A guide to preparing for the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Professional Accreditation Exam Full-length LEED-NC v2.2 practice exam included Also includes guidance on implementation of the LEED Rating System LEED-NC version 2.2 Edition LEED-EB and LEED-Ci information and quiz questions included January, 2007USGBC Colorado Chapter LEED® Professional Accreditation Study Guide and Practice Exam LEED-NC version 2.2 Edition - January, 2007 About the author: This Study Guide was written and produced by ‘Timothy Moore, Integrated Sustainable Design Coasultant, LEED Accredited Professional, and author of the predecessors to this edition of the Colorado Chapter LEED Professional Accreditation Stady Guide and Practice Exam. Timothy Moore is Principal and Founder of Whole Systems Design, Berkeley, CA (formerly Boulder, CO): wwwawhole systems. design com; unoore@rshole-systems-design.com He is a former chair of the USGBC Colorado Chapter LEED Subcouumittee and more recently co-developed and is teaching a LEED-related online course on design for high-performance buildings at the Boston Aechitectural College. Over the last fifteen years he has been involved ia numerous projects, published several papers, presented at Greenbuild, ACES, and SimBuild, and provided coasulting on encsgy efficient integrated sustainable design to a range of industry sectors. He is presently providing consulting and energy performance simulations for a LEED-registered project in Colorado, involved in building science research at the UC Berkeley Center for the Built Environment, and consulting on the optimization of building thermal and energy performance for vasious related project. Acknowledgements: Many thanks are owed to USGBC Colorado Chapter members that generously gave theie time to review deaft versions of this Study Guide. In particular, reviews by the following experienced Colorado Chapter LEED APs were most helpful in zefining this Final version and contributed substantively to the quality of the finished product: Courtney France, France Sustainable Solutions; Brian Dunbar, LEED Faculty and Executive Director, and Josie Plavt, Director of Projects, Institute for the Built Environment, Kristi Ennis, ALA, Sustainable Design Director, Seaior Associate, Boulder Associates, Inc; Lauren Yarmuth, Principal, YRG Sustainability Consultants; Janet Pogue, LIDA, Principsl, Managing Director, Gensler, Denver office; and Celia Hammond, CTG Energetics. Further thanks go to the Chapter vofunteers that helped with sales and distribution .F will do so in the forace. Finally, all of the numerous volunteers that have contributed to the development of the LEED Rating Systems deserve thanks for creating tools that the industry values and that the USGBC (Colorado Chapter has the opportunity to support through this Smdy Guide Ordering & updates: For information on updated versions and to obtain additional copies of this Smdy Guide, please visit the USGBC Colorado Chapter web site: hetp://chaptets.usghe.org/colorado/leed. htm] ® i an ettort to minim consumption of paper and shipping energy, and to expedite delivery, the USGBC Colorado chapter is moving to distribution of this Study Guide as a copy protected electronic fie. Bound copies of this Study Guide, which the Colorado Chapter has printed in limited numbers and may consider providing to volume purchasers on 2 case-by-case basis, ae printed on 100% post-consumer recycled paper snd card stock covers. Ferrata and feedback: Please report any extors found in this Study Guide directly to the author by email re@whole-systems-designcom) so that these can be corrected in subsequent revisions. Additional ‘comments and feedback aze also welcome and will contribute to the continued improvement of this product. DISCLAIMER: This document was developed by Whole Systems Design for the Colorado Chapter of the US. Green Building Council. These entities do not make any warranty, expressed or implied, or assume any Fability for the use of any information, methods, or materials contained herein or for damages arising from such use; nor do they assume zesponsibilty or liability for any loss sustained as a result of the use of contents of this document, This Study Guide is a product of the Colorado Chapter, and therefore not an official product of USGBC national. ‘Trademark: LEED® is a registered trademark of the US. Green Building Council Copyright: The Colorado Chapter of the US. Green Building Council (USGBO) owns the tights to this LEED Professional Accreditation Smdy Guide (2005 and 2006) under the US. Copyright Act. Unauthorized copying or distribution of the LEED Professional Accreditation Study Guide (2005 and 2006), or any derivative thereof, is ilegal. USGBC Colorado will pursue copyright violators if necessary.Table of Contents Introduction... a preceecss aL Part 1: The LEED Professional Accreditation Exam. 1. Professional Accreditation - One Credential, Multiple Tracks... 2. Eligibility and Preparation : ai 3. Exam Content, Structure, and Format. 4. Exam Procedure, Registration, and Scheduling... ‘ Part 2: The USGBC, the LEED Rating System, and How the LEED Rating System Works... 5. About the USGBC and the LEED Rating System Family of Products... sed 6. LEED-NC version 2.2 7. LEED-NC Rating System Credits, Prereq 8. LEED Registration and Certification 9. USGBC LEED Resources... 10. Credit Interpretation Rulings 11. Documentation and Submittals 12. Documentation for LEED Credit Audits and Project Support: 13. Innovation In Design Credits. 14. Exceptional Calculation Method... 15. LEED Integration with Design and Construction Process a 16. LEED is a Tool and Comes with Challenges that Practitioners Can Overcome . Part 3: Integrated Sustainable Design and Green Building Practices. 17. Sustainable Design and Green Building Resources. : 18, Energy, Environmental, Health, and Economic Impacts of Buildings 19. Green Building Benefits and the Mechanisms behind Them... 20. Sustainable Design Synergies and the Challenges of Interconnectedness.. Part 4: Study Tools and Methods wemenmann 21. Methods for Studying the LEED Rating System and Reference Guide ..... 39 22. LEED Credit Terminology, Concepts, and Referenced Standards... 240 23. Acronyms and Abbreviations : 24. Practice Exam and Answer Key. Part 5: LEED-EB Rating System for E> 25. LEED-EB Overview 26. How LEED-EB Relat 27. LEED-EB Quiz... 28. Answer Key for LEED-ES Quiz Part 6; LEED-Cl Rating System for Commercial Interior 29. LEED-Cl Overview 30. How LEED-CI Relates to and Differs from LEED-NC. 31. LEED-Cl Practice Quiz... zt 32. Answer Key for LEED-Cl Practice QuizTocepyihis oi guide USCOC- Coa: ya diol chase hs copy. ye roving Cort A Pe wt sabes puchse alga. Introduction ‘The US. Green Building Council's (USGBO) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Greea Building Rating System is 2 tool for market transformation. It amesses mazket forces in suppott of the mumercus benefits of sustainable architecture, efficient building technologies and systems, and environmentally sound construction practices. It can be a valuable design tool, providing a degece of sustainable design guidance through checklists, credit intent, and credit strategies, as well as feedback mechanisms for certain aspects of design, ‘The USGBC has recently revised its LEED Professional Accreditation Exam in keeping with the content of the LEED-NC version 22 Rating System. Separate tracks have also been added for LEED-EB and LEED-Cl. In support these changes, and in an effort to improve its effectiveness, this Stwdy Guide has been substantially revised and ‘expanded relative to the version previously available from the USGBC Colosado Chapter. Intent of LEED Accres LEED accreditation is intended to facilitate the successful desiga, development, and certification of high-pesformarce green building projects by encouraging industry professionals’ understanding of the LEED Rating System, the registration and certification process, and the fundamentals of sustainable design and green building practices. Value Associated with LEED Accreditation Accreditation provides professionals with a degree of credibility and recognition, inclusion on the USGBC’s online list of LEED Accredited Professionals, plus the opportunity to secure one LEED credit by virtue of participation as a principal member of a project team. ‘There is currently no USGBC requirement for professionals to upgrade their accreditation status from that associated ‘with the previous exam; however, there may be value placed on this by the market. In other words, a given design team, architect, or building owner may seek to hize a LEED Accredited Professional that has passed an updated oF more rigorous version of the LEED Professional Accreditation exam. Furthermore, the USGBC is considering possible requirements for maintenance or periodic upgrades of LEED AP status, Therefore, whether required by the USGBC or simply valued in the marketplace, successfal exam candidates may want to anticipate various forms of continuing education related to green building, eventually taking an updated LEED exam, or both. Purpose and Scope of the LEED Professional Accreditation Exam In an effort to ensure that professionals are appropriately qualified, the LEED Professional Accreditation Exam tests for knowledge and understanding of the LEED Rating System, integrated sustainable design, and green building practices. In the wosds of the USGBC, the purpose of the exam is “to ensure that a successful candidate hes the knowledge and skills necessary to participate in the design process, to support and encourage integrated design, and to streamline the application and certification process. Additionally, it will test undesstanding of LEED requirements, resources, and processes.” The exam covers knowledge of LEED credit intents and requirements, and demonstratioa Of ability to coordinate the project and team, implement the LEED process, and verify, participate in, and perform technical analyses required for LEED credits Intent of this Study Guide this Study Guide supports prepazation for the USGBC’s revised LEED Professional Accreditation Exam. In concert with this, it also provides guidance regarding the knowledge and skills that a TEED Accredited Professional will need in order to be effective in the field. ‘This Study Guide functions as a comparion or supplement to the recommended USGBC LEED Training Workshops, LEED Reference Package, and other official materials provided by USGBC national, and should not be seen as a substitate for any of these valuable tools, As a product of the Colorado Chapter, and noi of USGBC national, this Study Guide and the included practice exam have not been subject to the product development procedures, member approvals, or other processes institted at the national level. However, the Colorado Chapter has done its best to cosure that the content of this Study Guide is consistent with al official USGBC LEED products, tools, Certification procedures, and the offical USGBC LEED Professional Accreditation Exam. USGBC Colorado Chapter LEED" Professional Accreditation Study Guide and Practice Exam Page 1“Tha pis otis ub sng USGAC-Coas ya dint prt ts copy you ar obit fe ope Act Pees ist exyeclain phan a bl omy ‘The USGBC has expanded its Professional Accreditation program to three exam tracks and will add other tracks as additional Rating System products manure. However, there will contiaue to be just one credential. The tracks overlap to the extent the actual Rating Systems oveslap and shase common USGBC tools and processes. Exam candidates are free to choose the track that best fits their needs and area of expertise. For the foresceable future, the same LEED Accredited Professional or “LEED AP” credential wil be recognized under all LEED Ratiag Systems. TThe three tracks are described by the USGBC as follow LEED for New Construction and Major Renovations Exam: ‘The LEED-NC exam verifies that an individual possesses the knowledge and skis necessary to participate in the design process to support and encourage the design integration required by LEED and to streamline the application and certification process. LEED for Existing Buildings Exam: The LEED-EB exam veifies that an individual possesses the Knowledge and skills necessary to support and encourage the operation, upgrade and project team integration required for implementation of LEED on existing building projects. The exam tests an individual's understanding of the practices and principles of green building operations and upgrades and familiasty with LEED-EB requirements resources and processes LEED for Commercial Interiors Exam: The LEED-CI exam verifies that an individual understands gteen commercial terior design practices and principals, and familiarity with LEED-CI requisemems, resources and processes. LEED Accredited Professionals who pass the LEED-Cl exam track will help meet the growing demand from the private and public sectors for green commercial interioss. 2. Eligibility and Preparation Eligibility ‘There are currently 0 elighility requirements for the LEED Professional Accreditation Exam. Howevet, the following qualifications are strongly recommended by the USGBC: "Green building industry tenure and thus the industry knowledge associated with this level of experience "Knowledge of LEED credit intents, requirements, submittals, technologies, and suategies (in-depth within your discipline and more generally across all elevant disciplines) "Practical experience with the integration and coordination of multiple design disciplines * Understanding of life cycle cost analysis and benefits associated with LEED Certified buildings + Familiarity with the documentation, application, and submittal process for LEED Cestified projects * Familiasty with LEED Rating System products, resourees, and processes Preparing for the Exam ‘There are no academic or professional prerequisites for the LEED Accredited Professional Examination, However, it is recommended that candidates have approptiate experience, as outlined above, and possess a relatively detailed level of familiaity with the content the appropriate LEED Reference Guide for the exam track they have selected. For ‘many, the ideal exam preparation involves stmdying and applying the LEED Rating System in the context of an acrosl project. In any case, to the extent that a candidate is lacking in any of the qualifications secommended above, additional preparation should be undertaken to compensate. This Study Guide is intended to complement the Reference Guides, expand upon their content in certain axeas, and 10 assist candidates with preparing for both the exam and their eventual role as a LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP). We stress, again, that this Study Guide is in n0 way intended to take the place of the Reference Guides and other official USGBC materials ot information, USGBC Colorado Chapter LEED® Professional Accreditation Study Guide and Practice Exam, Page 2‘Thecepyihitn ie ge Deer ISGEC Corn you ea pace Bs copy, uae vidog Be Copy Pe Pls vst gerlemin ots puchse elegy Much of the USGBC’s LEED Professional Accreditation Exam Candidate Handbook is covered in this Study Guide as direct quotes, paraphrased text, or parallel content. However, it is highly recommended that all candidates review the Handbook to be certain that they have read and fully understood what the USGBC deemed essential information for exarm candidates. I is available at www w.nspbe.osg/DisplasPage-aspx?CMSPagcID=15628. ‘Though it is not required, the USGBC suggests completing theie Essentials of LEED Professional Accreditation interactive online course ot attending a LEED Technical Review workshop for the selected Rating System and exam track (NC, EB, or CD. For LEED-NC, there is a more advanced workshop titled “Applying LEED-NC in Practice” thac is both helpful in understanding the LEED Rating System on a mote detailed level and may be beneficial prios to taking the LEED exam. The USGBC also offers topic-specific half day workshops. Some half-day workshops forss on applying LEED to various building types, such as schools, laboratories, and retail. Others are focused on a moce in-depth understanding of certain aspects of LEED, such as related green building costs and benefits or energy modeling. It is worth noting that the exam includes some design strategy-, documentation-, and submital-related topics covered in the more advanced Applying LEED-NC in Practice workshop, which are not covered in the more basic Technical Review workshops. More information and workshop registration is available on the USGBC web ste. ‘Areas of expertise and finoledge tested ‘on the exam: In-depth familiarity with He LEED Rating Systent PI project xeyiriion,eechcal-support and Lettifitation processes ‘adesstandig of LEI dhyinemehisand proceed 2 * “Demonstiaifik knowledge of design and construction iidustry stanidards aad processes 4 Gene nglersandig aan leet ini Ra Sse nd ph ch hy sp + Ghupichedab fundeinchat Koowlelye of usable design sticged aed pened ne i application wiflia the LEFAD Rating Sytem, and cole in creating high-performance green buildidgs 2 + Fagillanty with Key gnées building and sustainable design resoyees and tools What to Study for the Exam Its critical that all exam candidates lacking comprehensive expeticnce with LEED project documentation study the LEED Reference Guide appropriate to the selected Rating System and exam track. While there is a vast amount of information in the Reference Guide, itis recommended that candidates thoroughly study the elements noted below. Tn total, this content extends across most pages of the Reference Guide and can be overwhelming, to say the lest. ‘Therefore, effective exam preparation begins first with becoming generally familiar with LEED via light reading of the moch simpler Rating System documents and LEED web site. This is best followed by reading the complete Reference Guide, carefully highlighting material that defines the nature, scope, requirements, strategies, and methods of each prerequisite and credit. Highlighted matesial is then readily accessible for pre-exam review and later reference * Knowledge of the LEED certification process, including registratioa, application, and credit interpretation slings 1 Solid conceptual understanding of the stated Intent for each prerequisite and credit "Comprehensive knowledge of Requitements for each prerequisite and credit, including required percentages and thresholds, any noteworthy Submittal Documentation, and any additional constraints or affordances that may De spelled out only within the Approach and Calculations sections. These generally necessitate focused reading * General familacity with all Referenced Standards, as summarized following the Requirements and Submittals for cach credit, including conceptually what each refers to, how they relate to a give prerequisite or credit, and to which LEED credit(s) they are relevant = Understanding of the Potential Technologies and Strategies, as well as fundamentals of the Approsch and ‘Implementation, particulary as they selate to each prerequisite and credit = Familiarity with the terminology of sustainable design and high-performance buildings in support of both green building industry knowledge and understanding of specific sustainable design strategies as tested on the exam aad ‘encountered in practice USGBC Colorado Chapter LEED® Professional Accreditation Stady Guide and Practice Exam Page 3“Tecra oie pier USGBC Color yout pasts ey, yur vege Cony rt Please st usted chase be cy. Get to know the USGBC web site inside and out, as itis at the heart of the LEED Certification process and provided the principal means of communication with the USGBC. Study the web site information on LEED Registration and Certification processes and the workings of each of the related tools and processes listed below. Access to some elements of these is restricted r USGBC members (*) or team members for registered projects (*). Obtaining USGBC member status is, in any case, recommended prior to becoming a LEED AP. Candidates that don't yet have access to these items might do well fo study along side someone that does have access, + LEED project Registration, Cestification process, and associated fee structures + LEED Credit ‘Templates (ample Credit Templates are availble on the USGBC’s LEED web site) * The LEED Online** tool for documentation and application submittal of registered LEED projects: While the general public has access to a basic description of LEED Online and samples of the embedded Credit Templates, itis also helpful to see the actual tool, which requires team member access associated with a registered project * Credit Interpretation Rulings (CIR), inchuding access to viewing* them, what they ate, how and when to use them, and the process of submitting Credit Interpretation Requests** Searchable lists of registered and Certified LEED projects, USGBC member firms, and LEED APs. Helpful Study Aids *Forthose unfamiliar with LEED, the Rating System document is av excellent place to start. + ‘The tables of acronyms, concepts, terminology, referenced standards, and practice exam included in this Stady Guide can each be useful in sharpening knowledge of essential items and gauging preparedness for the exam. See art 4: Study Tools and Methods for description of specific study methods for these and other materials, "For those unfamiliar with both green building and the LEED Rating System, it may be helpful to attend a LEED ‘Technical Review Workshop before sitting for the exam. Additional study ‘The exam covers a broader range of concepts, teupinology, acrooyms, resources, and design strategies or dynamics ‘than are included in the LEED Reference Guide or on the USGBC web site. Practice as a LEED AP often demands an even broader range of skills and knowledge. Given this, commended additional study includes the following: "= Become generally familiar with the array of available industsy resources, including technical guidebooks, standards, product directories, and at least some of the software tools for daylighting, energy modeling, life-cycle cost analysis, life-cycle assessment, etc, Use these resources to support knowledge of sustainable design strategies green building practices, and associated terminology. A listing of books, petiodicals, videos, and web-based information sousces is listed on the Resources section of the USGBC Colorado Chapter web site: http: / /chapters.usabe.org/coloraclo/sesources html “The Sustainable Building Technical Manval is available from US. Department of Enesgy: wun sustainable, doe gow /freshstars/aiticles/ptipub hss) * Understand at least the general benefits, mechanisms, and potential pitfalls of strategies that apply to a broad range of building types and climates. Many of these sre presented in the LEED Rating System and Reference Guide documents, while others are not. For example, it can be helpful to have a conceptual grasp of potential synergies or challenges associated with interaction among appaseatly isolated topics, such as laadscaping, paving, materials, daylighting, and thermal comfort within buildings. Similarly, it may be helpful as 2 LEED AP to have a ‘conceptual understanding how high-performance glazing can reduce lighting, heating, and cooling loads, but aay, in somie cases indirectly result in higher heating loads, or how pervious paving can reduce stormwater runoff and heatisland effects, but may not be appsopsiate in some climates or siations. "Get to know the fundamentals of lifecycle cost analysis and life-cycle assessment, including how sustainable design strategies and grecn building practices can produce benefits as measured through one or the other of these methodologies. Kaow what kinds of tools ate required or available, where and when they might be applied, and hhow measured benefits —g, increase building valuation or creation of sharcholder value—might be more or less important to different types of projects or building owners. USGBC Colorado Chapter LEED® Professional Accreditation Study Guide and Practice Exam Page 4‘recog is qe bg OUSGEC Cake iycu cnet pce scopy, yur Wing he Copii Pe ik nortan phase les 3. Exam Content, Structure, and Format Exam Content ‘The USGBC has developed separate exam tacks for LEED-NC, LEED-EB, and LEED-Cl, (LEED-CS will share the LEED-NC track), cach comprising a combination of common questions and questions specific to exch rating system. Candidates passing any one of the tracks will earn the LLBED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) credential For the foreseeable future, 2 LEED AP passing any one of the exams will be recognized and will qualify for the ID Credit point towards certification under any of the LEED Rating Systems. ‘The LEED Psofessional Accreditation Exam tracks released by the USGBC in December of 2006 are based on the LEED-NC version 2.2, -BB version 2.0, and ~CI version 2.0. Each of these also covers familiarity with the soles and responsibilities of design team members, uaderstanding of design process, and knowledge of sustainable design strategies and green building practices across multiple disciplines. ‘The LEED Professional Accreditation exam was developed to test candidate knowledge requiced to petformn the specific tasks of the LEED Accredited Professional as outlined in the four categories below. The outline provides a ‘general description of the exam content as organized in four conteat areas. This outline appears below essentially s it js presented by the USGBC in the official LEED Professional Accreditation Candidate Handbook. The exam sections outlined test competency, capability, and knowledge that arc essential to the effective use of LEED as a design- optimization tool and to the effective implementation and coordination of the Certification process 1 Knowledge of LEED Credit Intents and Requirements Apply LEED deGinitions consistently across all credits, * Establish level of knowledge of LEED czedit intents, requirements, submittals, vechnologies, and strategies for each credit category, including Site, Water, Enezgy, Matetils, and Indoor Environmental Quality (LEQ) = Describe format and process for achieving innovation credits 2, Coordinate Project and Team = Gather all project information aad requirements to support the LEED process = Manage coozdination of multiple job functions to achieve LEED cestification + dentify standaeds that support LEED credits Identity opportunities for integrated design and credit syneigies to support LEED certification; explose systems integration opportunities + Lécatify critical path elements and schedule to implement LEED process. Develop and implement green building strategies citical path 3, Implement LEED Process Select appzopriate LERD product for project scope Register project for LEED centifcation online * Demonstrate knowledge of CIR process and resources 1 Manage LEED documentation and certification process + Manage and complete leter templates + Draft and review innovation credits 4, Verify, Participate Ta, and Perform Techaical Analyses Required for LEED Credits * Verify compliance of technical work products created by other team members Participate in and guide the development of technical analyses with design professionals = Peaform technical analyses to verify compliance with LEED requirements USGBC Colorado Chapter LEED® Professional Accreditation Study Guide and Practice Exam, Page 5‘Thee nee gang io ISGEO-Coaes ce sass scopy. ure Wanye Cag A lessen pute le my Sample Questions ‘The following sample questions are adapted from those which appeared in the “LBRD Professional Accreditation Exam Overview” provided by the USGBC for the version 2.1 exam; they bave been modified in this presentation to be consistent with the content of LEED-NC version 2.2. Four additional sample questions originally provided by the USGBC in the same document have been similarly modified and incorporated in the Study Guide practice exatn. The Colorado Chapter recommends that exam candidates also seview the USGBC’s web-based descriptions of the exam tack and conteat for the appropriate Rating Systeen (http://www nsghs.org/DisplayPage aspx?CMSPageID= 15778). ‘Among other useful conteat, this web page provides links to tack-specific exam specifications and sample questions. ‘The twelve sample questions provided by the USGBC for each track are not duplicated here (or on the actual exam), and thus offer a valuable opportunity for further practice and improved familiatty with the exam content. Section 1: Knowledge of LEED Credit Intents and Requirements ‘The Option One calculation methodology for daylight Glazing Factor, a8 defined in the LEED Reference Guide for EQ Credit 8.1, Daylight & Views: Daylight 75% of Spaces, accounts for which threc? (Choose three.) window area 00m floor area wall reflectance solar orientation room cavity ratio visible ligbt transmittance of glazing DOO RD Section 2: Coordinate Project and Team "The president of a Fortune 500 company wants to build 2 new corporate headquarters building that will provide an exceptional working eavisonment for employees. Among oumerous green building strategies implemented on the project, the design includes hydronic sadiant cooling, displacement ventilation provided by a dedicated outside-sit mechanical system with heat-zecovery, operable windows, and taskambient lighting with photocell controls. The building wil include a mix of open-plan and private offices on a shallow floor plate with just 40 fect between walls ‘with operable windows. These design strategies may help this project achieve which three credits? (Choose three.) EA Credit 5, Measurement & Verification EQ Credit 6.2, Controllability of Systems: Thermal Comfort EQ Credit 5, Indoor Chemical & Pollutant Source Control EQ Credit 7.2, Thermal Comfort: Vesification EQ Credit 2, Inceeased Ventilation EA Credit 1, Optimize Energy Performance Section 3: Implement LEED Process =pOpee What are two responsibilities of the contractor that support LEED documentation? (Choose two) A. provide site photometric plans B._ provide evidence of waste diverted from landfill . provide material safety data sheets ox other manufacturer source of VOG data with paint submittals D. provide energy modeling calculations Scetion 4: Verify, Participate in, and Perform Technical Analyses Required for LEED Credits ‘The design team has elected to pursve strategies addressing 50% of the hardscape surfaces on the site to meet the requirements of SS Credit 7.1, Heat Ishad Effect Non-Roof Which three of the following should the LEED Accredited Professional verify? (Choose three.) cffective tree-shaded area of hardseape features solar reflectance index for all non-standard paving materials proposed percentage perviousness of proposed open-geid paving materials ‘emissivity of all low-albedo hardscape featuses in the design run-off coefficients for impervious paving materials selected RoAe> -Anowens Son LARFY/I//Satea 285B/(/// Seton SBC1 {4 Soca SASCI/UH USGBC Colozado Chapter LEED® Pzofessional Accreditation Study Guide and Practice Exam Page 6Tec ots ge dny tb USGEC Colo you ddr phases copy, youre ving he Copia Ack Pee stunbosadhorspuchse aero, Exam Structure and Format “The computer-based exams comprise approximately 75 to 80 multiple-choice questions selected from a much lager pool of questions. Many of the exam questions require selection of multiple correct answers, as is the case in the sample questions above aad practice exam in Section 24 of this Study Guide. The exact number of questions given depends upon the particular exam track and version, each of which is assembled according to established test development procedures to provide a consistent level of difficulty. Exams taken by different candidates or within subsequent testing sessions may therefore include a different mix of questions. Results are then normalized across al cexams by the scaled scoring system described below. Candidates have 2 hours to complete the exam itself, The total time allotted is 2 hours and 30 minutes, providing. 15 minutes each for a pre-test tutorial and exit survey. The exam is pass/fail, with a scaled score (explained below) of at least 170 required to pass. While moving thzough the exam, questions that a candidate has not completed or which they wish to return to can be marked and later reviewed. The review screen becomes available upon reaching the end of the exam questions. Tncomplere, complete, and marked questions are indicated. Each of these can be reviewed, within the limits of the time alloted, before ending the testing session. Any incomplete questions that remain will be counted as incorrect Exam Scoring ‘The scaled scoring system converts raw exam scotes to a scaled score falling between 125 and 200, A minimum scaled scoze of 170 is required to pass the exam. The raw score for a completed exam is converted to a scaled score using a mathematical conversion factor based upon analysis of results from beta testing of exam questions. Thus the scal-d score is neither the number of items correct nor percentage correct. The scaled score serves to aormalize scoring, across exams and exam tracks. Thus no one exam, in actuality or perception, easier to pass than another. “Tallying of coxzect answers is done by computer immediately upon completion of the exam, The resulting scaled secre is reported on-screen and in a printed report that is given to the candidate prior to departure from the testing center. “The printout also indicates the percentage comrect in each of four content categories. Information on performance in each of the four content areas outlined above is provided to each candidate as a printed total for each section. prevent copying or distribution of exam content, the USGBC does not provide copies of the completed exam itselE Exam Results "The LEED Accredited Professional ecedental is awarded to candidates achieving « score of 170 or higher. This passing threshold is the same for all exam tracks and versions. The designation of “LHED® Accredited Professions]” or “LEED® AP” can be used by candidates only after formal notification of LEED AP status, which may take up to six weeks from the date of the exam. Formal notification includes a LEED Accredited Professional certificate “Those scoring 169 or lower are permitted to re-take the exam as needed to pass. While thete is currently no waiting petiod, the USGBC does plan to implement one. This will require candidates that have filed a set number of times— pethaps «wice, for example—to wait some number of weeks or months prio: to being able to re-take the exam. The fee for cach subsequent testing session is not in any way discounted and is subject to change over time. Exam-Related Comments and Inquiries Tin some cases a candidate may believe they have encountered an ertor in one or more exam questions ot may have ‘comments or questions for the USGBC regarding the exam content. Written comments, complaints, or inquities can be submitted to the USGBC by emai, fax, or US. postal mail. The USGBC will respond only to those inquities submitted within 10 days of the test date. Along with specific concerns or questions, correspondence must inclu}e contact information and the testing date. As writing down exam questions is not permitted wathin the testing center, the USGBC docs not expect candidates to zecreate complete exam questions as part of expressing concems or challenging specific exam results. After reviewing an inquiry, the USGBC will provide notification of speciic conclusions or findings. However, to prevent copying or distribution of exam content as noted for exam results above, the USGBC will avoid providing any exam questions of answers to those questions within the notification. The address, fax aumber, and email information for exasn-related inquiries are provided below: Accreditation Department, U.S. Green Building Council FAX: 202-828-7580 1800 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Ste 300, Washington, DC 20036, Email: exam@usghe ox, USGBC Colorado Chapter LEED® Professional Accreditation Study Guide and Practice Exam Page?Tecapihsoisie ekg USC Cobras you ine pte yy ae vn eCopt Psa ik unberoaogl uchaaesepy 4. Exam Procedure, Registration, and Scheduling Exam fee ‘As of January, 2007 the exam fee, due at the time of scheduling, is $250 for members of the USGBC and $350 for ‘non-members; however, this is subject to change and should be confitmed prior to scheduling an exam. To reccive the discounted registration fee, USGBC Members must have their corporate membership ID inchaded in their USGBC web site profile prior to registering for the exarn. Payment can be made by credit card o: electronic transfer. Scheduling an Appointment + Goto the USGBC web site and follow the links for LEED AP and then Schedule an Exam From there, complete the accreditation profile form, which will take you to the exam scheduling page that is used to generate an exam eligibility ID. = Important note You must register for the exam wit appoinument at a Promettic Testing Center. the USGBC prior to scheduling your testing Following the scheduling links will tke you to a USGBC page on the Thompson Prometric web site where you can locate a testing center and select the particular exam (if this information has not carried over from the accreditation profile of if you re-started your process from this web location) and then enter your eligibility ID ‘when prompted to proceed with scheduling and payment = Prometric is a third-party testing service contracted by USGBC. There are approximately 250 Prometric testing sites in the United States (Gome sites are under affiliate names, such as Sylvan Learning Center, which you may need to be aware of when arriving for your testing session), * Prometric will provide the neasest testing center location, dizections to that location (if requested), and aa exam appointment confirmation number for future eeference. Yout confirmation number should be retained for later ‘use to confirm, cancel and reschedule an exam appointment via the USGBC page on the Prometric Web site: swwsprometric com/USGBC. This confirmation sumber will also allow you to confirm, reschedule, or cancel your appointment via the Prometric automated phone system when outside of the normal call center hours. Note that chere is a $30 fee for canceling o¢ rescheduling within less than 30 days before the appointment and the ful ‘exam fee will be forfeited if the minimum two business days notice is not provided. # To register 5 or more candidates at once, call the Prometsic bulk registration department at 1-800-774-1292. # Because appointments ace limited, and they are scheduled on as first-come, first-served basis, you may need to schedule several weeks in advance to get a preferred date. Also note that availability of and demand for testing ‘center appointments may vary significantly in relation to the release of upgrades in LEED Accreditation exams 28, well 25 a plethora of other professional exams administered at Promettic testing centers. Prometric generally experiences heavier testing volumes duzing the months of June through August and October through December. Confirming an Appointment In addition to electonic confimation of appointments scheduled via the internet, confirmation, rescheduling, or cancelation can be carried out via Peometric’s automated telephone system at 1-888-215-4154 Arrival Time and Items You Will Need to Bring to the Exam Prometric recommends that you arrive fall 30 mimutes prior t0 your scheduled exam time. The only items candidates rust bring to the testing center are ¢wo forms of ID: both must be current and inchude signatures and at Jeast one ‘must include a photo. According to Prometric, the photo ID must also be “government issued.” Acceptable forms of photo ID inclnde drivers license, passport, and military identification. Acceptable forms of signature-only TD include credit cards and check eashing cards. A Social Security Card is not accepted a8 a form of ID. NO books, notss, papers calculators, or other personal items may be brought into the testing room, Provision of Exam Score ‘As described in the previous section candidates receive an immediate on-screen notification of whither or not they Ihave passed the exam and will also receive a printed score report upon departure of the test center, Because the exam. ratezial i proprietary and confideatial, the USGBC does not provide copies of completed exams USGBC Colorado Chapter LEED? Professional Accreditation Study Guide and Practice Exam Page 8‘The episode bin USOC Corda yu ena i cay, You ela Cony ck Pes vi whch ory putas alegsany Rescheduling or Canceling an Exam Appointment “To reschedule or cancel an exam appointment without forfeiting the full exam fee, candidates must notify Prometiic NO LATER THAN 12:00 noon, two (2) business days prior to the date of the exam appointment. Candidates that notify Prometric at least two business days prior to the exam ate permitted to reschedule as many times as necessary without penalty other than the date-sensitive rescheduling fee; there is a $30 fee for canceling or rescheduling an exam appointinent within less than 30 days priot to the appointment date. With 30 days or more notice, there is no fee for rescheduling or canceling, ‘The following options are available for rescheduling or cancellation of exam appointments: "Goto the USGBC page on the Prometric site at www.psometric.com/USGBC and follow the on-screen links for rescheduling (emails are not accepted). Call Prometric at 1-888-215-4154 between 8:00aun and 8:00pm Eastern Time, Monday through Friday to speak to human being, or 24 houss a day, 7 days @ week to use their automated system. For the latte, simply wait co be traneferced to the automated system and then enter your confirmation number as instracted * Call the testing center where your appointment is scheduled dusing operating hours (voicemals are not accepted. Rescheduling if You Do Not Pass the Exam ‘While a waiting pesiod is being considered by the USGBC, there is presently no waiting period for retaking the exam. Candidates cas simply schedule a new exam appointment at theic convenience. There is also no limit to the number of times the exam can be re-taken. However, candidates must pay the full fee each time they take the exam, Accommodation of Special Conditions For qualified applicants, examination administration modifications are available in accordance with the Americans ‘with Disabltes Act (ADA). Qualification typically includes documentation of past accommodations, if any, and diagnosis of specific condition by an appropriate licensed professional. Those with specific medical equipment needs ‘or similar special needs related to disabilities o* other special conditions are asked to call USGBC. at 202-828-7422 10 sake appropriate arrangements. This should be done at least 30 days in advance of the exam appointment, Reporting Problems Options for reporting problems with the administration of the exam include calling the Prometric Customer Care line at 1-800-853-6769, oF contact the USGBC via email at exam@usghc.org Colorado Testing Center Locations ‘The LEED Professional Accreditation exam can be taken at any of the following Colorado locations (be sure to confirm addresses, as locations may have changed since publication of this guide) “THOMSON PROMETRIC TEST CENTER ‘6d GREENWOOD PLAZA BLVD, TRIAD NORTH GREENWOOD VILLAGE, CO, USA 80111 Phone 7204955254 Sie Code 5812 m5 ‘THOMSON PROMETRIC TEST CENTER ‘EDN. ACADEMY BLVD, SUITE 238 COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, USA 80917 Phone 719-550.4585, “THOMSON PROMETRIC TEST CENTER 2D BLICHMAN AVE, BUILDING 3 ROOM 177 GRAND JUNCTION, CO, USA 81515, Phone: (9 255.7 Se Cade 5307 "THOMSON PROMBTRIC TEST CENTER AND SYLVAN LEARNING CTR HA NMAINST, UNITS LONGMONT, CO, USA sos0t Phone 305-774 5259 Sie Code 1220 USGBC Colorado Chapter LEED® Professional Accreditation Study Guide and Practice Exam Page 9Thecapyrgstn tis pcb USCC: Cabra i you didnot chase hi omy yaar xan fe Copyih Ak Phase is usted rg perce leg cy Part 2: The USGBC, the:LEED Rating System, and How the LEED 6 Rating System Works, . “ $e 5. About the USGBC and the LEED Rating System Family of Products US. Green Building Council = The US. Green Building Council (USGBO), « non-profit organization based in Washington DG, was established in 1993 to suppost and promote sustainable building design and construction practices. The USGBC is “leading a ational consensus for producing 2 new generation of buildings that deliver high performance inside aud out.” * USGBC mission statement: “The US. Green Building Council is the nation’s foremost coalition of leaders from across the building industry working to promote buildings that are environmentally responsible, profitable, and Incalthy places to live and work.” LEED Rating System and Development History = "The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED") Rating System is a national consensus-based, market-driven building rating system designed to accelesate the development and implementation of green building practices. Tt was developed as a tool for market transformation. As such it helps to define “green building” and supports the widespread adoption of sustainable design and construction, LEED was developed starting in 1995 by USGBC members, including representatives from all segments of the building industry, with funding from the US. Department of Energy. LEED is unique among existing building rating systems ia that its development was open to both indusiry and public sceutiny. LEED is voluntary and self'documenting within the requirements and templates provided by the USGBC. Certification is done by, and at the sole discretion of, the USGBC. * The principal and most thoroughly established LEED Rating System product, LEED-NC (for New Construction), applies to new commercial, institutional, and high-rise (4+ stories) residential buildings as well as major renovations of those building types. A family of related LEED Rating Systems for other building types or situations is well under way, with each new product in various stages of development, pilot phase, or release. ‘These are summarized below. LEED Suite of Rating System Products and their Evolution = LEED version 1.0 was launched in 1998, More than fifty pilot projects were set up to provide feedback. Twelve projects were certified under version 1.0. Numerous volunteers across the building indusuy contributed to this first LEED Rating System and, building upon this, to the development of LEED as we know it today. * LEED version 2.0 for New Construction and Major Renovations included significant improvements and laid the groundwork for most of the family of LEED Rating Systems developed since its inception |) LEED-NC version 2.1 was an administrative update to LEED 2.0, The “NG” designation for New Construction wwas added to differentiate it from other LEED Rating System products. “Administrative update” means that version 2.1 was internally devised by USGBC staff in response to need for clarification or minor modifications, and not, as such, approved by the voting members of the USGBC. (All members can vote) The actual technical Aifferences between 2.0 and 2.1 were minimal. As of November 14, 2002, projects wete required to register under version 2.1. However, because version 2.1 was an administrative update, project teams were permitted to select the credits they would attempt from either 2.0 0: 21 (mixing and matching credits as they siw ft) © LBED-NC version 2.2, while maintaining the same number and distribution of credits, is « far mote significant update than was version 2.1. Given the substantive changes to credits, LEED-NC versio 2.2 required balloting to secure member approval. Further description of version 2.2 and related information is provided in the next section. While LEED-NC version 2.1 allowed project teams to mix and match credits between versions 2.0 and 2.1, version 2.2 pesmits only consteained adoption of certain version 2.2 credit compliance paths by those teams ‘il completing projects registered under versions 2.0 or 2.1. This allowance is descxibed in greater detail below. USGBC Colorado Chapter LEED® Professional Accreditation Smdy Guide and Practice Exam. Page 10“he conyjistoisquie beng to USCC okra you ie pre cep, you vn ho Copii ct Phas sk upbeat logon, + LEED-NC version 30 is planned to follow within 2-5 years, and will be a fall update, including aew credits, redistibution of credit points, and ze-definition of the levels of certification. Subsequent full updates ace scheduled to be developed and released approximatcly once every five years. It has been proposed that verion 3.0 evolve LEED-NC toward decper and more comprchensive consideration of lifecycle environmental impacts and costs and that it might do a better job of accommodating regional priorities or design strategies. The USGBC also seeks to streamline the certification process while roaintaining the rigor and credibility of LEED, and thus 10 more effectively facilitate the widespread adoption of LEED throughout the building industry. * LEED-EB for Existing Buildings provides a rating based on actual performance and sustainable operation of existing buildings, induding projects previously certified under LEED for New Construction. This can include the upgrade of mechanical systems, ixtures, lighting, and so forth, as well as meeting standards with respect 10 how the building is operated and maintained on a daily basis. It does not apply to major renovations (see TEED- NC above). The LEED-EB Rating System is further described in Part 5 of this Study Guide. © LBED-CI for Commescial Intetiors applies to the tenant build-out portion of a commercial office, retail, or institational building, Covering far more than jast interior design elements alone, LEED-CI includes exedits for selection of sustainable tenant space: efficiency of water usage; energy performance optimization including lighting and lighting contols; resource ulation for interior building systems and fornishings; and, indoor ‘eavizonmental quality, inclading emissions criteria for materials. The LEED-CI Rating System is further descubed. in Part 6 of this Study Guide # EBED.CS for Core and Shell applies to speculative commercial building projects that do not include tenant build- out. LEED-CS covers base building elements such as structure, envelope, and_building-level mechanical, clectrcal, and plumbing systems. Itis intended for building projects where the owner does not control the interior design and fit-out, and is thus compleimentary to LEED-CI, Precettification based upon documented goals and ‘strategies ealy in the design phases of a project offers the building owner o developer the opportunity to matket the value of green feanires and pending LEED Certification to potential tenants and Snanciess, Formal recertification is granted by the USGBC in accordance with review of design related goals and documentaticn. Because it is aimed at addressing speculative developers’ need to attract potential tenants and financiers to a project that has heen initiated but is far fom complete, Precestification is vnique to LEED-CS. + LERD-H for Homes was developed with input from local and national stakeholders to move the sasinstream hhome building industry towards moze sustainable practices. Apast from unique parameters such as bome-owrer awareness, there is significant ovetiap with LEED-NC in terms of issues addressed and benefits to builders, ‘owners, occupants, and the enviroament. However, the certification process differs considerably from that of other LEED Rating Systems. As of January 2007, LEED-H is being pilot tested in twelve housing markers across the US. involving over 3,200 nis, with an official Insnch planaed for suinmes of 2007. + LED'S for Schools, to Jaunch in 2007, is based upon LEED-NC and addresses or emphasizes characteistes unique or important to K-12 schools, such as classroom acoustics, master planning, and mold prevention * LERD-ND for Neighborhood Developments will “emphasize stnart growth aspects of development while still incorporating 4 selection of the most important green building practices” ‘The parameters for assessing the sustainability of development projects will be determined in keeping with the Smart Gzowth Networks tea Principles of smart growth, and will include “density, proximity to transit, mixed use, mixed housing type, and ppedestsian- and bicycle- friendly design.” As measured by these and possibly other rclated parameters, the intent Of LEED-ND will be to provide an objective basis for cextfication of developments as “smart growth.” Mose information about LEED-ND is available oa the USGBC web site. = LEED Application Guides: The USGBC has developed guidelines for applying its rating systems to specific building types that may required more extensive interpretation of certain credits. These Application Guides are descxibed in Section 9 of this Study Guide under USGBC Resouces and Tools LEED Credit Templates and Reference Guides for each of the LEED Rating Systems above are either available or in the works, Preliminary clements of these supporting documents are developed in conjanction with the pilot phase of a new rating system product, Once the rating system has completed its pilot phase, has beea revised accordingly, and has been approved by the USGBC membership for release, the USGBC can then prepare final versions of the supporting Credit Templates and Reference Guide. Thus a delay of several months should be anticipated berwoen the release of a new rating system product and the completion and publication of all supporting tools and documents. USGBC Colorado Chapter LEFDD# Professional Accreditation Study Guide and Practice Exam Pege 11