LEED PRACTISE EXAMS

POOL F

1- An environmental product declaration (EPD) for LEED must conform to which of the following
standards?

A. ASHRAE

ASHRAE standards are used in LEED for energy performance and minimum indoor air
quality.
B. Local code or jurisdiction
C. ISO

The International Standards Organization (ISO) standards are used for EPDs in LEED.
D.Green-e

Green-e certifies RECs and carbon offsets.

2- In many buildings the most significant savings associated with water efficiency result from:

A. Reduced development costs

This is not the greatest economic savings.

B. Reduced maintenance costs

This is not the greatest economic savings.

C. 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.
D.Keeping contaminants at safe levels in reservoirs and aquifers

This would be an environmental benefit.

3- What tool is used to determine the target certification level?

A. LEED Scorecard

The LEED Scorecard helps teams decide what credits to achieve.

B. EPA's Target Finder

Target Finder is a no-cost online tool that enables architects and building owners to set
 energy targets and receive an EPA energy performance score for projects during the design
process.
C. LEED Online

LEED Online is the tool used for documenting the project.

D.CIR

CIRs are specific questions regarding one credit or one prerequisite. They are submitted
using LEED Online or using a standalone CIR form.

4- Which of the following are credit categories found in the LEED scorecard?

A. Sustainable Sites
B. Indoor Air Quality
C. LEED AP
D.Water Efficiency
E. Energy Performance
F. Materials and Resources

Notes:

The intent of this question is to learn the common categories of the LEED rating systems.

The LEED credit categories common among the rating systems are:

Location and Transportation

Sustainable Sites
Water Efficiency
Energy and Atmosphere
Materials and Resources
Indoor Environmental Quality
Innovation

The correct category is Indoor Environmental Quality, not Air. Air quality is a subset of IEQ.
5- What can a project team do to reduce the need for pesticides?

A. Use only native plants in the landscaping

Pests may live in areas with either native or non-native plants.

B. Do not permit smoking around building entrances

This is related to ETS control.

C. Develop a coordinated program of nonchemical strategies
 IPM begins with monitoring and baiting to reduce the need for chemical pesticides.
D.Install hardscapes around the entire building perimeter

This would not help, as bugs will traverse pavement.

Notes:

IPM is 'a method of pest management that protects human health and the surrounding environment
and improves economic returns through the most effective, least-risk option.' - USGBC
6- A project team is reviewing potential building materials for a school project. What impact
would reusing brick and stone found off-site have on the triple bottom line?

A. The reuse would decrease energy performance.

Energy performance would be the same.

B. The reuse would be sustainable.
C. The reuse would be cost-effective.
D.The reuse would reduce peak energy demands.

Energy demands would be the same

E. The reuse would take away local jobs.

This is not correct.

Notes:
A material that is reused or repurposed is more sustainable than a new material, and frequently it is
cost effective to include these in a project.

In this example, old brick and stone probably cost the same as new brick and stone and they don't
have to be extracted.
7- What urban area is a best choice for a LEED project?

A. Areas with high development density

Choosing urban areas that are previously developed with high development densities can
earn LEED credit.
B. Areas with zero-lot-lines

Zero-lot-lines are sites with little to no open space.

C. Areas without existing infrastructure

Projects far from existing infrastructure require more natural resources to connect the
building to utilities and highways.
D.Areas that have not been previously developed

Projects cannot earn credits for building on lots that are not previously developed.
8- What is lighting power density measured in?

A. The quantity of light trespass on adjacent sites, measured in watts

This is incorrect
B. Number of luminaires per unit area

This is incorrect.
C. Footcandles per floor area

This is incorrect.
D.Installed lighting power per unit area

Lighting power density is the installed lighting power per unit area (the amount of electrical
power used to illuminate a space). It is usually expressed in Watts per unit of area.

Reducing the lighting power density can reduce energy use.

9- A project team decides to build up, instead of out, to reduce the building footprint. This
strategy could help with _____.

A. Construction activity pollution prevention

B. Increasing surrounding density
C. Increasing diverse uses
D.Increasing open space

Reducing the building footprint could result in more open space around the building,
assuming it wasn't then paved over.

10- A business owner is building an office in a city that has air quality issues during the
summer. The owner wants to hear recommendations for design decisions that improve indoor
air quality. Which of the following are strategies that would achieve the project goal?

A. Permit smoking around side entrances only

In LEED, smoking is not allowed at any of the building entrances.

B. Orient the building east to west

Building orientation helps with daylighting and harvesting free energy.

C. Use natural ventilation

Natural may be worse because the poor outside air would be coming into the building
unfiltered.
D.Use materials with low VOC emissions

Low-emitting materials improve indoor air quality.

E. Install walk-off mats in the entryways

Walk-off mats help capture dust, dirt, and contaminants people could otherwise track into
 the building.

11- What part of LEED Online can be used to obtain a real-time snapshot of the project's
progress?

A. The credit assignments

Project team members have access to every single credit. There are no additional credit
assignments.
B. The review comments

The credit-by-credit tracker includes comments and actual credit language for each credit
along with its up-to-the-minute review status.
C. The project checklist

The project checklist (LEED Scorecard) is the best way to stay on top of credits attempted,
under review, and earned.
D.The project timeline

The project timeline gives an overview of all the steps of the project's process via real-time
snapshots.

12- What material attribute would a project team use to compare different products'
abilities to reject solar heat?

A. Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)

B. Emissivity

The emissivity of a material is the ratio of energy radiated by a particular material to energy
radiated by a black body at the same temperature. It is a measure of a material's ability to
radiate absorbed energy.
C. ENERGY STAR label

ENERGY STAR labels are for appliances.

D.Solar Reflectance Index (SRI)

Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) indicates a material's ability to reject solar heat and is the
combined value of reflectivity and emittance. Measurements vary from 100 (standard white
surface, most reflective) to 0 (standard black surface, least reflective). Materials with the
highest SRI values are the coolest choices for paving.

LEED requires materials with certain SRI values to meet the requirements of some credits.
Materials come with SRI values to allow comparison.
13- What standard applies to natural ventilation?

A. ASHRAE 55
 ASHRAE 55 is related to the comfort criteria of specific design conditions that take into
account temperature, humidity, air speed, outdoor temperature, outdoor humidity, seasonal
clothing, and expected activity. These all relate to occupant thermal comfort.
B. SMACNA

Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractor's National Association (SMACNA) 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.
C. ASHRAE 62.1

Natural (or passive) ventilation uses the natural forces of wind and buoyancy to deliver fresh
air into buildings through doors, windows, or other designed opening (chimneys).

ASHRAE 62.1 Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality specifies minimum ventilation
rates.
D.Green-e

Green-e is a program established to promote green electricity products and provide

consumers with a nationally recognized method to identify those products.

14- What term refers to the investigation and valuation of the environmental impacts of a
given product or service caused or necessitated by its existence?

A. Life cycle assessment

Life cycle assessment (LCA) is the investigation and valuation of the environmental impacts
of a given product or service. LCA evaluates environmental performance. This view takes
into account the whole life of a product or project (not assessing it from a single point in
time).
B. Soft cost

A soft construction cost is one that is not directly related to building, construction, etc.
These include building permit fees, architect fees, legal, financing, engineering fees,
commissioning, and other costs incurred before and after construction.
C. 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.
D.Hard cost

By far the largest portion of the expenses in a construction budget, the hard costs are
mostly comprised of the actual construction costs incurred to build the project. The hard-
cost categories are the bricks and mortar of the project. Examples of hard costs include
 masonry, wood, steel, carpet, tile, mechanical systems, roofing.

15- What is the point range for a project to earn LEED Gold?

A. 60-69
B. 70-79
C. 60-79

Certified 40-49 points

Silver 50-59 points
Gold 60-79 points
Platinum 80+ points
D.50-59

16- LEED rewards projects for all of the following design strategies EXCEPT which of the
following:

A. Locating the project near existing utilities

While locating the project near existing infrastructure reduces the strain on the
environment, LEED does not award points for a strategy such as locating a project close to
existing power or sewer lines.
B. Locating the project in a historic district

LEED does reward projects for locating in high-priority sites such as:

Historic district
Priority designation (Federal Empowerment Zone, EPA national priorities list, Federal
Renewal Community site, etc.)
Brownfield
C. Locating the project in an area with nearby uses

LEED does reward projects for locating near diverse uses.

Locating a project near diverse uses helps promote walkability, transportation efficiency,
and reduce vehicle distance traveled.
D.Limiting parking

LEED does reward projects for reducing parking.

By limiting parking, a project team may encourage the building users to consider and take
other forms of transportation other than a car.
17- Which of the following can increase the heat island effect in urban areas?
 A. Rooftops covered with a high SRI material

High SRI materials with reflect the heat rather than absorb it and radiate the heat back later
on.
B. Buildings that have passive ventilation

Passive ventilation impacts energy use but would not increase the heat island effect.
C. Air-conditioners

Other causes of the heat island effect include air-conditioners, vehicle exhaust, and calm
and sunny weather.
D.Vehicle exhaust

Other causes of the heat island effect include air-conditioners, vehicle exhaust, and calm
and sunny weather.
Notes:

The primary cause of the heat island effect is dark surfaces such as rooftops or dark asphalt
pavement that absorb heat and radiate it into the surrounding areas.

Reduced air flow between buildings and narrow streets also increases the effect.
18- What environmental issue is associated with refrigerants used in HVAC&R systems?

A. Pollution of water bodies

B. Increased use of fossil fuels
C. Increased air pollution
D.Damage to the Earth's ozone layer

Refrigerants have ozone depletion potential (ODP) and global warming potential (GWP) due
to greenhouse gas emissions. Low values of each are best for refrigerant choices.

19- The choice of a building material used for a project should be determined by what
criteria?

A. The cost of the material

This is the economic portion of the triple bottom line.

B. How long the material has been used in other projects

This might be a factor, but some newer materials may perform better than older materials.
The inverse is also true.
C. The size of the company supplying the materials

Good materials can come from small or large companies.

D.The impact the material has on society

This is the social portion of the triple bottom line.

E. The environmental impact of extracting and manufacturing the material
 This is the environmental portion of the triple bottom line.
F. If the company is a USGBC member

While manySUPPLIERS are USGBC members, this alone doesn't indicate a quality material.
Notes:

This is an example of selecting a material based on the triple bottom line, which is how USGBC is
guided by their decisions.
20- What are ways to reduce water pollution from runoff?

A. Impervious concrete hardscapes

Impervious materials increase runoff, as does increasing the size of the building footprint.
B. Increasing the building footprint

Increasing the building footprint reduces the quantity of open space. By decreasing open
space runoff can be increased since there is less natural area to absorb runoff.
C. Rain gardens

A rain garden is used to capture runoff.

D.Open grid paving

Open grid paving and pervious surfaces allow rainwater to percolate through the surface
instead of running off.

21- The total land area of a project site covered by buildings, streets, parking areas, and
other typically impermeable surfaces constructed as part of the project is the:

A. Restored area
B. LEED neighborhood
C. Stormwater retention area
D.Development footprint

This is the correct definition of development footprint.

22- During the integrative process, which of the following improvements in water efficiency
would most likely need to be researched to confirm that they are legal to implement within the
project?

A. Submetering
B. Fixtures and fittings
C. Alternative water sources

Early in the design process, project teams need to establish a water balance and see what is
legal within the project for reclaimed water, black water, graywater collection, and rainwater
harvesting.
 If these items are not addressed early and a graywater collection system is already being
constructed under the building, it can't necessarily be easily or cheaply removed.
D.Site conditions

23- What LEED credits reward projects for improving operational energy performance?

A. Demand response

Demand response rewards projects for participating in a DR program to help reduce the
load from grid during peak times.
B. Commissioning

Commissioning and ongoing commissioning are intended to improve energy performance

once the building is operational.
C. Energy metering

Metering of the building systems helps the staff track any issues that would impact energy
performance.
D.Green power and carbon offsets

This credit rewards projects for using grid-source, renewable energy technologies and
carbon mitigation projects.

24- The operation of buildings, including landscaping, accounts for ____ of total water use
in the United States.

A. 18%
B. 20%
C. 6%
D.14%

25- A door found onsite and turned into a table as part of a major renovation would be
considered what type of material?

A. Reused

The door is an example of a reused material.

Reused materials are construction materials recovered from building sites and reused on
different building sites in the same or a different capacity. Examples can include flooring,
brick, beams, and doors.
B. Recycled material

Recycled content contains materials that have been recycled. An example is insulation made
from recycled newspapers.
C. Commingled material
 These are materials recycled into a single storage bin.
D.Renewable material

Renewable materials are made from renewable sources, such as bamboo.

26- A building's total emissions footprint does which of the following over time?

A. Incrementally decreases
B. Incrementally increases

Continuous monitoring and ongoing commissioning help maintain systems and keep their
performance optimized to keep emissions lower over time. Most systems will degrade over
time - everything from a white roof to the HVAC system incrementally raising a building's
emissions unless steps are taken for prevention.
C. Fluctuates
D.Remains the same

27- What LEED credit category encourages strategies that minimize the impact on
ecosystems and water resources?

A. Sustainable Sites

Sustainable sites credits encourage strategies that minimize the impact on ecosystems and
water resources.
B. Location and Transportation

Location and transportation credits reward projects within relatively dense areas, near
diverse uses, with access to a variety of transportation options, or on sites with
development constraints.
C. Water Efficiency

Water efficiency credits promote smarter use of water, inside and out, to reduce potable
water consumption.
D.Regional Priority

Regional priority credits address regional environmental priorities for buildings in different
geographic regions.

28- A telecom company is building a new ten-story office and data center. The office space
will be on the top seven floors and the data center on the first three floors. Which of the
following rating system would be best suited for the project?

A. LEED BD+C: New Construction

LEED BD+C: New Construction. New construction or major renovation of buildings that do
not primarily serve K-12 educational, retail, data centers, warehouses and distribution
centers, hospitality, or healthcare uses. New construction also includes high-rise residential
 buildings nine stories or higher.

For LEED BD+C: Data Centers to be applicable the size of the data center in relation to the
building must be 60% or more. In this case it is only the bottom three floors, which would
be just 30%.
B. LEED BD+C: Data Centers

LEED BD+C: Data Centers. Buildings specifically designed and equipped to meet the needs
of high density computing equipment such as server racks, used for data storage and
processing. LEED BD+C: Data Centers only addresses whole building data centers (greater
than 60 %).

C. LEED BD+C: Warehouses and Distribution Centers

LEED BD+C: Warehouses and Distribution Centers. Buildings used to store goods,
manufactured products, merchandise, raw materials, or personal belongings, such as self-
storage.
D.LEED BD+C: Core and Shell

LEED BD+C: Core and Shell Development. Buildings that are new construction or major
renovation for the exterior shell and core mechanical, electrical, and plumbing units, but
not a complete interior fit-out. LEED BD+C: Core and Shell is the appropriate rating system
to use if more than 40 % of the gross floor area is incomplete at the time of certification.

29- Which of the following is an acceptable way to encourage building users to choose
alternative transportation?

A. Allow off-street parking

LEED discourages off-street parking for credits.

B. Install multi-level parking

Multi-level parking or parking garages does not encourage a user to choose a different
mode of transportation.
C. Share parking among two or more buildings

Sharing parking is a way to offset parking costs between multiple buildings.

D.Install preferred parking

See the LT Overview section of the reference.

Preferred parking is 'the parking spots closest to the main entrance of a building (exclusive
of spaces designated for handicapped persons). For employee parking, it refers to the spots
that are closest to the entrance used by employees.' - USGBC
 Preferred parking is a perk for users that drive alternative transportation (green vehicles).

In LEED, to meet the requirements of the Green Vehicles credit, preferred parking must be
provided for these vehicles.
30- What is a stakeholder meeting?

A. An intense workshop to solve a problem or plan the design of something that includes the
project team and stakeholders

This is a charrette. Also included in the charrette are any external experts that might be
needed for consultation. An example would be a sales engineer for a specific product.
B. A meeting where research is conducted about materials

This is an example of a small task group meeting.

C. A meeting with everyone that has a vested interest in the outcome of a project

This is an example of a stakeholder meeting. Stakeholders involve everyone that may be

impacted by the project. An example is if a new residential project is being planned, the
existing neighbors would be invited to the meeting to voice their input and concerns. Also
included would be city planners, engineers, building owners, general contractors, etc.
D.A meeting where engineers work together to discover new synergies

This is an example of a team meeting.

31- What is a strategy for water efficient landscaping?

A. Use drip irrigation

Water efficient landscaping helps reduce the need from potable water from local and
regional aquifers. Drip irrigation is a highly effective way to deliver water to a plant's roots
because the water isn't lost to the wind, evaporation, or runoff.
B. Treat wastewater onsite

LEED rewards projects that treat wastewater onsite. The treated wastewater can be used for
irrigation purposes if local code permits it. However just treating wastewater onsite doesn't
lead to more efficient irrigation.
C. Create a pond on the property

Creating a pond is a good strategy for rainwater management.

D.Use potable water

LEED rewards projects for reducing potable water (drinking water) use for landscaping.
Reducing potable water use preserves aquifers for future generations.

32- Which of the following project features does NOT promote biodiversity?

A. Financially supporting a conservation organization

 In LEED v4, one option for protecting or restoring habitat is to provide financial support for
off-site protection and restoration.
B. An intensive green roof
C. A soccer field

A soccer field would have turf grass on it.

Monocultures are a single species of plant such as turf grass. Monocultures do not promote
biodiversity.
D.An extensive green roof

Notes:

The LEED credit for Protect or Restore Habitat promotes biodiversity. This question asks what needs
to be done for this credit.
33- Increasing the thermal mass of a building and installing a photovoltaic system would
help with:

A. Decreasing energy efficiency and increasing renewable energy

B. Increasing energy efficiency and increasing renewable energy
C. Reducing energy demand and increasing energy efficiency
D.Reducing energy demand and increasing renewable energy

Reducing energy demand, or conservation, considers strategies to reduce building loads.

Increasing thermal mass increases a building's insulation properties allowing it to maintain
a more constant temperature thus reducing the need for heating and cooling.

Photovoltaics are a type of renewable energy.

34- What additional LEED certification would a project team likely pursue for an office
building that has already earned LEED BD+C: Core and Shell if the offices will be leased out to
tenants?

A. LEED Homes
B. LEED BD+C: Core and Shell post-certification
C. LEED BD+C: New Construction
D.LEED ID+C: Commercial Interiors

LEED BD+C: Core and Shell covers base building elements such as structure, envelope and
the HVAC system. Once a tenant has been established then additional certifications can be
earned.

Projects where 50% or less of the leasable square footage is owner-occupied are generally
 not candidates for LEED BD+C: New Construction.
35- Which of the following site types is considered high-priority?

A. Previously developed land

B. Land with endangered habitat

This is considered sensitive land.

C. Area on or within fifty feet (fifteen meters) of a wetland

This is considered sensitive land.

D.Historic district

High priority sites include:

Historic districts
Priority designation sites (Federal Empowerment Zones, EPA National Priorities List, etc.)
Brownfield
36- What can help reduce indoor potable water use?

A. Replacing fixtures with salvaged toilets manufactured in 1992

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

This would help with wastewater management.

C. Installing reduced-flow aerators on lavatory faucets

Retrofitting/designing a building with flow-restrictors and reduced-flow aerators helps

reduce water use.
D.Installing a green roof

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

37- What does ASHRAE 62.1 specify?

A. Commuting surveys
B. Thermal comfort
C. Energy performance
D.Indoor air quality

ASHRAE 62.1 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.

38- Which of the following use-type categories determine diverse uses?

A. Restaurants
 B. Civic and community facilities
C. Food retail
D.Stores

Notes:

A diverse use is a distinct, officially recognized business, nonprofit, civic, religious, or governmental
organization, or dwelling units (residential use) or offices (commercial office use). It has a stationary
postal address and is publicly available. It does not include automated facilities such as ATMs,
vending machines, and touchscreens.

There are five categories of use types:

Food retail
Community-serving retail
Services
Civic and community facilities
Community anchor uses
39- Each LEED credit and prerequisite includes the intent of the credit/prerequisite. What is
the 'intent' of a credit/prerequisite?

A. Outlines concerns specific to specific regions

This is what regional variations contain.

B. Identifies the main sustainability goal or benefit of the prerequisite or credit

This is USGBC's definition of a LEED intent.

C. Details the level of performance needed to achieve a credit

This is what requirements contain, or exemplary performance.

D.Addresses the synergies and trade-offs between credits

This information is covered in the related credits section of the reference guide.

40- Which of the following is reduced with the help of carbon offsets?

A. Ozone
B. CFCs
C. Greenhouse gas emissions

The Green Power and Carbon Offset credit encourage the reduction in GHG emissions
through the use of grid-source renewable energy technologies and carbon offsets.

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the primary greenhouse gas emitted through human activities.
 D.Water contamination

41- What non-financial incentives can a municipality offer to encourage developers to build
residential projects to green standards?

A. Marketing assistance for the property

B. Low interest loans
C. Certification training for developers who are unfamiliar with green building practices
D.Grants

Notes:

Make sure you check out the document Green Building Incentive Strategies to learn about money-
saving incentives:

http://www.usgbc.org/Docs/Archive/General/Docs6248.pdf

There are different incentives for rewarding developers or homeowners who practice green building
techniques spurs innovation and demand for green building technologies.

Structural incentives include:

Expedited review / permitting process
Density and height bonuses

Financial incentives include:

Tax credits
Fee reductions / waivers
Grants
Revolving loan funds (low-interest loans)

Non-finanical incentives include:

Technical assistance
Marketing assistance
42- What is an economic benefit for the triple bottom line that LEED-certified buildings may
have?

A. Reductions in greenhouse gas emissions

B. Reduced waste sent to landfills
C. Qualification for tax rebates
 D.More healthful and productive environments for occupants

Notes:

LEED-certified buildings are designed to deliver the following benefits:

-Lower operating costs and increased asset value

-Reduced waste sent to landfills
-Energy and water conservation
-More healthful and productive environments for occupants
-Reductions in greenhouse gas emissions
-Qualification for tax rebates, zoning allowances, and other incentives in many cities

The first and last items in the list contribute directly to the economic bottom line.
43- What are the environmental benefits of selecting a previously developed site for a
project?

A. The site would be located near mass transit

A previously developed site doesn't mean mass transit will be available. There are plenty of
cities that have no or poor public transportation systems.
B. Preserving open space

The question asks for an environmental benefit.

A greenfield is site that is undeveloped and in a natural state or has been used for
agriculture.

LEED prefers not building on greenfields but using previously developed land instead.
Preserving greenfields means more open space will be available.
C. The site would have a greater development density

The development density of the project depends on the building design, not the type of
land chosen.
D.Local tax savings may be available

Tax savings are an economic benefit.

44- If a project team increases the ventilation in a building and adds quality views to
occupant spaces what will be the result?

A. Improved productivity of the occupants

Research shows by improving indoor air quality, adding daylighting and views, occupant
 productivity goes up.
B. Increased resource use for the project

These design decisions do not impact resource use.

C. Decreased first costs

Additional ventilation may increase energy demand. Adding views is probably not going to
decrease costs.
D.Decreased air quality for the occupants

Increasing ventilation improves air quality.

45- What is true about a project that earns 38 points towards certification?

A. The project would be LEED Silver

50-59 points earns LEED Silver.

B. The project would be LEED certified

LEED certified is not the correct designation for a project. It is LEED Certified for the lowest
level of certification.
C. The project would not earn certification

Projects must earn a minimum of 40 points. Anything less does not earn certification.
D.The project would be LEED Certified

While this is the correct designation for a project that earns 40-49 points, 38 points does
not earn anything.
E. The project would be LEEDs Certified

LEEDs Certified is not the correct designation for a project. It is LEED Certified for the lowest
level of certification.

46- Approximately 50% of chillers in existing buildings use what refrigerant?

A. HCFC-22
B. NH3
C. CFC-11

CFC-11 is used in chillers for about 50% of existing buildings. Nowadays it is encouraged to
replace these systems with newer and more efficient systems that use more environmentally
friendly refrigerants. Doing so would save money in the long term.
D.HFC-23

Notes:

A centrifugal chiller is one of the most economical means to cool large buildings. These units use
water and a refrigeration cycle to provide cooling
 47- A data center in a rural area wants to be net-zero. Which of the following design
decisions will help the project team achieve this?

A. Provide all occupants with electric vehicles

This would not help the project be net-zero.

B. Purchase carbon offsets

Carbon offsets help offset a building's carbon emissions.

C. Purchase Renewable Energy Credits (RECs)

REC purchases contribute to growing grid-source renewable energy.

D.Install a photovoltaic system on site

On-site renewable energy (solar, wind, geothermal) would help the project generate all of
the electricity it needs.
Notes:

A net-zero energy (NZE) building is one that relies on renewable sources to produce as much energy
as it uses, usually as measured over the course of a year. Net-zero energy buildings start with
energy-conscious design.

A net-zero building that produces more energy than it needs can feed the excess back into the grid
and earn revenue through net-metering.
48- Who develops ongoing improvements to LEED?

A. USGBC Board of Directors

This is not correct.

B. USGBC member-based volunteer committees in conjunction with USGBC staff

'LEED is developed by USGBC member-based volunteer committees, subcommittees, and

working groups in conjunction with staff. LEED development follows a structure that
includes a balanced representation of stakeholders and management of conflict of interest,
to ensure that the development of LEED is transparent and consensus-based. The LEED
committee structure balances market needs and constraints with consistency and technical
rigor in the development and improvement of the credits within LEED, to ensure the quality
and integrity of the LEED brand. The balloting process of new versions with USGBC
membership reinforces the open consensus process.' - USGBC
C. USGBC Technical Advisory Groups (TAGs)

Under the direct management of the LEED Technical Committee, Technical Advisory Groups
(TAGs) recommend technical solutions to rating system development and maintenance
issues. The groups provide a consistent source of technical advice to LEED committees and
 working groups regarding credit and prerequisite improvement and supporting tool
development. Technical Advisory Groups are structured to include expertise for specific
technical issues: location and planning, sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and
atmosphere, materials and resources, and indoor environmental quality.
D.World Green Building Council (WGBC)

This is not correct.

49- A refrigerated warehouse project in the design phase could reduce its electricity
demand by taking which of the following actions?

A. Purchasing Renewable Energy Credits (RECs)

RECs do not alter a building's electricity use.

B. Purchasing carbon offsets to counter GHG emissions

Carbon offsets do not alter a building's electricity use.

C. Purchasing all electricity from a wind farm

While this choice is better than using fossil fuel based electricity, it does not reduce the
electricity usage of the building.
D.Enrolling in a demand response program

'Demand response allows utilities to call on buildings to decrease their electricity use during
peak times, reducing the strain on the grid and the need to operate more power plants, thus
potentially avoiding the costs of constructing new plants.' - USGBC

A demand response program can work for the most demanding energy projects - data
centers, refrigeration, or fully occupied buildings in areas that hit 110 F degrees (43 C) in
the summer.
50- Which of the following would be considered graywater?

A. Water from a dishwasher

This is blackwater.
B. Untreated laundry water

Graywater is defined by the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) as untreated house-hold

wastewater which has not come into contact with toilet waste or kitchen sinks.

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

This is just recycled water.

 D.Air conditioning condensate

This is a source of non-potable water for uses such as irrigation.

51- What is an example of a project team applying systems thinking and integrative
process?

A. One team member completing the design of a system and handing it off to the next team
member
This is the conventional building process.
B. Ending the green building process when the project team hands the site over to the owner

The integrative process continues until the building's end-of-life - not at project handover.
C. Focusing on the first costs of a particular wood flooring

This is the conventional building process.

D.Establishing water saving metrics for measuring success

Metrics and measuring for success are part of the integrative process.

52- If an error is found in the LEED rating system, which of the following would USGBC use
to address the error?

A. LEED Interpretations

LEED Interpretations, just like project credit interpretation rulings (Project CIRs), are official
answers to technical inquiries about implementing LEED on a project. They help people
understand how projects can meet LEED requirements.
B. LEED Addenda

USGBC periodically publishes clarifications (also called addenda) to address errors in the
LEED rating systems and reference guides.
C. Project CIR process

Project CIRs give project teams the quick answer they need to proceed with the certification
process.
D.Consensus-based review

LEED Interpretations undergo review by the USGBC member-selected volunteer LEED

committees.

Project CIRs are created by the certification review teams at the Green Building Certification
Institute (GBCI).
53- What is an example of systems thinking?

A. Installation of a parking lot

B. Considering how occupants will get to the project building
 Systems thinking is a process of understanding how each part of the built environment
affects every other part. It is the belief that the component parts of a system can best be
understood in the context of relationships with each other and with other systems, rather
than in isolation. These parts include project materials, building systems, site, people, and
information.

In this choice the people are considered and the relationship to the transportation options
and/or parking at the site.
C. Commissioning of the exterior lights
D.Reviewing the schedule for the timing of the HVAC system installation

54- LEED projects located outside of the United States may use green cleaning products that
adhere to which of the following standards?

A. EN 15251:2007

This is one of the international indoor air quality standards projects outside of the U.S. may
use.

Previous versions of the credit used ASHRAE 62.1 as the reference standard. In LEED v4,
projects outside the U.S. may use European standards when ASHRAE 62.1 is not available or
suitable.
B. SMACNA

SMACNA standards are for construction activity pollution prevention.

C. Global Ecolabeling Network

For any projects outside the U.S., the ISO standard developed by the Global Eco-Labeling
Network may be used instead of Green Seal Environmental Choice.
D.Green Label Plus

Green Label Plus is a standard for carpets.

55- During a LEED project when does commissioning take place?

A. Discovery phase
B. Schematic design phase
C. Pre-design phase
D.Substantial completion phase

Commissioning is 'the process of verifying and documenting that a building and all of its
systems and assemblies are planned, designed, installed, tested, operated, and maintained
to meet the owner's project requirements.' - USGBC
 The systems cannot be commissioned until they are installed. The process takes place prior
to occupancy (usually) when the building is substantially completed. For example, all of the
HVAC systems are in, the building has water and power, etc. Things that don't need to be in
place are painting, carpets, tile, etc.'
56- What strategy to control and reduce runoff will hold water and reduce the rate of
runoff?

A. Direct runoff into dry ponds

A dry pond (detention pond) is used to store excess rainwater. Dry ponds are basins whose
outlets have been designed to detain runoff for some minimum time (e.g., 24 hours). The
rainwater will slowly seep into the ground to recharge aquifers 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.
B. Increase the area of permeable surfaces

Increasing permeable surfaces reduces the rate of runoff but this strategy does not retain
the water.
C. Reduce the size of the building footprint

Reducing the building footprint will reduce impervious surfaces. This reduces the rate but
does not hold water.
D.Install pervious pavement

Pervious pavement is designed to allow percolation or infiltration of rainwater through the

surface into the soil below where the water is naturally filtered and pollutants are removed.
This would reduce the rate but not hold any water.

57- An owner has selected an office building site in a natural area. They want to provide
views to the outside to most people while also using daylighting to reduce energy demand.
Which strategy would achieve these goals?

A. Installing cubicles with low partitions and placing conference rooms and offices in the core
of the building
Low partition cubes allow daylight to extend farther into the building.

Locating offices and rooms near a building's core prevents their walls from blocking views
and daylight.
B. Having adjustable window shades and operable windows

The operable windows help with individual occupant comfort.

The adjustable shades help with glare control.

 C. Locating conference rooms and offices near the glazing

This design would block the daylight from interior workstations.

D.Installing an under floor air distribution system

This helps with thermal comfort.

58- The manufacturer of a foam ceiling acoustic tile has disclosed the ingredients in the
product. With this information project teams will be able to do which of the following?

A. Select less expensive products

B. Make better-informed decisions

The purpose of having manufacturers disclose materials is for project teams to make better
decisions and encourage manufacturers to make efforts to improve the environmental
qualities of their products over time.
C. Determine if the product is locally sourced
D.Evaluate the greenhouse gas emissions of the product

59- From where are most local codes adopted?

A. International Code Council

Local building codes represent the minimum codes that a project must adhere to.

State and local jurisdictions may develop their own regulations or adopt building codes
based on national model codes. State and local codes are typically based on national model
codes published by the International Code Council (ICC)
B. Federal regulations
C. California laws

California laws are usually more stringent than other areas of the country. The laws usually
migrate over time to other parts of the United States.
D.USGBC

USGBC helps set green building standards through LEED, not local codes.

60- What is an example of value engineering?

A. Increasing the diversion rate of recycled materials

This contributes to sustainability but would not be considered value engineering because an
alternative was not selected that reduced costs.
B. Selecting insulation with higher upfront costs but lower life cycle costs

This is an example of life cycle costing.

C. Replacing an asphalt parking lot with less costly crushed gravel that has higher SRI

Value engineering (VE) is a review process that identifies and selects the lowest lifecycle
 cost options in design, materials and processes that achieves the desired level of
performance, reliability and customer satisfaction.

USGBC defines value engineering to mean reducing costs while improving performance.

In this example the project team is reducing cost by switching to crushed gravel and
reducing the heat island effect by using a higher SRI product (thus improving performance).
Gravel roads also allow for water to get through the pervious surface.
D.Choosing a flooring material that has higher costs and a lower environmental impact over a
flooring material that has lower costs and a greater environmental impact

This is not value engineering but life cycle assessment because the environmental attributes
are considered, not the performance of the product.

61- How can an architect make sure that the general contractor understands what products
to include in a project?

A. Tell the contractor during the LEED charrette

B. Send the contractor an email
C. Select the materials to use in LEED online
D.Include the products in the specifications

Specifications are created by architects and given to the contractor for the purposes of
purchasing the right quantity and type of materials. Specifications include drawings of what
is to be built. They are legally binding documents. Specifications are detailed and might
include:

Use #2 salvaged oak flooring in the main lobby, along with the dimensions and layout of the
lobby. Purchase the oak flooring locally.
62- What major concepts are integral to green building and sustainability?

A. Open systems

A closed system with a closed loop 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.
B. Integrative process

The integrative process is the approach of 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.
C. Linear planning and design processes
 This is the traditional building approach. The opposite would be the integrative process.
D.Systems thinking

Systems thinking is a process of understanding how each part of the built environment
affects every other part. It is the belief that the component parts of a system can best be
understood in the context of relationships with each other and with other systems, rather
than in isolation. These parts include project materials, building systems, site, people, and
information.
E. Life cycle approach

A life cycle approach considers all stages of a project, product or service. For example a life
cycle approach for materials would consider growing raw materials and production, to
distribution, consumer use and product disposal.

63- If a state has a green building code and a project team wants to pursue LEED
certification:

A. The state building code requirements can be used instead of the LEED requirements
B. The state building code requirements have precedent over the LEED requirements

Any state or local building codes have precedent over LEED.

C. The project team can follow either the state building code requirements or the LEED
requirements
D.LEED requirements can be used instead of the state building code requirements

64- Which of the following impact categories are given the greatest weight in LEED?

A. Reverse Contribution to Global Climate Change and Enhance Individual Human Health and
Well-Being
B. Build a Greener Economy and Enhance Social Equity, Environmental Justice, Community
Health and Quality of Life
C. Promote Sustainable and Regenerative Material Resources Cycles and Reverse Contribution
to Global Climate Change
D.Protect and Restore Water Resources and Protect, Enhance and Restore Biodiversity and
Ecosystem Services
Notes:

Weighting of the LEED v4 impact categories account for differences in scale, scope, severity, and
relative contribution of the built environment to the impact. The weightings are:

35% Reverse Contribution to Global Climate Change

20% Enhance Individual Human Health and Well-Being
15% Protect and Restore Water Resources
10% Protect, Enhance and Restore Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services
10% Promote Sustainable and Regenerative Material Resources Cycles
5% Build a Greener Economy
5% Enhance Social Equity, Environmental Justice, Community Health and Quality of Life
65- How can projects reduce sending waste to a landfill?

A. Recycle materials

Recycling and reuse of construction and demolition debris help reduce waste that is sent to
a landfill.

Providing occupants with recycling bins helps reduce waste during operations and
maintenance.
B. Use materials with low lifecycle costs

Using materials with lower life cycle costs helps reduce operating costs and maintenance
expenses over the products lifetime.
C. Reuse materials

Recycling and reuse of construction and demolition debris help reduce waste that is sent to
a landfill.
D.Use local materials

Using local materials helps reduce the transportation costs associated with moving
materials as well as helping the local economy.

66- The baseline water use of a lavatory faucet is:

A. 2.2 gpm (8.3 lpm)

2.2 gallons per minute (gpm) (8.3 lpm) per the EPAct of 1992.
B. 1.0 gpf (3.8 lpf)
C. 1.0 gpm (3.8 lpm)
D.2.2 gpf (8.3 lpf)

67- What are the environmental benefits of cogeneration?

A. Recharging of aquifers
B. Reduced greenhouse gas emissions
C. Reduced erosion and sedimentation
D.Reduced wastewater generation
E. Reduced air pollution

Notes:

Combined heat and power (CHP) is an electricity generation technology, also known as cogeneration,
which 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% of the fuel into usable energy.

Because less fuel is burned to produce each unit of energy output, CHP reduces air pollution and
greenhouse gas emissions.
68- A building owner wants to have improved IAQ after construction to improve occupant
health. Which of the following products would a project team need to verify have low-VOCs?

A. Granite countertops

Granite is a naturally occurring material with low or no VOCs.

B. Acoustic insulation

Acoustic insulation can off-gas.

C. Ceiling paint

Paints and sealants should be checked to see if they are low-emitting.

D.Computer workstations

Furniture and furnishings may be made of several components, including woods, glues,
paints, fabrics, and foam.

BIFMA is a standard that is used to rate the emissions of furniture and furnishings.
E. No smoking signs located outside the building

Exterior building products outside of the building envelope do not impact the indoor air
quality.
Notes:

VOCs are 'substances that vaporize at room temperature and can cause health problems. VOCs off-
gas from many materials, including adhesives, sealants, paints, carpets, and particle board.' - USGBC
69- An architect is designing a mixed use building that will have retail space on the lower
floors and residential condominiums on the upper floors. The building will also include space
for a pre-kindergarten learning facility. What LEED rating system would be most appropriate?

A. LEED ID+C: Commercial Interiors

LEED ID+C: Commercial Interiors is used for tenant fit-outs, not new construction.
B. LEED BD+C: Schools

LEED BD+C: Schools would not be applicable because the project includes retail and
residential space.
C. LEED BD+C: New Construction
 A mixed use project for new construction would use the LEED BD+C: New Construction
rating system.
D.LEED BD+C: Retail

LEED BD+C: Retail would not be applicable because the project includes retail and
residential space.

70- A building automation system will assist with collecting data about which of the
following:

A. Cleanliness of restrooms

This is a janitorial issue.

B. Energy spikes that occur every morning

Building automation systems (BAS) collect data about a building's systems and track it over
time. The data can be used to determine trends or anomalies, which can then serve to help
fix or update the systems.
C. Complaints from occupants about a loud fan noise in a conference room

This is a maintenance issue.

D.Maintenance schedule for replacing air filters

This is an operations issue.

71- Which of the following are types of individual occupant spaces?

A. HotelGUEST ROOM
B. Study carrel
C. Auto service bay
D.Hospital exam room
E. Hotel front desk
F. Open-office workstation

Notes:

Read the Space Categorization section of the EQ Overview at http://www.usgbc.org/guide/bdc for

information on space types and occupied vs. unoccupied spaces.

Further, pay attention to the differences between regularly occupied spaces vs. nonregularly occupied
spaces, and also individual occupant spaces vs. shared multioccupant spaces.
72- Which of the following elements should be considered to facilitate communication in
school classrooms?

A. Increased ventilation
 Increasing the ventilation will improve indoor air quality.
B. Air filters with high MERV ratings

Air filters with higher MERV ratings do a better job filtering out air contaminants. They do
not impact noise in the HVAC system.
C. Soft surfaces

Architectural finishes that include soft surfaces improve acoustics. Fabric-covered walls or
acoustic tiles are some examples.
D.Building geometry

The geometry of the space is critical to good acoustics. Consider a concert hall - are the
acoustics good or bad? Probably good because of the effort put into the geometry of the
space. There are designs that improve acoustics (like a concert hall) and designs that make
for poor acoustics (such as high ceilings in a classroom).
E. Duct insulation

Air flowing through the HVAC system can make loud whistling and whooshing noises. Duct
insulation reduces the noise of the air flow.
Notes:

This question is asking about good acoustic design.

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

A. LEED credit form

Each rating system will have its own set of forms that must be completed and submitted for
documentation and verification. These credit forms accessed via LEED Online.

Credits/prerequisites are assigned by the project administrator. Whoever has been assigned
responsibility for the credit/prerequisite by the administrator fills out the credit form using
LEED Online. Once all of the credit forms are completed for those credits being attempted,
the project administrator will submit the project for review.

The credit forms are also referred to as credit templates, submittal templates, or submittals.
B. CIR

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

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

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

74- What is the scope of the Protect and Restore Water Resources impact category?

A. Water Quality Protection, GHG Emissions Reduction from Materials and Water Embodied
Energy Use, and Protect, Enhance and Restore Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services
B. Water Conservation, Water Quality Protection, and Protection and Restoration of Water
Regimes and Natural Hydrological Cycles
The components of this impact category are:

Water Conservation
Water Quality Protection
Protection and Restoration of Water Regimes and Natural Hydrological Cycles
C. GHG Emissions Reduction by Embodied Energy of Water Reduction and GHG Emissions
Reduction from Materials and Water Embodied Energy Use
D.Protection and Restoration of Water Regimes and Natural Hydrological Cycles and Local
Biodiversity, Habitat Protection and Open Spaces
75- The design charrette is at least one full-day workshop to integrate green strategies
________________:

A. in the mechanical and plumbing systems of the building.

B. and to review product vendors.
C. across all aspects of the building design.

The design charrette is a workshop to integrate green strategies across all aspects of the
building design, drawing on the expertise of all participants.

For some LEED rating systems, the design charrette is part of the requirement for
prerequisite/credit. In those cases, no later than the design development phase and
preferably during schematic design, conduct at least one full-day workshop (or two half-
day workshops) with the project team.
D.and to review contractor bids.

76- Occupancy calculations may be needed for which of the following project
documentations?

A. Indoor water use

B. Water metering
C. Bicycle facilities
D.Surrounding density

Notes:
Indoor water use may require occupancy calculations to determine the baseline and design case
usage.

When calculating the number of bicycle storage units required for occupants and visitors the
occupancy count is needed.
77- A developer is reviewing potential sites for a new office building in an urban area. What
is one of the first steps towards LEED certification?

A. Convening a goal-setting workshop

Before any design work meet with the building owner to determine their goals for the
project.
B. Assigning roles and responsibilities

In this step a person is assigned responsibility for documenting and signing each credit.
C. Setting construction material quantities

This happens when construction documents are created.

D.Discuss overlapping benefits

This step is part of determining synergies between credits.

78- The addition or increasing the use of graywater in a building can help with:

A. Reducing potable water used by urinals

Graywater can be used for flushing in water closets and urinals, or process water needs for
some systems.
B. Reducing runoff

Graywater is unrelated to runoff.

C. Reducing potable water use in faucets

Graywater would not be recycled for people to use for hand washing.
D.Reducing rainwater harvesting

Graywater is unrelated to rainwater.

Notes:

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

Graywater includes used water from bathtubs, showers, bathroom wash basins, and water from
clothes-washer and laundry tubs. It does not include water from kitchen sinks or dishwashers.
 79- Which of the following does a site assessment evaluate?

A. Geology
B. Hydrology
C. Existing structures
D.Shading
E. Surrounding density

Notes:

A site assessment is 'an evaluation of an area's above ground and subsurface characteristics,
including its structures, geology, and hydrology. Site assessments typically help determine whether
contamination has occurred and the extent and concentration of any release of pollutants.
Remediation decisions rely on information generated during site assessments.' - USGBC
80- The green design approach taken by LEED:

A. Can only be used on projects with large budgets to offset the higher expenses of green
building
When using an integrative process for green building the costs come out about the same
compared to conventional buildings.

Projects with large and small budgets have used LEED effectively.
B. Reduces the environmental harms of buildings and restores the balance of natural systems

'LEED is designed to address environmental challenges while responding to the needs of a

competitive market. Certification demonstrates leadership, innovation, environmental
stewardship, and social responsibility. LEED gives building owners and operators the tools
they need to immediately improve both building performance and the bottom line while
providing healthful indoor spaces for a building's occupants.' - USGBC
C. Emphasizes occupant health over saving energy

The Energy and Atmosphere category in all LEED rating systems can earn more points than
any other category, including IEQ which primarily addresses occupant health.
D.Is useful only in urban areas where there is existing infrastructure

LEED projects exist in urban and suburban areas.

81- Why would a landscape designer choose native landscaping in an arid climate?

A. Provide linked habitat corridors in urban areas

One of the positive environmental aspects of open space is providing linked habitat for
species in urban areas, allowing the species to move about more easily.
 B. Minimize evapotranspiration

Evapotranspiration is the combination of evaporation and plant transpiration into the

atmosphere. Evaporation occurs when liquid water from soil, plant surfaces, or water bodies
becomes vapor. (USGBC)

In arid climates selecting plants with lower evapotranspiration reduces watering needs.
C. Heat island reduction

Plant choice does not impact heat island reduction.

D.Support integrated pest management (IPM)

Native plants help with an IPM strategy.

E. Increase occupant well-being and productivity

Providing open space to allow occupants connect with the outdoors increases their well-
being and productivity. Plant selection does not increase or decrease open space.

82- How could a remote project located away from public transportation reduce its
transportation effects?

A. Stagger work hours for users

This would not reduce anything.

B. Encourage carpooling

Transportation demand strategies that can reduce single-occupancy vehicle use include:

Locating a project near public transportation

Encouraging carpooling
Encouraging walking or bicycling
Providing preferred parking for green vehicles
Discounted transportation passes for buses, rails, ferry's, etc.
Telecommuting
Compressed workweeks
C. Install pervious pavement

Pervious pavement helps with rainwater management and reducing heat islands.
D.Locate a project site near a park

83- How does LEED encourage focusing on regional issues?

A. Awarding more points to those projects that have ENERGYSTAR RATINGS

This is not correct.

B. Regional priority credits
C. Using reasonable LEED boundaries
 This is Minimum Program Requirement (MPR).
D.Adhering to all local building codes

Following local codes is necessary but the building codes may not have a focus on the
environmental issues of the locale.

84- Which of the following refrigerants are banned under the Montreal Protocol?

A. HFCs

HFC (HydroFluoroCarbons) are not covered in the Montreal Protocol. These refrigerants have
low Ozone Depletion Potential but typically high Global Warming Potential.
B. CFCs

CFCs were banned under the Montreal Protocol in 1995.

C. Isopentane

Isopentane is hydrocarbon (HC) and a type of natural refrigerant.

D.HCFCs

Under the Montreal Protocol no production and no importing of any HCFCs is permitted
after 2030.

A 90% phase-out is required by 2015 of HCFCs.

85- What has a long atmospheric life that causes harm to the ozone layer?

A. HCFCs

HCFCs have a low ozone depletion potential (ODP) (compared to CFCs) but high global
warming potential.
B. CFCs

CFCs are refrigerants that were banned because they lead to the depletion of the
stratospheric ozone layer.
C. HCs

HC stands for hydrocarbons, a group of refrigerants benign to the atmosphere.

D.NH3

NH3 is ammonia, a natural refrigerant.

86- Which of the following are strategies that help a project team design for flexibility?

A. Underground parking

Underground parking is fixed and cannot be added to after the fact.

B. Operable windows

This is a type of individual occupant control.

C. Moveable furniture
 Movable furniture and partitions are 'items that can be moved by the users without the need
of tools or assistance from special trades and facilities management.' - USGBC
D.Occupancy sensors

These help with energy performance.

E. Demountable partitions

A demountable partition is 'a temporary interior wall that can be easily reconfigured. In a
health care facility, acoustical concerns and embedded equipment, as in a surgery suite,
may prevent demountable partitions from being used.' - USGBC

F. Modular casework

Modular and movable casework is 'shelving and cabinetry designed to be easily installed,
moved, or reconfigured. In a retail setting, items that are movable but semi-permanently
attached using mechanical fastening systems for operational use are considered furniture
and not base building elements (e.g., a table or display bolted to the floor, or shelving
attached to a wall).' - USGBC

87- In order for an occupant survey to improve the triple bottom line of a project, what
should occur after the survey results have been assessed?

A. The survey results should be shared with USGBC.

This does not improve the triple bottom line.

B. The building systems manual should be updated to include the survey results.

Just storing the results doesn't accomplish anything.

C. The survey results should be uploaded to LEED online.

A credit might require this but this action does not improve the triple bottom line.
D.Corrective action should be taken to address any problems.

Surveys should be followed with analysis and corrective action if necessary.

Notes:

In LEED, occupant surveys are required for some credits. However, merely doing a survey doesn't earn
the credit - action must be taken on the survey results. The facility manager is usually responsible for
performing corrective actions.

For example, if many occupants complain about an area being too hot or too cold, to improve the
occupants health and productivity (improve the triple bottom line) that area needs to have the
temperature adjusted.
88- What amount of time do people in the United States spend on average indoors?
 A. 50%
B. 70%
C. 90%

The importance of the Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) category is partly due to how
much time people spend indoors. How healthy the indoor environment is, such as air
quality, is related to human health.
D.60%
E. 80%

89- What is an example of a construction hard cost?

A. Permit fees

Permit fees are a soft cost. A soft construction cost is one that is not directly related to
building, construction, etc. These include building permit fees, architect fees, legal,
financing, engineering fees, commissioning, and other costs incurred before and after
construction.
B. Payments received from recycled materials

This isn't a cost but a potential source of income.

C. Reporting on a building's energy consumption over time

Reporting is a soft cost.

D.On-site renewable energy system

An onsite renewable energy system is a mechanical system and would be a hard cost.
Notes:

Hard costs: By far the largest portion of the expenses in a construction budget, the hard costs are
mostly comprised of the actual construction costs incurred to build the project.

Examples include masonry, wood, steel, carpet, tile, mechanical systems, roofing.
90- Which of the following project team member(s) is typically responsible for developing
the erosion and sedimentation control (ESC) plan for construction activity pollution prevention?

A. The project owner(s)

B. The civil engineer(s)

The civil engineer is usually responsible for the plan. The landscape architect or general
contractor may work on the plan's development.
C. The LEED AP
D.The architect(s)

91- Where should smoking be prohibited for a project?

 A. Building entrances
B. Operable windows
C. Garages
D.Walking trails
E. Air intakes

Notes:

LEED requires prohibiting smoking in all BD+C projects. Smoking should not occur around any
building opening that could allow the smoke to enter the building.
92- What landscaping strategy will best eliminate the need for irrigation?

A. Drip irrigation

Micro-irrigation and drip irrigation are both irrigation techniques.

B. Xeriscaping

Xeriscaping is a landscaping method that employs drought-resistant plants to minimize or

eliminate water use.
C. Mulching

Mulching helps retain moisture for plants, but it is not the BEST strategy from the choices
given.
D.Micro-irrigation

Micro-irrigation and drip irrigation are both irrigation techniques.

93- Which of the following reduces outdoor water use while also improving the triple
bottom line?

A. Installing a landscape that doesn't require a permanent irrigation system

If the landscape doesn't require permanent irrigation, this would reduce outdoor water use,
and thus improve the environmental aspect of the triple bottom line.
B. Using well-water for irrigation

Using well-water reduces local aquifers and potable water supplies. LEED credits try to
avoid this.
C. Using permeable pavement for all parking spaces

Installing permeable pavement does not reduce outdoor water use.

D.Replacing vegetated areas with impermeable pavement

Decreasing open space and replacing it with impermeable pavement would have a negative
effect on the environment.

94- A project has construction debris that is nonrecyclable waste. Which of the following
actions can the project team take with the waste that will help the project with construction
 waste management?

A. Waste-to-energy

Waste-to-energy is 'the conversion of nonrecyclable waste materials into usable heat,

electricity, or fuel through a variety of processes, including combustion, gasification,
pyrolization, anaerobic digestion, and landfill gas (LFG) recovery'

It's quite popular and Europe and becoming more common. When strict air-quality
guidelines are followed, it's a good way to dispose of trash and generate energy in the
process.

B. Bury it on site

This doesn't help earn the credit.

C. Exclude it from the credit calculations

All waste must be accounted for in LEED as part of construction waste management.
D.Send it to a landfill

Sending it to a landfill doesn't help earn the credit.

95- A building owner has concerns about the costs of increasing the ventilation from the
minimum required for indoor air quality. Which of the following could help offset the operating
costs?

A. Specifying low-emitting materials

The type of materials do not offset the operating costs.

B. Installing higher rated MERV filters

Better filters will not offset operating costs.

C. Implementing a green-cleaning program

This is not correct.

D.Using demand control ventilation

Demand-control ventilation is based on monitoring spaces and only increasing the

ventilation when set points are reached. This is based on having CO2 sensors/monitors in
the room. For example, if a room has five people in it and then ten more come in, the CO2
in the air would go up. The sensor would register this and increase the airflow. If the
ventilation is only increased as needed, the operating costs go down instead of the system
running at a maximum at all times.

96- Changing the building envelope from single-pane glazing to double-pane glazing
would result in which of the following?
 A. Increased energy efficiency

Energy efficiency is using less energy to accomplish the same amount of work.
B. Improved occupant controls

Operable windows helps with occupant control, not the type of glazing.
C. Decreased energy demand

The design of the building envelope (including the glazing) impacts the energy demand of
the building. While more glazing (windows) increases daylighting, the heat gain from
allowing more light in may increase HVAC loads. Double-pane glazing is a better insulator
than single-pane glazing.
D.Increased daylighting

Daylighting would not be increased. It would be about the same.

97- What stakeholders help the project team understand the local context, culture, and
history of a project site?

A. Cleaning contractor
B. Resale company
C. Architect
D.Local residents

98- The triple bottom line can be described as:

A. The cost of green building

This is not the correct definition.

B. Integration of a building with its natural surroundings

This is not the correct definition.

C. Socially responsible enterprise andINVESTMENT

This is the double bottom line. This term is not used in green building.
D.People, planet, profit

Sustainability in the building sector can be measured by achieving the triple bottom line:
sustainable practices that benefit the planet, people, and profit.
Notes:

You might hear the triple bottom line referred to in different ways:
The three P's: profit, planet, and people
The three E's: economics, ecology, social equity
Social capital (people), economic capital (profit), natural capital (planet)
Economic viability, environmental stewardship, social awareness: USGBC
99- Promoting the triple bottom line is a part of USGBC's:
 A. Vision
B. Mission
C. Strategic goals
D.Guiding principles

USGBC has seven guiding principles outlined in the 2013-2015 strategic plan.

They are:

PROMOTE THE TRIPLE BOTTOM LINE - USGBC will pursue robust triple bottom line solutions
(people, planet, profit) that clarify and strengthen a healthy and dynamic balance between
environmental, social, and economic prosperity.

ESTABLISH LEADERSHIP - USGBC will foster both revolutionary and evolutionary leadership
by championing societal models that achieve a more robust triple bottom line.

RECONCILE HUMANITY WITH NATURE - USGBC will endeavor to create and restore harmony
between human activities and natural systems.

FOSTER SOCIAL EQUITY - USGBC will continue to respect all communities and cultures and
aspire to be a fully inclusive movement that embraces opportunities which broaden and
expand our reach through partnerships and initiatives.

MAINTAIN INTEGRITY - USGBC will be guided by the precautionary principle in utilizing

technical and scientific data to protect, preserve and restore the health of the global
environment, ecosystems, and species.

BE INCLUSIVE - USGBC will ensure inclusive, interdisciplinary, multi-sector, and democratic

decision making with the objective of building understanding and shared commitments
toward a greater common good. In this spirit, USGBC will continue to seek common ground
and partner with allied, influential organizations and leaders in the field to confront mutual
challenges.

EXHIBIT TRANSPARENCY - USGBC will continue to operate in an organizational culture that

places honesty, openness, and transparency above all else.
100- For new construction projects, which of the following tools enable the project team to
understand the environmental impact of a building over its entire life?
A. LEED Online
B. Cradle-to grave life cycle analysis (LCA)

A life-cycle assessment provides information on a building over all phases of its life. Using
LCA in the design process helps the project team understand which short- and long-term
impacts different design decisions will have, allowing them to make better design decisions.
C. EPA ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager
D.ENERGY STAR rating