CaGBC LEED v4 Green Associate Exam Preparation - 101 QA Gonul

LEED Green Associate
Exam Preparation
101 Questions & 101 Answers

LEED v4 | Second Edition
Canada Green Building Council

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Exam Preparation

There are two sets to this Q&A package
Set One consists of 101 questions with a 101 answer matrix

located at the end of the question set.
Set Two consists of the same 101 questions with detailed answers
following each question. Each answer is provided with details
such as which domain is applicable, website links to additional resources
and references, if available.

1
2
Exam Preparation

Set One

3
LEED Green Associate Exam Preparation
101 Questions
When selecting your answers, choose the answer that best addresses the question asked.
Which rules provide guidance for making a decision when several rating systems appear to be appropriate
1
for a project?
(Choose 2)
A 25/75
B 40/60
C Use the rating system that is most applicable
D 75/25
2 What must the project team submit via LEED Online in order to verify prerequisite and credit compliance?
A Letter of attestation
B LEED Scorecard
C CIR
D Credit Forms
3 Which source consumes the largest amount of energy in commercial buildings?

A Space Heating
B Office Equipment
C Water Heating
D Lighting
4 Which standard, code, organization or policy provides legal protection of the ozone layer in the U.S.?
A U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
B U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
C Kyoto Protocol
D The Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer
5 Which mandatory requirements must all LEED rating systems comply with?
(Choose 2)
A Credits
B Charrettes
C CIRs
D Minimum Program Requirements (MPRs)
E Prerequisites
6 What is the baseline water consumption for a water closet?

A 1.6 gallons per minute
B 0.6 gallons per flush
C 1.6 gallons per flush
D 1.0 gallons per minute
4
101 Questions
The Triple Bottom Line evaluates the human and environmental effects associated with which one of these
7
collections?
A Federal, state and local codes
B Social, environment, and economic
C Energy, water and air
D Global warming, ozone depletion and carbon emissions
Which types of construction related debris does Construction and Demolition (C&D) Waste Management
8
Planning prohibit?
(Choose 2)
A Land clearing debris
B Wood
C Alternative daily cover (ADC)
D Concrete
Within what distance from the project site does the Location Valuation Factor require several types of MR
9
materials and products to be sourced (extracted, manufactured, purchased)?
A 250 miles
B 500 miles
C 100 miles
D 750 miles
10 In the Systems Thinking process, closed systems are synonymous with which of the following?
A Cradle to grave performance
B Leverage points
C Cradle to cradle performance
11 For Storage and Collection of Recyclables, a building recycling program must include which of these items?
(Choose 3)
A Plastic
B Brick
C Cardboard
D Metal
E Hazardous materials
12 What are two primary responsibilities of the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI)?
(Choose 2)
A Develops LEED Green Building Rating Systems
B Develops and administers LEED professional credentialing
C Provides and develops LEED based education and research projects
D Administers the LEED (building) certification program
5
101 Questions
13 What determines the Regional Priority credits that are made available to the project?
A Achieving the highest threshold level of the credit
B The geographically specific location of the project
C Ensuring all environmental concerns associated with energy usage for the project location are achieved
D Determining all local environmental issues are achieved as identified by the Project Team
14 Which of the following describes how the LEED project boundary is defined?
A The property inside the development footprint that is submitted for certification
B The property outside the building footprint that is submitted for certification
C The boundary description that is submitted for certification
D The same as the attendance boundary
15 How many LEED rating systems are there?

A 5
B 10
C 19
D 21
16 Which type of water is permitted as an alternative water source for indoor water use?
A Well water
B Used process water
C Blackwater
D Water discharged from an open-loop geothermal system
17 Which standard or program compares the energy performance of multiple buildings?

A ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager
B Energy Policy Act of 1992
C ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2010
D ASHRAE Standard 55-2010
18 What is the primary purpose of the LEED Scorecard?

A Allows the project team to track attempted credit points
B Allows the project team to track prerequisites
C Allows the project team to track MPRs
D Allows the owner to track the performance of the project team
19 What does every credit category begin with in the LEED reference guides?
A Intent
B Overview
C Requirement
D Triple Bottom Line Analysis
6
101 Questions
Which of the following organizations supports LEED, in addition to having its own building certification
20
program?
A ASHRAE
B ENERGY STAR
C American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE)
D Advanced Buildings Core Performance Guide
21 Which statement is true for a project to qualify for the LEED BD+C: Homes rating system?
A The project must be a single family residential project
B The project cannot be a multistory residential project
C The project can be a 3 story or less low-rise multifamily residential project
D The project can be an 8 story mid-rise multifamily residential project
22 Buildings are associated with what percentage of all carbon dioxide emissions in the U.S.?
A 14%
B 38%
C 72%
D 50%
23 Source reduction relates to which one of the following areas?

A Heat island effect
B Waste prevention
C Stormwater runoff
D Energy reduction
24 How many levels, or tiers, of LEED professional accreditation are available??

A 4
B 3
C 2
D 7
25 Impact Categories were developed for incorporation into LEED v4 to address which of the following?
A TRACI Categories
B Regionalization
C LEED’s Goals
7
101 Questions
26 What are two primary responsibilities of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)?
(Choose 2)
B Provides third party LEED professional credentials
C Develops LEED based education and research projects
D Administers LEED project certification
27 What are two primary benefits of using pervious materials for hardscapes (parking lots, walks, and patios)?
(Choose 2)
A Decrease heat island effect
B Improve rainwater quantity
C Increase site open space
D Improve rainwater quality
E Allow collection of water for recycling
28 How many credit categories do the LEED BD+C rating systems have?
A 8
B 6
C 9
D 7
LEED encourages Smart Growth development. Which site locations would comply with the Diverse Uses
29
credit?
(Choose 2)
A A site that has a floor area ratio (FAR) of 0.5
B A site with pedestrian access to a parking garage
C A site with pedestrian access to a public park
D A site with pedestrian access to a cafe
30 Individuals and corporations are not permitted to use the USGBC logo on which of the following?
(Choose 2)
A Business cards
B Packaging
C Letterheads
D Products
E Email transmittals
8
101 Questions
31 Which of the following is considered a green code?

A Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)
B ENERGY STAR
C lgCC
D ISO 14000
LEED promotes development on high priority sites. What types of sites would be classified as high priority
32
sites?
(Choose 3)
A A site with a reduced parking footprint
B A Federal Enterprise Community site
C An infill location in a historic district
D A site in a walkable community
E A brownfield where soil or groundwater contamination has been identified
F A site that offers quality transit alternatives
Which strategy will help reduce construction related on-site pollution in the Sustainable Sites mandatory
33
prerequisite for all LEED BD+C Rating Systems?
A Controlling the hours for heavy equipment operation
B Planting invasive landscaping
C Installing rain gardens
D Mulching
34 Which of the following statements best describes Smart Growth?

A Promotes green energy growth
B Promotes the future development of USGBC and LEED
C Promotes a unique sense of community and place
D Supports the need to separate uses (e.g. community-serving retail, civic facilities) in a hierarchical manner
35 What is one of the primary tasks for an integrated project team during the Discovery phase?
A Understanding system interactions
B Register the project via LEED Online
C Secure project financing
D Make certain there is a local waste hauler that recycles waste
36 How is Floor Area Ratio (FAR) defined?

A FAR is the measure of the density of residential and non-residential land use on buildable land
B FAR is the measure of the density of residential and non-residential land use on all land within the property
C FAR is the measure of the density of non-residential land use on all land within the project boundary
D FAR is the measure of the density of non-residential land use on buildable land
9
101 Questions
37 How would a product that can be recycled at the end of its useful life be classified?
A Cradle to Gate
B Preconsumer content
C Cradle to Grave
D Cradle to Cradle
LEED projects cover a wide range of building types and occupants. How does LEED define visitors (tran-
38
sients)?
(Choose 2)
A Retail customers
B Peak Outpatients
C Part time employees
D Full time receptionists
E Operations and maintenance staff
39 What defines the cost or benefit that affects a party who did not choose to incur that cost or benefit?
A Ponzi schemes
B Externalities
C The Butterfly Effect
D The Prius Effect
40 Which of the following is not a source of alternative or renewable energy?

A Renewable energy production
B Green Power
C Carbon Offsets
D Demand Response
41 According to the Environmental Protection Agency, how much time do Americans typically spend indoors?
A 75%
B 50%
C 90%
D 35%
42 ASHRAE standards address which of the following?

(Choose 4)
A Rainwater management BMPs
B Minimum requirements for the energy efficient design of most buildings
C Volatile Organic Compounds
D Minimum ventilation rates
E Thermal comfort conditions
F MERV ventilation air filters
10
101 Questions
Which process is intended to facilitate the introduction of new credits to LEED, allowing projects to test more
43
innovative credits?
A LEED Pilot Credit Library
B LEED Online
C ENERGY STAR
D The Credit Appeal process
44 LEED offers 4 levels of certification. What is the highest level of certification a project can achieve?
A Platinum
B Certified
C Gold
D Silver
45 Minimum Program Requirements (MPRs) do not include which one of the following?
A Must comply with minimum energy performance
B Must be in a permanent location on existing land
C Must use reasonable LEED boundaries
D Must comply with project size requirements
46 Several LEED credits offer two approaches to meet credit compliance. The two approaches are:
(Choose 2)
A Prescriptive path
B Choose from a seletion of referenced standards
C Performance path
D Submit an Alternative Compliance Path (ACP) request
47 Controllability of systems refers to which of the following?

(Choose 2)
A Thermal comfort
B Interior lighting
C Water metering
D Energy metering
48 Which statement is true regarding Exemplary Performance?

A Only available for some prerequisites
B Not available for all credits
C Can be earned for all credits by doubling the maximum threshold for compliance
D Available for all credits
11
101 Questions
49 Which of the following describes site energy?

A The total amount of raw fuel that is required to operate the building
B The raw fuel that is burned to create heat and electricity
C The energy product (heat or electricity) created from a raw fuel
D The amount of heat and electricity consumed by a building as reflected in utility bills
50 Rainwater harvesting systems are designed to address which of these environmental concerns?
(Choose 2)
A Water efficiency
B Sensitive land protection
C Heat island effect
D Rainwater management
51 MERV ratings for air filters are determined by which of the following standards?
A ASHRAE 90.1-2010
B ASHRAE 55-2010
C ASHRAE 52.2-2007
D SCAQMD
52 A project’s hard cost budget would include which of the following 2 items?
(Choose 2)
A Electrical system controls
B Wall coverings
C Office personal computers
D Furniture
53 Which of the following requires preparing an energy model on a LEED BD+C: Homes single family project?
A ENERGY STAR for Homes, version 3
B ASHRAE 90.1–2010
C HERS rating
D NAHB ICC 700 National Green Building Standard
54 What does low-impact development (LID) and Green infrastructure (GI) address?
A Heat Island Reduction
B Rainwater management
C Light Pollution Reduction
D Construction Activity Pollution Prevention
12
101 Questions
55 Which of the following are nationally or internationally recognized green building rating systems?
(Choose 2)
A Green Advantage
B ENERGY STAR
C BREEAM
D International Green Construction Code (lgCC)
E Green Star
56 Why would the project team submit a request for a Credit Interpretation Ruling (CIR)?
A To receive approval for questionable credit strategies
B To appeal credits that have been denied
C To receive technical guidance on LEED credit strategies
D To communicate with project teams regarding credit interpretations on other projects
57 Monitoring and verification are critical to the success of green buildings. M & V begins with which process?
A The Discovery Phase
B Benchmarking
C A holistic approach to green building design
D Ensuring IAQ performance
58 How does the project team register a project for LEED certification?
A Contact USGBC
B Register via LEED Online
C Contact GBCI
D Contact USGBC for a registration number then sign in at LEED Online
Which of the following allows project teams with unique project needs additional options or approaches
59
for achieving LEED credit(s)?
(Choose 2)
A Alternative Compliance Paths (ACPs)
B LEED Online credit review
C Discussion with GBCI
D Global Alternative Compliance Paths (Global ACPs)
60 How does the EPA defines a brownfield site?

A A site that has been previously developed and is presently vacated
B A site that is or may be complicated by the presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant
C A barren site without vegetation
D A site that has been previously developed and is presently occupied
13
101 Questions
61 Which of the following are considered natural refrigerants?

(Choose 3)
A Ammonia
B Carbon Dioxide
C CFCs
D Propane
E HCFCs
F Halon
62 Which of the following projects requires a master site for registration?

A A 3-story multifamily project
B A campus project
C A LEED BD+C: Schools project
D A LEED BD+C: Healthcare project
63 During the charrette, the project team establishes an integrated design approach toward what major goal?
A Ensure the project will come in on budget
B To compare notes and identify opportunities for synergy
C Ensure the project will achieve certification
D Ensure the project will come in on budget and on schedule
64 Energy use intensity (EUI) is an important factor in determining energy usage. What does EUI refer to?
A The amount of energy consumed per unit floor space
B The total daily energy use
C Energy consumption divided by the site area
D The ratio of maximum daily energy use divided by the total annual energy use
What should the project team do if they changed their mind and decided not to pursue a credit initially
65
attempted?
A Attempt a different credit
B Mark the credit as pending
C Remove the credit
D Contact GBCI by phone
Municipalities are increasingly offering structural, financial, and other incentives for green buildings. Which
66
one of the following is a financial incentive?
A Technical Assistance
B Marketing Assistance
C Density and height bonuses
D Revolving Loan Funds
14
101 Questions
67 Which of the following is not a building code?

A International Code Council (ICC)
B International Building Code (IBC)
C International Residential Code (IRC)
D SmartCode
68 The greatest threat to global warming potential is presented by which group of refrigerants?
A CFCs (ChloroFluoroCarbons)
B HCFCs (HydroChloroFluoroCarbons)
C HFCs (HydroFluoroCarbons)
D CFC-500 (ChloroFluoroCarbons)
69 When selecting refrigerants, what is most important for the project team to take into account?
A The availability of the refrigerant
B An analysis of trade-offs between global warming and ozone depletion
C The cost of the refrigerant
D A determination of the refrigerant’s overall global warming potential
E IV Project Systems and Energy Impacts (Energy & Atmosphere)
70 Which of the following statements is not true regarding environmental tobacco smoke control?
A Smoking is not permitted in residential projects
B Signage prohibiting smoking must be posted 25 feet from all entry locations
C Signage prohibiting smoking must be posted 25 feet from all operable windows
D Smoking is not permitted outside the building except in designated smoking areas
71 Which of the following statements is true regarding occupant surveys?

A Surveys are required to be anonymous
B Surveys are one of the EQ prerequisites
C Surveys identify areas that need improvements
D Surveys must be taken every 5 years and submitted to USGBC
72 What type of energy is used by products that are powered by means of an ordinary AC plug?
A Process energy
B Process load
C Plug load
D Unregulated load
15
101 Questions
73 Which of the following should be considered early in the design process when planning room layouts?
A Acoustic performance
B How the building flush out will be conducted
C Which employees get window offices
D The effects of ETS particulate matter on room surfaces
74 Which of the following affects the ventilation levels of a space?

(Choose 2)
A The types of occupant activities being performed
B The total occupant load during a 24 hour period
C The type of occupant clothing
D The time of day when occupancy will be the greatest
75 Temperature, air speed, and humidity are addressed by which standard?

A ASHRAE 90.1-2010
B ASHRAE 55-2010
C ASHRAE 62.1-2010
D ASHRAE 52.2-2007
76 Which of the following is one of the primary goals of the Commissioning Process?
A The project will earn enough points for certification
B The project complies with the Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR)
C The project complies with local building codes
D The project complies with the Commissioning Authority Basis of Design (BOD)
VOC limits for clear wood finishes and adhesives, sealants, and sealant primers are addressed by which
77
standards?
(Choose 2)
A Green Seal
B SCAQMD Rule 1113
C California Air Resources Board (CARB) 93120
D SCAQMD Rule 1168
Which strategy can the project team suggest if the building owner wants to maintain ongoing energy
78
efficiency and performance?
A Enhanced Commissioning
B Retrocommissioning
C Building Automation Systems
D Enhanced Refrigerant Management
16
101 Questions
79 Which of the following would not contribute to reducing potable water for landscaping?
A Using drip irrigation
B Decreasing pervious surfaces
C Installing turf grass
D Designing a Xeriscaping plan
80 What is the primary intent of conducting a site assessment?

A Research local building codes
B Assess the financial costs to develop the site
C Assess existing site conditions before design
D Research local zoning codes
Which credit category focuses on the interaction between the occupants of the building and the indoor
81
spaces in which they spend their time?
A Indoor Environmental Quality (EQ)
B Energy and Atmosphere (EA)
C Water Efficiency (WE)
D All of the above
82 Which of the following are primary renewable energy sources?

(Choose 2)
A Coal
B Dung
C Natural gas
D Hydro resources
83 What is the primary reason for performing energy audits?

A To capitalize on renewable energy options
B Inspect, survey and analyze energy flows
C To monitor energy consumption related to potable water use
D Energy audits are required by one of the MPRs
84 Which of the following is considered an alternative fuel for vehicles?

A Propane
B Ethanol
C Electricity
D All of the above
17
101 Questions
85 Many building codes incorporate which two standards?

(Choose 2)
A SCAQMD
B Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC)
C EPAct 1992
D International Plumbing Code (IPC)
86 Which referenced standard is used for reducing site lighting pollution?

A Low Impact Development (LID)
B BUG rating
C Green Infrastructure (GI)
D Best Management Practices (BMP)
87 Which of the following strategies will not reduce the heat island effect caused by nonroof surfaces?
A Planting large native trees for shading
B Increase parking using pervious materials
C Open grid pavement systems that are at least 50% unbound
D Placing at least 25% of the parking under shade
When the owner and staff establish purchasing policies and plans for onging Operations and Maintenance
88
(O&M), which of the following should they consider?
(Choose 2)
A Ongoing consumables
B Durable goods
C Demand Response program
D Material attributes
89 Which of the following is a major concern with interior lighting?

A Insufficient daylighting
B Too much individual lighting control
C Uniform fluorescent lighting
D Glare
What is the primary goal of the Building Product Disclosure and Optimization - Environmental Product
90
Declarations (EPDs) product selection?
A Products verified to have been extracted or sourced in a responsible manner
B Products that have verified improved environmental life-cycle impact
C Products verified to minimize the use and generation of harmful substances
D Building life-cycle impact reduction
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101 Questions
91 Which of these locations would be more appropriate to consider for a new technology data center?
A Land that is 25 feet from a wetland as defined by the U.S. Code of Regulations (CFR)
B Land with plants listed on a federal or state threatened species list
C Previously developed land located 110 feet from a fishing stream
D 10 acres of a 100 acre farm defined by the USDA as prime farmland
E Previously developed land located 40 feet from a wetland
92 Which sites would promote Smart Growth principles?

(Choose 2)
A A site that provides access to quality transit
B A low density location in a rural area that offers tax incentives
C A previously undeveloped site
D A mixed-use development
Which LEED BD+C: New Construction credit gives building occupants a connection to the natural outdoor
93
environment?
A Direct Exterior Access
B Places of Respite
C Site Master Plan
D Quality views
94 How can heat gain be mitigated when attempting the Daylight credit?
A Reduce the amount of glazing
B Install most of the glazing on south facing walls
C Install high-performance glazing
D Use a darker color scheme for the interior surfaces
95 Which strategy encourages building occupants to use alternative transportation?

A Locate the project away from busy high density locations
B Install required parking underground
C Reduce the amount of parking
D Restrict parking to be code compliant
96 Who is the person or entity responsible for field verification and testing on a LEED for Homes project?
A LEED for Homes Provider
B LEED AP
C GBCI
D Green Rater
19
101 Questions
97 Which of the following would not comply with the LT Access to Quality Transit credit?
A A site within a 1/4 mile walking distance of a bus stop
B A site within a 1/2 mile walking distance of a bicycle network
C A site within a 1/4 mile walking distance of a informal transit stop
D A site within a 1/2 mile walking distance of a ferry terminal
LEED ratings systems are updated through revisions on a regular development cycle. What are the basic
98
types of improvements that help accomplish these goals?
(Choose 3)
A Clarification of LEED Interpretations
B Reference to/inclusion of items addressed through previous Credit Interpretation Rulings (CIRs)
C Maintenance of the current version of the rating systems
D Development of an Addenda(s) to supplement the rating system(s)
E Major updates to provide the next versions of the rating systems
F To incorporate LEED Pilot Credits into the rating systems, where relevant
99 Regenerative design can have a big impact on which of the following?

A Designing for flexibility
B Designing for the occupant’s needs
C Designing to the Owner’s Program Requirements (OPR)
D Designing the project for maximum occupancy shifts
100 Which of the following statements define Life Cycle Cost and Life Cycle Assessment?
(Choose 2)
A Life Cycle Cost focuses on economics
B Life Cycle Assessment focuses on the environment and people
C Life Cycle Cost focuses on the environment, people and economics
D Life Cycle Assessment focuses on economics
101 According to LEED, who defines the site’s open space requirements?
A The local building department
B The project’s civil engineer
C The local zoning authority
D A consultant hired by the owner to negotiate permitting with the local authorities having jurisdiction
20
101 Answers
1 B, C 21 C 41 C 61 A, B, D 81 A
2 D 22 B 42 B, D, E, F 62 B 82 B, D
3 A 23 B 43 A 63 B 83 B
4 B 24 B 44 A 64 A 84 D
5 D, E 25 C 45 A 65 C 85 B, D
6 C 26 A, C 46 A, C 66 D 86 B
7 B 27 B, D 47 A, B 67 D 87 B
8 A, C 28 C 48 B 68 C 88 A, B
9 C 29 C, D 49 D 69 B 89 D
10 C 30 B, D 50 A, D 70 A 90 B
11 A, C, D 31 C 51 C 71 C 91 C
12 B, D 32 B, C, E 52 A, B 72 C 92 A, D
13 B 33 D 53 C 73 A 93 D
14 C 34 C 54 B 74 A, C 94 C
15 D 35 A 55 C, E 75 B 95 C
16 B 36 D 56 C 76 B 96 D
17 A 37 D 57 B 77 B, D 97 B
18 A 38 A, B 58 B 78 C 98 C, D, E
19 B 39 B 59 A, D 79 C 99 A
20 B 40 D 60 B 80 C 100 A, B
101 C
21
22
Exam Preparation

Set Two
101 Questions & 101 Detailed Answers

23
Knowledge Domain Legend (listed below are the sections you’ll be tested on):
LEED Process
Integrative Strategies
Location and Transportation (LT)
Sustainable Sites (SS)
Water Efficiency (WE)
Energy and Atmosphere (EA)
Materials and Resources (MR)
Indoor Environmental Quality (EQ)
Project Surroundings and Public Outreach
NOTE: Wherever applicable, the answers have been referenced to the most appropriate item listed in the
Knowledge Domains section of the LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook.
Which rules provide guidance for making a decision when several rating systems appear to be appropriate
1
for a project?
(Choose 2)
A 25/75
B 40/60
C Use the rating system that is most applicable
D 75/25
Knowledge Domain: LEED Process
Scope of each LEED rating system > rating system selection
[Reference Guide Introductory and Overview Sections (Rating System Selection Guidance > Choosing
between rating systems): http://www.usgbc.org/guide/bdc ]
2 What must the project team submit via LEED Online in order to verify prerequisite and credit compliance?
A Letter of attestation
B LEED Scorecard
C CIR
D Credit Forms
LEED v4 Sample Credit Forms: http://www.usgbc.org/sampleforms
3 Which source consumes the largest amount of energy in commercial buildings?

A Space Heating
B Office Equipment
C Water Heating
D Lighting
(EPA 2008) 38% space heating; 21% lighting; 8% water heating; 8% cooling; 7% ventilation; 6% refrigera-
tion; 3% cooking; 2% computers; 1% office equipment; 8% other
Knowledge Domain: Project Surroundings and Public Outreach
Environmental impacts of the built environment > energy and resource use in conventional buildings
24
4 Which standard, code, organization or policy provides legal protection of the ozone layer in the U.S.?
A U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)
B U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
C Kyoto Protocol
D The Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer
The Montreal Protocol is an international treaty designed to protect the ozone layer. The treaty was en-
tered into force on January 1, 1989. As part of the United States’ commitment to implementing the Montre-
al Protocol, the U.S. Congress amended America’s Clean Air Act, for protection of the ozone layer. The U.S.
federal agency primarily responsible for the management of air quality and atmospheric protection issues
is the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Codes > relationship between LEED and codes
5 Which mandatory requirements must all LEED rating systems comply with?
(Choose 3)
A Credits
B Charrettes
C CIRs
E Prerequisites
LEED rating systems consist of a collection of credit categories, and each credit category consists of a
collection of prerequisites and credits. A prerequisite is a mandatory requirement that must be met, and
a credit is an optional strategy the project team can elect to pursue in order to earn points toward certifi-
cation. Prerequisites and credits are specific to a rating system. Minimum Program Requirements (MPRs)
define conditions that every LEED rating system must meet. Prerequisites are LEED rating system specific
while each of the three MPRs apply to all LEED rating systems. Prerequisites and MPRs earn no points to-
ward certification, but if a single MPR or prerequisite cannot be met, the project will not be certified.
Structure of LEED rating systems [ Reference Guide Introductory and Overview Sections (MPRs; Getting
Started > How to use this reference guide): http://www.usgbc.org/guide/bdc ]
6 What is the baseline water consumption for a water closet?

A 1.6 gallons per minute
B 0.6 gallons per flush
C 1.6 gallons per flush
D 1.0 gallons per minute
The Indoor Water Reduction prerequisite baseline potable water consumption for flush (gpf) and flow
(gpm) fixtures, fittings and equipment requires the use of water efficient and high performing products. As
such, the WaterSense label is required for fixtures and fittings and the ENERGY STAR label is required for
appliances. Fixtures and fittings include: water closets, urinals, public and private lavatory faucets; kitchen
faucets, and showerheads. Appliances include: residential and commercial clothes washers, residential
dishwashers, prerinse spray valves, and ice machines. These products are required because they use 20%
to 50% less water than code-required levels.
Knowledge Domain: Water Efficiency (WE)
Indoor Water Use > concepts of low flow/waterless fixtures; water-efficient appliances
25
The Triple Bottom Line evaluates the human and environmental effects associated with which one of these
7
collections?
A Federal, state and local codes
B Social, environment, and economic
C Energy, water and air
D Global warming, ozone depletion and carbon emissions
One of USGBC’s Guiding Principles is to pursue robust triple bottom line solutions that clarify and
strengthen a healthy and dynamic balance between environmental, social and economic prosperity.
Environmental impacts of the built environment > triple bottom line
[ http://communicate.usgbc.org/usgbc/2006/08.15.06_guiding_principles/guidingPrinciples/ ]
Which types of construction related debris does Construction and Demolition (C&D) Waste Management
8
Planning prohibit?
(Choose 2)
A Land clearing debris
B Wood
C Alternative daily cover (ADC)
D Concrete
The intent of the Construction and Demolition Waste Management Planning prerequisite is to devel-
op and implement a C&D waste management plan that establishes waste diversion goals and specifies
whether materials will be separated or commingled. Materials to be excluded are: land clearing debris and
alternative daily cover (ADC). The intent of the Construction and Demolition Waste Management credit is
to recycle and/or salvage nonhazardous C&D materials. The credit offers more diversity of materials than
the prerequisite, such as materials that can be converted into waste-to-energy systems.
Knowledge Domain: Materials and Resources (MR)
Waste > construction and demolition; waste management plan
[ Reference Guide Introductory and Overview Sections (Credit Category Overviews > MR Overview > The
Waste Hierarchy): http://www.usgbc.org/guide/bdc ]
Within what distance from the project site does the Location Valuation Factor require several types of MR
9
materials and products to be sourced (extracted, manufactured, purchased)?
A 250 miles
B 500 miles
C 100 miles
D 750 miles
The Location Valuation Factor cross-cuts several MR credits, with the intent to incentivize the purchase of
products that support the local economy. Qualifying products must meet two conditions: all extraction,
manufacture, and purchase of the product and its materials must occur within a 100 mile radius and the
product must meet at least one of the sustainable criteria (e.g., FSC certification, recycled content). The
Location Valuation Factor is an integral process of the MR Product Disclosure and Optimization credits.
Purchasing and declarations > building product disclosure and optimization > raw materials sourcing
[Reference Guide Introductory and Overview Sections (Credit Category Overviews > MR Overview):
http://www.usgbc.org/guide/bdc ]
26
10 In the Systems Thinking process, closed systems are synonymous with which of the following?
A Cradle to grave performance
B Leverage points
C Cradle to cradle performance
Both open and closed systems are part of the Systems Thinking process, which is crucial for green build-
ings. A closed system is a circular loop where there is extraction, use and then reuse. A system that creates,
then redefines itself after its useful life to serve another purpose. In a closed system, there is no waste—
cradle to cradle. An open system is a linear progression where there is extraction, use and then disposal.
A system that creates, serves its intended purpose, then perishes as waste after use—cradle to grave.
Systems Thinking requires an understanding of how parts of a system function with the whole. For exam-
ple, how does the selection of the building’s glazing system affect the performance of the building’s HVAC
systems, which in turn affects power consumption.
In systems thinking, a leverage point is a place in a system’s structure where a solution element can be ap-
plied. It’s a low leverage point if a small amount of change force causes a small change in system behavior.
It’s a high leverage point if a small amount of change force causes a large change in system behavior.
Knowledge Domain: Integrative Strategies
Integrative process > systems thinking
11 For Storage and Collection of Recyclables, a building recycling program must include which of these items?
(Choose 3)
A Plastic
B Brick
C Cardboard
D Metal
E Hazardous materials
While the MR category manages waste generated by construction activities, the category also manages
waste generated by the building occupants. At the minimum, the materials to be recycled include: mixed
paper; corrugated cardboard; glass; plastics; and metals. In addition, there must be a provision for the safe
collection, storage, and disposal of: batteries; mercury-containing lamps; and electronic waste (e-waste).
All recyclable materials must be easily accessible to waste haulers and occupants. Building materials, such
as brick, are addressed by C&D waste mgt. and hazardous materials are never sent to the waste stream.
Waste > operations and ongoing
12 What are two primary responsibilities of the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI)?
(Choose 2)
B Develops and administers LEED professional credentialing
C Provides and develops LEED based education and research projects
D Administers the LEED (building) certification program
GBCI’s LEED administration and verification responsiblities are performed as a third-party.
Organization fundamentals > GBCI [GBCI: http://www.gbci.org/home.aspx ]
27
13 What determines the Regional Priority credits that are made available to the project?
A Achieving the highest threshold level of the credit
B The geographically specific location of the project
C Ensuring all environmental concerns associated with energy usage for the project location are achieved
D Determining all local environmental issues are achieved as identified by the Project Team
Since LEED projects are designed, built, and operated in many different contexts, the USGBC regional
councils, chapters, and LEED International Roundtable have identified 6 existing LEED credits as having ad-
ditional regional importance for the project’s geographical location. Climate, population density, and local
regulations can differ significantly from one location to another, making certain environmental issues more
critical than others. Regional Priority (RP) is about green design, construction, and operation decisions
appropriate for the project’s geographical location. For every location in the U.S., 6 credits have been prior-
itized. Although 6 credits are available, only 4 can be selected, and these can be any 4 of the 6 available.
Regional Priority (RP)
14 Which of the following describes how the LEED project boundary is defined?
A The property inside the development footprint that is submitted for certification
B The property outside the building footprint that is submitted for certification
C The boundary description that is submitted for certification
D The same as the attendance boundary
The LEED project boundary is any given parcel of real property that is attributed to a single LEED project
building, typically the total area within the legal boundaries of the site. For projects developed on proper-
ties with multiple buildings, such as campuses or industrial complexes, use a reasonable property bound-
ary as required for the project construction and/or local codes. The LEED Project Boundary information
must be submitted upon registration as it cross-cuts several credits.
The development footprint is the area of the site impacted by the project, which includes parking, land-
scaping, roads and other facilities in addition to the building.
The building footprint is the area on a project site used by the building structure, defined by the perime-
ter of the building plan. Parking lots, parking garages, landscapes, and other nonbuilding facilities are not
included in the building footprint.
The attendance boundary is the limit used by school districts to determine what school students attend
based on where they live.
Integrative process > building footprint and development footprint
15 How many LEED rating systems are there?

A 5
B 10
C 19
D 21
21— BD+C = 10; ID+C = 3; O+M = 6; ND = 2
Scope of each LEED rating system > rating system families
[Reference Guide Introductory and Overview Sections (Rating System Selection Guidance > Rating System
Guidance): http://www.usgbc.org/guide/bdc ]
28
16 Which type of water is permitted as an alternative water source for indoor water use?
A Well water
B Used process water
C Blackwater
D Water discharged from an open-loop geothermal system
The WE section is based on an “efficiency first” approach to water conservation. As a result, each prerequi-
site looks at water efficiency and reductions in potable water use alone. Then, the WE credits additionally
recognize the use of nonpotable and alternative sources of water. In the Indoor Water Use credit, these
alternative water sources are permitted: municipally supplied reclaimed water, graywater, rainwater, storm-
water, condensate, foundation dewatering water, used process water, and reverse osmosis reject water.
Untreated water sources ineligible for this credit include: raw water from naturally occurring surface bodies
of water, streams, rivers, groundwater, well water, seawater, etc..
Indoor water use > types and quality
17 Which standard or program compares the energy performance of multiple buildings?

A ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager
B Energy Policy Act of 1992
C ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2010
D ASHRAE Standard 55-2010
The EPA created ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager®, which is an online tool that can be used to measure
and track energy and water consumption as well as greenhouse gas emissions. It can also benchmark the
performance of one building or a whole portfolio of buildings. Portfolio Manager is an ideal tool for facilty
managers to track the performance of a building or group of buildings.
Standards that support LEED > Energy Star [ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager:
https://www.energystar.gov/buildings/facility-owners-and-managers/existing-buildings/use-portfolio-manager
18 What is the primary purpose of the LEED Scorecard?

A Allows the project team to track attempted credit points
B Allows the project team to track prerequisites
C Allows the project team to track MPRs
D Allows the owner to track the performance of the project team
Well, this can be a bit confusing. Scorecards can be downloaded, as pdf files, for the project team to do an
initial assessment for credits they wish to attempt, but this is a pdf document that needs to be manually
marked and point totals manually tallied. Then there is the checklist, which is an Excel spreadsheet that
has 3 columns (“Y” “?” “N”). Simply enter the number of points being attempted the “Y” column, mark the
“?” column for uncertain credits, and “N” in the column for credits not being attempted. These are what
the project team uses before they even know if the project can be registered (non-compliance with all
MPRs and prerequisites). If it can be, then what level of certification will they aim for—that depends on the
amount of credit points they can, reasonably, earn. LEED Online v3 had a scorecard that adjusted totals
according to credit points awarded. LEED Online v4 refers to this as the LEED Certification Review Report.
However, with these, the project must be registered. Whatever they are named, they all serve pretty much
the same purpose: to assess the total credit points, either pre-registration or post-registration.
LEED certification process > LEED Scorecard
29
19 What does every credit category begin with in the LEED reference guides?
A Intent
B Overview
C Requirement
D Triple Bottom Line Analysis
The reference guide is designed to elaborate upon and work in conjunction with the rating system and
serves as a roadmap, describing the steps for meeting and documenting credit requirements and offer-
ing advice on best practices. Each credit category begins with an overview that discusses sustainability
and market factors specific to the category. For each prerequisite and credit, readers will then find the
following sections: Intent & Requirements; Behind the Intent; Step-by-Step Guidance; Further Explanation;
Required Documentation; Related Credit Tips; Changes from LEED 2009, Referenced Standards; Exemplary
Performance; and Definitions.
Exemplary Performance identifies the threshold that must be met to earn an exemplary performance point.
EP points are not available for any prerequisite, and not all credits.
Structure of LEED rating systems [Reference Guide Introductory and Overview Sections (Getting Started >
How to use this reference guide): http://www.usgbc.org/guide/bdc ]
Which of the following organizations supports LEED, in addition to having its own building certification
20
program?
A ASHRAE
B ENERGY STAR
C American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE)
D Advanced Buildings Core Performance Guide
ENERGY STAR certified buildings and plants are located in all 50 states and come in all shapes and sizes.
Some are world-famous skyscrapers. Others are locally owned small businesses. Each is making an impact
in the fight against climate change.
The other three choices are Energy and Atmosphere (EA) referenced standards.
Standards that support LEED > ENERGY STAR [ENERGY STAR certification:
http://www.energystar.gov/buildings/about-us/energy-star-certification
21 Which statement is true for a project to qualify for the LEED BD+C: Homes rating system?
A The project must be a single family residential project
B The project cannot be a multistory residential project
C The project can be a 3 story or less low-rise multifamily residential project
D The project can be an 8 story mid-rise multifamily residential project
LEED BD+C: Homes and Multifamily Lowrise: Single-family homes and multi-family residential buildings of
1 to 3 stories. Projects 3 to 5 stories may choose the Homes rating system that corresponds to the ENERGY
STAR program in which they are participating.
Scope of each LEED rating system > rating system selection [ Reference Guide Introducto-
ry and Overview Sections (Rating System Selection Guidance > Rating system descriptions):
30
22 Buildings are associated with what percentage of all carbon dioxide emissions in the U.S.?
A 14%
B 38%
C 72%
D 50%
For conventional buildings: 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. Ac-
cording to a survey by the GSA for 12 of their green buildings: 26% less energy usage; 33% lower emissions
of carbon dioxide (CO2); 13% lower maintenance costs; and 27% higher levels of occupant satisfaction.
Environmental impacts of the built environment > necessity of green buildings
[ Reference Guide Introductory and Overview Sections (Preface > The Case for Green Buildings):
23 Source reduction relates to which one of the following areas?

A Heat island effect
B Waste prevention
C Stormwater runoff
D Energy reduction
Source reduction appears at the top of the (waste) hierarchy because it avoids environmental harms
throughout a material’s life cycle, from supply chain and use to recycling and waste disposal. Source re-
duction encourages the use of innovative construction strategies, such as prefabrication and designing to
dimensional construction materials, thereby minimizing material cutoffs and inefficiencies.
Waste > waste management [Reference Guide Introductory and Overview Sections (Credit Category Over-
views> MR Overview > The Waste Hierarchy): http://www.usgbc.org/guide/bdc ]
24 How many levels, or tiers, of LEED professional accreditation are available?

A 4
B 3
C 2
D 7
Tier I: LEED Green Associate—possesses the general knowledge of green building practices for both com-
mercial and residential spaces and both new construction and existing buildings as well as how to support
other professionals working on LEED projects.
Tier II: LEED AP with Specialty—possesses 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.
Tier III: LEED Fellow—developed to honor and recognize distinguished LEED APs who have made a signif-
icant contribution to the field of green building and sustainability. Nominees must be nominated by their
peers. After being honored with the LEED Fellow credential.
Organization fundamentals > role of USGBC/GBCI) [ http://www.usgbc.org/leed/credentials ]
31
25 Impact Categories were developed for incorporation into LEED v4 to address which of the following?
A TRACI categories
B Regionalization
C LEED’s Goals
LEED rating systems allocate points to incentivize building project teams to comply with requirements that
best address the social, environmental, and economic outcomes as identified by USGBC. Points are allocat-
ed through a weightings process where a credit receives one or more points based on each credit’s relative
effectiveness at accomplishing the goals defined for the system. 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?”.
Impact categories > what should a LEED project accomplish [ Reference Guide Introductory and Overview
Sections (Preface > LEED’s Goal’s): http://www.usgbc.org/guide/bdc ] [LEED v4 Impact Category and Point
Allocation Process Overview: http://www.usgbc.org/resources/leed-v4-impact-category-and-point-allocation-
process-overview ]
26 What are primary responsibilities of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)?
(Choose 2)
B Provides third party LEED professional credentials
C Develops LEED based education and research projects
D Administers LEED project certification
Organization fundamentals > USGBC [USGBC: http://www.usgbc.org/about ]
27 What are two primary benefits of using pervious materials for hardscapes (parking lots, walks, and patios)?
(Choose 2)
A Decrease heat island effect
B Improve rainwater quantity
C Increase site open space
D Improve rainwater quality
E Allow collection of water for recycling
When rain falls in undeveloped areas, the water is absorbed and filtered naturally by soil and plants.
However, when rain falls on roofs, streets, parking lots and other impervious surfaces, the water cannot
soak into the ground, thereby affecting a site’s natural hydrology. In most urban areas, rainwater is drained
through engineered collection systems and discharged into nearby waterbodies. This practice increases
water volume, as well as carrying with it trash and pollutants. Higher flows can also cause off-site erosion
and flooding in urban streams, damaging habitat, property, and infrastructure. Using pervious surfaces
helps restore a site’s natural hydrology by allowing the rainwater to percolate down to the natural soils
below the surface, thereby absorbing and filtering the rainwater runoff—quantity and quality control.
Knowledge Domain: Sustainable Sites (SS)
Site design and development > rainwater management
32
28 How many credit categories do the LEED BD+C rating systems have?
A 8
B 6
C 9
D 7
Each BD+C rating system has 9 credit categories: Integrative Process (IP); Location and Transportation (LT);
Sustainable Sites (SS); Water Efficiency (WE); Energy and Atmosphere (EA); Materials and Resources (MR);
Indoor Environmental Quality (EQ); Innovation (IN); and Regional Priority (RP).
Structure of LEED rating systems > credit categories [ Reference Guide Introductory and Overview Sections
(Credit Category Overviews ): http://www.usgbc.org/guide/bdc ]
LEED encourages Smart Growth development. Which site locations would comply with the Diverse Uses
29
credit?
(Choose 2)
A A site that has a floor area ratio (FAR) of 0.5
B A site with pedestrian access to a parking garage
C A site with pedestrian access to a public park
D A site with pedestrian access to a cafe
The Diverse Uses credit requires the building’s main entrance to be within a ½-mile walking distance of the
main entrance of four to eight or more existing and publicly available diverse uses. Use types are grouped
in 5 category groups: food retail, community-serving retail, services, civic and community facilities, and
community anchor uses. Refer to the link for a list of applicable diverse uses.
FAR applies to the Surrounding Density section in the LT Surrounding Density and Diverse Uses credit.
Parking is addressed in the LT Reduced Parking Footprint credit.
Knowledge Domain: Location and Transportation (LT)
Site selection > located in areas with existing infrastructure and nearby uses [ Reference Guide Introducto-
ry and Overview Sections (Appendices > Appendix 1): http://www.usgbc.org/guide/bdc ]
30 Individuals and corporations are not permitted to use the USGBC logo on which of the following?
(Choose 2)
A Business cards
B Packaging
C Letterheads
D Products
E Email transmittals
Trademarked logos may not be used to indicate any kind of endorsement by USGBC of any product or
service, to indicate that any official status for any product or service has been conferred by, or is otherwise
associated with USGBC. Logos may not be placed on product packaging under any circumstances.
Organization fundamentals > role of USGBC [ USGBC: http://www.usgbc.org/resources/usgbc-trademark-
policy-and-branding-guidelines ] [ GBCI: http://www.gbci.org/legal/trademarks/gbci.aspx ]
33
31 Which of the following is considered a green code?

A Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)
B ENERGY STAR
C lgCC
D ISO 14000
The International Green Construction Code (lgCC) is the first model code to include sustainability measures
for the entire construction project and its site — from design through construction, certificate of occupan-
cy and beyond. Another green building code is CALGreen, California’s Green Building Standard Code. With
a focus on climate change, many states and local municipalities are adopting green building codes, even
modifying existing codes to address environmental concerns specific to their community.
Also becoming increasingly popular, especially with the millennial generation, are Form-Based and Smart
Growth codes. The younger generation is embracing urban lifestyles that can now provide them with a
strong sense of place between their work and friends, in walkable neighborhoods, and without the every
day need for cars.
The ISO 14000 series are environmental management standards. LEED is a green building rating system.
However, some municipalities are requiring private projects to be LEED certified. Interestingly, this has
become a negative externality and challenged in court. LEED is a voluntary program, and never intended
to be codified.
Codes > green building codes
LEED promotes development on high priority sites. What types of sites would be classified as high priority
32
sites?
(Choose 3)
A A site with a reduced parking footprint
B A Federal Enterprise Community site
C An infill location in a historic district
D A site in a walkable community
E A brownfield where soil or groundwater contamination has been identified
F A site that offers quality transit alternatives
To encourage project location in areas with development constraints and promote the health of the sur-
rounding area, LEED lists 3 primary types of sites:
Historic district: locate the project on an infill location in a historic district
Brownfield remediation: locate on a brownfield where soil or groundwater contamination has been iden-
tified
Priority designation (7 sub-types): a site listed by the EPA National Priorities List; a Federal Empowerment
Zone site; a Federal Enterprise Community site; a Federal Renewal Community site; a Department of the
Treasury Community Development Financial Institutions Fund Qualified Low-Income Community; a site in
a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Qualified Census Tract (QCT) or Difficult Develop-
ment Area (DDA); a local equivalent program administered at the national level for projects outside the U.S.
LEED promotes the selection of sites that have been previously developed with the intent of protecting
previously undeveloped sites—Greenfields
Site selection > targeting sites in previously developed and brownfields/high-priority designation area
34
Which strategy will help reduce construction related on-site pollution in the Sustainable Sites mandatory
33
prerequisite for all LEED BD+C Rating Systems?
A Controlling the hours for heavy equipment operation
B Planting invasive landscaping
C Installing rain gardens
D Mulching
Controlling construction related site pollution is so important that Construction Activity Pollution Preven-
tion is the only prerequisite that applies to all BD+C Rating Systems and requires the project team to imple-
ment an erosion and sedimentation control plan for all construction activities associated with the project.
The plan must conform to the erosion and sedimentation requirements of the 2012 U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) Construction General Permit (CGP) to prevent: loss of soil during construction by
rainwater runoff and wind, sedimentation of storm sewer and receiving streams, and pollution of the air
with dust and particulate matter. Strategies that can be used to control erosion due to construction activi-
ties include: mulch, erosion control blankets, straw bales, berms, and silt fences. Never use invasive plants.
Site design and development > construction activity pollution prevention
34 Which of the following statements best describes Smart Growth?

A Promotes green energy growth
B Promotes the future development of USGBC and LEED
C Promotes a unique sense of community and place
D Supports the need to separate uses (e.g. community-serving retail, civic facilities) in a hierarchical manner
Smart growth is an urban planning and transportation theory that concentrates growth in compact walk-
able urban centers to avoid sprawl. It also advocates compact, transit-oriented, walkable, bicycle-friendly
land use, including neighborhood schools, complete streets, and mixed-use development with a range of
housing choices. Smart growth values long-range, regional considerations of sustainability over a short-
term focus. Its sustainable development goals are to achieve a unique sense of community and place;
expand the range of transportation, employment, and housing choices; equitably distribute the costs and
benefits of development; preserve and enhance natural and cultural resources; and promote public health.
Smart Growth advocates locating projects in locations with existing infrastructure.
Site selection > located in areas with existing infrastructure and nearby uses
35 What is one of the primary tasks for an integrated project team during the Discovery phase?
A Understanding system interactions
B Register the project via LEED Online
C Secure project financing
D Make certain there is a local waste hauler that recycles waste
Approaching certification using an integrative process gives the project team the greatest chance of suc-
cess. The process includes three phases: Discovery, Design and construction (implementation), and Occu-
pancy, operations, and performance feedback. Discovery is the most important phase of the integrative
process as collective understanding of system interactions are reached during the discovery phase.
Integrative process > early analysis of the interrelationships among systems [ Reference Guide Introductory
and Overview Sections (Credit Category Overviews > Getting Started > Taking an Integrative Approach to
Design and Construction): http://www.usgbc.org/guide/bdc ]
35
36 How is Floor Area Ratio (FAR) defined?

A FAR is the measure of the density of residential and non-residential land use on buildable land
B FAR is the measure of the density of residential and non-residential land use on all land within the property
C FAR is the measure of the density of non-residential land use on all land within the project boundary
D FAR is the measure of the density of non-residential land use on buildable land
The Floor Area Ratio (FAR) is an important factor 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 nonresidential land
use measured as the total nonresidential building floor area divided by the total buildable land area avail-
able for nonresidential 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).
LEED certification process > role of documentation submission [Reference Guide Introductory and Over-
view Sections (Rating System Selection Guidance > Getting Started > Maintaining Consistency in the
Application > Density): http://www.usgbc.org/guide/bdc ]
37 How would a product that can be recycled at the end of its useful life be classified?
A Cradle to Gate
B Preconsumer content
C Cradle to Grave
D Cradle to Cradle
One of the main goals of MR is sustainable materials management—the use and reuse of materials in the
most productive and sustainable way across their entire life cycle, where each requirement identifies a
specific action that fits into the larger context of a life cycle approach to embodied impact reduction. Recy-
cled content is an important part of sustainable materials management.
Recycled content is the sum of postconsumer recycled content plus one-half the preconsumer recycled
content.
Postconsumer recycled content is waste generated by households or commercial, industrial and institu-
tional facilities in their role as end users of a product that can no longer be used for its intended purpose.
Preconsumer recycled content is matter diverted from the waste stream during the manufacturing pro-
cess. Examples include planer shavings, sawdust, bagasse, walnut shells, culls, trimmed materials, over-is-
sue publications, and obsolete inventories.
Cradle-to-Cradle advocates the elimination of waste by recycling a material orproduct into a new or simi-
lar product at the end of its intended life, rather than disposing of it.
Cradle to gate is an assessment of a partial product life cycle from manufacture (‘cradle’) to the factory
gate, i.e. before it is transported to the user or consumer. The use phase and disposal phase of the product
are usually omitted. Cradle-to-gate assessments are sometimes the basis for environmental product decla-
rations.
Cradle-to-Grave describes the process of disposing of a material or product via landfill, incineration, etc.,
at the end of its presumed useful life.
Life-cycle impacts > material attributes [Reference Guide Introductory and Overview Sections (Credit Cate-
gory Overviews> MR Overview > Density): http://www.usgbc.org/guide/bdc ]
36
LEED projects cover a wide range of building types and occupants. How does LEED define visitors (tran-
38
sients)?
(Choose 2)
A Retail customers
B Peak Outpatients
C Part time employees
D Full time receptionists
E Operations and maintenance staff
Many kinds of people use a typical LEED building, and the mix varies by project type. Most credits group
users into two categories, regular building occupants and visitors. In calculations, occupant types are
typically counted in two ways: Daily Averages and Peak Totals. Occupancy counts are used in the LT, SS,
WE, and EQ credit categories. In LT for Bicycle Facilities, Reduced Parking Footprint, and Green Vehicles. In
SS (Healthcare) for Direct Exterior Access. In WE, for Indoor water Use. And for EQ, credits such as Thermal
Comfort and Interior Lighting are determined by occupant spaces, which are sized according to the num-
ber of occupants.
LEED certification process > role of documentation submission [Reference Guide Introductory and Over-
view Sections (Rating System Selection Guidance > Getting Started > Maintaining Consistency in the
Application > Occupancy): http://www.usgbc.org/guide/bdc ]
39 What defines the cost or benefit that affects a party who did not choose to incur that cost or benefit?
A Ponzi schemes
B Externalities
C The Butterfly Effect
D The Prius Effect
In economics, an externality is the cost or benefit that affects a party who did not choose to incur that
cost or benefit. With regard to the environment, it could be the building of a dam that prevents the fish
from swimming upstream, thus destroying the fishing industry in towns upstream. Or the production of
smoke from a factory that may create clean-up costs to reduce air pollution by nearby residents. However,
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 its stakeholders. The idea of a
Green Bottom Line will create a win-win for both the environment and the profits.
Ponzi scheme: a good example of a positive feedback system because its output (profit) is fed back to the
input (new investors), causing rapid growth toward collapse. Feedback systems are part of Systems Think-
ing.
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.
Environmental impacts of the built environment > environmental externalities [Internalizing the Externali-
ties: http://linkingsustainability.com/2011/03/11/internalizing-the-externalities/ ]
37
40 Which of the following is not a source of alternative or renewable energy?

A Renewable energy production
B Green Power
C Carbon Offsets
D Demand Response
Demand response (DR) is a program where the utility company contacts a consumer with a request to cut
back on their power draw during a curtailment event (e.g. severe weather, heavy load on the grid, utility
company maintenance). DR is simply a contract agreement between the utility company and consumer
(usually large commercial or industrial) and not a form of alternative or renewable energy.
Renewable energy production is the generation of onsite renewable energy, which protects projects from
energy price volatility and reliance on the grid. It also allows the project to achieve net zero energy con-
sumption, meaning the total amount of energy used by the building on an annual basis is roughly equal
to the amount of renewable energy created on-site. Renewable energy sources allowable include: Biofuel,
wave and tidal energy, wind, low-impact hydroelectricity, geothermal, photovoltaic, and solar thermal.
Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) are tradeable, non-tangible energy commodities. RECs represent
proof that 1 megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity was generated from an eligible renewable energy re-
source (renewable electricity). Green power may be purchased either directly or indirectly from utility
providers, and while some utility providers actually deliver green energy through the grid, many purchase
RECs.
Carbon Offsets are reductions in emissions of carbon dioxide or greenhouse gases made in order to com-
pensate for or to offset an emission made elsewhere. In the voluntary market, individuals, companies, or
governments purchase carbon offsets to mitigate their own greenhouse gas emissions from transportation,
electricity use, and other sources. One carbon offset represents the reduction of one metric ton of carbon
dioxide or its equivalent in other greenhouse gases.
RECs allow buildings that use nonrenewable power to create market demand for renewable energy while
carbon offsets allow buildings to fund activities that decrease carbon emissions or remove carbon from the
atmosphere.
Knowledge Domain: Energy and Atmosphere (EA)
Alternative and renewable energy practices > demand response, renewable energy, green power, carbon
offsets
41 According to the Environmental Protection Agency, how much time do Americans typically spend indoors?
A 75%
B 50%
C 90%
D 35%
Americans, on average, spend approximately 90 percent of their time indoors, where the concentrations
of some pollutants are often 2 to 5 times higher than typical outdoor concentrations. Moreover, people
who are often most susceptible to the adverse effects of pollution (e.g., the very young, older adults, peo-
ple with cardiovascular or respiratory disease) tend to spend even more time indoors. Health effects that
have been associated with indoor air pollutants include irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat; headaches,
dizziness, and fatigue; respiratory diseases; heart disease; and cancer.
Values of sustainable design > healthier occupants
[ EPA: http://cfpub.epa.gov/eroe/index.cfm?fuseaction=list.listBySubTopic&ch=46&s=343 ]
38
42 ASHRAE standards address which of the following?

(Choose 4)
A Rainwater management BMPs
B Minimum requirements for the energy efficient design of most buildings
C Volatile Organic Compounds
D Minimum ventilation rates
E Thermal comfort conditions
F MERV ventilation air filters
American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) advances the arts
and sciences of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration to serve humanity and promote a
sustainable world.
Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association [SMACNA] guidelines for Occupied
Buildings Under Construction is intended as an authoritative source for providing project management
guidance in maintaining satisfactory indoor air quality (IAQ) of occupied buildings undergoing renovation
or construction.
EPA’s ENERGY STAR products and programs include: ENERGY STAR, Portfolio Manager, and Target Finder.
ENERGY STAR for New Homes requires verification of a home’s energy efficiency by a third-party organiza-
tion and is mandatory for earning the ENERGY STAR label. The EPA’s WaterSense label includes fixtures and
irrigation products.
Green Seal has standards that provide certification for products and services. A partial list of categories
include: Building & Construction Products; Cleaning Products & Services; and Paint & Coating Products.
Standards that support LEED > breadth not depth of ASHRAE, SMACNA, Green Seal, Energy Star
Which process is intended to facilitate the introduction of new credits to LEED, allowing projects to test
43
more innovative credits?
A LEED Pilot Credit Library
B LEED Online
C ENERGY STAR
D The Credit Appeal process
LEED Pilot Credits are intended to facilitate the introduction of new credits to LEED and is an important
tool for advancing LEED. The process allows projects to test more innovative credits that haven’t been
through USGBC’s complete drafting and balloting process. Projects wanting to participate in a credit pilot
must register with USGBC.
LEED development process > rating system updates/evolution
[ LEEDuser Pilot Credits): http://www.leeduser.com/rating-systems/Pilot-Credits/leed-pilot-credit-library ]
39
44 LEED offers 4 levels of certification. What is the highest level of certification a project can achieve?
A Platinum
B Certified
C Gold
D Silver
LEED Certified 40 - 49 points; LEED Silver 50 - 59 points; LEED Gold 60 - 79 points; LEED Platinum 80+ points
LEED certification process [ Reference Guide Introductory and Overview Sections (preface > LEED certifica-
tion process): http://www.usgbc.org/guide/bdc ]
45 Minimum Program Requirements (MPRs) do not include which one of the following?
A Must comply with minimum energy performance
B Must be in a permanent location on existing land
C Must use reasonable LEED boundaries
D Must comply with project size requirements
It’s pretty simple. All projects applying for LEED certification must meet a set of minimum program re-
quirements (MPRs). If a project doesn’t meet the MPRs, it’s not eligible for LEED certification. MPRs differ
from perquisites in that prerequisites are rating system specific and MPRs apply to all rating systems. Every
rating system must be in a permanent location on existing land. Every rating system must use reasonable
LEED boundaries. Every rating system must comply with project size requirements. However, due to the
nature of the type (e.g., LEED BD+C, LEED ID+C, LEED for Homes, LEED for Neighborhood Development),
the size and definitions vary. For example, while most metrics are in square feet, LEED for Neighborhood
Development is in acres, and LEED for Homes must comply with the code definition for a dwelling unit.
Structure of LEED rating systems > Minimum Program Requirements for LEED Certification [ Reference
Guide Introductory and Overview Sections > MPRs: http://www.usgbc.org/guide/bdc ]
46 Several LEED credits offer two approaches to meet credit compliance. The two approaches are:
(Choose 2)
A Prescriptive path
B Choose from a seletion of referenced standards
C Performance path
D Submit an Alternative Compliance Path (ACP) request
A prescriptive based approach requires that each component is built to a certain standard (e.g., Wall R-val-
ue at least 20). A performance based approach requires that the building as a whole performs to a certain
standard (e.g.,uses less energy than the same building built to prescriptive standards).
As an example, there are two different paths to satisfy energy efficiency. The prescriptive path is simpler
and can be achieved without the aid of any software, as the standards have already been established. The
performance path is more complicated but can result in substantial savings.
Within the past few years there has been a shift to more performance based approaches to comply with
codes, standards, legislation and voluntary green initiatives. The shift is away from materials’ single attri-
butes toward system or assembly attributes.
Standards that support LEED
40
47 Controllability of systems refers to which of the following?

(Choose 2)
A Thermal comfort
B Interior lighting
C Water metering
D Energy metering
Thermal comfort provides a high level of thermal comfort system control by individual occupants or groups
in multi-occupant spaces (e.g., conference areas) and promotes their productivity, comfort and well-being.
Interior lighting provides a high level of lighting system control by individual occupants or groups in mul-
tioccupant spaces (e.g., conference areas) and promotes their productivity, comfort and well-being.
Occupant comfort, health, and satisfaction > controllability of systems
48 Which statement is true regarding Exemplary Performance?

A Only available for some prerequisites
B Not available for all credits
C Can be earned for all credits by doubling the maximum threshold for compliance
D Available for all credits
The Innovation credit category awards points for Innovation and Exemplary Performance.
Innovation: Achieve significant, measurable environmental performance using a strategy not addressed in
the LEED Rating System. This can apply to any credit.
Exemplary Performance: Achieve exemplary performance in an existing credit that allows exemplary per-
formance. An exemplary performance point is typically earned for achieving the next incremental percent-
age threshold or doubling the credit requirements as listed in the LEED Reference Guide.
Prerequisites are not eligible to earn Innovation (IN) credits and EPs are not available for all credits.
Knowledge Domain: Innovation (IN)
49 Which of the following describes site energy?

A The total amount of raw fuel that is required to operate the building
B The raw fuel that is burned to create heat and electricity
C The energy product (heat or electricity) created from a raw fuel
D 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 your utility bills.
Site energy may be delivered to a building in one of two forms: primary or secondary energy.
Source energy represents the total amount of raw fuel that is required to operate the building. It incorpo-
rates all transmission, delivery, and production losses. By taking all energy use into account, it provides a
complete assessment of energy efficiency in a building.
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.
EPA Site Energy vs. Source Energy: http://www.energystar.gov/buildings/facility-owners-and-managers/exist-
ing-buildings/use-portfolio-manager/understand-metrics/difference
41
50 Rainwater harvesting systems are designed to address which of these environmental concerns?
(Choose 2)
A Water efficiency
B Sensitive land protection
C Heat island effect
D Rainwater management
The best green strategies achieve multiple objectives with a single solution... and rainwater harvesting
is one such strategy. First, by incorporating Green Infrastructure (GI) and Low Impact Development (LID)
measures (e.g., rain gardens, bioretention areas, porous paving) into the site design for the expected run-
off for the 95th percentile of events, the project team has addressed rainwater management.
Next, additional potable water savings can be earned by using alternative water sources (e.g., municipally
supplied reclaimed water, graywater, rainwater, stormwater, condensate, foundation dewatering water,
used process water, and reverse osmosis reject water). In most cases, water can be reused outside the
building (for irrigation) and inside the building (for toilet flushing) with minimal treatment.
Rainwater harvesting (via rain gardens) can also contribute to additional credits, such as Protect or Restore
Habitat and Open Space. That’s 5 credits that can be assisted with a single strategy—synergies.
51 MERV ratings for air filters are determined by which of the following standards?
A ASHRAE 90.1-2010
B ASHRAE 55-2010
C ASHRAE 52.2-2007
D ASHRAE 62.1-2010
ASHRAE Standard 52.2–2007: ventilation (air filters); ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2010 (ventilation (minimum
rates); ASHRAE Standard 55-2010 (thermal comfort); ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2010 (energy efficiency)
Standards that support LEED > ASHRAE
52 A project’s hard cost budget would include which of the following 2 items?
(Choose 2)
A Electrical system controls
B Wall coverings
C Office personal computers
D Furniture
The costs associated with a development or construction project are, typically, categorized as either soft
costs or hard costs. Hard costs include expenditures directly related to construction activities, such as site
related work, building materials (brick-and-mortar), equipment, and labor necessary to build the project.
Soft costs are the costs for services that support the construction of the project, such as architectural/engi-
neering fees, legal fees, permitting, office (clerical, bookkeeping, etc.).
Office equipment and furniture are capital expenditures necessary for a company to operate.
Values of sustainable design > costs [hard costs, soft costs]
42
53 Which of the following requires preparing an energy model on a LEED BD+C: Homes single family project?
A ENERGY STAR for Homes, version 3
B ASHRAE 90.1–2010
C HERS Index
D NAHB ICC 700 National Green Building Standard
The performance path requires preparing an energy model, known as a HERS rating. The Home Energy
Rating System (HERS) Index is the industry standard by which a home’s energy efficiency is measured. It’s
also the nationally recognized system for inspecting and calculating a home’s energy performance.
ENERGY STAR for Homes, version 3 is used for the prescriptive path to provide a single set of measures
that can be used to construct an ENERGY STAR–certified home. Energy modeling is not required.
ASHRAE 90.1–2010 is the standard used on LEED: BD+C Multifamily Midrise projects.
ICC 700 National Green Building Standard is the first and only residential green building rating system to
undergo the full consensus process and receive approval from the American National Standards Institute
(ANSI).
Standards that support LEED > HERS [ HERS: http://www.resnet.us/hers-index ]
54 What does low-impact development (LID) and Green infrastructure (GI) address?
A Heat Island Reduction
B Rainwater management
C Light Pollution Reduction
D Construction Activity Pollution Prevention
LID and GI rainwater management strategies mimick a site’s natural hydrology. The techniques involve
minimizing disturbed areas on the project site, limiting the amount of impervious cover on a site, and then
infiltrating, filtering, storing, evaporating, or detaining rainwater runoff at or close to its source.
As such, plans, details, or cross sections depicting site conditions and GI or LID strategies, highlighting to-
pography, direction of water flow, and area of site that each facility addresses are required to be submitted.
55 Which of the following are nationally or internationally recognized green building rating systems?
(Choose 2)
A Green Advantage
B ENERGY STAR
C BREEAM
D International Green Construction Code (lgCC)
E Green Globes
BREEAM, Green Building Initiative’s Green Globes, Green Star, National Association of Home Builders ICC-
700 National Green Building Standard are green building rating systems. The International Green Con-
struction Code (lgCC) is a green building code. Green Advantage certifies green builders.
Other rating systems > in general what other rating systems are out there [ Green Building Standards and
Certification Systems: http://www.wbdg.org/resources/gbs.php ]
43
56 Why would the project team submit a request for a Credit Interpretation Ruling (CIR)?
A To receive approval for questionable credit strategies
B To appeal credits that have been denied
C To receive technical guidance on LEED credit strategies
D To communicate with project teams regarding credit interpretations on other projects
There are two paths for the project team to request technical guidance:
Credit Interpretation Ruling (CIR): The Project Credit Interpretation Ruling (Project CIR) process is de-
signed to allow project teams to obtain technical guidance on how LEED requirements including Minimum
Program Requirements (MPR), Prerequisites, and Credits pertain to their projects. CIRs are not precedent
setting, so the project team can only utilize the ruling for the project under which the CIR was submitted.
LEED Interpretations: Similar to CIRs, LEED Interpretations differ in that they are precedent setting. They
may be utilized by any project certifying under an applicable rating system. For this reason, they are ad-
dressed by the LEED Technical Advisory Groups (LEED Committees). LEED Interpretations cost more money
and take more time than CIRs.
Credit Interpretation Rulings (CIRs) do not guarantee credit approval. Earning credits is done through the
review process.
LEED certification process > LEED Interpretations [CIRs: http://www.gbci.org/Certification/Resources/cirs.aspx ]
[LEED Interpretations: http://www.usgbc.org/resources/leed-interpretations-and-addenda-database ]
57 Monitoring and verification are critical to the success of green buildings. M & V begins with which process?
A The Discovery Phase
B Benchmarking
C A holistic approach to green building design
D Ensuring IAQ performance
The cliché, “If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it” is what benchmarking is all about—Performance
relative to benchmark. Ongoing performance requires assessing performance against targets, as it is criti-
cal for informing building operations and identifying the need for any corrective action.
One of the industry standards for benchmarking energy and water performance is the collection of EN-
ERGY STAR tools. ENERGY STAR’s Portfoilio Manager can be used to benchmark the performance of one
building or a whole portfolio of buildings.
ENERGY STAR’s Target Finder accounts for building and operating characteristics, such as operating hours
and number of PCs, as well as 30-year weather data for the project site. It then compares this data to the
actual energy consumption of real buildings, as collected by nationally representative surveys, such as
DOE’s Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Survey (CBECS). The data from these surveys are built
into Target Finder, meaning that projects can assess their designs against the best-available data sample in
the nation, plus have it normalized for size, operating characteristics, and weather. Buildings with a score of
75 or higher are eligible to apply for ENERGY STAR certification.
The Discovery Phase is the first of three phases supported by an integrative approach to design and con-
struction. The third phase—Occupancy, operations, and performance feedback—focuses on preparing to
measure performance and creating feedback mechanisms.
Energy performance management > benchmarking
[ENERGY STAR Benchmarking: http://www.energystar.gov/buildings/ ]
44
58 How does the project team register a project for LEED certification?
A Contact USGBC
B Register via LEED Online
C Contact GBCI
D Contact USGBC for a registration number then sign in at LEED Online
Visit LEED Online and create an account. To sign up, enter only the most important information (e.g.,
project name, location, size, etc.), read and sign the User Agreement, then make payment (credit card).
Once the project is registered, everything is organized into sections (e.g., Details, Credits, Uploads, Team,
Timeline, and Interpretations) where the project administrator can manage the project team and view the
timeline status for each credit. The project team can also get a certification review report to check current
status (credits attempted, denied, pending, awarded, and the current total credit point score). The project
team uses Credit Forms to upload required information (calculations, plans, etc. ) for each credit.
LEED certification process > Components of LEED Online and Project Registration
[LEED Online video: http://www.usgbc.org/articles/introducing-new-leed-online ]
Which of the following allows project teams with unique project needs additional options or approaches
59
for achieving LEED credit(s)?
(Choose 2)
A Alternative Compliance Paths (ACPs)
B LEED Online credit review
C Discussion with GBCI
D Global Alternative Compliance Paths (Global ACPs)
An Alternative Compliance Path (ACP) is unique to the LEED rating system. It provides additional options or
approaches to LEED credits that address unique project needs and advancements in science and technol-
ogy. Alternative Compliance Paths allow LEED to be more flexible and applicable for projects and must be
approved by the LEED Steering Committee.
The Global Alternative Compliance Paths (Global ACPs) were developed to address the unique needs
of projects outside the U.S. These offer additional approaches to credits traditionally more difficult for
projects outside of the U.S. to achieve. These ACPs are a first step toward providing globally consistent
solutions and will be expanded as new solutions are developed. The Global ACPs are built into LEED Online.
The CaGBC has developed Canadian ACPs which should not be confused with Global ACPs.
Standards that support LEED > reference standards listed in ACPs
60 How does the EPA defines a brownfield site?

A A site that has been previously developed and is presently vacated
B A site that may be complicated by the presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant
C A barren site without vegetation
D A site that has been previously developed and is presently occupied
With certain legal exclusions and additions, the term “brownfield site” means real property, the expansion,
redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazard-
ous substance, pollutant, or contaminant.
Site selection > targeting sites in previously developed and brownfields/high-priority designation area
[EPA Brownfield: http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/overview/glossary.htm ]
45
61 Which of the following are considered natural refrigerants?

(Choose 3)
A Ammonia
B Carbon Dioxide
C CFCs
D Propane
E HCFCs
F Halon
Natural refrigerants are naturally occurring substances that can be used as cooling agents in refrigerators
and air conditioners, don’t harm the ozone layer and have no or negligible climate impact. Ammonia,
Carbon Dioxide, and Propane have an Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) of zero. Ammonia has a Global
Warming Depletion (GWP) of zero, Carbon Dioxide’s GWP is 1, and Propane’s GWP is 3.
Environmental concerns > greenhouse gasses
62 Which of the following projects requires a master site for registration?

A A 3-story multifamily project
B A campus project
C A LEED BD+C: Schools project
D A LEED BD+C: Healthcare project
Campus credits allow eligible LEED credits and prerequisites to be documented once for the entire area
and development within a LEED campus boundary. These campus credits are earned through a separate
review in the master site. Once reviewed and earned in the master site, campus credits are available to
LEED projects (both individual and group projects) associated with the same master site and located within
that same LEED campus boundary.
All campus credit information is documented within a master site. Projects on the campus that submit for
certification review and reference the master site can utilize the campus credits earned in the master site
review. When registering a master site, please use the words master site in the title (for example, State
University Master Site).
LEED certification process > role of documentation submission
[Campus Guidance: http://www.usgbc.org/resources/campus-guidance ]
63 During the charrette, the project team establishes an integrated design approach toward what major goal?
A Ensure the project will come in on budget
B To compare notes and identify opportunities for synergy
C Ensure the project will achieve certification
D Ensure the project will come in on budget and on schedule
A charrette is an intensive, multiparty workshop that brings people from different disciplines and back-
grounds together to explore, generate, and collaboratively 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 yet designed.
Integrative process > charrettes [Reference Guide Introductory and Overview Sections (Preface > Taking an
Integrative Approach to Design and Construction): http://www.usgbc.org/guide/bdc ]
46
64 Energy use intensity (EUI) is an important factor in determining energy usage. What does EUI refer to?
A The amount of energy consumed per unit floor space
B The total daily energy use
C Energy consumption divided by the site area
D The ratio of maximum daily energy use divided by the total annual energy use
When a building is benchmarked, as in 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 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 Portfolio Manager automatically does the conversion to thousand British thermal units (kBtus).
Generally, a low EUI signifies good energy performance.
Energy performance management > energy use measurement and monitoring [ENERGY STAR energy use
intensity: http://www.energystar.gov/buildings/facility-owners-and-managers/existing-buildings/use-portfolio-
manager/understand-metrics/what-energy ]
What should the project team do if they changed their mind and decided not to pursue a credit initially
65
attempted?
A Attempt a different credit
B Mark the credit as pending
C Remove the credit
D Contact GBCI by phone
The Project Administrator or project manager can add and later remove credits from the project, even if
previously awarded.
LEED certification process > LEED Scorecard
Municipalities are increasingly offering structural, financial, and other incentives for green buildings. Which
66
one of the following is a financial incentive?
A Technical Assistance
B Marketing Assistance
C Density and height bonuses
D Revolving Loan Funds
State and local municipalities are beginning to incentivize the green building market through financial,
structural, or other types of incentives. Typically, there are 2 types of structural incentives, 4 types of finan-
cial incentives, and 2 other types of incentives.
Structural incentives: Expedited Review/Permitting Processes and Density and Height Bonuses
Financial incentives: Tax Credits; Fee Reduction/Waiver; Grants; Revolving Loan Funds
Other types of incentives: Technical Assistance and Marketing Assistance
Values of sustainable design > money-saving incentives
[Green building incentive strategies: http://www.usgbc.org/articles/good-know-green-building-incentive-
strategies-0 ]
47
67 Which of the following is not a building code?

A International Code Council (ICC)
B International Building Code (IBC)
C International Residential Code (IRC)
D SmartCode
SmartCodes are unified land development ordinance templates for planning and urban design. Building
codes address life/safety issues such as fire and storm protection.
Codes > building
68 The greatest threat to global warming potential is presented by which group of refrigerants?
A CFCs (ChloroFluoroCarbons)
B HCFCs (HydroChloroFluoroCarbons)
C HFCs (HydroFluoroCarbons)
D CFC-500 (ChloroFluoroCarbons)
Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere are called greenhouse gases. LEED addresses the two main threats
to the environment posed by refrigerants: their ozone depletion potential (ODP) and global warming po-
tential (GWP). The primary list of refrigerants are:
CFC (ChloroFluoroCarbons): Stable and long life with greatest Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) caused
the production to be banned in this country.
HCFC (HydoChloroFluoroCarbons): Stable and short life, not as great ODP as CFCs, allowing a phase out
plan
HFC (HydoFluoroCarbons): Negligible impact on the ozone layer but significant Global Warming Poten-
tial (GWP)
Halocarbons: Used in the cells of foamed insulation and fire fighting systems
Natural Refrigerants: Carbon Dioxide (CO2), Water (H2O), Ammonia (NH3), Hydrocarbons (HC), Air (78% N2;
21% O2; 1% H2O2; + trace gases)
The Fundamental Refrigerant Management prerequisite addresses ozone depleting potential (ODP). The
Enhanced Refrigerant Management credit addresses both ozone depleting potential (ODP) and global
warming potential (GWP).
Environmental concerns > global warming potential and ozone depletion
69 When selecting refrigerants, what is most important for the project team to take into account?
A The availability of the refrigerant
B An analysis of trade-offs between global warming and ozone depletion
C The cost of the refrigerant
D A determination of the refrigerant’s overall global warming potential
The choice of replacement refrigerants considers the trade-offs between performance, ozone depletion
potentials (ODP) and global warming potentials (GWP).
Environmental concerns > global warming potential and ozone depletion
48
70 Which of the following statements is not true regarding environmental tobacco smoke control?
A Smoking is not permitted in residential projects
B Signage prohibiting smoking must be posted 25 feet from all entry locations
C Signage prohibiting smoking must be posted 25 feet from all operable windows
D Smoking is not permitted outside the building except in designated smoking areas
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: Homes Multifamily projects, prohibit smoking in all common areas of the building.
Prohibit smoking outside the building except in designated smoking areas located at least 25 feet from all
entry locations, outdoor air intakes, and operable windows.
Signage must be posted within 10 feet (3 meters) of all building entrances indicating the no-smoking
policy.
Knowledge Domain: Indoor Environmental Quality (EQ)
Indoor air quality > tobacco smoke control
71 Which of the following statements is true regarding occupant surveys?

A Surveys are required to be anonymous
B Surveys are one of the EQ prerequisites
C Surveys identify areas that need improvement
D Surveys must be taken every 5 years and submitted to USGBC
Consideration should be given to implementing an occupant comfort survey and complaint response
system to collect anonymous responses about thermal comfort, acoustics, indoor air quality, lighting levels,
building cleanliness and other occupant comfort issues. The survey must be collected from a representa-
tive sample of building occupants making up at least 30% of the total occupants, and it must include an
assessment of overall satisfaction with building performance and identification of any comfort-related
problems.
Document survey results and corrective actions to address comfort issues identified through the surveys.
Occupant comfort, health, and satisfaction > assessment/survey
72 What type of energy is used by products that are powered by means of an ordinary AC plug.
A Process energy
B Process load
C Plug load
D Unregulated load
plug load is the electrical current drawn by all equipment connected via wall outlets.
process energy is the power resources consume in support of processes other than conditioning spaces
and maintaining comfort and amenities for building occupants of a building; it may include refrigeration
equipment, cooking and food preparation, clothes washing, and other major support appliances.
unregulated load (aka process load) is the load on a building resulting from the consumption or release
of process energy.
49
73 Which of the following should be considered early in the design process when planning room layouts?
A Acoustic performance
B How the building flush out will be conducted
C Which employees get window offices
D The effects of ETS particulate matter on room surfaces
Hearing is one of the most crucial means of survival in the animal world, and speech is one of the most
distinctive characteristics of human development and culture.
Better acoustics do matter: research links poor acoustic performance to sleep disturbance, increased blood
pressure and heart rates, and stress. In schools, where communication between students and teachers
affects the learning process, acoustic performance is essential. In Healthcare projects, the acoustic environ-
ment affects patients’ privacy and recuperation.
The Minimum Acoustic Performance prerequisite applies to Schools only and addresses classrooms that fa-
cilitate teacher-to-student and student-to-student communication while the Acoustic Performance credit
addresses both work spaces and classrooms.
Sound > acoustics
74 Which of the following affects the ventilation levels of a space?

(Choose 2)
A The types of occupant activities being performed
B The total occupant load during a 24 hour period
C The type of occupant clothing
D The time of day when occupancy will be the greatest
There are six factors that affect thermal comfort:
Environmental: air temperature; radiant temperature; air velocity; humidity
Personal: clothing insulation and metabolic heat
Indoor air quality > ventilation levels
75 Temperature, air speed, and humidity are addressed by which standard?

A ASHRAE 90.1-2010
B ASHRAE 55-2010
C ASHRAE 62.1-2010
D ASHRAE 52.2-2007
ASHRAE 55-2010 establishes the six factors that affect thermal comfort: air temperature; radiant tempera-
ture; air velocity; humidity, clothing insulation, and metabolic heat
ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2010: ventilation (minimum rates); ASHRAE Standard 52.2–2007: ventilation (air
filters); ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2010: energy efficiency
Indoor air quality > ventilation levels
50
76 Which of the following is one of the primary goals of the Commissioning Process?
A The project will earn enough points for certification
B The project complies with the Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR)
C The project complies with local building codes
D The project complies with the Commissioning Authority Basis of Design (BOD)
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 docu-
ments, 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 com-
missioning 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 contin-
ues to meet its fundamental operational requirements.
Retrocommissioning is the same process applied to existing buildings and it is intended to keep a build-
ing on track for meeting or exceeding the original operational goals.
Energy efficiency > commissioning
VOC limits for clear wood finishes and adhesives, sealants, and sealant primers are addressed by which
77
standards?
(Choose 2)
A Green Seal
B SCAQMD Rule 1113
C California Air Resources Board (CARB) 93120
D SCAQMD Rule 1168
Clear wood finishes, floor coatings, stains, primers, sealers, and shellacs applied to interior elements must
not exceed the VOC content limits established in SCAQMD Rule 1113.
Adhesives, sealants, and sealant primers must comply with SCAQMD Rule 1168.
Anti-corrosive and anti-rust paints applied to interior ferrous metal substrates must not exceed the VOC
content limit of 250 g/L (2 lb/gal) established in Green Seal Standard GC-03.
Architectural paints and coatings applied to interior walls and ceilings must not exceed the VOC content
limits established in Green Seal Standard GS-11.
California Air Resources Board (CARB) 93120 addresses formaldehyde emissions from composite wood
products.
Indoor air quality > low-emitting materials
51
Which strategy can the project team suggest if the building owner wants to maintain ongoing energy
78
efficiency and performance?
A Enhanced Commissioning
B Retrocommissioning
C Building Automation Systems
D Enhanced Refrigerant Management
Building Automation Systems (BAS) are systems that use computer controls to monitor and control build-
ing subsystems for maximum operating efficiency and reporting.
There are additional options that can identify problems that should be addressed by the facilities manager:
Building-Level Energy Metering supports energy management and identifies opportunities for additional
energy savings by tracking building-level energy use.
System-Level Energy Metering supports energy management and identifies opportunities for additional
energy savings by tracking building-level and system-level energy use.
Ongoing commissioning (aka recommissioning) is a type of commissioning that occurs when a building
that has already been commissioned undergoes another commissioning process. The decision to recom-
mission may be triggered by a change in building use or ownership, the onset of operational problems,
or some other need. Ideally, a plan for ongoing commissioning is established as part of a new building’s
original commissioning process or an existing building’s retrocommissioning process.
Enhanced Commissioning is an extension to the original commissioning process that, among other things,
reviews building operations 10 months after substantial completion and develops an ongoing commission-
ing plan.
Recommissioning (aka Retrocommissioning ) is the application of the commissioning process to existing
buildings.
Energy performance management > building automation controls/advanced energy metering, energy use
measurement and monitoring, and operational energy efficiency
79 Which of the following would not contribute to reducing potable water for landscaping?
A Installing drip irrigation
B Decreasing pervious surfaces
C Installing turf grass
D Designing a Xeriscaping plan
In some regions of the U.S., turf lawns can require as much as five feet of water each year.
Any landscaping plan (trees, shrubs, groundcover, grasses) should use low-water demand vegetation, such
as native, adapted or drought tolerant species that either reduces or eliminates the need for irrigation,
fertilizers, and pest control. Never use invasive plants, as they are very aggressive and spread rapidly.
Xeriscaping is a landscaping method that uses drought adaptable and low-water plants as well as soil
amendments, such as compost, mulch, and rocks to reduce evaporation and make irrigation unnecessary.
Outdoor water use > use of native and adaptive species
52
80 What is the primary intent of conducting a site assessment?

A Research local building codes
B Assess the financial costs to develop the site
C Assess existing site conditions before design
D Research local zoning codes
The intent of conducting a site assessment is to assess site conditions before design. A site assessment eval-
uates environmental features that the design of a sustainable site and building should take into consider-
ation. It identifies assets, such as favorable climate conditions, good solar access, and healthy plant popula-
tions, as well as liabilities, such as unhealthy soils, blighted structures, pollution sources, steep slopes, and
extreme climate patterns.
The Site Assessment evaluates conditions and options related to the following topics: topography (con-
tours, slope stability, etc.), hydrology (flood hazards, opportunities for rainwater collection and reuse, etc.),
climate ( monthly precipitation and temperature ranges, solar exposure, etc.), vegetation (threatened or
endangered species, primary vegetation types, etc.), soils (healthy soils, previous development, disturbed
soils, etc.), human use (views, adjacent transportation infrastructure, etc.), and human health effects (prox-
imity to major sources of air pollution, physical activity opportunities, etc.)
Site assessment > environmental assessment and human impact
Which credit category focuses on the interaction between the occupants of the building and the indoor
81
spaces where they spend their time?
A Indoor Environmental Quality (EQ)
B Energy and Atmosphere (EA)
C Water Efficiency (WE)
D All of the above
The Indoor Environmental Quality (EQ) category focuses on the interaction between the occupants of the
building and the indoor spaces in which they spend their time. For this reason, it is important to identify
which spaces are used by the occupants, including any visitors (transients), and what activities they per-
form in each space.
First, all spaces in a building must be categorized as either occupied or unoccupied. Occupied spaces are
enclosed areas intended for human activities. Unoccupied spaces are places intended primarily for other
purposes and are occupied only occasionally and for short periods of time—they are inactive areas.
Then, occupied spaces are further classified as regularly occupied or nonregularly occupied, based on the
duration of the occupancy. Regularly occupied spaces are enclosed areas where people normally spend
more than one hour of continuous occupancy per person per day, on average. Occupied spaces that do
not meet the definition of regularly occupied are nonregularly occupied. These are areas that people pass
through or areas used an average of less than one hour per person per day.
While occupant activity in regularly occupied spaces is of critical importance in determining the amount of
HVAC that is required and how thermal comfort is addressed, enhanced energy modeling in the EA cate-
gory further defines regularly occupied spaces (e.g. private offices, individual space, shared multi-occupant
spaces, etc.) because space usage can affect the building’s electrical load and lighting requirements.
In the most basic terms, EQ addresses space activity and EA addresses space useage.
Occupant comfort, health, and satisfaction
[ Reference Guide Introductory and Overview Sections (Credit Category Overviews > EQ Overview >
Cross-Cutting Issues > Space Categorization): http://www.usgbc.org/guide/bdc ]
53
82 Which of the following are primary renewable energy sources?

(Choose 2)
A Coal
B Dung
C Natural gas
D Hydro resources
Primary renewable energy sources include: solar thermal, photovoltaic, wind, wave and tidal, low-impact
hydroelectricity, geothermal, biofuel, and dung from animals and human excreta (the energy is converted
through direct combustion or through anaerobic digestion).
Coal, oil, and natural gas are hydrocarbons and non-renewable energy sources.
Generating and utilizing energy means converting energy from one form into another—energy flow.
Energy flow refers to: primary energy (the energy as it is available in the natural environment), secondary
energy (the energy ready for transport or transmission), final energy (the energy which the consumer buys
or receives), and useful energy (the energy which is an input in an end-use application). An example of
energy flow: primary energy in the form of a hydro resource, secondary energy in the form of electricity at
the hydro power station, final energy in the form of electricity at a saw mill, and useful energy in the form
of shaft power for sawing.
Environmental concerns > sources and energy resources
[Basic energy concepts: http://www.fao.org/docrep/u2246e/u2246e02.htm ]
83 What is the primary reason for performing energy audits?

A To capitalize on renewable energy options
B Inspect, survey and analyze energy flows
C To monitor energy consumption related to potable water use
D Energy audits are required by one of the MPRs
An energy audit is an inspection, survey and analysis of energy flows for energy conservation in a build-
ing, process or system to reduce the amount of energy input into the system without negatively affect-
ing the output(s). When the object of 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 prioritize the energy uses according to the
greatest to least cost effective opportunities for energy savings.
Energy efficiency > energy auditing
84 Which of the following is considered an alternative fuel for vehicles?

A Propane
B Ethanol
C Electricity
D All of the above
The U.S. Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center lists biodiesel, electricity, ethanol, hydrogen,
natural gas, and propane as alternative fuels.
Alternative transportation [U.S. DOE: http://www.afdc.energy.gov/ ]
54
85 Many building codes incorporate which two standards?

(Choose 2)
A SCAQMD
B Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC)
C EPAct 1992
D International Plumbing Code (IPC)
The International Code Council (ICC) develops model codes and standards used in the design, build and
compliance process to construct safe, sustainable, affordable and resilient structures. Most U.S. communi-
ties and many global markets choose the International Codes as their default building code.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is responsible for 300 codes and standards that are
designed to minimize the risk and effects of fire by establishing criteria for building, processing, design,
service, and installation in the United States, as well as many other countries.
The National Electrical Code (NEC) is a regionally adoptable standard for the safe installation of electrical
wiring and equipment in the United States. It is part of the National Fire Codes series published by the
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
The International Code Council, International Plumbing Code (IPC) is a comprehensive model plumbing
code that sets minimum regulations for plumbing systems and components to protect life, health and
safety of building occupants and the public. The IPC is available for adoption by jurisdictions ranging from
states to towns, and is currently adopted on the state or local level in 35 states in the U.S.
The International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO), Uniform Plumbing Code
(UPC) and Uniform Mechanical Code (UMC) have been protecting the public’s health and safety for more
than eighty five years by working in concert with government and industry to implement comprehensive
plumbing and mechanical systems around the world.
All commercial projects in the United States must comply with the accessibility guidelines of the Americans
with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Codes > building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, fire protection
86 Which referenced standard is used for reducing site lighting pollution?

A Low Impact Development (LID)
B BUG rating
C Green Infrastructure (GI)
D Best Management Practices (BMP)
The goals of light pollution reduction are to: reduce sky glow to increase night sky access, minimize light
trespass from the building and site, improve nighttime visibility through glare reduction, and reduce de-
velopment impact on nocturnal environments. A properly designed exterior lighting system reduces three
forms of light pollution: uplight, glare, and light trespass. To meet uplight and light trespass require-
ments, the project team must use either the backlight-uplight-glare (BUG) method or the calculation
method. The lighting design must adhere to the MLO lighting zone that applies to the project, and there
are 5 zones: Zone 0 - no ambient lighting, Zone 1 - low ambient lighting, Zone 2 - moderate ambient light-
ing, Zone 3 - moderately high ambient lighting, and Zone 4 - high ambient lighting.
LID, GI, and BMPs address rainwater management.
Site design and development > exterior lighting
55
87 Which of the following strategies will not reduce the heat island effect caused by nonroof surfaces?
A Planting large native trees for shading
B Increase parking using pervious materials
C Open grid pavement systems that are at least 50% unbound
D Placing at least 25% of the parking under shade
Heat island reduction addresses both nonroof and roof surfaces. The intent is to reduce the ability of sur-
faces to reflect heat.
For nonroof surfaces, several strategies available to the project include: use trees and vegetative cover that
provide shade within 10 years of landscape installation, use open grid pavement materials that are at least
50% unbound (pervious), and use paving materials with a three-year aged solar reflectance (SR) value of
at least 0.28. Note: Increasing the amount of paving surface area, regardless of how pervious it may be, is
never a strategy to reduce the amount of heat dissipated.
For roof surfaces, install a vegetated roof or for sloped roofs: use roofing materials for low sloped roofs
(≤ 2:12) with a 3-year aged SRI = 64 and for steep sloped roofs (> 2:12) with a 3-year aged SRI = 32
solar reflectance (SR): the fraction of solar energy that is reflected by a surface on a scale of 0 to 1; black
paint has a solar reflectance of 0; white paint (titanium dioxide) has a solar reflectance of 1.
solar reflectance index (SRI): a measure of the constructed surface’s ability to stay cool in the sun by
reflecting solar radiation and emitting thermal radiation; it is defined such that a standard black surface
(initial solar reflectance 0.05, initial thermal emittance 0.90) has an initial SRI of 0, and a standard white
surface (initial solar reflectance 0.80, initial thermal emittance 0.90) has an initial SRI of 100.
Nonroof = SR and Roofs = SRI
Site design and development > heat island reduction
When the owner and staff establish purchasing policies and plans for onging Operations and Maintenance
88
(O&M), which of the following should they consider?
(Choose 2)
A Ongoing consumables
B Durable goods
C Demand Response program
D Material attributes
EPA’s Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) evaluates carpets, landscaping, office supplies, and
cleaning products. Ongoing consumables and durable goods are:
Ongoing consumables are products that have a low cost per unit and are regularly used and replaced in
the course of business. Examples include paper, toner cartridges, binders, batteries, and desk accessories.
Use local materials to reduce transportation and support local businesses.
Durable goods are products with a useful life of approximately two or more years and that are replaced in-
frequently. Examples include furniture, office equipment, appliances, external power adapters, televisions,
and audiovisual equipment.
Also to be considered is EPA’s Integrated Pest Management (IPM) policies, an effective and environmen-
tally sensitive approach to pest management that relies on a combination of common-sense practices.
Purchasing and declarations > purchasing policies and plans and environmental preferable purchasing
56
89 Which of the following is a major concern with interior lighting?

A Insufficient daylighting
B Too much individual lighting control
C Uniform fluorescent lighting
D Glare
In general, there are two major lighting problems that arise in open-plan offices. Glare is often caused
because the partitions (partial-height screens) do not block light coming from distant fixtures. Open-plan
offices may also have non-uniform lighting because the system was designed for an empty room. The
addition of partitions and modular furniture can block light, create shadows, and create bright spots due
to different surface reflectance. To promote occupants’ productivity, comfort, and well-being by providing
high-quality lighting, the Interior Lighting credit offers two options: lighting control and lighting quality.
Lighting quality requires the project team to choose four of eight strategies that address: luminance, color
rendering index, light source rated life, % of direct-only overhead lighting; surface reflectance of walls, ceil-
ings, floors, surface reflectance of furniture finishes, the ratio of average wall surface illuminance to average
work plane illuminance, and the ratio of average ceiling illuminance to work surface illuminance.
Lighting control requires at least 90% of individual occupant spaces be provided with individual lighting
controls that enable occupants to adjust the lighting to suit their individual tasks and preferences. For all
shared multi-occupant spaces, there must be in place multizone control systems that enable occupants to
adjust the lighting to meet group needs and preferences.
Lighting > electric lighting quality
What is the primary goal of the Building Product Disclosure and Optimization - Environmental Product
90
Declarations (EPDs) product selection?
A Products verified to have been extracted or sourced in a responsible manner
B Products that have verified improved environmental life-cycle impacts
C Products verified to minimize the use and generation of harmful substances
D Building life-cycle impact reduction
Building product disclosure and optimization - Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) rewards
project teams for selecting products from manufacturers who have verified improved environmental
life-cycle impacts.
Building product disclosure and optimization - sourcing of raw materials rewards project teams for
selecting products verified to have been extracted or sourced in a responsible manner. In part, this credit
includes: Bio-based materials, wood products (certified by the Forest Stewardship Council), Materials reuse
(salvaged, refurbished, or reused products), and Recycled content.
Building product disclosure and optimization - material ingredients rewards project teams for selecting
products for which the chemical ingredients in the product are inventoried using an accepted methodolo-
gy and for selecting products verified to minimize the use and generation of harmful substances.
Building life-cycle impact reduction encourages adaptive reuse and optimizing the environmental perfor-
mance of products and materials, such as historic building reuse, the renovation of abandoned or blighted
buildings, and building and material reuse.
Purchasing and declarations > building product disclosure and optimization
57
91 Which of these locations would be more appropriate to consider for a new technology data center?
A Land that is 25 feet from a wetland as defined by the U.S. Code of Regulations (CFR)
B Land with plants listed on a federal or state threatened species list
C Previously developed land located 110 feet from a fishing stream
D 10 acres of a 100 acre farm defined by the USDA as prime farmland
E Previously developed land located 40 feet from a wetland
The LT category addresses the protection of habitat in the Sensitive Land Protection credit. Sensitive land
protection supports the location of the development footprint on previously developed land or rehabili-
tating damaged sites, and does not support development of projects on the following sensitive land types,
except as noted:
Prime farmland, unique farmland, and farmland of statewide or local importance.
Preserve threatened or endangered species and their habitats.
Protect water bodies: provide 100 foot buffer zone; minor improvements permitted that would enhance
appreciation of them.
Preserve wetlands: provide 50 foot buffer zone; minor improvements permitted that would enhance ap-
preciation of them.
Protect floodplain functions.
Projects cannot be located on farmland, threatened or endangered species, or in floodplains.
Site selection > avoiding sensitive habitat
92 Which sites would promote Smart Growth principles?

(Choose 2)
A A site that provides access to quality transit
B A low density location in a rural area that offers tax incentives
C A previously undeveloped site
D A mixed-use development
Smart Growth is an urban planning and transportation theory that concentrates growth in compact
walkable urban centers to avoid sprawl and advocates compact, transit-oriented, walkable, bicycle-friendly
land use, including neighborhood schools, complete streets, and mixed-use development with a range of
housing choices.
Smart Growth values long-range, regional considerations of sustainability over a short term focus. Its sus-
tainable development goals are to achieve a unique sense of community and place; expand the range of
transportation, employment, and housing choices; equitably distribute the costs and benefits of develop-
ment; preserve and enhance natural and cultural resources; and promote public health.
Site selection > located in areas with existing infrastructure and nearby uses
58
Which LEED BD+C: New Construction credit gives building occupants a connection to the natural outdoor
93
environment?
A Direct Exterior Access
B Places of Respite
C Site Master Plan
D Quality views
LEED BD+C: New Construction addresses Quality views. To give building occupants a connection to the
natural outdoor environment by providing quality views, the Quality Views credit requires a direct line of
sight to the outdoors via vision glazing for 75% of all regularly occupied floor area.
LEED BD+C: Healthcare addresses Direct Exterior Access and Places of Respite. The Site Master Plan is
required for Campus projects.
Occupant comfort, health, and satisfaction > quality of views
94 How can heat gain be mitigated when attempting the Daylight credit?
A Reduce the amount of glazing
B Install most of the glazing on south facing walls
C Install high-performance glazing
D Use a darker color scheme for the interior surfaces
Windows have long been used in buildings for daylighting and ventilation. Many studies have even shown
that health, comfort, and productivity are improved due to access to natural light. High-performance, en-
ergy-efficient window and glazing systems can dramatically cut energy consumption due to heat gain and
loss. These high-performance windows feature double or triple glazing, specialized transparent coatings,
insulating gas sandwiched between panes, and improved frames. All of these features reduce heat transfer.
Although reducing the amount of glazing may be possible, it also may not be. Regularly occupied spaces
should have glazing and with an adequate ratio of window to floor area.
In most regions, the south elevation will receive the highest amount of solar gain. Darker colors will act as a
heat sink and absorb solar energy.
Lighting > daylight
95 Which strategy encourages building occupants to use alternative transportation?

A Locate the project away from busy high density locations
B Install required parking underground
C Reduce the amount of parking
D Restrict parking to be code compliant
By limiting parking, a project can encourage building users to take alternative transportation.
Zoning code parking requirements are based on occupancy and will not reduce the amount, nor will plac-
ing the parking underground.
Alternative transportation > type, access, and quality
59
96 Who is the person or entity responsible for field verification and testing on a LEED for Homes project?
A LEED for Homes Provider
B LEED AP
C GBCI
D Green Rater
The LEED BD+C: Homes Rating System is unique in that it has no LEED Online presence. This is due to the
fact that LEED Homes Providers and Green Raters are employed to conduct the certification process, not
GBCI.
All Green Raters work with LEED Homes Provider Organizations to complete the verification process for
each LEED Homes project. Providers provide quality assurance oversight for each Green Rater. LEED Homes
Providers are local organizations selected by USGBC.
All projects pursuing LEED Homes certification also require performance testing to be completed by a qual-
ified energy rater, or a Home Energy Rating System Rater (HERS Rater). Many Green Raters are also qualified
energy raters (HERS Raters) and can provide both the on-site verification and performance testing services.
In essence, USGBC contracts with the LEED Homes Provider, while the owner contracts with the Green
Rater organization. The Owner and project team communicates with the Green Rater, who in turn inspects
and verifies compliance, and then turns the required documentation over to the LEED Homes Provider,
who in turn submits to USGBC for certification. LEED Homes Provider Organizations can also provide the
services of Green Raters, but as separate entities.
LEED certification process > 3rd party verification
97 Which of the following would not comply with the LT Access to Quality Transit credit?
A A site within a 1/4 mile walking distance of a bus stop
B A site within a 1/2 mile walking distance of a bicycle network
C A site within a 1/4 mile walking distance of a informal transit stop
D A site within a 1/2 mile walking distance of a ferry terminal
Stops: locate any functional entry of the project within a ¼-mile walking distance of existing or planned
bus, streetcar, or informal transit stops.
Stops, Stations, & Terminals: locate any functional entry of the project within a ½-mile walking distance of
existing or planned bus rapid transit stop, light or heavy rail, commuter rail stations or ferry terminals.
A bicycle network applies to the LT Bicycle Facilities credit: Compliance with this credit requires a functional
entry and/or bicycle storage to be located within a 200-yard walking distance or bicycling distance from a
bicycle network that connects to at least 10 diverse uses.
The important thing to remember is that all distances, whether walking or bicycling, are measured by the
distance of the paths traveled, and not as the crow flies (radius). However, a 1/4 mile radius is used for the
density calculation in the Surrounding Density and Diverse Uses credit while all diverse uses must be with-
in a 1/2 mile walking distance.
Alternative transportation > type, access, and quality
Note: LEED previously referred to a “informal transit stop” as a “rideshare stop”
60
LEED ratings systems are updated through revisions on a regular development cycle. What are the basic
98
types of improvements that help accomplish these goals?
(Choose 3)
A Clarification of LEED Interpretations
B Reference to/inclusion of items addressed through previous Credit Interpretation Rulings (CIRs)
C Maintenance of the current version of the rating systems
D Development of an Addenda(s) to supplement the rating system(s)
E Major updates to provide the next versions of the rating systems
F To incorporate LEED Pilot Credits into the rating systems, where relevant
Maintenance of the current version: This process includes the correction and clarification of credit lan-
guage as well as fixing more substantive inaccuracies and omissions, which require a more rigorous review
and approval process. From this process errata and addenda are issued.
Adaptations: The process for adaptations to existing ratings systems and their credits provides an efficient
and streamlined approach for responding to the particular needs, constraints and opportunities of differ-
ent project types.
Next version: This is the comprehensive improvement phase of LEED development that occurs through a
periodic evaluation and revision process. This phase includes multiple avenues for stakeholder input and
final approval by USGBC members.
LEED development process > rating system updates/evolution
99 Regenerative design can have a big impact on which of the following?

A Designing for flexibility
B Designing for the occupant’s needs
C Designing to the Owner’s Program Requirements (OPR)
D Designing the project for maximum occupancy shifts
Traditional buildings have been designed and constructed for uses and conditions of the moment, and
therefore usually require remodeling or replacement when needs or circumstances change, a costly ap-
proach both financially and environmentally.
On the other hand, regenerative buildings are designed with flexible space for the long game. Sustainable
design requires buildings to be more dynamic and interactive structures that respond to the environment.
As such, sustainable design will include buildings that are regenerative, restorative, and adaptive.
Life-cycle impacts > design for flexibility
61
100 Which of the following statements define Life Cycle Cost and Life Cycle Assessment?
(Choose 2)
A Life Cycle Cost focuses on economics
B Life Cycle Assessment focuses on the environment and people
C Life Cycle Cost focuses on the environment, people and economics
D Life Cycle Assessment focuses on economics
Life Cycle Costing (LCC) measures the economic value of decisions of a design project. Life cycle costing
can be defined as “an economic assessment of competing design alternatives, considering all significant
costs over the economic life of each alternative, expressed in equivalent dollars.” For example, Product ‘A’
may cost $10/yd and have a life expectancy of 7 years, whereas Product ‘B’ may cost $15/yd but have a life
expectancy of 15 years, making Product ‘B’ a better choice due to it having a better life cycle cost.
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) provides a formal process of examining the environmental impacts of a mate-
rial, product, or service through its entire life cycle. Instead of a single-attribute analysis of a material’s envi-
ronmental impact, LCA takes a holistic approach to assess the quantitative impacts of materials throughout
their respective life cycles. For example, “Made in China” may offer financial value, but it offers little to no
environmental value when you consider China’s catastrophic environmental policies regarding extraction
and waste, not to mention the adverse environmental impacts associated with transporting these materi-
als around the world. LCA addresses 3 critically important environmental and health issues, from a materi-
al’s extraction thru disposal: energy, emissions, and waste.
Value Engineering (VE) is an important factor to consider when evaluating any project’s cost vs it’s value.
Value engineering is used as a cost cutting exercise, often late in the process when costs need to be cut
from the budget. When components are VE’d out of the project late, the project and the owner suffer a
consequence. Value engineering tends to generate project cuts, which successfully lessen the construction
costs, but usually lessen the true value. However, when using an integrated design process, considering
value engineering with the life cycle cost of a building will reflect the efficiency of a building long after it is
built and occupied.
Knowledge Domain: Materials and Resources (MR) and Project Surroundings and Public Outreach
Materials and Resources (MR) > life-cycle impacts > concept of life-cycle assessment and
Surroundings and Public Outreach > values of sustainable design > costs > life-cycle
[ Reference Guide Introductory and Overview Sections (Credit Category Overviews > MR Category > Life
Cycle Assessment in LEED): http://www.usgbc.org/guide/bdc ]
101 According to LEED, who defines the site’s open space requirements?
A The local building department
B The project’s civil engineer
C The local zoning authority
D A consultant hired by the owner to negotiate permitting with the local authorities having jurisdiction
The intent of Open Spaces is to provide the building occupants opportunities to connect with the out-
doors, where they exhibit improved well-being and productivity. Open spaces also provide many positive
environmental benefits—habitat creation, linked habitat corridors in urban areas, increased rainwater
infiltration, and reduced heat island effect. In LEED v4, the credit is no longer tied to the presence of a
local zoning code—the same open space requirement applies to all projects, which is why open spaces
are linked to the Integrative Process. However, this does not relieve the project from complying with local
zoning ordinances if the ordinance is more stringent.
Knowledge Domain: Integrative Strategies (IP) and Sustainable Sites (SS)
Integrative process > open space and site design and development > exterior open space
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CaGBC LEED v4 Green Associate Exam Preparation - 101 QA Gonul

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CaGBC LEED v4 Green Associate Exam Preparation - 101 QA Gonul

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LEED Green Associate

101 Questions & 101 Answers

Canada Green Building Council

CaGBC DISCLAIMER AND NOTICES

Canada Green Building Council

101 Questions & 101 Answers

There are two sets to this Q&A package

Set One consists of 101 questions with a 101 answer matrix

Canada Green Building Council

101 Questions & 101 Answers

Canada Green Building Council

3 Which source consumes the largest amount of energy in commercial buildings?

6 What is the baseline water consumption for a water closet?

15 How many LEED rating systems are there?

17 Which standard or program compares the energy performance of multiple buildings?

18 What is the primary purpose of the LEED Scorecard?

23 Source reduction relates to which one of the following areas?

24 How many levels, or tiers, of LEED professional accreditation are available??

31 Which of the following is considered a green code?

34 Which of the following statements best describes Smart Growth?

36 How is Floor Area Ratio (FAR) defined?

40 Which of the following is not a source of alternative or renewable energy?

42 ASHRAE standards address which of the following?

47 Controllability of systems refers to which of the following?

48 Which statement is true regarding Exemplary Performance?

49 Which of the following describes site energy?

60 How does the EPA defines a brownfield site?

61 Which of the following are considered natural refrigerants?

62 Which of the following projects requires a master site for registration?

67 Which of the following is not a building code?

71 Which of the following statements is true regarding occupant surveys?

74 Which of the following affects the ventilation levels of a space?

75 Temperature, air speed, and humidity are addressed by which standard?

80 What is the primary intent of conducting a site assessment?

82 Which of the following are primary renewable energy sources?

83 What is the primary reason for performing energy audits?

84 Which of the following is considered an alternative fuel for vehicles?

85 Many building codes incorporate which two standards?

86 Which referenced standard is used for reducing site lighting pollution?

89 Which of the following is a major concern with interior lighting?

92 Which sites would promote Smart Growth principles?

95 Which strategy encourages building occupants to use alternative transportation?

99 Regenerative design can have a big impact on which of the following?

101 Questions & 101 Answers

Canada Green Building Council

3 Which source consumes the largest amount of energy in commercial buildings?

6 What is the baseline water consumption for a water closet?

15 How many LEED rating systems are there?

17 Which standard or program compares the energy performance of multiple buildings?

18 What is the primary purpose of the LEED Scorecard?

23 Source reduction relates to which one of the following areas?

24 How many levels, or tiers, of LEED professional accreditation are available?

31 Which of the following is considered a green code?

34 Which of the following statements best describes Smart Growth?

36 How is Floor Area Ratio (FAR) defined?

40 Which of the following is not a source of alternative or renewable energy?

42 ASHRAE standards address which of the following?

47 Controllability of systems refers to which of the following?

48 Which statement is true regarding Exemplary Performance?

49 Which of the following describes site energy?

60 How does the EPA defines a brownfield site?

61 Which of the following are considered natural refrigerants?

62 Which of the following projects requires a master site for registration?