Leed green associate i. synergistic opportunities and leed application process answer

LEED Green Associate I. Synergistic Opportunities and LEED Application
Process
Question 1:
Which of the following are mandatory for LEED certification?
A Earning Innovation in Design points
This is not mandatory.
B Meeting all prerequisites
Meeting the prerequisites are mandatory for certification. Credits are optional, though a certain number of
credits are needed for certification. The project team chooses which credits to pursue. Prerequisites are not
a choice.
C Earning at least 50 points
Non-homes projects must earn at least 40 points.
D Meeting the Minimum Program Requirements
MPRs are mandatory for certification.
E Achieving all Regional Priority credits
This is not mandatory.
Notes:
Reference: GBCI LEED Certification Policy Manual
Question 2:
What is NOT true about a closed system in the built environment?
A There is no waste
A system with a closed loop, and is thought of as more sustainable. For example, plants growing in a field,
grow, produce oxygen, take in water, then die and decay which helps plants grow. Closed systems can be
linked so one system uses the byproducts of another.
B Materials in a closed system are used for other purposes at the end of their useful life
Closed systems have components that allow the waste of one component to be used by another.
C All aspects of a closed ecosystem are highly integrated to ensure maximum efficiency
It is this efficiency which results in no waste in a closed system.
D Used resources are released outside the system
When materials are released outside the system the system is considered open.

Notes:
Reference: GBES LEED Green Associate Study Guide
Question 3:
Which of the following is a primary goal of the USGBC?
A To promote green products
LEED does not certify or endorse specific products.
B To reduce the construction schedule of projects
This is not a goal of LEED.
C Market transformation of the building industry
From USGBC:
The hallmark of LEED and its ability to affect market transformation is its continuous improvement cycle that
enables the rating system to increase in scope and stringency as market readiness increases and new
technologies become widely available. With LEED 2009, the primary changes were foundational changes,
such as rating system content alignment, credit point value allocation, the development of LEED Online v3,
and changes to the professional credentials and certification process. These foundational changes continue
to be refined in the context of LEED 2009, but will not be fundamentally changed again with the next update
of LEED.
For LEED v4, USGBC will focus on increasing the technical rigor of the rating system, expanding the market
sectors able to use LEED, and striving for simplicity in terms of usability. LEED v4 builds on LEED 2009 in a
thoughtful way. It optimizes the foundations in LEED 2009, and will continue to improve the clarity, usability,
functionality and interconnectedness of the rating systems through future version development.
D To reduce the construction costs of a building
Studies show construction costs of green building are comparable to conventional building. While you may
disagree with this statement based on your own personal experience USGBC does not.
Notes:
Reference: USGBC Website
Question 4:
Who can use the USGBC logo?
A Any LEED AP
LEED APs do not use the USGBC logo to designate they are a LEED AP.
B Any USGBC member
USGBC members must use the USGBC member logo.
C Any USGBC member or USGBC chapter
USGBC chapters use the USGBC chapter logo.

D Only organizations that have received approval by the USGBC marketing department
Use of the USGBC logo is granted through their marketing department.
This question pertains to exam objective I.P USGBC Policies (e.g., trademark usage; logo usage) from the
LEED GA Candidate Handbook. While we receive many comments about the relevance of these types of
questions, the subject matter may come up on your exam.
The use of the USGBC and LEED logos are listed in the exam objectives to prevent misuse of these logos
and to purposely or inadvertently spread incorrect information about LEED and USGBC. It is important to
know how you can and cannot use the logo so that you help the green building movement rather than hinder
it.
The USGBC logo cannot be used to link to third-party websites or for product certification.
The USGBC Member logo is used to denote USGBC membership, not the USGBC logo. The USGBC logo
cannot be used to indicate membership - the USGBC member logo is required to be used. There is both a
USGBC logo and a USGBC member logo, both of which have differing uses and requirements.
Notes:
Reference: USGBC website
Question 5:
What are the benefits of becoming a tenant or owner of a building that is certified under LEED for New Construction if
the project team wants to also certify under LEED for Commercial Interiors?
A There are no certification fees
There are always certification fees for LEED projects.
B The project will be well situated to earn the additional certification(s)
A building that has a prior LEED certification is in a better position to earn additional LEED certifications.
C There is no registration fee
GBCI offers free registration for LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance for projects certified
under LEED for New Construction, LEED for Schools, and LEED for Core & Shell prior to January 1, 2011.
If the question had asked about the project team wanting to certify under LEED for Existing Buildings:
Operations & Maintenance, a correct answer choice would also be 'There is no registration fee'.
D Certification fees are reduced
The fees do not change but the documentation is streamlined and the project will be in a better position for
another certification.
Question 6:
What tool is used to determine the target certification level?
A LEED Score Card
The LEED Scorecard helps teams decide what credits to achieve.
B LEED Online

LEED Online is the tool used for documenting the project.
C CIR
CIRs are specific questions regarding one credit or one prerequisite. They are submitted using LEED Online
or using a standalone CIR form.
D 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.
Notes:
Reference: Sample credit checklist for LEED v3
Question 7:
___________ of a LEED project must be certified under a single rating system.
A At least 25%
B The gross floor area
The gross floor area of a LEED project must be certified under a single rating system. Projects can't exclude
some of the floor area of the project in order to achieve credits more easily.
C 100%
100% is not correct because the statement would read '100% of a LEED project must be certified under a
single rating system' which is not true. Only the gross floor area 'must be'.
D The entire property boundary
Notes:
Reference: LEED Rating System Selection Policy
Question 8:
How are the sections in the LEED Scorecard grouped?
A By cost
B Alphabetically
C By credit weight
D By environmental category
The LEED Scorecard is organized just like the LEED Rating System - by environmental category

Notes:
Question 9:
LEED Online can be used for all of the following except:
A Submitting technical inquiries regarding LEED Credits
B Documenting compliance with LEED Credit Requirements
C Managing public-facing project details
What are public facing project details?
You can search USGBC's website to find out about specific projects going on. LEED Online can be used to
show/limit what is displayed to the public. For example using LEED Online you would enter in 'Project ABC
is going to have a budget of $10M'. You probably don't want anyone to see the project budget so you could
hide that detail from public view.
Managing the public facing details of the project means this: The person who is the administrator of the
project can use LEED online to pick and choose what details they want to make available to the public. For
example, 'do you want everyone to know your project budget', check yes or no. 'Do you want everyone to
know the project's address', check yes or no. Using LEED Online the administrator restricts or allows access
to this and other various project information. USGBC may then reveal any information that has been marked
as publicaly available.
D Accessing online reference guides
Reference guides are not available in LEED Online.
Notes:
Reference: LEED Online website
Using LEED Online you can:
-Submit documentation to USGBC for review
-Document compliance with LEED Credit Requirements
-Coordinate resources among project team members
-Manage public facing project details
-Submit technical inquiries regarding LEED Credits
-Track progress towards LEED Certification
Question 10:
How is the LEED boundary defined for a single building development?
A The edge of the development footprint
This is the same scenario as the building footprint. The project boundary and development footprint might be
the same but the correct term is the portion of the project site submitted for LEED certification.
B The edge of the building footprint
The edge of the building does not necessarily define the project boundary unless in the case where there is
zero parking lots above ground, zero hardscapes, and zero landscape around the perimeter.

C The entire project scope - generally limited to the site boundary
The LEED boundary is the portion of the project site submitted for LEED certification. For single-building
developments, this is the entire project scope and is generally limited to the site boundary.
D The portion of project site submitted for LEED certification
The LEED boundary is the portion of the project site submitted for LEED certification. For single-building
developments, this is the entire project scope and is generally limited to the site boundary. For multiple
building developments, the LEED project boundary may be a portion of the development as determined by
the project team. (-USGBC)
Question 11:
What best defines the project boundary?
A Total area within the platted property line not including any non-constructed areas
This is not any type of area.
B Portion of the project site submitted for LEED certification
The LEED boundary is the portion of the project site submitted for LEED certification. (-USGBC)
For single building developments, this is the entire project scope and is generally limited to the site boundary
- they are not necessarily the same thing.
In the case of a multiple building project the LEED boundary is that part of the entire project being submitted
for certification as determined by the project team. For example for a campus project that might have 5
buildings, each building is submitted separately for certification. The LEED boundary is set for each of the 5
buildings though they cannot overlap if they property is contiguous.
C Total area within the legal property boundaries of the site; this encompasses all areas of the site, including
constructed and nonconstructed areas
The property boundary is the total area within the legal property boundaries of the site; it encompasses all
areas of the site, including constructed and nonconstructed areas. (-USGBC)
D Platted property line of the project defining land and water within it
The project boundary is the platted property line of the project defining land and water within it. (-USGBC)
Notes:
Reference: n/a
While you may have a different definition of some terms the LEED exams test on the USGBC definitions, not on
personal experience or beliefs. Therefore the practice tests include the definitions from USGBC.
Question 12
What type of system is more sustainable?
A Neutral system
This term is not used in green building.

B Open system
An open system is a system that constantly takes in items from outside the system , uses them and then
releases them as waste. This system has no feedback loop. Think of a normal home where groceries,
products, or water come into the home, are used and then released as waste water or garbage.
C Closed system
A closed system is a system with a closed loop, and is thought of as more sustainable. For example, plants
growing in a field, grow, produce oxygen, take in water, then die and decay which helps plants grow. Closed
systems can be linked so one system uses the byproducts of another.
D Dynamic system
This term is not used in green building.
Notes:
Question 13:
What standard helps calculate a baseline building energy performance rating for LEED?
A ASHRAE Advanced Energy Design Guide
This standard is used when following prescriptive measures to achieve building energy efficiency.
B Advanced Buildings Core Performance Guide
This standard is used when following prescriptive measures to achieve building energy efficiency.
C ASHRAE 90.1-2007
When calculating minimum energy performance the building performance rating method of Appendix G of
ASHRAE 90.1-2007 is used.
D ASHRAE 62.1-2007
ASHRAE 62.1-2007 Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality specifies minimum ventilation rates. These
rates are used to improve indoor air quality as part of the IEQ credit category.
Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System
Question 14:
What is true about a project that earns 38 points towards certification?
A 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.

B The project would be LEED Silver
50-59 points earns LEED Silver.
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 LEED certified
LEED certified is not the correct designation for a project. It is LEED Certified for the lowest level of
certification.
Notes:
Reference: n/a
Question 15:
A potential LEED project could be certified under either LEED for Existing Buildings or LEED for New Construction.
How should the project team decide which rating system to use?
A Use the 40/60 rule
LEED has a 40/60 rule to help project teams decide on a rating system:
 If a particular rating system is appropriate for 40% or less of a LEED project building or space, then
that rating system should not be used.
 If a particular rating system is appropriate for 60% or more of a LEED project building or space,
then that rating system should be used.
 Project teams with buildings and spaces that do not fall into the scenarios described in a) and b)
must independently assess their situation and decide which rating system is most applicable.
B The rating system that could earn the most points should always be selected
USGBC/GBCI does not require selecting the rating system that would earn the most points.
C LEED for New Construction always has priority since it is the most popular rating system
While LEED for New Construction is the most popular rating system used, it is not given a priority by
USGBC.
D The project team must independently decide which rating system to use
The 40/60 rule is provided for guidance. Ultimately the project team decides.
Notes:

Question 16:
How does LEED evaluate the environmental performance of a building?
A From a whole building perspective over a building's life cycle
See LEED Today in reference.
LEED looks at the environmental performance of a building through the building's entire life cycle, from pre-
design until deconstruction.
B Through a cradle to grave analysis
Cradle to grave is the linear view of the life of a product, from creation to the end of useful life, ie disposal.
LEED uses the term 'whole building perspective' or 'whole building approach', not cradle-to-grave.
C Using LEED Online
LEED Online is the tool used for LEED documentation.
D By the amount of energy reduction
Energy reduction is only one factor in LEED. Site, water, materials, and the indoor environment are the other
factors.
Notes:
Reference: LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance Reference Guide, Introduction
Question 17:
What plan details the strategies to improve indoor air quality for a building's occupants?
A Integrated Indoor Air Quality Management Plan
B Air Quality Assessment Plan
C Indoor Air Quality Management Plan
The IAQ Management Plan defines practices to be employed on jobsites to assure a healthy work
environment during construction and assure a healthy work environment for eventual building occupants.
The plan should implement solutions for:
- Specifying less harmful/low-emitting materials
- Protecting building materials during construction
- Scheduling construction activities to minimize occupant exposure
- Isolate areas of work to prevent contamination of clean/occupied spaces
- Ventilating the space to remove air contaminants
D Indoor Air Management Best Practices

Question 18:
For a building project, when does the life cycle approach begin?
A During project scheduling
B After a site has been selected
C During materials selection
D With the initial pre-design decisions and goal setting
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. This approach considers longevity. For a building the life cycle approach continues through
design, planning, construction, operation and maintenance, and renovation. The approach ends when the
project reaches its end-of-life and the components are recycled or reused.
Question 19:
What must be considered in the project budget for a green building project that would not be part of a conventional
project?
A Selecting only ENERGY STAR appliances
While ENERGY STAR appliances do save more energy compared to non ENERGY STAR appliances, green
buildings do not require ENERGY STAR appliances.
B Contingencies for research of unconventional techniques or materials
The manual states project teams should determine relevant design fees and construction costs. Also
address:
1. Life-cycle cost analysis
2. Design and cost advice from experienced green building professionals
3. Contingencies for research of unconventional techniques or materials
Life cycle costing is used to evaluate economic performance and takes into account operational and
maintenance costs throughout the life of the product.
C Added building equipment to make the building more energy efficient
Green building doesn't necessarily require added equipment for efficiency.
D Additional time in the schedule for construction
'One of the main potential benefits of IPD is the reduction of construction time due to the extensive planning
and changes to project processes.' (AIA IPD Guide)
Notes:
Reference: Sustainable Building Technical Manual: Part II

Question 20:
What additional LEED certification would a project team likely pursue for an office building that has already earned
LEED Core & Shell if the offices will be leased out to tenants?
A LEED Core & Shell post-certification
B LEED for Homes
C LEED for Commercial Interiors
LEED Core & 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 for New Construction.
D LEED for New Construction
Question 21:
What LEED Rating System is used for interior tenant improvements?
A LEED for New Construction
The LEED for New Construction Rating System is designed to guide and distinguish high-performance
commercial and institutional projects, including office buildings, high-rise residential buildings, government
buildings, recreational facilities, manufacturing plants and laboratories.(-USGBC)
B LEED for Existing Buildings Operations & Maintenance
The LEED for Existing Buildings Rating System helps building owners and operators measure operations,
improvements and maintenance on a consistent scale, with the goal of maximizing operational efficiency
while minimizing environmental impacts. LEED for Existing Buildings addresses whole-building cleaning and
maintenance issues (including chemical use), recycling programs, exterior maintenance programs, and
systems upgrades. It can be applied both to existing buildings seeking LEED certification for the first time
and to projects previously certified under LEED for New Construction, Schools, or Core & Shell. (-USGBC)
C LEED for Commercial Interiors
D LEED for Core & Shell
LEED for Core & Shell is a green building rating system for designers, builders, developers and new building
owners who want to address sustainable design for new core and shell construction. Core and shell covers
base building elements such as structure, envelope and the HVAC system. LEED for Core & Shell is
designed to be complementary to the LEED for Commercial Interiors rating system, as both rating systems
establish green building criteria for developers, owners and tenants. (-USGBC)
Notes:
LEED for Commercial Interiors is a benchmark for the tenant improvement market that gives the power to make
sustainable choices to tenants and designers. (-USGBC)

Question 22:
Which of the following is not a credit category for LEED for Neighborhood Development?
A Neighborhood Pattern and Design
B Smart Location and Linkage
C Awareness and Education
This is a LEED for Homes specific credit category.
In the commercial building rating systems the topics of Awareness and Education are covered under the
Innovation and Design / Innovation in Operations category.
D Green Infrastructure and Buildings
Question 23:
What does the built environment refer to?
A Structures that provide stronger connections to nature
Green buildings are structures that provide stronger connections to nature.
B The green building movement
There are a number of motives to building green, including environmental, economic, and social benefits.
However, modern sustainability initiatives call for an integrated and synergistic design to both new
construction and in the retrofitting of an existing structure.
C Any environment that is human-made and provides a structure for human activity
The term built environment refers to any environment that is human-made and provides a structure for
human activity, ranging in scale from personal shelter and buildings to neighborhoods and cities that can
often include their supporting infrastructure, such as water supply or energy networks.
D A process of continually improving buildings
The process of continually improving buildings is one of the goals of green building.
Notes:
Question 24:
How many categories are in the LEED Rating Systems for commercial projects?
A 7
There are 7 categories for a LEED commercial project:

Sustainable Sites (SS)
Water Efficiency (WE)
Energy and Atmosphere (EA)
Materials and Resources (MR)
Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ)
Innovation in Design (ID) / Innovation in Operations (IO)
Regional Priority
B 5
C 10
D 4
Notes:
Question 25:
A multi-family building that is 3 stories tall would be certified under what rating system?
A LEED for Commercial Interiors
LEED for Commercial Interiors is appropriate for interior spaces that are undergoing alteration work for at
least 60% of the certifying gross floor area. (-USGBC)
B LEED for New Construction
LEED for New Construction is primarily for whole buildings that are new or undergoing major construction.
This rating system is appropriate for any project that does not have another LEED rating system defined
(Schools, Healthcare, Retail).
LEED NC can be used for residential projects of 4 or more stories.
C LEED for Homes
LEED for Homes is appropriate for single family and low-rise (1-3 stories) multifamily residential buildings
that are undergoing new construction or a gut rehab.
Projects with kitchens, dormitories and assisted living facilities may use LEED for Homes.
Mid-rise (4-6 stories) multifamily residential buildings, dormitories, and assisted living facilities may use
either LEED for Homes or the LEED for Homes Mid-Rise Pilot Rating System. This depends on whether
kitchens are present in the units.
D LEED for Core and Shell
Notes:

Question 26:
What does the weighting and level of importance of a LEED credit depend on?
A Cost of implementation
Cost is not part of how the LEED credit weightings are determined.
B Quantity of resources consumed
While the quantity of resources consumed is important and a part of some of the credits (materials and
resources, water), all of the credits are weighted for environmental and human health concerns.
C Environmental and human health concerns
LEED awards more points for strategies that will have greater positive impacts on the environment and
human health, such as energy efficiency and CO2 reductions.
D The ease with which the credit can be earned
Ease of implementation is not part of the weighting process.
Notes:
Question 27:
What are examples of construction hard costs for an office condominium project?
A Cost for installing a green roof
Labor for installing materials is a hard cost.
B Fees to develop tenant agreements
This fee would be a soft cost.
C Irrigation fees for water use
Water/electricity are ongoing operating costs.
D Masonry costs paid to a sub-contractor
Masonry is a hard cost.
Notes:
Reference: n/a
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.
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.
Question 28:
A major renovation of an existing K-12 school building would likely use what LEED rating system?
A LEED for Commercial Interiors
LEED for Commercial Interiors is appropriate for interior spaces that are undergoing alteration work for at
least 60% of the certifying gross floor area. (-USGBC)
B LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance
LEED for Existing Buildings is appropriate for existing whole buildings. Typically, these buildings undergo
only improvement work. (-USGBC)
C LEED for Schools
LEED for Schools is used for the new construction or major renovation of K-12 projects. This rating system
can also be used for higher-level learning facilities such as colleges and universities.
D LEED for New Construction
LEED for New Construction is primarily for whole buildings that are new or undergoing major construction.
This rating system is appropriate for any project that does not have another LEED rating system defined
(Schools, Healthcare, Retail).
E LEED for Core and Shell
Notes:
Question 29:
What minimum floor area is needed for New Construction, Core and Shell, Schools, and Existing Buildings
Operations & Maintenance projects?
A 5,000 sq. ft.
B There is no minimum
C 10,000 sq. ft.

D 1,000 sq. ft.
Notes:
1,000 sq. ft. minimum for commercial projects.
250 sq. ft. for commercial interior projects.
Question 30:
Which of the following would be classified as a soft construction cost?
A Rental of a dumpster
This is a hard cost.
B Purchase of some steel
This is a hard cost.
C Construction worker labor costs
This is a 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. Examples of hard costs
include masonry, wood, steel, carpet, tile, mechanical systems, roofing.
D Civil engineer consulting fee
A soft construction cost is one that is not directly related to building, construction, etc. These can be
architectural, legal, financing, engineering fees, commissioning, and other costs incurred before and after
construction.
Question 31:
The project team will not meet the threshold requirements of a particular LEED credit. What is the proper course of
action that the team should take regarding this credit?
A Not include the credit in the final application
There will be times when a credit planned on being earned may not be achievable. For example, maybe not
enough electricity can be saved for an EA credit, or maybe the building owner changes his or her mind about
a particular credit to cut building costs. If a credit cannot be earned, do not include that credit in the final
application. Note that the question asks what should be done regarding this credit, not what should be done
to achieve certification. If the loss of the credit impacts the number of points needed for certification or a
certain level of certification, the project team needs to find a way to make up the lost points.
B Apply for an exception

Credits do not have an exception process if the requirements can't be met.
C Appeal the credit
You would not appeal a credit the project cannot meet the requirements of.
D Submit a 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).
Question 32:
What does the IPMVP Volume III provide information on?
A Best practices for verifying the energy performance of a new building
The IPMVP Volume III is used for Measurement and Verification credit. The standard is used in the rating
systems and you should be familiar with what the standard is used for.
Measurement and Verification plans are used to account for a building's energy consumption over time to
optimize energy performance, minimize environmental impacts, and save on building operating costs. New
Construction projects can earn a Measurement and Verification credit for implementing this type of plan.
B Best design techniques for acoustics in schools
C Best management practices for construction activity pollution prevention
D Government restrictions for the water flow limits of fixtures
Question 33:
What are the life cycle costing benefits of a vegetated roof?
A Lower maintenance costs
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.
B Reduced heat islands
Reducing heat islands is an environmental benefit which would be determined by life-cycle analysis
(environmental analysis).
C Reduction in storm water runoff
Reducing stormwater runoff is an environmental benefit which would be determined by life-cycle analysis
(environmental analysis).
D Longer product life

According to some studies and some LEED documentation vegetated roofs have a longer product life than
conventional roofs. Maybe that is due to the yearly maintenance and upkeep that should occur.
Question 34:
Why does the USGBC outline rules on use of its trademarks and logos?
A USGBC wants to make sure its message is spread accurately
LEED GA Candidate Handbook.
While we receive many negative comments about the relevance of these types of questions the
subject matter may come up on your exam. You are better off seeing questions from every exam
objective than being under-prepared because some questions covering the GBCI exam objectives
you will be tested on seem silly.
The USGBC Trademark Policy assist the community in the use of USGBC proprietary marks and
corresponding language that accurately and consistently convey USGBC's messages and identity.
B USGBC wants to make sure it retains control over what is said about LEED
This is a valid statement but not the definition of the logo policies.
C USGBC wants customers to be directed to its website for clear information
This is a valid statement but not the primary reason USGBC created logo rules.
D USGBC wants to be able to charge a fee for logo use
Fees are not charged for logo use directly. If a company becomes a member the company must pay a fee
and then gets access to a logo.
Notes:
Reference: Logo Guidelines
Question 35:
Building permit fees for a project are what type of cost?
A Operating cost
Operating costs are another type of cost for a building in addition to hard and soft costs. These costs occur
after the building is complete and up and running. These costs include utilities such as water and electricity
as well as the costs of maintenance personnel - janitorial, landscape, security.
B Hard cost
Hard costs: By far the largest portion of the expenses in a construction budget, the hard costs are mostly
comprised of the actual construction costs incurred to build the project.
Examples include masonry, wood, steel, carpet, tile, mechanical systems, roofing.

C Life cycle cost
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 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.
Notes:
Reference: n/a
Question 36:
A declarant is the person on the project team who:
A Submits any Credit Interpretation Requests (CIRs) to GBCI
Any team member can submit a CIR.
B Creates the project narrative
The person filling out the registration form usually submits the project narrative.
C Assigns credits to each of the team members
The project administrator assigns credits to team members.
D Is technically qualified to verify the information on the LEED credit forms and is authorized by the project
administrator to sign the form
This is the definition of the declarant.
Notes:
Reference: LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance Reference Guide, Glossary
Question 37:
What is NOT a factor in the calculation of embodied energy when using the Construction Carbon Calculator?
A Site disturbance
B Landscape
C Project materials
D Number of occupants

E Building size
Notes:
Reference: Construction Carbon Calculator
The Construction Carbon Calculator estimates embodied carbon. Embodied carbon is the carbon released when a
product is manufactured, shipped to a project site and installed. This calculator looks at an entire project, and takes
into account the:
site disturbance
landscape and ecosystem installation or restoration
building size
base materials of construction
(BuildingCarbonNeutral.org)
Question 38:
What is an example of adaptive reuse?
A Renovating a historic home
This is just renovation.
B Designing a building with a flexible floor plan that can accommodate offices or apartments
Adaptive reuse is the design and construction of a building so that it can serve a future use that is different
than its current use. In this example the building can have offices now but in 20 years could be updated to
apartments more easily than if the design did not include this option.
C Designing classrooms so they can be divided into separate class spaces
A classroom divider is not a type of reuse. The classrooms aren't designed for another purpose in the future.
D Tearing down an old steel mill and putting residences on the property
This is a good example of site reuse.
Notes:
Question 39:
What LEED rating system extends beyond the building footprint to its landscape as well as its local and regional
context?
A LEED for Neighborhood Development
LEED for Neighborhood Development integrates the principles of smart growth, urbanism and green building
into the first national system for neighborhood design.
B LEED for Homes
C LEED for Schools

D LEED for Retail
Question 40:
What measures embodied carbon by looking at an entire project, and takes into account the site disturbance,
landscape and ecosystem installation or restoration, building size, and base materials of construction?
A Carbon Neutral Online
No such term.
B Construction Carbon Calculator
The Construction Carbon Calculator estimates embodied carbon. Embodied carbon is the carbon released
when a product is manufactured, shipped to a project site and installed. This calculator looks at an entire
project, and takes into account the site disturbance, landscape and ecosystem installation or restoration,
building size and base materials of construction. (BuildingCarbonNeutral.org)
C Wingspread Principles
The Wingspread Principles are twelve concise statements that lay a foundation for positive change in the
U.S.
D TRACI
The most effective way to achieve long-term environmental results is through the use of a consistent set of
metrics and decision making framework. The U.S. EPA has developed TRACI, the Tool for the Reduction
and Assessment of Chemical and other environmental Impacts to assist in impact assessment for
Sustainability Metrics, Life Cycle Assessment, Industrial Ecology, Process Design, and Pollution Prevention.
Notes:
Reference: Construction Carbon Calculator
Question 41:
Sustainable design strategies are effectively implemented only by using a:
A Incremental approach
While the LEED Rating System is flexible and independent, effective sustainable design strategies rely on a
whole building approach, not a part or incremental approach.
B Whole building approach
By taking into consideration the building site, the building structure, all of the systems, and the use of the
building, the project team applies a 'whole building' approach.
C Conventional approach
Conventional building is what sustainable design is moving away from.
D Flexible approach

While the LEED Rating System is flexible and independent, effective sustainable design strategies rely on a
whole building approach, not a part or incremental approach.
Question 42:
A CIR submission should be made:
A When filling out the LEED checklist
When the project team fills out the LEED checklist they are determining what credits the project is likely to
achieve. CIR submissions would be done after the credits that will be or may be attempted have been
selected.
B To change the rating system a project is certifying under
A project team can decide to change the rating system the project will be certified under, but the CIR
process would not be used for that.
C To determine a project's baseline water use
CIRs are not used to determine baseline measurements for water use.
D After project registration
CIR submissions are available only after a project has been registered.
Notes:
Reference: n/a
Question 43:
Where should a project team go for updates and errata for the LEED for New Construction rating system?
A LEED reference guides
The reference guides don't always have the most recent updates. Check USGBC's website instead.
B usgbc.org
Any updates, changes, errata to any LEED rating system are found on USGBC's website and nowhere else.
C GBCI.org
D LEED online
Notes:
Reference: n/a

Question 44:
A preliminary rating would NOT include what item?
A Credits that will be attempted
B Completed LEED Score Card
C Conceptual design
The conceptual design is not part of the preliminary rating process.
D Targeted LEED certification level
Notes:
The preliminary LEED rating would include three things:
1. The targeted LEED award level (Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum).
2. The credits that have been selected to meet the targeted award level.
3. A completed LEED Score Card to help determine the target certification level.
Question 45:
What are the precedent-setting rulings that can be applied to multiple projects?
A CIRs
B LEED Credits
C LEED Prerequisites
D LEED Interpretations
LEED Interpretations are precedent-setting rulings reviewed by USGBC on formal inquiries submitted by
LEED project teams that can be applied to multiple projects.
Question 46:
What are the goals of the Minimum Program Requirements?
A Reduce certification process challenges
B Give clear guidance to customers
C Protect the integrity of the LEED program
D Verify buildings are meeting environmental goals

This is something the project team does.
E Ensure prerequisites are met
This is something the project team does and the GBCI review team.
Notes:
From GBCI Website GBCI Policy Manual:
A project must adhere to the LEED Minimum Program Requirements, (MPRs) in order to achieve LEED certification.
LEED projects must comply with each applicable MPR. These requirements define the types of buildings that the
LEED Green Building Rating Systems were designed to evaluate, and taken together serve three goals:
1. to give clear guidance to customers
2. to protect the integrity of the LEED program
3. and to reduce complications that occur during the LEED Certification process
MPRs have 3 goals (above), and 7 things that must be complied with. The difference is goals vs. tasks. MPRs are
minimum characteristics that a project must possess in order to be eligible for LEED Certification.
MPRs do not ensure prerequisites are met. The certification process (leedonline) and the people reviewing LEED
applications ensure the prerequisites are met and that the building has met the credits applied for.
In addition to the Minimum Program Requirements, each version of LEED contains unique prerequisite requirements
that must be satisfied in order to achieve certification. The term prerequisite refers to a mandatory project
characteristic, measurement, quality, value or function as identified within the LEED rating system.
Prerequisites represent the key criteria that define green building performance. Each project must satisfy all specified
prerequisites outlined in the LEED rating system under which it is registered. Failure to meet any prerequisite will
render a project ineligible for certification.
Question 47:
Who is responsible for the development of the LEED Rating Systems?
A Product manufacturers
B Architects, engineers, and contractors only
C Local, state, and federal government agencies
D Volunteers
The intent of this question is to learn the LEED Rating Systems are developed by committees of volunteers
from all types of backgrounds.
From USGBC's website:
'LEED Rating Systems are developed through an open, consensus-based process led by LEED committees.
Each volunteer committee is composed of a diverse group of practitioners and experts representing a cross-
section of the building and construction industry.'
While it is true employees of local, state, and federal government agencies can volunteer for the committees,
as can product manufacturers and architects, engineers, and contractors, it is volunteers that make up the

committees from these professions as well as many others.
Question 48:
Which of the following statements is true about Credit Interpretation Requests (CIRs)?
A Product vendors can access all CIRs to meet any updated credit requirements
Anyone on the project team can access the CIRs for that specific project. A project vendor does not have
access to all CIRs.
B CIRs can only be submitted during the design phase of a project
CIRs can be submitted at any time up until the project administrator submits all of the documentation for
certification.
Inquiries must request guidance on just one credit or prerequisite (unless there is technical justification to do
otherwise) and generally contain one concise question or a set of related questions. It is often helpful to
discuss the inquiry within context of the credit's intent.
Anyone on the project team (after being added to LEED Online for that project) can submit the CIR, then
someone has to pay GBCI for the review of the CIR.
C CIRs can be submitted for prerequisites
CIRs can be submitted for any prerequisite or credit for the project's rating system.
D CIRs cannot be submitted in regards to the LEED Accredited Professional credit
CIRs can be submitted for any prerequisite or credit for the project's rating system.
Notes:
Reference: Guidelines for CIR Customers
Question 49:
In what instances would a project team submit a Credit Interpretation Request (CIR)?
A When a conflict in a credit or prerequisite requires resolution
CIRs should be used when there are conflicts in a credit/prerequisite.
B When appealing a credit that has been denied
CIRs are not used to appeal a credit.
C When the person registering the project has a question about the registration process
Projects that haven't been registered do not have access to submit a CIR.
D When the reference guide does not address a specific issue
CIRs should be used when you can't find the answer in the reference guide.

Notes:
Question 50:
What provides a volume certification path to enable owners to integrate LEED across the board as a standard feature
of their design, construction and operations?
A LEED Volume Program
The LEED Volume Program (formerly the USGBC Portfolio Program) is designed for owners that have a lot
of new/existing buildings and want to implement LEED on a large scale.
B LEED for Neighborhood Development
LEED for Neighborhood Development integrates the principles of smart growth, urbanism and green building
into the first national system for neighborhood design.
C Local green initiatives
Local green initiatives do not provide a volume certification path for LEED.
D LEED Online
LEED Online is a tool to manage project certification.
Notes:
Question 51:
What tool provides cost-effective streamlined certification processes for multiple building certifications?
A ENERGY STAR 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.
B LEED Volume Program
The LEED Volume Program (formerly the USGBC Portfolio Program) lets organizations achieve LEED
certification on a volume scale. For example if the organization has dozens of buildings across the country.
C ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager
ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager is an interactive energy management tool for tracking and assessing
energy and water consumption across an entire portfolio of buildings. It is not used for streamlining
certification.
D LEED Online
LEED Online is the tool used for documenting the project.

Notes:
Reference: LEED Volume Program (formerly the USGBC Portfolio Program)
Question 52:
Compared to those for a conventional building, a green building project and construction budget will also include:
A Soft costs
All projects have soft costs.
Soft costs: These costs involve all of the other fees involved in the completion of the project. You would
include your attorney fees, other professional fees, testing, appraisal, marketing, office, and overhead
expenses. Soft costs are those expenditures necessary to complete a project but not directly 'bricks and
mortar,' such as design and consultant fees, communications costs, interim housing, moving or relocation
costs, and additional district staffing.
B Costs to implement erosion control plans
All projects have erosion control - it is required at the federal level.
C Life cycle costing
address:
1. Life cycle costing
Life cycle costing compares different designs to determine the best long-term investment. All building
expenses are included in the analysis including:
Initial costs (design + construction)
Operating costs (utilities, water, electricity, people)
Maintenance costs (repair, replacement, upkeep)
D Fees to review local laws and standards
Reviewing things like local zoning and ordinances are applicable to all building projects.
Notes:
Question 53:
What logo is used to designate membership with USGBC?
A LEED Chapter logo
This logo denotes USGBC chapters.
B USGBC logo

Use of the USGBC logo is granted through their marketing department.
C LEED AP logo
This logo is for people that are LEED APs.
D LEED logo
This logo is for LEED projects.
E USGBC member logo
it.
The USGBC member logo is the only logo used to denote membership with USGBC.
Notes:
Question 54:
What standard might need to be consulted for increasing building energy performance?
A 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.
B ISO 14020
The ISO 14021 series standards, Environmental Labels and Declaration, are communication tools that
convey information on environmental aspects of a product or service to the market.
C 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.
D ASHRAE 90.1-2007
ASHRAE 90.1-2007 is used to measure building energy performance.
Notes:

Question 55:
What can be used to compare the energy performance of two buildings?
A 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.
B LEED Online
LEED Online is a tool used to manage the documentation of a LEED project.
C LEED
LEED itself does not compare energy use to buildings. LEED references other standards that are used to
improve energy performance. LEED compares the greenness of two buildings, which includes much more
than just the energy performance.
D ENERGY STAR
ENERGY STAR is specific to energy performance and can be used to compare building performance.
Question 56:
What are the key criteria that define green building performance?
A Innovative designs
Innovative designs can earn a project bonus points.
B Prerequisites
The prerequisites are the key criteria that define green building performance. - GBCI
C Minimum program requirements
USGBC maintains Minimum Program Requirements (MPRs) for some versions of the LEED rating systems.
While the MPRs are not part of the rating systems, this criterion is applicable as it identifies the basic
construction and development activities for which the LEED program was designed to evaluate. (-USGBC)
D Third party standards
LEED references third party standards in order to meet the requirements of some credits/prerequisites.
Notes:
Question 57:
The process of life cycle assessment encompasses what stages of the building process?

A All stages
All parts of the building process are considered as a part of the 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).
The goal of LCA is to compare the full range of environmental and social damages assignable to products
and services, to be able to choose the least burdensome one.
B Design and construction
C Operations
D Planning
E Design
Question 58:
Which statement is true regarding the LEED for Commercial Interiors rating system?
A Projects with tenants that occupy the entire building are ineligible for LEED for Commercial Interiors
certification
A tenant can occupy 100% of a building and still receive LEED CI certification.
B A tenant's LEED project that occupies less than 10% of the building can earn LEED for Commercial Interiors
certification
There are no space requirements for LEED CI certification, other than the Minimum Program Requirements
for any certification which requires:
'The LEED project must include a minimum of 250 square feet (22 square meters) of gross floor area.'
C A project must occupy at least 1,000 square feet (93 square meters) of gross floor area to earn LEED for
Commercial Interiors certification
A project must occupy at least 250 square feet (22 square meters) of gross floor area to earn LEED for
Commercial Interiors certification.
D LEED for Commercial Interiors certification can only be achieved if the building has already achieved LEED
for Core and Shell certification
While LEED CI and LEED CS often go hand-in-hand, LEED CS is not required as a precursor to LEED CI
certification.
Notes:
Question 59:
What does ASHRAE 62.1-2007 specify?
A Indoor air quality

ASHRAE 62.1-2007 Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality specifies minimum ventilation rates. These
rates are used to improve indoor air quality as part of the IEQ credit category.
B Energy performance
C Thermal comfort
D Commuting surveys
Notes:
Question 60:
What is not covered under the LEED for Core and Shell rating system?
A Envelope
B Tenant fit out
Tenant fit-outs are part of the LEED for Commercial Interiors rating system.
C Structure
D HVAC system
E Furniture, furnishings, and equipment (FF&E)
FF&E are part of the LEED for Commercial Interiors rating system. Furniture is also addressed in LEED for
New Construction.
Notes:
Core and shell covers the base building elements:
 Structure
 Envelope
 HVAC System
Question 61:
Which statement is true regarding the certification process?
A Appeals may be submitted at any time in the process after the project is registered
B Appeals can only be submitted after project certification has been awarded

C Appeals are only allowed during the preliminary review
D Appeals can be submitted after the final application review
If the project team was denied a credit the team may appeal. Appeals are allowed for design phase and
construction phase credits if a split review is being done. Otherwise the appeals come after the final review.
Appeals are $500 per credit - no discounts.
Notes:
Reference: GBCI Website
Question 62:
A project's scope of work will include systems upgrades, minor space-use changes, and minor facility alterations.
What LEED rating system would be most appropriate?
A LEED for New Construction
LEED for New Construction would be for new construction or major (not minor) renovations.
B LEED for Core & Shell
C LEED for Schools
LEED for Schools use either the LEED for New Construction or LEED for Schools rating systems. LEED EB:
O&M can be applied after the building is completed.
D LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance
The giveaway in this question are the words 'upgrades' and 'minor'. 'Upgrades' lets you know this is an
existing building. Minor changes are part of the LEED EB: O&M scope.
Notes:
Question 63:
What LEED rating system addresses exterior site maintenance programs?
A LEED for Schools
B LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance
C LEED for New Construction

D LEED for Core and Shell
Notes:
Any type of maintenance should be a reminder of the operations and maintenance of a building.
'The LEED for Existing Buildings Rating System helps building owners and operators measure operations,
improvements and maintenance on a consistent scale, with the goal of maximizing operational efficiency while
minimizing environmental impacts. LEED for Existing Buildings addresses whole-building cleaning and maintenance
issues (including chemical use), recycling programs, exterior maintenance programs, and systems upgrades. It can
be applied both to existing buildings seeking LEED certification for the first time and to projects previously certified
under LEED for New Construction, Schools, or Core & Shell.' – USGBC
Question 64:
A building owner for a new 10-story office building will occupy six floors. What LEED rating system would be most
appropriate for the owner's interior fit-out of the six floors?
A LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance
LEED EB: O&M is used for post-construction.
B LEED for New Construction
LEED NC would not be used for the tenant fit-out.
C LEED for Retail
LEED for Retail would not be applicable because the project is for office space.
D LEED for Commercial Interiors
The key here is interior fit-out. LEED for Commercial Interiors is appropriate if at least 60% of the certifying
gross area is being fit-out.
Notes:
Question 65:
An additional cost that a green building project may have compared to a conventional project is:
A Consultant fees for green building experts
address:
1. Life-cycle cost analysis

Life cycle costing is used to evaluate economic performance and takes into account operational and
maintenance costs throughout the life of the product.
B Permit fees for plumbing
All projects require plumbing permits.
C Added utility costs
LEED buildings are supposed to have lower utility costs because the LEED prerequisites require using a
percentage less energy and water than conventional buildings.
D Increased prices for selecting a sustainable site
The price of the lot is a fixed price regardless of what you build on it. A site may cost more or less depending
on the size and location.
Notes:
Question 66:
A member company wants to display its USGBC member logo. What would be an appropriate use for the USGBC
member logo?
A On a company's product to show product endorsement
B On the company's website home page linking to the company's LEED projects
C On any partner website of the member company
D On company letterhead
it.
Use of the USGBC member logo is limited to member companies. See the logo usage document for the
limits on use.
From the document:
Member Logo on Product Packaging
USGBC does not review, certify, or endorse products. As such, the Member Logo may not be used to
indicate any kind of endorsement by USGBC of any product or service, to indicate that any official status for
any product or service has been conferred by or is otherwise associated with USGBC, or to show any kind of
relationship with USGBC other than to signify the company is a USGBC member.
A company could use the logo in their letterhead for marketing purposes. This is why USGBC created the
logo guidelines and why the issue is addressed in the logo guidelines.
Notes:
Reference: USGBC Website on Logo use

Question 67:
Which statement is true regarding a LEED for New Construction project?
A No refrigerants are used in the HVAC systems
Do not confuse no refrigerants with no CFC-based refrigerants. This rating system allows the use of
refrigerants, just not CFC-based ones.
B This rating system is for buildings that do not primarily serve K-12 educational, retail, or designated
healthcare uses
LEED NC is for complete construction. It is appropriate for buildings that are undergoing new construction or
major renovation (or gut rehab, for low- and mid-rise residential) and a complete interior fitout.
LEED NC is for buildings that do not primarily serve K-12 educational, retail, or designated healthcare uses.
C This rating system can be used for tenant spaces
Projects for tenant spaces would use LEED for Commercial Interiors (CI).
D No refrigerants are used in the building
LEED NC projects allow the use of refrigerants.
Notes:
Reference: LEED Rating System Selection Guidance
Question 68:
What major concepts are integral to green building and sustainability?
A Linear planning and design processes
This is the traditional building approach. The opposite would be the integrated process.
B Integrated process
Integrated 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 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.
D 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.
E 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.
Notes:
Question 69:
A project team is considering registering a two story residential building for LEED for New Construction. Each story is
500 square feet. What statement is true about this scenario?
A LEED for New Construction could be used if the LEED project boundary is no more than 50,000 square feet
A residential building must be four or more stories to use LEED for New Construction.
B The project team could apply for a building size exception in order to use LEED for New Construction
There are no building size exceptions to use the LEED for New Construction rating system.
C LEED for New Construction could not be used because residential projects must be at least four-stories high
for this rating system
A residential building must be four or more stories to use LEED for New Construction, otherwise LEED for
Homes should be used. Even if all of the other answers sound right because they use familiar terms found in
the MPRs, go with what you know about the LEED NC rating system.
D LEED for New Construction could be used because the project meets the 1,000 square foot minimum floor
area requirement
While the project meets the minimum floor area requirements, a residential building must be four or more
stories to use LEED for New Construction.
Notes:
Reference: LEED for New Construction Rating System
Question 70:
LEED requires which of the following to be done in order for a project to earn certification?
A Achieve all prerequisites for the rating system
ALL prerequisites must be met for the rating system. If even a single prerequisite cannot be achieved in the
rating system being certified under the project cannot earn LEED certification.
B Achieve at least 50 points
Projects must achieve at least 40 points (not 50 points) to become LEED Certified.
C Meet the Minimum Program Requirements
All Minimum Program Requirements must be met.

D Have the project administrator be a LEED AP
The project administrator does not have to be a LEED AP.
E Include a LEED AP on the project
No LEED AP is required for project certification.
Notes:
Reference: n/a
Question 71:
What does the LEED Volume Program help with?
A Policy support for LEED documentation
B Comparing design case energy use among buildings
C Cost-effective LEED certification on a volume scale
Among other things the LEED Volume Program (formerly the USGBC Portfolio Program) provides a cost-
effective path to achieving LEED certification on a volume scale.
D Comparing baseline energy use among buildings
Notes:
Reference: LEED Volume Program (formerly the USGBC Portfolio Program)
Question 72:
Which of the following are not Minimum Program Requirements?
A The project must be a permanent building or structure
The building must be a permanent structure and can't be capable of being moved later on.
B Minimum use (less than 1%) of CFC-based refrigerants
Fundamental Refrigerant Management is a LEED prerequisite which requires zero use of CFCs. This is not
an MPR.
C Minimum occupancy rate of at least one Full Time Equivalent (FTE)
Projects must serve at least 1 FTE.
D Minimum building area to site area ratio
All LEED projects must comply with a minimum building to site area ratio. The gross floor area of the LEED
project building must be at least 2% of the gross land area (LEED project boundary).

Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 Minimum Program Requirements
Question 73:
To meet the minimum program requirements for a new welcome center in a park, how big does the welcome center
need to be if the LEED project boundary is 100,000 square feet?
A At least 40% of the LEED project boundary
Don't confuse this with the 40/60 rule used to determine what rating system to use in cases where multiple
rating systems may apply to a project.
B 1,000 square feet
Don't confuse this with the minimum floor area requirements. A new construction building must be at least
1,000 square feet, but it must also meet the minimum building to site area ratio.
C 2,000 square feet of gross floor area
All LEED projects must comply with a minimum building to site area ratio. The gross floor area of the LEED
project building must be at least 2% of the gross land area (LEED project boundary).
100,000 X 2% = 2,000 square feet
D At least 60% of the LEED project boundary
Don't confuse this with the 40/60 rule used to determine what rating system to use in cases where multiple
rating systems may apply to a project.
Notes:
Question 74:
At a minimum, a project team must successfully do which of the following to obtain LEED certification?
A Hire a USGBC approved consultant
USGBC consultants are not required for projects.
B Gather documentation for 40 points of the 110 points available
The minimum number of points required for certification is 40.
C Gather documentation for the prerequisites
Projects must meet all prerequisites to earn LEED certification and submit documentation for the credits
being attempted.
D Record all vendors used on the project
The product vendors are not needed when submitting documentation on the project.

Question 75:
Each commercial (non-homes) rating system is comprised of what elements?
A CIRs
B Prerequisites
C Strategies
D Credits
E Minimum Program Requirements
Notes:
Each commercial (non-homes) rating system is comprised of a series of the following elements:
1. Minimum Program Requirements
2. Prerequisites
3. Credits
Question 76:
What is one of the goals of filling in the LEED Score Card?
A To obtain owner buy-in for the project
Owner buy-in is outside the scope of the LEED Scorecard.
B To estimate the ROI of the project
Some type of reporting would determine the ROI.
C To determine credit responsibilities
This is set in LEED Online and is determined by the project team.
D To determine the target certification level
The LEED Score Card is a tool used to determine how many points the project can reasonably assume will
be awarded.
Notes:

Question 77:
What statement is true regarding green building?
A LEED teams are achieving certification through widely diverse methods
LEED teams are achieving LEED certification through similar, low cost approaches. Most times the
strategies among projects are very similar for those projects that have similar goals. Widely diverse methods
would indicate every project is doing something significantly different than other projects.
B Green design is a cost neutral add-on
Green design should not be an add-on. Green design should be considered in the pre-design phase. When
green design is considered later (construction) phase the costs go up significantly and the building usually
doesn't perform as well.
C LEED buildings were increasingly common until construction costs rose 30% in the last two years
LEED building is still taking place despite increases in construction costs.
D The construction of green buildings have no major significant cost difference to non-green buildings
According to Cost of Green Revisited - The 2006 study shows essentially the same results as 2004: there is
no significant difference in average costs for green buildings as compared to non-green buildings.
Notes:
Reference: Cost of Green Revisited
Question 78:
Each LEED credit and prerequisite includes the intent of the credit/prerequisite. What is the 'intent' of a
credit/prerequisite?
A Details the level of performance needed to achieve a credit
This is what requirements contain, or exemplary performance.
B Outlines concerns specific to specific regions
This is what regional variations contain.
C Addresses the synergies and trade-offs between credits
This information is covered in the related credits section of the reference guide.
D Identifies the main sustainability goal or benefit of the prerequisite or credit
This is USGBC's definition of a LEED intent.
Notes:

Question 79:
The Green Label Plus certification is used for what material?
A Cleaning products
Green Seal and Environmental Choice are standards LEED accepts for cleaning products.
B Carpets
Green Label Plus certified carpets have low VOC content.
C Floors
Floors are certified by FloorScore.
D Wood
Wood is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.
Notes:
Question 80:
What does a project team have the ability to do only after a project is registered?
A Create a GBCI website account
Anyone can create a GBCI account here: http://www.gbci.org/SignIn.aspx
B Purchase USGBC reference guides
Reference guides for each rating system are available to anyone at USGBC's website.
C Download the LEED Scorecard
LEED Scorecards are available for free to anyone.
D Submit a Credit Interpretation Request (CIR)
CIRs can only be submitted for registered projects through LEED Online.
Notes:
Reference: n/a
Question 81:
Which of the following are NOT soft costs?
A Commissioning of the building's systems

This is a soft cost.
Commissioning is systematic process of assuring that a building and its systems performs in accordance
with the design intent and the owner's requirements.
B City permits
C Windows
This is a 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.
Examples of hard costs include masonry, wood, steel, carpet, tile, mechanical systems, roofing.
D Project drawings
Notes:
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.
Question 82:
What should be used during all project phases to verify the green building goals are being met?
A ID Credit Catalog
The ID Credit Catalog is a list of all ID credits previous projects have awarded.
B Commissioning plan
The commissioning plan is used to verify the installed systems are working as designed.
C Materials checklist
The materials checklist would be used by contractors to purchase materials needed for the project.
D LEED Score Card
The LEED Score Card is the quick list of what credits the project team has decided to pursue in the pre-
design phase, based on the project vision and the project's green building goals.
Through each phase this checklist is consulted to ask 'are we on track and are we working towards meeting
those credits we set out to do?'
Notes:

Question 83:
What does 'LEED Certified' indicate?
A A project that has been certified
B The LEED Rating System
C A project that has been certified at the base level
This question is explicitly addressed in the USGBC Trademark Policy on page 16.
'LEED certification' with lowercase 'c' is used to describe the certification process. 'LEED certified' with
lowercase 'c' is used to describe a project that has been certified. 'LEED Certified' with capital 'C' is used to
describe a project that has been certified to the base level: Certified.
The certification levels are:
Certified
Silver
Gold
Platinum
A building can be 'certified' without being 'Certified', but in that case it would have received
Silver/Gold/Platinum certification.
D The LEED certification process
Notes:
Reference: USGBC Trademark Policy
This question pertains to exam objective I.P USGBC Policies (e.g., trademark usage; logo usage) from the LEED
Green Associate Candidate Handbook.
While we receive many negative comments about the relevance of these types of questions the subject
matter may come up on your exam. You are better off seeing questions from every exam objective than being
under-prepared because some questions covering the GBCI exam objectives you will be tested on seem
silly.
Question 84:
A project team wishes to get a Credit Interpretation Request on a credit and prerequisite that are unrelated. What
needs to happen?
A Submit two CIRs - one each for the credit and prerequisite
Inquiries must request guidance on just one credit or prerequisite (unless there is technical justification to do
otherwise) and generally contain one concise question or a set of related questions.
Projects spend money on CIRs for prerequisites for the same reason as for credits - to find out if a particular
solution qualifies the project for meeting the requirements. The project may meet the requirements of the
prerequisite but sometimes submitting a CIR is the only way to find out.

B Submit one CIR covering both the credit and prerequisite
Because the credit and prerequisite are unrelated a CIR must be submitted for each.
C Submit one CIR only, for the prerequisite
Two CIRs would be needed, not just one for the prerequisite.
D Submit one CIR only, for the credit
Two CIRs would be needed, not just one for the credit.
Notes:
Question 85:
The LEED project boundary may not include land that is owned by a party other than that which owns the LEED
project unless:
A The land will be donated for the purposes of earning an ID point
B The land is associated with and supports normal building operations for the LEED project building
See Reasonable Site Boundary in the reference.
The only exception to the LEED project boundary of land not owned by the project owner is land that is
associated with and supports normal building operations for the LEED project building.
C The land is part of a larger campus project
D The land will be included in a future LEED certification
Notes:
Reference: Minimum Program Requirements
Question 86:
After project registration for a commercial project, how can the project team use the LEED Certification mark?
A The LEED Certification Mark can be used to indicate pre-certification
Project registration does not permit usage of the LEED Certification Mark. A project can use the logo once
the project is LEED certified.
B The LEED Certification Mark can be used in press releases
The mark can be used for this purpose only after the project is certified, not before.
C The LEED Certification Mark cannot be used

'The LEED Certification Mark combines the LEED Logo with a distinctive banner that designates a level of
LEED certification across its face. Once a project has been certified the LEED Certification Mark
appropriate to the level of certification (see below: Certified, Silver, Gold, Platinum) may be used in collateral
and other marketing materials to promote the associated LEED project.'
D The LEED Certification Mark can be used in advertisements or marketing materials
The mark can be used for this purpose only after the project is certified, not before.
Notes:
This question pertains to exam objective I.P USGBC Policies (e.g., trademark usage; logo usage) from the LEED GA
Candidate Handbook.
silly.
Question 87:
What organization publishes lighting design and illumination standards?
A EPA
The EPA does not publish lighting standards.
B ASHRAE
ASHRAE does not publish lighting standards.
C IESNA
The Illuminating Engineering Society of North America is the publisher of lighting design and illumination
standards. For LEED these standards are used to help reduce light pollution from a project.
D USGBC
USGBC uses standards from other organizations (such as IESNA) for many LEED prerequisites and credits.
Notes:
Question 88:
SMACNA guidelines should be followed for what reason?
A To minimize indoor air quality issues caused by construction

SMACNA guidelines are used for some LEED credits in the Indoor Environmental Quality credit category.
The Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning National Contractors Association (SMACNA) has a set of indoor air
quality guidelines that are used to help manage air quality issues resulting from construction and renovation.
The control measures and quality guidelines from SMACNA need to be followed during construction to
minimize indoor air quality issues.
B To establish an integrated pest management plan
SMACNA guidelines are not used for pest management.
C To select carpets with low VOCs
Green Label and Green Label Plus are the certifications used to indicate carpet and carpet pad with low
VOCs.
D To develop a green cleaning program
A green cleaning program can help earn a project an Innovation in Design credit in some LEED rating
systems. There are no standards for this strategy.
Question 89:
The portion of the project site submitted for LEED certification is referred to as the:
A Property area
Same thing as the property boundary.
B Project boundary
The project boundary is the platted property line of the project defining land and water within it. (-USGBC)
C LEED boundary
The LEED boundary is the portion of the project site submitted for LEED certification. (-USGBC)
For single building developments, this is the entire project scope and is generally limited to the site boundary
- they are not necessarily the same thing.
In the case of a multiple building project the LEED boundary is that part of the entire project being submitted
for certification as determined by the project team. For example for a campus project that might have 5
buildings, each building is submitted separately for certification. The LEED boundary is set for each of the 5
buildings though they cannot overlap if they property is contiguous.
D Property boundary
The property boundary is the total area within the legal property boundaries of the site; it encompasses all
areas of the site, including constructed and nonconstructed areas. (-USGBC)
Notes:
Reference: n/a

Question 90:
What statements are true regarding the LEED for Commercial Interiors rating system?
A This rating system can only be used if envelope upgrades are done
Envelope upgrades are a major renovation and would fall under LEED for New Construction or LEED for
Core & Shell.
B This rating system is appropriate for spaces that are undergoing a complete interior fit-out of at least 60% of
the certifying gross floor area
This rating system is appropriate for interior spaces that are undergoing alteration work for at least 60% of
the certifying gross floor area.
C The rating system requires HVAC replacement
HVAC replacement is a major renovation and would fall under LEED for New Construction.
D Projects are only eligible if the tenants purchase the space
Tenants don't normally purchase space, they lease space. In either case LEED for Commercial Interiors can
be used.
Notes:
Question 91:
Which of the following is not a LEED Rating System?
A LEED for Schools
B LEED for Small Buildings
LEED for Small Buildings does not exist. Small buildings are covered in the LEED for New Construction
rating system for new buildings, or LEED Operations and Maintenance for existing buildings.
C LEED for Neighborhood Development
D LEED for Retail
Question 92:
What statements are NOT true regarding the LEED certification process?
A Appeals for credits can be filed for any of the LEED rating systems
This is true - appeals can be filed for any credit that was denied in the application review process regardless

of the rating system.
B The project administrator must be a LEED AP
There are no requirements that the project administrator needs to be a LEED AP.
C The Credit Interpretation Request (CIR) process is available to all rating systems except LEED for Existing
Buildings: Operations & Maintenance
CIRs are available to all projects regardless of the rating system.
D Credit Interpretation Requests (CIRs) have a submission fee
Every CIR submitted has a fee that must be paid prior to review.
Notes:
Question 93:
What type of products would carry a Green Seal label?
A Paints
Green Seal is a nonprofit organization that has created several standards used to certify products that are
more environmentally friendly. This includes paints, coatings, and cleaning products.
B Brick
LEED does not have any credits that require brick to meet certain standards.
C Carpet
Carpet that has the Green Label Plus certification can be used towards LEED credit for materials with low
VOC content.
D Wood
Wood that can be used towards LEED credit must be FSC certified.
Notes:
Question 94:
A project team has excluded a section of land in order to meet the requirements of one of the LEED credits. What is
true about this action?
A This action is allowed if the gross floor area of the LEED project building is less than 2% of the gross land
area within the LEED project boundary
If the gross floor area is less than 2% of the gross land area within the LEED project boundary the project
doesn't meet the Minimum Program Requirements.

B This action would not be allowed under any of the rating systems
Land cannot be excluded for the purposes of complying with a credit/prerequisite. This is known as
gerrymandering.
C Certain sections of land can be excluded from the site boundary if a responsible party submits a licensed
professional exemption form
'The Licensed Professional Exemption Form can be used by a project team's registered professional
engineer, registered architect, or registered landscape architect to submit a streamlined path to certain
credits, bypassing otherwise required submittals.' - O&M Introduction
D This action would only be allowed under the LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance rating
system
No rating system permits this action.
Notes:
Question 95:
Which of the following would not be considered part of the 'built environment'?
A Personal shelter
This is part of the built environment.
B Natural pond
A natural pond is not part of the built environment.
C A city park developed on the site of a former steel mill
The built environment includes human-made landscapes as opposed to the natural environment. The park is
human-made even if it contains trees and grass to look natural.
D Single office building
This is part of the built environment.
Notes:
The term built environment refers to any environment that is human-made and provides a structure for human
activity, ranging in scale from personal shelter and buildings to neighborhoods and cities that can often include their
supporting infrastructure, such as water supply or energy networks.
Question 96:
Which of the following are not Minimum Program Requirements for a LEED for New Construction project?

A The gross floor area of the LEED project building must be no less than 2% of the gross land area within the
LEED project boundary.
This requirement is for the minimum building area to site area ratio.
B The project must have zero use of CFC-based refrigerants
Zero use of CFC-based refrigerants is the prerequisite for Fundamental Refrigerant Management. This is not
a MPR - it is a prerequisite.
C All project work must comply with applicable federal, state, and local building-related environmental laws and
regulations that are in place where the project is located
This MPR is for complying with environmental laws. LEED NC, CI, CS, School, and Retail projects must be
in compliance when the project is registered (or before the schematic design, whichever is first).
D The project must serve 1 or more Full Time Equivalent (FTE) occupant(s)
LEED NC projects must serve at least 1 FTE.
Notes:
Reference: GBCI Minimum Project Requirements
Question 97:
The LEED Credit Checklist allows project teams to mark potential credit achievement as:
A Yes/Maybe/No
The score card allows users to select credit achievement as Yes/Maybe/No
B Anticipated/Awarded/Denied
C Yes/No
D Pursuing/Not Pursuing
Notes:
The LEED Credit Checklist helps project teams track their credits against requirements for certification.
The LEED Credit Checklist is also called the LEED Scorecard.
Question 98:
What rating system adjusts the certification level (Platinum, Gold, Silver, Certified) based on the project size?
A LEED for Schools

B LEED for Neighborhood Development
C LEED for Homes
The LEED for Homes rating system can earn a higher certification level based on the number of bedrooms
compared to the square footage of the home.
D LEED for Retail
Notes:
Reference: LEED for Homes Rating System
Question 99:
Which of the following is not a goal of the LEED Volume Program?
A Identify the basic construction and development activities for which the LEED program was designed to
evaluate
This is the description of the Minimum Program Requirements (MPRs), not USGBC's LEED Volume
Program.
B Provide cost-effective streamlined certification processes, reducing the documentation requirements
wherever possible
The LEED Volume Program helps streamline the certification process.
C Provide a cost-effective path to achieving LEED certification on a volume scale
The LEED Volume Program helps keep costs down.
D Encourage building owners to incorporate LEED, including documentation, into standard practices,
procedures, and tracking processes
The LEED Volume Program encourages building owners to incorporate LEED, including documentation, into
standard practices, procedures and tracking processes.
Notes:
The LEED Volume Program is designed for owners that have a lot of new/existing buildings and want to implement
LEED on a large scale. This program is a way to achieve volume certification more easily.
Question 100:
What is cradle to cradle?
A A life-cycle analysis to describe a material or product that is recycled into a new product at the end of its
useful life
This is the correct definition of cradle to cradle.
B The evaluation of the total cost of a building or product over its useful life

This is the definition of life cycle costing.
C The investigation and valuation of the environmental impacts of a given product or service
This is the definition of life cycle assessment.
D The linear view of the life of a product, from creation to the end of its useful life
This is the definition of cradle to grave.
Notes:
Question 101:
What factor impacts the cost of earning LEED building certification?
A The number of Full Time Equivalents (FTEs) that will occupy the finished building
This may affect the cost of the project, but not the cost of the certification.
B The type of land the building was built on
C Square footage of the building
The square footage of the project is the primary cost consideration for LEED certification.
Remember certification and registration fees are not the same.
D The number of stories the building has
Notes:
GBCI Website, Certification Fees
Question 102:
Prior to project registration, a non-USGBC member company project leader can access which LEED resources?
A LEED credit forms
LEED Online and LEED credit forms are available only after project registration. Once a project has been
registered, the project administrator and anyone assigned to the project can access those sources through
LEED Online.
B LEED Online
LEED Online and LEED credit forms are available only after project registration. Once a project has been
registered, the project administrator and anyone assigned to the project can access those sources through

LEED Online.
C CIR database
Only LEED project team members have access to view CIRs for the project's they are assigned to.
D LEED Score Card
The project scorecard is available free of charge from USGBC's website.
Question 103:
LEED Minimum Project Requirements prohibit gerrymandering. What does this mean?
A Hiding project costs in ROI calculations
B Defining the site area to exclude green space between campus projects
C Making the project building area less than 2% of the site area
D Adjusting a project boundary for the benefit of earning credits/prerequisites
Gerrymandering is prohibit: 'The boundary may not unreasonably exclude sections of land to create
boundaries in unreasonable shapes for the sole purpose of complying with prerequisites or credits'.
Notes:
Reference: Minimum Program Requirements
Question 104:
What are acceptable ways to reference LEED in product literature?
A ABC Bamboo flooring is a LEED product
Per page 20 of the USGBC Trademark Policy the following is unacceptable:
LEED Product
B ABC Bamboo flooring contributes to satisfying MR Credit 6 Rapidly Renewable Materials under LEED
C ABC Bamboo flooring complies with MR Credit 6 Rapidly Renewable Materials
Product 'A' [meets/satisfies/fulfills/complies with] Credit 'X'
D ABC Bamboo flooring is LEED qualified product
Product 'A' is LEED [certified/qualified/compliant/ accredited/approved]

E ABC Bamboo flooring complies with all requirements of MR Credit 6 Rapidly Renewable Materials under
LEED
Notes:
This question pertains to exam objective I.P USGBC Policies (e.g., trademark usage; logo usage) from the LEED GA
Candidate Handbook.
silly.
This question asks about how LEED can be used by various parties/organizations when referenced in product
literature. Manufacturers are allowed to say certain things regarding their products and how they can be used for
LEED credits. Claiming that product is 'LEED certified' for example is wrong.
Question 105:
How many of the 110 possible LEED points can be earned for addressing regionally specific environmental issues?
A 4
LEED points are awarded on a 100-point scale, and credits are weighted to reflect their potential
environmental impacts. Additionally, 10 bonus credits are available, four of which address regionally specific
environmental issues.
All rating systems with 110 points (any of the LEED 2009 rating systems) have 4 points for regional priority.
B 2
C 10
D 1
Notes:
Question 106:
When there are two or more rating systems that might be applicable to a project, how should the project team decide
which rating system to use?
A Use the 40/60 rule
LEED has a 40/60 rule to help project teams decide on a rating system:
 If a particular rating system is appropriate for 40% or less of a LEED project building or space, then
that rating system should not be used.
 If a particular rating system is appropriate for 60% or more of a LEED project building or space,
then that rating system should be used.

 Project teams with buildings and spaces that do not fall into the scenarios described in a) and b)
must independently assess their situation and decide which rating system is most applicable.
B Choose the rating system that will result in the lowest certification costs
Most of the time the certification costs will be the same for new construction projects.
C Choose LEED for Core & Shell
A project team would not pick LEED for Core & Shell by default.
D Choose the rating system that has the most regional priority credits
Regional priority credits are for regions, not for individual rating systems. Each region (zipcode) has six
regional priority credits.
Notes:
Question 107:
What does ASHRAE 55-2004 specify?
A Indoor air quality
B Energy performance
C Thermal comfort
D Commuting surveys
Notes:
ASHRAE 55-2004 Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy help with defining what makes a
comfortable indoor environment for occupants. Indoor conditions are considered acceptable if 80% or more of
occupants find them acceptable.
Question 108:
A school building consumes electricity from the grid at night while contributing energy back to the grid during the day
from on-site solar panels, resulting in the school having no electricity costs. This is an example of:
A Zero waste
Producing zero waste is accomplished by composting, reusing, and recycling.
B Carbon neutrality
Carbon neutrality is emitting no more carbon emissions than the project can sequester or offset.

C Net-zero energy
Net-zero energy projects use no more energy from the electrical grid than can be produced from on-site
renewable energy systems.
D Water balance
Water balance is the use of no more water than which falls on the site as precipitation
Notes:
Question 109:
A project team submitted a Credit Interpretation Request (CIR) regarding a particular strategy to meet a credit's
requirements and was notified that the strategy is acceptable. What is true regarding this scenario?
A The project team must still demonstrate that the requirements for the credit were met
Yes, the credit/prerequisite requirements must still be met.
B The project team will earn an Innovation in Design for an innovative approach due to the use of a different
strategy to achieve the credit
Innovation in Design points for innovation cannot be earned for existing LEED credits.
C The project has met the requirements for the credit and will achieve the credit
A positive response for a CIR does not mean the credit requirements do not have to be met. Only the
strategy has been accepted.
D The project team will not be allowed to earn exemplary performance for the credit if exemplary performance
is available
Exemplary performance could still be earned using an alternative strategy
Notes:
Reference: GBCI Credit Interpretation Request (CIR)
Question 110:
At what point can a project earn points for credits?
A After the LEED Scorecard is completed and submitted
Uploading the scorecard does not earn a project points.
B After the design phase
No points can be earned after the design phase.
C After the statement of work has been uploaded to LEED Online

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