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LEED Green Associate II. Project Site Factors: Notes
LEED Green Associate II. Project Site Factors: Notes
Question 1:
What is albedo?
Albedo (or solar reflectance) is a material's ability to reflect sunlight measured on a scale of 0 (black) to 1
(white). A value of 0.0 indicates that the surface absorbs all solar radiation and a value of 1.0 represents
total reflectivity.
Notes:
Reference: LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance Reference Guide, Glossary
Question 2:
Parking lot lighting that flows over into a park next to the project is an example of:
A Light shielding
Lighting power density is the installed lighting power per unit area (the amount of electrical power used to
illuminate a space). It is usually expressed in Watts per unit of area.
C Light trespass
D Light division
Notes:
Question 3:
Monocultures are a single species of plant such as turf grass. Monocultures do not promote biodiversity.
The roof doesn't really need to be shaded. The vegetation addresses the heat island effect.
D Native plants
The vegetation for a green roof should use native plants, just like the rest of the project landscape.
Native (or indigenous) plants are those that grow naturally in an area, or that have been in an area for many
years. Native plants require less water, fertilizer, and pest control. These plants can be trees, shrubs,
flowers, or grasses. Adaptive plants are non-native plants that perform well in the local climate. Native and
adaptive plants require less water, and are more disease resistant because they are suited to the region's
usual rainfall, soil, and temperature.
Question 4:
A Emissivity
B Thermal gradient
This is outside the scope of LEED. Thermal gradient is the rate of temperature change with distance; for
example, its increase with depth below the surface of the earth.
D Reflectance
Notes:
Reference: LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance Reference Guide, Glossary
Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) indicates a material's ability to reject solar heat and is the combined value of
reflectivity and emittance. Measurements vary from 100 (standard white surface, most reflective) to 0
(standard black surface, least reflective). Materials with the highest SRI values are the coolest choices for
paving.
The higher the SRI number the more the sunlight the material can reflect. Black asphalt has an SRI of 0.
Question 5:
B Farmland
Previously developed land has pre-existing paving, construction, or significantly altered landscapes. Land
that has been altered and turned into a natural use such as agricultural, forestry, or nature preservation does
not count.
C Tree mill
Because the site has a structure on it the site would be considered previously developed.
Notes:
Reference: LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance Reference Guide, Glossary
Question 6:
What are ways to reduce the number of single passenger vehicles traveling to a project site?
Locating the site near mass transit gives people the opportunity to use that mass transit and not drive to
work.
Providing preferred parking for alternative or fuel efficient vehicles is a way to reduce emissions from
automobile use. This is not a strategy to promote carpooling or reduce single passenger vehicles.
The building density is the floor area of the building divided by the total area of the site (square feet per
acre).
Providing preferred parking for alternative or fuel efficient vehicles is a way to reduce emissions from
automobile use. This is not a strategy to promote carpooling or reduce single passenger vehicles.
Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System
Question 7:
Vegetated roofs are great insulators. They act as a barrier between the sun's heat and keep that heat from
entering the building through the roof. Because of this added insulation the costs to cool the building can be
reduced.
Vegetated roofs provide habitat for birds and insects. This is an environmental benefit.
Vegetated roofs will have a higher upfront cost compared to a roof that has a EPDM covering or paint
applied to it.
Notes:
Reference: n/a
Question 8:
These values are not used to calculate how pervious a material is.
This is not correct. See the definitions in this explanation for albedo and emittance.
Albedo (or solar reflectance) is a material's ability to reflect sunlight measured on a scale of 0 (black) to 1
(white). A value of 0.0 indicates that the surface absorbs all solar radiation and a value of 1.0 represents
total reflectivity.
The emittance of a material refers to its ability to release absorbed heat. Scientists use a number between 0
and 1, or 0% and 100%, to express emittance. With the exception of metals, most construction materials
have emittances above 0.85 (85%). Emittance is used by manufacturers to calculate the SRI.
Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) indicates a material's ability to reject solar heat and is the combined value of
reflectivity and emittance. Measurements vary from 100 (standard white surface, most reflective) to 0
(standard black surface, least reflective). Materials with the highest SRI values are the coolest choices for
paving.
The higher the SRI number the more the sunlight the material can reflect. Black asphalt has an SRI of 0.
Notes:
Reference: LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance Reference Guide, Glossary
Question 9:
A project team is in the process of selecting a site for new office space. What strategy would help the project earn a
Sustainable Sites credit?
Locating a project near basic services helps earn a project credit for community connectivity.
C Increasing the size of the building footprint to decrease the building density
Building density is the floor area of the building divided by the total area of the site (square feet per acre).
This choice states the building density would be decreased so this would negatively impact development
density.
D Increasing the parking capacity for the purposes of reducing open space
Both increasing parking capacity and reducing open space would negatively impact the project, not help it.
Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System
Question 10:
Replacing infrastructure can earn points under the LEED for Neighborhood Development rating system,
however this is not the best choice.
C Areas with community connectivity
Choosing urban areas that are previously developed with high development densities can earn a project
LEED points for community connectivity.
Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System
Question 11:
Open grid pavement is pavement that is less than 50% impervious and contains vegetation in the open cells.
Here is an example of open grid pavement:
http://i.treehugger.com/files/th_images/hastings.jpg
Open grid pavement is different than pervious pavement.
Pervious pavement is designed to allow percolation or infiltration of stormwater through the surface into the
soil below where the water is naturally filtered and pollutants are removed. In contrast normal pavement is
an impervious surface that sheds rainfall and associated surface pollutants forcing the water to run off paved
surfaces directly into nearby storm drains and then into streams and lakes.
Here is an example of pervious pavement:
http://www.us-concrete.com/images/news_pervious_a.jpg
C It is 100% impervious
Notes:
Reference: LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance Reference Guide, Glossary
Question 12:
Which LEED rating system topic addresses the creation of walkable streets, compact development, and diverse
communities?
A Community connectivity
B Ongoing performance
The creation of vibrant, equitable communities that are healthy, walkable and mixed use contribute to good
neighborhood pattern and design.
D Transportation
Question 13:
One of the economic benefits of green building is more efficient buildings that have lower operational costs.
Segregated land use is how development can be characterized prior to the green building movement.
Moving people further and further away from city centers is one of the reasons greenhouse gas emissions
have increased.
Green communities can significantly affect the quality of life, as well as the environment. Reduced commute
times, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and reduced water use and resource consumption all help with
the health of society.
Notes:
Question 14:
Which of the following do not contribute to increasing the heat island effect in urban areas?
The primary cause of the heat island effect is dark surfaces such as rooftops or dark asphalt pavement that
absorb heat and radiate it into the surrounding areas.
Open grid pavement is a strategy LEED accepts to reduce heat islands. Open grid pavement has cells in it
to allow vegetation to grow.
C Vehicle exhaust
Other causes of the heat island effect include air-conditioners, vehicle exhaust, and calm and sunny
weather.
Reduced air flow between buildings and narrow streets increases the effect.
D Bioretention ponds
Bio-retention ponds are landscape features that help control rainwater runoff. They are commonly called rain
gardens.
LEED does not consider any type of water body or landscape feature as something that contributes to the
heat island effect.
Notes:
Reference: n/a
Question 15:
A project will include underground parking. This change can have a positive impact on what issue?
A Parking capacity
B Pedestrian access
Pedestrian access to the surrounding buildings and services would not be affected.
The heat island effect would be reduced because the parking has been moved underground.
The heat island effect is created when developed areas have higher temperatures than surrounding rural
areas. An urban heat island effect is caused by sunlight heating up dark colored surfaces such as roads and
rooftops. Huge quantities of heat are generated in buildings that have dark rooftops and absorb heat rather
than reflect it.
D Community connectivity
Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System
Question 16:
A project located near which of the following would help earn Public Transportation Access credit?
A Bus stop
Locating a project within 1/2 mile walking distance of bus stops can help earn Public Transportation Access.
C Subway station
Locating a project within 1/2 mile walking distance of a rail station can help earn Public Transportation
Access.
D Public park
Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System
Question 17:
How can the heat island effect on the roof of a building be reduced?
Providing underground parking is a LEED strategy for reducing the heat islands of non-roof surfaces.
Increasing the insulation may help reduce energy bills, but it does not reduce absorption of the sun's heat by
the roof surface.
The SRI of a material is an important factor in reducing heat islands for roofs. Whether the material is
recycled or not is not important to reducing heat islands.
Notes:
Heat islands on a roof can be reduced by reducing the amount of area that is dark, either through solar panels or a
green roof, or painting exposed areas with light colored materials. A material with an SRI of 100 is light colored.
The heat island effect is created when developed areas have higher temperatures than surrounding rural areas. An
urban heat island effect is caused by sunlight heating up dark colored surfaces such as roads and rooftops. Huge
quantities of heat are generated in buildings that have dark rooftops and absorb heat rather than reflect it.
Question 18:
Which of the following can increase the heat island effect in urban areas?
A Underground parking
Underground parking is a LEED strategy to reduce the heat island effect because it reduces the need for
paved parking surfaces exposed to the sun.
B Hardscapes shaded by trees
The primary cause of the heat island effect is dark surfaces such as rooftops or dark asphalt pavement that
absorb heat and radiate it into the surrounding areas.
Reduced air flow between buildings and narrow streets also increases the effect.
Other causes of the heat island effect include air-conditioners, vehicle exhaust, and calm and sunny
weather.
Any type of vegetation will help reduce the heat island effect. Plants absorb the heat and do not radiate it.
Question 19:
What refers to the relationship between the total building floor area and the allowable land area the building can
cover?
A Community connectivity
Community connectivity is the quantity of connection between a site and the surrounding community. It is
measured by pedestrian access to housing basic services such as restaurants, post offices, hospitals,
libraries, etc.
B Floor-area ratio
The floor-area ratio is the relationship between the total building floor area and the allowable land area the
building can cover. (-USGBC)
In green building having a smaller building footprint (building up and having a taller building) is better than
having a shorter, wider building (building out) because the smaller building footprint will have less of an
impact on the surrounding environment. This can preserve green spaces and natural ecosystems.
C Site area
Site area includes the total area within the project boundary defined as both constructed and non-
constructed areas.
D Development footprint
Development footprint is the area of the project site that has been disturbed for development. This area
includes the building footprint, hardscapes, and parking lots.
Question 20:
What strategies can earn LEED credit for reducing heat islands?
High SRI materials help reflect solar radiation thereby reducing the heat island effect.
C Increase the amount of open space and plant it with native vegetation
While larger open spaces will reduce heat islands if hardscapes are reduced, this is not a strategy to meet
the credit requirements.
Placing some of the parking underground will reduce the amount of hardscapes, such as the size of the
parking lot. This can help earn LEED credit for reducing heat islands.
E Provide shade with architectural devices that are covered with materials with high SRI
Shade from architectural devices is an accepted strategy to reduce the heat island effect.
Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System
Question 21:
D Parking spots closest to the main entrance or under cover to the entrance
While 'Parking spots closest to the main entrance or under cover to the entrance' may sound right it is not
the correct formal definition for LEED. A 10 story underground parking garage can be undercover to the
main entrance but that doesn't mean every one of those spots is close to the main entrance. For example
some of those underground spots may be 100 yards from the nearest doorway/entrance, which would not
make them a 'preferred' spot.
When taking the LEED exam, it is the LEED definition that matters rather than personal preference or
personal experience. Many people make the mistake of arguing about LEED definitions or how in their
particular job they do it differently. The exams test on LEED, not on personal preferences or opinion.
Remember that and you will test better.
Notes:
Reference: LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance Reference Guide, Glossary
Question 22:
Green Label is standard used to show that carpet cushion has low VOC content.
Green-e is a program established to promote green electricity products and provide consumers with a
nationally recognized method to identify those products.
Vehicles must be classified as a Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) by the California Air Resources Board or have
a green score of 40 or more from the ACEEE annual vehicle rating guide.
Green Seal is a standard used to show that paints have low VOC content.
Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System
Question 23:
What does LEED accept as part of a building design to qualify as open space for projects in urban areas?
B Balconies
A vegetated roof may count as open space for projects in urban areas.
Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System
Question 24:
The use of a brownfield site can enhance a community. What must occur for a brownfield site to be developed?
A The site must be located along existing roads
A contaminated site may or may not be near existing roads. For example a remote toxic waste dump from 80
years ago may have grown over and have no access.
Brownfields must be remediated but they are not required to have the site revegetated for development.
Brownfields are previously used or redeveloped land that may be contaminated with hazardous waste or
pollution (-USGBC). The land has the potential to be reused once any hazardous substances, pollutants, or
contaminants are remediated.
Notes:
Question 25:
Open space doesn't necessarily mean the space has native plantings. A large area covered with turf grass is
still considered open space.
More open space may increase water needs due to an increase in landscape size.
Increasing open space helps provide habitat for vegetation and wildlife, stormwater control, and reducing the
urban heat island effect.
Note that increased open space reduces hardscapes, which reduces the heat island effect. However
projects do not earn LEED credits for reducing the heat island effect by reducing the area of hardscapes, but
by having reflective or shaded hardscapes.
Notes:
Reference: n/a
Question 26:
What amount of parking will help earn Alternative Transportation and help earn Maximize Open Space?
A Enough parking for FTE building occupants
This reduces parking but just meeting local code is the LEED answer.
Providing carpool programs, shuttle services, etc. while providing no more parking spaces as required by
local code helps encourage alternative transportation.
A strategy to indirectly help earn Maximize Open Space is to install less parking, or the minimum the project
can get away with (depending on local code). Less paved surfaces for parking will allow the project team to
use the unpaved areas open space.
For the purposes of LEED, open space is the property area minus the development footprint, when local
zoning does not define open space.
This reduces parking but just meeting local code is the LEED answer.
Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System
Question 27:
A Developing or redeveloping land that may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of
hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants.
This is the definition of a brownfield.
B Channeling development into places that will improve the triple bottom line
While this answer choice is a positive goal it is not the definition of smart growth.
C Developing in areas near transportation, housing, and jobs in order to leave open spaces and farmland free
from development
This is the definition of smart growth.
D Creating a smaller building footprint and maximizing the floor-area ratio or square footage per acre
Notes:
Question 28:
A building has a parking garage with a total size of 100,000 SF. The parking garage has five levels of equal size.
What is the parking footprint?
A 50,000 SF
B 100,000 SF
C 20,000 SF
Parking footprint refers to the area of the project site occupied by the parking areas and structures - since
the garage has 5 levels of equal size, the site area taken up by the parking garage is 20,000 SF.
The parking garage has a total size of 100,000 SF. There are 5 floors. 100,000 divided by 5 = 20,000 SF per
floor. The parking footprint is 20,000 SF.
D 10,000 SF
Notes:
Reference: LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance Reference Guide, Glossary
Question 29:
Community connectivity channels development to urban areas where existing infrastructure already exists,
and avoids building on undeveloped land.
In the reference guides the intent of Development Density and Community Connectivity is:
'To channel development to urban areas with existing infrastructure, protect greenfields and preserve habitat
and natural resources.'
Protecting greenfields = protecting undeveloped land
Access to public transportation helps with reducing automobile use in the LEED Rating System, however
access to public transportationit is not part of the community connectivity credit. While it is true that
locating a project in a downtown area would provide access to public transportation, this is not the intent of
community connectivity as defined by LEED.
Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System
Question 30:
Which of the following can increase the heat island effect in urban areas?
A Air-conditioners
Other causes of the heat island effect include air-conditioners, vehicle exhaust, and calm and sunny
weather.
B Rooftops covered with a high SRI material
High SRI materials with reflect the heat rather than absorb it and radiate the heat back later on.
Passive ventilation impacts energy use but would not increase the heat island effect.
D Street equipment
Other causes of the heat island effect include air-conditioners, vehicle exhaust, and calm and sunny
weather.
Notes:
Reference: n/a
The primary cause of the heat island effect is dark surfaces such as rooftops or dark asphalt pavement that absorb
heat and radiate it into the surrounding areas.
Reduced air flow between buildings and narrow streets also increases the effect.
Question 31:
The definition of which of the following terms varies by state and local code?
A Graywater
Graywater is defined by the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) as untreated house-hold wastewater which has
not come into contact with toilet waste or kitchen sinks.
Some states and local codes have other definitions.
Graywater is an important part of the LEED process, and knowing how it is defined by state/local code is a
critical first step in pre-design, if graywater is a consideration for the project. The intent is to learn that what
graywater is varies from place to place.
B Greenfield
C Heat island
D Climate change
Notes:
Reference: LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance Reference Guide, Glossary
Question 32:
What is true about implementing an erosion and sedimentation control plan for the grading of a Greenfield site?
A The plan must address at least 50% of the LEED project boundary
LEED does not require the plan to be implemented for a specific percentage of the project.
B The plan must address at least 75% of the property boundary
LEED does not require the plan to be implemented for a specific percentage of the project.
D The plan must follow the EPA Construction General Permit or local standards and codes (whichever is more
stringent)
Erosion and sedimentation control protect air and waterways from construction pollution. These plans must
follow the more stringent of the 2003 EPA General Permit or local standards and codes.
Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System
Question 33:
The heat island effect is created when developed areas have higher temperatures than surrounding rural
areas. An urban heat island effect is caused by sunlight heating up dark colored surfaces such as roads
and rooftops. Huge quantities of heat are generated in buildings that have dark rooftops and absorb heat
rather than reflect it.
Question 34:
Which of the following is not a strategy for reducing the heat island effect of a proposed parking lot?
A Painting the parking lot with a material with a low SRI value
To reduce the heat island effect, cover the surface with materials that have a high (not low) SRI value.
The heat island effect is created when developed areas have higher temperatures than surrounding rural
areas. An urban heat island effect is caused by sunlight heating up dark colored surfaces such as roads and
rooftops. Huge quantities of heat are generated in buildings that have dark rooftops and absorb heat rather
than reflect it.
Shading the hardscapes prevent the sun from hitting the surface.
Using an open-grid pavement system that is at least 50% pervious is also acceptable to reduce the heat
island effect. Open grid pavement allows for vegetation to grow in it. Vegetation reduces the heat island
effect compared to pavement or other hardscapes.
Notes:
Reference: n/a
Question 35:
What is a LEED strategy to reduce single occupant automobile transportation to the project site?
Increasing the building density does not address how occupants commute.
Brownfields are contaminated sites. They may or may not be located in densely populated areas.
Providing preferred parking for carpools is a LEED strategy to get more occupants to carpool.
This would probably put the project further away from mass transit and increase automobile use.
Notes:
Question 36:
This would not be the most important question about the local community.
This would not be the most important question about the local community.
C Pedestrian access
Pedestrian access may be of interest to the project team. The question is asking about what is of most
interest. For LEED pedestrian access impacts one credit while local zoning impacts many LEED credits.
D Local zoning
Notes:
This question is teaching you about zoning if you are not familiar with that term.
The zoning regulations should always be one of the first things reviewed. Per the MPRs, zoning would fall under MPR
1, Environmental Laws.
Zoning regulations need to be reviewed during pre-design because they have a significant impact on the green
building goals and strategies used.
If you were planning an office building, or a condominium project, what would be the first question ou would ask about
a particular piece of property? 'Can I put an office building here?'. If the land is in the middle of a bunch of houses, the
answer is probably not because people in residential neighborhoods don't really like having a skyscraper in the
middle of their neighborhood. You wouldn't first ask, how far away is the nearest landfill, or can we get green power,
or are there sidewalks. The first question is how can the land be used, as determined by the local zoning regulations.
Question 37:
A Gas-electric hybrid
Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System
Question 38:
Notes:
Car sharing is an alternative to car rental and car ownership. Cars are located throughout cities in convenient
locations. People who sign up for the program can reserve the cars and use them for a short period of time. See
zipcar.com for an example.
Question 39:
What is a footcandle?
A The ratio of the radiation emitted by a surface to the radiation emitted by a black body at the same
temperature.
This is the definition of emissivity.
A footcandle is the measure of the quantity of light falling on a given surface. Minimizing foot candles helps
reduce light pollution which helps nocturnal wildlife and preserve nighttime views of the sky.
Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System
While the definition is not present in the reference, the term is.
Question 40:
What defines the open space of a site area if there is no local zoning?
For the purposes of LEED, open space is the property area minus the development footprint, when local
zoning does not define open space.
Open space must be vegetated and pervious.
Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System
Question 41:
A Community connectivity
Urban sprawl means that cities are no longer compact but are spread out. This can increase commute times.
People moving further from city centers to purchase houses contributes to sprawl but sprawl does not
increase home prices. Urban sprawl actually discourages urban renewal as old buildings and areas are not
redeveloped.
Development density and community connectivity help to reduce urban sprawl.
Using durable materials helps reduce the demand for virgin resources over the long term lifetime of a
building.
Reducing the heat island effect helps make the surrounding areas cooler.
Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System
Question 42:
A The absorption of heat by dark surfaces and its radiation to surrounding areas
The heat island effect refers to the ability of dark, non-reflective paved areas-city streets, rooftops, and
sidewalks-to absorb and radiate heat, making urban areas and the surrounding suburbs noticeably hotter
than rural towns nearby. Other contributors include reduced air flow due to tall buildings and narrow streets,
calm and sunny weather, and auto exhaust.
Notes:
Reference: LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance Reference Guide, Glossary
Question 43:
Reducing automobile use saves energy and reduces environmental issues associated with car pollution.
A LEED option to reduce parking capacity (and thus reduce the number of automobiles on the road) is to
provide infrastructure programs that increase carpooling such as ride share boards, shuttles to mass transit,
and designated parking for carpools or vanpools.
A ride share board makes it easier to carpool.
Does providing incentives for fuel efficient cars reduce automobile use? No, because if you were given an
electric car that does not stop or reduce your driving. It does decrease emissions because you are not
driving your old gas powered car, but it doesn't reduce your driving miles.
Moving the location of the parking from above to below ground does not reduce automobile use.
Does creating parking further from the building entrance stop you from driving a car? That would probably
just make irritated employees because they have to walk farther to get to the front door.
Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System
Question 44:
A Brownfield
Brownfields are previously used or redeveloped land that may be contaminated with hazardous waste or
pollution (-USGBC). The land has the potential to be reused once any hazardous substances, pollutants, or
contaminants are remediated.
LEED credit can be earned for projects that remediate the site and build on it.
B Remediated site
The land of the brownfield has the potential to be reused once any hazardous substances, pollutants, or
contaminants are remediated.
Remediation is the process of cleaning up the site and must occur prior to building.
C Greenfield
A greenfield is site that is undeveloped and in a natural state or has been used for agriculture.
D Infill site
Infill development occurs within established urban areas where the site or area either is a vacant place
between other developments or has previously been used for another urban purpose.
Notes:
Question 45:
A natural gas powered vehicle meets the LEED definition of an alternative-fuel vehicle.
An efficient gas-electric hybrid vehicle meets the LEED definition of an alternative-fuel vehicle.
C Electric car
A green score of 40 does not imply a fuel efficiency of 40 mpg or more or that the car is powered with
alternative fuel. In fact most cars that are eligible for LEED don't come anywhere close to that. The score is
based on emissions not on fuel efficiency. For a complete list look at the reference link.
Additional information:
Hybrid vehicles such as the Toyota Prius are not, of themselves, alternative fuel vehicles - clever use of a
battery, motor/generator, merely means that a more efficient but less powerful engine can be used.
Essentially all the power comes from petroleum.
For LEED, low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehicles are defined as vehicles that are either classified as Zero
Emission Vehicles (ZEV) by the California Air Resources Board or have achieved a minimum green score of
40 on the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) annual vehicle rating guide.
Notes:
electricity
Question 46:
What site and/or project characteristics would contribute to earning Maximize Open Space?
Stacking the floor plans reduces the size of the building footprint. See SS Credit 5.2 Maximize Open Space
C Building next door to a park
Building next door to a park does not count as maximizing open space, because the park would not be part
of the LEED project boundary.
Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System
Question 47:
What site and/or project characteristics would contribute to earning Maximize Open Space?
Stacking the floor plans reduces the size of the building footprint. See SS Credit 5.2 Maximize Open Space
Building next door to a park does not count as maximizing open space, because the park would not be part
of the LEED project boundary.
Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System
Question 48:
Access to public transpiration (mass transit) helps with reducing automobile use in the LEED Rating System,
however picking a site near mass transit does not help earn the community connectivity credit.
Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System
Community connectivity channels development to urban areas with existing infrastructure. This includes areas with
walkways and areas near basic services.
Basic services are those services that are open to the public, and are common services that people might use
regularly. People must be able to walk between the project and the service without being blocked by walls, highways,
or other barriers (this is called pedestrian access). LEED encourages building near a variety of basic services, not
just one type of service such as twelve clothing stores in a strip mall. LEED provides examples of basic services as:
Bank
Church
Supermarket / convenience store
Day care
Dry cleaner / laundry mat
Fire station
Salon
Hardware store
Library
Medical / dental office
Park
Pharmacy
Post office
Restaurant
School
Theatre / museum
Community center
Gym
Question 49:
A Public park
B Mass transit
C House of worship
D Bank
Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System
Community connectivity channels development to urban areas with existing infrastructure. This includes areas with
walkways and areas near basic services.
Basic services are those services that are open to the public, and are common services that people might use
regularly. People must be able to walk between the project and the service without being blocked by walls, highways,
or other barriers (this is called pedestrian access). LEED encourages building near a variety of basic services, not
just one type of service such as twelve clothing stores in a strip mall. LEED provides examples of basic services as:
Bank
Church
Supermarket / convenience store
Day care
Dry cleaner / laundry mat
Fire station
Salon
Hardware store
Library
Medical / dental office
Park
Pharmacy
Post office
Restaurant
School
Theatre / museum
Community center
Gym
Question 50:
Native (or indigenous) plants are those that grow naturally in an area, or that have been in an area for many
years. Native plants require less water, fertilizer, and pest control. These plants can be trees, shrubs,
flowers, or grasses. Adaptive plants are non-native plants that perform well in the local climate. Native and
adaptive plants require less water, and are more disease resistant because they are suited to the region's
usual rainfall, soil, and temperature.
A dry pond with invasive plants would not promote biodiversity as much as indigenous plants.
Maximizing open space is the starting point to promote biodiversity. However planting turf grass or a single
species (monoculture) is not diverse.
Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System
Question 51:
Smart growth is developing in areas near transportation, housing, and jobs in order to leave open spaces
and farmland free from development.
This example of development is most likely on a greenfield which is not preferable to infill development.
B Retail, office, and residential townhouses on the site of a former gas station
C Residential development on a previously developed site located near shops and schools
D Neighborhood design that has offices and shops within walking distance to public transportation
Question 52:
Locating a project near mass transit would have what economic benefit?
Protecting habitat and natural resources is one of the environmental goals of community connectivity
The parking capacity can be reduced which would reduce the amount of money spent on the parking
structure or area.
Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System
Question 53:
Selecting which of the following sites would have the greatest positive environmental impact?
Parkland is open space (though not for the project) and should be avoided for building on.
Locating the project near public parking may reduce the project's parking needs but this is not the best
answer choice.
C An old building
Redeveloping (or reuse) of an existing site significantly minimizes the project's impact on the environment. It
also provides the project team opportunity to reuse existing infrastructure.
Notes:
Reference: n/a
Question 54:
B Air pollution
Development density and community connectivity help reduce the impacts of automobiles, which include air
pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
C Water use
Development density and community connectivity help reduce the impacts of automobiles, which include air
pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
Notes:
Reference: n/a
Question 55:
B Bicycle parking
C Providing discounted parking passes for low-emitting and fuel efficient vehicles
Preferred parking spaces are for particular users and are parking spaces that are closest to the main
entrance of a project. They do not include handicapped parking. For LEED, other forms of preferred parking
include discounted parking passes, designated covered spaces, and guaranteed passes in a lottery system.
Preferred parking is a strategy by LEED to reduce the pollution from automobiles. Preferred parking is
reserved for carpools, vanpools, and occupants who drive low-emitting and fuel efficient vehicles. Each of
these drivers help reduce automobile use and/or emissions.
LEED allows providing discounted parking passes to owners of low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehicles. The
discounted passes may help to encourage the purchase of these vehicles that are better for the
environment.
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System
Question 56:
C Wetland
Previously developed land has pre-existing paving, construction, or significantly altered landscapes. Land
that has been altered and turned into a natural use such as agricultural, forestry, or nature preservation does
not count.
A wetland would not have a building on it, so it would not be considered previously developed.
D Railroad yard
Any area with previous development even if it did not contain a building is considered previously developed.
Notes:
Question 57:
Placing a project's parking underground would help with what LEED credit?
A Preferred parking
Preferred parking is not itself a LEED credit. Preferred parking is a requirement for some credits.
B Parking capacity
Moving parking spaces underground reduces the quantity of hardscapes above ground. Less hardscapes
result in lessening the heat island effect.
D Recycled materials
Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System
Question 58:
A company is building a new office building in a dense urban area 1/4 mile from public transportation. The company
will allow telecommuting and promote carpooling. What could these strategies help with?
Locating a project near public transportation, promoting carpooling, and telecommuting are all strategies
to reduce the number of vehicles on the road, and thus the parking spaces needed for workers.
D Community connectivity
Question 59:
What information is needed to determine if a product will help with the heat island effect of a non-roof surface?
The heat island effect is created when developed areas have higher temperatures than surrounding rural
areas. An urban heat island effect is caused by sunlight heating up dark colored surfaces such as roads and
rooftops. Huge quantities of heat are generated in buildings that have dark rooftops and absorb heat rather
than reflect it.
Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) indicates a material's ability to reject solar heat and is the combined value of
reflectivity and emittance. Measurements vary from 100 (standard white surface, most reflective) to 0
(standard black surface, least reflective). Materials with the highest SRI values are the coolest choices for
paving.
Many outdoor materials now come with the SRI value printed on the label so purchasers know how the
product will impact the urban heat island effect. The higher the SRI number the more solar heat the material
can reflect. Black asphalt has an SRI of 0.
The life cycle cost does not indicate if the material will reduce heat islands.
D Emissivity of material
Project teams do not need the emittance of a material. They do need the SRI value because that is what is
needed for the LEED credits. The emittance of a material refers to its ability to release absorbed heat.
Scientists use a number between 0 and 1, or 0% and 100%, to express emittance. With the exception of
metals, most construction materials have emittances above 0.85 (85%). Emittance is used by manufacturers
to calculate the SRI.
Notes:
Reference: LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance Reference Guide, Glossary
Question 60:
A Ozone depletion
B Heat islands
C Blackwater
D Sedimentation
Stormwater consists of rainwater and melted snow that run off streets, lawns, farms, and construction
and industrial sites. Stormwater runoff can lead to sedimentation. Sedimentation is where pollutants from
natural or human activities add particles to water bodies. Pollutants come from soil, fertilizer, oil or gas on
roadways, pesticides, etc.
Stormwater runoff should be controlled onsite by harvesting the water, increasing open space, and
reducing impervious surfaces.
Question 61:
Which of the following would not be included in local zoning or local code requirements?
Fire suppression if it is required would be set by local code. An example is an office building that would be
required to have a fire suppression system installed.
The quantity of parking required for a project is usually set by local zoning.
C Green power
Green power is generated off-site, and requiring its use in projects would not be part of local code. Perhaps
it will in the future but today it is not.
In LEED, green power refers to off-site generated renewable energy. Since the energy comes from offsite it
would not impact the building project or need to reference any zoning/codes for the project.
Open space requirements are usually set by local zoning. For example if a lot is 2 acres local zoning may
require preserving 0.5 acres as open space.
Notes:
Reference: n/a
Zoning is a method of land use regulation used by local governments in most developed countries. Zoning may be
use-based (regulating the uses to which land may be put), or it may regulate building height, lot coverage, and similar
characteristics, or some combination of these.
Question 62:
What design decisions would help reduce the quantity or improve the quality of stormwater runoff?
A Adding a constructed wetland
Adding constructed wetlands reduces the quantity of stormwater runoff by providing a location for the
stormwater to collect.
Placing the building next to a park or natural area does not address the issue.
Using drip lines vs. conventional irrigation does not impact stormwater. However the source of the water
for irrigation is important - potable vs. stormwater or graywater.
Replacing all roads and hardscapes with impervious asphalt is incorrect. Use pervious pavement to
allow water to filter through.
Question 63:
What design decisions would help reduce the quantity or improve the quality of stormwater runoff?
Adding constructed wetlands reduces the quantity of stormwater runoff by providing a location for the
stormwater to collect.
Placing the building next to a park or natural area does not address the issue.
Using drip lines vs. conventional irrigation does not impact stormwater. However the source of the water
for irrigation is important - potable vs. stormwater or graywater.
Replacing all roads and hardscapes with impervious asphalt is incorrect. Use pervious pavement to
allow water to filter through.
Question 64:
A Nature preserve
Selecting a previously developed site avoids disturbing natural areas that have not been developed.
C Wetland
D Greenfield
Question 65:
What are the environmental benefits of selecting a previously developed site for a project?
A previously developed site doesn't mean mass transit will be available. There are plenty of cities that have
no or poor public transportation systems.
The development density of the project depends on the building design, not the type of land chosen.
Notes:
Question 66:
Open grid paving and pervious surfaces allow stormwater to percolate through the surface instead of
running off.
Impervious materials increase stormwater runoff, as does increasing the size of the building footprint.
Increasing the building footprint reduces the quantity of open space. By decreasing open space
stormwater runoff can be increased since there is less natural area to absorb runoff.
D Rain gardens
A To identify any building near the project site to include in project density calculations
The density radius is calculated using a formula provided by LEED. Any building within the radius is included
in the calculations to determine the average density of the area. Projects are awarded credit for building
within dense areas. Public roads and waterways are excluded from the calculations.
B To locate parks near the project that can be counted as open space
Open space not within the project boundary is not counted as open space for the project.
Mass transit is identified by using a map and measuring the walking distance to the transit.
Basic services are identified by drawing a 1/2 mile circle around a project site on a map.
Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System
Question 68:
B Eliminating CFCs
The choice of refrigerant and if natural or mechanical ventilation is used are decisions that help eliminate
CFCs.
Green roofs typically have a longer life-cycle than traditional roofs (according to LEED).
Notes:
Green roofs help reduce heat islands. They also help provide greater insulation of the roof to reduce energy
consumption.
The heat island effect is created when developed areas have higher temperatures than surrounding rural areas. An
urban heat island effect is caused by sunlight heating up dark colored surfaces such as roads and rooftops. Huge
quantities of heat are generated in buildings that have dark rooftops and absorb heat rather than reflect it.
Question 69:
What encourages the purchase and use of low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehicles?
This is not a LEED strategy to encourage the purchase and use of low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehicles.
Preferred parking (parking closest to the building) for fuel-efficient vehicles promotes their purchase.
Preferred parking is a strategy by LEED to reduce automobile use.
Preferred parking spaces are parking spaces that are closest to the main entrance of a project, but they do
not include handicapped parking. Other forms of preferred parking include discounted parking passes,
designated covered spaces, and guaranteed passes in a lottery system.
This is not a LEED strategy to encourage the purchase and use of low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehicles.
This is not a LEED strategy to encourage the purchase and use of low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehicles.
Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System
Question 70:
A project team decides to build up, instead of out, to reduce the building footprint. This strategy could help earn what
credit?
A Community Connectivity
Reducing the building footprint could result in more open space around the building, assuming it wasn't then
paved over.
Changing the size of the building footprint (or the roof size) does not help earn a project Heat Island Effect.
D Development Density
The density of the project does not change, so this credit would not be impacted.
Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System
Question 71:
A A shuttle that ferries people from mass transit to the workplace, school, etc.
B A program where cars can be rented on an hourly or daily basis to reduce automobile ownership
Car sharing is an alternative to car rental and car ownership. Cars are located throughout cities in
convenient locations. People who sign up for the program can reserve the cars and use them for a short
period of time. See zipcar.com for an example.
C A program where two or more people drive together to reduce automobile use
This is carpooling.
D A program where two people share a common parking space in urban areas
Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System
Question 72:
B A design that increases the number of units of residential space per acre
This is an example of a compact development strategy. The project is putting more people in a given amount
of space. This reduces the need for additional construction elsewhere to accommodate the same amount of
people.
Notes:
C Cotton field
Previously developed land has pre-existing paving, construction, or significantly altered landscapes. Land
that has been altered and turned into a natural use such as agricultural, forestry, or nature preservation does
not count.
Notes:
Question 74:
An office park design includes a parking lot. How could the parking be redesigned to reduce the heat island effect?
Moving a parking lot/spaces under the building is one way to reduce the heat island effect. This reduces the
amount of impervious area above ground.
The heat island effect is created when developed areas have higher temperatures than surrounding rural
areas. An urban heat island effect is caused by sunlight heating up dark colored surfaces such as roads and
rooftops. Huge quantities of heat are generated in buildings that have dark rooftops and absorb heat rather
than reflect it.
Adding preferred parking does not reduce the heat island effect.
Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System
Question 75:
Gray or white concrete generally has a _________ reflectance and a ________ SRI value than darker concrete does.
A higher, lower
B lower, higher
C higher, higher
Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) indicates a material's ability to reject solar heat and is the combined value of
reflectivity and emittance. Measurements vary from 100 (standard white surface, most reflective) to 0
(standard black surface, least reflective). Materials with the highest SRI values are the coolest choices for
paving.
Dark paving materials generally have a low reflectance and low SRI.
Gray/white paving materials generally have a higher reflectance and a higher SRI value.
D lower, lower
Notes:
Reference: LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance Reference Guide, Glossary
To reduce the heat island effect cover the surface with materials that have a high (not low) SRI value.
Question 76:
The area of the site occupied by the building structure, not including parking lots, landscapes, and other
nonbuilding facilities.
C Ponds
D Stone walkways
Notes:
Reference: LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance Reference Guide, Glossary
Question 77:
In passive design free solar energy is captured and applied efficiently instead of relying predominantly on
active systems.
Daylighting is the practice of placing windows or other transparent media and reflective surfaces so that
during the day natural light provides effective internal illumination.
The building orientation impacts the heating and cooling of a building depending on the climate and the
orientation.
Do not confuse passive (natural) ventilation/design with natural refrigerants. Natural refrigerants still require
mechanical means to distribute the cool air.
Notes:
Question 78:
A vehicle meeting which standard would be considered low-emitting and fuel efficient?
Vehicles must be classified as a Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) by the California Air Resources Board or have
a green score of 40 or more from the ACEEE annual vehicle rating guide.
The LEED Credit is named Low-Emitting and Fuel-Efficient Vehicles and ZEVs qualify under that credit. The
question doesn't ask about Zero-Emitting and Fuel-Efficient Vehicles because there is no LEED credit by
that name.
D Green-e Certified
Green-e is a program established to promote green electricity products and provide consumers with a
nationally recognized method to identify those products.
Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System
Question 79:
Open grid pavement is a strategy for reducing heat islands and for stormwater control. Open-grid pavement
is considered part of the site hardscape.
Landscape area: the total site area less the building footprint, paved surfaces, water bodies, and patios. (-
USGBC)
The tree save area would be included in the landscape area. A tree save area is defined as any tree cover
on the tract left undisturbed. They are usually roped off to prevent trucks from driving in the area and people
from accidentally cutting down the trees.
Notes:
Reference: LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance Reference Guide, Glossary
Question 80:
For the purposes of LEED certification, a project building includes all areas except:
B Parking lots
C A shared parking structure on a neighboring property that is part of another LEED project
Shared parking structures that are part of another LEED project would not be included.
Notes:
Reference: LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance Reference Guide, Glossary
A project building is the real property, including an occupied and operational building(s) and the associated grounds
that is registered for and actively pursuing LEED certification.
While it may seem correct to use the term 'project boundary' in the question instead of 'project building', the O+M
glossary uses the term 'Project Building' so that is what we have used in the question.
Question 81:
B Building footprint
D Site boundary
Generally the LEED project boundary is the same as that of the site boundary. For multi-building projects the
team may determine the project boundary by the portion the development covers.
Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System
Question 82:
Access to nearby buildings is not enough information to choose this answer. Nearby office buildings would
not count because an office building is not a basic service. The choice would need to state the buildings
contained basic services.
Community connectivity helps channel development to urban areas with existing infrastructure. Pedestrian
access is needed for occupants to take advantage of basic services.
Access to public transpiration (mass transit) helps with reducing automobile use in the LEED Rating System,
however picking a site near mass transit does not help earn the community connectivity credit.
Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System
Question 83:
A Hotel
C Shuttle services
D Community center
Community connectivity channels development to urban areas with existing infrastructure. This includes
areas with walkways and areas near basic services.
Basic services are those services that are open to the public, and are common services that people might
use regularly. People must be able to walk between the project and the service without being blocked by
walls, highways, or other barriers (this is called pedestrian access). LEED encourages building near a variety
of basic services, not just one type of service such as twelve clothing stores in a strip mall. LEED provides
examples of basic services as:
Bank
Church
Supermarket / convenience store
Day care
Dry cleaner / laundry mat
Fire station
Salon
Hardware store
Library
Medical / dental office
Park
Pharmacy
Post office
Restaurant
School
Theatre / museum
Community center
Gym
Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System
Question 84:
A project team has decided to shrink the building footprint. This change can have a positive impact on what project
area?
A Open space
Reducing the size of the building footprint may allow for more open space (fields, grasslands,
landscaping, etc.)
Open space are the ground areas that are vegetated and pervious.
Green roofs can be considered open space but only for urban areas.
For the purposes of LEED, open space is the property area minus the development footprint, when local
zoning does not define open space.
B Parking capacity
C Pedestrian access
D Car-pool parking
Question 85:
More open space may increase water needs due to an increase in landscape size.
Increasing open space helps provide habitat for vegetation and wildlife, stormwater control, and reducing the
urban heat island effect.
Increasing open space helps provide habitat for vegetation and wildlife, stormwater control, and reducing the
urban heat island effect.
Notes:
Reference: n/a
Question 86:
How can the heat island effect of a parking lot be reduced for LEED credit?
Reducing the size of the parking lot reduces the heat island effect but LEED does not measure the effect
based on the total area of hardscapes. The reduction is a percentage of shading, underground parking, or
open grid pavement for the total area of the hardscapes.
B Orienting the building so that the building shades the parking lot from any afternoon sun
Shading with vegetation (trees) or architectural devices is acceptable but the shade must occur all day.
C Installing asphalt that has a high SRI value
Any covering with a high SRI will help reduce the heat island effect.
Shaded parking covers would need high SRI values to help reduce the heat island effect.
Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System
Question 87:
What is a brownfield?
A Previously used or redeveloped land that may be contaminated with hazardous waste or pollution
Brownfields are previously used or redeveloped land that may be contaminated with hazardous waste or
pollution (-USGBC). The land has the potential to be reused once any hazardous substances, pollutants, or
contaminants are remediated.
Projects may get special deals on developing on these sites if the owner cleans them up first.
B An infill site
Notes:
Reference: LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance Reference Guide, Glossary
Question 88:
What types of land does LEED prefer project teams build on?
A Brownfields
Brownfields are previously used or developed land that may be contaminated with hazardous substances or
pollutants.
LEED credit can be earned for projects that remediate the site and build on it.
B Farmland
C Floodplains
LEED does not award points for building in floodplains.
D Greenfields
A greenfield is site that is undeveloped and in a natural state or has been used for agriculture.
LEED prefers not building on greenfields but using previously developed land instead.
Notes:
Question 89:
The Development Density credit uses the density of the area of the project being built. This density is
compared to the densities of other projects within a calculated density radius.
An accurate project boundary is used to determine the project's density.
B Making sure the project has pedestrian access to at least 10 basic services within 1/2 mile
Locating the project within 1/2 mile of 10 basic services helps the project earn Community Connectivity.
Locating a project near public transportation can help earn Alternative Transportation, Public Transportation
Access.
Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System
Question 90:
Open space are the ground areas that are vegetated and pervious.
Open space is usually undeveloped. If a previously developed area is restored it may contribute to open
space.
Open space are the ground areas that are vegetated and pervious.
Green roofs can be considered open space but only for urban areas.
For the purposes of LEED, open space is the property area minus the development footprint, when local
zoning does not define open space.
Notes:
Reference: LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance Reference Guide, Glossary
Question 91:
What is the result of increasing the floor area ratio (FAR) from 1.0 to 2.0 while maintaining the same gross floor area
on a project being designed for a greenfield site?
The building footprint would decrease because the project is building up rather than out.
The project boundary would remain unchanged. Only the building footprint changes - not the site area.
The gross floor area is the same so the density of the project does not change.
D Biodiversity is promoted
FAR is the total building square footage (building area) divided by the site size square footage (site area).
One of the objectives of green building is to build 'up' rather than 'out', thereby having a smaller building
footprint to Maximize Open Space and promote biodiversity. For example instead of having a 1 story building
with a 10,000 SF footprint design a 2 story building with a 5,000 SF footprint. Both designs have 10,000 SF
of total floor area but the 2 story building has a smaller footprint.
Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System
Question 92:
A project team has selected a previously developed lot in an urban area to build a new condominium. If the project
site is near a public library what would this help with?
The type of lot selected does not address the heat island effect. It is what happens to the lot later that can
impact the heat island effect, such as the quantity of hardscapes and the choice of materials used for paving.
B Preserving any historical surroundings
Building on a previously developed lot does not preserve the historical surroundings.
D Community connectivity
Notes:
Reference: n/a
Question 93:
Shading hardscapes is an accepted strategy by LEED for reducing the heat island effect.
Placing parking under cover is an accepted strategy by LEED for reducing the heat island effect.
Materials with high SRI values reduce the heat island effect by reflecting solar radiation rather than
absorbing it.
Increasing the number of parking spaces above ground would increase the heat island effect.
Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System
The heat island effect is created when developed areas have higher temperatures than surrounding rural areas. An
urban heat island effect is caused by sunlight heating up dark colored surfaces such as roads and rooftops. Huge
quantities of heat are generated in buildings that have dark rooftops and absorb heat rather than reflect it.
Question 94:
Minimizing open space would negatively affect runoff. LEED projects can earn credit for Maximize Open
Space.
D Replacing native plants with turf grass to capture and filter the water
Turf grass should be avoided because it requires more watering than native plants. Replacing plants with turf
grass may have a negative effect, because turf grass may have more compact soil and not infiltrate as well.
Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System
Question 95:
B An approach to operations that brings management members together to work on pest control collaboratively
C The coordinated use of pest and environmental information with available pest control methods to prevent
unacceptable levels of pest damage by the most economical means and with the least possible hazard to
people, property, and the environment
This is the correct definition. IPM combines:
-knowledge about pests
-the environment
-pest prevention and control methods
D The combination of pesticides and poisons to make sure all pests are eradicated from inside a building for
the purpose of occupant health and well being
IPM tries to avoid the use of poisons and prevent pests from coming in the building.
Notes:
Question 96:
A project team has selected a previously developed lot in an urban area to build a new condominium. If the project
site is near a public park what would this help with?
The choice of site does not reduce the heat island effect.
C Community connectivity
Community connectivity is the quantity of connection between a site and the surrounding community. It is
measured by pedestrian access to housing basic services such as restaurants, post offices, hospitals,
libraries, etc.
Public parks do not contribute to open space for LEED projects. Open space is a measurement of the open
space within the LEED boundary.
Notes:
Reference: n/a
Question 97:
Being located in an urban residential area doesn't automatically qualify the site for community connectivity.
C A site located in proximity to schools, parks, stores, and other services and amenities
Community connectivity is the quantity of connection between a site and the surrounding community.
Community connectivity channels development to urban areas with existing infrastructure. This includes
areas with walkways and areas near basic services.
Basic services are those services that are open to the public, and are common services that people might
use regularly. People must be able to walk between the project and the service without being blocked by
walls, highways, or other barriers (this is called pedestrian access). LEED encourages building near a variety
of basic services, not just one type of service such as twelve clothing stores in a strip mall. LEED provides
examples of basic services as:
Bank
Church
Supermarket / convenience store
Day care
Dry cleaner / laundry mat
Fire station
Salon
Hardware store
Library
Medical / dental office
Park
Pharmacy
Post office
Restaurant
School
Theatre / museum
Community center
Gym
A brownfield is a site that has been documented as contaminated. Brownfield sites may or may not be near
basic services and meet the other requirements for community connectivity.
Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System
Question 98:
A How hot a surface gets relative to standard black and standard white surfaces
C The ratio of energy radiated by a particular material to energy radiated by a black body at the same
temperature
The emissivity of a material is the ratio of energy radiated by a particular material to energy radiated by a
black body at the same temperature. It is a measure of a material's ability to radiate absorbed energy.
D The measure of a material's ability to reflect sunlight (including the visible, infrared, and ultraviolet
wavelengths) on a scale of 0 to 1
Notes:
Reference: LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance Reference Guide, Glossary
Question 99:
C Air and surface temperature differences between developed and undeveloped areas
Heat islands are air and surface temperature differences between developed and undeveloped areas.
The heat island effect is created when developed areas have higher temperatures than surrounding rural
areas. An urban heat island effect is caused by sunlight heating up dark colored surfaces such as roads and
rooftops. Huge quantities of heat are generated in buildings that have dark rooftops and absorb heat rather
than reflect it.
D An environmental issue that causes ozone depletion
Notes:
Reference: LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance Reference Guide, Glossary
Question 100:
When project team members discuss the albedo of a product, to what are they referring?
Albedo (or solar reflectance) is a material's ability to reflect sunlight measured on a scale of 0 (black) to 1
(white). A value of 0.0 indicates that the surface absorbs all solar radiation and a value of 1.0 represents
total reflectivity.
B Recycled content
Recycled content is a the percent of a material that contains pre or post consumer recycled materials.
C Emissivity
The emissivity of a material is the ratio of energy radiated by a particular material to energy radiated by a
black body at the same temperature. It is a measure of a material's ability to radiate absorbed energy.
VOCs are compounds in building materials that can off gas and contribute to poor indoor air quality.
Notes:
Reference: LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance Reference Guide, Glossary
Question 101:
The glossary defines density for both residential and nonresidential buildings:
The quantity of structures on a site, measured for residential buildings as dwelling units per acre of buildable
land available for residential uses, and for nonresidential buildings as floor area ratio per net acre of
buildable land available for nonresidential uses. (USGBC, Glossary)
Notes:
Question 102:
What is a way LEED encourages the purchase and use of low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehicles?
B Providing discounted parking passes to the owners of low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehicles (if parking fees
exist)
Discounted parking passes given to the owners of these vehicles may encourage their purchase by
offsetting any parking costs.
Locating the project in a densely developed neighborhood helps channel development to urban areas with
existing infrastructure, protect greenfields and preserver habitat and natural resources.
Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System
Question 103:
What is SRI?
Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) indicates a material's ability to reject solar heat and is the combined value of
reflectivity and emittance. Measurements vary from 100 (standard white surface, most reflective) to 0
(standard black surface, least reflective). Materials with the highest SRI values are the coolest choices for
paving.
The higher the SRI number the more solar heat the material can reflect. Black asphalt has an SRI of 0.
Notes:
Reference: LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance Reference Guide, Glossary
Question 104:
A project team will exceed local zoning requirements for open space by 25% to earn credit for Maximizing Open
Space. What will increasing the amount of open space for the project impact?
The same amount of rain is going to fall from the sky regardless of what's on the property.
Altering the size of the open space does not change the LEED boundary.
C Community connectivity
Increasing the open space would impact the size of the area to plant any vegetation, including native.
Increasing open space helps provide habitat for vegetation and wildlife, stormwater control, and reducing the
urban heat island effect.
Notes:
Reference: n/a
Question 105:
A Communitiy connectivity
C Innovation in Design
Bicycle use is one of the ways to promote alternative modes of transportation in the Sustainable Sites
section.
Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System
Question 106:
Which of these sites if selected would most help with community connectivity?
B A site that has underground parking and open space on the property
C A site located within 1/2 mile walking distance of a commuter rail line
Community connectivity is the quantity of connection between a site and the surrounding community.
Community connectivity channels development to urban areas with existing infrastructure. This includes
areas with walkways and areas near basic services.
Basic services are those services that are open to the public, and are common services that people might
use regularly. People must be able to walk between the project and the service without being blocked by
walls, highways, or other barriers (this is called pedestrian access). LEED encourages building near a variety
of basic services, not just one type of service such as twelve clothing stores in a strip mall. LEED provides
examples of basic services as:
Bank
Church
Supermarket / convenience store
Day care
Dry cleaner / laundry mat
Fire station
Salon
Hardware store
Library
Medical / dental office
Park
Pharmacy
Post office
Restaurant
School
Theatre / museum
Community center
Gym
Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System
Question 107:
A greenfield is site that is undeveloped and in a natural state or has been used for agriculture.
A lot that has been altered by humans may be considered previously developed.
Notes:
Question 108:
A Stormwater management
Pervious paving helps with reducing stormwater runoff by allowing stormwater to percolate through the
pavement.
Light colored paving, or paving with a high SRI value, helps reduce the heat island effect.
The heat island effect is created when developed areas have higher temperatures than surrounding rural
areas. An urban heat island effect is caused by sunlight heating up dark colored surfaces such as roads and
rooftops. Huge quantities of heat are generated in buildings that have dark rooftops and absorb heat rather
than reflect it.
C Regional materials
D Recycling
Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System
Question 109:
A The project will need to be located near mass transit to achieve LEED certification
Locating a project near mass transit is not a prerequisite for projects in urban areas.
B The project team will likely have to select a site on previously undeveloped land
Urban developments usually have access to previously developed land. It is in suburban areas where a
project is more likely to find a greenfield to develop on.
C The project is likely to experience higher cooling costs due to the heat island effect
The heat island effect refers to the ability of dark, non-reflective paved areas-city streets, rooftops, and
sidewalks-to absorb and radiate heat, making urban areas and the surrounding suburbs noticeably hotter
than rural towns nearby. Other contributors include reduced air flow due to tall buildings and narrow streets,
calm and sunny weather, and auto exhaust.
Because the air around the building is heated, more air conditioning is required in the building to keep it cool.
This in turn, further heats the surrounding air and creates a vicious cycle.
D The design of the project within the project boundary is unlikely to contain open space
Even in an urban area the project team can design the project to leave some of the area as open space.
Notes:
Reference: n/a
Question 110:
The installation of impervious parking materials with high SRI values will have a negative impact on what project
area?
The high SRI material will positively impact the heat island effect.
B Recycled materials
D Stormwater runoff
Notes:
Reference: n/a
Question 111:
Green Seal is label used to indicate if paint contains low VOC content.
B Green-e
Off-site renewable energy must come from renewable resources that meet the Green-e certification
requirements as defined by the Center for Resource Solutions.
C ACEEE Green score
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) defines Zero-Emission Vehicles (ZEV's) and the American
Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) submits green scores (a minimum of 40 is required for
LEED).
D Green Label
Green Label is a certification used to indicate if carpet cushion has low VOC content.
Notes:
Reference: LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance Reference Guide, Glossary
Question 112:
Projects cannot earn credits for building in areas with low densities.
Projects cannot earn credits for building on lots that are not previously developed.
Projects cannot earn credits for building in areas with zero densities.
Notes:
Choosing urban areas that are previously developed with high development densities can earn LEED credit.
Question 113:
A Building footprint
B Green roof
The landscape area of the site is the total site area less the building footprint, hardscape area, water bodies,
etc.
Green roofs are considered part of the landscaping. Green roofs help reduce heat islands. They also help
provide greater insulation of the roof to reduce energy consumption, and they have a longer life-cycle than
traditional roofs.
C Natural ponds
According to LEED water bodies are excluded from the landscape area.
D Paved walkways
Notes:
Reference: LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance Reference Guide, Glossary
Question 114:
Which of the following are counted as part of the buildable land area?
B Public rights-of-way
Areas with trees are included as part of the buildable land area.
D Public streets
Notes:
Question 115:
B Nature preserve
Previously developed land has pre-existing paving, construction, or significantly altered landscapes. Land
that has been altered and turned into a natural use such as agricultural, forestry, or nature preservation can
no longer count as previously developed.
C Racetrack
Notes:
Question 116:
This is a brownfield.
A greenfield is a site that is undeveloped and in a natural state or has been used for agriculture.
Notes:
Question 117:
The LEED definition of average housing density is defined as Housing Units / Acres of Buildable Land.
Notes:
What would the drawing of a 1/2 mile radius around a project on a site map help the project team determine?
This activity is how project teams determine basic services for community connectivity.
The map is included in the credit documentation along with where on the map the services are located. An
example map is included in the GBES study guide.
Off-site renewable energy can be purchased from anywhere and is not limited by distance or a radius around
the project site.
Access to public transportation is determined by measuring walking distance to the transit stop.
Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System
Question 119:
Projects should not install salvaged windows or toilets because these materials are not as efficient as newer
products.
Selecting materials from nearby does not help earn credit for construction waste management.
D Using reflective materials on parking areas will help reduce the heat island effect
Reflective materials such as materials with a high Solar Reflective Index (SRI) help reduce the heat island
effect.
Notes:
Reference: n/a
Question 120:
What types of land does LEED prefer project teams build on?
A Impervious
Building on impervious land does not earn a project credit. Impervious does not imply developed land.
B Previously developed
A greenfield is site that is undeveloped and in a natural state or has been used for agriculture.
LEED prefers not building on greenfields but using previously developed land instead.
C Undeveloped
LEED does not award credits for building on undeveloped land (greenfields).
Zoning is a local issue. LEED does not specify how a particular parcel of land should be zoned.
Notes:
Question 121:
One of the negative impacts of greenfield development is the encroachment and division of natural habitats.
Selecting sites that are adjacent to or within existing developments can reduce fragmentation of habitat.
Greenfields are found in suburban areas. Building in suburban areas does not revitalize urban areas.
Greenfield development increases stormwater runoff by removing the natural wate filtration provided by open
space.
Greenfields require more infrastructure for the development. Existing roads and utilities are not as close to
the development and must be added to support the development.
Notes:
What would having a project with pedestrian access between the project building and a city park help with?
A Community connectivity
Pedestrian access to basic services such as a park help projects earn community connectivity.
City parks do not help LEED projects with open space requirements.
Even if bicycle racks were available at the park, transportation reduction credits for LEED require bicycle
racks on the project property.
No mention of mass transit is included in the question, and access to a park wouldn't provide access to
mass transit.
Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System
Question 123:
Open space that would count for a LEED project must be located:
Open space for the project does not count if it is part of the surrounding community.
The property boundary is the total area within the legal property boundaries of the site; it encompasses all
areas of the site, including constructed and nonconstructed areas. (-USGBC)
Only open space that is part of the LEED boundary would be counted.
The project boundary is the platted property line of the project defining land and water within it. (-USGBC)
Only open space that is part of the LEED boundary would be counted.
Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System
Question 124:
What would a project team use to compare different products' abilities to reject solar heat?
A Emissivity
The emissivity of a material is the ratio of energy radiated by a particular material to energy radiated by a
black body at the same temperature. It is a measure of a material's ability to radiate absorbed energy.
Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) indicates a material's ability to reject solar heat and is the combined value of
reflectivity and emittance. Measurements vary from 100 (standard white surface, most reflective) to 0
(standard black surface, least reflective). Materials with the highest SRI values are the coolest choices for
paving.
LEED requires materials with certain SRI values to meet the requirements of some credits. Materials come
with SRI values to allow comparison.
C Albedo
Albedo (or solar reflectance) is a material's ability to reflect sunlight measured on a scale of 0 (black) to 1
(white). A value of 0.0 indicates that the surface absorbs all solar radiation and a value of 1.0 represents
total reflectivity.
D Perviousness
Notes:
Reference: LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance Reference Guide, Glossary
Question 125:
Developing in areas near transportation, housing, and jobs in order to leave open spaces and farmland free from
development is called:
A Infill development
B Smart growth
While the other choices can contribute to smart growth, the correct choice is the term used for the
question's definition.
Question 126:
See SS Credit 2.
While not directly referenced in the requirements of Develop Density and Community Connectivity, the
density radius is used in the density calculations as is applicable under exam objective II.A / II.B
The density radius calculation is used to draw a circle around the project plan and identify properties within
or intersecting that radius. Those properties must be factored into the development density calculation for
certain credits.
Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System
Question 127:
A reduced parking lot is a LEED strategy for curbing automobile use, not reducing heat islands.
Reducing the heat island effect involves shading hardscapes, using high SRI on hardscapes, or replacing
hardscapes with open grid pavement. The reduction is based on a percent of the hardscapes. Let's say its
50%. If there is 2 acre parking lot, shading 1 acre meets the 50%. If there is a 1 acre parking lot, shading 1/2
acre meets the 50%. If all that happens is changing a 2 acre parking lot to a 1 acre parking lot, the 50%
shreshold hasn't been met because reducing the quantity of hardscapes is not a LEED strategy to earn the
credit.
For LEED purposes, open grid pavement is pavement that is less than 50% impervious and contains
vegetation in the open cells. Open-grid pavement consists of a thin, open-graded asphalt mix layered over
the top of a coarse stone aggregate; water passes through the asphalt surface and is stored in the
aggregate, from which it slowly percolates into the soil. (USGBC)
The vegetation that can grow in open grid pavement helps reduce the heat island effect.
Hardscapes shaded by trees are a strategy to reduce the heat island effect. Open space shaded by trees
does not.
While the project location may help the building's energy use, this is not a LEED strategy for reducing the
heat island effect.
Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System
Question 128:
A site described as accessible means the site meets the requirements of which standard?
A AIA
B ADA
Accessible describes a site, building, facility, or portion thereof that complies with the guidelines outlined in
the ADA Standards for Accessible Design.
C USGBC
D GBCI