LEED-Green-Associate LEED Green Associate GAFRE Exam (LEED GA) Questions and Answers

ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager is an online tool developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that allows building owners and managers to measure and track the energy and water performance of their buildings, as well as benchmark their buildings against similar buildings nationwide. The tool uses a 1-100 ENERGY STAR score to rate the energy efficiency of a building relative to its peers, where a score of 50 represents medianperformance and a score of 75 or higher indicates top performance1 . References: LEED v4 Green Associate Candidate Handbook1, ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager

Installing new flush valves or flow restrictors is a low-cost strategy to improve water efficiency. These devices reduce the amount of water used in each flush or flow, leading to significant water savings over time. Other strategies like installing subsurface cisterns to collect stormwater, using only compostable toilets throughout the facility, or incorporating an on-site blackwater treatment system can also improve water efficiency, but they typically involve higher upfront costs. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

Teams organize and work as part of an integrative process by working in small groups and as a whole with iterative processes. The integrative process is a method of design and construction that involves the collaboration and coordination of all project stakeholders from the beginning to achieve the project’s sustainability goals1. The integrative process requires teams to work in small groups, such as subcommittees or task forces, to focus on specific aspects of the project, such as energy, water, materials, indoor environmental quality, and site ecology2. The small groups then report back to the whole team and share their findings and recommendations, allowing for feedback and integration among different disciplines and systems2. The integrative process also requires teams to work with iterative processes, which means that they repeat and refine the design and analysis cycles until they reach the optimal solutions that meet the project’s performance targets3. The iterative processes enable teams to explore various scenarios, test assumptions, identify synergies and trade-offs, and evaluate the life-cycle impacts of their design decisions34.

Integrative process | U.S. Green Building Council

LEED v4 | U.S. Green Building Council

The Integrative Process in LEED V4 —ArchEcology

New LEED Pilot Credit Establishes an Integrative Process for Health Promotion

LEED Integrative Process Credit Explained - Projectific, Inc.

The USGBC member logo may be displayed by an organization that is a member of the USGBC. Membership in the USGBC is organizational, not individual, so the logo represents the organization’s commitment to sustainability and green building practices. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

Reused materials are materials that have been used before and are incorporated into a new building without significant alteration1. They are different from recycled materials, which are materials that have been reprocessed into new products or materials2. Reused materials reduce the demand for new resources and the amount of waste sent to landfills1. LEED v4 encourages the use of reused materials by awarding points for Building Product Disclosure and Optimization - Sourcing of Raw Materials3.

Construction Waste Management | WBDG - Whole Building Design Guide1

Why plastic waste is an ideal building material - BBC Future2

LEED v4 | HPAC Engineering3

The statement that is the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) vision is: Buildings and communities will regenerate and sustain the health and vitality of all life within a generation. USGBC is a non-profit organization that promotes sustainability in the building industry through its LEED rating system, education programs, advocacy initiatives, and research projects. USGBC’s vision reflects its commitment to transformingthe built environment into one that supports human health, environmental quality, social equity, and economic prosperity1 . References: LEED v4 Green Associate Candidate Handbook1, USGBC’s Vision

LEED states:

“Refrigerants have ozone depletion potential (ODP) and global warming potential (GWP)... Projects should select refrigerants with low values of both.”

This aligns with the credit “Fundamental Refrigerant Management” in LEED v4.

Integrated Project Planning and Design is a prerequisite for healthcare facilities under LEED v4. The intent is to maximize opportunities for the adoption of cost-effective integrated green design and construction strategies as early as pre-design1.

LEED v4 | HPAC Engineering1

These strategies are core components ofLow Impact Development (LID)andgreen infrastructureapproaches for rainwater management:

“LID emphasizes… minimizing land disturbance, preserving vegetation, minimizing impervious cover…”

These help reduce runoff volume and replicate the site’s natural hydrology, improving rainwater management.

Graywater refers to wastewater that is not heavily soiled, typically from bathroom sinks, showers, tubs, and washing machines. It does not include water from toilets (which is considered blackwater) or kitchen sinks (which can contain food waste). Graywater can be treated and reused for purposes like landscape irrigation, which can save water and earn LEED points. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

Harvesting rainwater reduces reliance on potable water for non-potable uses like irrigation and flushing. LEED supports this approach under Water Efficiency credits for reducing potable water consumption​​.

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are the class of refrigerants that contribute the most to ozone depletion potential (ODP). Ozone depletion potential is a measure of how much a substance can damage the ozone layer in the stratosphere, which protects life on Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation. CFCs are synthetic chemicals that contain chlorine, fluorine, and carbon atoms. They were widely used as refrigerants, aerosol propellants, solvents, and foam blowing agents until they were phased out by the Montreal Protocol due to their high ODP. The LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook states that one of the strategies for achieving energy and atmosphere efficiency is to “eliminate chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in new building HVAC&R systems” [1, p. 15]. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, [Ozone Depletion Potential | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency]

Scope 1 greenhouse gas emissions are direct emissions from sources that are owned or controlled by the organization. On-site landfills are an example of a source of Scope 1 emissions, as they release methane and carbon dioxide from the decomposition of organic waste12.

Business travel, purchased electricity, and employee commuting are examples of sources of Scope 2 or Scope 3 emissions, which are indirect emissions from sources that are not owned or controlled by the organization. Business travel and employee commuting are Scope 3 emissions, as they occur from the activities of the organization’s value chain, such as suppliers and customers12. Purchased electricity is a Scope 2 emission, as it occurs from the generation of electricity that the organization consumes

LEED defines Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) as:

“Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) analyzes the environmental impacts of a service, material or product through its entire life cycle.”

This makes LCA distinct from Life Cycle Costing (LCC), which evaluates economic impact.

The Integrative Process Credit in LEED v4 requires the project team to implement an integrative process that enables themto discover unique opportunities for enhancing project performance and environmental benefits1. The project team should identify and use opportunities to achieve synergies across disciplines and building systems2.

References := Integrative process | U.S. Green Building Council, LEED Integrative Process Credit Explained - Projectific, Inc.

Construction IAQ management and LEED strategies directly improve health:

“Using proper construction management practices… protects worker and occupant health by controlling pollutant sources and pathways…”

High VOC materials and low ventilation have adverse effects, not benefits.

According to the Indoor Environmental Quality credit category of LEED, mechanical and electrical rooms are considered unoccupied spaces. These spaces are typically not intended for human occupancy, except for maintenance or operational purposes, and therefore do not require the same level of environmental control (such as ventilation or temperature control) as occupied spaces. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

Lighting controls are devices or systems that can regulate the amount and quality of light in a space according to various factors, such as user preferences, natural light availability, occupancy, and time of day. By doing so, lighting controls can improve occupant comfort and save energy throughout the building. Lighting controls can enhance the visual comfort, well-being, and productivity of the occupants by providing them with appropriate and adjustable light levels for different tasks and moods. Lighting controls can also reduce the energy consumption and environmental impact of the lighting system by avoiding unnecessary or excessive lighting, which can waste electricity, generate heat, and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.Lighting controls are an essential component of green building design and certification, such as LEED v4, which has adopted ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2010 as the baseline for energy performance and lighting requirements. LEED v4 also recognizes and rewards various lighting control strategies, such as automatic shutoff, light-level reduction, daylight harvesting, exterior lighting control, and plug-load control. References: [LEED Link: Minimum Energy Performance], section “LEED v4 BD+C: Minimum Energy Performance”; [LEED Link: Lighting Controls], section “LEED v4 BD+C: Lighting Controls”

The feedback mechanism is a process of collecting and analyzing data from the building occupants to evaluate the performance of the building and identify opportunities for improvement1. Occupants are the primary source of feedback, as they are the ones who experience the building on a daily basis and can provide valuable insights on its comfort, functionality, and satisfaction2.

References := LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Feedback Mechanism - LEEDuser

Monitoring outdoor airflow is a strategy for improving indoor environmental quality during construction. Outdoor airflow is the amount of fresh air that enters a building through natural or mechanical means. Monitoring outdoor airflow can help ensure that adequate ventilation is provided to the building during construction, which can prevent the accumulation of indoor pollutants, such as dust, debris, or volatile organic compounds, that may affect the health and comfort of the workers or occupants. The LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook states that one of the strategies for achieving indoor environmental quality is to “monitor outdoor airflow” [1, p. 16]. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, [Outdoor Airflow | ASHRAE]

Setting project goals is the action that the design team should conduct first in order to incorporate green building strategies in a six-story commercial building renovation project. Setting project goals is an important step in the integrative process that defines the vision and expectations for the project’s sustainability performance and guides the decision-making throughout the design and construction phases. Setting project goals involves engaging key stakeholders, such as owners, users, designers, contractors, and operators, and identifying measurable objectives, targets, and metrics for various aspects of green building, such as energy efficiency, water conservation, material selection, indoor environmental quality, site selection, and transportation access. The LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook states that one of the steps in the integrative process is to “establish sustainability goals early in project development” [1, p. 12]. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, [Integrative Process | U.S. Green Building Council]

Rainwater Management is a credit that aims to reduce runoff, improve water quality, and restore natural hydrology1. It is part of the Sustainable Sites category, which addresses the environmental impacts of the site selection, design, and construction23.

LEED v4 | HPAC Engineering2

LEED v4 for BUILDING DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION - USGBC3

NC-v4.1 SSc4: Rainwater management | LEEDuser1

LEED uses specific ASHRAE standards for energy and indoor air quality:

“ASHRAE 90.1-2010 is used for Minimum Energy Performance...”

“ASHRAE 62.1-2010 is used for Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance...”

SMACNA is related to construction air quality, not performance standards.

EPA’s ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager is a no-cost, interactive energy management tool that allows you to securely track and assess energy and water consumption across your building portfolio12. You can use Portfolio Manager to benchmark your building’s performance, set investment priorities, verify savings, and apply for ENERGY STAR certification23. Portfolio Manager does not measure embodied energy, which is the total amount of energy required to produce, transport, and install building materials.

The LEED credit weightings are based on the impact categories defined and established by the USGBC, which is the organization that developed and administers the LEED rating system. The impact categories are aligned with the USGBC’s mission and vision of transforming the built environment to enhance environmental and human health. The impact categories are also informed by the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Tools for the Reduction and Assessment of Chemical and Other Environmental Impacts (TRACI) methodology, which provides a framework for assessing environmental impacts across different categories. References: LEED Link: Impact categories, section “LEED v4 impact categories”; LEED v4 Impact Category and Point Allocation Process Overview, page 1; LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, page 14

Sizing the building appropriately means designing the building to meet the needs and expectations of the occupants, without creating excess space that would require more energy to heat, cool, and light. This strategy reduces the energy demand of the building and also saves on construction costs and materials.

LEED v4 for Building Design and Construction, p. 36

LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, p. 11

Life-cycle costing (LCC) is a method of estimating the total cost of owning and operating an asset over its entire life span. LCC considers all costs associated with the acquisition, installation, operation, maintenance, and disposal of the asset12. LCC can help businesses make better decisions about purchasing, budgeting, pricing, and investing in assets2.

LCC does not quantify environmental impacts such as acidification, eutrophication, or global warming. These impacts are measured by life-cycle assessment (LCA), which is a method of evaluating the environmental effects of a product or service throughout its life cycle. LCA considers the inputs and outputs of materials, energy, and emissions at each stage of the product or service life cycle34. LCA can help businesses identify opportunities to reduce their environmental footprint, improve their sustainability performance, and comply with environmental regulations4.

However, LCC and LCA are often used together to compare different alternatives based on both economic and environmental criteria. For example, a business may use LCC to estimate the energy costs of different lighting options, and LCA to estimate the greenhouse gas emissions of each option. By combining LCC and LCA results, the business can select the option that minimizes both costs and emissions.

Recycling is the term for collecting, reprocessing, marketing and using materials that are diverted or recovered from the solid waste stream. Recycling is a process that transforms waste materials into new products that can be used for different purposes. Recycling reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills or incinerators, conserves natural resources, saves energy, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. The LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook states that one of the intents of the Materials and Resources category is to “reduce waste through recycling during construction and occupancy” [1, p. 15]. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, [Recycling Basics | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency]

ASHRAE 90.1-2010, Appendix G is the referenced standard for defining the baseline building performance for energy simulation modeling in LEED v4 for Building Design and Construction. The baseline building is a hypothetical building that represents the minimum energy performance required by ASHRAE 90.1-2010, which is a standard for energy efficiency in buildings. The baseline building is used as a benchmark to compare the proposed design of the project and to calculate the percentage of energy cost savings achieved by the project. The baseline building performance is evaluated by following the procedures and assumptions specified in Appendix G of ASHRAE 90.1-2010, such as building envelope, lighting, HVAC systems, service water heating, and renewable energy.

The other options are not relevant to the question, as they are standards for different aspects of green building, such as thermal comfort (ASHRAE 55-2010), air filtration (ASHRAE 52.2-2007), and ventilation (ASHRAE 62.1-2010).

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, space heating accounted for about 32% of energy use for all U.S. commercial buildings in 2018, followed by ventilation and lighting, each at about 10%1. Space heating is the largest single energy end use in U.S. office buildings as well2.

Use of energy in commercial buildings - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)1

DataTrends: Energy Use in Office Buildings | ENERGY STAR2

The owner is one of the team members who should participate in the initial evaluation to determine which level of LEED certification to target. The owner is the person or entity who has the authority and responsibility to make decisions about the project’s goals, budget, schedule, and design. The owner’s involvement is crucial for setting the vision and expectations for the project’s sustainability performance and selecting the appropriate LEED rating system and certification level. The LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook states that one of the steps in the integrative process is to “engage in a preliminary LEED assessment with key project team members, including owner” [1, p. 12]. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, [Integrative Process | U.S. Green Building Council]

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming and climate change. It is produced when organic waste decomposes anaerobically (without oxygen) in landfills1. Construction and demolition waste, which accounts for about a third of all solid waste generated in the world2, often contains a large amount of organic materials, such as wood, paper, and food waste1. Therefore, disposal of solid waste from building construction and operations in landfills has a substantial effect on methane emissions13. Incineration of solid waste also produces greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and hydrochloric acid, but at lower levels than landfilling45. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are not greenhouse gases, but they can react with other pollutants to form ozone, which is a greenhouse gas and a health hazard4.

An occupant survey is the most efficient way for building users to rate the heating and air-conditioning and other aspects of work spaces. An occupant survey is a tool that collects feedback from building occupants about their satisfaction with various aspects of their indoor environment, such as thermal comfort, lighting quality, acoustic quality, air quality, and spatial layout. An occupant survey can help identify areas for improvement, monitor performance, evaluate design strategies, and inform future decisions. The LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook states that one of the strategies for achieving indoor environmental quality is to “conduct occupant surveys on thermal comfort” [1, p. 16]. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, [Occupant Surveys | Center for the Built Environment]

LEED allows flexibility:

“If a project has overlapping eligibility, the project team must choose the rating system that best aligns with the majority of the project scope.”

The team determines applicability based on scope and use.

ENERGY STAR is a program run by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of Energy that promotes energy efficiency. Products that earn the ENERGY STAR label meet strict criteria for energy efficiency and often for water efficiency as well, helping consumers save money on utility bills and protect the environment through energy-efficient products and practices. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

The Full Time Equivalent (FTE) occupancy of a project is a measure of how many people occupy a building or space on a regular basis. The FTE occupancy is calculated by dividing the total number of hours worked by all occupants in a week by the standard weekly hours for one FTE occupant. Thestandard weekly hours for one FTE occupant is typically 40 hours per week1 . For this project, the FTE occupancy is calculated as follows:

16 employees x 4 hours/day x 5 days/week = 320 hours/week 20 employees x 6 hours/day x 5 days/week = 600 hours/week 10 employees x 8 hours/day x 5 days/week = 400 hours/week Total hours/week = 1320 hours/week FTE occupancy = 1320 hours/week / 40hours/week = 33 Therefore, the FTE occupancy of the project is 33. References: LEED v4 Green Associate Candidate Handbook1, LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide

The Guide specifies:

“Use nonpotable water for irrigation such as captured rainwater, graywater or municipally reclaimed wastewater…”

Potable water use is discouraged, and blackwater cannot be used unless treated.

As per the LEED prerequisite for Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) Control:

“Prohibit smoking in the building and on property within 25 feet from operable windows, entries and air intakes.”

Building entrances are particularly sensitive areas where smoke can enter the ventilation system.

process water is water that is used for specific processes in industries, businesses, or buildings. Process water can include water used for cooling, heating, washing, rinsing, sterilizing, humidifying, or other purposes. Process water can also include water used for building systems, such as cooling towers, boilers, chillers, or irrigation123.

Process water is different from domestic water, which is water used for human consumption or hygiene, such as drinking, cooking, bathing, or flushing toilets. Process water is also different from wastewater, which is water that has been contaminated by human or industrial activities and requires treatment before being discharged or reused24.

Process water is an important aspect of water efficiency in LEED certification. LEED v4.1 offers credits for optimizing process water use by reducing the demand or increasing the use of alternative sources of water, such as rainwater, graywater, or reclaimed water

Installing a solar hot water heater is a strategy that meets energy demand with renewable energy. Solar hot water heaters use the sun’s energy to heat water, reducing the need for non-renewable energy sources. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

The intent of waste management in the Materials and Resources credit category is to reduce the amount of waste and toxins hauled to landfills. This can be achieved through strategies such as recycling, composting, reusing materials, and reducing overall material consumption. By reducing waste, we can conserve natural resources, reduce pollution from waste treatment and disposal processes, and decrease the demand for landfill space. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

SRI is a measure of a material's ability to reflect solar heat (reflectivity) and release absorbed heat (emissivity). This index helps evaluate materials for reducing the heat island effect under the Sustainable Sites category​​.

An exemplary performance point is earned if the project achieves a performance level that is significantly higher than the credit requirements, as specified in the LEED Reference Guide1. The incremental performance threshold varies depending on the credit and is typically double the credit requirements or the next percentage threshold2.

 1 NC-v4.1 INc1: Innovation | LEEDuser2 What Is Exemplary Performance In LEED? | LEED Blog - Projectific, Inc.

An integrative process is a collaborative approach that involves all project stakeholders in the design and decision-making process from the beginning to the end of a project. It aims to optimize the performance, environmental, social, and economic outcomes of a project by considering the interrelationships and synergies between various building and site systems. By identifying overlapping relationships, services and redundancies among systems, an integrative process can result in increased performance and reduced costs, as it can create more efficient, effective, and innovative solutions that meet the project goals and requirements. For example, an integrative process can help to reduce the energy demand of a building by integrating passive design strategies, such as building orientation, envelope design, daylighting, natural ventilation, and shading, which can also improve the indoor environmental quality and occupant comfort. An integrative process can also help to reduce the material and water consumption of a project by reusing existing resources, selecting durable and low-impact materials, and implementing water-efficient fixtures and systems, which can also reduce the waste generation and environmental impact of the project

Acoustic Performance is a credit that aims to provide workspaces andclassrooms that promote occupants’ well-being, productivity, and communications through effective acoustic design1. This credit falls under the Indoor Environmental Quality category, which addresses the quality of the indoor environment as it relates to the health andcomfort of building occupants2. The Indoor Environmental Quality category has different credits for different LEED rating systems, such as LEED BD+C, LEED ID+C, LEED O+M, and LEED ND3. Acoustic Performance is one of the credits that is available for some of these rating systems, such as LEED BD+C: Schools, LEED ID+C: Commercial Interiors, and LEED O+M: Existing Buildings4.

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Acoustic performance | U.S. Green Building Council

Indoor Environmental Quality |U.S. Green Building Council

LEED Rating Systems Overview

LEED rating system

Regional Priority credits are awarded to encourage projects to address local environmental issues that are of particular importance or concern for the region where the project is located. These issues may include water scarcity, air quality, habitat protection, or human health. Regional Priority credits are not new LEED credits, but rather existing credits that have been identified by regional councils or chapters of USGBC as having higher priority or relevance for their areas. Projects can earn up to four bonus points by achieving Regional Priority credits. References: LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, Introduction, page 13; LEED v4 Impact Category and Point Allocation Process Overview1

The LEED rating systems reference the standards of various organizations that are relevant to green building design, construction, and operation. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is one of these organizations, and its standards cover topics such as fire safety, electrical safety, emergency power systems, and fire suppression systems. The LEED rating systems reference the NFPA standards in several credits and prerequisites, such as Minimum Energy Performance, Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance, and Environmental Tobacco Smoke Control.

LEED rating system

LEED rating system selection guidance

What is LEED certification?

LEED - Wikipedia

Daylighting is a strategy that uses natural light to illuminate the interior spaces of a building, reducing the need for artificial lighting and improving the visual comfort and well-being of the occupants. One of the strategies that can help improve daylighting in an office building is tolocate private offices toward the building core and organize cubicles at the perimeter, so that more people can benefit from the access to windows and views. This can also increase the daylight penetration depth and reduce glare and contrast12. References: LEED v4 Green Associate Candidate Handbook1, LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide2

Sustainable landscape design aims to create landscapes that are in harmony with the local environment, conserve natural resources, and provide ecological benefits. One of the outcomes of sustainable landscape design is restoring and regenerating habitat for native plants and animals, which enhances biodiversity and ecosystem services.

LEED v4 for Building Design and Construction, p. 582

LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, p. 11

Should non-design team stakeholders be included in design charrettes?

No, because it may increase legal liability

Yes, because it may help to reduce future litigation

No, because they lack the expertise to contribute design ideas

Yes, because they enhance understanding of community concerns

Answer: D

Design charrettes are collaborative sessions where stakeholders brainstorm and generate design solutions for a project. Non-design team stakeholders, such as community members, clients, users, and regulators, can provide valuable input and feedback on the project goals, needs, challenges, and opportunities. Including them in design charrettes can help to create more sustainable, inclusive, and responsive design outcomes that meet the expectations and requirements of all parties involved. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, page 14; LEED Green Associate | U.S. Green Building Council, section “LEED v4 Rating Systems”

Developing a construction purchasing policy is a strategy that promotes sustainable purchasing during construction. A construction purchasing policy is a document that outlines the criteria and requirements for selecting materials, products, and services that have lower environmental impacts and support human health during construction. A construction purchasing policy can address issues such as recycled content, regional materials, certified wood, low-emitting materials, rapidly renewable materials, durability, life cycle assessment, waste reduction, and indoor air quality. The other options are not strategies that promote sustainable purchasing during construction. Specifying green electronic equipment is relevant for operations purchasing, not construction purchasing. Reducing regional materials expense by 10% does not necessarily imply sustainable purchasing, as regional materials may have higher or lower environmental impacts depending on their source and transportation methods. Implementing an erosion and sedimentation plan is a strategy that protects water quality during construction, but does not address sustainable purchasing. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, page 24; USGBC, [Guide to LEED Certification: Commercial], page 12.

One of the values and benefits of building green is that it will enhance the health of the building occupants. Building green is a process that incorporates environmental considerations into every stage of a building’s life cycle, from design to construction to operation to end-of-life. Building green can improve the indoor environmental quality (IEQ) of a building, which is the physical and psychological conditions of the indoor spaces that affect the health, comfort, and productivity of the occupants. Building green can enhance IEQ by using low-emitting materials, providing adequate ventilation, controlling temperature and humidity, optimizing daylighting and lighting quality, reducing noise levels, and promoting occupant well-being12. References: LEED v4 Green Associate Candidate Handbook1, LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide2

 Life-cycle costing is an economic analysis method that considers all costs associated with an asset over its entire life cycle, from acquisition and installation to operation, maintenance, and disposal. In this case, the building manager is comparing the total costs of owning and operating two different boilers over their respective lifetimes. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an independent, non-governmental organization that promotes responsible management of the world’s forests. FSC sets standards for forest management that ensure environmental, social, and economic benefits for present and future generations. FSC also certifies forest products that meet its standards through a chain of custody system that tracks the origin and processing of the products. A wood product that is certified by FSC is guaranteed to be harvested from a well-managed source that protects biodiversity, respects indigenous rights, maintains forest productivity, and supports local communities1 . References: LEED v4 Green Associate Candidate Handbook1, FSC’s What We Do

Biomass is a renewable energy source that can be used to produce electricity from organic plant and waste material. It is considered green power by the U.S. EPA because it provides environmental benefits and reduces greenhouse gas emissions12.

The project team’s strategy of using low-flow toilet fixtures and integrating non-potable water strategies for the building interior falls under the Water Efficiency category. The Water Efficiency category addresses the conservation and management of water resources in buildings and landscapes. Using low-flow toilet fixtures reduces the amount of potable waterused for flushing toilets, saving water and energy. Integrating non-potable water strategies for the building interior involves using alternative sources of water, such as rainwater, graywater, or reclaimed water, for non-potable purposes such as toilet flushing or irrigation, reducing the demand for potable water and wastewater generation. The other options are not categories that this strategy falls under. Innovation is a category that recognizes exemplary performance, innovative strategies, or pilot credits that are not covered by existing LEED credits. Sustainable Sites is a category that addresses the selection, development, and maintenance of project sites in ways that minimize environmental impacts and enhance human health and well-being. Optimized Process Water Use is not a LEED category or credit. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, page 31; USGBC [Water Efficiency], page 1-2.

An existing LEED certified building located on a college campus is eligible for LEED for Building Operations and Maintenance; Existing Buildings (LEED O+M: EB). This rating system applies to existing buildings that are undergoing improvement work or little to no construction. It focuses on measuring and improving the performance of building operations and maintenance practices in areas such as energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, indoor environmental quality, transportation, and occupant satisfaction. To be eligible for LEED O+M: EB, a project must meet certain minimum program requirements (MPRs), such as having a reasonable site boundary, being in a permanent location on existing land, being fully operational and occupied for at least one year prior to certification application, and complying with environmental laws and regulations. References: LEED certificationfor existing buildings and spaces6; Maintaining certification7; LEED v4: Building Operations + Maintenance Guide4

The Facility Manager is typically responsible for monitoring ongoing energy performance over the life of a building. They oversee the operation and maintenance of building systems, including HVAC, lighting, and other energy-using equipment, and can implement energy management strategies to optimize performance. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

Rainwater storage cisterns are components of a collected rainwater irrigation system that are most likely to make it cost prohibitive over a conventional system in a large site that has a short, intense rainy season and a long, dry season. A collected rainwater irrigation system is a system that collects, stores, and distributes rainwater for irrigation purposes. Rainwater storage cisterns are containers that store the collected rainwater until it is needed for irrigation. In a large site that has a short, intense rainy season and a long, dry season, the rainwater storage cisterns would need to be very large and durable to capture and store enough rainwater for the dry season. This would increase the initial cost and maintenance cost of the system compared to a conventional system that uses potable water or groundwater for irrigation1 . References: LEED v4 Green Associate Candidate Handbook1, EPA’s Rainwater Harvesting

Implementing a stormwater pollution prevention plan during construction can help projects meet on-site sustainability goals. This plan outlines measures to control runoff and prevent soil erosion, which can carry pollutants into nearby water bodies. By managing stormwater on-site, projects can protect local water quality while also recharging groundwater supplies. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

The cost of commissioning (Cx) is often repaid with recovered energy performance. Commissioning is a process of verifying and documenting that a building and its systems meet the design intent and the owner’s project requirements. Commissioning can help improve the energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality, and occupant satisfaction of a building. According to a study by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, commissioning can result in median energy savings of 13% for existing buildings and 16% for new construction, with payback times of 1.1 years and 4.2 years, respectively1. Therefore, commissioning can be acost-effective investment that pays off with reduced energy consumption and costs over the life cycle of a building. References: Building Commissioning: A Golden Opportunity for Reducing Energy Costs and Greenhouse Gas Emissions1; LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, Energy and Atmosphere, page 81

Soft surfaces contribute to a comfortable acoustic environment by absorbing sound waves and reducing noise levels. This can include items such as carpets, upholstered furniture, and acoustic ceiling tiles. In contrast, hard surfaces (like wood cabinets, hollow metal doors, or glass partitions)can reflect sound waves and increase noise levels. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

Pervious paving, also known as permeable paving, allows water to pass through it, facilitating the recharging of aquifers. This type of paving reduces runoff by allowing water to soak into the ground, which can help replenish groundwater supplies and reduce the impact on nearby water bodies. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

An infill site within an existing neighborhood with substantial transit connectivity would maximize LEED points under Location and Transportation. An infill site is a site that has been previously developed or graded and is surrounded by existing development. An existing neighborhood is a geographic area with a variety of land uses, such as residential, commercial, educational, or recreational. Substantial transit connectivity means that the site has access to multiple modes of public transportation, such as buses, trains, light rail, or bicycles. The LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook states that one of the intents of the Location and Transportation category is to “encourage development within existing communities and public transit infrastructure” [1, p. 12]. References: [LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook], [Location and Transportation | U.S. Green Building Council]

ASHRAE 62.1 is a standard that ensures adequate ventilation is supplied to building occupants. ASHRAE stands for the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-ConditioningEngineers, a professional organization that develops standards and guidelines for the design, operation, and maintenance of buildings. ASHRAE 62.1 is a standard that specifies the minimum ventilation rates and other measures for new and existing buildings that are intended to provide acceptable indoor air quality (IAQ) for the occupants. Ventilation is the process of supplying outdoor air to or removing indoor air from a building. Adequate ventilation is important for maintaining good IAQ, which can affectthe health, comfort, and productivity of the occupants13. References: LEED v4 Green Associate Candidate Handbook1, ASHRAE’s Standard 62.13

Light, sound, occupant experience are some of the components that comprise the Indoor Environmental Quality credit category. The Indoor Environmental Quality credit category aims to provide a healthy, comfortable, and productive indoor environment for building occupants by addressing various factors that affect their well-being, such as thermal comfort, lighting quality, acoustic quality, air quality, and occupant control. The LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook states that one of the intents of the Indoor Environmental Quality category is to “enhance indoor environmental quality (IEQ) by improving the design, construction and operation of buildings” [1, p. 16]. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, [Indoor Environmental Quality | U.S. Green Building Council]

LEED MPRs state:

“Must be in a permanent location on existing land… Must use reasonable LEED boundaries… Must comply with project size requirements: BD+C and O+M: minimum 1,000 sq ft…”

Only option B satisfies all these conditions.

From a LEED perspective, a brownfield site with access to multiple lines of public transportation and basic services would be the most applicable. Brownfield sites are previously developed sites that may be contaminated with hazardous waste or pollution. Developing on these sites can help to clean up and revitalize the area. Access to public transportation reduces the need for private vehicle use,reducing carbon emissions and traffic congestion. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

The minimum program requirements (MPRs) are the basic characteristics that a project must possess in order to be eligible for LEED certification. One of theMPRs for the LEED for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System is to comply with the minimum project size, which is defined as having a gross floor area of at least 1,000 square feet (93 square meters) that is capable of achieving a minimum level of energy efficiency13. References: LEED v4 Green Associate Candidate Handbook1, LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide3

The Integrative Process is most effective during the early design stage of a project. This is when key decisions about the project are being made that can have a significant impact on its sustainability performance. By considering sustainability objectives from the outset, teams can identify opportunities for synergies and cost savings that may not be apparent later in the project. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

LEED Thermal Comfort credit requires:

“Comfort Control – defined as the ability to adjust air / radiant temperature, air velocity or humidity… Ensure 50% of individual occupant space have thermal comfort controls.”

Ventilation control combined with adjustable temperature directly supports occupant comfort as per ASHRAE 55-2010.

An alternative commuting incentive program is a strategy that can be used to encourage alternative transportation methods, such as public transit, carpooling, biking, or walking. An alternative commuting incentive program can provide benefits or rewards for the employees or tenants who use alternative transportation modes, such as subsidies, vouchers, discounts, prizes, recognition, or preferential parking. This strategy can help to achieve LEED Location and Transportation Credit: Alternative Transportation1 . References: LEED v4 Green Associate Candidate Handbook1, LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide

 Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are compounds that have a high vapor pressure and low water solubility, and are emitted as gases from certainsolids or liquids1. VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects2. Concentrations of many VOCs are consistently higher indoors (up to ten times higher) than outdoors2. VOCs are emitted by a wide array of products, such as paints, solvents, cleaners, fuels, pesticides, building materials, office equipment, etc2. Breathing VOCs can irritate the eyes, nose andthroat, can cause difficulty breathing and nausea, and can damage the central nervous system and other organs3. Some VOCs can cause cancer3. Therefore, VOCs negatively impact the quality of indoor air, which is option B.

One of the things that LEED promotes by encouraging compact development is walkability. Compact development is a form of urban planning that aims to reduce sprawland make more efficient use of land and resources by increasing density, diversity, and connectivity of land uses5. Compact development can enhance walkability by creating mixed-use neighborhoods that provide a variety of destinations within walking distance, such as shops, services, workplaces, schools, parks, and transit stops. Walkability can offer multiple benefits for the environment, health, economy, and social equity. For example, walkability can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution byreplacing car trips with walking or transit; improve physical and mental health by increasing physical activity and reducing stress; support local businesses and generate tax revenues by increasing foot traffic and property values; and foster social cohesion and civic engagement by creating vibrant public spaces and enhancing accessibility for all6. References: Compact urban development6; LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, Location and Transportation, page 15

impervious surfaces are those that do not allow water to infiltrate into the soil, such as asphalt, concrete, roofs, or compacted soil. Impervious surfaces increase the amount and speed of stormwater runoff, which can cause erosion, sedimentation, flooding, and pollution of downstream water bodies. Minimizing impervious surfaces can help reduce these negative impacts and preserve the aquatic habitat and natural stream morphology12.

Native vegetation is the plant life that is adapted to the local climate and soil conditions. Native vegetation can help filter pollutants, stabilize soils, reduce runoff, provide shade, and create habitat for wildlife. Enhancing native vegetation can help restore the natural functions and diversity of the ecosystem and protect the aquatic habitat and natural stream morphology13.

Rainwater is the precipitation that falls on the site. Rainwater can be captured and reused for various purposes, such as irrigation, toilet flushing, or cooling. Capturing and reusing rainwater can help reduce potable water demand, decrease stormwater runoff, and prevent flooding and pollution of downstream water bodies. Capturing and reusing rainwater can help conserve water resources and protect the aquatic habitat and natural stream morphology1 .

These strategies are consistent with the LEED v4 requirements for the Sustainable Sites credit category, which aims to protect and restore habitat, manage stormwater, reduce heat island effects, and promote alternative transportation.

According to the LeadingGreen Study Guide:

“WaterSense is an EPA-sponsored program that promotes and certifies water-efficient products, programs, and practices.”

TheEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA)is the correct federal agency.

Green power, like all electricity, is typically purchased in units of kilowatt-hours (kWh). This unit measures the amount of energy used over time. For example, a 1-kilowatt (1000 watts) appliance used for one hour consumes one kilowatt-hour of electricity. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

Occupancy sensors are devices that detect the presence or absence of people in a space and automatically turn the lights on or off accordingly. By installing occupancy sensors for the building’s lighting system, projects can achieve two benefits: improving the indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and reducing the energy consumption. Occupancy sensors can enhance the IEQ by providing lighting control for individual spaces, allowing occupants to adjust the light levels to their preferences and needs. Occupancy sensors can also save energy by avoiding unnecessary lighting when spaces are unoccupied, thus lowering the electricity demand and greenhouse gas emissions. References: LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, p. 507 1; LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Operations and Maintenance, p. 241 1

One of the requirements for the Sustainable Sites Credit: Rainwater Management is that projects must use Green Infrastructure (GI) and Low Impact Development (LID) techniques within the LEED project boundary. GI and LID are design approaches that mimic natural hydrologic processes to manage stormwater runoff at its source. GI and LID techniques include strategies such as rain gardens, bioswales, permeable pavements, green roofs, rain barrels, cisterns, and vegetated buffers. The other options are not requirements for the Sustainable Sites Credit: Rainwater Management. Maximizing open space within the LEED project boundary is a requirement for the Sustainable Sites Credit: Open Space. Calculating the total rainwater runoff for 75th percentile rainfall events is a requirement for the Sustainable Sites Credit: Site Assessment. Using a combination of both structural and non-structural measures to manage a 90th percentile rainfall event is an option for meeting Option 1 of the Sustainable Sites Credit: Rainwater Management. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, page 27; USGBC, [Sustainable Sites], page 4-5.

Stone that is harvested and processed 80 mi (128.7 km) from the project site and purchased 75 mi (121 km) away is considered a local material because it meets the criteria of being extracted, harvested, recovered, or manufactured within 100 mi (160 km) of the project site. Local materials can help reduce environmental impacts associated with transportation, such as greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and energy consumption. Local materials can also support the local economy and community. LEED projects can earn credits for using local materials under the Materials and Resources category. References: Local Materialsin India3; LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, Materials and Resources, page 65

A 100% vegetated roof coverage best addresses both heat island effect and rainwater runoff from the roof only. A vegetated roof, also known as a green roof, is a layer of living plants thatcovers the roof surface. A vegetated roof reduces the heat island effect by providing shade, evapotranspiration, and insulation, lowering the roof temperature and the surrounding air temperature. A vegetated roof also reduces rainwater runoff by retaining and absorbing precipitation, decreasing the volume and peak flow of stormwater leaving the roof. The other options are not as effective as a 100% vegetated roof coverage in addressing both heat island effect and rainwater runoff from the roof only. A 100% high-albedo roof reflects more solar radiation than a conventional roof, reducing the heat island effect, but it does not reduce rainwater runoff. A 20% high-albedo and 80% conventional roof has a lower reflectance than a 100% high-albedo roof, resulting in a higher heat island effect, and it does not reduce rainwater runoff either. A 50% standing seam copper and 50% vegetated roof has a lower vegetated area than a 100% vegetated roof, resulting in less shade, evapotranspiration, insulation, retention, and absorption, leading to a higher heat island effect and more rainwater runoff. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, page 27; USGBC, [Sustainable Sites], page 3.

Climate change is weighted the most in the LEED rating systems because it is considered the most urgent and significant environmental challenge facing humanity. Climate change is caused by the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, which trap heat and alter the global climate patterns. Climate change can have severe consequences for human health, biodiversity, water resources, food security, and social equity. LEED projects can help mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from building operations and materials, as well as enhancing resilience and adaptation to climate impacts. The LEED impact categories andpoint allocation process assigns 35% of the total points to climatechange. References: LEED v4 Impact Category and Point Allocation Process Overview2; LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, Introduction, page 9

Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) are tradable, non-tangible energy commodities that represent the environmental attributes of one megawatt-hour of electricity generated from renewable sources, such as wind, solar, hydro, or biomass1. RECs can be purchased by anyone, regardless of their location or utility provider, to support the development of renewable energy and reduce their carbon footprint2. RECs can also help projects earn points for the LEED v4 Innovation credit for Green Power and Carbon Offsets,which requires the purchase of at least 50% of the total building energy use from renewable sources or offsets for a minimum of five years3.

Using Renewable Energy for LEED Certification

Renewable Energy Certificates For Green Building Explained

LEED v4, Renewable Energy, and Carbon Offsets

LEED encouragesTransportation Demand Managementstrategies to reduce single-occupancy vehicle use when access to public transit is not available. One such strategy is:

“Encouraging carpooling… provides options to users in areas without access to transit.”

Offering preferred parking for single-use vehicles contradicts the intent, and LEED cannot require changes to local transit systems. Providing extra parking encourages single-occupancy vehicle use.

The reclaimed wood doors can be used to meet the Materials Reuse credit under the Building Product Disclosure and Optimization category in LEED v4. This credit rewards projects for reusing materials that have been recovered from existing buildings or products, and reduces the demand for virgin materials and the associated environmental impacts. The credit does not have any distance requirements for the source of the reused materials, unlike the Recycled Content and Regional Materials credits.

LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide1, page 36

LEED v4 and Low Carbon Building Materials2, page 19

The discovery phase is the most important phase of the integrative process, as it sets the foundation for the rest of the project. In this phase, the project team conducts a preliminary analysis of the site, building, systems, and occupants to identify the goals, challenges, and opportunities for improving performance and sustainability. The team also engages in an iterative process of exploring design options, evaluating trade-offs, and selecting strategies that optimize multiple benefits across different disciplines and stakeholders. The discovery phase requires a high level of collaboration and communication among the team members and with the client, as well as a holistic and systems thinking approach to problem-solving. References: LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, Integrative Process, page 28; LEED v4: Building Design +Construction Guide4

The LEED rating system is designed to address the most important environmental impacts and human benefits of green building. The impact categories are based on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s TRACI method (Tool for the Reduction and Assessment of Chemical and Other Environmental Impacts), which evaluates the potential environmental effects of a product or process over its life cycle. The impact categories are: reverse contribution to global climate change; enhance individual human health and well-being; protect and restore water resources; protect, enhance and restore biodiversity and ecosystem services; promote sustainable and regenerative material cycles; build a greener economy; enhance social equity, environmental justice, community health and quality of life. Among these categories, reducing contribution to climate change and enhancing human health and well-being have been identified as the most important ones for a LEED project to accomplish. References: LEED v4 Green Associate Candidate Handbook, LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide

Placing grilles, grates or mats at all major entrances is an example of permanent entryway systems used to reduce dust, dirt and contaminants brought into a facility. Permanent entryway systems are designed to capture dirt and particulates from people’s shoes and prevent them from entering the indoor environment. This improves the indoor air quality and reduces the need for cleaning and maintenance. The LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook states that one of the strategies for achieving indoor environmental quality is to “use permanent entryway systems (grilles, grates, mats) to reduce particulate matter being brought into buildings at regular entryways” [1, p. 16]. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, [Indoor Environmental Quality | U.S. Green Building Council]

The use of native plant species, captured rainwater, and evapotranspiration controllers are all strategies that can contribute to reducing outdoor water use. Native plants are adapted to local conditions and typically require less water than non-native species. Captured rainwater can be used for irrigation, reducing the need for potable water. Evapotranspiration controllers adjust irrigation schedules based on weather conditions and plant needs, preventing overwatering. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

The LEED for Schools rating system includes specific requirements not found in other BD+C categories:

“Minimum Acoustical Performance – Schools ONLY – EQp3 + EQc9… This prerequisite is for school projects only to provide a quiet environment to facilitate the teacher-to-student and student-to-student communication.”

This makes "Minimum Acoustic Performance" a required prerequisite for schools.

Composting toilets operate without water, making them ideal for reducing potable water consumption. LEED promotes such innovative technologies for achieving water efficiency credits​​.

LEED emphasizes:

“The integrative process... encourages the project team to find opportunities to achieve synergies throughout all building systems.”

The integrative approach involves energy and water analysis in early phases to drive sustainability.

Credit Interpretation Requests (CIRs) are a formal process for clarifying technical questions about LEED credits. Project teams submit CIRs through LEED Online to receive guidance on specific credit requirements. CIRs apply to the project in question and cannot be transferred to other projects. They are essential tools for resolving ambiguities in achieving LEED certification​​.