which green building strategies help conserve natural ...aschokke/ce5515/exam2_f10_solutions.pdf ·...

Which green building strategies help conserve natural resources?

A

Installing composting toilets

Saving water is an example of conserving a natural resource. Composting toilets require no water, and thus conserve water use.

B

Choosing product materials with low VOCs

Low VOC products help with indoor air quality. This impacts occupant health and does not help conserver natural resources.

C

Removing asbestos tiles from an existing building

Asbestos is a hazardous material. Its removal does not help conserve natural resources.

D

Providing pedestrian access between a project building and basic services

Providing pedestrian access between a project building and a basic service is an example of community connectivity, not saving natural resources.

What general documentation is not submitted for LEED certification?

A

Legal contracts

Legal documents are not required for the application process.

B

Typical floor plans

Floor plans may be used by the review team.

C

Elevations

Elevations may be used by the review team.

D

Project narrative

A project narrative describes the project and the green building goals

E

Project photos / drawings

Photos/drawings may be used by the review team or as part of a case study.

Which statement is true regarding the LEED for Commercial Interiors rating system?

A

A project must occupy at least 1,000 square feet (93 square meters) of gross floor area to earn LEED for Commercial Interiors certification

A project must occupy at least 250 square feet (22 square meters) of gross floor area to earn LEED for Commercial Interiors certification.

B

Projects with tenants that occupy the entire building are ineligible for LEED for Commercial Interiors certification

A tenant can occupy 100% of a building and still receive LEED CI certification.

C

Tenants that occupy less than 10% of the building can earn LEED for Commercial Interiors certification

There are no space requirements for LEED CI certification, other than the Minimum Program Requirements for any certification which requires: 'The LEED project must include a minimum of 250 square feet (22 square meters) of gross floor area.'

D

LEED for Commercial Interiors certification can only be achieved if the building has already achieved LEED for Core and Shell certification

While LEED CI and LEED CS often go hand-in-hand, LEED CS is not required as a precursor to LEED CI certification.

Which of the following does not help achieve a water-efficient landscape?

A

Green roof

A green roof does not necessarily reduce water needs. In LEED green roofs help with reducing the heat island effect. They can also increase the energy efficiency of a building by providing insulation.

B

Planting with adaptive plants

C

Planting with native plants

D

Micro misters

What is the baseline water demand of a building?

A

The amount of graywater and rainwater harvesting a building is planning to use

B

The annual installed fixture and fitting water consumption rate

C

The annual fixture and fitting water consumption based on the rates from the EPAct 1992 standard

To calculate water consumption in a building, a baseline water demand is compared to

an installed design case. The baseline demand uses the fixture and flow rates from the EPAct 1992 standard. For example, commercial toilets have 1.6 gallons per flush, commercial urinals have 1.0 gallons per flush. These rates for all toilets, urinals, and faucets are used to create a baseline. Also used is the number of Full Time Equivalents (FTEs) to determine how frequently the fixtures will be used. The design case water consumption (or design demand) calculates the rates based on the higher efficiency fixtures that will be installed. For example if waterless urinals are used the design case will calculate them at their zero gallon per flush rate. The percent in water savings is determined by dividing the design case by the baseline case and subtracting that from the number 1 Example: Baseline case: 100,000 gallons of water / year Design case: 60,000 gallons of water /year 60,000/100,000 = 0.6 1 -0.6 = 0.4 Percent reduction = 40% reduction

D

The annual water rate as determined by water bills

What is an economic benefit of using Regional Materials?

A

To encourage responsible forest management

This is an environmental benefit of using certified wood.

B

Reduce the use and depletion of finite raw materials

This is an environmental benefit of using rapidly renewable materials.

C

Support the use of local resources

This is a social benefit of using Regional Materials because the community is helped.

D

Reduced transportation costs

This question asks for an economic benefit. A project that uses Regional Materials will reduce the transportation costs of delivering the materials to the project site.

Notes:

Which of the following can increase the heat island effect in urban areas?

A

Reduced air flow from tall buildings and narrow streets

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 street equipment.

B

Large areas of turf grass

Any type of vegetation will help reduce the heat island effect. Plants absorb the heat and do not radiate it.

C

Hardscapes shaded by trees

Hardscapes shaded by trees is a strategy to reduce the heat island effect.

D

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.

In a state with a closed electricity market, how can off-site green power be purchased?

A

Purchase power from a USGBC approved provider

USGBC does not approve power providers.

B

Enroll in a Green-e renewable power program from the utility provider

Some utility companies allow the purchase of renewable energy, sometimes for a price premium. Make sure the source of the energy is Green-e certified for it to qualify for LEED credit.

C

Have certified wood scraps delivered onsite for burning

This may help with generating on-site renewable energy.

D

Through an ENERGY STAR approved utility provider

ENERGY STAR does not approve power providers.

Which is not a Minimum Program Requirement?

A

Minimum building to site area ratio

B

Minimum floor area

C

Permanent building / space

D

Uniform site boundary

There is no uniform site boundary requirement.

Notes:

What project design strategy would minimize a project's water usage the most?

A

Directing runoff into retention ponds or bioswales

This strategy helps with stormwater control.

B

Installing a landscape that needs no irrigation

A landscape that requires no irrigation uses less water.

C

Minimize the quantity of hardscapes on the project site

This strategy helps with stormwater control and increasing open space.

D

Increasing the area of permeable surfaces

This strategy can help with stormwater control.

Which of the following is NOT a type of biofuel?

A

Geothermal

Geothermal energy comes from the ground.

B

Wood chips

C

Cow manure

D

Soybean oil

Notes:

Biofuels are made from organic material, such as animal and plant waste.

What is a Minimum Project Requirement (MPR) for LEED Certification?

A

A minimum occupancy rate of 25 Full Time Equivalents (FTEs)

B


C

A minimum occupancy rate of 1 Full Time Equivalent (FTE)

LEED MPRs require 1 FTE on an annual average.

D


Notes:

Reference: Minimum Program Requirements

What has the lowest priority in building design?

A

Building codes

B

Plumbing codes

C

Fire protection codes

D

LEED Rating System

Although the LEED Rating System is critical to a successful green building project, all local, state, and federal codes and regulations have precedent over any LEED standards. A project team can't ignore local codes in favor of a green building strategy. Both must be addressed. Certain locales have their own set of green codes, which must be addressed as well.

Which of the following is not an alternative LEED recommends for reducing stratospheric ozone depletion?

A

Selecting refrigerants with lower ODP and GWP

Refrigerants with lower ODP and GWP have a lesser effect on the ozone layer.

B

Selecting refrigerants that have a long atmospheric lifetimes

Refrigerants that are in the atmosphere longer would have a longer (greater) impact on

the ozone layer.

C

Designing a building to use natural ventilation

Natural ventilation does not require the use of refrigerants and would result in no refrigerants gassing into the ozone layer.

D

Using natural refrigerants

Natural refrigerants are benign to the atmosphere.

Notes:

A project is anticipating earning Innovation in Design for exemplary performance for three different credits. What statement is true about this achievement?

A

The project team will need to submit fees for each of the credits

ID credits are included as part of the LEED application process and do not have separate fees. CIRs have extra fees that must be paid when submitting them.

B

The credits are submitted using the CIR process

ID credits are not part of the CIR process.

C

A LEED AP will need to submit the credits for review

LEED APs help streamline the certification process but are not required to submit any/all documentation.

D

The credits will be submitted for final review by the project administrator

For the final review the project administrator is responsible for submitting all credits for review.

A rainwater harvesting system can help with:

A

Water efficiency

Stormwater can be diverted into cisterns or other storage tanks for use in landscaping, inside for fixture flushing, and for process water needs.

B

Heat island effect

Rainwater harvesting does not reduce the heat island effect.

C

Stormwater management

Rainwater cisterns (tanks) can be used as a structural measure to remove pollutants from runoff. The most effective method to minimize runoff volume and treatment requirements is to reduce the amount of impervious area.

D

Site restoration

Rainwater harvesting does not help restore sites.

What site features are included in the landscape area?

A

Paved bicycled path

B

Walkway made of recycled rubber tires

C

Area with invasive plants

The landscape area of the site is the total site area less the building footprint, hardscape area, water bodies, etc. The question asked what areas are included. Any area that has plants must be included, whether the plants are invasive or not. Even though the area includes invasive plants which are undesirable, they must still be included in the calculation. Invasive plants should be removed from the landscape if possible.

D

The building

The number of occupants in a building would be used for what calculations?

A

Development density

Development density is the total square footage of all buildings within a particular area, measured in square feet per acre or units per acre. (USGBC). LEED credits can be earned for building in dense areas.

B

Energy use intensity

This is the energy consumption divided by the number of square feet in a building.

C

Water use baseline

The number of occupants, the flush and flow rates of fixtures, and usage patterns are used to calculate baseline and design case water use rates.

D

Building density

Building density is the floor area of the building divided by the total area of the site (square feet per acre). (USGBC)

What does the use of light colored pervious paving help with?

A

Heat island effect

Light colored paving, or paving with a high SRI value, helps reduce the heat island effect. Pervious paving helps with reducing stormwater runoff by allowing stormwater to percolate through the pavement. 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.

B

Irrigation

Don't confuse pervious paving with irrigation demand. Pervious paving can help with stormwater runoff but doesn't reduce water use for irrigation.

C

Construction waste management

This is not correct.

D

Durability

Pervious paving is not necessarily more durable than regular paving.

Which statement is true regarding a LEED for New Construction project?

A

The owner or tenant must occupy more than 50% of the building's leasable square footage

The owner or tenant must occupy more than 50% of the building's leasable square footage to pursue LEED NC otherwise the project should pursue LEED for Core & Shell.

B

This rating system can be used for tenant spaces

Projects for tenant spaces would use LEED for Commercial Interiors (CI).

C

No refrigerants are used in the building

LEED NC projects allow the use of refrigerants.

D

No refrigerants are used in the HVAC systems

Do not confuse no refrigerants with no CFC-based refrigerants. This rating system allows the use of refrigerants, just not CFC-based ones.

How long must an existing building be occupied before the LEED application process may begin for LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance certification?

A

The application process can begin as soon as regular occupancy is reached

B

6 months

C

3 months

D

12 months

This question is asking about the Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance rating system. For this rating system, the LEED project must be in a state of typical physical occupancy, and all building systems must be operating at a capacity necessary to serve the current occupants, for a period that includes all performance periods as well as at least the 12 continuous months immediately preceding the first submission for a review. In short, for Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance you must wait twelve months after the building is occupied before applying (not registering, applying). LEED requires this because this provides 12 months worth of utility bills which are needed for measurements.

What are acceptable ways to reference a LEED Registered Project?

A

XYZ Building is registered with the certification goal of LEED Platinum

B

XYZ Building is LEED Platinum registered

C

XYZ Building is LEED Qualified

D

Upon completion, XYZ Building will apply to become LEED certified

E

XYX Building is registered under the LEED Green Building Rating System

What strategy is least applicable to successful waste reduction?

A

Providing reusable water bottles to occupants

B

Finding local haulers to reduce transportation costs

Reducing transportation costs does not reduce waste. The remaining choices are examples of source reduction, reuse, and recycling. These three integrated strategies maximize waste reduction.

C

Finding products that use less packaging

D

Installing personal recycling bins

On a project with older existing HVAC&R system that uses CFCs, what can the project team do to earn LEED certification?

A

Recharge the equipment with CFCs

B

Eliminate all refrigerant leaks

During the phase out plant the leakage rate must be reduced. However just reducing leaks doesn't meet LEED requirements.

C

Get a state exemption for the HVAC&R system

This would not meet LEED requirements.

D

Make a phase out plan for the removal of the CFC based refrigerants

The project team can replace or retrofit the existing system with one that is CFC-free, or agree to have a phase out plan that is completed 5 years after project completion.

What is the benefit of installing bicycle racks?

A

Reducing heat islands

B

Reducing automobile use

Bicycle use is one of the ways to promote alternative modes of transportation in the

Sustainable Sites section.

C

Communitiy connectivity

D

Innovation in Design

Notes:

Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System

What is an example of an ongoing operating cost?

A

Attorney fees for building contracts

Attorney fees are a type of soft cost. Soft costs: These costs involve all of the other fees involved in the completion of the project. You would include your attorney fees, other professional fees, testing, appraisal, marketing, office, and overhead expenses. Soft costs are those expenditures necessary to complete a project but not directly 'bricks and mortar,' such as design and consultant fees, communications costs, interim housing, moving or relocation costs, and additional district staffing.

B

Carpet installation

Carpet installation is a hard cost. Hard costs: By far the largest portion of the expenses in a construction budget, the hard costs are mostly comprised of the actual construction costs incurred to build the project. In most cases, it will include the land, but that particular cost is usually separated in order to find out the actual construction expenses. Examples include masonry, wood, steel, carpet, tile, mechanical systems, roofing.

C

Salaries for building janitorial services

Operating costs are another type of cost for a building in addition to hard and soft costs. These costs occur after the building is complete and up and running. These costs include utilities such as water and electricity as well as the costs of maintenance personnel - janitorial, landscape, security.

D

Design of a sedimentation control plan

Design of a sedimentation control plan is a soft cost. Soft costs: These costs involve all of the other fees involved in the completion of the

project. You would include your attorney fees, other professional fees, testing, appraisal, marketing, office, and overhead expenses. Soft costs are those expenditures necessary to complete a project but not directly 'bricks and mortar,' such as design and consultant fees, communications costs, interim housing, moving or relocation costs, and additional district staffing.

What are indigenous plants?

A

Plants with high watering requirements

B

Plants that have been in the area for many years and are not invasive

Native 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.

C

Plants that require lots of fertilizer

D

Plants that are high maintenance

The life cycle cost analysis of a green roof would include what factors?

A

Design of the roof

The initial design is not an operational or maintenance cost.

B

Yearly inspection fees for the roof

Inspection fees are a maintenance cost issue that would be included.

C

Quantity of stormwater diverted

The quantity of stormwater diverted is unrelated.

D

Irrigation costs

Irrigation costs are an operational cost that would be included.

Notes:

Life cycle costing is used to evaluate economic performance and takes into account operational and maintenance costs throughout the life of the product.

What is an environmental benefit of increasing the quantity of open space on a project?

A

A reduction in groundwater recharge

The groundwater recharge should increase - not decrease - because there would be more pervious surfaces.

B

More habitat for vegetation and wildlife

Increasing open space helps provide habitat for vegetation and wildlife, stormwater control, and reducing the urban heat island effect.

C

A reduction in the LEED boundary

The LEED boundary would not change.

D

Protection of the site from landslides and floods

This would be an economic benefit not an environmental benefit.

Which of the following includes standards for accessible design?

A

Americans with Disabilities Act

B

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act

C

ASHRAE

D

Fair Housing Amendments Act

Notes:

The Americans with Disabilities Act includes accessibility guidelines.

What best defines the project boundary?

A

Portion of the project site submitted for LEED certification

The LEED boundary is the portion of the project site submitted for LEED certification. (USGBC)

For single building developments, this is the entire project scope and is generally limited to the site boundary - they are not necessarily the same thing. In the case of a multiple building project the LEED boundary is that part of the entire project being submitted for certification as determined by the project team. For example for a campus project that might have 5 buildings, each building is submitted separately for certification. The LEED boundary is set for each of the 5 buildings though they cannot overlap if they property is contiguous.

B

Total area within the platted property line not including any nonconstructed areas

This is not any type of area.

C

Platted property line of the project defining land and water within it

The project boundary is the platted property line of the project defining land and water within it. (USGBC)

D

Total area within the legal property boundaries of the site; it encompasses all areas of the site, including constructed and nonconstructed areas

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)

What statement is true about exemplary performance?

A

Locating a project near ten basic services is an example of exemplary performance

B

Exemplary performance will result in rebates of all certification fees

C

Exemplary performance is not available for all credits

Exemplary performance is a type of innovative design. An example is reducing water use by a higher threshold than required by the credit (e.g., the project uses 50% less water compared to the 20% less water required). Exemplary performance is not available for all credits. The reference guides for each rating system indicate which credits are eligible for exemplary performance.

D

Exemplary performance will earn a project a Platinum rating

Notes:


A product's materials were extracted 300 miles from a project site, while the product was manufactured 600 miles from the project site. What statement is true about the product?

A

The product is considered a regionally harvested and regionally manufactured material

The product is not a regional material because it was manufactured outside of the 500 mile radius LEED requires for a material to be considered regional.

B

The product does not count as a regionally harvested and regionally manufactured material

LEED gives credit for regional materials when certain percentages of materials are extracted, harvested or recovered, and manufactured within 500 miles. In this example the material was extracted within 500 miles, but it was not manufactured within 500 miles. An example would be flooring where the trees for the flooring was extracted (cut down) 300 miles from the project site, but the flooring was milled and finished 600 miles from the project site. Because the flooring was 'manufactured' outside of the 500 mile limit, the material doesn't count as regional.

C

The product can count as a salvaged material

Salvaged materials are materials that are being reused. The question states the material is extracted and manufactured so it is new not salvaged.

D

The product counts toward source reduction

Source reduction is a method to reduce construction waste by choosing materials with less packaging or that are sized correctly.

How long can a project team take after project completion to phase-out any CFC-based refrigerants?

A

3 years

B

4 years

C

2 years

D

5 years

Notes:

The project team can take 5 years from project completion to phase out CFC-based refrigerants, as long as the annual leakage rate of CFC-based refrigerants is reduced to 5% or less.

When encouraging bicycle use, what should be addressed for campus projects or office buildings?

A

Providing showering and changing facilities

Bicycle racks, lockers, indoor/outdoor storage rooms must be secure. Showering facilities must be provided for commercial projects.

B

Providing shaded spots for the bicycles

C

Allowing extra time for people to commute

D

Providing free helmets to bicyclers

Notes:


Which of the following are transient occupants?

A

Full time employees

B

College students in a classroom

C

Shoppers

D

Part-time receptionists

E

Shift workers

Notes:

Transient occupants are occupants that do not use facilities consistently and on a regular or daily basis. Students, shoppers, and museum visitors are all types of transient occupants. Full-time equivalent (FTE) represents a regular building occupant in a project building. An FTE of 1.0 means that the person is equivalent to a full-time worker, while an FTE of 0.5 signals that the worker is only half-time.

Transient occupants, along with Full Time Equivalents, are used when calculating reductions in water usage, and some alternative transportation credits.

What is a characteristic of open-grid pavement?

A

It is 100% impervious

B

It is at least 75% impervious

C

It is at least 50% impervious

D

Vegetation can grow in it

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

Notes:

Reference: LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance Reference Guide, Glossary

With regards to refrigerants, what is a natural conflict between the prevention of ozone depletion and global warming?

A

Refrigerants that deplete the ozone layer are less efficient

B

Refrigerants contain global warming gases

C

Refrigerants that are neutral to the ozone layer are less efficient

If a cooling system achieves greater efficiency only at the environmental price of using a chlorine-‐containing refrigerant, an inevitable environmental conflict exists.

D

Refrigerants contain ozone layer gases

Notes:

Reference: The Treatment by LEED of the Environmental Impact of HVAC Refrigerants

To earn LEED credits for environmentally preferable materials, wood used on a project should be:

A

Green Seal certified

Green Seal is a certification for paints, not wood.

B

FSC certified

FSC certified wood is the type of wood LEED accepts as environmentally preferable due to how the forest is managed.

C

ASHRAE approved

ASHRAE is unrelated to wood.

D

Harvested within 1,500 miles of the project site

If the wood was harvested within 500 miles it would be environmentally preferable.

What minimum water savings are LEED v3 projects required to achieve?

A

0%

B

20%

The Water Use Reduction prerequisite requires a 20% reduction of the design case compared to the baseline case.

C

10%

D

15%

Notes:


Which LEED category has the least total number of points a project can earn?

A

Water Efficiency

Water efficiency (WE), while of great importance, can earn the least number of points out of the possible choices. In some LEED rating systems, Materials and Resources can earn slightly less points, though on average the WE category has the least number of points.

B

Energy and Atmosphere

Energy and Atmosphere has the greatest number of points available to earn in any of the LEED rating systems. The LEED volunteer committees weighted this group, and thus energy consumption, as having the greatest impact on the environment.

C

Sustainable Sites

D

Indoor Environmental Quality

Notes:


Gray or white concrete generally have a _________ reflectance and a ________ SRI value.

A

lower, lower

B

lower, higher

C

higher, lower

D

higher, higher

Solar Reflectance Index (SRI): a value that incorporates both solar reflectance and emittance in a single value to represent a material's temperature in the sun. SRI quantifies how hot a surface would get relative to standard black and standard white surfaces. It is expressed as a fraction (0.0 to 1.0) or percentage (0% to 100%). 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.

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.

If an HVAC engineer is a LEED AP and also a principle participant on a project, what type of credit can be earned??

A

Platinum

Platinum is the highest certification level that can be achieved.

B

Bonus

Innovation in Design credits and Regional Priority credits are grouped as 'bonus points' but there are no 'bonus credits'.

C


Projects can earn one Innovation in Design point (and only one) for having at least one principle

on the project that is a LEED AP.

D

Quantifiable

There is not a 'quantifiable credit'. A requirement of earning an ID point for innovative performance is the credit must be quantifiable (measurable).

Notes:


What would the drawing of a 1/2 mile radius around a project on a site map help the project team determine?

A

Proximity to public transportation

Access to public transportation is determined by measuring walking distance to the transit stop.

B

Proximity to basic services

This activity is how project teams determine basic services for community connectivity.

C

Proximity to off-site renewable energy

Off-site renewable energy can be purchased from anywhere and is not limited by distance or a radius around the project site.

D

Proximity to open space

Open space is part of the project site, not around it.

What type of water has the highest quality?

A

Stormwater

Stormwater is not potable.

B

Graywater

Graywater is not potable. Graywater is defined by the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPS) as untreated house-hold wastewater which has not come into contact with toilet waste or kitchen sinks.

Graywater includes used water from bathtubs, showers, bathroom wash basins, and water from clothes-washer and laundry tubs. It does not include water from kitchen sinks or dishwashers.

C

Well water

Potable water is water that is suitable for drinking. Potable water is water that meets or exceeds EPA's drinking water standards and comes from wells or the municipal water supply.

D

Non-potable water

Non-potable water is not suitable for drinking. Non-potable water includes stormwater, graywater, and blackwater.

What information can be entered in the LEED Score Card?

A

If the credit will be streamlined

B

Certification estimate

The LEED Credit Checklist helps project teams track their credits against requirements for certification. The LEED Credit Checklist is also called the LEED Scorecard. Filling out the scorecard allows project teams to determine a project's preliminary certification rating (or level).

C

Points attempted for prerequisites

D

USGBC Member ID

What amount of time do people in the United States spend on average indoors?

A

80%

B

60%

C

90%

The importance of the Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) category is partly due to how much time people spend indoors. How healthy the indoor environment is, such as air quality, is related to human health.

D

50%

E

70%

A project team discovers a new way to avoid the heat island effect. How does the LEED certification process reward this new concept?

A

An exemplary performance point would be awarded

B

An extra Heat Island Effect point would be awarded

C

Heat Island Effect is covered by LEED, so no additional points would be given

Innovative performance as part of the Innovation in Design or Operations category is meant for green building categories not specifically addressed by LEED. Innovation credits are not awarded for the use of a particular product or design strategy if the technology aids in the achievement of an existing LEED credit. USGBC/GBCI uses the CIR process for cases like this. A CIR could be submitted that specifies an alternate way to earn the Heat Island credit. However only the Heat Island credit would be earned, not an ID point or extra points.

D

An innovative performance point would be awarded

What should be included in a building program detailing the project's green building requirements?

A

Statement of the project's environmental vision and goals

B

Statement of Work

C

General description of the project

D

Room-by-room description of the project

E

Building construction budget

What attribute should recycled materials have in order to take advantage of synergies with regional materials?

A

Low VOCs

B

More durability

C

Remanufactured regionally

Only the choice of being remanufactured regionally would help with earning credit for regional/locally sourced materials. You may hear regional materials also referred to as local materials. Exam objective V.B from the GBCI handbook is 'Locally (regionally) Harvested and Manufactured Materials'. The USGBC GA study guide also has 'Regional/Locally Sourced Materials' in the book's definitions. The terms mean the same thing. For LEED, regional materials are materials that originate within 500 miles of the project site. To be considered regional the materials must be extracted, processed, and manufactured within 500 miles of the project site. For example if lumber is extracted 1,000 miles away and turned into flooring 250 miles from the project site the flooring would not be considered a regional material.

D

Lower life-cycle costs

Which of the following statements are true about Credit Interpretation Requests (CIRs)?

A

CIRs can only be submitted during the design phase of a project

CIRs can be submitted at any time up until the project administrator submits all of the documentation for certification. Inquiries must request guidance on just one credit or prerequisite (unless there is technical justification to do otherwise) and generally contain one concise question or a set of related questions. It is often helpful to discuss the inquiry within context of the credit's intent. Anyone on the project team (after being added to LEED Online for that project) can submit the CIR, then someone has to pay GBCI for the review of the CIR.

B

CIRs can be submitted for prerequisites

CIRs can be submitted for any prerequisite or credit for the project's rating system.

C

Product vendors can access all CIRs to meet any updated credit requirements

Anyone on the project team can access the CIRs for that specific project. A project vendor does not have access to all CIRs.

D

CIRs cannot be submitted in regards to the LEED Accredited Professional credit

CIRs can be submitted for any prerequisite or credit for the project's rating system.

A project that uses 100% green power can earn credit in what LEED categories?

A


B


Green power is awarded points under the Energy and Atmosphere credit category.

C

Sustainable Sites

D


A project can also earn points for exemplary performance under Innovation in Design if the project meets the exemplary performance requirements. For example in the LEED NC rating system a project would need to purchase 100% green power to earn exemplary performance.

E

Water Efficiency

Notes:


What is submitted to document that the requirements of a credit or prerequisite were met?

A

Letter templates

Each rating system will have its own set of forms that must be completed and submitted for documentation and verification. These forms are called letter templates, and are dynamic PDF forms that can be filled out and saved on a computer then uploaded directly back to LEED Online. Credits/prerequisites are assigned by the project administrator. Whoever has been assigned responsibility for the credit/prerequisite by the administrator fills out the letter template and uploads it to LEED Online upon completion. Once all of the letter templates are uploaded for those credits being attempted, the project administrator will submit the project for review. The credit forms are also referred to as letter templates, credit templates, submittal templates, or submittals.

B

CIR

CIRs are used for technical guidance on credits. Anyone on the project team can submit a CIR, as long as the person has access to LEED Online (through the project administrator).

C

LEED Scorecard

The LEED Credit Checklist helps project teams track their credits against requirements for certification. The LEED Credit Checklist is also called the LEED Scorecard.

D

Building operating plan

This would be used by operations and maintenance staff to keep up the building.

Reduced emissions are a benefit of purchasing:

A

RECs

RECs are a tradable commodity representing the 'greenness' of green power. They are purchased when a project does not have access to green power through their utility provider. However, this isn't a way to bypass purchasing power; when RECs are purchased the project still needs to pay the normal electricity bills. RECs represent the reduced emissions of renewable energy compared to conventional fossil fuels. RECs are sold separately allowing people to purchase the 'greenness' of the electricity. This allows anyone to purchase an REC even if the power to their building is not green power. RECs have no geographic constraints, because they are sold separately from electricity. A project in Maine can purchase RECs from any other state. RECs cannot be purchased for a project's own on-site renewable energy systems. For example if a project has a solar array, the building owner could not issue RECs to themselves.

B

Recycled water

Recycled water supplied by municipalities helps reduce potable water use.

C

Certified wood

Sustainable forestry is the environmental benefit of certified wood.

D

Materials with high SRI

Materials with high SRI help reduce the heat island effect.

What percentage of waste does construction and demolition debris contribute to landfills each year in the United States?

A

40%

Construction and demolition debris make up 40% of the solid waste stream in the United States. (USGBC)

B

50%

C

20%

D

30%

What does the IPMVP Volume III provide information on?

A

Best practices for verifying the energy performance of a new building

The IPMVP Volume III is used for measurement & verification, and provides best practice techniques for verifying the energy performance of a new building. You can view the IPMVP v3 here if you want to take a quick look: http://www.p2pays.org/ref/41/40512.pdf Don't spend too much time in this document - the link is only provided to reinforce your knowledge. The document isn't in the exam reference materials so don't read this document for more than a minute. The standard is used in the rating systems and you should be familiar with what the standard is used for.

B

Government restrictions for the water flow limits of fixtures

C

Best management practices for construction activity pollution prevention

D

Best design techniques for acoustics in schools

What is a brownfield?

A

A site that may be contaminated with hazardous waste or pollution

A brownfield is 'real property whose use may be complicated by the presences or possible presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant.' (USGBC)

Projects may get special deals on developing on these sites if the owner cleans them up first.

B

A site without vegetation

C

A site without grass

D

A site that has been graded

What percent of water chillers in existing buildings still use CFCs?

A

50%

In the U.S., 99% of buildings are existing buildings; of those, 50% are older buildings that have old, inefficient, leaky chillers that use CFCs. Replacing or retrofitting these units could save energy while reducing the negative environmental effects of CFC use.

B

30%

C

20%

D

40%

Notes:


Which statement is true about CFCs in the United States?

A

CFCs are no longer used in the United States

B

CFC production in the United States ended in 1995

C

CFC production in the United States will be phased out by 2030

D

CFC production in the United States will be phased out by 2010

Reducing the light pollution of a project site to preserve night views and not interfere with nocturnal species may negatively impact what project areas?

A

Safety and security

Safety and security are important issues when thinking about external lighting at night.

B

Energy conservation

Reducing light pollution helps with energy conservation.

C

Onsite renewable energy

Light pollution and onsite renewable energy are unrelated with the exception the onsite renewable energy may power part of the building.

D

Heat islands

Heat islands and light pollution are unrelated.

What should be included in a construction waste management plan?

A

Disposal site for refrigerants

Refrigerants would not be included in construction waste management. They would be disposed of by an HVAC engineer.

B

The goals to be accomplished

The plan should include the goals of the team as well as what will be diverted, where to, and by whom.

C

The environmental concerns

This is outside the scope of a written construction waste management plan.

D

Durability planning

Durability planning is not part of waste management.

What is the primary purpose of registering a project for LEED?

A

To gain access to project tools and resources

The primary purpose for registering a project is to gain access to the project tools needed for the certification process.

B

To obtain free USGBC consulting

USGBC consulting is not free.

C

To get your company and the project media publicity

While this is a secondary benefit it is not the primary purpose.

D

To register individuals for the GBCI exams

Project registration is unrelated to exam registration.

What may happen if a project does not comply with the minimum program requirements?

A

An alternative compliance path can be used

B

The building's certification may be revoked, if the project has earned a LEED certification

A project must adhere to the LEED Minimum Program Requirements, (MPRs) in order to achieve/retain LEED certification. Failure to comply with MPRs may result in the certification being revoked. No fees will be refunded. A project can meet the MPRs prior to certification, then earn project certification, and later on something may change where the project no longer meets the MPRs. An example of this scenario is if the occupancy rate of the building decreases. Note that after the project is certified (attained any LEED certification at any level) the project must continue to meet the MPRs or certification can be revoked. For example if a hotel is certified and then the hotel shuts down, the hotel is not maintaining the minimum occupancy levels required by the MPRs. The certification could be revoked.

C

The project team will need to submit a CIR

D

Additional fees or fines may be incurred

What is NOT a natural refrigerant?

A

CO2

B

HFC

Make sure you do not confuse HC, which is good refrigerant, with HFC or HCFC, which are refrigerants that cause environmental issues.

C

NH3

D

HC

Notes:


There are five refrigerants that are benign to the earth's atmosphere. They are: CO2 - Carbon dioxide H2O - Water NH3 - Amonia HC - Hydrocarbons, such propane, butane, ethane, isobutene, and isopentane Air

Which of the following strategies have earned innovation in design / operations in the past?

A

Using high volume fly ash in concrete

Fly ash is a byproduct of burning coal and can be used to offset the quantity of cement used in concrete mix.

B

Using organic foods in a cafeteria

Organic food use is not considered an innovative design.

C

Implementing an educational outreach program

Green education is one of the most common innovation points projects often add. These programs outline the green building strategies used in the building. The programs may include self-guided tours or computer kiosks in the main entryway of the building so visitors can learn about the building.

D

Implementing a green parking design

Reducing the parking requirements is covered in LEED in the reduced parking design credits.

How does a life cycle assessment (LCA) differ from life cycle costing (LCC)?

A

LCA does not take into account environmental performance while LCC does

B

LCA does not take into account economic performance while LCC does

C

LCA is cradle-to-cradle while LCC is not

D

LCA takes into account economic performance while LCC does not

Notes:

Life cycle assessment is an analysis that takes into account the environmental aspects and potential impacts associated with a product, process, or service. Life cycle costing is used to evaluate economic performance.

Open space that would count for a LEED project must be located:

A

Within the LEED boundary

The open space must be in the LEED boundary. The LEED boundary is the portion of the project site submitted for LEED certification. (USGBC) For single building developments, this is the entire project scope and is generally limited to the site boundary - they are not necessarily the same thing.

B

Within the project boundary

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.

C

Within 1/2 mile radius of the project

Open space for the project does not count if it is part of the surrounding community.

D

Within the property boundary

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.

Selecting which of the following sites would have the greatest positive environmental impact?

A

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.

B

Parkland near basic services

Parkland is open space (though not for the project) and should be avoided for building on.

C

Locating the project near public parking

Locating the project near public parking may reduce the project's parking needs but this is not the best answer choice.

D

A previously undeveloped site

This is a greenfield site and would not be the best choice for building on.

A project that builds on a greenfield has selected what type of site?

A

A site that hasn't been developed on before

Greenfields are sites not previously developed or graded that could support open space, habitat, or agriculture. (USGBC) LEED prefers not building on greenfields but using previously developed land instead.

B

A site that is farmland

Farmland can be considered a greenfield but not all greenfields are farmland.

C

A site located in an urban area

Greenfields are normally in suburban areas.

D

A site that was previously public parkland

Public parkland may or may not be a greenfield but not all greenfields are public parkland.

What statement is true regarding a facility manager?

A

A facility manager would be most involved in a project for LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance

The people running the day to day activities in an existing building such as the property or facility manager will have the greatest impact on LEED EB success.

B

A facility manager that is a LEED AP could not earn a project an Innovation in Design point

If the facility manager were a principal participant then an ID point could be earned for having a LEED AP on the project.

C

A facility manager would not be part of an integrated team

A facility manager would be part of the integrated team.

D

The facility manager has sole responsibility for designing a building recycling plan

In an integrated team more than one person would be involved in the design of any aspect of the LEED project.

A project team demos an existing building and will reuse the shell of the building and recycle the rest of the construction and demolition debris. What credit areas could the project earn points under?

A

Community Connectivity

Reusing an existing building does not imply community connectivity can be earned. Community connectivity is achieved when a project is located near basic services, and there is pedestrian access between those services.

B

Building Reuse

Building reuse can be earned when projects reuse existing portions of a building including the exterior walls, roof, structural flooring, interior walls, etc.

C

Construction Waste Management

The recycled debris would help the project divert waste from landfills and earn credit for construction waste management.

D

Recycled Content

Note the difference between recycling and the use of recycled content. Recycling is the act of keeping materials out of landfills to reduce the demand for virgin resources. Recycled content are materials that contain pre or post consumer recycled content.

Notes:


On average what part of a building consumes the most energy in the United States?

A

Space heating

Space heating consumes 38% of a building's energy use, on average. While our study guide states 'Lighting is often the largest contributor to a building's energy use' on average space heating is the greatest contributor. The difference can be the climate where the building is located.

B

Water heating

Water heating consumes 8% of a building's energy use.

C

Cooling

Cooling consumes 7% of a building's energy use.

D

Lighting

Lighting consumes 20% of a building's energy use.

What urban area is a best choice for a LEED project?

A

Areas that require updated infrastructure

Replacing infrastructure can earn points under the LEED for Neighborhood Development rating system, however this is not the best choice.

B

Areas with long commute times

This is not a strategy to earn LEED credits.

C

Areas farthest from transportation services

This is not a strategy to earn LEED credits.

D

Areas with community connectivity

Choosing urban areas that are previously developed with high development densities can earn a project LEED points for community connectivity.

Designing a building with a natural ventilation system will impact what credit categories?

A

Materials and Resources

No credits from this category are impacted by designing a building with natural ventilation.

B


A natural ventilation system (aka passive ventilation) will reduce the energy demands of a building. No mechanical cooling system will need to installed and run.

C

Sustainable Sites

No credits from this category are impacted by designing a building with natural ventilation.

D


A natural ventilation system impacts the indoor air quality of a building. Indoor air quality is part of this credit category.

What area is NOT considered previously developed?

A

Unused parking lot

A parking lot has paving on it and would be considered previously developed.

B

Stone quarry

A stone quarry is an altered landscape.

C

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.

D

Racetrack

A race track is an altered landscape.

Average housing density is defined as:

A

Housing Units / 120,000 sq. ft.

B

Square Footage of Housing Units / 120,000 sq. ft.

C

Square Footage of Housing Units / Acres of Buildable Land

D

Housing Units / Acres of Buildable Land

The LEED definition of average housing density is defined as Housing Units / Acres of Buildable Land.

Notes:

Reference: LEED for Homes Rating System

What project team meeting is used to integrate green strategies across all aspects of the building design, drawing on the expertise of all participants?

A

Steering committee

B

Technical Advisory Group

C

Design charrette

Design Charrette: No later than the design development phase and preferably during schematic design, conduct at least one full-‐day integrated design workshop with the project team. Use the workshop to integrate green strategies across all aspects of the building design, drawing on the expertise of all participants. (USGBC)

D

LEED roundtable

Notes:

Reference: LEED for Homes Rating System

Which of the following causes depletion of the ozone layer?

A

Halons

Halons are chemicals commonly used in fire suppression systems and cause ozone depletion.

B

Heat islands

C

Solar radiation

D

Mercury

Notes:


The ASHRAE standards cover which LEED topics?

A

Minimum requirements for the energy efficient design of most buildings

ASHRAE 90.1-2007 establishes minimum requirements for the energy efficient design of buildings (not included are single family homes or multifamily homes less than 3 stories).

B

Ventilation rates

ASHRAE 62.1-2007 Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality specifies minimum ventilation rates. These rates are used to improve indoor air quality as part of the IEQ credit category.

C

Carbon emissions

LEED does not reference a standard for carbon emissions.

D

VOC emissions

VOC emissions are addressed by Green Seal and Green Label.

E

Thermal comfort conditions

ASHRAE 55-2004 Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy help with defining what makes a comfortable indoor environment for occupants. Indoor conditions are considered acceptable if 80% or more of occupants find them acceptable.

What environmental issue occurs from stormwater runoff?

A

Heat islands

B

Blackwater

C

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.

D

Ozone depletion

What must a project team do prior to phasing out CFC-based refrigerants?

A

Select a replacement refrigerant with a long atmospheric lifetime

Refrigerants should be selected with short atmospheric lifetimes, not long atmospheric lifetimes.

B

Reduce the annual leakage of CFCs to 5% or less using EPA Clean Air Act procedures

The question asks what must the project team do. Before the phase-out begins, LEED requires reducing the annual leakage of CFCs to 5% or less using EPA Clean Air Act procedures.

C

Vent any remaining CFCs for disposal to the air prior to decommissioning any equipment

Venting the CFCs to the air is what you don't want to do. CFCs in the atmosphere are what cause ozone depletion.

D

Select a replacement refrigerant with a nonzero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP)

Refrigerants that are best for the environment have zero ODP. LEED doesn't require selecting refrigerants with zero ODP, but suggests refrigerants be chosen that have low/no ODP.

A site described as accessible means the site meets the requirements of which standard?

A

USGBC

B

ADA

ADA stands for Americans with Disabilities Act.

Accessible describes a site, building, facility, or portion thereof that complies with the guidelines outlined in the ADA Standards for Accessible Design.

C

GBCI

D

AIA

Some wood flooring recovered onsite from a renovation project was refurbished and reused onsite. What type of material is the wood flooring considered?

A

Salvaged material

The flooring would be a salvaged material since it was found and used onsite.

B

Recycled content

Do not confuse recycled content with salvaged materials. Recycled content contains materials that have been recycled. An example is insulation made from recycled newspapers. Salvaged materials are construction materials recovered from building sites and reused on different building sites in the same or a different capacity. Examples can include flooring, brick, beams, and doors.

C

Regional/local material

This material would also be a regional/local material since it came from onsite. You may hear regional materials also referred to as local materials. Exam objective V.B from the GBCI handbook is 'Locally (regionally) Harvested and Manufactured Materials'. The USGBC GA study guide also has 'Regional/Locally Sourced Materials' in the book's definitions. The terms mean the same thing.

D

Virgin wood

Virgin wood is new wood. Since the wood flooring was obtained from the renovation project the wood was not new and was not cut down from a forest specifically for the use in the project.

What is a way a project team can increase the density of a building?

A

Locate the building near mass transit

Locating the building near mass transit assists with providing alternative transportation compared with single occupant commuting with automobiles.

B

Building on a brownfield

Building on a brownfield is unrelated to project density.

C

Designing a smaller building footprint and maximizing the floor-area ratio

Building density is the floor area of the building divided by the total area of the site (square feet per acre) (USGBC). LEED suggests building up rather than out to increase the density of the building while preserving the land in the project area.

D

Designing a net-zero building

Net-zero buildings are buildings that generate enough electricity to meet their energy demands.

Notes:

Reference: Green Building & LEED Core Concepts Guide

What statement is true regarding wool carpet made from wool leftover from the carpet manufacturing process?

A

This material is an example of post-consumer recycled content

Post-consumer material - is material recycled from consumer waste. (USGBC) Postconsumer recycled content - is the percentage of material in a product that was consumer waste. The recycled material was generated by household, commercial, industrial, or institutional end-users and can no longer be used for its intended purpose. It includes returns of materials from the distribution chain. Examples include construction and demolition debris, materials collected through recycling programs, discarded products (e.g., furniture, cabinetry, decking), and landscaping waste (e.g., leaves, grass clippings, tree trimmings). (ISO 14021)

B

This material is an example of pre-consumer recycled content

Pre-consumer content - formerly known as post-industrial content, is the percentage of material in a product that is recycled from manufacturing waste. Examples include planer shavings, plytrim, sawdust, chips, bagasse, sunflower seed hulls, walnut shells, culls, trimmed materials, print overruns, overissue publications, and obsolete inventories. Excluded are materials such as rework, regrind, or scrap generated in a process and capable of being reclaimed within the same process that generated it (ISO 14021).

C

This material is an example of post-industrial recycled content

Post-industrial content is now called pre-consumer content.

D

This material does not contain recycled content

This example would not be considered any type of recycled material. If a manufacturing process uses scraps and puts them back in the assembly line, it is a good practice but it does not count towards pre or post consumer recycled content.

Notes:

There are typical laws and guidelines followed on most projects. Which of the following are specifically relevant to LEED projects vs. typical construction?

A

Local zoning

Local zoning must be followed regardless of the type of project. Local zoning are the local government regulations imposed to promote orderly development of private lands and prevent land-use conflicts.

B

ISO 14021

The ISO 14000 product oriented standards include Environmental Labels and Declaration, Life Cycle Assessment, and Design for Environment. These standards are intended to be applicable for assessing the environmental performance of products and services as well as providing guidance on improving their environmental performance. The ISO 14021 series standards, Environmental Labels and Declaration, are communication tools that convey information on environmental aspects of a product or service to the market. These standards are used for recycled materials to label their pre and/or post consumer content.

C

ASHRAE standards

ASHRAE standards are referenced in many building codes both for green and conventional building.

D

Illuminating Engineering Society's lighting standards

IESNA specifies lighting power densities for external lighting to help reduce light pollution.

What are the environmental benefits of using salvaged wood flooring in a residential project?

A

The wood flooring will have a lower cost since it did not have to be extracted from a forest

A lower cost would be an economic benefit. Most salvaged flooring would have a higher cost since they tend to be of higher quality wood.

B

The wood flooring will have a lower installation cost

The installation cost is an economic issue, not an environmental issue.

C

The wood flooring will reduce the demand for virgin resources

Salvaged materials reduce the demand for virgin materials and reduce waste. Flooring that is taken from a demo project can be reused elsewhere so that trees do not have to be cut down to supply wood for new flooring.

D

The wood flooring will increase the tax base of the local economy

There is a benefit to society (remember the triple bottom line?) assuming the material was salvaged locally and re-used locally.

The LEED Credit Checklist allows project teams to mark potential credit achievement as:

A

Anticipated/Achieved/Denied

B

Yes/No

C

Pursuing/Not Pursuing

D

Yes/Maybe/No

The score card allows users to select credit achievement as Yes/Maybe/No

What can help reduce indoor potable water use?

A

Installing reduced-flow aerators on lavatory faucets

Retrofitting/designing a building with flow-restrictors and reduced-flow aerators helps reduce water use.

B

Replacing fixtures with salvaged toilets manufactured in 1992

Fixtures made pre-1993 do not comply with EPAct 1992 and are less efficient than many newer fixtures.

C

Installing a blackwater system

This would help with wastewater management.

D

Installing a green roof

A green roof does not impact the baseline indoor water use.

A bioswale would be used to help earn credit in what LEED category?

A


B


C

Sustainable Sites

Bioswales are landscape elements designed to remove silt and pollution from surface runoff water. They consist of a swaled drainage course with gently sloped sides and filled with vegetation, compost and/or riprap. Bioswales would be used to help improve the quality of stormwater runoff.

D

Water Efficiency

What is Global Warming Potential as it relates to refrigerants?

A

The efficiency of a refrigerant

There is no LEED value which identifies refrigerant efficiency.

B

A measurement of how much effect the given refrigerant will have on global warming in relation to carbon dioxide.

CO2 has a GWP of 1. This is usually measured over a 100-year period. In this case the lower the value of GWP the better the refrigerant is for the environment. (USGBC)

C

Speed at which an appliance loses its refrigerant

This is the leakage rate for a piece of equipment.

D

The potential for a single molecule of the refrigerant to destroy the ozone layer

This is the Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP).

What statement is true regarding the Clean Air Act?

A

The Clean Air Act provides recommendations on carbon emissions for all new commercial buildings

Neither LEED, nor the Clean Air Act provides any type of limit or recommendation on

how much carbon emission a building should have.

B

The Sustainable Sites category references the Clean Air Act in regards to airborne dust generation from construction activities

This is achieved by following the EPA Construction General Permit, or local codes, whichever is more stringent.

C

No production and no importing of any HCFCs will be allowed after 2030 under the Clean Air Act

The United States implemented HCFC phaseout through Clean Air Act Regulations. Under the Clean Air Act in 2030 no production and no importing of any HCFCs is allowed.

D

The Clean Air Act defines what constitutes a low-emitting or fuel-efficient vehicle

LEED has its own definitions of low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehicles. The Clean Air Act provides no such definitions.

CIR submissions should be done:

A

After project registration

CIR submissions are available only after a project has been registered.

B

To determine a project's baseline water use

CIRs are not used to determine baseline measurements for water use.

C

When filling out the LEED checklist

When the project team fills out the LEED checklist they are determining what credits the project is likely to achieve. CIR submissions would be done after the credits that will be or may be attempted have been selected.

D

To change the rating system a project is certifying under

A project team can decide to change the rating system the project will be certified under, but the CIR process would not be used for that.

The submittal of a Credit Interpretation Request (CIR) should include:

A

Drawings

CIRs should not include attachments, cut-sheets, plans, or drawings.

B

A payment of $220

Each CIR can be submitted for a fee of $220.00

C

One specific inquiry not in excess of 600 words

CIRs should contain one concise question not in excess of 600 words or 4,000 characters.

D

Cut-sheets


E

Plans


What strategies does the EPA recommend for waste reduction?

A

Source reduction

B

Sustainable materials

The use of sustainable materials helps the environment but does not necessarily impact waste reduction.

C

Reuse

D

Recycling

E

Locally manufactured materials

This does not impact waste reduction.

A project team has excluded a section of land in order to meet the requirements of one of the LEED credits. What is true about this action?

A

This action would only be allowed under the LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance rating system

No rating system permits this action.

B

This action is allowed if the gross floor area of the LEED project building is less than 2% of the gross land area within the LEED project boundary

If the gross floor area is less than 2% of the gross land area within the LEED project boundary the project doesn't meet the Minimum Program Requirements.

C

This action would not be allowed under any of the rating systems

Land cannot be excluded for the purposes of complying with a credit/prerequisite. This is known as gerrymandering.

D

Certain sections of land can be excluded from the site boundary if a responsible party submits a licensed professional exemption form

'The Licensed Professional Exemption Form can be used by a project team's registered professional engineer, registered architect, or registered landscape architect to submit a streamlined path to certain credits, bypassing otherwise required submittals.' - O&M Introduction

What would qualify as preferred parking for LEED?

A

Delivery truck parking

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.

D

Visitor drop-off areas

In an existing building, what can a project team replace CFCs with and still earn LEED certification?

A

Only HFCs or natural refrigerants

HCFCs and HFCs can be used as refrigerants as well as natural refrigerants.

B

Any non CFC-based refrigerant

Any non CFC-based refrigerant is acceptable to earn LEED certification.

C

Natural ventilation

The team can choose to re-design the building to use natural ventilation in place of refrigerants.

D

Only natural refrigerants

HCFCs and HFCs can be used as refrigerants as well as natural refrigerants.

What refrigerant has the greatest ozone depletion potential (ODP)?

A

CFC-11

CFC-11 and CFC-12 set the bar for ozone depletion potential against what all other refrigerants are measured.

B

CO2

CO2 is a natural refrigerant and has an ODP of zero.

C

HCFC-22

HCFC-22 has a low ODP, but HCFCs were still banned under the Montreal Protocol.

D

HFC-23

HFCs have a negligible ODP but a higher global warming potential (GWP).

which green building strategies help conserve natural ...aschokke/ce5515/exam2_f10_solutions.pdf ·...

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