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Sustainable sites

Emissivity
Ratio of energy radiated by a surface to the energy radiated by a black body at the same temperature & it is a measure of
material ability to radiate absorbed energy.
Albedo (solar reflectance)
It is a measure of material ability to reflect sunlight measured on a scale of 0(black) to 1(white)
Solar reflectance (albedo)
It is a measure of material ability to reflect sunlight measured on a scale of 0(black) to 1(white)
SRI (solar reflectance index)
It is a measure of material's ability to reject solar heat and is the combined value of reflectivity and emittance& It represent
material temperature in sun measured on a scale from 0 (least reflective) to 100 (most reflective)
Pervious pavement
reduce storm water runoff by infiltration thru the pervious material
it is open and allow moisture to soak into the ground below
What do IMPERVIOUS surfaces promote?
Increasestorm water runoff
Heat Island Effect
Air and surface temperatures in urban areas are higher than rural or suburban areas nearby and it will raise the temp. Of
urban areas to about 10F or more
Cause of the heat island effect
Dark colored surfaces such as black roofs & asphalt
vehicle exhaust
air-conditioners
reduced air flow from tall buildings and narrow streets
Benefits of reducing heat islands
Reduce air temp thus reduce AC thus lower energy used
Heat islands impact what LEED category(s)?
Sustainable Sites (SS) and Energy and Atmosphere (EA).Reducing Heat island effect will Reduce air temp thus reduce
AC thus lower energy used
To reduce the heat island effect
vegetated roofs or Green roofs & cool roofs
Underground parking
Less hardscapes
Light colored paving or higher solar reflectance paving
provide shaded areas all day
What are some of the benefits of vegetated roof?
retain stromwater,
provide insulation
reduce the heat island effect,
good looking and aesthetically pleasing
have longer life
Andrequire less maintenance than conventional roofs.
Community connectivity
Locating a project near basic services
What is the purpose of Community connectivity?
1. limits urban sprawl
2. Reduces automobile use.
What must a project be located nearto have community connectivity?
Basic services.
What is a BASIC SERVICE?
Basic services are open to the public and used regularly. In LEED, pedestrian accessmust exist between the project site
and the service toinclude it in the number of available services. Examples are Bank, Place of Worship, Convenience

Grocery, Day Care Center, Cleaners, Fire Station, Beauty Salon, Hardware, Laundry, Library, Medical or Dental Office,
Senior Care Facility, Park, Pharmacy, Post Office, Restaurant, School, Supermarket, Theater, Community Center, Fitness
Center, Museum.
How are basic services identified for project?
By drawing a half-mile circle around the project site andidentifying the services within the radius.
Pedestrian access
Pedestrian access allows pedestrians to walk between areas without interference from walls, highways or other Barriers.
How to
a) reduce automobile parking
b) reduce single passenger vehicles traveling to a project site
1.
2.
3.
4.

locate the project near mass transit


Promote carpooling,
Install less parking or reduce parking spaces
Install bicycle racks

Car pooling
Two or more people share a ride in the same vehicle.
Mass transit =
Ex-Busses, Ferries, Rail lines, Shuttles
,
What is a benefit of locating a project near mass transit?
Reduces automobile use which reduces automobile emissions.
PREFERRED PARKING
Parking that is close to the main entrance of the project (exclusive of spaces designated for handicapped persons) or
discounted parking passes
BROWNFIELD
A contaminated site that needs to be remediated prior development and it is contaminated by hazardous waste and
pollution
GREENFIELD
Undeveloped site or not previously developed that could support open space, habitat, or agriculture.
Previously developed site
A site that was previously built on, graded, or contained a parking lot, roadway, or other structure.
OPEN SPACE
Defined by Local zoning and
un developed site or restored from previously developed site (the diff between open and green field)
Minimumbuilding area to site ratio
The gross floor area of the building must not less than 2% of the gross land area within the LEED project boundary.
LOW-EMITTING and FUEL-EFFICIENT vehicles
1. They are classified a Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) by theCalifornia Air Resources Board
2. Have achieved a minimum green score of 40 on ACEEE annual vehicle rating guide.
GREEN SCORE
Measures the greenness of an automobile.
ACEEE
American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy
What minimum Green Score is required by LEED for a vehicle to qualify as lowemitting?
A minimum Green Score of 40 is required on the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) annual
vehicle rating guide.
Alternative fuel vehicle
Uses any method of powering an engine that does not involve only petroleum (e.g. electric car, gas car, gas-electric
hybrid, solar powered)
Foot candle

Measure of the quantity of light falling on a given surface.reducing foot candles helps reduce light pollution.
Light pollution
It is Excessive artificial light.
Has a negative impact on nocturnal wildlife ( ) and interferes with sky views
Lighting power density
Under energy & atmosphere leed category
Installed lighting power per unit area. Reducing the lighting power density reduces energy use.
Building footprint
Area used by the building structure
What is excluded from the building foot print?
Parking lots, landscapes, and other non- building facilities
Landscape area
Total site area less the building footprint, paved surfaces, water bodies, and patios
Development footprint
Total site area affected by the development and it will Include
Buildingfootprint
Access roads
parking lots
hardscapes
non building facilities
Development density
The total square foot or acre of all buildings within an area & it is determined by drawing a radius from the project building.
What area features must be included in development density calculations?
Parking lots
Public roads
Water efficiency
Tap=faucets
Tubs=bathtub=shower trays/tubs
What is the intent of the Water Efficiency category?
To
reduce water consumption
reduce wastewater treatment
reduce the demand for aquifers
Aquifer
An aquifer is an underground water-bearing rock formation or group of formations that supply groundwater, wells, or
springs.
FULL-TIME EQUIVALENT (FTE)
It is a regularoccupant who spends 40 hours per week in abuilding. Part-time or overtimeoccupants have FTE values
based on their hours per week divided by 40.
Occupants are
1. Full time
2. Part time
3. Transient
What are transient occupants?
Such as students, volunteers, visitors, etc.
What variables are used in determining FTE calculations?
1. The type of occupant (full-time, part-time, transient)
2. No of hours worked per week.
Potable water
Drinking water that meets or exceeds EPA drinking water quality standards & it is supplied from wells and municipal.
Gray water (kblatw)
Wastewater from kitchen, bathroom, laundry sinks, tubs, and washers. (EPA)

What codes define gray water?


Local and state codes
Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) in its Appendix G, Gray Water Systems for Single Family Dwellings
The International Plumbing Code (IPC) Appendix C, Gray Water Recycling Systems.
Black water
Wastewater from toilets and urinals. Wastewater from kitchen sinks (perhaps differentiated by the use of a garbage
disposal),showers, or bathtubs is considered black water under some state or local codes.
Process water
1. The water that is used in industrial processes such as cooling towers, boilers, and chillers.
2. The water that is used in operational processes, such as dishwashing, clothes washing, and ice making.
What type of water is municipally supplied reclaimed/recycled water?
Non-potable water.
Reclaimed water
Water that is treated and reused
Irrigation impacts what LEED categories?
Water Efficiency (WE) and Energy and Atmosphere (EA)
To reduce water used for irrigation use
micro misters,
drip irrigation
native & adaptive plants
xeriscaping
Xeriscaping
Reduce irrigation thru
Using drought-adaptive and water less plants
Using compost and mulches to reduce evaporation.
Drip irrigation
Deliver water at low pressure through & it is much more efficient than traditional sprinkler systems.
Drip irrigation is a high-efficiency type of what?
Micro irrigation
Conventional (traditional) irrigation
Wateringby using above-ground overhead sprinkler.
Irrigation efficiency
The percentagesof waterthat is used for irrigation and does not evaporate, blow away, or fall on hardscape. (USGBC).
Drip irrigation has an efficiency of 90% over conventional overhead sprinklers which have an efficiency of 65%.
Native or adaptive plants
Require less water, less maintenance, less fertilizer, less pesticide and adapted to local climate such as droughts and
freezes and not considered as invasive plants or weeds
What plants do LEED recommended using in landscape design?
Native and adaptive plants.
Native or Indigenous plants
Native plantshas been in area for many years and not invasive
Noxious weeds
They are invasive plants that inhibit the cultivation and growth of local native or adaptive plants.
Harvested stromwater (rainwater)
Collecting rainwater for landscaping irrigation, fire suppression, toilet (WC) & urinal flushing & other non-potable water
uses.
Best management practice (BMP)
reduce storm water runoff
Reduce total Suspended Solids (TSS).
To control stromwater runoff

Green roofs, Rain gardens, Retention pond, Bio retention pond and Bio swale
What does storm water runoff contribute to?
1. Soil erosion
2. sedimentation of waterways
Sedimentation
Stromwater runoff deposits sediment into water ways, leading to a decline in water quality by blocking sunlight.
Rain garden
It is used to Capture&filter(remove pollution)storm water runoff.
Bio retention pond
It is used to Capture for temporary time, and filter (removes pollution) stromwater runoff by using soils & vegetation or
landscapes
Bio swale
It is used filter (remove silt and pollution)storm water runoff and it is Landscape elements filled with vegetation,
compost and riprap
Retention pond (wet pond)
It is used to
1. prevent flooding and
2. downstream erosion and
3. improve water quality in an adjacent river, stream, lake or bay and
It is a type of best management practice (BMP).
Detentionpond (dry pond)
Reduce stromwater runoff &temporarily stores excess stromwater
GPF
Gallons per Flush used for flush fixtures (urinals, water closets/toilets)
What is the baseline flush rate of a urinal?
1.0 gpf (gallons per flush)
What is the baseline flush rate of a water closet?
1.6 gpf (gallons per flush)
How much water does a waterless urinal consume?
None
GPM
Gallons per Minute used for flow fixtures (faucets, showers)
What is the baseline flow rate of a faucet?
2.2 gpm
EPAct of 1992 (The Energy Policy Act of 1992)
Determine the building baseline water demand& set standards for water fixtures
Baseline water demand of a building
The estimated usage of a building's fixtures and fittings usingEPAct 1992 standard
Water Sense
Program sponsors the EPA, helping consumers identify water-efficient products and programs.
Automatic fixture sensors
Lavatories (WC=toilet), water closets, urinals & sinks
Most efficient flushing fixtures
Waterless urinals, composting toilets
What minimum water savings are LEED v3 projects required to achieve?
20%
Water saving fixtures
Reduce water use by 30% (USGBC)

Low flow fixtures


Use less water thanEPAct 1992
To calculate a percent reduction in water use
Use baseline design case
Use installed design case
Energy & atmosphere
What was the goal of the Montreal Protocol?
To phase out CFCs and HCFCs
What year does the Montreal Protocol phase out HCFCs?
1995- CFC use and production was phased out in 1995
2010-Developing countries who signed the protocol stop producing CFCs& some other substances and
derivatives will be phased out in 2010
2030- HCFCs will be phased out
Phase out plan
Eliminating CFC and converting them to less environmentally harmful refrigerants.
If existing building uses CFC refrigerant
It can wait 5 years to phase out the refrigerants and still earn leed certification
If simple payback of replacement or conversion is less than 10 years then it is economically feasible to replace
the system
If it is not economically feasible to replace the system then the allowed annual leakage of the existing system is
5%
U.S. EPA Clean Air Act, Title VI, Rule 608
Standard
1. regulatesthe use &recycling of ozone-depleting compounds
2. reduce annual leakageof ozone-depleting refrigerants such as CFCs and HCFCs
3. defines the leakage rate of appliances that use refrigerants
What refrigerant has the lowest ODP?
HFC+HC+natural refrigerants

What refrigerant has the lowest GWp?


NH3 Ammonia, water & air
What refrigerant has the greatest ODP?
CFC-11, CFC-12
What refrigerant has the greatest GWP?
HFC-23
True or False: The ozone-depletion potential (ODP) of the HCFCs (e.g., HCFC-123, HCFC-22) is much smaller than
the ODP of the CFCs?
TRUE
What is a tradeoff to using HFCs?
HFCs are less efficient and therefore consume more energy to produce the same level of cooling as CFC's.
What do CFCs do to the environment?
CFCs destroy the ozone layer.

HALONS
Used in fire suppression systems and fire extinguishers that contributes to ozone depletion.
Are leed projects allowed to use Halons in the building?
Yes. Projects can earn points for not using Halons in fire suppression systems.
Greenhouse Gases (GHG)
Such as carbon dioxide or methane, increased concentrations of greenhouse gases are a root cause of global climate
change.
they Absorb and emit radiation at specific wavelengths within the spectrum of thermal infrared radiation emitted by Earth's
surface, clouds, and the atmosphere itself.
GLOBAL WARMING
Refers to climate change that causes an increase in the average temperature of the lower atmosphere of the Earth.
Construction Carbon Calculator
Measures the embodied carbonof the construction process- Embodied carbon is the carbon released when a product is
manufactured, shipped and installed
Embodied energy
The energy used to make a product (entire product life cycle)this lifecycle includes raw material extraction, transport,
manufacture, assembly, installation, disassembly, deconstruction and decomposition.
Carbon Overlay
USGBC gives more weight (points) to credits that reduces greenhouse gases.Greenhouse gases can be caused by
building a project, transportation of items to a Project,using material resources, using water, creating waste.
What variables measure a refrigerants impact on the environment?
Global Warming Potential (GWP) and Ozone DepletionPotential (ODP)
What does GWP stand for?
Global Warming Potential
What does ODP stand for?
Ozone Depletion Potential
List in order the environmental impact of refrigerants from worst to least.
CFCs, HCFCs, HFCs, Natural refrigerants
What is Global Warming Potential as it relates to refrigerants?
Effectof the refrigerant on global warming in relation to carbon dioxide, where 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
What is Ozone Depletion Potential as it relates to refrigerants?
The potential for a single molecule of the refrigerant to destroy the Ozone Layer. The less the value of the ODPthe better
the refrigerant is for the ozone layer and therefore the environment.
Is it better for a refrigerant to have a higher or lower ODP and GWP?
Lower
Fundamental refrigerant management
1. Zero use of CFC refrigerants in new buildings
2. reduce stratospheric ozone depletion
How much CFC-based refrigerants can be in a building and the project still achieve Fundamental Refrigerant
Management?
None
What must be done to achieve fundamental refrigerant management?
Zero use of CFCs.
Free energy
It is low or zero cost energy from day lighting, natural ventilation, or onsite solar & wind power.
Day lighting
Using natural light to provide internal illumination thru using
windows
transparent media
reflective surfaces

Natural ventilation
Uses wind and buoyancy to deliver fresh air into buildings & it used ASHRAE 62.1-2007 standard
Ventilation is
Mechanical ventilation-Active
Natural ventilation-Passive
What can increasing the ventilation in a building have a negative impact on?
Increasing ventilation in a building increases energy use (EA).
SMACNA (Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractor's National Association)
Under IEQ leed category
Addresses Indoor Air quality issues from construction or renovation
Guidelines play a key role in construction activity pollution prevention. The standard provides an overview of air
pollutants associated with construction, control measures, construction process management, quality control,
among other things.
Photovoltaic (PV) energy
Photovoltaic cells convert the energy in sunlight into electricity.
Green-e
UsedUnder energy & atmosphere leed category
a) Standard or program that certifies/define green power &promotes green electricity products & help customer to
identify them
b) Three types of Renewable energy options are eligible for Green-e certifications
Renewable energy
utility green-pricing programs
Competitive electricity products.
GREEN POWER
It is a type of Renewable energy
Ex- solar, Wind, Biofuel, Low-impact hydro
BIOMASS
It is a type of Renewable energy
Conversion of plant material (trees, grasses, or crops) to heat energy to produce electricity
BIOFUEL
A biofuel is a solid, liquid or gaseous fuel derived from relatively recently dead biological material and is distinguished
from fossil fuels which are derived from long dead biological material.
GEOTHERMAL energy
Generating electricity from hot water or steam from within the earth.
What types of power have the greatest negative environmental impact?
Coal, Gas, Hydropower, Other fossil fuels
Net metering
On-site generatorssend/sell excess electricity to the power grid(utility provider); this will offset a portion of the
energy drawn from the grid.
Example- would be a company that generates solar power for its building. If it generates excess electricity, it can
sell this to the local power company.
Net-zero energy
No more electricity drawn from the power grid/utility provider than produced from on-site renewable energy
systems.
Ex- A school building consumes electricity from the grid at night while contributing energy back to the grid during
the day from on-site solar panels, resulting in the school having no electricity costs
An energy simulation model/ energy model
Provide the anticipated energy consumption of a building and permit a comparison of energy performance, given
proposed energy efficiency measures, with the baseline.
Energy Star
Compare the energy performance of two buildingsas determined by Energy Star Portfolio Manager. A score of 50
represents average building performance.
Energy efficiency

Using technology that consumes less energy to perform the same function as a conventional item. A compact fluorescent
light bulb that uses less energy than an incandescent bulb to produce the same amount of light is an example of energy
efficiency. The decision to replace an incandescent light bulb with a compact fluorescent is an example of energy
conservation.
What is the most effective way to optimize energy efficiency?
By utilizing an integrated whole-building approach.
Holistic approach
It improve the building energy consumption and performance
The Integrated, whole building approach
It improve building energy efficiency
REC
Also known asGreen tags, Renewable Energy Credits/certificates, Tradable Renewable Certificates (TRCs),
Are Tradable commodities&to allow organizations without access to off-site green power to purchase the benefits of
green power.
Where can RECs are purchased?
RECs can be purchased anywhere and are not bound by geography. They differ from actual electricity which must be
purchased from a local provider.
What are the environmental benefits of an REC?
1. Avoid the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from conventional electricity use,
2. Reduce air pollution
Radon
radioactive gas causes cancer. Radon in the ground, groundwater, or building materials enters working and living spaces
and disintegrates into its decay products
Material & Resources
Construction Waste Management
It isadministrative and procedural requirements for salvaging, recycling and disposing of non-hazardous demolition and
construction waste.
What materials are not allowed to be included in the calculations for Construction Waste Management?
a) Excavated materials such as dirt and trees.
b) Hazardous materials such as asbestos and lead covered debris
What are the three R's of producing less waste Or construction waste management 3 Rs ?
Reduce, reuse and recycle ()
Waste diversion
Reduce the amount of recyclable material that is thrown away and wasted.
Source reduction
Use material in a way that reduce amount of waste
Source reduction reduces the materials brought into a building. This includes products that have reduced
packaging and products developed with sustainable design principles.
Reuse
Reusingan existing material in a similar or different capacity that allows for the preservation of naturalresources.
Materials & Resources category address
Reusing an existing building
Recycled content
What materials should not be reused in a project?
Exterior windows and plumbing fixtures. Newer products are more efficient.
Recycled content
It is the proportionof recycled material (pre-consumer or post-consumer) in a product (ISO 14021).
ISO 14021
Defines recycled contents
The ISO 14000

Are environmental preferable


Post- consumer recycled content
It is the percentage ofrecycled material in a product that is recycled from 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. Postconsumer is just that, material recycled after being used by the consumer.
a) Examples are: construction and demolition debris, yard waste, and materials from curbside recycling programs
(aluminum cans, newspapers, plastic bottles, milk jugs)discarded products, (e.g., furniture, cabinetry, decking),
and landscaping waste (e.g., leaves, grass clippings, tree trimmings)
What is CONSTRUCTION & DEMOLITION debris?
It is Waste materials from buildings, dredging materials, tree stumps, and rubble resulting from construction, remodeling,
repair, and demolition of homes, commercial buildings and other structures and pavements.
What type of building material contains recycled newspaper?
Post-consumer recycled content
Pre-consumer recycled content
formerly known aspostindustrial content, is a percentage of recycled material in aproduct that is recycled from
manufacturing waste. Since the material is never sold to the consumer, it is pre-consumer material.
a) Examples: sawdust, wood shavings, wood chips, and print overruns. Planer shavings, bagasse, walnut shells,
culls, trimmed materials, over issue publications, and obsolete inventories
b) Examples of content that is excluded from Pre-consumer recycled content are: Rework, regrind, or scrap
materials capable of being reclaimed within the same process that generated them.
What materials must a commercial LEED project include in a recycling program?
Paper, Corrugated cardboard, Glass, Plastics, Metals
Commingled recycling
Commingled recycling accepts a wide range of recyclable materials. This allows materials to be collected in one bin, or
location, prior to being sent to a recycling facility for separation. This type of recycling takes up less space and has better
participation from occupants.
a) Material that should be included in comingled recycling are: Paper, Corrugated cardboard, Glass, Plastics, Metals
b) Material that should not be included in comingled recycling are: Batteries, Light bulbs, Food
Fly ash
Substitute for Portland cement in concrete. Fly ash then becomes a recycled product.
FSC
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certifies wood
Coc-Chain-of-Custody
Companies that process, manufacture, and sell products made of certified wood can earn CoC certification by having an
audit done of their documentation. This certification shows the FSC that the name and logo are being used correctly.
Salvaged material
Construction materialsrecovered from one sites and reused on another sites in the same or a different capacity.
Examples: flooring, brick, beams, and doors & it has the following benefits
It reduces the demand for virgin materials.
Regional material
Buildings materials that are extracted, processed, and manufactured close to the project site within 500 miles and it has
the following benefits
1. Reduced transportation costs
2. Support of local resources
Rapidly renewable materials
Material must be planted and harvested in a cycle of 10 years or less
Ex-bamboo flooring and plywood, cotton batt insulation, linoleum flooring, sunflower seed board panels, wheatboard
cabinetry, wool carpeting, cork flooring, bio-based paints, geotextile fabrics such as coir and jute, soy-based insulation
and form-release agent, and straw bales.
Durable goods
has a useful life of two years or more and arereplaced infrequentlyand may require capital programoutlays
Green Label Plus
For materials with low VOC content ex-carpet

VOC

Under Materials and Resources (MR) and IEQ


Volatile Organic Compounds have negative health effects when inhaled.

Low VOC products


Release less gases resulting in improved indoor air quality.
What LEED category can earn points for low-emitting materials?
IEQ
Green Seal label
Under IEQ leed credit category
Ex-Paints and primers, coatings, and cleaning products

Credit synergies
When credits work together to increase benefit at a lower combined cost.
What are some positive synergies with adding a green roof to a project?
1. Retain storm water (Sustainable Sites)
2. Provide insulation-reducing energy use(Energy & Atmosphere)
3. reducing heat islands (Sustainable Sites)
4. maximizing open space (Sustainable Sites)
What LEED categories would IESNA standards impact?
1. Sustainable Sites (reducing light pollution)
2. Energy and Atmosphere (reducing light pollution can reduce energy use thus save energy cost).
IESNA (Illuminating Engineering Society of North America)
Publisher of lighting design and illumination standards.
What are some positive synergies with adding an under floor air distribution system?
1. thermal comfort of occupants (Indoor Environmental Quality)
2. reducing energy use (Energy & Atmosphere)
How many points can be earned in the Innovation in Design category?
6 points
How many Regional Priority credits can a LEED project earn?
4 points
What are the requirements for submitting an Innovation in Design credit?
Identify the following in writing:
1. The intent of the proposed credit.
2. The proposed requirement for compliance.
3. The proposed submittals to demonstrate compliance.
4. The design approach (strategies) used to meet the requirements.
How are innovations in design points for innovative performance measured?
The submitted credit must be quantifiable.
Innovation performance
1. Doubling the credit requirements
2. Using a new strategy that is quantifiable.
Exemplary performance
Under ID leed credit category
1. Performance above and beyond the LEED requirements
2. To meet the next step in a series of requirements.
Ex- if one point can be earned on a credit by reducing water use by 20% and another point by reducing water use 30%,
then if a team reduces water use by 40% it may earn an exemplary performance point. Not all credits allow for exemplary
performance.
True or False: Can a product earn Innovation in Design credits?
FALSE
Can prerequisites earn exemplary performance?

No. Only credits can earn exemplary performance.


Local zoning requirements
1. Imposed by Local government to regulate land use conflicts and promote orderly development of private lands
2. Determine what type of building to be built on a piece of land
Local ordinances
A law found in a municipal code.
Which has precedent in a project, LEED requirements or local codes?
Local codes must be followed first.
Local codes
Local and state jurisdictions may develop their own regulations or adopt national model codes published by the
International Code Council (ICC)
Chapter 1
Sustainability
Sustainability is meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own
needs.

Environmental sustainability
Long-term maintenance of ecosystem components andfunctions for future generations. (EPA)
Ecosystem
It is a collection of living things and the environment in which they live. For example, a prairie ecosystem includes
coyotes, rabbits, streams, and grasses among many other living things.
Built environment
It is human-made environmentthat provides a structure for human activity, ranging in scale from personal shelter and
buildings to neighborhoods and cities that can often include their supporting infrastructure, such as water supply or
energy networks& it includes
Personal shelter
A city park developed on the site of a former steel mill- The built environment includes human-made landscapes
as opposed to the natural environment. The park is human-made even if it contains trees and grass to look
natural.
Single office building
LEED
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
How is Leed(rating system) developed?
Through open, consensus process by leed volunteers committees.
.
Volunteers
Is responsible for the development of leed Rating Systems
Who can be volunteer for LEED committees?
Anyone
TAGs-technical Advisory Group
Provide technical advice about improvements of credit and prerequisitesto LEED committees
Triple bottom line
A change from beingfinancially driven to choosing economics, environment, and social responsibility
measure building performance
What are some ways the Triple bottom line is referred to?
1. Ecology, environment, economics
2. People, profit, planet
3. Economics, ecology, social equity
Green building solutions
A balance among environmental, social, and economic benefits- This is the triple bottom line
High performance green building

Buildings that are energy and resources efficient.


What major concepts are integral to green building and sustainability?
1. Systems thinking- is understanding how each part of the built environment affects every other part..
2. Life cycle approach- considers all stages of a project, product or service.
3. Integrated process- is having separate stakeholders or designers work together to ensure the project is benefiting
from synergy which allows for greater levels of sustainability throughout the project's life.
What additional green building project and building construction budget are there?
Life cycle cost analysis
Green building experts
Contingency plans for additional research
T/F: LEED projects are more expensive than traditional projects
False, but sometimes they cost more or less depending on the situation.
At what stage is it critical to incorporate green building practices into the project?
Pre-design.
What steps occur in the pre-design phase?
1. Develop Green Vision
2. Establish Project Goals
3. Green Design Criteria
4. Set Priorities
5. Develop Building Program
6. Establish Budget
7. Assemble Green Team
8. Develop Partnering Strategies
9. Develop Project Schedule
10. Review Laws and Standards
11. Conduct Research
12. Select Site
During the site selection process what members should a project team include?
Landscape architects, ecologists, environmental engineers, and civil engineers, as well as local professionals who can
provide site specific expertise
Holistic approach
It improve the building energy consumption and performance
The Integrated, whole building approach
It improve building energy efficiency
LEED promotes what type of approach to sustainability?
A whole building approach
What should a project vision include?
Sustainable goals and an integrated design approach. A vision statement should support and enforce the sustainability
goals throughout the project.
Integrated design approach
A collaborative, facilitated approach to project design and execution
Integrated Project Delivery (IPD)
It integrates people, systems, business structures and practices into a process that collaboratively harnesses the talents
and insights of all participants to optimize project results, increase value to the owner, reduce waste, and maximize
efficiency through all phases of design, fabrication, and construction.
What starts the IPD process?
The project vision
T/F: IPD takes longer than traditional projects
False
Benefits of Integrated Project Delivery
Greater efficiencies, lower construction costs, lower lifecycle costs, greater quality and sustainability, greater likelihood
the schedule will be met
Design review of a LEED project

Prior to project completion where the design team can request a review of any design-related credits or prerequisites
Construction review of a LEED project
After the project is completed and all construction related credits are submitted for review
Leed rating systems
1. Green building design & construction
a) Leed for New construction
b) Leed for core & shell
c) Leed for schools
d) Leed for Healthcare
e) Leed for retail
2. Green building operation &maintenance
f) Leed for existing building operation &maintenance
3. Green interior design & construction
a) Leed for commercial interiors
b) Leed for retail interiors
4. Green homes design & construction
a) Leed for homes
5. Green neighborhood development
a) Leed for neighborhood development
Rating System Structure
The number of points the project earns determines its level of LEED certification. In these major areas
Main categories
1. Sustainable sites credits
2. Water efficiency credits
3. Energy & atmosphere credits
4. Materials & resources credits
5. Indoor environmental quality credits
Additional LEED for Neighborhood Development credit
a) Smart location & linkage credits
Promote walkable neighborhoods with access to efficient transportation options and open space.
b) Neighborhood pattern & design credits
Emphasize compact, walkable, vibrant & mixed-use neighborhoods with good connections to nearby
communities.
c) Green infrastructure & buildings credits
Reduce the environmental consequences of the construction and operation of buildings and infrastructure.
Additional LEED for Homes credit
a) Location & linkage credits
Encourage construction on previously developed or infill sites and promotes walkable neighborhoods with access
to efficient transportation options and open space.
b) Awareness & education credits
Encourage home builders and real estate professionals to provide homeowners, tenants and building managers
with the education and tools they need to understand and make the most of the green building features of their
home.
Two bonus credit categories
a) Innovation in design or innovation in operations credits
Address sustainable building expertise as well as design measures not covered under the five LEED credit
categories. Six bonus points are available in this category-what can you discover that isnt in the rating system to
add even further value to the project?
b) Regional priority credits
Address regional environmental priorities for buildings in different geographic regions. Four bonus points are
available in this category-Are there regionally important issues such as water conservation in the Southwest?
Regional priority is not applicable to LEED for Homes.
LEED category
A subset of the LEED Rating System.
What is the total number of points available in LEED 2009 for Building Design and Construction?
110 possible points
Can a project earn multiple certifications?
Yes. Projects can earn more than one LEED certification depending on the Rating Systems.
After selecting a rating system how to earn certification
Achieve all prerequisites
Achieve the Minimum Program Requirements(MPR)
Projects must achieve at least 40 points (not 50 points) to become LEED Certified.

What Credit categories are shared among all rating systems?


SS
WE
EA
MR
IEQ
What are the LEED Certification LEVELS?
Certified, Silver, Gold, Platinum
What are the different point levels for LEED certification?
Certified, 40-49 Points
Silver, 50-59 Points
Gold, 60-79 points
Platinum, 80+ points
What does 'LEED Certified' indicate?
'LEED Certified' with capital 'C' is used to describe A project that has been certified at the base level
Hint:
'LEED certification' with lowercase 'c' refers to the certification process or a project that has been certified.
Buildings are certified, people are accredited
If a project is awarded LEED Platinum certification, what does the project receive?
The project will receive a rebate for ALL certification fees.
What does each category in the LEED rating system consist of?
Prerequisites and Credits
What parts of the LEED rating system are optional?
Credits are optional, prerequisites are required
Prerequisite
Are a mandatory project characteristic, measurement, quality, value or function as identified within the LEED
rating system
mandatory because theydefine green building performance.
Credits
Are optional project characteristic, measurement, quality, value or function as identified within the LEED rating
system
LEED intent
It identifies the main sustainability goal or benefit of the prerequisite or credit.
Credit Weighting
Giving points to credit-credit will get more points if it has more +ve impact on environment & human health
Minimum Program Requirement
According to GBCI the purpose of MPRs are to:
1. Define what types of projects are eligible for certification
2. Protect the integrity of the LEED program
3. Reduce the number of issues that come from the certification process
There are specific MPRs to some of the rating systems, all projects must:
1. Comply with all local, state, and federal environmental laws
2. Be built at a permanent location and be a complete structure the structure cant be a modular home or be
moved toanother location in the future
3. Use a reasonable site boundary the project cant exclude some project areas or include extra project areas for
thepurposes of skewing calculations to achieve more points (gerrymandering).
4. Share all energy and water use data with USGBC
5. Have a minimum building to site area ratio
The gross floor area of the building shouldnt beless than2% of the gross land area within the LEED project
boundary.
6. Have a minimum amount of floor space(area)
a) Commercial interiors: 250 square feet (22 square meters) of gross floor area
b) All others: 1,000 square feet (93 square meters) of gross floor area.
7. Meet certain occupancy requirements
a) All projects: Serve at least one Full Time Equivalent
b) Operations & Maintenance: The building Must be in a state of typical occupancy. For example, a hotel
that is60% full.

c) Operations & Maintenance: The building must be occupied for 12 months prior to applying for
certification.
Projects that do not comply with the MPRs
Failure to comply with MPRs may have their certification revoked. No fees will be refunded. 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
To meet the minimum program requirements for a new welcome center in a park, how big does the welcome
center need to be if the LEED project boundary is 100,000 square feet?
2,000 square feet of gross floor area-All LEED projects must comply with a minimum building to site area ratio. The gross
floor area of the LEED project building must be at least 2% of the gross land area (LEED project boundary). 100,000 X
2% = 2,000 square feet
Hint:
1,000 square feet -Don't confuse this with the minimum floor area requirements. A new construction building must
be at least 1,000 square feet, but it must also meet the minimum building to site area ratio.
At least 40% of the LEED project boundary- Don't confuse this with the 40/60 rule used to determine what rating
system to use in cases where multiple rating systems may apply to a project.
At least 60% of the LEED project boundary- Don't confuse this with the 40/60 rule used to determine what rating
system to use in cases where multiple rating systems may apply to a project
Which of the following projects would not meet the minimum program requirements for certification?
A modular classroom that can be moved to another location on the school property- Structures must be permanent - a
temporary classroom would not qualify.
USGBC
a Non-profit trade organization that promotes sustainability in how buildings are designed, built, and operated
The USGBC Trademarks (organization's name)
USGBC
U.S. Green Building Council
USGBC Primary goal
Market transformation of the building industry
The USGBC Logos
USGBC logo- used by organizations that have received approval by the USGBC marketing department
USGBC member logo used by USGBC members
USGBC chapter logo used by USGBC chapters
LEED logo- This logo is for LEED projects.
LEED AP logo- This logo is for people that are LEED APs.
LEED Chapter logo- This logo denotes USGBC chapters.
Why does the USGBC outline rules on use of its trademarks and logos?
USGBC wants to make sure its message is spread accurately
Who authorizes use of the USGBC logos?
The USGBC marketing department authorizes use of the logos
usgbc.org
Any updates, changes, errata to any LEED rating system are found on USGBC's website and nowhere else
What types of information can be found on USGBC/s website?
Update information on the rating systems.
GBCI- Green Building Certification Institute
1. Handles the Leed exams
2. Manages Leed Green Associates and LeedApcredentials.
3. Determines a projects rating- not the USGBC.
4. Register the project
5. Handles the third-party verification for Leed
Certification process
1. Register the project (why? to get access to the project tools & resources needed for certification process)
2. Pay registration fees
3. Project administrator (it is not necessary to be leed AP) will have access to LEED Online
4. Project administrator then gives access to other team members.
5. Project teams will submit leed application to GBCI thru leed online
6. Via leed online GBCI staff can review the documentation forms and express concerns or issues

7. After the application review(receive certification plague),project team will access leed online to see if the
application has been approved or needs additional documentation
LEED Online
It is a tool used for managing leed certification/ documentation/application process
It Is a central repository for all project information
This tool allows team members to:
Submit all documentation online, ex-drawings and pictures.
submit Credit Interpretation Requests (CIRs)
Update credit templates(documentation form proves that the requirements for credits and prerequisites are met
These will be filled out in LEED Online)
Contact customer service
View and respond to reviewer comments
What general documentation is submitted for LEED certification (application process?)
A project narrative- describes the project and the green building goals
Elevations- may be used by the review team.
Project Photos/drawings- may be used by the review team or as part of a case study.
Floor plans- may be used by the review team.
But Legal documents are not required for the application process.
What happens after project registration fees is paid to GBCI?
Project team will get access to leed online
Who can access LEED Online?
Anyone assigned to a project by the project administrator
What type of Rating System is not available through LEED Online?
LEED for Homes
What do LEED APs do on a project?
Help streamline the certification process
How many LEED APs are required to participate in a project to earn one Innovation in Design point?
At least 1 principal participant of the project team must be a LEED AP to earn the point. Though a project should have a
LEED AP on staff to assist with the project, it is not required for project certification.
Project administrator
The individual who initially registers the project will be identified by GBCI as the Project Administrator
LEED Score Card (Credit Checklist)
?during all project phases&Sometimes during the construction processto verify if the green goals are met
?It is used as referenceto verify if green goals are met
?
Determines the Total Project Score and achievable Credits
Determine the target certification level
Determineno of pointsthat will be awarded.
sections in the Leed Scorecard grouped by environmental category
is organized by Leed category
Where can the LEED Score Card are found?
USGBC's website
Who fills out the LEED Scorecard?
The project team does during the LEED charrette.
Design charrette
It is collaborative process in which project teams (i.e. project owner, architect, and design team) plan strategies, identify
financial and environmental impacts, and reveal any opportunistic synergies
Leedcharrette
It is collaborative process in which Project stakeholders and experts address project design and issues early in the
building process.
LEED Reference Guide's
1. A user's manual that guides from project registration till certification
2. Contains Strategies, case studies, and documentation requirements for each credits and prerequisites.
Declarant

Is technically qualified to verify the information on a leed (credit form/submittal template)and is authorized by the
project administrator to sign the template and upload it to LEED Online
LEED Pilot Credit Library
1. Facilitates the introduction of new prerequisites and credits to leed,
2. allow credits to be refined through project evaluations before they complete the balloting process for
introduction into Leed
LEED Interpretations
Areprecedent-setting rulings reviewed by USGBC on formal inquiries submitted by project teams on multiple projects
LEED Rating System adaptations
Extensions of existing rating system to address specific space types and international requirements
Adaptive reuse
Design and constructa building for a future use that is different than its current use.
Ex- Designing a building with a flexible floor plan that can accommodate offices or apartments. In this example
the building can have offices now but in 20 years could be updated to apartments more easily than if the design
did not include this option.
Floor Score
For certifying Floors
MERV rating
Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV). MERV ratings are used to rate the ability of an air conditioning filter to
remove dust from the air as it passes through the filter. MERV ratings range from 1 to 16
Credit Interpretation Requests (CIRs)
1. Provide technical and administrative guidance for MPR, Prerequisites, and Credits
2. askone clear and concise question
3. Can be submitted for all rating systems&It has fees to be paid prior to review
4. Can be submittedany time after registrationusing leed Online.Anyone on the project team can submit a CIR, as
long as the person access leed Online by the project administrator
5. Do not write as a letter and
6. it should not include attachments, cut-sheets, plans or drawingsexcept leed for Neighborhood Development
(include site plan)
7. should contain maximum 600 words
Appeal for credits can be filed for any ratings
ASHRAE
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air- Conditioning
ASHRAE 55-2004
Thermal comfort- Indoor conditions are considered acceptable if 80% or more of occupants find them acceptable.
ASHRAE 62.1-2007
Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality
ASHRAE 90.1-2007
1. In energy & atmosphere
calculate a baseline building energy performance
Measurebuilding energy performance.
consulted for increasing building energy performance
2. in sustainable sites
measure exterior lighting power density for the purpose of reducing outdoor light pollution
What ASHRAE standards would be used for the Indoor Environmental Quality category?
ASHRAE 62.1-2007 is related to ventilation and ASHRAE 55-2004 is related to the thermal comfort criteria of occupants.
Gerrymandering
Land cannot be excluded for the purposes of complying with a credit/prerequisite- This action would not be
allowed under any of the rating systems
The gross floor area
must be certified under a single rating system. Projects can't exclude some of the floor area of the project in order to
achieve credits more easily.
Project boundary includes the building's
footprint
LEED project boundary includes the building
footprint, plus any land impacted by construction
this includes adjacent or remote parking and

For multiple
m
building develo
opments wh
ho determine
es the LEED
D Project Bo
oundary?
The project
p
team.
b
Site boundary
Generally the LEE
ED project bo
oundary is th
he same as tthat of the sitte boundary.. For multi-bu
uilding projects the team
m may
determ
mine the projject boundarry by the porrtion the deve
elopment co
overs.
LEED
D boundary
for single building -The entire project scope - g
generally lim
mited to the site boundaryy
For multip
ple buildings - portion of the
t site subm
mitted for LE
EED certificattion. For exa
ample for a campus proje
ect that
might havve 5 buildingss, each build
ding is submitted separattely for certiffication. The LEED bound
dary is set fo
or each
of the 5 buildings thou
ugh they can
nnot overlap if they prope
erty is contigu
uous.
A 10 acre
e multi-buildin
ng developm
ment has five buildings an
nd each build
ding will be a separate LEED project so The
project tea
am determin
nes the LEED
D boundary ffor each LEE
ED project
Leed boundary will incclude land th
hatis associa
ated with and
d supports no
ormal leed building opera
ations
Project boundary
y- the buildin
ng's footprintt
Platte
ed property line of the pro
oject defining
g land and water
w
within itt
The property
p
bou
undary
Is the total area within
w
the lega
al property boundaries
b
of the site& it encompasses all areas of the site, in
ncluding
n
cted areas.
constrructed and non-construc
or Air Qualitty Managem
ment Plan
Indoo
Impro
ove indoor airr quality for a building's occupants
o
C
Asses
ssment
Life Cycle
LCA evalu
uates buildin
ng/product en
nvironmental performancce over its en
ntire life cycle (Building from pre-design until
deconstru
uction, produ
uct from extra
acting, manu
ufacturing, sh
hipping, use, reuse and life end).The goal of LCA
A is to
compare products and
d services en
nvironmenta
al and social damages an
nd to choose
e the least bu
urdensome ones.
o
Ex- Choossing a floorin
ng material that has higher costs and
d a lower envvironmental iimpact over a flooring ma
aterial
that has lo
ower costs a
and a greaterr environmen
ntal impact- it is life cycle assessment because the
t environm
mental
attributes are considered
cycle costing
Life-c
LCC evalu
uates buildin
ng/product ecconomic perrformanceor total cost off a building/p
product over its entire life
e
cycle.The
e goal of LCC
C is to compa
ares different designs to choosethe best
b
long-term investmen
nt& it will incllude
Initial costts (design + construction
n)
Operating
g costs (utilitiies, water, ellectricity and
d people)
Maintenan
nce costs (re
epair, replace
ement, upke
eep)
Ex- Vegettated roof syystems requirre much lesss maintenancce and have a longer life
e than traditio
onal roofs. The LCC
will show the cost advvantages of choosing
c
ag
green roof.
Ex- Seleccting insulatio
on with highe
er upfront co
osts but lower life cycle co
osts- This is an example
e of life cycle costing
Why should
s
you use life cyc
cle costing?
?
When
n there existss a project alternative tha
at fulfills the ssame perform
mance requiirements, but differ with respect
r
to initial
cost and
a operating
g costs. The comparison
n can help ma
aximize net savings.
s
Life cycle
c
costing benefits o
of a vegetate
ed roof(economic bene
efit)
1.. Lower ma
aintenance costs
2.. Longer prroduct life
Hint:

Reduced heat islands- Reducing heat islands is an environmental benefit which would be determined by life-cycle
analysis (environmental analysis).
Reduction in storm water runoff- Reducing storm water runoff is an environmental benefit which would be
determined by life-cycle analysis (environmental analysis).

Soft cost
Costs not related to build the project, costs before and after constructionex permit fees, architect fees, legal, financing,
engineering fees, commissioning, and other.
Commissioning of the building's systems
City permits
Project drawings
Design of a sedimentation control plan
Attorney fees for building contracts
What are some examples of construction SOFT COSTS?
Examples include architectural, engineering, financing, and legal fees.
Hard cost
Costsrelated to build the project Examples include window, masonry, wood, steel, carpet, tile, mechanical
systems, and roofing & are the largest portion of the expenses in a construction budget.
The purchases price of a hard asset such as land or building materials
What are some examples of construction hard costs?
Cement, steel, drywall, wood, land
Operating cost
Costs after the building is complete and running. These costs include utilities such as water and electricity as well as the
costs of maintenance personnel - janitorial, landscape, security.
What is an example of an ongoing operating cost?
Salaries for janitorial services in a building
LEED Volume Program
It helps ownersofmany new or existing buildings to implement LEED on a large scale. Goals of the LEED Volume
Program
1. Provide a cost-effective path to achieving LEED certification on a large/volume scale
)(
2. Encourage owners to incorporate LEED, including documentation, into standard practices, procedures, and
tracking processes
LEED
3. Provide cost-effective streamlined certification processes, reducing the documentation requirements wherever
possible

Value engineering
Reducing costs while improving performance.
What is an example of value engineering?
Replacing an asphalt parking lot with less costly crushed gravel that has higher SRI
LEED for Core & Shell
Used for buildings that undergoing new construction or major renovation on its exterior shell and core
mechanical, electrical and plumbing units but not a complete interior fit-out. Ex- A building owner's project
includes a major HVAC renovation, significant envelope modifications, and core plumbing renovation. An interior
fit-out is not part of the project- Core and Shell is appropriate for this buildings.
Core and shell covers base building elements such as structure, envelope and the HVAC system. LEED for Core
& Shell is designed to be complementary to the LEED for Commercial Interiors rating system, as both rating
systems establish green building criteria for developers, owners and tenants. (-USGBC)
LEED for New Construction
Used for buildings that are undergoing new construction or major renovation (or gut rehab, for low- and mid-rise
residential) and a complete interior fit-out. (-USGBC)
Furniture is also addressed in LEED for New Construction
LEED NC can be used for residential projects of 4 or more stories.
Ex-A project team is considering registering a two story residential building for LEED for New Construction. Each
story is 500 square feet. LEED for New Construction could not be used because residential projects must be at
least four-stories high for this rating system-LEED for Homes should be used.
LEED for Commercial Interiors (used for tenant improvement)

Used for interior spaces that is undergoing alteration work for at least 60% of the certifying gross floor area. (USGBC), ex- FF&E furniture, furnishing & equipment and tenant fit out.
Example: A building owner for a new 10-story office building will occupy six floors. What LEED rating system
would be most appropriate for the owner's interior fit-out of the six floors?LEED for Commercial Interiors- The key
here is interior fit-out. LEED for Commercial Interiors is appropriate if at least 60% of the certifying gross area is
being fit-out.
A tenant's LEED project that occupies 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.
Additional LEED certification a project team likely to pursue for an office building that has already earned LEED
Core & Shell if the offices will be leased out to tenants would be LEED for Commercial Interiors
Projects for tenant spaces would use LEED for Commercial Interiors (CI)

LEED for Existing Buildings Used for existing buildings for improvement work. (-USGBC)
is it Measures building performance over a period of time- This allows the building owner to see how the building
is performing and make corrections to get better performance.(The primary difference between LEED for Existing
Buildings and the other rating systems)
A commercial building that doesn't have any tenants yet and is unoccupied would not be eligible for LEED for
Existing Buildings - The Minimum Program Requirements for LEED EB: O&M require 1 FTE. A building with no
people in it doesn't meet that requirement.
A LEED for Existing Buildingsmust comply with what building-related environmental laws starting at the project's
performance period through the expiration of the LEED certification?All federal, state, and local laws
LEED for Homes
A system can earn a higher certification level based on the number of bedrooms compared to the square footage
of the home or a rating system that adjusts the certification level (Platinum, Gold, Silver, Certified) based on the
project size+
It includes Awareness and Education credit category
Ex- A multi-family building that is 3 stories tall, LEED for Homes is appropriate for single family and low-rise (1-3
stories) multifamily residential buildings that are undergoing new construction or a gut rehab. Projects with
kitchens, dormitories and assisted living facilities may use LEED for Homes. Mid-rise (4-6 stories) multifamily
residential buildings, dormitories, and assisted living facilities may use either LEED for Homes or the LEED for
Homes Mid-Rise Pilot Rating System. This depends on whether kitchens are present in the units
LEED for Small Buildings
It is not a LEED Rating System, it does not exist. Small buildings are covered in the LEED for New Construction rating
system for new buildings, or LEED Operations and Maintenance for existing buildings
LEED for Schools
It is used for the new construction or major renovation of K-12 schools. This rating system can also be used for higherlevel learning facilities such as colleges and universities and it address class room acoustics, mold preventions and
master planning.
LEED for Neighborhood Development
It is a rating system that extends beyond the building footprint to its landscape as well as its local and regional
context
Integrates the principles of smart growth, urbanism and green building into the first national system for
neighborhood design.
Either LEED for Existing Buildings or LEED for New Construction. How should the project team decide which
rating system to use?
1. Use the 40/60 rule(used in cases where multiple rating systems may apply to a project).
LEED has a 40/60 rule to help project teams decide on a rating system:
If a particular rating system is appropriate for 40% or less of a LEED project building or space, then that
rating system should not be used.
If a particular rating system is appropriate for 60% or more of a LEED project building or space, then that
rating system should be used.
Project teams with buildings and spaces that do not fall into the scenarios described in a) and b) must
independently assess their situation and decide which rating system is most applicable.
2. The project team must independently decide which rating system to use- The 40/60 rule is provided for guidance.
Ultimately the project team decides.
LEED for Retail
Used for The different types of spaces that retailers need for their distinctive product lines.
LEED for Healthcare
Used for Sustainable planning, design and construction for high performance healthcare facilities.

Negative feedback loop


Ex-A thermostat whose temperature feedback indicates to the system when to turn off
Positive feedback loop
Ex A warmer atmosphere melts more ice, changing the Earth's albedo which further warms the atmosphere
Warming oceans releasing greenhouse gasses which would warm the ocean even more
Increased heat islands require more mechanical cooling which generates more greenhouse gas emissions
causing the need for more cooling
A project team has submitted registration information for a building that has a target rating of Gold. When can
the project team advertise that the project is LEED Gold?
After the final application review is accepted and the project is awarded LEED Gold certification
A preliminary rating
It determine the building green goals, what credits will be attempted, and the targeted certification level & it will include
1. The targeted certification level/LEED award level (Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum).
2. The selected credits to meet certification level/LEED award level
3. A completed LEED Score Card to determine the targeted certification level.
PRELIMINARY RATING
The target score the project team will attempt to achieve. The final score, based on the number of points achieved, may
be more or less than the preliminary rating.
What is true about setting the preliminary rating of the project?
Determines the selected credits to meet the target award level
What are acceptable ways to reference a LEED Registered Project?
1. Building is registered under the LEED Green Building Rating System
2. Building is registered with the certification goal of LEED Platinum
3. Upon completion, Building will apply to become LEED certified
The reason 'Upon completion, XYZ Building will apply to become LEED certified' is acceptable compared to 'LEED
Certified' with a capital C is because USGBC allows a lowercase c to be used when speaking of general LEED
certification. It refers to the certification program itself and not the lowest level of certification - LEED Certified.
What are acceptable ways to reference LEED in product literature?
Product 'A' complies with all requirements of MR Credit 6 Rapidly Renewable Materials under LEED
Product 'A' contributes to satisfying MR Credit 6 Rapidly Renewable Materials under LEED
Hint: dont say
Product 'A' is LEED [certified/qualified/compliant/ accredited/approved]
LEED Product
Product 'A' [meets/satisfies/fulfills/complies with] Credit 'X'
True/False: A product can earn LEED certification?
False
When can a LEED project be eligible to display the LEED plaque and other marketing material?
LEED projects are eligible following the acceptance of a final certification review.

SS
Developing on a Greenfield can result in:
Revitalization of suburban areas (Green field site are found in suburban areas)
Fragmentation and loss of habitat(one of negative impacts of greenfield development)
Increase development footprint
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.
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 the project near basic services to provide community connectivity
Which of the following is a strategy to prevent stormwater runoff?
Installing a vegetated roof
Turf grass
it requires more watering than native plants.
have more compact soil and not infiltrate storm water
Locating a project near mass transit would have what economic benefit?
Parking capacity can be reduced - reduce the amount of money spent on the parking structure or area
Locating a project near mass transit would have what environmental benefit?
Greenfields would be protected
Habitat and natural resources would be preserved
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?
20000 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.
What will help with reducing stormwater runoff and reducing the heat island effect?
Installing pervious pavement that has high SRI values
What is a benefit of increasing the quantity of open space on a project?
Reducing the heat island effect
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
What strategy is acceptable by LEED for reducing heat islands?
Install an open-grid pavement system
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.
What is true about implementing an erosion and sedimentation control plan for the grading of a Greenfield site?
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.
Which LEED rating system category addresses stormwater management?
Sustainable Sites

Zipcar
Car share membership program
What are some of the economic benefits of green building?
Reduced utility costs-Water use and energy use should be lower in a green building.
Reduced liabilities due to poor indoor air quality causing health issues- One of the goals of the IEQ category is to
create a healthier indoor environment for occupants. This results in reduced sick days and hopefully cleaner air.
Buildings that have mold or contaminants can cause health problems which can lead to lawsuits from the
occupants.
What are the economic benefits of installing a vegetated roof?
Lower cooling costs for HVAC- 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.
What is not an example of smart growth?
Development of a site that is far from existing development and infrastructure- 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.
What information is needed to determine if a product will help with the heat island effect of a non-roof surface?
SRI of the material
What best defines the property area?
Total area within the legal property boundaries of the site; it encompasses all areas of the site, including constructed and
non-constructed areas
What is a car share membership program?
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
Which of the following are examples of infill development?
An office project on a previously developed site in a city center
A store built between two existing urban buildings
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.
The portion of the project site submitted for LEED certification is referred to as 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.
Project boundary
The project boundary is the platted property line of the project defining land and water within it. (-USGBC)
Property boundary (property area)
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 non-constructed areas. (-USGBC)
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?
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.
Reducing the heat island effect by installing paving materials with a high SRI can have an impact on credits in
what LEEDcategories?
Sustainable Sites
Energy and Atmosphere
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?

Reducing the number of parking spaces needed-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.
What are attributes of open space?
Open space is vegetated-Open space is pervious-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.
What is a characteristic of open-grid pavement?
Vegetation can grow in it-Open grid pavement is pavement that is less than 50% impervious and contains vegetation in
the open cells. 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.
What type of plants should be used on a green roof to promote biodiversity?
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.
Monocultures
are a single species of plant such as turf grass. Monocultures do not promote biodiversity.
What site features are included in the landscape area?
Tree save area-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.
Which of the following are counted as part of the buildable land area?
Areas with trees-Buildable land is the portion of the site where construction can occur. When used in density calculations,
the calculation for buildable land excludes public streets and other public rights of way, and land excluded from
development by law
What would contribute to community connectivity?
A site with pedestrian access between basic services
A site near a restaurant
Be aware
A site near public parking is not included in community connectivity-A parking lot or parking garage is not defined by
LEED as a service. A public park is defined by LEED as a basic service.
Selecting which of the following sites would have the greatest positive environmental impact?
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.
Parkland
Parkland is open space (though not for the project) and should be avoided for building on.
What would NOT qualify as a previously developed site?
Greenfield lot donated to the city-A greenfield is site that is undeveloped and in a natural state or has been used for
agriculture.
What design decisions would help reduce the quantity or improve the quality of stormwater runoff?
Adding a constructed wetland-Adding constructed wetlands reduces the quantity of stormwater runoff by providing a
location for the stormwater to collect.
What area would not be considered previously developed?
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.
What defines the density of a nonresidential building?

Floor Area / Acre of Buildable Land-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)
What design strategy would promote biodiversity the most?
Planting a variety of indigenous plants-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 bioswale would be used to help earn credit in what LEED category?
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.
WE
In many buildings the most significant savings associated with water efficiency result from:
Reduced energy costs- Energy is used to heat, cool, and distribute water within a building. Water heating in commercial
buildings accounts for 15% of total energy use (CBECS). Reducing the quantity of water used has a direct impact on the
energy it takes to heat, cool, and distribute the water. Municipal energy is also saved because less water must be treated
at sewage plants
Which of the following are strategies for conserving potable water?
Installing a dual flush toilet (also composting toilets)
Which green building strategies help conserve natural resources?
Installing composting toilets-Saving water is an example of conserving a natural resource. Composting toilets require no
water, and thus conserve water use.
What can help reduce indoor potable water use?
Composting toilets-The indoor water efficiency credits address both reducing potable water use through water conserving
fixtures, and offsetting potable water use by using graywater, stormwater, and recycled water.
Waterless urinals and composting toilets have a tremendous water savings over conventional flush fixtures (water closets,
toilets, conventional urinals). Composting toilets are not practical for many applications, such as high-rise buildings
What types of water can NOT be used for flushing toilets?
Black water- Once a toilet is flushed, the water becomes blackwater. However the water cannot be cycled back for more
flushing unless it has been treated first.
What types of water can be used for flushing toilets?
Non-potable water- such as stormwater or gray water is a great choice for offsetting potable water use in toilet
flushing if local code permits it.
Stormwater- is a great choice for offsetting potable water use in toilet flushing if local code permits it.
Gray water- 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
A project team decides to build up, instead of out, resulting in an increase in the floor area ratio of an office
building. What credit might this help earn if the additional land area is turned into a dry pond?
Storm water design
If the floor area ratio is increasing by building up instead of out that means the building footprint is decreasing (build up
will decrease building footprint & also floor area will increase because of buildup many levels). A smaller building footprint
will mean there is more open space available (assuming it doesn't get paved).
A dry pond (detention pond) is used to store excess stormwater. Dry ponds are basins whose outlets have been designed
to detain stormwater runoff for some minimum time (e.g., 24 hours). The stormwater will slowly seep into the ground or
discharge as determined by the pond design to allow pollutants to settle. Unlike wet ponds, these facilities do not have a
large permanent pool of water.
Untreated stormwater can NOT be used for what purpose?
Washing dishes- Stormwater would need to be treated before it can be used in a dishwasher.
Untreated stormwater can be used for what purpose?

Drip irrigation- This is permitted if local code allows it.


Landscaping fountains -This is permitted if local code allows it.

Makeup water
It is water used to replace water in cooling towers.
A new construction project must at a minimum use ___ less water than the building's water use baseline
calculated for Water Use Reduction.
20%- For New Construction projects a minimum water savings of 20% is required (excluding irrigation) to earn
certification. This is a prerequisite.The Water Use Reduction credit can be earned with a 30% savings.
Fertilized landscape plantings can create new sources of pollution in conventional development if what is not
controlled?
Storm water runoff-Fertilizers running into the water system can impact species living in and around the water.
Uncontrolled stormwater flows increase the problem by carrying away the fertilizer into surrounding streams and other
water bodies
Rain gardens, vegetated rooftops, and permeable pavements are strategies to manage stormwater and
contribute to:
Low impact development-LID is an approach to land development (or re-development) that works with nature to manage
stormwater as close to its source as possible. LID employs principles such as preserving and recreating natural
landscape features, minimizing effective imperviousness to create functional and appealing site drainage that treat
stormwater as a resource rather than a waste product.
What must be done to earn the Water Efficient Landscaping credit in a new commercial project?
Reduce potable water consumption for irrigation by 50%- Projects can earn credit for Water Efficient Landscaping by
reducing potable water use for irrigation by at least 50%. The reduction can come from any combination of
graywater/rainwater/recycled water, choosing appropriate plant species (native, adaptive), and irrigation efficiency (drip
irrigation, micro misters).
What types of products should be selected for reducing indoor water use?
ENERGY STAR- qualified clothes washers use about 37% less energy and use over 50% less water than regular
washers.
EPA WaterSense-WaterSense is an EPA certification awarded to fixtures that use less water than comparable
fixtures.
How is a building's water savings calculated?
By calculating the percentage reduction from a baseline case to the design case
Water demand is calculated by taking a baseline case and then subtracting the installed design case calculations from it
based on the fixture flush and flow rates of the FTE occupants.
How can a project team reduce wastewater generation and potable water demand while increasing the local
aquifer recharge for Innovative Wastewater Technologies?
Reduce potable water use by installing water conserving fixtures-A project that can reduce potable water use for
building sewage conveyance by 50% through the use of water conserving fixtures or by using nonpotable water
can earn the Innovative Wastewater Technologies credit.

Treat wastewater onsite to tertiary standards-A project that treats 50% of wastewater onsite to tertiary standards
can earn the Innovative Wastewater Technologies credit. Tertiary treatment of wastewater leaves the water in a
state where it can be used for agriculture or discharged back into the environment. It is not suitable for drinking.

Submeters are a strategy to reduce outdoor water use by:


Providing water consumption tracking and leak identification-Designing an efficient irrigation system is the first step
towards outdoor water savings. Metering and monitoring allow the operations team to verify the system is working as it
was designed. Overwatering is more typical than underwatering but both can lead to problems. Only through metering
and analysis will the real benefits be realized of the design.
.A project design will include the use of native trees for landscaping. What project area would this strategy
affect?
Restoring a previously developed site
Reducing potable water use
Reducing water for landscaping
Which of the following fixtures would be included in the baseline water use calculations?

toilets (water closets)


urinals
bathroom (lavatory) faucets
Commercial prerinse spray valves
Showerheads

The previous fixtures/fittings have baseline measurements from the EPAct 1992 standard and are included in the baseline
calculations
What type of contaminants can end up in potable water sources as a result of wastewater overflows?
Bacteria
Nitrogen
Toxic metals
Note:
CO2 comes from the burning of fossil fuels
Radon is a naturally-occurring radioactive gas that may cause cancer
The EPAct 1992 standard does address what type of water consuming devices?
Faucets
Water closets
Showerheads
Which of the following would be considered gray water?
Untreated laundry water-Gray water 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.
Gray water 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.
Which LEED category has the least total number of points a project can earn?
Water Efficiency
Note
Energy and Atmosphere has the greatest number of points available to earn in any of the LEED rating systems.
EA
What statement is true regarding ChloroFluoroCarbons (CFCs) and Hydro Chloro Fluoro Carbons (HCFCs)?
CFCs have a greater global warming potential (GWP) than HCFCs
What refrigerant has the greatest ozone depletion potential (ODP)?
CFC-11
What statement is true regarding Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)?
Many HFCs have a significant global warming potential-HFCs typically have a low ozone depletion potential but a high
global warming potential.
What organization publishes Ozone Depletion and Global Warming Potential scores?
World Meteorological Organization-WMO
Ozone-friendly refrigerants differ from ozone-damaging refrigerants in what way?
Ozone-friendly refrigerants may cause more global warmingUsing more energy to cool the building uses more fossil fuels to run the HVAC equipment and generates more
pollution, thereby increasing the greenhouse effect and global warming.
With regards to refrigerants what is a natural conflict between the prevention of ozone depletion and global
warming?
Refrigerants that are neutral to the ozone layer are less efficient
What statement is true regarding the Clean Air Act?
No production and no importing of any HCFCs will be allowed after 2030 under the Clean Air Act
What are differences between Hydrocarbons (HCs) and Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs)?
HCs have a lower global warming potential (GWP) than HCFCs-HCs are benign to the atmosphere and thus have
a low direct global warming potential (GWP). Because HCs are less efficient they require more energy to achieve
the same level of refrigeration and the increased use of fossil fuels indirectly increases global warming.
HCs are environmentally benign to the atmosphere while HCFCs are not-HCs, or hydrocarbons, are natural
refrigerants that include propane, butane, ethane, isobutene, and isopentane. Natural refrigerants are benign but
they require a greater amount of energy to achieve the same level of cooling as refrigerants such as HFCs and
HCFCs.
What statement is true regarding the use of ammonia (NH3) as a refrigerant?

The use of NH3 as a refrigerant can result in more climate change compared to HCFCs-When looking at the reference
material you may see that NH3 has a zero ODP and GWP compared to HCFCs. This is true for the direct impact on the
ozone of NH3. Does NH3 released into the atmosphere cause ozone to be depleted? No. Does NH3 released into the
atmosphere increase global warming? No. HOWEVER - Refrigerants that are ozone friendly can cause more climate
change. Why? Because it takes more electricity to create the same level of cooling as the more efficient refrigerants. If it
takes twice as much electricity using NH3 to cool a building compared to using CFCs or HCFCs, the indirect release of
CO2 from fossil fuels results in greater climate change.
How is ozone created?
Sunlight-driven chemical reaction between molecules- ozone: (O3) is a gas composed of three oxygen atoms. It is not
usually emitted directly into the air, but at ground-level is created by a chemical reaction between oxides of nitrogen
(NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOC) in the presence of sunlight. Ozone has the same chemical structure
whether it occurs miles above the earth or at ground-level and can be 'good' or 'bad,' depending on its location in the
atmosphere. (EPA)
Can ozone have negative environmental effects?
Yes, depending on where ozone is located- O3 is a gas composed of three oxygen atoms. It is not usually emitted directly
into the air, but at ground-level is created by a chemical reaction between oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic
compounds (VOC) in the presence of sunlight. Ozone has the same chemical structure whether it occurs miles above the
earth or at ground-level and can be 'good' or 'bad,' depending on its location in the atmosphere.
In the earth's lower atmosphere, ground-level ozone is considered 'bad.' Motor vehicle exhaust and industrial emissions,
gasoline vapors, and chemical solvents as well as natural sources emit NOx and VOC that help form ozone. Ground-level
ozone is the primary constituent of smog. Sunlight and hot weather cause ground-level ozone to form in harmful
concentrations in the air. As a result, it is known as a summertime air pollutant. Many urban areas tend to have high
levels of 'bad' ozone, but even rural areas are also subject to increased ozone levels because wind carries ozone and
pollutants that form it hundreds of miles away from their original sources.
'Good' ozone occurs naturally in the stratosphere approximately 10 to 30 miles above the earth's surface and forms a
layer that protects life on earth from the sun's harmful rays.
For LEED credit a fire suppression system should not contain:
HCFCs
Halons- Because of their strong ozone depletion potential, the Montreal Protocol required the earliest production
and import phaseout of halons in the U.S. in 1994.
CFCs
For LEED credit a fire suppression system should contain:
Co2 and water
When calculating building energy performance what is included as non-process energy?
Parking garage lighting
Fans for increased ventilation
Parking garage ventillation
When calculating the Minimum Energy Performance of a building the energy calculations take into account process and
non-process energy. The best way to remember the difference is process energy generally comes from equipment that is
plugged into a wall outlet (it has a plug load). Examples of process energy include:
Computers
Office equipment
Kitchen stoves
Kitchen refrigerators
Washers and dryers
Elevators and escalators (these don't have regular plugs, but are considered process energy for LEED)
Non-process, or regulated energy generally includes built-in building components:
Interior and exterior lighting (parking garage, security, landscape, architectural)
HVAC (heating, cooling, fans, pumps)
Hot water heating
Toilet exhaust
Parking garage ventilation
Installing photovoltaic cells on a building's rooftop will help with what green building area?
Onsite renewable energy - used to reduce the energy demand from grid sources, such as coal burning plants.
Photovoltaic cells, or solar panels, are one of the most common types of onsite renewable energy.
Installing solar panels
helps with On-site Renewable Energy
Installing photovoltaic cells on a building's rooftop will not help with what green building area?

Green power -offsite renewable energy.


How can a LEED project earn credit for Green Power?
By selecting a Green-e certified power provider
What types of energy sources generate the least air and water pollution?
Wind, biofuel, solar, and biomass are types of renewable energy sources LEED rewards projects for using.
Note
Coal, nuclear, natural gas, oil, and other fossil fuels have greater environmental impacts to the air and water.
What organization is responsible for qualifying sources of off-site renewable energy acceptable by LEED?
Center for Resource Solutions- The organization that maintains Green-e
What statement is true about RECs?
RECs are sold separately from electricity- 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.
How does calculating a project's Green Power compare to calculating a project's Onsite Renewable Energy?
Green Power is based on the percent of the building's energy consumption while Onsite Renewable Energy is
based on the percent of the building's annual energy cost
The quantity of Onsite Renewable Energy a project uses to offset the building energy costs is expressed as a
percent of the building's annual energy cost. For example the building's annual energy cost is $100,000.00 and
the onsite renewables offset $3,000.00 of that cost. That would be 3% renewable energy.Green Power purchases
come from the quantity of energy consumed (not cost). For example if the building had 150,000 kWh/year, a
certain amount of kWh of green power would need to be purchased to earn the credit.
The Green Power credit gives preference to electricity products that:
Come from grid-source, renewable energy technologies on a net zero pollution basis
See the Intent of the Green Power credit in the reference. The Green Power credit encourages the development
and use of grid-source, renewable energy technologies on a net zero pollution basis. The term 'green power'
refers to electricity products that include significant proportions of electricity generated from energy resources that
are both renewable and environmentally preferable (such as a wind farm).
A project that uses 100% green power can earn credit in what LEED categories?
Energy and Atmosphere-Green power is awarded points under the Energy and Atmosphere credit category.
Innovation in Design-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.
What residence has at least 15% more efficiency than the 2004 International Residential Code?
ENERGY STAR residence-eNERGY STAR qualified homes are at least 15 percent more energy efficient than homes
built to the 2004 International Residential Code (IRC).Energy Star is run by the EPA
What systems will increase a building's energy use?
Increased ventilation for mechanical HVAC systems-Increasing the ventilation in a building requires moving more
air through the building.
Mechanical onsite wastewater treatment- Treating wastewater onsite requires energy and can increase energy
bills - if the wastewater is treated mechanically
What project design feature would decrease energy costs in a building?
Cogeneration- Combined heat and power (CHP) is an electricity generation technology, also known as cogeneration, that
recovers waste heat from the electric generation process to produce simultaneously other forms of useful energy, such as
usable heat or steam. On average, two-thirds of the input energy used to make electricity is lost as waste heat. In
contrast, CHP systems are capable of converting more than 70 percent of the fuel into usable energy. (Guide
toPurchasing Green Power)
The high efficiency of CHP technology can result in energy savings when compared to conventional, separately
purchased power and onsite thermal energy systems. To determine if CHP is likely to offer a compelling return on
investment at a particular site, the costs of the CHP system (capital, fuel, and maintenance) should be compared to the
costs of purchased power and thermal energy (hot water, steam, or chilled water) that would otherwise be needed for the
site. (EPA)
LEED buildings use what percent less energy than the national average?
24%
What leaves the largest carbon footprint in the typical office building?
A building's systems - HVAC+R, lighting, etc - use the most energy in a typical building.

An office project design in a cooler climate will include natural ventilation. What standards will help the project
team earn credits for this design?

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. This standard is used for ventilation rates
of both mechanical (active) ventilation and passive (natural) ventilation.
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. It is especially important when having a natural ventilation system that
occupants are comfortable.

Smacna
The Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning National Contractors Association (SMACNA) has a set of indoor air quality
guidelines that are used to help manage air quality issues resulting from construction and renovation. These air quality
guidelines do not address natural ventilation.
What amount of time do people in the United States spend on average indoors?
80%-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.
What plan details the strategies to improve indoor air quality for a building's occupants?
The IAQ Management Plan- defines practices to be employed on jobsites to assure a healthy work environment during
construction and assure a healthy work environment for eventual building occupants. The plan should implement
solutions for
- Specifying less harmful/low-emitting materials
- Protecting building materials during construction
- Scheduling construction activities to minimize occupant exposure
- Isolate areas of work to prevent contamination of clean/occupied spaces
- Ventilating the space to remove air contaminants
Which of the following is NOT an example of passive design?
Using natural refrigerants- Do not confuse passive (natural) ventilation/design with natural refrigerants. Natural
refrigerants still require mechanical means to distribute the cool air.
Which of the following is an example of passive design?
Using wind for natural ventilation- Windows that open to allow air movement is an example of passive design
Capturing sunlight for natural lighting (daylighting- 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.
Orienting a building for optimal sun exposure- The building orientation impacts the heating and cooling of a
building depending on the climate and the orientation.
What can be used to identify under-performing buildings and verify efficiency improvements?
ENERGY STAR Portfolio ManagerENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager is an interactive energy management tool for
tracking and assessing energy and water consumption across an entire portfolio of buildings.
What is a building's annual energy cost used to calculate?
Onsite Renewable Energy-The quantity of Onsite Renewable Energy a project uses to offset the building energy costs is
expressed as a percent of the building's annual energy cost. For example the building's annual energy cost is
$100,000.00 and the onsite renewables offset $3,000.00 of that cost. That would be 3% renewable energy.
What design decision would a project building located in a cooler climate least benefit from?
Using a white EPDM roofing material- In cooler climates a roof that reflects solar radiation (materials with high SRI
values) may not be desirable. These types of projects can benefit from the sun in the winter months and a darker roof
would absorb the heat to help keep heating costs down.
The most common commercial roof covering is EPDM rubber roofing, which is also used to waterproof roofs. Black EPDM
is very resistant to UV and ozone and has excellent sustainability and life. White EPDM is cooler and more energy
efficient and reflects UV rays.
MR
Some wood flooring recovered onsite from a renovation project was refurbished and reused onsite. What type of
material is the wood flooring considered?
Salvaged material- The flooring would be a salvaged material since it was found and used onsite.
Regional/local material- This material would also be a regional/local material since it came from onsite.

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?
The product does not count as a regionally harvested and regionally manufactured material
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.
A school project will use some old school lockers that were salvaged from a fitness center located 70 miles
away. What LEED credits will this decision help with?
Regional Materials-Because the material is located within a 500 mile radius, the lockers count as a Regional
Material.
Materials Reuse-Materials Reuse includes salvaged materials found either onsite or offsite.
A project team demolishes 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?
Construction Waste Management-The recycled debris would help the project divert waste from landfills and earn
credit for construction waste management.
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.
Note
Recycled content is not included. 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.
What products would NOT count towards Regional Materials or Materials Reuse?
Elevator
Mechanical, plumbing, electrical components and specialty items (like photovoltaic or elevators) do not count
towards Regional Materials or Materials Reuse because their high cost can skew the credit calculations.
Copper piping
Mechanical, plumbing, electrical components and specialty items (like photovoltaic or elevators) do not count
towards Regional Materials or Materials Reuse because their high cost can skew the credit calculations.
Note
Flooring, brick, furniture are part of regional material
What benefit to society does a project that uses Regional Materials contribute?
Supporting the local economy
This is a social benefit of using Regional Materials because the community is helped through increased jobs and taxes
Recycled Materials
Recycled materials are those materials that contain pre or post-consumer recycled content.
What products would be considered pre-consumer recycled content under LEED?
Concrete containing fly ash as supplementary cementitious material
Note the followings are not pre-consumer content
Salvaged doors-Salvaged doors are materials that qualify for building reuse.
Ground up tires used for walkways-Tires are a post-consumer recycled material.
Countertops made of glass bottles-Glass bottles are a post-consumer recycled material.
Which items are considered pre-consumer recycled content?
Magazine overruns
What statement is true regarding wool carpet made from wool leftover from the carpet manufacturing process?
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.
Which of the following are examples of post-consumer recycled content?
Construction and demolition debris sent to a recycling plant
Construction and demolition debris can be sorted and recycled and used to make other products. The following are not
examples of post-consumer
Planer shavings used to make composite wood-This is an example of pre-consumer recycled content because
the material never made it to the consumer.
Scraps reclaimed from the manufacturing line-Scraps reclaimed from the manufacturing line and used to make
more of the same product/material are not considered to include recycled content.

Magazines from a print overrun-This is an example of pre-consumer recycled content because the material never
made it to the consumer.

The recycling of construction and demolition debris helps with what issue?
Reducing demand for virgin resources- All recycling and material reuse helps reduce the demand for virgin resources.
Construction and demolition debris includes all?
Concrete from a demolished building
Steel from a demolished building
Drywall
except
Rocks would be part of the excavation of the site area.
Hazardous materials, excavated soil (rocks) and land-clearing debris do not contribute to LEED credits but these items
should still be addressed in a construction waste management plan.
Selecting products that have been developed with a sustainable design is an example of:
Source reduction
reduces the materials brought into a building. This includes products that have reduced packaging and products
developed with sustainable design principles.Source reduction is a method to reduce construction waste by
choosing materials with less packaging or that are sized correctly.
What strategy is least applicable to successful waste reduction?
Finding local haulers to reduce transportation costs
Reducing transportation costs does not reduce waste.Source reductions, reuse, and recycle. These three integrated
strategies maximize waste reduction.
What should be included in a construction waste management plan?
If any construction waste materials to be recycled will be commingled or separated
The construction waste management plan will describe where construction and demolition debris is going to go. Part of
this decision is to use commingled or separate recycling.
What document does the project team create for the administrative and procedural requirements for salvaging,
recycling, and disposing of non-hazardous demolition and construction waste?
Construction waste management plan
A construction waste management plan contains the administrative and procedural requirements for salvaging, recycling
and disposing of non-hazardous demolition and construction waste.
What are the negative consequences that can result from not diverting construction demolition and debris?
Landfill gas emissions
One of the negative environmental consequences of landfills is the gas emissions they produce.
Groundwater contamination
Trash in landfills can contain hazardous chemicals. Eventually rain works its way down and carries these
chemicals into subsurface groundwater and aquifers.
Which of the following are strategies to reduce construction waste?
Donate unused materials to Habitat for Humanity
To reduce construction waste, divert any unused materials from the waste stream (landfills & incinerators). Materials can
be donated, sold, or recycled.
Which of the following are strategies to reduce construction waste?
Give unused materials to a salvage yard
To reduce construction waste, divert any unused materials from the waste stream-namely, landfills and
incinerators.Materials can be donated, sold, or recycled, to keep them out of landfills and to help reduce the demand for
virgin materials.
How is the quantity of locally harvested and manufactured materials used on a project calculated?
By the materials' proportion of cost- Regional Materials, Recycled Materials, and Certified Wood are calculated based on
the percent cost (not weight) of all materials' total value.
This differs from Construction Waste Management which is calculated by weight or volume, and Building Reuse which is
based on area.
If the building materials for a project cost $500,000 and the quantity of regional materials out of the total materials
purchased amounted to $250,000, the project would have 50% regional materials.
Simplified:
$500,000 of total materials purchased
Of that $500,000, $250,000 were purchased within 500 miles
$250,000 regional materials / $500,000 total materials = 50% regional materials

What are acceptable ways to reference LEED in product literature?


ABC Bamboo flooring contributes to satisfying MR Credit 6 Rapidly Renewable Materials under LEED
ABC Bamboo flooring complies with all requirements of MR Credit 6 Rapidly Renewable Materials under LEED
What statement is true regarding products used to earn LEED credits?
Products can only contribute to strategies that will help earn a credit- Products can only help with the strategies used to
meet the requirements of a credit. For example, if a product contains recycled materials, the product would help earn
Recycled Credit. There are no products that get LEED labels or endorsements that would say 'LEED approved', etc
Durability
The ability of a building or any of its components to perform its required function in its service environment over the period
of time without unforeseen cost for maintenance or repair
Open system
Is a system that constantly takes in items from outside the system, uses them and then releases them as waste. This
system has no feedback loop. Think of a normal home where groceries, products, or water come into the home, are used
and then released as waste water or garbage
What type of system is more sustainable?
Closed system-A closed system is a system with a closed loop, and is thought of as more sustainable. For example,
plants growing in a field, grow, produce oxygen, take in water, then die and decay which helps plants grow. Closed
systems can be linked so one system uses the byproducts of another
What is NOT true about a closed system in the built environment?
Used resources are released outside the system-When materials are released outside the system the system is
considered open.
A project being certified under LEED for Existing Building Operations and Maintenance would have what
ongoing features that a new construction project would not?
Sustainable purchasing policy- Sustainable purchasing policies give preference to the purchase of
environmentally preferable products and the companies that supply them. For ongoing operations and
maintenance it is required to a have a policy in place to address product purchases for the building. The program
should address ongoing consumables, like office paper and printer cartridges, as well as durable goods like
computers and furniture.
Waste stream audits, including recycling- A waste stream audit in an existing building can be a measure and
verification of the company's recycling program. The team can decide on how many categories, but they should
include recyclable items, compostable items, and true waste. No matter the number of categories, in the end the
waste accounted for should equal 100%. This should be done occasionally to check and ensure recycling items
are in fact being recycled and that any waste education in the project is being followed by occupants.
Why should a waste stream audit be conducted for a building's ongoing operations?
To increase waste diversion
To determine if the recycling program needs updating
waste stream audit in an existing building can be a measure and verification of the company's recycling program.
The team can decide on how many categories, but they should include recyclable items, compostable items, and
true waste. No matter the number of categories, in the end the waste accounted for should equal 100%. This
should be done occasionally to check and ensure recycling items are in fact being recycled and that any waste
education in the project is being followed by occupants.
The audit is primarily used to see what is happening with the waste in the building.

Every LEED rating system contains credits for:


Innovation-All LEED rating systems award projects for innovative or exemplary performance.
Which statements are not true regarding LEED projects?
A LEED for New Construction project requires a LEED Green Associate to earn an Innovation in Design credit
LEED APs are required for projects that use the LEED Volume Program
And statements that are true regarding LEED projects
Projects can earn an Innovation in Design credit by having an individual within the organization who is already a
LEED AP participate in the project
Projects can earn an Innovation in Design credit by hiring an outside consultant who is a LEED AP to support the
project
Which of the following actions/concepts may earn a project Innovation in Design (ID) credit for innovative
performance?

Providing an educational program on the environmental and human health benefits of a green building's practices
green teaching program is one of the more common innovative strategies used on projects.
What is true about Innovation in Design (ID) credits?
ID credits can be awarded for specific environmental issues related to the region the project is located in
ID credits are awarded for environmental impacts- ID credits are not awarded for economic savings, such as a
project saving 20% on wood costs by using trees taken from the clearing of the site.
Exemplary performance is only available for existing LEED credits (not for prerequicites)
Innovative performance does not require a follow up to prove the strategy is comprehensive.
A project team for a LEED for New Construction project has decided to implement a community recycling
program that will allow community residents to drop off computers and electronics at the project site. What
LEED category could the project earn points under?
Innovation in Design
This is an example of innovative performance, because the project is creating a quantifiable program that provides an
environmental benefit to the community.
Material and resources are not counted-The prerequisite for projects to have an on-site recycle program found in the
Materials and Resources category requires recycling of the following for the building occupants, not the general
community.
paper
cardboard
glass
plastics
metals
Which of the following strategies would NOT earn Innovation in Design / Operations credit?
Implementing a green parking design,
And the following will earn the credit

Implementing an educational outreach program()

Evaluating the life-cycle assessment of a project's products to show their environmental benefits
Having stakeholders divert and recycle waste from sources other than the building project

Which of the following may earn a project Innovation in Design credit for innovative performance?
Implementing a green education program
A green education program is one of the more common ID points for innovation.
Bonus points under the LEED rating systems are awarded when what occurs?
Exemplary or innovative performance is achieved
Earning Innovation in Design credit for exemplary or innovative performance earns points in the Innovation in
Design (ID) category. These are bonus points beyond the 100 points in the rating systems
Two LEED APs work as principal participants on the project
The number two may have thrown you off. You may recall that you only need one LEED AP acting as a principal
participant to earn an ID credit. Put the answer choice in context - 'Does having two LEED APs on a project earn
the project a bonus point?' Yes it does. One, two, or fifty - and the project earns one bonus point. This differs from
other questions where you may be asked how many bonus points you can have for having two LEED APs - only
one bonus point.
What would earn a project Innovation in Design credit?
Achieve double the requirements or meet the next incremental percentage threshold of an existing LEED credit- For
exceptional performance, doubling the requirements or meeting the next incremental percentage threshold can earn an
ID credit.
For example for Regional Materials under the BD+C rating system points are awarded as follows:
10% Regional Materials earns a project 1 point
20% Regional Materials earns a project 2 points
A project with 30% Regional Materials would earn an ID point because 30% is the next incremental percentage threshold
for that credit. No additional ID points are earned past the 30%. For this example if a project had 40 or 50% Regional
Materials, no additional points would be earned.
A LEED consultant helps a company earn an innovation point on a school project in Michigan using a strategy
not foundin the LEED rating system. What is true regarding this consultant's ability to use this strategy and earn
this innovationpoint on other projects?
It is not guaranteed that this strategy will earn points on other projects- It is important to note that the award of an ID credit
for one project at a specific point in time does not constitute automatic approval for a similar strategy in a future project.
Consider Project A that earns an ID credit for transplanting 50 trees from the building site to another area of the property.
Six months later Project B in another part of town also plans on transplanting some trees. Just because Project A earned

the point it does not automatically mean Project B will. Project B must submit the appropriate documentation to GBCI
through LEED Online for approval
A LEED AP on a project works exclusively on the HVAC system and does not serve as a principal participant.
What statement is true regarding this scenario?
No Innovation in Design credit would be earned for having the LEED AP work on the project- The purpose of having a
LEED AP on the project is to work on sustainable design and synergies, and streamlining the process. Working in
isolation - which is not part of the integrated process - does not meet the Innovation in Design credit requirements. For
example if your project has a LEED AP that comes in and sweeps the floors of the construction site for 20 minutes a day
during construction but doesn't participate in any other way, that doesn't meet the intent of the credit.
The project team for an office building is considering a composting program. What statement is true regarding
the Innovation in Design (ID) credit for a composting program?
The ID point can only be earned if all occupants of the building are allowed to participate in the program
The 3 basic criteria for achieving an ID credit for a category not found in the LEED rating system is:
1. Quantitative.
2. Comprehensive.
3. Transferrable.
The ID point for a composting program would only be allowed if all building occupants would have access to the program.
For example, you couldn't say 'we're limiting this program to the occupants on floors 1-5 but not 6-10 because we don't
have enough space for all that compost.
A Green Education program is widely known as an innovative strategy worthy of an ID point in the LEED rating
systems. What characteristics do this program display that must be present in all innovative performance
strategies?
Comprehensive
Quantifiable
The 3 basic criteria for achieving an ID credit for a category not found in the LEED rating system is:
1. Quantitative.
2. Comprehensive.
3. Transferrable.
What part of a project would need to have a documented quantitative performance improvement?
Innovation in Design credit
ID credits must be documented. The 3 basic criteria for achieving an ID credit for a category not found in the LEED rating
system is:
1. Quantitative. This means the concept must have measurable/quantifiable environmental benefits. Establish a
baseline and compare it with the final outcome to determine the improvement. How much environmental benefit
did the strategy achieve?
2. Comprehensive. The process or specification must be comprehensive. For example, if a new material could be
used in every floor of a building, the project team can't use it in just one floor. A process that only addresses a
part of the project isn't considered comprehensive and does not meet the credit requirements.
3. Transferrable. The concept must be able to be used on other projects by other project teams. It can't be a
concept that only applies to a unique aspect of one project.
A project team discovers a new way to avoid the heat island effect. How does the LEED certification process
reward this new concept?
Heat Island Effect is covered by LEED, so no additional points would be awarded
Innovative performance 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.
How would a project team member determine if a credit has Regional Priority?
Visit the USGBC website
Regional Priority credits are listed in an Excel spreadsheet and available from USGBC's website.
Do not confuse the following terms:
Regional Priority Credits - these are bonus points for encouraging teams to attempt LEED credits that address
specific environmental priorities in the project's region. Each zipcode in the U.S. has 6 LEED credits that are extra
important to that zipcode. A project that achieves one of those credits earns a bonus point, up to a maximum of 4.
Here is an example. In Georgia zipcode 30002 saving water is important, because Georgia has had a lot of
droughts lately.
Regional Materials - building materials or products that have been extracted, harvested or recovered, as well as
manufactured, within 500 miles of the project site.
Regional Variations - These are only found in reference guides and are specific to each credit. A regional
variation 'outlines concerns specific to the geographic location of the building'. For example in some areas there
aren't great recycling programs, or they may be nonexistent. In regards to construction waste management the

regional variation states 'hey, check your local recycling program before you get to deep into this credit because if
you can't recycle anything your chances of earning the credit go down'.
Each LEED 2009 Rating System has ___ Regional Priority credits specified by zip code and can earn ___ points
for the Regional Priority section.
6, 4
Regional Priority Credits - these are bonus points for encouraging teams to attempt LEED credits that address specific
environmental priorities in the project's region. Each zipcode in the U.S. has 6 LEED credits that are extra important to
that zipcode. A project that achieves one of those credits earns a bonus point, up to a maximum of 4. Here is an example.
In Georgia zipcode 30002 saving water is important, because Georgia has had a lot of droughts lately.
Here is an example for zipcode 29821. This zipcode has 6 credits listed that are of environmental priority. They are:
SS Credit 4
SS Credit 6
WE Credit 2
EA Credit 1
EA Credit 4
IEQ Credit 2.3
For the time, lets ignore what the names of those credits are because it is beyond what you need to know for your exam.
What is important is you can see there are 6 different credits for the zipcode.
If your project achieves 4, 5, or 6 of the credits in that list, the project gets 4 bonus points under the Regional Priority
category. If the project achieves 2 of those credits, the project gets 2 bonus points. Just remember - pick from 6 credits,
but you can only earn a maximum of 4 points.
Americans with Disabilities Act
Includes standards for accessible design
What community issues are of primary importance for the project team to research?
Building codes
Local incentives, policies, and regulations that promote green design
Requirements for parking spaces
Building codes
Specify set of rules for minimum acceptable level of safety, public health and general welfare for buildings
Which of the following would be included in local zoning or local code requirements?
Minimum parking spaces
Fire suppression systems
Open space limits
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
The legal limit on the height of a building for a LEED project will be set by:
Local zoning-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.
Which of the following are addressed by the International Code Council?
Fire prevention
Accessibility
Energy efficiency
Building safety
The ICC creates codes for building and safety. Many of these codes are adopted by local jurisdictions and become part of
the local building code. The codes are a complete set of comprehensive, coordinated building safety, plumbing,
mechanical, fire prevention, energy efficiency codes, and accessibility.
There are typical laws and guidelines followed on most projects. Which of the following are specifically relevant
to LEED projects vs. typical construction?
Illuminating Engineering Society's lighting standards- IESNA specifies lighting power densities for external lighting
to help reduce light pollution.
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
What organization develops building safety and fire prevention codes for the construction of residential and
commercial buildings, including homes and schools?
International Code Council
What is incorporated into many local building codes?
Uniform Plumbing Codes and International Plumbing Codes
ASHRAE standards
LEED Online can be used for all of the following:
Submitting technical inquiries regarding LEED Credits
Managing public-facing project details-What are public facing project details?
You can search USGBC's website to find out about specific projects going on. LEED Online can be used to
show/limit what is displayed to the public. For example using LEED Online you would enter in 'Project ABC is
going to have a budget of $10M'. You probably don't want anyone to see the project budget so you could hide
that detail from public view.

Managing the public facing details of the project means this: The person who is the administrator of the project
can use LEED online to pick and choose what details they want to make available to the public. For example, 'do
you want everyone to know your project budget', check yes or no. 'Do you want everyone to know the project's
address', check yes or no. Using LEED Online the administrator restricts or allows access to this and other
various project information. USGBC may then reveal any information that has been marked as publicaly available
Documenting compliance with LEED Credit Requirements

A project team wishes to get a Credit Interpretation Request on a credit and prerequisite that are unrelated. What
needs to happen?
Submit two CIRs -One each for the credit and prerequisite-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. Projects spend money on CIRs for prerequisites for the same reason as for credits - to find out if a
particular solution qualifies the project for meeting the requirements. The project may meet the requirements of the
prerequisite but sometimes submitting a CIR is the only way to find out.
What does a project team have the ability to do only after a project is registered?
Submit a Credit Interpretation Request (CIR) thru leed online
Which of the following statements is true about Credit Interpretation Requests (CIRs)?
CIRs can be submitted for prerequisites-CIRs can be submitted for any prerequisite or credit for the project's rating
system.
Once a person has been added as a team member to LEED Online by the project administrator the team member
canuse LEED Online to:
Submit Credit Interpretation Requests (CIRs)
See if any credit has been approved or denied, even if the credit is not assigned to that team member
A project team submitted a Credit Interpretation Request (CIR) regarding a particular strategy to meet a credit's
requirements and was notified that the strategy is acceptable. What is true regarding this scenario?
The project team must still demonstrate that the requirements for the credit were met
What steps would be included in the pre-design phase of a green building project?
Develop a project schedule- The pre-design phase is the point when the project schedule is developed.
Review laws and standards- Reviewing laws and standards should be done as early as possible in the process
since these have a significant impact on what can be built, where, and how.
The project team will not meet the threshold requirements of a particular LEED credit. What is the proper course
of actionthat the team should take regarding this credit?
Not include the credit in the final application-. Note that the question asks what should be done regarding this credit, not
what should be done to achieve certification. If the loss of the credit impacts the number of points needed for certification
or a certain level of certification, the project team needs to find a way to make up the lost points.
What is integrated pest management?
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
What are the results of incorporating green measures through a comprehensive, holistic design?
Credit synergies- Synergies among credits and sustainability goals yield a successful whole building design.
What is a principle that should be followed for a successful green building project?
Commitment to the process through the life of the project- The green building process should not end when the
occupants are allowed into the project. Systems will need repair and maintenance for the life of the building.
Strategies that were put in place in the design need to be upheld for the greatest benefit.
Committing to green building early in the process- The green building process should begin early instead of being
an add-on later in the project. When green building products or designs are considered after construction has
already started then it becomes more expensive and less efficient. It's like adding a second story onto a one story
house. It's cheaper to build a two story house to begin with.
Looking at long term savings- Often owners consider only the upfront costs and not the long term operations and
maintenance costs. Yes a more efficient HVAC system may cost 20% more up front, but if it cuts energy bills by
50% the payback may be only a few years, followed by 30 more years of lower energy bills.
Multidisciplinary approach- One of the principles of an integrated process is an integrated project team. Everyone
involved in the project or that is impacted by the project such as neighbors are considered stakeholders.
What statement is true regarding green building?
The construction of green buildings has no major significant cost difference to non-green buildings.
False statements are
LEED buildings were increasingly common until construction costs rose 30% in the last two years-LEED building
is still taking place despite increases in construction costs.
LEED teams are achieving certification through widely diverse methods-LEED teams are achieving LEED
certification through similar, low cost approaches. Most times the strategies among projects are very similar for
those projects that have similar goals. Widely diverse methods would indicate every project is doing something
significantly different than other projects.
Green design is a cost neutral add-on-Green design should not be an add-on. Green design should be
considered in the pre-design phase. When green design is considered later (construction) phase the costs go up
significantly and the building usually doesn't perform as well.
What is the term for the analysis of the environmental aspects and potential impacts associated with a product,
process, or service?
Life-cycle assessment
What process identifies the high-performance building systems that will save money over the life of a project?
Life-cycle costing
Life cycle costing (LCC) is the evaluation of the total cost of a building or product over its useful life, including initial,
maintenance, repair and replacement costs as well as savings. LCC evaluates economic performance. LCC compares
different designs to determine the best long-term investment. All building expenses are included in the analysis including:
Initial costs (design + construction)
Operating costs (utilities, water, electricity, people)
Maintenance costs (repair, replacement, upkeep)
Life cycle costing of a green roof would include what factors?
Irrigation costs-Irrigation costs are an operational cost that would be included.
Yearly inspection fees for the roof-Inspection fees are a maintenance cost issue that would be included.
What factor impacts the cost of earning LEED building certification?
Square footage of the building-The square footage of the project is the primary cost consideration for LEED certification.
What is true about integrative design?
Integrative design is applicable to any phase in the life cycle of a building or land-use project-Integrative design can be
applied to any type of project no matter the stage of the project.Conventional design is linear. Integrative design is more
collaborative and concurrent.
What is the primary benefit of an integrated process?
Maximizing opportunities for integrated, cost-effective adoption of green design and construction strategies-See
Integrated Project Planning in the rating system. This is the primary benefit.
At what point can a project earn points for credits?
After the construction phase-Points may be marked as Anticipated in LEED Online after the design phase but points are
only Awarded (earned) after the construction phase. This is true of all credits and prerequisites.
Which of the following is an example of the triple bottom line in practice?

A residential project that contributes to neighborhood revitalization-This benefits the people and surrounding
community with additional tax revenue. Bad examples are
A building material purchased and shipped from overseas-The environment would be negatively impacted by the
transportation from overseas.
A building with good indoor air quality and minimal insulation-The minimal insulation would be bad for the
environment and probably the occupants.
An energy efficient building built on a site with endangered species-The environment would be negatively
impacted by the loss of species.
When selecting windows for a building project, along with performance and adaptability, what else should the
project team consider?
Embodied energy of the windows
Total of the energy necessary for an entire product lifecycle. This lifecycle includes raw material extraction, transport,
manufacture, assembly, installation, disassembly, deconstruction and/or decomposition.
For example consider a clay brick. This includes the energy to extract the clay, transport it to the brick-works, form the
brick, fire it in the kiln, transport it to the building site and put the brick into place. It also includes all the indirect energy
required, i.e., all the energy required to manufacture the equipment and materials needed to manufacture a brick, e.g.
trucks, kilns, mining equipment, etc. All have a proportion of their energy invested in the brick.
When selecting a building material there are three things that should be considered:
1. Performance
How will the material perform compared to other alternatives? Consider insulation - should the project use foam
insulation, batt insulation, or something else for the best insulating properties?
2. Adaptability
Can the insulation be reused in the future when the building is at the end of its life or will it need to be disposed of?
3. Embodied energy
How much energy went into manufacturing each type of insulation being considered. Was the insulation sourced close by
or was manufactured in an environmentally unfriendly plant and then shipped from overseas?
After project registration for a commercial project, how can the project team use the LEED Certification mark?
The LEED Certification Mark cannot be used- The LEED Certification Mark combines the LEED Logo with a distinctive
banner that designates a level of LEED certification across its face. Once a project has been certified the LEED
Certification Mark appropriate to the level of certification (see below: Certified, Silver, Gold, Platinum) may be used in
collateral and other marketing materials to promote the associated LEED project.'
A member company wants to display its USGBC member logo. What would be an appropriate use for the USGBC
memberlogo?
On company letterhead
USGBC does not review, certify, or endorse products. As such, the Member Logo may not be used to indicate any kind
of endorsement by USGBC of any product or service a company could use the logo in their letterhead for marketing
purposes. This is why USGBC created the logo guidelines and why the issue is addressed in the logo guidelines.
What are the goals of the Minimum Program Requirements?
Give clear guidance to customers
Protect the integrity of the LEED program
Reduce certification process challenges
A project must adhere to the LEED Minimum Program Requirementsin order to achieve LEED certification. LEED projects
must comply with each applicable MPR. These requirements define the types of buildings that the LEED Green
Building Rating Systems were designed to evaluate, and taken together serve three goals:
1. to give clear guidance to customers
2. to protect the integrity of the LEED program
3. and to reduce complications that occur during the LEED Certification process
MPRs have 3 goals (above), and 7 things that must be complied with. The difference is goals vs. tasks. MPRs do not
ensure prerequisites are met.
What represents the key criteria for green buildings, interiors and neighborhoods?
LEED Prerequisites- Prerequisites represent the key criteria that define green building performance. (GBCI)
A negative feedback loop
Ex-A thermostat whose temperature feedback indicates to the system when to turn off
Positive feedback loop
A warmer atmosphere melts more ice, changing the Earth's albedo which further warms the atmosphere
Increased heat islands require more mechanical cooling which generates more greenhouse gas emissions
causing the need for more cooling
Warming oceans releasing greenhouse gasses which would warm the ocean even more

LEED for New Construction, Core & Shell, Schools, and Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance were
designed to evaluate what building types?
High-rise residential buildings
Commercial buildings
Institutional buildings
A project's scope of work will include systems upgrades, minor space-use changes, and minor facility
alterations. What LEED rating system would be most appropriate?
LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance
The giveaway in this question are the words 'upgrades' and 'minor'. 'Upgrades' lets you know this is an existing building.
Minor changes are part of the LEED EB: O&M scope.
What is the primary difference between LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance and the other
LEED rating systems?
Measures building performance over a period of time
What is the minimum occupancy rate required for LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance to
earncertification?
Typical physical occupancy
What statement is true regarding a facility manager?
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.
What is applicable to the ongoing operations and maintenance of a building?
Sustainable purchasing policy
Sustainable purchasing policies give preference to the purchase of environmentally preferable products and the
companies that supply them. The program should address ongoing consumables, like office paper and printer cartridges,
as well as durable goods like computers and furniture.
An architect is designing a mixed use building that will have retail space on the lower floors and residential
condominiumson the upper floors. The building will also include space for a pre-kindergarten learning facility.
What LEED rating systemwould be most appropriate?
LEED for New Construction-A mixed use project for new construction would use the LEED for New Construction rating
system.
How many categories are in the LEED Rating Systems for commercial projects?
7
There are 7 categories for a LEED commercial project:
Sustainable Sites (SS)
Water Efficiency (WE)
Energy and Atmosphere (EA)
Materials and Resources (MR)
Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ)
Innovation in Design (ID) / Innovation in Operations (IO)
Regional Priority
Which LEED rating system has precertification?
LEED for Core and Shell
Once a project is registered as a LEED for Core & Shell project, the project team may apply for precertification. Once
precertification is granted, the developer/owner can market the building's proposed green features to potential tenants
and financiers.
Which statement is true regarding the LEED for Commercial Interiors rating system?
A tenant's LEED project that occupies 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 of gross floor area.'
What does the IPMVP Volume III provide information on?
Best practices for verifying the energy performance of a new building-The IPMVP Volume III is used for Measurement and
Verification credit. A building's energy consumption over time to optimize energy performance, minimize environmental
impacts, and save on building operating costs. New Construction projects can earn a Measurement and Verification credit
for implementing this type of plan.

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