LEED Practice test III
If there are 3 LEED professionals, an architect, a construction person and an engineer, how can their expertise be most directly awarded in LEED? 2 Points for the integrative design process 3 Points for having 3 LEED AP+ working on the project 1 Points for having a LEED AP+ working on the project 1 Point for a LEED consultant being involved in the project
1 Points for having a LEED AP+ working on the project A max of 1 point can be rewarded for having the appropriate LEED AP+ Specialty working on the corresponding project type
Water is becoming an increasingly finite resource as we pollute our sources. What percentage of the United States' water usage can be attributed to buildings, including landscaping? 5% 20% 12% 25%
12% In the U.S., buildings account for 12% of the total water usage.
Green building design attempts to reduce emissions from out buildings and transportation systems, which produce about ______ of combined global emissions? 2/4 1/4 2/3 1/2 3/4
2/3 Around 40% of GHG emissions are due to buildings and around 30% from transportation which equals around two-thirds of total GHG emissions
How many LEED rating systems are there? 21 10 5 19
21 BD+C = 10ID+C = 3O+M = 6ND = 2 Total= 21
If 16 people work for 4 hours a day, 20 people work for 6 hours a day and 10 people work for 8 hours a day, how many FTEs are there? 33 32 6 7 264
33 [(16×4)+(20×6)+(10×8)] / 8 hr/day= 33 1 FTE = 8 hour/day or = 40 hour per week use the day rate
Commercial construction is responsible for what percentage of all carbon dioxide emissions in the U.S.? 14% 38% 72% 50%
38% Nation-wide, the construction of conventional buildings is accountable for the following: 14% of potable water consumption; 30% of waste output; 40% of raw materials use; 38% of carbon dioxide emissions; 24% to 50% of energy use; and 72% of electricity consumption. According to a survey by the GSA for 12 of their green buildings, green buildings account for the following percentages on a national scale: 26% less energy usage; 33% lower emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2); 13% lower maintenance costs; and 27% higher levels of occupant satisfaction.
How many points does a project need to become exactly LEED Certified? 80 50 40 60
40 Focus on the capital C here as it refers to the lowest certification level - LEED Certified at 40 points
Looking at the LEED rating system, it is very complex with many different paths to achieve each credit. Some even have an LPE option. What is an LPE? A LEED Pilot credit A Letter of Potential Excellence A LEED Accredited Professional A Licensed Professional Exemption
A Licensed Professional Exemption A Licensed Professional Exemption (LPE) is an optional credit documentation path in which professionals can submit license information and a declaration of compliance in lieu of a number of otherwise required submittals. Credit forms automatically recognize and link Licensed Professional (LP) information from user account data when that user accesses the credit form. LP Information must be identified on the "My Account Page" of the user's account, or during user registration. This information is visible on a project's "Team Administration" page, but can only be added or changed from the "My Account" page. For LPE paths with multiple sign-offs, more than one team member may be assigned to the credit or prerequisite for signatures (see "Assign Credits"). Note: It is not required that the LP be a LEED AP. LPE streamlined paths are available to: Professional Engineers (PE) Registered Architects (RA) Registered Landscape Architects (RLA) Registered Interior Designers (RID)
"Location, location, location!" Location is a very important item for LEED in multiple credit categories. Which location choice can unexpectedly reduce the demand for new materials in a project? A mixed-use development built on a greenfield A sprawled single-home residence A multi-building office project with single-story buildings A dense, mixed-use neighborhood
A dense, mixed-use neighborhood The greater the density of a project, the more environmentally friendly it is. Putting more people into a single building is better than taking up additional land space for multiple buildings for the same number of people. A mixed-use project, such as one with apartments on top of retail stores, uses less material overall because residential and retail are not in separated into stand-alone buildings. Building fewer stand-alone buildings means fewer new materials used. Finally, dense building requires fewer roads and related infrastructure, saving more materials.
Which of the following statements is an accurate description of a stakeholder meeting? A meeting where research is conducted about materials A meeting with everyone that has a vested interest in the outcome of a project An intense workshop to solve a problem or plan the design of something that includes the project team and stakeholders A meeting where engineers work together to discover new synergies
A meeting with everyone that has a vested interest in the outcome of a project If you do not know what a stakeholder meeting is, simply think about what the word "stakeholder" means on its own — someone who has a vested interest in the project.
What was missing in the green building industry that the USGBC, along with LEED, has filled? A system and organization to spread green building information A certification award to encourage interest in the real estate industry An oversight organization to bring together all parts of the green building industry A standard measurement and definition of green building
A standard measurement and definition of green building After the formation of the USGBC, it was determined that the industry was lacking a way to define a green building through a third-party verification system.
Temperature, air speed, and humidity are addressed by which standard? ASHRAE 90.1-2010 ASHRAE 55-2010 ASHRAE 52.2-2007 ASHRAE 62.1-2010
ASHRAE 55-2010 ASHRAE Standard 55-2010 establishes the six factors that affect thermal comfort, air temperature, radiant temperature, air velocity, humidity, clothing insulation, and metabolic heat.The others:• ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2010: ventilation (minimum rates)• ASHRAE Standard 52.2-2007: ventilation (air filters)• ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2010: energy efficiency
A new project is being built in an area with a high number of dwelling units per acre and as a result, is within walkable proximity to a number of diverse uses, mitigating environmental impacts from: (CHOOSE 2) Groundwater pollution due to construction Bicycle pollution Water pollution and sedimentation of nearby streams Air pollution Greenhouse gas
Air pollution + Greenhouse gas Locating a project near diverse uses helps promote walkability, increase transportation efficiency, and reduce vehicle distance travelled while improving public health. Environmental impacts from greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution negatively affect public health.
Select one low-cost structural incentive that a municipality can give to a developer to encourage green building? Permit fee waivers Tax credits Allowing increases in the floor-area ratio Green building grants
Allowing increases in the floor-area ratio Local zoning codes cover floor-area ratios, and thus could be set by municipalities. The rest are financial, not structural, incentives.For more information about different incentives please read here: http://leadinggreen.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Green-Building-Incentive-Strategies.pdf. Other structural incentives include:• Expedited review/permitting process• Density and height bonuses Financial incentives include:• Tax credits• Fee reductions/waivers• Grants• Revolving loan funds (low-interest loans) Non-financial incentives include:• Technical assistance• Marketing assistance
Minimum program requirements and prerequisites must be met if a building wants to eventually become LEED certified. Which of the following situations would not be eligible? (CHOOSE 2) An existing building project that uses CFC-based refrigerants without having a CFC phase-out plan A new building project that uses hydrocarbons (HCs) as refrigerants A building that has a phase out place for CFCs within 5 years of completion at a maximum of 5% leakage A building that specifies only benign refrigerants A new building project that uses CFC-based refrigerants An existing building with strictly natural refrigeration
An existing building project that uses CFC-based refrigerants without having a CFC phase-out plan + A new building project that uses CFC-based refrigerants Existing buildings must have CFC phase-out plans for LEED certification and new buildings cannot use CFC-based refrigerants. This is called Fundamental Refrigerant Management in LEED.
A Building Automation System can help the facility manager reduce impacts from all of the following except: Water heating Automobile engines Lighting Heating Cooling
Automobile engines Automobile engines are not a part of the building, and thus are not tracked using a BAS.
LEED for Neighborhood Development has two rating systems within it. It also has some unique credit categories. Which one of the following is not one of them? Green Infrastructure and Buildings Awareness and Education Neighborhood Pattern and Design Innovation Smart Location and Linkage
Awareness and Education In the commercial building rating systems, the topics of Awareness and Education are covered under the Innovation category.
Which of the following can a project do to minimize its certification review fees? Become a USGBC corporate member Ensure that a LEED Fellow acts as the project administrator Involve a LEED AP at the early stages of the project Achieve all the LEED credits
Become a USGBC corporate member USGBC corporate members receive certification discounts.
Which is a renewable resource? Fossil Fuels Clean Coal Biomass Natural Gas
Biomass
It is understood that parking leads to a variety of negative environmental effects. How can a project minimize its amount of parking spaces? (CHOOSE 3) Building in places near transit Providing ACEEE vehicles for building occupants Instituting transportation demand management strategies Selecting a site in a dense and diverse area Excluding preferred parking spaces from the LEED project boundary Discouraging off-site parking
Building in places near transit + Instituting transportation demand management strategies +Selecting a site in a dense and diverse area Transportation demand strategies like telecommuting, compressed workweeks, or providing shuttle services between the site and commercial/residential centers can reduce single-occupancy. Diverse, mixed-use areas of high density are usually served by mass transit.
The material specification team requires information on the environmental impact of a manufacturer's extraction operations and the product's supply chain. How can this be found? By ensuring that the product is LEED approved By reviewing the product's health product declaration By reviewing the manufacturer's corporate sustainability report By ensuring that the manufacturer's company is a USGBC member By conducting a life-cycle assessment of the product
By reviewing the manufacturer's corporate sustainability report A Corporate Sustainability Report (CSR) is a third party, verified report that includes information on how the manufacturer extracts or sources materials. A Life-Cycle Assessment is specific to a product, not the manufacturer's operations and supply chain in general. Same for a health product declaration.
Rabinowitz Development wants to certify their 9-story multi-family residential project but needs to determine a baseline to compare itself to by: Calculations made using ASHRAE 90.1 Obtaining an ENERGY STAR for Homes rating Using the EPA's target finder Selecting a green rater and a LEED for Homes Provider
Calculations made using ASHRAE 90.1 A 9-story multi-family residential project will fall under the LEED for New Construction rating system, and thus uses the LEED BD+C reference guide. In LEED BD+C projects use this project fits under because of its height.
California has had many forest fires and the team on a project nearby wants to provide financial support for reforestation by investing in: Green-e certified renewables Green power On-site renewable energy Carbon offsets
Carbon offsets Purchasing carbon offsets helps fund projects that decrease carbon emissions or remove carbon from the atmosphere. Examples of these types of projects include reforestation, changing land-use, and methane abatement.
A new tenant is taking over a floor in an historic building. What does LEED recognize as sustainable flooring? (CHOOSE 2) Ceramic tile that a manufacturer takes back after its end of life and incinerates for energy Green-e carpet Ceramic tile that a manufacturer takes back after its end of life and recycles Carpet certified to EPA standards Wood flooring that a manufacturer takes back after its end of life and refinishes
Ceramic tile that a manufacturer takes back after its end of life and recycles + Wood flooring that a manufacturer takes back after its end of life and refinishes Environmentally preferable products have set end-of-life paths to keep them out of the landfill when they need to be replaced. These are frequently called take-back programs. As a LEED credit, the take-back program is an example of extended producer responsibility
Donald Sterling only cares about the economic return of a building, so why would he certify it as LEED? Certified buildings have guaranteed incentives in all jurisdictions In hopes of getting the LA Clippers back Certified buildings cost less than conventional buildings Certified green office buildings rent for 2% more than comparable buildings Certified green properties receive 0%-interest loans
Certified green office buildings rent for 2% more than comparable buildings Studies show that on average, a green building can charge higher building rents (2%-20%, on average) and have fewer empty tenant spaces than non-green buildings.
Standards are an integral part of LEED, as they avoid the need of reinventing the wheel. What are Green Seal and Environmental Choice used for? Renewable energy Furniture and furnishings Carpet Flooring Cleaning products
Cleaning products Green cleaning products have several standards depending on the type of cleaning product. Green Seal, Environmental Choice, EPA, and California Code of Regulations are a few examples.
What process uses heat recovery to capture heat from electricity generation and then turns the recovered heat into thermal energy that can be used to heat a building? Commissioning Cogeneration Sedimentation Evapotranspiration Tertiary Treatment
Cogeneration Combined heat and power (CHP), also known as "cogeneration", is an electricity generation technology that recovers waste heat from the electricity generation process to produce other forms of useful energy, such as usable heat or steam. On average, two-thirds of the input energy used to make electricity is lost as waste heat. CHP systems are capable of converting more than 70% of the fuel into usable energy.
What type of buildings do 'LEED BD+C: New Construction', 'LEED BD+C: Core and Shell', 'LEED BD+C: Schools', and 'LEED O+M: Existing Buildings' evaluate? (Choose 3) Interior spaces Community development Commercial buildings High-rise residential buildings Institutional buildings
Commercial buildings + High-rise residential buildings + Institutional buildings LEED ND is used for neighborhood development projects.LEED ID for Commercial Design would include interior spaces.
Refrigerant management is a large factor which detrimentally affects the environmental side of the triple bottom line by: Indoor carbon dioxide emissions Groundwater contamination Erosion and sedimentation of adjacent streams Contributing greenhouse gas emissions
Contributing greenhouse gas emissions Refrigerants have Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) and Global Warming Potential (GWP) due to greenhouse gas emissions. Low values of each are best when choosing refrigerants.
he LEED Integrative Process has three phases crucial to the project's ongoing success. What are they? (CHOOSE 3) Design and Construction (Implementation) Occupancy, Operations, and Performance Feedback Discovery Value Engineering Charrette
Design and Construction (Implementation) + Occupancy, Operations, and Performance Feedback + Discovery Discovery: This is the most important phase of the integrative process; it can be thought of as an extensive expansion of what is conventionally called "Pre-Design." It is unlikely that a project's environmental goals will be achieved cost-effectively if this phase is not rigorously engaged as a discreet phase of the design process. Discovery work needs to be accomplished before "putting pencil to paper"— in other words, before schematic design begins. Implementation: This phase begins with what is typically called "Schematic Design." It resembles conventional practice in its structure, but integrates all of the work and collective understanding of system interactions reached during the Discovery Phase. Feedback: The third stage focuses on implementing performance measurement and creating performance feedback mechanisms. Such feedback is critical to building operations. The degree to which established performance targets have been met can be assessed and then corrective actions can be taken.
What is the total land area of a project site that is covered by buildings, streets, parking areas, and other typically impermeable surfaces constructed as part of the project? LEED footprint Development footprint Building footprint LEED project boundary Restored area
Development footprint
When calculating the baseline water usage of a building, the EPAct of 1992 does not include which one of the following: Water closets Shower heads Faucets Dishwashers
Dishwashers Dishwashers are not within the scope of the EPAct 1992/2005, but are covered by ENERGY STAR.
Looking at water metering in more detail which of the following subsystems may be 80% metered to earn a point? (CHOOSE 2) Domestic hot water Indoor plumbing fixtures Cooling towers All water using devices End energy consumption of water fixtures
Domestic hot water + Indoor plumbing fixtures Cooling towers must be 100% metered while the other two only need to be 80% metered.
What standard must a project's ESC (Erosion and Sedimentation control) plan comply with? EPA Construction General Permit or the local equivalent The USGBC standard for Erosion and Sedimentation If it has a civil engineer's professional stamp it automatically complies Green-e certified ESC plan Green Seal GS-42
EPA Construction General Permit or the local equivalent
LEED v4 takes a new approach to the water efficiency credit category and requires which strategy/approach? Conservation first Capture and treat rainwater Water conservation only Efficiency first
Efficiency first For both energy efficiency and water efficiency, LEED requires an efficiency-first approach. Efficiency means doing the same with less. After efficiency, the focus should then be placed on other ways to reduce demand such as rain water reuse
Natural ventilation is a very effective strategy when the climate allows for it, but can also result in many issues if implemented improperly. Which credit category does this technology affect? Energy and Atmosphere Location and Transportation Water Efficiency Materials and Resources
Energy and Atmosphere
A site assessment is a key part of the integrative design and must include the investigation of: (CHOOSE 3) Walkability Surrounding density Existing physical structure Geology Existing cars driven on to the site Hydrology and vegetation
Existing physical structure + Geology + Hydrology and vegetation A site assessment is 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 these assessments.
The Green Building Information Gateway (GBIG) is a great tool to find information about buildings across America. What would a LEED Green Associate use the GBIG for? Communicating with regional USGBC chapter to determine Regional Priority credits Submitting LEED documentation Finding the regional priority credits to pursue on a specific project Exploring and comparing the green dimensions of the built environment Updating a project's public information
Exploring and comparing the green dimensions of the built environment LEED Online is used to find Regional Priority (RP) credits, submit LEED documentation and update project information. One of the tasks of a LEED Green Associate is to create project profiles, case studies, and press releases. Part of the public relations guidelines for LEED-certified projects suggests the use of the Green Building Information Gateway (GBIG). https://leadinggreen.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Public-Relations-Guidelines-for-LEED-Projects_July2013-JE.pdf
Which term describes the positive or negative consequences of an economic activity experienced by unrelated third parties? Externalities The Butterfly Effect Ponzi schemes The Prius Effect
Externalities In economics, an externality, is the cost or benefit incurred by a party that did not choose to incur that cost or benefit. With regards to the environment, an example of a negative externality is the effects on the ecosystems from the construction of a hydroelectric dam. Pollution is a common negative externality. For example, the production of smoke from a factory causes the air quality to decrease for local residents. Over the past few years, since the idea of the triple bottom line has gone mainstream, businesses are also looking at providing environmental and social stewardship information to all stakeholders. The idea of a green bottom line creates a win-win for both the environment and the profits. Ponzi scheme: A good example of a positive feedback system because the output (profit) is fed back to the input (new investors), causing rapid growth toward collapse. Feedback systems are part of Systems Thinking. Butterfly Effect: In chaos theory, which is also part of Systems Thinking, the butterfly effect is the sensitive dependency on initial conditions in which a small change at one place in a nonlinear system can result in large differences in a later state. The name of the effect, coined by Edward Lorenz, is derived from the theoretical example of a hurricane's formation being contingent on whether or not a distant butterfly had flapped its wings several weeks earlier. The Prius Effect: Coined when the hybrid Toyota Prius introduced real-time feedback on fuel consumption, it was observed that drivers responded to the data by adjusting their driving to decrease fuel consumption.
How is Floor Area Ratio (FAR) defined? FAR is the measure of the density of non-residential land-use on all land within the project boundary FAR is the measure of the density of residential and non-residential land-use on all land within the property FAR is the measure of the density of non-residential land-use on buildable land FAR is the measure of the density of residential and non-residential land-use on buildable land
FAR is the measure of the density of non-residential land-use on buildable land The Floor Area Ratio (FAR) is an important element in LEED, as it one of the metrics used to establish density requirements for credits such as Surrounding Density. Density is a ratio of building coverage on a given parcel of land relative to the size of that parcel. Floor Area Ratio (FAR) is the density of non-residential land-use measured as the total non-residential building floor area divided by the total buildable land area available for non-residential buildings. Buildable land is 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 (e.g., set-backs). Residential buildings generally use Dwelling Units per acre to describe density
When conducting a site assessment to show compliance with LEED, which of the following does not need to be included? Historical/blighted structures Solar exposure Financing Instruments Climatic conditions
Financing Instruments
When is a project allowed to show its LEED certification plaque? After successful registration and prerequisite compliance Following the acceptance of a final certification review After the substantial project completion phase When the project is approved by a LEED AP
Following the acceptance of a final certification review
Green Cleaning used to be a commonly used 'Innovation in Design' point for LeadingGreen's Canadian projects. Now it is an actual credit. What standard can projects outside the United States use for green cleaning products? EN 15251:2007 EcoWise Green Seal SMACNA Global Ecolabeling Network
Global Ecolabeling Network Global Ecolabeling Network is for any projects outside the U.S., the ISO standard developed by the Global Eco-Labeling Network may be used instead of Green Seal Environmental Choice. EcoWise is for pest management contractors. EN 15251:2007 is one of the international indoor air quality standards that projects outside of the U.S. may use. Previous versions of the credit used ASHRAE 62.1 as the reference standard. In LEED v4, projects outside the U.S. may use European standards when ASHRAE 62.1 is not available or suitable. Green Seal is used for life-cycle assessments of products or services. SMACNA (Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning National Contractors Association) standards are used for construction activity pollution prevention.
Credit interactions and synergies are key to reducing the cost of LEED certification. Once those interactions and synergies are identified, the project team can develop strategies to better tackle which of the following? (CHOOSE 2) Habitat conservation and restoration Site assessment Water and energy submetering Construction activity pollution prevention Open space Designing for flexibility
Habitat conservation and restoration + Construction activity pollution prevention Both 'Habitat conservation and restoration' and 'Construction activity pollution prevention' involve preserving and protecting greenfields during the construction process. Since they are broad areas, many aspects of the project will affect them. Thus, a project team can reduce costs if it identifies interactions and makes use of the synergies.
Prior to submitting a LEED Interpretation, a project team must first do the following: Have the inquiry go through the project CIR process Contact the GBCI and explain the issue Have a committee review the request Contact USGBC customer service Ensure the project is LEED Platinum
Have the inquiry go through the project CIR process All formal inquiries first undergo the project CIR process. Project teams that want the formal inquiry to be considered for a LEED Interpretation must opt in and pay for the LEED Interpretation at the time that it submits the inquiry.
How can encouraging cycling not positively contribute to sustainability? pick 2 Reduced GHG emissions Reduced congestion Impact of weather on commuting habits Increased worker health Poor weather can deter commuters from cycling
Impact of weather on commuting habits Poor weather can deter commuters from cycling
How can a higher level of occupant comfort due to task lighting, thermostats, and adjustable air diffusers positively impact the Triple Bottom Line? Increased occupant performance Increased maintenance requirements Increased initial costs Less ozone depletion potential
Increased occupant performance Increased occupant comfort is an example of a positive impact on the people (i.e. social benefits) aspect of the Triple Bottom Line. Strategies that improve occupant health and productivity over the long run also have a large return on investment. Studies show that happier employees are more productive, meaning the profit (economic benefits) aspect is also positively impacted.The other options are negative or are unrelated to the ability to control the systems.
A project team for a new office tower decides to increase the tower's floor area ratio (FAR), which of the following will it help with most? Increasing open space Preventing construction activity pollution Increasing surrounding density and promoting diverse uses Increasing the heat island effect Promoting diverse uses
Increasing open space FAR is the ratio of the Building Floor Area to the buildable land on the site. If the team decides to increase the tower's FAR by building up and reducing the building footprint at the same time, there could be reducing the building footprint could result in more open space around the building.
If you show exemplary performance in the SS category where are you awarded the points? Integrative Process Sustainable Sites Location and Transportation Innovation in Design
Innovation in Design Exemplary Performance is awarded in the Innovation in Design Category no matter which credit it pertains to.
How can you, as a LEED consultant, make a suggestion that would lower operating costs and increase energy efficiency in a new school? Maximize the ventilation of outdoor air Ensure that triple-paned glass windows instead of double-paned glass windows are used Install all LED lighting Place a PV array on the schools roof
Install all LED lighting For both energy efficiency and water efficiency, LEED requires an efficiency-first approach. Efficiency is "doing the same with less." After efficiency, the focus should then be placed on other ways to reduce demand. For example, with outdoor water irrigation, if the design only calls for using rainwater irrigation, that doesn't improve the efficiency of the irrigation system, resulting in less water use. First design the landscape to use less water, and then look at ways to reuse water to further reduce demand for potable water. For building energy use, you can increase efficiency by using LED lighting, ENERGY STAR appliances and equipment, high-efficiency HVAC systems, and high-efficiency boilers.
How can a project team prevent pollution and sedimentation due to construction? Ensure light fixtures are completely shielded Use bio-based fertilizers only Protect on-site materials from moisture damage Pave over adjacent streams to prevent sedimentation Install natural buffers around the property
Install natural buffers around the property Buffers help prevent rainwater from carrying pollutants off the site and into adjacent streams.
One way to discourage the use of conventional gas-operated vehicles is to encourage the use of alternative green vehicles by: Reducing the building footprint and increasing the project's FAR Install preferred parking spots for specified vehicles Installing a PV array to shade the parking footprint Ensuring the project is a mixed-use development Installing solar car ports
Install preferred parking spots for specified vehicles Preferred parking (parking closest to the building) for green vehicles promotes their purchase/use. The other options do not provide enough information or are just wrong.
ASHRAE, MERV, FSC and ISO are some of the standards embedded in the LEED rating system. While MERV defines the amount of particulates allowed to pass through a filter, what helps teams with implementing in a comprehensive Integrative Process? ASHRAE Holistic Design Guide Integrative Process (IP) ANSI Consensus National Standard Guide 2.0 for Design and Construction of Sustainable Buildings and Communities LEED IP Help ENERGY STAR® I-Codes for Integrative Processes
Integrative Process (IP) ANSI Consensus National Standard Guide 2.0 for Design and Construction of Sustainable Buildings and Communities The ANSI standard provides project teams with step-by-step guidance through the integrative process. The other options are fake or irrelevant to the IP.
LeadingGreen has almost completed all LEED documentation for its new office tower. The USGBC believes that it has found an error in the LEED rating system. How should USGBC address this error? LEED Addenda Issue out a LEED Interpretation LEED Interpretation LEED TAG will review the issue and save it for the release of the LEED v5 rating system
LEED Addenda LEED Interpretations and CIRs are technical answers to clarifications. The USGBC publishes clarifications (also called addenda) to address errors in the LEED rating systems and reference guides.LEED TAGs (Technical Advisory Groups) provide technical advice to LEED committees and working groups to improve credits/prerequisites and support tool development.
RioCan just purchased the Yonge-Sheppard Center and will retrofit the envelope, HVAC, domestic hot water, and electric systems. Tenants will still control their own spaces, which will not be upgraded. Which LEED rating system should be used? LEED BD+C: Schools LEED O+M: Existing Buildings LEED BD+C: New Construction LEED ID+C: Commercial Interiors LEED BD+C: Core and Shell
LEED BD+C: Core and Shell Since the tenants will still control their own spaces, LEED ID+C: Commercial Interiors is not applicable LEED BD+C: New Construction would include the tenant spaces (in addition to the other renovations listed), so it is not applicable LEED O+M: Existing Buildings is only applicable to the Operations and Maintenance of existing buildings
LeadingGreen owns 100% of the LEED® boundary. The project includes a major HVAC renovation, significant envelope modifications, and core plumbing renovation but may also allow for future tenant fit-outs. Which LEED rating system should be selected based on the 40/60 rule? LEED O+M: Existing Buildings LEED BD+C: New Construction LEED ID+C: Commercial Interiors LEED BD+C: Core and Shell
LEED BD+C: Core and Shell The key terms here are envelope and core renovations. LEED Building Design and Construction: Core and Shell applies to the exterior shell of the building and the core mechanical, electrical, and plumbing units, but not a complete interior fit-out. LEED BD+C: Core and Shell is the appropriate rating system to use if more than 40% of the gross floor area is incomplete at the time of certification. LEED O+M: Existing Buildings is used for buildings that are undergoing improvement work and little to no construction. LEED BD+C: New Construction requires more than what is being completed in this project. LEED ID+C: Commercial Interiors is for an interior project that involves a complete interior fit-out. As the owner of the building, LeadingGreen would not be completing these fit-outs.
A developer cannot determine how many buildings he wants to locate on a large site. What LEED rating system extends past the project and into the local and regional communities? LEED BD+C: Retail LEED BD+C: Schools LEED BD+C: Homes LEED ND
LEED ND The LEED for Neighborhood Development (ND) rating system goes beyond the project itself. The system addresses the land use planning of a neighborhood by addressing its components: building design, infrastructure, street design, and open spaces.
TD Bank is not very pleased with its annual energy consumption at its headquarters, and thus wants to make some changes. What LEED rating system would be applicable to minor renovations in a building? LEED BD+C: Homes LEED O+M: Existing Buildings LEED BD+C: New Construction LEED BD+C: Core and Shell LEED BD+C: Schools
LEED O+M: Existing Buildings If only minor renovations are being done, the LEED O+M Existing Buildings rating system should be used. The building already exists, so LEED BD+C: New Construction is definitely not applicable.
Impact Categories were developed for incorporation into LEED v4 to address which of the following? Minimum Program Requirements (MPRs) Regionalization LEED's goals TRACI categories
LEED's goals LEED's system goals are referred to as Impact Categories, of which there are seven. The more effective the credit requirements are at addressing the goals of the system, the more points it receives. The seven categories address: Climate change, Human health, Water resources, Biodiversity, Natural resources, Greener economy, and Community. The seven Impact Categories answer the question: "What should a LEED project accomplish?"
A project owner in Colorado is hoping to reduce the amount of potable water used for irrigation through rainwater harvesting and should first look at: Local/state regulations The grading of the site The annual consumption of potable water on the project The volume of rainfall The pollutants in the rainwater runoff
Local/state regulations Regulations and rules/codes are always the first item to be looked at. For example, some water in Colorado is owned by Texas.
A project team is holding its first LEED Charrette and wants to brainstorm water efficiency improvements. What legal requirements would team members be researching during the integrative process? Site assessment Non-potable water sources Fixtures and fittings Metering possibility Renewable energy sources
Non-potable water sources Early in the design process, project teams need to establish a water balance and see what is legal within the project for reclaimed water, blackwater, graywater collection, and rainwater harvesting.
What should an indoor air quality plan during the construction phase entail? Flush out the building before occupancy, use low VOC materials, and monitor carbon dioxide Protect materials from moisture damage, flush out the building before occupancy, and restrict entry of dust Conduct custodial training, use fans to blow out construction dust, and orient the building properly Calibrate sensors and monitors, and conduct an occupant survey Protect materials from moisture damage, monitor carbon dioxide, and monitor outdoor airflow
Protect materials from moisture damage, flush out the building before occupancy, and restrict entry of dust Housekeeping during the construction process keeps dust and dirt from collecting in the building and its installed systems. It is important to protect materials from moisture damage to prevent rot and mould. Protecting equipment from dust and dirt by covering openings protects the systems. 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 to when the occupants move in. The other options deal with occupant health after construction.
A project team decided to increase the building floor to site area ratio by building up as opposed to out. In doing so which impact category would be targeted? Protect, Enhance and Restore Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Reverse Contribution to Global Climate Change GHG Emissions Reduction from Materials and Water Embodied Energy Use Promote Sustainable and Regenerative Material Resources Cycles Enhance Human Health and Well-Being
Protect, Enhance and Restore Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services By decreasing the footprint, more space would be reserved for nature
Construction and demolition debris are responsible for a large amount of the waste in our landfills. How can a project team reduce the energy use and waste associated with demolition? (CHOOSE 3) Re-build an historic project Build an off-site waste-to-energy plant Orient a building properly to maximize daylight and solar heat gain Restore existing buildings Select a blighted building Build an on-site waste-to-energy plant
Re-build an historic project Restore existing buildings Select a blighted building These three are the simplest ways to reduce energy use and waste. They are also the first 3 options straight out of MRc1 - Building Life Cycle Impact Reduction
A project uses an on-site wastewater treatment plan and uses the treated wastewater to replenish the aquifer below, helping to: Reduce the demand for wastewater treatment infrastructure Reduce irrigation requirement of on-site rain gardens Reduce the amount of wastewater from the building Reduce the demand for on-site potable water
Reduce the demand for wastewater treatment infrastructure This on-site wastewater treatment plan reduces the demand for wastewater treatment infrastructure elsewhere, and reduces the energy required to treat the water due to the short distance it travels to the treatment plant. As a result, there is a reduction in GHG and other pollutants that are created by water transportation and treatment facilities, which improves the quality of life for humans and lessens environmental burdens. Irrigation requirements are not affected, and the amount of wastewater leaving the building is not necessarily reduced.
A project team is trying to source sustainable fertilizer for its landscaping. What can a composting fixture help with? Reducing indoor water use Reducing outdoor water use Protecting or restoring habitats Integrating pest management
Reducing indoor water use Composting toilets use no potable water and thus save from the baseline. You cannot use that compost for anything (gross), besides reducing the indoor water-usage.
How does LEED address the demands of different geographic and climactic regions? CIRs MPRs Through the seven impact categories and consensus-based decisions Regional priority credits Innovation credits
Regional priority credits
What should the project team do if it changed its mind and decided not to pursue a credit initially attempted? Contact GBCI by phone Mark the credit as pending Remove the credit Attempt a different credit
Remove the credit The project administrator or project manager can add and remove credits from the project, even if previously awarded.
A delivery truck had a leak in its roof, and as a result, some building materials got wet. What should the project team do with these materials when they get to the site? Wait for them to dry before installing Install them immediately Recycle the materials Replace the materials
Replace the materials The Construction Indoor Air Quality Management credit (EQc3) requires a project to develop and implement an IAQ management plan during construction and before occupancy. This credit promotes best practices to ensure high indoor air quality during construction, as outline in the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning National Contractors Association (SMACNA) IAQ Guidelines. A general contractor is responsible for keeping building materials dry so that no mold is introduced into the building, as mould would negatively affect the indoor air quality.
Which of the following demonstrates Systems Thinking? Researching how occupants will travel to the project Building up as opposed to out Reviewing the schedule for the timing of the HVAC system installation Building a parking structure Commissioning all building systems to reduce energy usage over time
Researching how occupants will travel to the project Systems Thinking is a process of understanding how each part of the built environment affects the other parts. It is the belief that the component parts of a system can best be understood in the context of relationships with each other and with other systems, rather than in isolation. These parts include project materials, building systems, site, people, and information. In this choice the people are considered in terms of their relationship to the transportation options and/or parking at the site
. LEED incorporates strategies and sustainable practices, such as open and closed systems, into its holistic rating system. Which of the following is FALSE in regards to a closed system in the built environment? This can be accomplished through a waste-to-energy facility if there is no waste There is absolutely no waste Materials in a closed system are used for other purposes at the end of their useful life Resources that have been fully used are then released outside the system
Resources that have been fully used are then released outside the system A closed system (A.k.a. "cradle to cradle") involves the re-use of materials at the end of their useful life, as opposed to a destructive open loop system (A.k.a. "cradle to grave") that produces waste. Sustainable buildings aspire to achieve the "cradle to cradle" system.
After substantial completion and occupancy, how can the project team maintain ongoing energy efficiency? Through retrocommissioning By comparing the building's energy performance against the ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager By monitoring Building Automation Systems By purchasing Renewable Energy Credits (RECs)
Retrocommissioning Retrocommissioning is a commissioning process that can be performed on existing buildings to identify system improvements that will make the building more suitable for current use. Building Automation Systems (BAS) collect data about a building's systems and track it over time. The data can be used to determine trends or anomalies, which can then serve to help fix or update the systems. Purchasing RECs indirectly reduces the use of electricity produced from fossil fuels. This method would not affect ongoing energy efficiency. It may be useful to compare the building's energy performance to other Energy Star -labeled buildings using the Energy Star Portfolio Manager, but it is a completely separate tool from the LEED rating systems. The Energy Star label only applies to electronics, home appliances, and heating and cooling equipment. Energy Star -labeled buildings use about 35% less energy than traditional buildings.
There are many ways to fight the damages caused by refrigerants, but this is not one of them: Design the building to use natural refrigerants Ensure ventilation rates meet ASHRAE 62.1 Specify refrigerants with low ozone depletion potential Select refrigerants that have long atmospheric lives
Select refrigerants that have long atmospheric lives A high ODP (Ozone Depletion Potential) is directly correlated with a long atmospheric life, and thus this choice would hinder environmental performance.
The LEED certification process can add over $50,000 to typical building costs. Which of the following has the lowest associated soft cost? Renewable energy certifications Self-guided education program on the green features of a project Labourers Masonry used for the first floor
Self-guided education program on the green features of a project Soft costs: is one that is not directly related to building, construction, etc. Examples are building permit fees, architectural, legal, financing, and engineering fees, commissioning, and other costs incurred before and after construction.Hard costs: By far the largest portion of the expenses in a construction budget, hard costs are mostly comprised of the actual construction costs incurred in building the project. The self-guided education program can result in an Innovation point in Innovative performance and would not result in high soft costs. The other options would result in engineering, commissioning, permit, legal and/or other fees.
The EPA's WaterSense label is encouraged by LEED for all new fixtures purchased throughout the building's life. Which of the following does it apply to? (CHOOSE 3) Washing machines Waterless urinals Irrigation submeters Showerheads Private/public faucets Toilets
Showerheads Private/public faucets Toilets
Which of the following statements is FALSE regarding Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) Control (EQp2)? Signage prohibiting smoking must be posted 10 feet from all operable windows Signage prohibiting smoking must be posted 10 feet from all entry locations Smoking is not permitted outside the building except in designated smoking areas Smoking is not permitted in residential projects
Smoking is not permitted in residential projects Prohibiting indoor smoking is the only way to fully eliminate the health risks associated with ETS. For this reason, designated indoor smoking rooms are not allowed in LEED-certified buildings. Only residential projects are exempt because of legal ownership issues. For LEED BD+C: Multifamily Midrise projects, smoking is prohibited in all common areas of the building. Smoking is also prohibited outside the building except in designated smoking areas located at least 25 feet from all entry locations, outdoor air intakes, and operable windows.Signage indicated the no-smoking policy must be posted within 10 feet (3 meters) of all building entrances.
The Environmental Protection Agency lists numerous ways to reduce solid waste leaving your site. Which is the priority? Source reduction Recovery Reuse Recycling
Source reduction Source reduction, also known as waste prevention or pollution prevention, targets waste at its point of creation, aiming to reduce waste before it is created. An example of source reduction is using less packaging to ship an item. Another is the use of dimensional lumber in the exact size needed. The four strategies preferred by the EPA for reducing waste are, in order:a. Source reduction b. Reuse c. Recycling d. Waste-to-energy
A project engineer is responsible for signing off on a number of LEED credits but is missing the legally binding documents that describe the quality of the materials to be used on the project. What are these documents called? Cradle to cradle analyses Specifications Material Safety Data Sheets Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) Health Product Declarations (EPDs)
Specifications Specifications are created by architects and given to the contractor for the purposes of purchasing the right quantity and type of materials. They are legally binding documents. Specifications are detailed and include drawings of what is to be built. For example, the following could be included:• Use #2 salvaged oak flooring in the main lobby, along with the dimensions and layout of the lobby. Purchase the oak flooring locally.
ISO 14021 defines the different types of recyclable materials. Which of the following would be considered a "pre-consumer" material if it is recycled one day? (CHOOSE 3) Sunflower seed hulls Walnut shells Coca-Cola® cans Sawdust Construction and demolition debris
Sunflower seed hulls Walnut shells Sawdust Pre-consumer materials which are damaged or have excess material can be reused for different purposes:Sawdust can be taken from a lumber mill and sent to another manufacturer where they turn it into Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF).Walnut shells are taken from the walnut processing line at the food plant and shipped somewhere else to be turned into composite wood products such as cabinetry.Sunflower seed hulls can be used as a starting material for biomaterial products to improve their material properties and to make them more cost-effective.
There are 6 main LEED credit categories that make up 100 points. Some of the points are awarded for strategies that minimize the impact on ecosystems and water resources under what credit category? Sustainable Sites Energy and Atmosphere Materials and Resources Water Efficiency Location and Transportation
Sustainable Sites Sustainable Sites credits encourage strategies that minimize the impact on ecosystems and water resources. Water Efficiency credits promote smarter use of water, inside and out, to reduce potable water consumption. Location and Transportation credits reward projects in relatively dense areas, near diverse uses, with access to a variety of transportation options, or on sites with development constraints.
The Regional Priority credit category is specific to: The location of the project, determined by its zip code The LEED project type (schools, healthcare, data centers, etc.) LEED CIRs LEED BD+C and O+M only All LEED rating systems
The LEED project type (schools, healthcare, data centers, etc.) Each LEED project type has different requirements, so each rating system has its own Regional Priority (RP) credits. E.g. IAQ is more important in a healthcare facility than a warehouse, so a healthcare facility project may be able to earn points for IAQ, whereas a warehouse may not. Zip or Postal codes are no longer used to determine RP credits. Specific Geographical location found on the USGBC's website is the new method.
Energy Use Intensity (EUI) is an important factor in determining energy usage. What does EUI refer to? The amount of energy consumed per unit of floor space Energy consumption divided by the site area The total daily energy use The ratio of maximum daily energy use divided by the total annual energy use
The amount of energy consumed per unit of floor space When a building is benchmarked, as in ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager, one of the key metrics is Energy Use Intensity, or EUI. Essentially, the EUI expresses a building's energy use as a function of its size or other characteristics.For most property types in ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager®, the EUI is expressed as energy per square foot per year. It's calculated by dividing the total energy consumed by the building in one year (measured in kBtu or GJ) by the total gross floor area of the building. The user can enter the energy use information from their energy bills and ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager® automatically does the conversion to thousand British thermal units (kBtus). Generally, a low EUI signifies good energy performance.
18. Which of the following describes site energy? The amount of heat and electricity consumed by a building as reflected in utility bills The raw fuel that is burned to create heat and electricity The total amount of raw fuel that is required to operate the building The energy product (heat or electricity) created from a raw fuel
The amount of heat and electricity consumed by a building as reflected in utility bills Site energy is the amount of heat and electricity consumed by a building as reflected in utility bills and is delivered to a building in one of two forms: primary or secondary energy.• Primary energy is the raw fuel that is burned to create heat and electricity.• Secondary energy is the energy product (heat or electricity) created from a raw fuel, such as electricity purchased from the grid or heat received from a district steam system. The total amount of raw fuel that is required to operate the building is referred to as "Source Energy". It incorporates all transmission, delivery, and production losses. By taking all energy use into account, it provides a complete assessment of energy efficiency in a building.
A new development implemented ESC (Erosion and Sedimentation Control) and LID (Low Impact Development) plans throughout its site, which helps with 2 of the following: (CHOOSE 2) Energy demand response program The creation of buffers between development and water resources Increasing the floor area ratio Reducing the heat island effect Walkability to diverse uses On-site rainwater management
The creation of buffers between development and water resources + On-site rainwater management LID (Low Impact Development) strategies make use of on-site natural features to protect water quality by replicating natural land cover and the hydrologic regime of watersheds, and addressing runoff close to its source (ex. maintaining vegetative swales, creating rain gardens, and minimizing impervious cover). ESC (Erosion and Sedimentation Control) strategies minimize environmental impacts during the construction process. Some ESC strategies include:• Temporary or permanent seeding to stabilize the soil• Using an Earth dike to divert runoff into sediment traps• Mulching with hay, grass, or gravel to hold the soil• Using straw bales, slit fences, or erosion control blanketsLID strategies would help with on-site rainwater management, and an ESC plan would address the creation of buffers between development and water resources.
The city of Toronto is attempting to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in its municipally owned buildings and should encourage: (CHOOSE 2) The implementation of waste-to-energy programs Development on contaminated historical sites The maximization of daylighting without modeling energy loss The improvement of the energy efficiency of buildings The use of single pane glass only The improvement of the energy efficiency of communities
The improvement of the energy efficiency of buildings + The improvement of the energy efficiency of communities The city of Toronto should encourage the improvement of the energy efficiency of communities and buildings.
The building code in Pittsburgh allows for smoking in restaurants. As a result, a consultant for a new bar suggests having a dedicated smoking room, which would mean: The project can automatically receive LEED points The project is exempt due to location and service The project would have to ensure proper compartmentalization in the isolated room to become LEED certified The project can not be certified
The project can not be certified The prerequisite for Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) Control (EQp2) requires smoking to be prohibited in the building.
What is one of the primary goals of the commissioning process? The project complies with local building codes The project complies with the Owner's Project Requirements (OPR) The project will earn enough points for certification The project complies with the Commissioning Authority Basis of Design (BOD)
The project complies with the OPRs Commissioning is a process for achieving, verifying, and documenting that the performance of facilities, systems, and assemblies meets defined objectives and criteria as established by two fundamental documents, one prepared by the Owner—Owner's Project Requirements (OPR)—and the second prepared by the project team—Basis of Design (BOD). The Fundamental Commissioning and Verification prerequisite requires the project team to engage a commissioning authority by the end of the design development phase, review the OPR and BOD, and prepare a facilities operations and maintenance plan. This prerequisite primarily addresses active systems, which includes the project's mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and renewable energy systems. The Enhanced Commissioning credit offers several options, including commissioning of the building envelope. Although enhanced commissioning can add sufficient cost to the project and extends the certification time by 10 months, it is important in that it maintains the integrity of the envelope (roofing, siding, windows and doors, and waterproofing (e.g., caulking, flashing, etc.)). Ongoing commissioning (aka recommissioning): for building operations to ensure that a building continues to meet its fundamental operational requirements. Retrocommissioning is the same process applied to existing buildings and it is intended to keep a building on track for meeting or exceeding the original operational goals.
A team is trying to track its project's energy usage over time using ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager. What tool on LEED Online can be used to take a snapshot of the project's progress? The reviewer's comments The project timeline This cannot be done The credit roles and responsibilities The project GANTT chart The project checklist
The project timeline The project timeline gives an overview of all the steps of the project's process via real-time snapshots. The project checklist (LEED Scorecard) is the best tool to use to stay on top of credits attempted, under review, and earned. The reviewer's comments - The credit-by-credit tracker includes comments and actual credit language for each credit, along with its up-to-the-minute review status.
Natural ventilation can lead to ample points through the Energy Performance credit but its most troubling factor is that: The natural ventilation system would have to be metered The system may not be able to provide enough fresh outdoor air The system would result in high concentrations of carbon monoxide The climate does not allow for natural ventilation
The system may not be able to provide enough fresh outdoor air The system first and foremost must provide enough fresh air to meet the prerequisite of LEED. All the other choices may be important but would be determined in the integrative process.
Why are VOCs limited? They can be carcinogenic They can have an unpleasant odor They can cause buildings to degrade faster They can be sensitive to the touch
They can be carcinogenic
A Health Product Declaration (HPD) leads to the purchase of what kind of materials? Those that are verified to have been responsibly sourced Those that are certified by ISO 14021 Those with fewer negative health effects Those that are more durable
Those with fewer negative health effects Health Product Declarations (HPDs) provide a full disclosure of the potentially concerning chemicals in products by comparing a product's ingredients to "hazard" lists published by government authorities and scientific associations. An HPD itself does not indicate whether or not a product is healthy— it merely reports on the material ingredients. Armed with this information, project teams can compare the type and quantity of materials in different products and see if they contain any unhealthy materials.
A team is trying to decide between two different office desks. One is made from overseas-imported bamboo and the other is made from local maple. How can the environmental attributes of the products be compared? Through a life-cycle assessment Through material-quality testing Using the products' material safety data sheets (MSDS) By a review of the manufacturer's corporate social responsibility policy
Through a life-cycle assessment A life-cycle assessment is "an evaluation of the environmental effects of a product from cradle to grave, as defined by ISO 14040-2006 and ISO 14044-2006" - USGBC. An LCA would include attributes to compare between the products.
During a charrette, the project team establishes an integrated design approach toward what major goal? To compare notes and identify opportunities for synergy Ensure the project will come in on budget Ensure the project will achieve certification Ensure the project will come in on budget and on schedule
To compare notes and identify opportunities for synergy A charrette is an intensive, multiparty workshop that brings people from different disciplines and backgrounds together to explore, generate, and collaborate to produce design options. All project team members gather information and data relevant to the project, compare notes, and identify opportunities for synergy before anything is designed.
LeadingGreen is developing a new campus project in an area without zoning. When would LeadingGreen use the ITE Transportation Planning Handbook? To determine where to place preferred parking To determine how much vegetative space is required to meet LEED To determine transportation demand strategies To determine the amount of parking needed
To determine the amount of parking needed For the Reduced Parking Footprint credit (LTc7) under Location and Transportation, there are three requirements: Do not exceed local zoning code requirement Provide 5% preferred carpool parking Reduce parking capacity from baseline (ITE Handbook Standard)
LEED used to only award points for selecting contaminated brownfields, but now priority designation in the high priority site credit is also rewarded. Why is it worth points now? To encourage the development of green fields To encourage investment in economically disadvantaged or low-income areas To ensure sensitive lands are protected To select a site nearest to underground parking To select a site in a certified LEED for Neighbourhood Development
To encourage investment in economically disadvantaged or low-income areas
What is the primary reason for performing energy audits? To capitalize on renewable energy options To monitor energy consumption related to potable water use It is one of the MPRs To inspect, survey, and analyze energy flows
To inspect, survey, and analyze energy flows An energy audit is an inspection, survey, and analysis of energy flows for the purpose of energy conservation in a building, process, or system. The intention is to reduce the amount of energy input in the system without negatively affecting the output(s). When the object of the study is an occupied building, then reducing energy consumption while maintaining or improving human comfort, health, and safety are of primary concern. Beyond simply identifying the sources of energy use, an energy audit seeks to identify energy uses that have cost-effective opportunities for energy savings.
The EPAct of 1992 as amended is used: To set the baseline water flow requirements of toilets and fixtures To define ODP and GWP limits for refrigerants To define the VOC content limits of certain building materials To set the baseline water requirements for irrigation To determine the baseline building energy performance for buildings 20,000 sq. ft. or less
To set the baseline water flow requirements of toilets and fixtures
LEED v4 introduced new compliance paths for its rating systems. When would the Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index be used? During energy modeling process to determine points awarded in energy and atmosphere During the discovery phase of water-related systems When determining the minimum energy performance of a two-story residential project When measuring the energy performance of an office tower To measure how much rain runs off through 25% of the site
When determining the minimum energy performance of a two-story residential project The Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index is a standard by which a home's energy efficiency is measured. Based on the results, a home will receive a HERS Index Score in the form of a miles-per-gallon (MPG) sticker, giving prospective buyers and homeowners insight as to how the home performs in terms of energy efficiency. In addition to the HERS Index Score, a home-energy rating also provides the homeowner with a detailed report regarding energy problems in the house.
A project team is having difficulty at different stages of a project's LEED process. When would a project team choose to submit a Credit Interpretation Request (CIR)? (CHOOSE 2) When the LEED consultant is having difficulty registering a project and needs assistance When the reference guide does not address a specific issue When a conflict in a credit or prerequisite requires resolution When a project is denied a credit and wants to appeal When the owner cannot find a LEED consultant in the area
When the reference guide does not address a specific issue + When a conflict in a credit or prerequisite requires resolution CIRs should be used when there are conflicts in a credit or prerequisite and/or you can't find the answer in the reference guide.
A project team is attempting to get the most bang for their buck and minimize the project's water use. Which strategy will best accomplish this? Minimizing the amount of hardscapes Using a cistern to capture and treat rainwater Xeriscaping Increasing the area of permeable surfaces
Xeriscaping Xeriscaping will result in the greatest water use reduction, as landscaping requires a lot of water. Cisterns are handy but are very expensive to buy and maintain.