is appropriate for less than 40% of the gross floor area of the LEED project, do not pick that rating system. If the rating system is appropriate for more than 60% of the LEED project, DO pick that rating system.
What is retrocommissioning?
If emissions rise as performance falls, retrocommissioning is a tune-up that identifies inefficiencies and restores high levels of performance
What is an HFC?
Hydro fluorocarbons which are refrigerants that do not deplete the stratospheric ozone layer but may have high global warming potential. HFCs are not considered environmentally benign.
What are HCs?
Hydrocarbons - natural refrigerants such as propane, butane, ethane, isobutene, and isopentane.
IESNA
Illuminating Engineering Society of North America - specifies lighting power densities for external lighting to help reduce light pollution
What is IESNA?
Illuminating Engineering Society of North America. Publisher of lighting design and illumination standards.
Systems Thinking
Refers to the understanding of each and every system of a building while also understanding their relationships as a whole
RECYCLED CONTENT is defined in accordance with what document?
ISO 14021-International Organization of Standards document.
What document assists with determining recommended parking?
ITE transportation planning handbook.
What is a LEED intent?
Identifies the main sustainability goal or benefit of the prerequisite or credit. (USGBC)
Strategies to Promote Sustainable Purchasing During Design and Operations
Identify local sources of environmentally preferable products Develop a sustainable materials policy Specify green materials and equipment Specify green custodial products
What are the requirements for submitting an Innovation strategy?
Identify the following in writing, The intent of the proposed innovation credit. The proposed requirement for compliance.
What are the requirements for submitting an INNOVATION IN DESIGN credit?
Identify the following in writing: The intent of the proposed innovation credit. The proposed requirement for compliance. The proposed submittals to demonstrate compliance. The design approach (strategies) used to meet the requirements.
What are the requirements for submitting an Innovation credit for an Innovative strategy?
Identify the following in writing: The intent of the proposed innovation credit. The proposed requirement for compliance. The proposed submittals to demonstrate compliance. The design approach (strategies) used to meet the requirements.
Who would be included in determining your FTE population?
Identify the total number of full-time and part-time occupants. In building with multiple shifts, use only the highest-volume shift in the FTE calculation.
What does tracking building level energy use help with?
Identifying additional energy savings over time.
What does tracking building-level energy use help with?
Identifying additional energy savings over time.
When would natural ventilation be a good design choice?
In cooler climates where temperatures are lower.
What variables are used in determining FTE calculations?
The type of building occupant (fulltime, part-time, transient) and the hours worked per week.
What is one benefit of using Integrative Process?
It can help avoid design changes during the construction documents phase and the related delays and costs as well as reduce change orders during construction.
what is the goal of the Triple Bottom Line?
In terms of the built environment, the goal is to ensure that buildings and communities create value for all stakeholders, not just a restricted few
Explain the Safe bicycling Paths in the Location and Transportation credit (LT).
Include streets with low target vehicle speed, on-street bicycle lanes, and off street bicycle paths or trails.
What is a negative environmental externality of locating a project in an area does not have diverse uses and is not densely developed?
Increased air pollution
What can increasing the ventilation in a building have a negative impact on?
Increasing ventilation in a building increases energy us (EA).
Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) Value
Indicates a materials ability to stay cool by reflecting solar radiation and emitting thermal radiation. Thus both the solar reflectance and emissivity of a material will be combined to rank material
Controllability of effect
Indicates which individual is most directly responsible for achieving the expected credit outcome. The more a credit outcome depends on active human effort, the less likely it will be achieved - so fewer points are given.
What is infill development?
Infill development occurs within established urban areas where the site or areas either is a vacant place between other developments or has previously been used.
What is the process for basic LEED Certification?
Initiate the discovery phase, Select a LEED rating system, Check minimum program requirements, Establish Project goals, Define the LEED project scope, Develop the LEED Scorecard, Continue Discovery Phase, Continue the iterative process, Assign roles and responsibilities, and Perform Quality assurance reviews and submit
How do you earn Innovation credit for exemplary performance?
Innovation credit exemplary teams must meet the performance level defined by the next step in the threshold progression on credits that allow exemplary performance.
What LEED credit category can earn exemplary performance points?
Innovation in Design
Strategies for Reducing Heat Island Effect
Install reflective roof surfaces Reduce the area of paved surfaced exposed to sun: limit hardscape, use greenery, use light colored paving Plan an urban forest or green roof
What is lighting power density?
Installed lighting power per unit area.
HFC-245fa
Insulation agent, centrifugal chiller
What is Integrated Project Delivery?
Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) is a project delivery approach that integrates people, systems, business structures and practices into a process that collaboratively harnesses the talents and insights of all participants to optimize project results, increase value to the owner, reduce waste, and maximize efficiency through all phases of design, fabrication, and construction.
What is IPM?
Integrated pest management a method of pest management that protects human health and the surrounding environment and improves economic.
What is the emphasis of Sustainable Sites credits?
Integrating the site with regional and local ecosystems, restoring project site elements and preserving the biodiversity of natural systems.
What are the key areas that USGBC uses to measure the performance of a buildings sustainability?
Integrative Process Location and Transportation Sustainable Sites Water Efficiency Energy and Atmosphere Materials and Resources Indoor Environmental Quality Innovation Regional Priority
IgCC
Intended to replace traditional building codes with greener strategies.
Load Shedding
Intentional action by the power utility to reduce the load in power system in order to prevent total system failure
Interface Carpet Example
Interface switched from just a place to buy carpet to a company that consumers can get the service of carpet where Interface will maintain the carpet, disposing of waste and maintaining carpet over time. This switched the company entirely from just being a production company to one where sustainability, performance, and waste management was the top priority. Moved from an open system to a closed system *
Interior Design
Interior designers must know the latest trends in sustainable and fashionable design. For example, selecting paints with low VOCs, fabrics and flooring made from recycled or rapidly renewable resources, and salvaged/repurposed/reclaimed fixtures and furniture
What types of projects would LEED ID+C be used for?
Interior fit-outs.
ISO
International Standards Organization
What is a FULL-TIME EQUIVALENT (FTE)?
Is a regular building occupant who spends 40 hours per week in the project building. Part-time or overtime occupants have FTE values based on their hours per week divided by 40.
What are examples of OCCUPANT CONTROLS?
Is a system or switch that a person in the space can directly access and use. Examples include a task light, an open switch and blinds. A temperature sensor.
What is the purpose of the LTC Surrounding Density and Diverse Uses credit?
It conserves land and protects habitat and farmland by encouraging development in areas with existing infrastructure. (decreases travel and promotes walkability)
What is the purpose of the SSP Construction Activity Pollution Prevention credit?
It controls airborne dust, soil erosion and waterway sedimentation, and also reduces pollution from construction sites.
What is the purpose of the WEC Cooling Tower Water Use credit?
It controls corrosion, microbes, and scale in the condenser water system, and conserves water used for the cooling tower makeup.
What is the purpose of the WEP Indoor Water Use reduction credit?
It emphasizes that selection of efficient plumbing fixtures, fittings, and equipment contributes to the reduction of potable water use in buildings.
What is the purpose of the LTC High Priority Site credit?
It encourages locating projects in places with development constraints and supports the health of the adjacent areas.
What is the purpose of the SSC Site Assessment credit?
It evaluates site conditions to assist related design decisions and assesses sustainable options before design by noting assets and liabilities of the site.
How do Integrative Processes work?
It focuses on looking for synergies among components and systems, as well as the mutual advantages to achieve high levels of human comfort, building performance, and environmental benefits. It encourages early integration and is most effective in improving performance at an early stage when clarifying performance goals.
What is the goal of the Water Efficiency (WE) credit system?
It focuses on recognizing the use of alternative and non-potable sources of water.
The LEED ND (Neighborhood Development) credit requires what aspects about location?
It integrates principles of new urbanism, smart growth, green building design and construction to promote healthy, sustainable and equitable places for neighborhood workers, residents and visitors.
What is SOLAR REFLECTANCE?
It is a measure of the ability of a surface material to reflect sunlight in forms of visible, infrared and ultraviolet wavelengths which is measured on a scale.
What is the purpose of the SSC Rainwater Management credit?
It is based on undeveloped ecosystems and historical conditions in the region, replicates the natural water balance and hydrology of the site to improve water quality and reduce runoff volume.
Environmental Policy & Studies
It is important for professionals working in environmental policy and studies to understand the core concepts of sustainability. -Natural resources management -Environmental science -Conservation planning -Forest planning -Environmental justice -Watershed management planning -Lobbying
What is POST-CONSUMER RECYCLED content?
It 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. Post-consumer is just that, material recycled after being used by the consumer.
What is POSTCONSUMER RECYCLED content?
It is the percentage of material in a product that was consumer waste. Postconsumer is just that, material recycled after being used by the consumer.
What is the LEED Project Boundary?
It is the portion of the project site that is submitted for LEED certification and must be used consistently.
What is commissioning?
It is the process of verifying and documenting that a building and all its systems and assemblies are planned, designed, installed, tested, operated and maintained to meet the owners project requirements (OPR)
What is the purpose the LTC Reduced Parking Footprint credit?
It minimizes land consumption, automobile dependence, rainwater runoff and other environmental harms associated with parking facilities.
What are pros and cons of meeting the Rainwater Management credit?
It promotes efficient drainage and prevents flooding, but increases the peak flow, temperature, volume and duration of runoff, erodes streams, harms watersheds and causes other ecological damage.
What is the purpose of the LTC Green Vehicles credit?
It promotes other alternatives to fossil fueled automobiles and reduces pollution.
What is NET METERING?
It promotes water runoff instead of infiltration into the subsurface. This term is mostly used when discussing hardscape surface.
What do IMPERVIOUS surfaces promote?
It promotes water runoff instead of infiltration into the subsurface. This term is mostly used when discussing hardscape surfaces.
What is the purpose of the LTC Sensitive Land Protection credit?
It reduces a buildings environmental impact and avoids the development of environmentally sensitive land.
How does the Cooling Tower Water Use system work?
It uses an evaporative condenser or cooling tower to evaporate water or remove heat, the water changes from liquid to vapor when it absorbs heat. It uses blowdown to remove a portion of the water to prevent buildup of deposits and the project team adds water to account for blowdown and evaporative losses.
For the SS credit how does Site development that protects ore restores habitat work?
It will maximize open space and promote biodiversity via high ratio of open space to development footprint.
What are LEED Interpretations?
LEED Interpretations just like project credit Interpretation ruling project CIR are official answers to technical inquires about implementing LEED on a project.
What LEED rating system has recertification?
LEED O+M. Recertification is for O+M projects with an initial O+M certification. Projects must recertify within five years of the previous O+M certification and are eligible to recertify as often as every 12 months.
What LEED developments address specific space types and international requirements?
LEED Rating System adaptations
How is LEED developed?
LEED are developed through an open, consensus-based process led by LEED volunteer committees.
What type of Rating System is not available through LEED Online?
LEED for Homes
What is LEED Online?
LEED online is the primary resource for managing the LEED documentation process.
When can a LEED project be eligible to display the LEED plaque and other marketing material?
LEED projects are eligible following the acceptance of a final certification review.
Low Impact Development
LID is an approach to land development (or re-development) that works with nature to manage stormwater as close to its source as possible (EPA)
During the site selection process what members should a project team include?
Landscape architects, ecologist environmental engineers, and civil engineers, as well as local professionals who can provide site specific expertise.
What is a bioswale?
Landscape elements designed to remove silt and pollution from surface runoff water.
HARVESTED STORMWATER can be substituted for what types of potable water use?
Landscape irrigation, fire suppression, toilet and urinal flushing, and custodial uses.
HARVESTED RAINWATER can be substituted for what types of potable water use?
Landscape irrigation, fire suppression, toilet and urinal flushing, and custodial uses.
What are some uses of NONPOTABLE water?
Landscape irrigation, toilet and urinal flushing, custodial purposes and building systems.
What are the LEED categories (8)
Location and Transportation (16 pts) Sustainable Sites (10) Water Efficiency (11) Energy and Atmosphere (33) Materials and Resources (13) Indoor Environmental Quality (16) Innovation (6) Regional Priority (4)
What CREDIT CATEGORIES are shared among most LEED rating systems?
Location and Transportation, Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy and Atmosphere, Materials and Resources, Indoor Environmental Quality, Innovation.
What is environmental sustainability?
Long-term maintenance of ecosystem components and functions for future generations. (EPA)
What are some examples of application that use AUTOMATIC FIXTURE SENSORS?
Lavatories, sinks, water closets and urinals.
What are some examples of applications that use AUTOMATIC FIXTURE SENSORS?
Lavatories, sinks, water closets, and urinals.
What are some examples of applications that use AUTOMATIC FIXTURE SENSORS?
Lavatories, sinks, water closets, and urinals.
LEED
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
What is an LPE?
Licensed professional exemption (LPE) is an optional credit documentation path in which professionals can submit license information and a declaration.
What helps reduce the heat island effect?
Light colored paving materials Green roofs Cool roofs shading underground parking.
Precedence? LEED requirements or local codes?
Local codes must be followed first.
LOCAL ZONING requirements are defined as:
Local government regulations imposed to promote orderly development of private lands and prevent land-use conflicts.
LOCAL ZONING requirements are defined as?
Local government regulations imposed to promote orderly development of private lands and prevent land-use conflicts.
What must be checked to determine what type of building can be built on a piece of land?
Local zoning requirements
What generally defines OPEN SPACE area?
Local zoning requirements.
Strategies to Address Transportation in Design and Planning
Locate near public transit Limit parking: sparks interest in alternative transportation methods Encourage bicycling
What are ways to reduce single passenger vehicles traveling to a project site?
Locate the site near mass transit, promote carpooling, reduce parking spaces, install bicycle ranks.
What is the purpose of locating a project in an area with DIVERSE USES?
Locating near diverse uses promotes walking which helps to limit urban sprawl and reduces automobile use.
Name 3 factors controlled by the built environment that affect energy use.
Location Transportation Building systems
What are the core concepts of Sustainable Sites?
Management and Design of the site: stewardship of the site, site development, light pollution reduction and pest management. Management of Storm Water: Storm water quantity reduction and water quality protection, impervious surface impact.
What does Certification BY Forest Stewardship Council mean?
Managers have adopted environmentally and socially responsible forest management practices. And certification allows companies to manufacture and sell products made from sustainable wood.
For the SS credit how does storm water design with quality control and quantity control work?
Manages stormwater runoff, increases on site infiltration, reduces impervious cover, eliminates contaminants and limits disruption of natural water hydrology.
What is MASS TRANSIT?
Mass transit is passenger transportation services which are available for use by the general public, such as trains, subways, and buses.
Reusing an existing building can help earn credit in what category?
Material & Resources.
Alternative Daily Cover (ADC)
Material other than earthen material placed on the surface of the active face of a municipal solid waste landfill at the end of each operating day to control vectors, fires, odors, blowing litter, and scavenging. General these materials must be processed so they do not allow gaps in the exposed landfill face. (CalRecycle).
How do you know if you have a water efficient landscape plan?
Measure outdoor water reduction from a calculated midsummer baseline, that has no potable water or irrigation use.
Benefit Duration
Measures how long the benefits or consequences of the credit outcome will last
What CREDIT CATEGORY addresses RECYCLED CONTENT?
Materials & Resources
What LEED categories contain standards related to VOC emissions?
Materials & Resources (MR) and Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ)
What CREDIT CATEGORY addresses RECYCLED CONTENT?
Materials & Resources.
What are low VOC products?
Materials that have less off-gassing resulting in improved indoor air quality.
Inherently non-emitting materials
Materials with very low or no VOC content
What is a foot candle?
Measure of the quantity of light falling on a given surface. Minimizing foot candles helps reduce light pollution.
Explain the Walking and bicycle distances in the Location and Transportation credit (LT).
Measures point of origin to important community destination such as a bus station. The measurement must be taken along "Safe" paths, not a straight line radius.
What is EXTENDED PRODUCER RESPONSIBILITY?
Measures undertaken by the maker of a product to accept its own and sometimes other manufactures products as postconsumer waste at the end of the product.
Relative Efficacy
Measures whether a credit outcome has a positive or negative association with a given impact category component, and how strong that association is.
What would you use the EPA Act of 1992 for?
Measuring the baseline case water use for the water Efficiency.
What are examples of UNOCCUPIED SPACES?
Mechanical rooms, stairwells, closet.
MEP
Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing designer
How might schools meet the LTC Green Vehicle credit standards?
Meet emissions and green vehicle standards for their bus and non bus vehicle fleets, or address employee and visitor vehicle use.
What type of water is municipally supplied reclaimed/recycled water?
Nonpotable water
How is water performance measurement accomplished?
Metering and submetering.
Area Median Income
Midpoint in the family-income range for a metropolitan statistical area, the non-metro parts of a region, or local equivalent to either. The figure often is used as a basis to stratify incomes into low, moderate, and upper ranges.
Strategies for Developing a Sustainable Site Design
Minimize hardscape: use pervious surfaces rather than traditional paving Use native landscaping Prevent light pollution: avoid uplighting and trespass Preserve open space and sensitive areas Protect and Restore Habitat: conservation management plan
Strategies for Rainwater Management through Design
Minimize impervious areas: increase permeable surfaces (vegetated roofs, porous pavement, landscapes areas) Control rainwater: use bioswales, rain gardens, dry ponds Incorporate rainwater management into site design:
What do the credits in the material and resources (MR) category focus on?
Minimizing the embodied impacts associated with the entire life cycle of building materials.
What do the credits in the Materials and Resources (MR) category focus on?
Minimizing the embodied impacts associated with the entire life-cycle of building materials
What is a MERV rating?
Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. (MERV)
What are MPR's?
Minimum Program Requirements of which a project must meet in order to qualify for LEED certification.
What are the size requirements for LEED BD+C and LEED O+M?
Minimum of 1000 square feet of gross floor area
What are the size requirements for LEED ID+C?
Minimum of 250 square feet of GFA
Alternative Water Source
Nonpotable water from other than public utilities, on-site surface sources, and subsurface natural freshwater sources. Examples include graywater, on-site reclaimed water, collected rainwater, captured condensate, and rejected water from reverse osmosis systems (IgCC).
In LEED water Efficiency addresses what environmental concerns for building use and disposal?
Monitoring water consumption performance reduction in indoor potable water consumption reduction in water consumption to save energy.
In LEED Water Efficiency addresses what environmental concerns for building use and disposal?
Monitoring water consumption performance, reduction in indoor potable water consumption, reduction in water consumption to save energy and improve environmental well-being, and practice water-efficient landscaping.
What agreement required the end of CFC based refrigerants?
Montreal Protocol
Land Trust
Nonprofit organization that works on conserving lands
What year does the Montreal Protocol phase out HCFCs?
Most CFC use and production was phased out in 1995, while some other substances and derivatives will be phased out in 2010, and the less active HCFCs will be phased out in 2030.
LEED Fellow
Most prestigious designation awarded in LEED
At a minimum what materials must a commercial LEED project include in a recycling program?
Paper Corrugated cardboard Glass Plastics Metals
What materials should be included in comingled recycling?
Paper, Corrugated cardboard, Glass, Plastics, Metals
What are the size requirements for LEED ND?
Must contain 2 habitable buildings and less than 1500 acres
What LEED rating systems are available?
NC EB: O&M CI CS Schools Retail Health care Homes Neighborhood Development
What refrigerant has the lowest Global Warming Potential?
NH3 - Ammonia
What type of plants does LEED recommended using in landscape design?
Native and or adaptive plants.
What types of plants does LEED recommended using in landscape design?
Native and/or adaptive plants.
What are the benefits NATIVE PLANTS?
Native plants require less water, less maintenance, less fertilizer and are more pest resistant.
What are the benefits of NATIVE PLANTS?
Native plants require less water, less maintenance, less fertilizer, and are more pest resistant.
Reference Soils
Native soils of a site
Rapidly Renewable Materials
Natural materials that can replenish within 10 years
What refrigerants do not impact the ozone layer?
Natural refrigerants such as CO2, NH3, and Propane
What are alternatives to using refrigeration with CFCs?
Natural ventilation Refrigerants with lower ODP and GWP Natural refrigerants.
What is natural ventilation?
Natural ventilation uses the natural forces of wind and buoyancy to deliver fresh air into buildings.
Where should smoking be prohibited around a building?
Near entrances, operable windows, and air intakes.
LEED re-certification
Necessary for LEED O+M projects to continue certification every 5 years
The Integrative Process Credit is applicable to:
New Construction (1pt) Core and Shell (1pt) Schools (1pt) Retail (1pt) Data Centers (1pt) Warehouses and Distribution Centers (1pt) Hospitality (1-5pt) Healthcare (1-5pt)
What types of projects would LEED BD+C be used for?
New construction and major renovations.
What types of projects would LEED for New Construction be used for?
New high-performance commercial and institutional projects
What types of projects would LEED for Neighborhood Development be used for?
New land development projects or redevelopment projects containing residential uses, nonresidential uses, or a mix.
What are the prereqs. and credits in Location and Transportation?
No prereq. Credits include: LEED for neighborhood development location - cannot get points for any other credit in this category if this is acheived Sensitive Land protection High priority site Surrounding density and diverse uses Access to Quality transit Bicycle facilities Reduced Parking Footprint Green vehicles
What are the prereqs. and credits in Regional Priority?
No prereqs. Credits: 6 credit choices - 4 points
What are the prereqs. and credits in Innovation?
No prereqs. Credits: Innovation LEED Accredited professional - when one or more LEED APs are on the team 2 credits - 6 points
Will a CIR guarantee a credit?
No, it only provides feedback and will not guarantee a credit, also no credit will be awarded IN the CIR process.
Can prerequisites earn exemplary performance?
No. Only credits can earn exemplary performance.
Can projects outside the U.S. earn REGIONAL PRIORITY credits?
No. Projects outside the U.S are not eligible for Regional Priority credits.
What are adaptive plants?
Non-native plants that use less fertilizer pesticides and water in a given landscape. These plants have adapted to the local climate and are not considered invasive plants.
How much CFC-based refrigerants can be in a building and the project still achieve Fundamental Refrigerant Management?
None
How much water does a waterless urinal consume?
None
HYDRO FLUROCARBONS are considered to have low ODP or GWP?
ODP ozone depleting potential. HFCs ODP is essentially zero. It is slightly less efficient, so has a higher GWP - global warming potential.
If four LEED AP's are on a project, with is the total number of points a project team can earn?
One
What is the definition of DURABLE GOODS?
One that has a useful life of two years or more and are replaced infrequently and/or may require capital program outlays.
Who can use the USGMC Member Logo?
Only USGBC Members in good standing.
What is OPEN SPACE?
Open space is undeveloped land, but if differs from greenfield sites since open space could have been developed in the past and restored to an undeveloped state.
Types of systems
Open- materials and resources continually enter the system through extraction, are consumed, and then are removed as waste; linear and non-sustainable Closed- materials and resources are consumed and then reused or recycled; sustainable; no waste produced
What are ways to provide occupants thermal comfort?
Operable windows, individual thermal comfort controls, controls for shared spaces.
What is the Energy and Atmosphere category?
Optimizing energy performance of a building and using renewable energy resources. Addresses building commissioning, demand response programs, energy use reduction, carbon offsets, Energy Star programs, and measurement and verification
What are examples of PRECONSUMER recycled content?
Planer shavings, sawdust, bagasse, walnut shells, culls, trimmed materials, over issue publications, and obsolete inventories.
What knowledge domains relate to the WE category?
Outdoor water use Indoor water use Water performance management
What are the three most important project team members?
Owner - person who has the authority to control project Agent - Granted actual authority by the owner to register project Project administrator - checks LEED submission is complete and accurate before submission
OPR
Owner's project requirements
What does ODP stand for?
Ozone Depletion Potential
What does OPD stand for?
Ozone Depletion Potential.
What type of products are related to the Green Seal standard?
Paints and primers
What area features must be included in development density calculations?
Parking lots Public roads
What is excluded from the building foot print?
Parking lots, landscapes, and other non- building facilities
What are examples of IMPERVIOUS surfaces?
Parking lots, roads, sidewalks, and pizza.
What is a LEED CREDIT?
Part of the LEED Rating System. Projects earn points by meeting the requirements of credits in order to achieve building certification.
What is a LEED Credit?
Part of the LEED Rating System. Projects earn points by meeting the requirements of credits in order to achieve building certification.
What are native plants?
Plants that are adapted to local conditions and are easier to grow and maintain. This low-maintenance approach means savings in both time and money.
What is the highest LEED Certification LEVEL?
Platinum
What codes define GRAYWATER?
Plumbing code (UPC) in its appendix G, Gray water Systems for single-Family Dwellings & the International Plumbing Code (IPC) appendix C, Gray Water Recycling Systems.
Home Size Adjustment (HSA)
Points are adjusted for home size in LEED for Homes. Larger homes must earn more points for same level of certification.
What is PEDESTRIAN ACCESS?
Pedestrian access allows pedestrians to walk between areas without interference from walls highways or other barriers.
Triple Bottom Line 3 resources
People (Social Capital): All costs and benefits to the people who design, construct, live in, work in, and constitute the local community and are influenced, directly and indirectly, by a project Planet (Environmental Capital): All the costs and benefits of a project on the natural environment Profit (Economic Capital): All the economic costs and benefits of a project for all the stakeholders (not just the owner)
Prius Effect
People can only respond to something if they have real-time information about it
What is EXEMPLARY PERFORMANCE?
Performance above and beyond the LEED requirements is rated exemplary. An example of exemplary performance is to meet the next step.
Demand Response Event (Curtailment Event)
Period of time electricity company temporarily asks for reduction in electricity usage from its program participants
What are some examples of MPR's?
Permanent location on existing land Have a reasonable site boundary, and the gross floor to land area must be within the 2% or higher boundary. Comply with size requirements
What is pervious pavement used for?
Pervious pavement is used to reduce runoff by allowing runoff to filter through the pervious material.
What term defines paving systems that are open and allow moisture to soak into the ground?
Pervious. There are many types of pervious paving systems.
What is a CONSTRUCTION WASTE MANAGEMENT PLAN?
Plan are administrative and procedural requirements for salvaging recycling and disposing of non-hazardous demolition and construction waste.
What are examples of PRE-CONSUMER recycled content?
Planer shavings, sawdust, bagasse, walnut shells, culls, trimmed materials, over issue publications, and obsolete inventories.
What are examples of PRE-CONSUMER recycled content?
Planer shavings, sawdust, bagasse, walnut shells, culls, trimmed materials, over issue publications and obsolete inventories.
Is climate change a negative or positive feedback loop?
Positive feedback loop. As earth gets warmer, fewer surfaces remain covered with snow, and the darker surfaces absorb more heat, which raises the temp and melts the snow more.
What type of building material contains recycled newspaper?
Post-consumer recycled content
What type of recycled content is a material that contains recycled newspaper?
Post-consumer recycled content.
What is the definition of POTABLE WATER?
Potable water meets or exceeds EPA's drinking water quality standards and is approved for human consumption by the state or local authorities having jurisdiction; it may be supplied from wells or municipal water systems.
What type of water is DRINKING WATER?
Potable water.
What is PROCESS ENERGY?
Power resources consumed in support of a manufacturing, industrial, or commercial process other than conditioning spaces and maintaining comfort.
What is adaptive reuse?
Practice of redesigning and using a structure for a use that is significantly different from the building's original use
What is PRE-CONSUMER recycled content?
Pre-consumer recycled content is a percentage of material in a product that is recycled from manufacturing. Since the material is never sold to consumer.
At what stage is it critical to incorporate green building practices into the project?
Pre-design
In what 3 ways are LEED interpretation different that project CIRs?
Precedent setting, published online, subject to consensusbased review.
What does PREFERRED PARKING refer to?
Preferred parking refers to the parking spots that are closest to the main entrance of the project. Exclusive of spaces for handicapped or parking passes.
Simple box energy modeling
Preliminary building model used to assess the building energy loads
What are the prereqs. and credits in Sustainable Sites?
Prereq: Construction Activity Pollution Prevention Credits include: Site assessment Site development - protect or restore habitat Open space Rainwater management Heat Island reduction Light pollution reduction
What are the prereqs. and credits in Energy and Atmosphere?
Prereqs: Fundamental commissioning and verification Minimal energy performance Building level energy metering Fundamental refrigerant management Credits: Enhanced commissioning Advanced energy metering Demand response Renewable energy production Enhanced refrigerant management Green power or carbon offsets
What are the prereqs. and credits in Indoor Environmental Quality?
Prereqs: Minimum indoor air quality performance Environmental tobacco smoke control Credits: Low emitting materials Construction indoor air quality management plan Indoor air quality assessment Thermal comfort Interior lighting Daylight Quality views Acoustic performance
What are the prereqs. and credits in Water Efficiency?
Prereqs: Outdoor water use reduction Indoor water use reduction Building level water metering Credits: Outdoor water use reduction Indoor water use reduction Cooling tower water use Water metering
What are the prereqs. and credits in Materials and Resources?
Prereqs: Storage and collection of recyclables Construction and demolition waste management planning Credits: Building life-cycle impact reduction Building product disclosure and optimization - environmental product declarations Building product disclosure and optimization - Material ingredients Construction and Demolition Waste Management
What does each category in the LEED rating system consist of?
Prerequisites and credits
Why do projects need to meet prerequisites?
Prerequisites represent the key criteria that define green building performance.
Greenwashing
Presenting a material or product as more environmentally-friendly than it actually is
What are types of sensitive habitat?
Prime farmland, floodplans, endangered habitat, water bodies, wetlands.
Credit Interpretation Rulings (CIR)
Process of project teams obtaining technical guidance on how LEED requirements pertain to their project
Flush-out
Process of supplying good amounts of fresh air to the building before or during occupancy to take away contaminated air and establish the desired level of indoor air quality
PROCESS WATER is used for what purpose?
Process water is used for industrial processes such as cooling tower, boiler and chillers.
ISO 14000
Product oriented standards include Environmental Labels and Declaration, Life Cycle Assessment, and Design for Environment
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
Product stewardship policy approach that holds companies producing consumer goods responsible for managing their own products and packaging when consumers are finished with them
Energy Rater
Professionals with a HERS rater credential that conducts the performance testing in LEED for Homes projects
Zero-lot Project
Project in which building covers whole lot
What codes must LEED projects follow?
Projects should review relevant and applicable laws, codes, local ordinances statutes and industry related standards.
USGBC Guiding Principles
Promote Triple Bottom line, Establish Leadership, Reconcile Humanity with Nature, Maintain Integrity, Ensure Inclusiveness, Exhibit Transparency
What are USGBC`s seven guiding principles?
Promote the triple bottom line, establish leadership, reconcile humanity with nature, foster social equity, maintain integrity, be inclusive, exhibit transparency.
What does protecting and restoring habitat help with?
Promoting biodiversity
What are some examples of hydrocarbons?
Propane, butane, ethane, isobutene, and isopentane
Abandoned Property
Property left behind intentionally and permanently when it appears that the former owner does not intend to come back, pick it up, or use it. One may have abandoned the property of contract rights by not doing what is required by the contract. However, an easement and other land rights are not abandoned property just because of nonuse. Abandoned land is defined as not being used at the present time but that may have utilities and infrastructure in place.
What should be submitted for a CIR?
Provide a brief but clear description of the challenge countered, emphasize the intent of the prerequisite or credit, and if possible, the project team should offer potential solutions to the problem or a proposed interpretation.
How might warehouses and distribution centers meet the LT Green Vehicle credit standards?
Provide electrical connections at loading dock doors - reducing the need to idle engines, as well as purchase alternative-fuel yard tractors to move trailers around the facility.
Small Task Group
Provide opportunities to explore particular topics, conduct research, and refine the ideas for presentation at a later teem meeting
EcoLogo
Provides customers with assurance that the products and services bearing the logo meet stringent standards of environmental leadership
Corporate Sustainability Reports (CSR)
Provides information about the manufacturer or raw-material supplier of a product that has been verified to employ sustainable principles during the creation of their products
What is the LEED technical Advisory Group responsible for?
Providing a consistent source of technical advice to LEED committees and working groups with respect to credit and prerequisite improvement and supporting tool development.
Diverse Use
Publicly available businesses that provide daily needed goods or service. According to USGBC, diverse uses do not include ATMs, vending machines, or touchscreens
What is REACH used for?
REACH is the regulation on registration evaluation authorization and restriction of chemicals.
Radon
Radioactive gas naturally found in soils, rocks, and water bodies
Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV)
Rates the air filters according to their performance on removing particles from air
What are three examples of building product disclosure?
Raw material sourcing material ingredients environmental product disclosure.
What is a BROWNFIELD?
Real property whose use may be complicated by the presence or possible presence of a hazardous substance pollutant or contaminant.
What is RECLAIMED WATER?
Reclaimed water is water that has been treated for reuse.
What is the Innovation category?
Recognizes innovative building features as well as sustainable practices and strategies that are not covered under the other LEED categorites
What is RECYCLED content?
Recycled content is the proportion by mass of pre-consumer or postconsumer recycled material in a product (ISO 14021).
What is the Water Efficiency category?
Reduce the use of potable water and reduce overall water usage Methods include: eliminate need for irrigation, installing water efficient fixtures, and reusing wastewater for nonpotable uses
What are the three R's of producing less waste?
Reduce, reuse, recycle
What does increasing ventilation in a building help with?
Reduced absenteeism
What is a benefit of locating a project near mass transit?
Reduced automobile use which reduces automobile emissions.
What are the benefits of regional materials?
Reduced transportation costs Support of local resources.
What is the purpose of the LTC Bicycle Facilities credit?
Reduces vehicle use and promotes bicycling and transportation efficiency and encourages recreational and utilitarian physical activity and improves public health.
What is the most impactful way that a project can help to reverse contribution to climate change?
Reducing fossil fuel based energy consumption.
What are the benefits of reducing heat island?
Reducing heat island reduce air temperatures which would reduce the need to cool that air in buildings. Thus energy consumption is lowered.
What are the benefits of reducing heat islands?
Reducing heat islands reduces air temperatures which would reduce the need to cool that air in buildings. Thus energy consumption is lowered.
What is waste diversion?
Reducing the amount of recycling material being thrown away and ultimately wasted by disposal in landfill.
What do reflective materials help with?
Reducing the heat island effect.
Source Reduction
Refers to the exact sizing of the materials to be produced through prefabrication, modular construction, or similar methods, in order to prevent waste
What are considered effective and efficient WATERING PRACTICES?
Regularly check irrigation systems, use drip, micro-mist, subsurface irrigation systems, smart irrigation controllers, computer-controlled system monitoring, zero irrigation of plants or turf between months of November and April, zero irrigate of shrubs between September and April, and mold prevention by designing systems to irrigate away from buildings.
ISO 14021
Regulates self-declared environmental claims
What are the core concepts of the Water Efficiency category?
Regulation of indoor water - save as much indoor potable water as possible, use water efficiently. Outdoor water - save as much outdoor potable water as possible. Process water - reduce the need for potable water when supplying process water.
Scope 3 Energy
Relates to energies that are not owned or directly controlled
Scope 2 Energy
Relates to purchased energy
Scope 1 Energy
Relates to the direct energy from the owned or controlled sources
What are the allocation factors that determine the measure and scale of credit given for LEED points in the Impact Categories?
Relative efficacy, Benefit Duration, and Controllability of Effect.
Blowdown
Removal of the cooling tower's water in order to minimize the deposit of scales
GREEN POWER is synonymous with what term?
Renewable energy
What three types of RENEWABLE ENERGY options are eligible for Green-e certifications?
Renewable energy, utility green-pricing programs, and competitive electricity products.
How should projects reduce runoff?
Replicating the natural hydrology and water balance of the site.
ASE1000,250
Reports the percentage of sensors in the analysis area, using a maximum 2-ft spacing between points, that are found to be exposed to more that 1000 lux of direct sunlight for more that 250 hours per year, before any operable blinds or shades are deployed to block sunlight, considering the same 10 hour/day analysis period as sDA and using comparable simulation methods.
Current Facility Requirements (CFR)
Requirements to satisfy the owner's operational needs
Name the different type of building visitors?
Retail customers, outpatients, volunteers, higher education students.
What knowledge domains relate to the MR category?
Reuse Life-cycle impacts Waste Purchasing and declaration
Strategies for Conserving Material throughout Project Life-Cycle
Reuse existing buildings and salvaged materials Plan for smaller compact communities Design smaller, more flexible homes and buildings Use efficient framing techniques Promote source reduction in operations
LEED Impact Categories
Reverse contribution to climate change, enhance human health and well-being, protect and restore water resources, protect biodiversity and ecosystem services, promote sustainable & regenerative resource cycles, build a greener economy, enhance social equity
What are the LEED impact categories?
Reverse contribution to global climate change, enhance individual human health and well being, protect and restore water resources, protect enhance and restore biodiversity and ecosystem, promote sustainable and regenerative material resources.
What are examples of content that is excluded from PRE-CONSUMER recycled content?
Rework, regrind, or scrap material capable of being reclaimed within the same process that generated them.
What are examples of content that is excluded from PRE-CONSUMER recycled content
Rework, regrind, or scrap materials capable of being reclaimed within the same process that generated them.
Cool Roofs
Roofs that deliver high solar reflectance
What Credit categories are shared among all rating systems?
SS WE EA MR IEQ
What are some ways to reduce automobile parking?
Select a site near mass transit Promote carpooling, Install less parking, Install bicycle racks.
Green Label Plus
Sets VOC limits for carpet
Green Label
Sets VOC limits for carpet cushion
What is SMACNA used for?
Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractor's National Association (SMACNA) guidelines play a key role in construction activity pollution prevention. The standard provides an overview of air pollutants associated with construction, control measures, construction process management, quality control, among other things.
Solar Reflectance (SR) Value
Shows the solar energy that is reflected by a surface on a scale of 0 to 1. A black surface has an SR of 0 while a white surface has an SR of 1.
What should a building recycling program address?
Signs to keep people from contaminating bins, Ease of use for occupants, Security from theft, Protecting materials from weather
What is the LEED Volume Program?
Simplifies the certification process for organizations wishing to certify multiple buildings within the same rating system. Offered large discounts for certifying 25 or more projects within 3 years
Commingled Waste
Single-streamed waste for recycling (Recycled wasted are left unseparated)
What knowledge domains relate to the SS category?
Site assessment Site design and development
How are the 3 main components of the Water Efficiency category documented?
Site plans showing locations of meters and submeters as well as the size of the surrounding vegetation. Fixture Cut sheets are used to document fixtures indoor water use. Alternative water sources which include rainwater harvesting, graywater reuse, and supplied waste water.
What knowledge domains relate to the LT category?
Site selection Alternative transportation
Infill Sites
Sites that at least 75% of their site area were either previously developed or were already being used for other purposes in urban areas
What is a bioretention pond?
Structural stormwater controls that capture and temporarily store the water quality volume using soils and vegetation in shallow basins or landscaped areas to remove pollutants from stormwater runoff.
Regenerative Projects
Support the health of the local community and regional ecosystems, generate electricity and send the excess to the grid, return water to the hydro system cleaner than it was before, etc...and promote many other relationships that link the projects to the while system of life around them. Strive for net zero!!!! pg. 15-16 in concepts book
Floodplain
flat or nearby flat land adjacent to a stream or river that experiences occasional or periodic flooding
What are CONSTRUCTION SOFT COSTS?
Soft costs are expense items that are not considered direct construction costs such as legal fees and building permitting.
What does stormwater runoff contribute to?
Soil erosion and sedimentation of local waterways
What does runoff contribute to?
Soil erosion and sedimentation of local waterways.
What is solar reflectance?
Solar reflectance is synonymous with albedo. It is a measure of the ability of a surface material to reflect sunlight in forms of visible, infrared, and ultraviolet wavelengths, which is measured on a scale of 0 to 1. Black paints has an albedo of 0 and white paint as an albedo of 1.
What does SUSTAINABILITY mean?
Sustainability is meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Heat island impact what LEED category?
Sustainable Sites (SS) and Energy and Atmosphere (EA). Heat island increase temperatures resulting in the need for more air conditioning.
Heat islands impact what LEED category(s)?
Sustainable Sites (SS) and Energy and Atmosphere (EA). Heat islands increase temperatures resulting in the need for more air conditioning (and more energy to cool the air).
What LEED categories would IESNA standards impact?
Sustainable Sites (reducing light pollution) and Energy and Atmosphere (reducing light pollution can save on energy costs).
Real Estate
Sustainable attributes such as LEED certification, sustainable communities, zero net energy. Photovoltaic panels, and reclaimed wood floors are desirable features.
What are local codes?
State and local jurisdictions may develop their own regulations or adopt building codes based on national model codes. State and local codes are typically.
Load Shifting
Storing energy generated during off-peak hours, in order to use it during the peak-demand hours
What STRATEGIES are employed to reduce the HEAT-ISLANDS?
Strategies include using materials with higher solar reflectance properties in the site design, provide shaded areas, reduce hardscape surfaces and installing vegetated roofs.
What do the LEED Reference Guides contain?
Strategies, case studies, and documentation requirements for each credit and prerequisite in a rating system.
What do the LEED Reference Guide's contain?
Strategies, case studies, and documentation requirements for each credits and prerequisites in a rating system.
LEED Volume Program
Streamlined certification process for organizations that plan to certify more than 25 prototype-based construction projects within 3 years
Building Density
floor area of the building / the total area of the site = sq ft / acre
Exploration and Selection of Technologies and Strategies
Sustainable design requires methodical thinking through types of strategies in each system and evaluating them against project goals. Although this process may be more involved and expensive it is more likely to help the team arrive at solutions that will serve the project owner, occupants, and community over time
What types of projects would LEED BD+C: Healthcare be used for?
Sustainable planning, design and construction for high-performance healthcare facilities.
What types of projects would LEED for Healthcare be used for?
Sustainable planning, design and construction for high-performance healthcare facilities.
Passive Daylighting
System that both collects the sunlight using static nonmoving items such as windows, glass doors, some skylights, light tubes, and light shelves
Human Resources
TRIPLE BOTTOM LINE: Social responsibility, economic prosperity, and environmental stewardship
True or False: The ozone-depletion potential (ODP) of the HCFCs (e.g., HCFC-123, HCFC-22) is much smaller than the ODP of the CFCs?
TRUE
Open system
Taking materials from outside the system, using them to make something and then discarding Cradle to Grave
What are examples of FINANCIAL INCENTIVES for green building?
Tax credit, fee reductions, waivers, grants, revolving loans funds, low interest loans.
What are examples of NON-FINANCIAL INCENTIVES for green building?
Technical assistance, marking assistance.
FloorScore Testing Program
Tests and certifies flooring products for compliance with indoor air quality emission requirements adopted in California
What is a vision of the USGBC?
That buildings and communities will regenerate and sustain the health and vitality of all life within a generation.
What are regional materials?
The amount of a building's materials that are extracted, processed, and manufactured close to the project site. For LEED regional materials originate within 500 miles of the project site.
When would the Campus Program be used?
The Campus Program is used when there are less than twenty-five projects and they are non-uniform in size. The projects do not have to be adjacent.
What/who are key stakeholders in the integrative green building approach?
The Client, The design team, and the builders.
What is the EPAct of 1992?
The Energy Policy Act of 1992 covers many products and services related to energy. It also sets standards for toilets and other water fixtures in both commercial and residential models.
What does an ENERGY STAR rating refer to?
The Energy Star rating is a measure of a building's energy performance compared with that of similar building , as determined
What does an Energy Star rating refer to?
The Energy Star rating is a measure of a buildings energy performance compared with that of similar buildings, as determined by Energy Star Portfolio Manager. A score of 50 represents average building performance.
What is the FSC?
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), established in 1933 in response to those concerns over global deforestation. It is an international non-profit, multi-stakeholder organization that promotes responsible management of the world's forests.
What is the minimum Floor Area requirement for New Construction, Core and Shell, Schools, Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance?
The LEED project must include a minimum of 1,000 square feet of gross floor area.
What doe LEED stand for?
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System
What is a HERs Index?
The Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index is a standard by which a home's energy efficiency is measured.
What does the BUILDING FOOTPRINT consists of?
The area on a project site used by the building structure and defined by the perimeter of the building plan.
What is the purpose of a LEED SCOREDCARD?
The LEED Scorecard is to assist in determining the Total Project Score and acheivable Credits at the inception of a LEED Project.
What does the building FOOTPRINT consists of?
The area on project site used by the building structure and defined by the perimeter of the building plan.
What does Solar reflectance index (SRI) account for?
The SRI index is a numerical representation of a material's ability to reject or reflect solar heat. SRI is determined by measuring temperature changes or by using an ASTM standard based on the solar spectrum.
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)
The USGBC LEED green building program is the preeminent program for the design, construction, maintenance, and operation of high-performance green buildings
Who authorizes use of the USGBC logos?
The USGBC marketing department authorizes use of the logos
What are the point values of a LEED credit based on?
The ability to mitigate the environmental harms of a building and to promote beneficial effects.
What is a BUG rating?
The backlight uplight glare method is used in LEED v4 for light pollution reduction. By selecting exterior lighting with specific BUG ratings the project team.
What is a FLOOR AREA RATIO FAR?
The density of nonresidential land use exclusive of parking measured as the total nonresidential building floor area divided by the total buildable land area.
What is a FLOOR-AREARATIO (FAR)?
The density of nonresidential land use, exclusive of parking, measured as the total nonresidential building floor area divided by the total buildable land area available for nonresidential structures.
What types of projects would LEED BD+C schools be used for?
The design and construction of K-12 schools. Based on the LEED for New Construction rating system, it addresses issues such as classroom acoustics.
What types of projects would LEED BD+C: Schools be used for?
The design and construction of K12 schools. Based on the LEED for New Construction rating system, it addresses issues such as classroom acoustics, master planning, mold prevention and environmental site assessment.
What types of projects would LEED for Schools be used for?
The design and contstruction of K-12 schools. Based on LEED NC rating system, it addresses issues such as classroom acoustics, master planning, mold prevention and environmental site assessment.
What is a DESIGN CHARRETTE?
The design charrette is an intense collaborative design activity that allows project teams, project owner, architect, to develop and plan project strategies.
What is the DEVELOPMENT FOOTPRINT?
The development footprint of a site affected by the development or project site activity. Include hardscapes, parking lots, access road, non-building facilities and the building itself.
What types of projects would LEED BD+C Retail be used for?
The different types of spaces that retailers need for their distinctive product lines.
What types of projects would LEED BD+C: Retail be used for?
The different types of spaces that retailers need for their distinctive product lines.
Bicycling Distance
The distance that a bicyclist must travel between origins and destinations, the entirety of which must be on a bicycle network.
What are LEED credit templates?
The documentation forms used to prove the requirements of a prerequisite or credit have been met. These will be filled out in LEED Online.
What is an ENVIRONMENTAL PRODUCT DECLARATION (EPD)?
The environmental product declaration EDP is a standardized way of quantifying the environmental impact of a product or system.
What is the baseline water demand of a building?
The estimated occupant usage of a projects fixtures and fittings using the flush and flow rates from the EPAct 1992 standard.
Suburban Sprawl
The expansion of populations away from central urban areas into low-density areas
Integrative process part of Integrative Strategies knowledge domain
The foundation of green building design and core concept of sustainability in the built environment. the design process in which multidisciplinary teams collaborate to meet sustainable design objectives from project inception to completion deconstructs the linear nature of the conventional process and establishes a multidisciplinary team approach
What is VISION GLAZING?
The glass portion of an exterior window that permits views to the exterior or interior. Vision glazing must allow a clear image of the exterior and must not be obstructed.
Green Building Expertise
The green building process is interdisciplinary, iterative, and collaborative See pg. 16 for more in concepts book
What is the minimum BUILDING AREA TO SITE RATIO?
The gross floor area of the LEED project building must be no less than 2% of the gross land area within the LEED project boundary.
What is HEAT ISLAND effect?
The heat island effect is a situation where the absorption of heat by hardscapes building and dark materials then radiates to surrounding areas.
What is Heat Island Effect?
The heat island effect is a situation where the absorption of heat by hardscapes, buildings and dark materials then radiates to surrounding areas. The term describes the event where radiant air and surface temperatures in urban areas are higher than rural or suburban areas nearby.
What does the HOLISTIC approach pertain to?
The holistic approach evaluates energy consumption early in the design process to allow project teams to target methods to improve the building energy.
What is a HERs index?
The home energy rating system HERS index is a standard by which a homes energy efficiency is measured.
What is a COMMISSIONING AUTHORITY (CxA)
The individual designated to organize, lead, and review the completion of commissioning process activities. The CxA facilitates communication among the owner, designer, and contractor to ensure that complex systems are installed and function in accordance with the owner's project requirements.
Who is the PROJECT ADMINISTRATOR
The individual who initially registers the project
How does the integrated, whole building approach apply to LEED projects?
The integrated, whole-building approach is the most effective way to optimize energy efficiency, by collaboration among all team members, beginning at the start of a project , this method is necessary in designing building systems.
How does integrative design differ from the conventional building process?
The integrative process is iterative.
How does the integrative, whole building approach apply to LEED projects?
The integrative, whole-building approach is the most effective way to optimize energy efficiency, by collaboration among all team members, beginning at the start of a project , this method is necessary in designing building systems.
What are I-codes?
The international codes or I-codes published by ICC provide minimum safeguards for people at home, at school and in the workplace.
What is life cycle assessment?
The investigation and valuation of the environmental impacts of a given product or service caused or necessitated by its existence.
What defines the LANDSCAPE AREA of a project?
The landscape area of the project is the total site area less the building footprint, paved surfaces, water bodies and patios.
What does LEED stand for?
The leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System.
Attendance Boundary
The limits used by school districts to determine what school students attend based on where they live.
Montreal Protocol
The name of an international treaty that has the goal of phasing out CFCs and HCFCs in refrigerants for new and existing equipment relating to ozone depletion
What does day lighting help reduce?
The need for artificial lighting.
What does daylighting help reduce?
The need for artificial lighting.
Explain the Total Vehicle Parking Capacity in the Location and Transportation credit (LT).
The number of all off-street spaces that the project building's users can use, both inside and outside of the project boundary. (on-street, parallel, motorbike and commercial parking may not be counted).
Positive feedback loops
The output is applied to the input, resulting in constant increases. ex: population growth; in the built environment, climate change, dark surfaces, and cooling systems create positive feedback loops
What is irrigation efficiency?
The percentage of water delivered by irrigation equipment that is used for irrigation. Drip irrigation has an efficiency of 90% and sprinklers have 65% efficiency.
What is BUIDABLE LAND?
The portion of the site where construction can occur including land voluntarily set aside and not constructed on.
What is BUILDABLE LAND?
The portion of the site where construction can occur, including land voluntarily set aside and not constructed on. When used in density calculations, buildable land excludes public rights-of-way and land excluded from development by codified law.
What is Ozone Depletion Potential as it relates to refrigerants?
The potential for a single molecule of the refrigerant to destroy the Ozone Layer. The less the value of the ODP the better the refrigerant is for the ozone layer and therefore the environment.
What is Ozone Depletion Potential as it relates to refrigerants?
The potential for a single molecule of the refrigerant to destroy the Ozone layer. The less value of ODP, the better the refrigerant is for ozone layer and the environment.
What is source reduction?
The practice of designing, manufacturing, purchasing, or using materials such as products and packaging in ways that reduce the amount toxicity of trash created.
What is day lighting?
The practice of placing windows or other transparent media, and reflective surfaces so that during the day, natural light provides effective internal illumination.
What is daylighting?
The practice of placing windows, or other transparent media, and reflective surfaces so that, during the day, natural light provides effective internal illumination.
What is ADAPTIVE REUSE?
The practice of redesigning and using a structure for a use that is significantly different from the buildings original use.
What is waste to energy?
The process of generating energy in the form of electricity energy in the form of electricity and/or heat from the incineration of waste.
aeroponics
The process of growing plants in suspension in an air or mist environment without the use of soil use of water mist to provide the plants' roots with nutrients gardens without a soil system
What is COMMISSIONING?
The process of verifying and documenting that a building and all of its systems and assemblies are planned, designed, installed, tested, operated, and maintained to meet the owner's project requirements.
What is COMMMISSIONING?
The process of verifying and documenting that a building and all of its systems and assemblies are planned, designed, installed, tested, operated.
Who fills out the LEED Scorecard?
The project team does during the LEED charrette.
Who fills out the LEED scorecard?
The project team does during the LEED charrette.
For multiple building developments who determines the LEED PROJECT BOUNDARY?
The project team.
For multiple building developments who determines the LEED Project Boundary?
The project team.
What starts the IPD process?
The project vision
If a project is awarded LEED Platinum certification, what does the project receive?
The project will receive a rebate for ALL certification fees.
What does the LTC Bicycle Facilities credit encourage?
The provision of short and long term bicycle storage and access to a bicycle network such as paths, trails, designated bike lines, and slow-speed roadways.
What factors dictate how much a projects CERTIFICATION fees will cost?
The rating system in which the project is registered under, the size of the project in square feet, and the date in which the project was registered.
What is Emissivity?
The ratio of the radiation emitted by a surface to the radiation emitted by a black body at the same temperature. It measures a material's ability to radiate absorbed energy.
What is the design review of a LEED project?
The state prior to completion where the design team can request a review of any design-related credits or prerequisites
How are Innovation points for innovation performance measured?
The submitted credit must be quantifiable.
How are Innovation points for innovative performance measured?
The submitted credit must be quantifiable.
How are innovation in design points for innovative performance measured?
The submitted credit must be quantifiable.
What is a PRELIMINARY RATING?
The target score the project team will attempt to achieve. The final score, based on the number of points awarded, may be more or less than the preliminary ratings.
Embodied Energy
The total energy consumed resulting from a product's manufacturing, transportation, installation, and use
What is development density?
The total square footage of all buildings within an area. For LEED the area is defined by a radius from the project building. Development density is measured in square feet / acre or units / acre.
Closed System
There is no waste and all things find another purpose at the end of their useful lives Cradle to Cradle
ASHRAE 55
Thermal Environmental Condition for Human Occupancy - specifies the combinations of indoor space environment and personal factors that will produce thermal environmental conditions acceptable to 80% or more of the occupants within a space
What are NATIVE or INDIGENOUS plants?
They are adapted to a given area during a defined time period and are not invasive. In North America, the term often refers to plants growing in a region prior to the time of settlement by people of European descent.
What defines LOW-EMITTING and FUEL-EFFICIENT vehicles?
They are classified a Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) by the California Air Resources Board or have achieved a minimum green score of 40 on the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) annual vehicle rating guide.
What are Credit Interpretation Rulings (CIR)?
They are designed for technical and administrative guidance for MPR
What are CREDIT INTERPRETATION RULINGS (CIR)?
They are designed for technical and administrative guidance for MPR, Prerequisites, and Credits. They may be submitted any time after the project is registered and must be completed using LEED Online. Do not write as a letter. Include only the inquiry and essential information. CIRs may NOT include attachments, cut-sheets, plans or drawings.
What are occupancy calculations?
They are estimates based on occupant usage and are required for the indoor water use reduction prerequisite and credit.
What are NOXIOUS weeds?
They are invasive species of plants that inhibit the cultivation and growth of local native or adaptive plants.
What are considered INVASIVE plants?
They are nonnative to the ecosystem and likely to cause harm once introduced. These species are characteristically adaptable and aggressive, have a high reproductive capacity, and tend to overrun the ecosystems they enter. Collectively, they are among the greatest threats to biodiversity and ecosystem stability.
What are Transient Users?
They are the occupants who do not use the building on a consistent, regular or daily bases.
Can Part time or overtime workers have FTE values?
They have values based on the number of hours they work per week. FTE = number of hours of occupancy/8
Explain the Safe Walking Paths in the Location and Transportation credit (LT).
They include sidewalks, crosswalks, all-weather surface footpaths, or equivalent pedestrian facilities.
What do Green Buildings Address?
They mitigate degradation of ecosystems/habitat and resource depletion. Reduce the cost of operating and owning living and working spaces, improve occupant productivity and comfort, indoor environmental quality and reduce water consumption.
What is the maximum timeframe in which resources must be planted and harvested to be considered RAPIDLY RENEWABLE?
They must be planted and harvested in a cycle of 10 years or less.
What is the purpose of MPR's?
They provide a clear guidance for customers, They maintain LEED program Integrity, and They make the LEED certification process easier.
What are positive attributes to having open spaces within a site?
They reduce heat island effect, provide increased rainwater infiltration, contribute to habitat recreation and are link habitat corridors in urban areas.
What are some of the benefits of VEGETATED ROOFS?
They reduce the heat island effect, retain runoff insulating benefits aesthetically pleasing have longer life and less maintenance than conventional roofs.
What is the benefit for green building cost vs. traditional building costs
Though initially prices of green building practices are more expensive, we often find that the added costs are balanced by long-term savings. For example: using more expensive yet high performance windows will result in a lower-cost HVAC system
What are some of the features of LEED Online?
Through LEED Online, project teams can manage project details, complete documentation requirements for LEED credits and prerequisites, upload supporting files, submit applications for review, receive reviewer feedback, and ultimately earn LEED certification.
Reverb Time
Time span between when sound is produced and when it dissipates
How do you earn EXEMPLARY PERFORMANCE credits?
To earn exemplary performance credits, teams must meet the performance level defined by the next step in the threshold progression on credits that allow exemplary performance. For example if one point can be earned on a credit by reducing water use by 20% and another point by reducing water use 30%, then if a team reduces water use by 40% it may earn an exemplary performance point. Not all credits allow for exemplary performance.
What is WaterSense used for in LEED?
To identify fixtures in a LEED building are both water efficient and high performing.
Leverage Points
To influence the behavior of a system it is important to find the leverage points which are places where a small intervention can yield large changes. I.E providing building occupants with real-time energy information helps alter behavior. Instead of changing the system entirely, the change focuses merely on delivering available data to a point where it can be acted on appropriately.
What is the primary concern in the Clean Air Act?
To reduce annual leakage of ozone-depleting refrigerants such as CFCs and HCFCs.
What is the intent of fundamental refrigeration management?
To reduce stratospheric ozone depletion
What is the intent of the Water Efficiency category?
To reduce water consumption and reduce the need for wastewater treatment and to reduce the demand on natural aquifers.
What is the integrative process used for?
To support high performance, cost-effective project outcomes through an early analysis of the interrelationships among systems.
What is USGBC's mission?
To transform the way buildings and communities are designed, built and operated, enabling an environmentally and socially responsible, healthy, and prosperous environment that improves the quality of life.
What is the purpose of a life-cycle assessment?
To understand the tradeoffs of material selection and energy performance
What products can have a water sense label?
Toilets, Private lavatory faucets, showerheads.
What are environmental externalities?
Transaction in which one or more parties to the transaction are not compensated and may have little choice in the transaction.
What sustainability features do Certified LEED neighborhoods have to exhibit?
Transit access, walkability, connectivity, sensitive land protection and shared infrastructure.
What has USGBC adapted to establish metrics and rating systems to measure building performance?
Triple bottom line
LEED Split Review
Type of LEED certification review in which the design prerequisite/credits are submitted for review during the design phase, and both the additional design prerequisites/credits and all the construction prerequisites/credits are submitted at the end of the construction phase (for LEED BD+C and LEED ID+C rating systems)
LEED Combined Review
Type of LEED certification review in which the documentation for all the design and construction prerequisites/credits are submitted for review at the end of the construction phase (for LEED BD+C and LEED ID+C rating systems)
Regenerative Design
Type of building design that creates no waste and also provides more output than consumed input
Nonpoint Source Pollution
Type of pollution in which its source cannot be identified and which generally results from multiple sources
Process Water
Type of water used by mechanical or other types of systems
Extensive Vegetative Roofs
Types of roofs that don't include a variety of plants and require little maintenance. Their soil layer is thinner compared with the intensive roofs
What standard established regulations on using and recycling ozone-depleting compounds?
U.S. EPA Clean Air Act. This act defines the leakage rate as it applies to appliances that have refrigerants.
CFRs
US Code of Federal Regulations - the codification of the general and permanent rules published in the Federal Register by the executive departments and agencies of the Federal Government
Why does USGBC have logo policies?
USGBC logo policies exist to make sure LEED retains its credibility and identity.
What are LEED Addenda?
USGBC publishes clarifications (also called addenda) to address errors in the LEED rating systems and reference guides.
What are LEED addenda?
USGBC publishes clarifications also called addenda to address errors in the LEED rating systems and reference guides.
Where can the LEED Score Card be found?
USGBC's website
HFC-23
Ultra-low temp refrigeration
What does the U.S. EPA Clean Air Act, relate to?
Under the EPA Clean Air Act the EPA has established regulations on using and recycling ozone-depleting compounds.
What id the maximum number of points a project can earn under the Regional Credit category?
Under the Regional Priority credit 4 points is the maximum any project may earn.
What is the maximum number of points a project can earn under the Regional Credit category?
Under the Regional Priority credit 4 points is the maximum any project may earn.
Why is it important to understand the site characteristics when designing a LEED building?
Understanding a sites climate, ambient air quality, topography, soil types, and water availability is important because these features can have significant impact on a projects ultimate performance and design.
Greenfield
Undeveloped land
What is sedimentation?
When runoff deposits sediment into water ways leading to a decline in water quality by blocking sunlight.
What is the construction review of a LEED project?
When the project is completed/finished and all construction related credits are submitted for review
Why should you use life cycle costing?
When there exists project alternative that fulfill the same performance requirements, The comparison can help maximize net savings.
Graywater
Untreated water that did not come into contact with waste
First Costs v. Long Term Savings
Up-front goal setting, analysis, and evaluation of alternatives will assist in making decisions that result in savings over the long term through synergies and integration. Savings often reflect in life-cycle costing
What types of information can be found on USGBC/s website?
Update information on the rating systems.
What are some types of flushing fixtures?
Urinal water closet (toilet).
Strategies for Reducing Energy Demand in Operations and Mainetance
Use free energy Monitor consumption
LEED Campus Program
Used to certify multiple projects that are located on a single campus and that are owned by the same entity
What is the purpose of the Integrative Process credit?
Uses an early analysis of the Interrelationships among systems to support cost effective, high-performance project outcomes.
Cost of green building *simply identify these on the exam
Values of sustainable design Green building DO NOT COST more than nongreen building due to their ADDED VALUES OF PAYBACK AND LIFE-CYCLE COSTS The additional costs are recovered in long-term savings.
What does a VEGETATED roof consist of?
Vegetation, growing medium, filter fabric, drainage, and a waterproof membrane.
ASHRAE 62.1
Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality addresses indoor air quality issues and prescribes minimum ventilation rates so as to reduce the potential for adverse health effects
What is a VISITOR?
Visitors also called transients intermittently use a LEED building.
What is a VOC?
Volatile Organic Compounds can negative health effect when inhaled. Many VOCs are human made chemicals that are used and produce in the manufacture.
What are three important factors of the LEED green building rating system?
Voluntary, consensus, marked driven.
Who develops LEED?
Volunteer committees
What is light pollution?
Waste light from building sites that produces glare, is directed upward to the sky, or is directed off the site. Waste light does not increase nighttime, safety, utility or security etc.
Irrigation impacts what LEED categories?
Water Efficiency (WE) and Energy and Atmosphere (EA).
What are some examples of GRAYWATER?
Water from bathtubs, showers, bathroom wash basins, water from clothes-washer and laundry tubs. Some cases allow for kitchen sinks depending on state and local authorities.
What are some examples of grayawater?
Water from bathtubs, showers, bathroom wash basins, water from cloths-washer and laundry tubs.
What are the 3 main components of the Water Efficiency Category?
Water metering, irrigation water, and indoor water.
Make-up Water
Water used to replace the lost water in open systems
What is WaterSense?
WaterSense is a partnership program sponsored the EPA, helping consumers identify water-efficient products and programs.
What are the most efficient types of flushing fixtures?
Waterless urinals, Composting toilets
Carpool
When 2+ people share a ride in the same vehicle
When should life cycle assessment be used?
When considering the products long term environmental impact over the products lifetime.
How does the integrative whole building approach apply to LEED projects?
Whole-building approach is the most effective way to optimize energy efficiency by collaboration among all team members, beginning at the start.
What are some types of green power?
Wind, -Solar-, Biofuel-, Low-impact hydro
What is XERISCAPING?
Xeriscaping is a landscaping method that makes routine irrigation unnecessary. It uses drought-adaptive and low-water plants as well as soil amendments such as compost and mulches to reduce evaporation.
Can a project earn MULITPLE CERTIFICATION?
Yes Projects can earn more than one LEED certification depending on the Rating Systems.
Are LEED projects allowed to use Halons in the building?
Yes. Projects can earn points for not using Halons in fire suppression systems.
What must be done to achieve fundamental refrigerant management?
Zero use of CFCs.
LEED green associate exam
a LEED professional credential exam that tests general knowledge of commercial and residential green building practices for both new construction and existing buildings, developed and updated by subject matter experts. An exam candidate has 2 hours to complete the exam, which consists of 100 random multiple-choice questions, and must score 170 points or above out of 200 to pass.
LEED Points
a LEED rating is achieved through earning points in each of the 6 LEED categories
Appurtenance
a built-in, nonstructural portion of a roof system. Examples include skylights, ventilators, mechanical equipment, partitions, and solar energy panels.
Ecosystem
a collection of living things and the environment in which they live. for example, a prairie [this] includes coyotes, the rabbits on which they feed, and the grasses that feed the rabbits
Bicycle Network
a continuous network consisting of any combination of the following: 1. Off street bicycle paths or trails at least 8 feet (2.5 meters) wide for a two-way path and atleast 5 feet (1.5 meters) wide for a one-way path. 2. Physically designated on-street bicycle lanes at least 5 feet (1.5 meters) wide. 3. Streets designed for a target speed of 25 mph (40km/h) or less.
Performance Monitoring
a continuous process of collecting and analyzing data to compare how well a project is working against expected results of the project based on performance indicators. the goal is use the indicators to achieve efficiency where possible
Energy Management System
a control system capable of monitoring environmental and system loads and adjusting HVAC operations accordingly in order to conserve energy while maintaining comfort (EPA)
vertical farm
a crop grown vertically instead of horizontally on the ground; aka a farmscraper (farm skyscraper) self-sustaining when systems of wastewater recycling and rainwater collection are established can be built new or erected in abandoned warehouses, buildings, and high-rises in urban areas
LEED core concepts guide
a guide that introduces green building fundamentals to serve as a foundation for more advanced study of green building and the LEED rating systems. It is one of the primary references candidates should study for the LEED green associate exam
sulfur dioxide (S02)
a highly reactive gas that is primarily produced through the combustion of fossil fuels at power generation plants and other processes at manufacturing facilities
Fossil Fuels
a hydrocarbon deposit, such as petroleum, coal or natural gas, derived from the accumulated remains of ancient plants and animals and used as fuel. carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases generated by burning these are considered to be one of the principle causes of global warming. these are non-renewable resources because they take millions of years to form, and reserves are being depleted much faster than new ones are being made
Zero net energy
a level of efficiency for a high-performance building that produces all the energy it uses and is so energy efficient, a renewable energy system can offset all or most of its annual energy consumption
primary references
a list of important reference sources presented in the LEED v4 Green Associate Candidate Handbook that an exam candidate should study as a basis for test day success
Albedo
a material's ability to reflect sunlight measured on a scale of 0 (black) to 1 (white). a value of 0.0 indicates that the surface absorbs all solar radiation and a value of 1.0 represents total reflectivity.
United States Green Building Council (USGBC)
a member based nonprofit organization whose mission is to transform the way buildings and communities are designed, built, and operated, enabling an environmentally and socially responsible, healthy and prosperous environment that improves the quality of life. the USGBC created the LEED rating system
Diversity of Houses
a mixture of sizes and cost of houses in an area that allows for a mixture of socioeconomic types of people in an area -- i.e. young families and older couples in a neighborhood
Non-renewable Resource
a natural resource that cannot be produced, re-grown, regenerated, or reused on a scale which can sustain its consumption rate. these resources often exist in a fixed amount, or are consumed much faster than nature can recreate them. fossil fuels (such as coal, petroleum, and natural gas) and nuclear fuel are some examples.
Leverage points
a point in a system in which a small change can yield large results aka "Prius effect" ex: when building occupants are provided with energy-use data, many will instinctively change their energy-use behavior
Wet Pond (retention pond)
a pond designed to hold a specific amount of water indefinitely
Energy Star Rating
a program that was first developed in 1992 by the US EPA as a method to identify and promote products that are energy efficient. products carrying this symbol provide a way for businesses and consumers to save money, while at the same time, protect our environment
Net-Zero Energy
a project that can produce all the energy it requires on site yet still might be connected to the regular utility grid, for example, using power from the grid when there is no wind, and providing power to the grid from wind turbines on windy days to the point where power used from the grid equals power given to the grid
Community Connectivity
a quantity between a site and the surrounding [area]. it is measured by pedestrian access to housing basic services such as restaurants, post offices, hospitals, libraries, etc.
Biomass
a renewable energy source, refers to plant matter grown to generate electricity or produce biofuel. it excludes organic material which has been transformed by geological processes into substances such as coal or petroleum
Waste Stream Audit
a review of consumables waste of a project. essentially, finding out what makes up the projects waste can help determine ways to increase recycling or reduce waste through other methods
Value Engineering
a review process that identifies and selects the lowest lifecycle cost options in design, materials and processes that achieves the desired level of performance, reliability and customer satisfaction
Vegetated (Green) Roof
a roof of a building that is partially or completely covered with vegetation and soil, or a growing medium, planted over a waterproofing membrane
Building Codes
a set of rules that specify the minimum acceptable level for safety for constructed objects such as buildings and non building structures. these protect public health, safety and general welfare as they relate to the construction and occupancy of buildings and structures. these are applied by contractors and architects and enforced by the issuing authority, such as city inspectors.
Greenfield
a site that is undeveloped and in a natural state or has been used for agriculture
Previously Developed Site
a site that was previously built on, has been graded, or contained a parking lot, roadway, or other structure
Reuse
a strategy to use existing materials in a similar or different capacity
Custodial Effectiveness Assessments
a survey of building occupants that asks questions about the green cleaning program and helps determine if occupants are exposed to pollutants
Negative Feedback Loop
a system where the output may signal the system to stop changing, i.e., a thermostat -- at a certain point the temp feedback will tell the system to cut off
Commissioning
a systematic process of assuring that a building and its systems performs in accordance with the design intent and the owner's requirements
Cradle to Cradle
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. an example of a closed system
British Thermal Unit (BTU)
a term used in the US to describe the heating or cooling capacity of a system or fuels. this is understood to represent [this]'s per hour when referring to power. this derives its measurement from the amount of energy it takes to raise the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit
design charrette
a useful tool where all project disciplines can come together to identify synergies between project systems, saving time and money in both the short and long term while optimizing resource use and lessening environmental impacts
Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan
a written plan that outlines strategies to reduce stormwater runoff for the purposes of reducing erosion, pollution and sedimentation of nearby bodies of water, especially important during construction where so much dirt, dust and waste are present
Carbon Neutrality
achieving net zero emissions by balancing the footprint with an equivalent amount of sequestered or offset green house gases
Green Washing
advertising a product or policy to be more beneficial to the environment than is true
LEED Green Associate Applications
agriculture, landscaping, and marketing (promote and advertise green practices, services, and products) -understands how to design products and implement polices, strategies, and programs that reduce negative impacts on the environment and can effectively communicate these efforts stay current with trends and advances in sustainability in respective fields
Heat Islands
air and surface temperature differences between developed and underdeveloped areas
Indoor Air Quality
air quality within buildings as it relates to the health and comfort of building occupants
Outdoor Air
air that enters into a building either naturally through pre-designed openings in the building or through the ventilation system
Life-Cycle assessments (LCA)
all environmental impacts associated with a material or product throughout its life cycle
Pedestrian Access
allowing pedestrians to walk between areas without interference from walls, highways or other barriers
Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs)
also known as green tags, RECs or tradable renewable certificates (TRCs) are tradable environmental commodities in the US which represent proof that 1 megawatt hour (MWh) of electricity was generated from an eligible renewable energy resource
Triple Bottom Line
an accounting framework that incorporates People, Profits, Planet stakeholder approach, not shareholder an integrative process integral to understanding the environmental impacts of the built environment choices that increase the triple bottom line of an organization can lead to an increase in market share because consumers want to buy products from companies that treat employees and the environment well
triple bottom line
an accounting framework that incorporates the social, environmental, and economic dimensions of an organization
Water Balance
an accounting of all water volumes that enter and leave a space over a period of time
biogas
an alternative fuel generated from decomposing organic matter, such as food and animal waste, which is processed in an anaerobic digester Provide the electricity and heat needed to power farms (excess energy produced can be sold back to the traditional energy supplier)
Carbon Footprint
an assessment of the greenhouse gases (which includes more than just CO2) emitted by a particular organization, project or activity
Transportation Demand Management
an attempt to reduce peak period transportation use, such as allowing flex time in which employees may come to work before or after rush hour
Soft Cost
an expense item that is not considered a direct construction cost. soft costs include architectural, engineering, financing, and legal fees, commissioning, and other pre- and post-construction expenses
Global Warming
an increase in the near surface temp of the earth. this has occurred in the distant past as the result of natural influences, but the term is most often used to refer to the warming predicted to occur as a result of increased emissions of greenhouse gases. increasing global temp. will cause sea levels to rise and will change the amount and pattern of precipitation, likely including an expanse of the subtropical desert regions. other likely effects include increases in the intensity of extreme weather events, changes in agricultural yields, modifications of trade routes, glacier retreat, species extinctions and increases in the ranges of disease
Aquifer
an underground layer of water-bearing permeable rock or unconsolidated materials (gravel, sand, silt or clay) from which groundwater can be usefully extracted using a water well. these are critically important in human habitation and agriculture. these deep in arid areas have long been water sources for irrigation. many villages and even large cities draw their water supply from wells in these
Contaminant
an unwanted airborne constituent that may reduce acceptability of the air (ASHRAE 62.1-2004)
Energy Conservation
any behavior that results in the use of less energy. examples: turning the lights off when you leave a room, and recycling aluminum cans are both ways to do this
Alternative Fuel Vehicle
any method of powering an engine that does not involve solely petroleum (e.g. electric car, petrol-electric hybrid, solar powered)
Fenestration
any opening in a building, such as windows, doors, skylights, curtain walls, etc., designed to permit the passage of air, light, vehicles, or people
Airborne Pollutant
any substance in air that could, in high enough concentration, harm man, other animals, vegetation, or material (EPA)
Pollutant
any substance introduced into the environment that adversely affects the usefulness of a resource or the health of humans, animals, or ecosystems (EPA)
Feedback loops
are the information flows within a system that allow the system to organize itself Example: when a thermostat indicates that the temp in the room is too warm it sends a signal to turn on the air conditioning
Building Footprint
area of the building as defined by the perimeter of the structure. parking lots, walkways, and landscaping are not included
Hardscape
areas where the upper soil is no longer exposed, including paved areas, walkways, fountains, etc.
Passive Design
building design that takes advantage of the local climate to provide some or all of the heating, cooling, lighting and ventilation needs of the occupants
High Performance Green Building
building that is energy and resource efficient
Biodegradable
capable of being decomposed by natural agents, especially bacteria
Erosion
carrying away or displacement of solids (sediment, soil, rock, and other particles) usually by the agents of currents such as wind, water, or ice by downward or down-slope movement in response to gravity
Street Grid Density
centerline miles/square mile, a centerline mile is measuring a particular road down its center. higher street grid densities are beneficial for pedestrians
Life-cycle approach
changed the way costs and impacts are viewed
Integrated Design
collaborative, facilitated approach to project design and execution. the approach invests in design activities that increase the opportunity for integrated solutions with an eye to better performance and life cycle savings
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
colorless, odorless gas that is present in the atmosphere and is formed when any fuel containing carbon is burned. it is breathed out of animal's lungs during respiration, is produced by the decay of organic matter, and is used by plants in photosynthesis
Baseline v. Actual Use
comparison between a standard gage and an actual result. in LEED, the [first part] usually refers to the EPAct 1992 water flow and flush rates while the [second part] would represent an existing building.
Volatile Organic Compound
compounds that have a high vapor pressure and low water solubility and therefore can enter the air easily. many VOCs are human-made chemicals that are used and produced in the manufacture of paints, pharmaceuticals, and refrigerants
Sustainable goals include:
conserving energy and water reducing resource depletion increasing indoor air quality reducing transportation emissions
Per-Consumer Content
content from industry scraps that was diverted from the waste stream and used for other purposes. examples include sawdust, wood shavings, wood chips, and print overruns. excluded are materials that are re-incorporated into the same manufacturing process that generated it
LEED Green Associate
credential created in 2009 as introduction to green building core concepts (perfect for non engineers) general knowledge of green design, construction, and operations
Smart Growth
developing in areas near transportation, housing, and jobs therefore leaving open spaces and farmland free from development
Infill Development
development that occurs within established urban areas where the site or area either is a vacant place between other developments or has previously been used for another urban purpose
Material Reuse
different term from adaptive reuse because materials are reused in a way that is the same of similar to how it was used before, i.e. saving doors in an old project to be used as doors in the new project. in LEED, this material is calculated as a percentage of total materials cost of the project.
Commissioning Plan
document that outlines the organization, schedule, allocation of resources, and documentation requirements of the commissioning process
Commissioning Report
documentation of the results of the commissioning process, including the as-built state of the HVAC system and any unresolved issues found at the time the commissioning process was completed
LEED Requirements and Submittals
each LEED credit has requirements that must be met and documentation that must be submitted to prove the credit requirements were met
LEED Rating System
encourages and accelerates global adoption of sustainable green building and development practices through the creation and implementation of universally understood and accepted tools and performance criteria (USGBC). there are multiple rating systems depending on the type of building project
Renewable Energy
energy generated from natural resources, such as sunlight, wind, tides and geothermal heat, which are naturally replenished
Engineering Technology
engineering technology focuses on application and implementation instead of theory and concepts (engineering) energy management and building controls are growing niches Building controls and automation are critical components of high-performance green buildings. HVAC- heating, ventilation, air conditioning, lighting, fire and security control systems and devices
Life Cycle Costing (LCC)
evaluation of the total cost of a building or product over its useful life, including initial, maintenance, repair and replacement costs as well as savings. LCC evaluates economic performance.
LEED Credit Checklist
excel spreadsheet that helps project teams track their credits against requirements for certification
Light Pollution
excessive or obtrusive artificial light that obscures the stars in the night sky for city dwellers, interferes with astronomical observatories, and like any other form of pollution, disrupts ecosystems and has adverse health effects
Building Envelope (building shell)
exterior surface of the building including all walls, windows, floor and roof. separates the building's inside from the outside
LEED history
first introduced in 1998
What are the diverse use categories?
food retail, community serving retail services, civic and community facilities, community anchor uses.
Benefits of LEED Green Associate
for both employer and individual; a gateway to new opportunities 1) a documented, up-to-date understanding of the most current green building principles & practices 2) increased employment opportunities and job security 3) enhanced communication skills related to sustainable building
greenhouse gases
gases that trap heat in the atmosphere. the most abundant is carbon dioxide (co2) and is release through the burning of fossil fuels and the manufacturing of cement
Sustainable Purchasing Policy
gives preference to the purchase of environmentally preferable products and the companies that supply them
GWP
global warming potential
Architecture
green residential and commercial buildings that minimize environmental impact use of energy models to predict energy-use outcomes in the schematic design phase
Construction
green roofs (with vegetation) can replace roofing shingles, tiles, and sheet metal fiber-cement siding is fire resistant and durable in replacing vinyl siding, which has negative affects on the environment Flow reducers (aerators) can be installed on faucets and shower heads to reduce water usage
Open Space
ground areas that are vegetated and pervious. green roofs can be considered open space but only for urban areas
Indoor Air Quality Building Education and Assessment Model (I-BEAM)
guidance tool designed for use by building professionals to help manage indoor air quality in commercial buildings, which should be a part of indoor air quality management plans
volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
harmful organic chemical compounds that evaporate under normal indoor temperature and pressure conditions and are released by synthetic materials such as flooring, wall-coverings, furniture and paints, adhesives and sealants
Transportation
has a tremendous impact on the environment due to harmful vehicle emissions that deplete the ozone layer and contribute to global warming current trends include reducing vehicle emissions through use of electric and alternative fuel vehicles and promoting the use of alternative means of transport such as public transportation, carpooling, and car-sharing programs
Environmentally Preferable Products
have a lesser or reduced effect on human health and the environment when compared with competing products or services that serve the same purpose. this comparison may consider raw materials acquisition, production, manufacturing, packaging, distribution, reuse, operation, maintenance or disposal of the product or service (EPA)
Cooling Tower
heat removal devices used to transfer process waste heat to the atmosphere. large office buildings, hospitals, and schools typically use one or more of these as part of their air conditioning systems
HVAC System
heating, ventilating and air conditioning. these systems seek to provide thermal comfort and acceptable indoor air quality
LEED Category
how prerequisites and credits are grouped depending on the building type and rating system
Built Environment
human made surroundings that provide the setting for human activity, ranging in scale from personal shelter and buildings to neighborhoods and cities
Thermal Comfort
human thermal comfort is defined by ASHRAE as the state of mind that expresses satisfaction with the surrounding environment (ASHRAE Standard 55). maintaining thermal comfort for occupants of buildings or other enclosures is one of the important goals of HVAC design engineers
HCFC
hydrochlorofluorocarbons that are used in refrigerants and propellants that are known to deplete the ozone layer
Factoid: American Physical Society
if current and emerging cost-effective energy efficiency measures are employed in new and existing buildings as their HVAC and lighting equipment are replaced, the growth in energy demand from the building sector could fall from a projected 30% increase to zero between now and 2030
Location
in green building, location includes the natural context (climate, plants, wind, sun) the social context (cultural history, traditions, local regulations), and an infrastructural context (roads, local materials, utilities, public transit)
Implementation phase of Integrative process
in this phase, team members compile and analyze the results of research performed during the discovery phase relating to system interactions between disciplines
Solar Reflectance Index (SRI)
indicates a material's ability to reject solar heat and is the combined value of reflectivity and emittance. measurements vary from 100 (standard white surface, most reflective), to 0 (standard black surface, least reflective). materials with the highest SRI values are the coolest choices for paving
Invasive Plants
indigenous or exotic plants that spread outside cultivated areas and can damage environmental or economical resources. they grow quickly and aggressively, spreading and displacing other plants
Feedback Loop
info of a result of a system returning to the system so that the system can make appropriate modifications. think of a thermostat reading the indoor air temp. info must flow to make [this]. without info, changes are less likely to happen
Insurance & Banking
insurance companies and banks have begun to offer special policies and loans tailored toward green projects
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
investigation and valuation of the environmental impacts of a given product or service. LCA evaluates environmental performance. this view takes into account the whole life of a product or project (not assessing it from a single point in time)
Drip Irrigation
method which minimizes the use of water and fetilizer by allowing water to drip slowly to the roots of plants, either onto the soil surface or directly onto the root zone, through a network of valves, pipes, tubing and emitters
What is Green -e?
is a program established to promote green electricity products
xeriscaping
landscaping designed to reduce or eliminate potable water use in irrigation through the use of native and adapted plant species in plantings to create a self-sustaining garden
What additional green building project and building construction budget are there?
life cycle cost analysis, green building experts, contingency plans for additional research.
Light Trespass
light that passes beyond the project boundary, i.e. parking lot lighting that passes into a park next to the project
Greenhouse Gases
like carbon dioxide or methane, which contributes to potential climate change
Environmental Sustainability
long term maintenance of ecosystem components and functions for future generations (EPA)
Alternative Fuel
low-polluting, non-gasoline fuels such as electricity, hydrogen, propane, compressed natural gas, liquid natural gas, methanol, and ethanol.
HFC-404A
low-temp refrigeration
Impervious Surfaces
mainly artificial structures--such as pavements (roads, sidewalks, driveways and parking lots) that are covered by impenetrable (impervious) materials such as asphalt, concrete, brick, and stone--and rooftops. soils compacted by urban development are also highly impervious. these surfaces promote stormwater runoff instead of absorption into the ground.
Culinary & Hospitality
many chefs and restaurant managers understand the importance of sustainable practices including locally grown food (farm-to-table practice) and produce from aeroponic gardens ex: recycling cooking grease and food trimmings or conversion into organic compost or biogas -induction cooktops transfer 90% of heat to pots (electric cooktops only transfer 70% of heat to pots) (gas cooktops only transfer 35-40% of heat to pots) hotels: high-efficiency laundry machines to reduce water usage for laundry, tinted windows and digital thermostats for reduced energy consumption; composting
Marketing & PR
many companies articulate and promote their green efforts through accurate and effective communication to employees, shareholders, boards, communities and consumers
Regional Material
material that is sourced and manufactured within 500 miles of the project. usually expressed as a percentage of total project material
Byproduct
material, other than the principle product, generated as a consequence of an industrial process or as a breakdown product in a living system (EPA)
Rapidly Renewable Materials
materials and products are made from plants that are typically harvested within a 10 year cycle or shorter and are grown and harvested sustainably
Base Building
materials and products that make up the building or are permanently and semi-permanently installed in the project (e.g. flooring, casework, wall coverings).
Salvaged Materials
materials from construction sites or existing buildings that are reused in the same or different capacity. examples can include flooring, brick, beams, and doors
Metering
measuring the amount of resources used over a period of time, such as water or electricity
Sustainable
meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs (EPA)
Network Involvement LEED Green Associate
membership into a growing network composed of organizations and individuals who have joined together to achieve long-term economic benefits of green building, to conserve resources, and to promote the health and welfare of building occupants and community members
Submeter
meters placed on smaller portions of a larger system, i.e. submeteres monitoring water use on each floor of a project
Zoning
method of land use regulation used by local governments in most developed countries. zoning may be use-based (regulating the uses to which land may be put), or it may regulate building height, lot coverage, and similar characteristics, or some combination of these
LEED Pilot Credit Library
potential credits and categories that may be used in upcoming versions of the LEED rating systems
Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS)
mixture of smoke from the burning end of a cigarette, pipe, or cigar and smoke exhaled by the smoker
Native or Indigenous Plants
native plants are adapted to local conditions and are easier to grow and maintain. this low-maintenance approach means savings in both time and money. once established, native plants better withstand variations in local climate such as droughts and freezes
Graywater (Greywater)
non-industrial wastewater generated from domestic processes such as dish washing, laundry and bathing. some states and local authorities allow kitchen sink water to be included. check local codes in order to comply with local regulations.
Adaptive Plant
non-native plants that use less fertilizer, pesticides and water in a given landscape. these plants have adapted to the local climate and are not considered invasive plants or weeds.
Specialized communications skills
not only understanding the basic concepts of sustainable design, construction, and operation, but can also articulate them effectively to other LEED professionals, clients, coworkers, employers, and organizations.
ODP
ozone depleting potential
Chiller
part of a refrigeration system, a machine that removes heat from liquid via a vapor-compression or absorption refrigeration cycle
Site Assessment
part of integrative process which clearly shows the project teams the properties of the site, including topography, hydrology, soil types, water availability, and human health effects
LEED Intent
part of the LEED rating system, which specifies the environmental goal of each LEED credit
LEED Credit
part of the LEED rating system. projects earn points by meeting the requirements of optional credits in order to earn points towards certification
LEED Prerequisites
part of the LEED rating system. within each LEED category there are prerequisites and credits. prerequisites must be met for building certification.
Mass Transit
passenger transportation services which are available for use by the general public, such as trains, subways and busses
Open Grid Pavement
pavement that is less than 50% impervious and contains vegetation in the open cells
Occupancy phase of Integrative Process
performance assessment mechanisms are used to measure actual building performance against expectations after the building is occupied
Urban planners
plan for land use within a city to accommodate growing populations, revitalization areas, create community hubs, and attract certain businesses make "sustainable cities"
Construction Waste Management Plan
plan that covers how waste will be either disposed or reused or recycled by addressing sorting, collection, and final disposal of items used in the construction or renovation process
Solid Waste Management Policy
plan that identifies a diversion rate goal and covers how waste will be either disposed or reused or recycled by addressing sorting, collection, and final disposal of items in an existing building
Indoor Environmental Quality Management Plan
plan that takes into consideration all aspects of the indoor environment and documents strategies to protect the quality of the indoor environment for occupants, especially important during construction and renovations
Acid Rain
precipitation that is usually acidic. it has harmful effects on plants, aquatic animals, and infrastructure. it is mostly caused by human emissions of sulfur and nitrogen compounds which react in the atmosphere to produce acids. in recent years, many governments have introduced laws to reduce these emissions.
Prime Farmland
previously undeveloped land that is suited for agriculture
Brownfields
previously used or redeveloped land that may be contaminated with hazardous waste or pollution (USGBC). the land has the potential to be reused once any hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants are remediated
Credit Interpretation Rulings (CIRs)
process for project teams to obtain technical guidance on how LEED requirements pertain to their projects
Agrifiber Product
products made from agricultural fiber such as wheat board and straw board
LEED Technical Advisory Groups (TAG)
provide a consistent source of sound technical advice with respect to products, tools and services. TAGs act in an advisory capacity in responding to credit interpretation requests (CIRs), credit rulings and credit ruling appeals while maintaining consistency, integrity, and technical rigor in the development of LEED (USGBC)
Harvested Rainwater
rainwater that has been collected for uses such as landscaping irrigation, toilet flushing, or other non-potable water uses
Strategies for Rainwater Management in Operations and Maintenance
redirect water: rain gardens, bioswales harvest rain water
Landscaping
reduce or eliminate potable water use in irrigation through the planting of native and adapted species of vegetation and use of other water-conserving techniques benefits of xeriscaping: -reduced need for water, fertilizers, pesticides, and lawn-maintenance equipment -better water quality through soil erosion control -damage resistance to freezing, drought, and diseases -flood and drought moderation -long root stems that hold soil in place
Regenerative buildings
refers to closed systems that use only as much water and energy as they produce *most systems in the built environment are open systems, producing waste, pollution, and sewage
How does the network contribute to green building and sustainability?
through teaching, research, leadership, service, and advocacy can also assist in professional advancement
Imperviousness
resistance to penetration by a liquid and is calculated as the percentage of area covered by a paving system that does not allow moisture to soak into the ground
LEED Credit Interpretation Ruling (CIR)
ruling process for project applicants seeking technical and administrative guidance on how LEED credits apply to their projects and vice versa. (USGBC) LEED interpretations are the result of a CIR and may determine how future project teams use LEED
Waste Diversion
see also diversion rate, waste materials diverted from traditional disposal such as landfills or incineration to be recycled, composted, or re-used. (EPA) measured in tons
Waste Management Plan
see construction waste management plan
Biofuel
solid, liquid or gaseous fuel derived from relatively recently dead biological material and is distinguished from fossil fuels, which are derived from long dead biological material
MERV or Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value
standard comparison of the efficiency of an air filter. MERV ranges from 1 (least) to 16 (most efficient), and measures a filter's ability to remove particles from 3 to 10 microns in size. developed by ASHRAE
Refrigerant
substances used to transfer heat during the mechanical cooling process within air conditioning and refrigerator systems. they act as the heat carrier which changes from gas to liquid and then back to gas in the refrigeration cycle
Integrated pest management (IPM)
sustainable approach that combines knowledge about pests, nature, pest prevention, and control methods that minimize pest infestation and damage while minimizing hazards to the building occupants, property, and environment
Business, management, and finance
sustainable business practices have an impact on profits, stakeholders, and the community; can be employed in nearly ALL supply chain activities- manufacturing, operations, materials and resources, and transportation when managers incorporate sustainability concepts into their business decisions, tremendous cost savings are realized global companies -save billions every year through reductions in energy, water, and material resources
Air Conditioning
system or process for controlling the temperature, humidity, and sometimes the purity of the air in an interior space (office, warehouse, residence)
Open System
system that constantly takes in items from outside the system, used them and then released them as waste. this system has no feedback loop. think of a normal home where groceries, products, or water come into the house, are used and then released as wastewater or garbage
Market Transformation
systematic improvements in a market or segment of a market to achieve a lasting share of energy-efficient products and services, i.e. high efficiency washers replacing regular washing machines in the U.S.
Negative feedback loops
systems self-correct and stay within a particular set of parameters an output may signal the system to stop changing (ex: a thermostat is sent to a controller to turn on the AC)
Prometric
the 3rd party exam proctor
Heat Island Effect
the ability of dark, non-reflective paved areas-city streets, rooftops, and sidewalks-to absorb and radiate heat, making urban areas and the surrounding suburbs noticeably hotter than rural towns nearby. other contributors include reduced airflow due to tall buildings and narrow streets, calm and sunny weather, and auto exhaust
Integrated Process
the act of having separate stakeholders or designers work together to ensure the project is benefiting from synergy which allows for greater levels of sustainability throughout the project's life
LEED AP
the advanced level of LEED credentials that requires an advanced knowledge in green building as well as expertise in a particular LEED rating system
Baseline Building Performance
the annual energy cost for a building design, used as a baseline for comparison with above-standard design.
Photovoltaic Energy (PV)
the application of solar cells for energy by converting sunlight directly into electricity
Development Footprint
the area of the project site that has been disturbed for development. this area includes the building footprint, hardscapes, and parking lots
Site Disturbance
the area of the project site that is impacted by construction activity, LEED project should attempt to limit site disturbance
Baseline v. Design
the comparison between a standard gage and the estimated in a building's design scenario. in LEED, the [first word] usually refers to the EPAct 1992 water flow and flush rates
Indoor Environmental Quality
the concept that takes into consideration all impacts of the indoor environment on human health and performance, including indoor air quality, daylighting and views, and visual and thermal comfort.
C2 knowledge domains
the content areas of the LEED green associate exam that reflect the rating systems' credit categories and what an exam candidate needs to know, including concepts such as the LEED process, integrative strategies, LEED credit categories, and project surroundings and public outreach
Integrated Pest Management
the coordinated use of pest and environmental info with available pest control methods to prevent unacceptable levels of pest damage by the most economical means and with the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment
block length
the distance along a block face; specifically, the distance from and intersecting Right-of-way (ROW) edge along a block face, when that face is adjacent to a qualifying circulation network segment, to the next ROW edge intersecting that block face, except for intersecting alley ROWs.
Average LED Intensity (ADI)
the illumination output for light-emitting diode lamps, as specified in the international commission o illumination Standard 127-2007.
Basis of Design (BOD)
the information necessary to accomplish the owner's project requirements, including system descriptions, indoor environment quality criteria, design assumptions, and references to applicable codes, standards, regulations, and guidelines.
Integrative process credit
the intent is to support high-performance, cost-effective project outcomes two preliminary analyses: an energy model analysis and a water budget analysis a credit in all rating systems EXCEPT neighborhood development (LEED ND) and building operations and maintenance (LEED O+M)
Pollution
the introduction of contaminants into an environment that causes instability, disorder, harm or discomfort to the physical systems or living organisms
Post-Consumer Recycled Content
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 (furniture, cabinetry, decking), and landscaping waste (leaves, grass clippings, tree trimmings). (ISO14021)
Diversion Rate
the percentage of waste materials diverted from traditional disposal such as landfilling or incineration to be recycled, composted or reused (EPA)
Irrigation Efficiency
the percentage of water volume beneficially used by plants to the volume of water delivered through an irrigation system. water wasted would evaporate, fall on hardscapes, or runoff. drip irrigation is the most efficient with a 90% irrigation efficiency rating
LEED Project Boundary
the portion of the project site submitted for LEED certification. for multiple building developments, the LEED project boundary may be a portion of the development as determined by the project team
Green Building
the practice of creating structures and using processes that are environmentally responsible and resource efficient throughout a building's life cycle from siting to design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation and deconstruction. this practice expands to include environmental, social and economic concerns.
Daylighting
the practice of placing windows, or other transparent media, and reflective surfaces so that, during the day, natural light provides effective internal illumination
Discovery phase of Integrative process
the predesign phase; before schematic design begins the most critical phase methods to reduce potable water loads and energy by assessing and estimating the potential non-potable water supply sources and water demand volume
Water Pollution
the presence in water of enough harmful or objectionable material to damage the water's quality (EPA)
lean process improvement
the principle of continuously improving any process through the elimination of waste in every step of manufacturing
Lean process improvement
the principle of continuously improving any process through the elimination of waste in every step of manufacturing -excess material byproducts, production overruns, excess energy, and other resources such as inefficient use of time
Adaptive Reuse
the process of adapting old structures for purposes other than those initially intended. this saves on new materials needed. ex: warehouse turned into condos. also refers to the design of a new building with consideration to what it could be used for in the future.
Rainwater Harvesting
the process of collecting (commonly from a roof), storing and using rainwater
Building Commissioning
the process of verifying, in new construction, that all the systems and subsystems are efficiently designed and installed properly to achieve the owner's project requirements and as designed by the building architects and engineers.
Ventilation Rate
the rate at which indoor air enters and leaves a building, usually expressed in LEED as the number of changes of outdoor air per hour (air changes per hour or "ach") ASHRAE 62 prescribes proper ventilation rates to ensure pollutants and carbon dioxide are removed from a space
Floor Area Ratio
the relationship between the total building floor area and the allowable land area the building can cover (USGBC)
Green Cleaning
the use of environmentally friendly ingredients and chemicals for household, manufacturing and industrial cleaning. these techniques and products avoid the use of chemically reactive and toxic cleaning products which contain various toxic chemicals, some of which emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
Energy Efficient
the use of technology that requires less energy to perform the same function. a compact fluorescent light bulb that uses less energy than an incandescent bulb to produce the same amount of light is an example. the decision to replace an incandescent light bulb with a compact fluorescent is an example of energy conservation.
Biodiversity
the variation in life forms within a given ecosystem or for the entire earth. this is often used as a measure of the health of biological systems.
Positive Feedback loops
these are self-reinforcing; the stimulus causes an effect, and the effect produces even more of that same effect I.E. Population growth is a positive feedback loop - the more babies born, the more people in the population to have more babies
Square Footage of a Building
total area in square feet of all spaces in a building, including rooms, stairwells, elevators and hallways
Development Density
total square footage of buildings in a particular area divided by acre amount of the same area, expressed as SF/Acre, for example 20,000 SF per acre
Blackwater
treatment and definitions vary. in some jurisdictions, this is wastewater generated from toilet flushing; in others, it includes water from kitchen sinks or laundry facilities. it is distinct from greywater or sullage, the residues of washing processes. check with local codes for the area's definition
Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL)
type of lamp designed to replace an incandescent lamp and fit into existing light fixtures formerly used for incandescent bulbs. compared to incandescent lamps giving the same amount of visible light, these generally use less power, have a longer rated life, but a higher purchase price.
Underground Parking
under building, tuck-under, or a stacked parking structure that minimizes the need for exposed parking and parking lots
Gallons per Flush
unit of measurement by which flow rate of toilets and other flushing devices such as urinals are measured and regulated
Gallons per Minute
unit of measurement by which flowing devices such as faucets and showers are measured and regulated
Energy Use Intensity (EUI)
unit of measurement that describes a building's energy use relative to its size. it's calculated by taking the total energy consumed in one year in kBTUs and dividing it by total floorspace of the building. a low number signifies good energy performance
Waterless Urinal
urinals that do not use water at all. these systems can save anywhere between 15000 and 45000 gallons of water per urinal per year
Carbon Overlay Tool
used by the USGBC to weight credits in the LEED system. credits that reduce the greenhouse gas emissions are given more weight than those that do not
Sick Building Syndrome
used to describe situations in which building occupants experience acute health and comfort effects that appear to be linked to time spent in a building, but no specific illness or cause can be identified
Life-cycle Costing (LCC)
used to determine the most cost-effective option among competing alternatives based on the costs of the options throughout their life cycle
Natural (or passive) Ventilation
uses the natural forces of wind and buoyancy to deliver fresh air into buildings through doors, windows or other designed opening (chimneys)
On-Site Wastewater Treatment
using local systems to treat waste generated on-site and avoid adding waste to public facilities
Adapted Plant
vegetation that is not native to a particular region but that has characteristics that allow it to live in the area. Adapted plants do not pose the same problems as invasive species.
Hybrid Vehicle
vehicle which has both a gas powered engine and an electric engine to achieve better fuel economy and lower emissions
Glare
very harsh, bright, dazzling light that interferes with visibility
Systems Thinking
viewing the world as an interrelated set of systems that can influence one another
Construction and Demolition Debris
waste building materials, dredging materials, tree stumps, and rubble resulting from [first word], remodeling, repair, and [second word] of homes, commercial buildings and other structures and pavements
Evapotranspiration
water leaving plants and soil returning back to the atmosphere
Non-Potable Water
water that is not treated to drinking water standards and is not meant for human consumption
Potable Water
water that is of sufficiently high quality so that it can be consumed or utilized without risk of immediate of long term harm by humans or animals
Stormwater Runoff
water that originates from precipitation that enters the stormwater system
Conventional Irrigation
watering using above ground sprinkler heads
Flush-Out
when large amounts of outdoor air are forced through a recently completed building for a period of time so that the majority of pollutant emissions from building materials, finishes and furnishings can be removed from the building before occupancy. LEED requires a min. 2 week period to occur after construction and before occupancy.
Building Related Illness
when symptoms of diagnosable illness are identified and can be attributed to airborne building contaminants (EPA)
Composite Wood (engineered lumber)
wood manufactured by binding together the strands, particles, fibers, or veneers of wood, together with adhesives, to form [first word] materials
Energy and Atmosphere EA (10 Questions)
• Building loads (e.g., building components, space usage [private office; individual space; shared multi-occupant spaces]) • Energy efficiency (e.g., basic concepts of design, operational energy efficiency, commissioning, energy auditing) • Alternative and renewable energy practices (e.g., demand response, renewable energy, green power, carbon offsets) • Energy performance management (e.g., energy use measurement and monitoring; building automation controls/advanced energy metering; operations and management; benchmarking; ENERGY STAR®) • Environmental concerns (e.g., sources and energy resources; greenhouse gases; global warming potential; resource depletion; ozone depletion)
task domains
• Communicate broad and basic green building concepts to team or colleagues • Research and create a library of sustainable building materials • Assist others with sustainability goals • Create project profiles/case studies/press release • Serve as a green advocate to clients, team members, & general public (e.g. why green building) • Stay current on any updates to LEED and green strategies in general • Navigate in LEED Online • Assist project leader with LEED correspondence to all project team members (consultants, contractors, owner, etc.) • Assist in managing documentation process • Assist in managing timeline of LEED certification
Project Surroundings and Public Outreach (11 Questions)
• Environmental impacts of the built environment (e.g. energy and resource use in conventional buildings; necessity of green buildings; environmental externalities; triple bottom line) • Codes (e.g., relationship between LEED® and codes [building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, fire protection]; green building codes) • Values of sustainable design (e.g., energy savings over time; healthier occupants; money-saving incentives; costs [hard costs, soft costs]; life-cycle) • Regional design (e.g., regional green design and construction measures as appropriate, regional emphasis should be placed in Sustainable Sites and Materials & Resources)
Indoor Environmental Quality (8 Questions)
• Indoor air quality (e.g., ventilation levels; tobacco smoke control; management of and improvements to indoor air quality; low-emitting materials; green cleaning) • Lighting (e.g., electric lighting quality, daylight) • Sound (e.g., acoustics) • Occupant comfort, health, and satisfaction (e.g., controllability of systems, thermal comfort design, quality of views, assessment/survey)
Integrative Strategies (8 Questions)
• Integrative process (e.g., early analysis of the interrelationships among systems; systems thinking; charettes) • Integrative project team members (e.g., architect, engineer, landscape architect, civil engineer, contractor, facility manager, etc.) • Standards that support LEED (e.g., breadth not depth of American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Engineers [ASHRAE]; Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association [SMACNA] guidelines; Green Seal, ENERGY STAR®, HERs, Reference Standards listed in ACPs, etc.)
Knowledge domains (16 q)
• Organization fundamentals (e.g. mission/vision; non-profit; role of USGBC/GBCI) • Structure of LEED rating systems (e.g., credit categories, prerequisites, credits and/or Minimum Program Requirements for LEED Certification) • Scope of each LEED rating system (e.g., rating system selection; rating system families [BD+C, ID+C, O+M, ND, Homes]) • LEED development process (e.g., consensus based; stakeholder and volunteer involvement; rating system updates/evolution) • Credit categories (e.g., goals and objectives of each [LT, SS, WE, EA, MR, EQ, IN, RP]; synergies) • Impact categories (e.g. what should a LEED project accomplish?) • LEED certification process (e.g. certification levels [Certified, Silver, Gold, Platinum]; LEED Scorecard; 3rd party verification; role of documentation submission; LEED Interpretations; Addenda; awareness of different system versions [e.g., LEED Online]) Components of LEED Online and Project Registration • Other rating systems - (e.g., in general what other rating systems are out there?)
Water Efficiency (9 Questions)
• Outdoor water use (e.g., use of graywater/rainwater in irrigation; use of native and adaptive species) • Indoor water use (e.g., concepts of low flow/waterless fixtures; water-efficient appliances; types and quality) • Water performance management (e.g., measurement and monitoring)
Materials and Resources (9 Questions)
• Reuse (e.g., building reuse, material reuse, interior reuse, furniture reuse) • Life-cycle impacts (e.g., concept of life-cycle assessment; material attributes; human and ecological health impacts; design for flexibility) • Waste (e.g., construction and demolition; maintenance and renovation; operations and ongoing; waste management plan) • Purchasing and declarations (e.g., purchasing policies and plans; environmental preferable purchasing (EPP); building product disclosure and optimization [i.e., raw materials sourcing; material ingredients; environmental product disclosure])
Sustainable Sites SS (7 Questions)
• Site assessment (e.g., environmental assessment, human impact) • Site design and development (e.g., construction activity pollution prevention; habitat LEED® Green Associate™ Candidate Handbook 13 conservation and restoration; exterior open space; rainwater management; exterior lighting; heat island reduction)
Location and Transportation (7 Questions)
• Site selection (e.g. targeting sites in previously developed and brownfields/highpriority designation area, avoiding sensitive habitat, located in areas with existing infrastructure and nearby uses, reduction in parking footprint) • Alternative transportation (e.g., type, access, and quality; infrastructure and design)
References
• U.S. Green Building Council. Green Building and LEED Core Concepts Guide. 3rd Edition. U.S. Green Building Council, 2011. • U.S. Green Building Council. Introductory and Overview Sections. LEED Building Design + Construction Reference Guide. v4 Edition. U.S. Green Building Council, 2013. *Note that the introductory and overview sections are available to download separately from purchasing the full reference guide. • U.S. Green Building Council. LEED v4 Impact Category and Point Allocation Process Overview. U.S. Green Building Council, 2013 • U.S. Green Building Council. LEED v4 User Guide. U.S. Green Building Council, 2013. • U.S. Green Building Council. Guide to LEED Certification: Commercial. U.S. Green Building Council, 2014. • "LEED Certification Fees." U.S. Green Building Council, 2014. • "Rating System Selection Guidance." U.S. Green Building Council, 2014. • "Addenda Database." U.S. Green Building Council.
