Leed green associate ii. project site factors answer

LEED Green Associate
II. Project Site Factors
Question 1:
What is albedo?
A Measure of a material's ability to reflect sunlight on a scale of 0 to 1
Albedo (or solar reflectance) is a material's ability to reflect sunlight measured on a scale of 0 (black) to 1
(white). A value of 0.0 indicates that the surface absorbs all solar radiation and a value of 1.0 represents
total reflectivity.
B Measure of a refrigerant's ozone depletion potential
C Measure of a material's imperviousness
D Measure of a plant's drought tolerance
Notes:
Reference: LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance Reference Guide, Glossary
Question 2:
Parking lot lighting that flows over into a park next to the project is an example of:
A Light shielding
Light shielding prevents light trespass.
B Lighting power density
Lighting power density is the installed lighting power per unit area (the amount of electrical power used to
illuminate a space). It is usually expressed in Watts per unit of area.
C Light trespass
Light trespass is light that passes beyond the project boundary.
D Light division
This is not correct.
Notes:
Reference: GBES LEED Green Associate Study Guide
Question 3:
What type of plants should be used on a green roof to promote biodiversity?

A Monocultures
Monocultures are a single species of plant such as turf grass. Monocultures do not promote biodiversity.
B Tall plants that provide shade
The roof doesn't really need to be shaded. The vegetation addresses the heat island effect.
C Plants with high watering needs
The plants should have low watering needs.
D Native plants
The vegetation for a green roof should use native plants, just like the rest of the project landscape.
Native (or indigenous) plants are those that grow naturally in an area, or that have been in an area for many
years. Native plants require less water, fertilizer, and pest control. These plants can be trees, shrubs,
flowers, or grasses. Adaptive plants are non-native plants that perform well in the local climate. Native and
adaptive plants require less water, and are more disease resistant because they are suited to the region's
usual rainfall, soil, and temperature.
Question 4:
What information is needed to calculate the SRI of a material?
A Emissivity
SRI is calculated by using emissivity and solar reflectance values.
B Thermal gradient
This is outside the scope of LEED. Thermal gradient is the rate of temperature change with distance; for
example, its increase with depth below the surface of the earth.
C Thickness of the material
The thickness of a material is not part of the SRI calculation.
D Reflectance
SRI is calculated by using emissivity and solar reflectance values.
Notes:
Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) indicates a material's ability to reject solar heat and is the combined value of
reflectivity and emittance. Measurements vary from 100 (standard white surface, most reflective) to 0
(standard black surface, least reflective). Materials with the highest SRI values are the coolest choices for
paving.
The higher the SRI number the more the sunlight the material can reflect. Black asphalt has an SRI of 0.

Question 5:
What type of land is NOT considered previously developed?
A Graded site that has grown over with grass
A site that has been graded is previously developed.
B Farmland
Previously developed land has pre-existing paving, construction, or significantly altered landscapes. Land
that has been altered and turned into a natural use such as agricultural, forestry, or nature preservation does
not count.
C Tree mill
A tree mill would have an altered landscape.
D Site of an old drive-in theatre
Because the site has a structure on it the site would be considered previously developed.
Notes:
Question 6:
What are ways to reduce the number of single passenger vehicles traveling to a project site?
A Locate the site near mass transit
Locating the site near mass transit gives people the opportunity to use that mass transit and not drive to
work.
B Provide preferred parking for alternative fuel vehicles
Providing preferred parking for alternative or fuel efficient vehicles is a way to reduce emissions from
automobile use. This is not a strategy to promote carpooling or reduce single passenger vehicles.
C Design the project to have a higher building density
The building density is the floor area of the building divided by the total area of the site (square feet per
acre).
Increasing the building density does not impact automobile use.
D Provide preferred parking for fuel efficient vehicles
Providing preferred parking for alternative or fuel efficient vehicles is a way to reduce emissions from
automobile use. This is not a strategy to promote carpooling or reduce single passenger vehicles.
Notes:

Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System
Question 7:
What are the economic benefits of installing a vegetated roof?
A Provides occupants a connection to the outdoors
This is a social benefit, as part of the triple bottom line.
B Lower cooling costs for HVAC
Vegetated roofs are great insulators. They act as a barrier between the sun's heat and keep that heat from
entering the building through the roof. Because of this added insulation the costs to cool the building can be
reduced.
C Increased habitat for birds
Vegetated roofs provide habitat for birds and insects. This is an environmental benefit.
D Lower investment cost compared to roof surfaces with high SRI
Vegetated roofs will have a higher upfront cost compared to a roof that has a EPDM covering or paint
applied to it.
Notes:
Reference: n/a
Question 8:
What is true regarding a material's emittance and albedo?
A Emittance and albedo are used to calculate a material's perviousness
These values are not used to calculate how pervious a material is.
B Emittance is based on a material's albedo
This is not correct. See the definitions in this explanation for albedo and emittance.
C A material's emittance and albedo mean the same thing
total reflectivity.
The emittance of a material refers to its ability to release absorbed heat. Scientists use a number between 0
and 1, or 0% and 100%, to express emittance. With the exception of metals, most construction materials
have emittances above 0.85 (85%). Emittance is used by manufacturers to calculate the SRI.
D Emittance and albedo are combined to determine a material's SRI value

SRI is calculated by using emissivity and albedo values.
paving.
The higher the SRI number the more the sunlight the material can reflect. Black asphalt has an SRI of 0.
Notes:
Question 9:
A project team is in the process of selecting a site for new office space. What strategy would help the project earn a
Sustainable Sites credit?
A Using native plants in the landscape to reduce outdoor water use
Outdoor water use is addressed in the Water Efficiency category.
B Locating the project near basic services to provide community connectivity
Locating a project near basic services helps earn a project credit for community connectivity.
C Increasing the size of the building footprint to decrease the building density
Building density is the floor area of the building divided by the total area of the site (square feet per acre).
This choice states the building density would be decreased so this would negatively impact development
density.
D Increasing the parking capacity for the purposes of reducing open space
Both increasing parking capacity and reducing open space would negatively impact the project, not help it.
Notes:
Question 10:
What urban area is a best choice for a LEED project?
A Areas farthest from transportation services
This is not a strategy to earn LEED credits.
B Areas that require updated infrastructure
Replacing infrastructure can earn points under the LEED for Neighborhood Development rating system,
however this is not the best choice.

C Areas with community connectivity
Choosing urban areas that are previously developed with high development densities can earn a project
LEED points for community connectivity.
D Areas with long commute times
This is not a strategy to earn LEED credits.
Notes:
Question 11:
What is a characteristic of open-grid pavement?
A Vegetation can grow in it
Open grid pavement is pavement that is less than 50% impervious and contains vegetation in the open cells.
Here is an example of open grid pavement:
http://i.treehugger.com/files/th_images/hastings.jpg
Open grid pavement is different than pervious pavement.
Pervious pavement is designed to allow percolation or infiltration of stormwater through the surface into the
soil below where the water is naturally filtered and pollutants are removed. In contrast normal pavement is
an impervious surface that sheds rainfall and associated surface pollutants forcing the water to run off paved
surfaces directly into nearby storm drains and then into streams and lakes.
Here is an example of pervious pavement:
http://www.us-concrete.com/images/news_pervious_a.jpg
B It is at least 75% impervious
C It is 100% impervious
D It is at least 50% impervious
Notes:
Question 12:
Which LEED rating system topic addresses the creation of walkable streets, compact development, and diverse
communities?
A Community connectivity
B Ongoing performance
C Neighborhood pattern and design
The creation of vibrant, equitable communities that are healthy, walkable and mixed use contribute to good

neighborhood pattern and design.
D Transportation
Question 13:
Which of the following does green building help with creating?
A Lower-impact built environments
A goal of green building is to reduce the impact of the built environment.
B Increased building operational costs
One of the economic benefits of green building is more efficient buildings that have lower operational costs.
C Increased segregated land use
Segregated land use is how development can be characterized prior to the green building movement.
Moving people further and further away from city centers is one of the reasons greenhouse gas emissions
have increased.
D Communities that are more vital to a healthy society
Green communities can significantly affect the quality of life, as well as the environment. Reduced commute
times, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and reduced water use and resource consumption all help with
the health of society.
Notes:
Question 14:
Which of the following do not contribute to increasing the heat island effect in urban areas?
A Absorption of heat by hardscapes and its radiation to surrounding areas
The primary cause of the heat island effect is dark surfaces such as rooftops or dark asphalt pavement that
absorb heat and radiate it into the surrounding areas.
B Open grid pavement
Open grid pavement is a strategy LEED accepts to reduce heat islands. Open grid pavement has cells in it
to allow vegetation to grow.
C Vehicle exhaust
Other causes of the heat island effect include air-conditioners, vehicle exhaust, and calm and sunny
weather.
Reduced air flow between buildings and narrow streets increases the effect.
D Bioretention ponds

Bio-retention ponds are landscape features that help control rainwater runoff. They are commonly called rain
gardens.
LEED does not consider any type of water body or landscape feature as something that contributes to the
heat island effect.
Notes:
Reference: n/a
Question 15:
A project will include underground parking. This change can have a positive impact on what issue?
A Parking capacity
The parking capacity would remain unchanged.
B Pedestrian access
Pedestrian access to the surrounding buildings and services would not be affected.
C Heat island effect
The heat island effect would be reduced because the parking has been moved underground.
The heat island effect is created when developed areas have higher temperatures than surrounding rural
areas. An urban heat island effect is caused by sunlight heating up dark colored surfaces such as roads and
rooftops. Huge quantities of heat are generated in buildings that have dark rooftops and absorb heat rather
than reflect it.
D Community connectivity
Underground parking is unrelated to community connectivity.
Notes:
Question 16:
A project located near which of the following would help earn Public Transportation Access credit?
A Bus stop
Locating a project within 1/2 mile walking distance of bus stops can help earn Public Transportation Access.
B Secure bicycle storage rack
Bicycle storage helps earn Bicycle Storage and Changing Rooms
C Subway station
Locating a project within 1/2 mile walking distance of a rail station can help earn Public Transportation
Access.

D Public park
Public parks help earn Community Connectivity
E Car pool parking lot
This might help with Parking Capacity.
F 10 or more basic services
Basic services help earn Community Connectivity.
Notes:
Question 17:
How can the heat island effect on the roof of a building be reduced?
A Providing underground parking
Providing underground parking is a LEED strategy for reducing the heat islands of non-roof surfaces.
B Increasing the amount of roof insulation
Increasing the insulation may help reduce energy bills, but it does not reduce absorption of the sun's heat by
the roof surface.
C Painting the roof with a high SRI coating
D Covering the roof with recycled materials
The SRI of a material is an important factor in reducing heat islands for roofs. Whether the material is
recycled or not is not important to reducing heat islands.
Notes:
Heat islands on a roof can be reduced by reducing the amount of area that is dark, either through solar panels or a
green roof, or painting exposed areas with light colored materials. A material with an SRI of 100 is light colored.
The heat island effect is created when developed areas have higher temperatures than surrounding rural areas. An
urban heat island effect is caused by sunlight heating up dark colored surfaces such as roads and rooftops. Huge
quantities of heat are generated in buildings that have dark rooftops and absorb heat rather than reflect it.
Question 18:
Which of the following can increase the heat island effect in urban areas?
A Underground parking
Underground parking is a LEED strategy to reduce the heat island effect because it reduces the need for
paved parking surfaces exposed to the sun.

B Hardscapes shaded by trees
Hardscapes shaded by trees is a strategy to reduce the heat island effect.
C Reduced air flow from tall buildings and narrow streets
The primary cause of the heat island effect is dark surfaces such as rooftops or dark asphalt pavement that
absorb heat and radiate it into the surrounding areas.
Reduced air flow between buildings and narrow streets also increases the effect.
weather.
D Large areas of turf grass
Any type of vegetation will help reduce the heat island effect. Plants absorb the heat and do not radiate it.
Question 19:
What refers to the relationship between the total building floor area and the allowable land area the building can
cover?
Community connectivity is the quantity of connection between a site and the surrounding community. It is
measured by pedestrian access to housing basic services such as restaurants, post offices, hospitals,
libraries, etc.
B Floor-area ratio
The floor-area ratio is the relationship between the total building floor area and the allowable land area the
building can cover. (-USGBC)
In green building having a smaller building footprint (building up and having a taller building) is better than
having a shorter, wider building (building out) because the smaller building footprint will have less of an
impact on the surrounding environment. This can preserve green spaces and natural ecosystems.
C Site area
Site area includes the total area within the project boundary defined as both constructed and non-
constructed areas.
D Development footprint
Development footprint is the area of the project site that has been disturbed for development. This area
includes the building footprint, hardscapes, and parking lots.
Question 20:
What strategies can earn LEED credit for reducing heat islands?
A Provide occupants free offsite parking
This is not a LEED strategy for any credit.

B Use hardscape materials with high SRI
High SRI materials help reflect solar radiation thereby reducing the heat island effect.
C Increase the amount of open space and plant it with native vegetation
While larger open spaces will reduce heat islands if hardscapes are reduced, this is not a strategy to meet
the credit requirements.
D Place parking spaces underground
Placing some of the parking underground will reduce the amount of hardscapes, such as the size of the
parking lot. This can help earn LEED credit for reducing heat islands.
E Provide shade with architectural devices that are covered with materials with high SRI
Shade from architectural devices is an accepted strategy to reduce the heat island effect.
Notes:
Question 21:
What would qualify as preferred parking?
A Parking spots reserved for shuttle buses
This is not the correct definition.
B Parking spots that are shaded at mid-day
This is not the correct definition.
C Parking spots closest to the main entrance (excluding handicap)
Preferred parking is a strategy by LEED to reduce automobile use.
Preferred parking spaces are parking spaces that are closest to the main entrance of a project, but they do
not include handicapped parking. Other forms of preferred parking include discounted parking passes,
designated covered spaces, and guaranteed passes in a lottery system.
D Parking spots closest to the main entrance or under cover to the entrance
While 'Parking spots closest to the main entrance or under cover to the entrance' may sound right it is not
the correct formal definition for LEED. A 10 story underground parking garage can be undercover to the
main entrance but that doesn't mean every one of those spots is close to the main entrance. For example
some of those underground spots may be 100 yards from the nearest doorway/entrance, which would not
make them a 'preferred' spot.
When taking the LEED exam, it is the LEED definition that matters rather than personal preference or
personal experience. Many people make the mistake of arguing about LEED definitions or how in their
particular job they do it differently. The exams test on LEED, not on personal preferences or opinion.
Remember that and you will test better.
Notes:

Question 22:
A vehicle must meet which requirement to be considered low-emitting and fuel-efficient?
A Green Label score of 40 or more
Green Label is standard used to show that carpet cushion has low VOC content.
B Green-e score of 40 or more
Green-e is a program established to promote green electricity products and provide consumers with a
nationally recognized method to identify those products.
C Green score of 40 or more
Vehicles must be classified as a Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) by the California Air Resources Board or have
a green score of 40 or more from the ACEEE annual vehicle rating guide.
D Green Seal score of 40 or more
Green Seal is a standard used to show that paints have low VOC content.
Notes:
Question 23:
What does LEED accept as part of a building design to qualify as open space for projects in urban areas?
A Shaded parking lots
Shaded parking lots are not considered open space.
B Balconies
Balconies are not considered open space.
C Vegetated (green) roofs
A vegetated roof may count as open space for projects in urban areas.
D Higher density buildings
Higher density buildings do not contribute to open space requirements.
Notes:
Question 24:
The use of a brownfield site can enhance a community. What must occur for a brownfield site to be developed?

A The site must be located along existing roads
A contaminated site may or may not be near existing roads. For example a remote toxic waste dump from 80
years ago may have grown over and have no access.
B The site must be revegetated
Brownfields must be remediated but they are not required to have the site revegetated for development.
C The site must be remediated
Brownfields are previously used or redeveloped land that may be contaminated with hazardous waste or
pollution (-USGBC). The land has the potential to be reused once any hazardous substances, pollutants, or
contaminants are remediated.
D The site must be located in a suburban area
Brownfield can be found in urban and suburban areas.
Notes:
Question 25:
What is a benefit of increasing the quantity of open space on a project?
A Decreasing fertilization needs
A larger open space may increase fertilization requirements.
B Increasing the quantity of native plants
Open space doesn't necessarily mean the space has native plantings. A large area covered with turf grass is
still considered open space.
C Increasing a building's water efficiency
More open space may increase water needs due to an increase in landscape size.
D Reducing the heat island effect
Increasing open space helps provide habitat for vegetation and wildlife, stormwater control, and reducing the
urban heat island effect.
Note that increased open space reduces hardscapes, which reduces the heat island effect. However
projects do not earn LEED credits for reducing the heat island effect by reducing the area of hardscapes, but
by having reflective or shaded hardscapes.
Notes:
Reference: n/a
Question 26:
What amount of parking will help earn Alternative Transportation and help earn Maximize Open Space?

A Enough parking for FTE building occupants
This reduces parking but just meeting local code is the LEED answer.
B The minimum amount required by any local code
Providing carpool programs, shuttle services, etc. while providing no more parking spaces as required by
local code helps encourage alternative transportation.
A strategy to indirectly help earn Maximize Open Space is to install less parking, or the minimum the project
can get away with (depending on local code). Less paved surfaces for parking will allow the project team to
use the unpaved areas open space.
For the purposes of LEED, open space is the property area minus the development footprint, when local
zoning does not define open space.
C 25% fewer parking spaces than the peak occupant demand
This reduces parking but just meeting local code is the LEED answer.
D Enough parking to handle peak occupant demand
This would maximize the amount of parking, not reduce it.
Notes:
Question 27:
Smart growth can be best defined as:
A Developing or redeveloping land that may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of
hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants.
This is the definition of a brownfield.
B Channeling development into places that will improve the triple bottom line
While this answer choice is a positive goal it is not the definition of smart growth.
C Developing in areas near transportation, housing, and jobs in order to leave open spaces and farmland free
from development
This is the definition of smart growth.
D Creating a smaller building footprint and maximizing the floor-area ratio or square footage per acre
This is how to increase density.
Notes:
Question 28:
A building has a parking garage with a total size of 100,000 SF. The parking garage has five levels of equal size.
What is the parking footprint?

A 50,000 SF
B 100,000 SF
C 20,000 SF
Parking footprint refers to the area of the project site occupied by the parking areas and structures - since
the garage has 5 levels of equal size, the site area taken up by the parking garage is 20,000 SF.
The parking garage has a total size of 100,000 SF. There are 5 floors. 100,000 divided by 5 = 20,000 SF per
floor. The parking footprint is 20,000 SF.
D 10,000 SF
Notes:
Question 29:
Which of the following are benefits of community connectivity?
A Increased availability of stormwater
B More lenient zoning rules
C Reduction of heat islands
D Protection of undeveloped land
Community connectivity channels development to urban areas where existing infrastructure already exists,
and avoids building on undeveloped land.
In the reference guides the intent of Development Density and Community Connectivity is:
'To channel development to urban areas with existing infrastructure, protect greenfields and preserve habitat
and natural resources.'
Protecting greenfields = protecting undeveloped land
Access to public transportation helps with reducing automobile use in the LEED Rating System, however
access to public transportationit is not part of the community connectivity credit. While it is true that
locating a project in a downtown area would provide access to public transportation, this is not the intent of
community connectivity as defined by LEED.
Notes:
Question 30:
Which of the following can increase the heat island effect in urban areas?
A Air-conditioners
weather.

B Rooftops covered with a high SRI material
High SRI materials with reflect the heat rather than absorb it and radiate the heat back later on.
C Buildings that have passive ventilation
Passive ventilation impacts energy use but would not increase the heat island effect.
D Street equipment
weather.
Notes:
Reference: n/a
The primary cause of the heat island effect is dark surfaces such as rooftops or dark asphalt pavement that absorb
heat and radiate it into the surrounding areas.
Reduced air flow between buildings and narrow streets also increases the effect.
Question 31:
The definition of which of the following terms varies by state and local code?
A Graywater
Graywater is defined by the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) as untreated house-hold wastewater which has
not come into contact with toilet waste or kitchen sinks.
Some states and local codes have other definitions.
Graywater is an important part of the LEED process, and knowing how it is defined by state/local code is a
critical first step in pre-design, if graywater is a consideration for the project. The intent is to learn that what
graywater is varies from place to place.
B Greenfield
C Heat island
D Climate change
Notes:
Question 32:
What is true about implementing an erosion and sedimentation control plan for the grading of a Greenfield site?
A The plan must address at least 50% of the LEED project boundary
LEED does not require the plan to be implemented for a specific percentage of the project.

B The plan must address at least 75% of the property boundary
LEED does not require the plan to be implemented for a specific percentage of the project.
C The plan must be approved by USGBC
The plan is not approved by USGBC.
D The plan must follow the EPA Construction General Permit or local standards and codes (whichever is more
stringent)
Erosion and sedimentation control protect air and waterways from construction pollution. These plans must
follow the more stringent of the 2003 EPA General Permit or local standards and codes.
Notes:
Question 33:
Heat islands can occur in urban areas when what happens?
A Absorption of heat by open space
B Reflection of heat by white rooftops
C Reflection of heat by hardscapes
D Absorption of heat by hardscapes
areas. An urban heat island effect is caused by sunlight heating up dark colored surfaces such as roads
and rooftops. Huge quantities of heat are generated in buildings that have dark rooftops and absorb heat
rather than reflect it.
Question 34:
Which of the following is not a strategy for reducing the heat island effect of a proposed parking lot?
A Painting the parking lot with a material with a low SRI value
To reduce the heat island effect, cover the surface with materials that have a high (not low) SRI value.
than reflect it.
B Placing the parking spaces under the building
Placing the parking underground would eliminate the parking lot.

C Planting trees that will provide shade
Shading the hardscapes prevent the sun from hitting the surface.
D Using open grid paving
Using an open-grid pavement system that is at least 50% pervious is also acceptable to reduce the heat
island effect. Open grid pavement allows for vegetation to grow in it. Vegetation reduces the heat island
effect compared to pavement or other hardscapes.
Notes:
Reference: n/a
The question asks for what is not a strategy.
Question 35:
What is a LEED strategy to reduce single occupant automobile transportation to the project site?
A Increase the building density
Increasing the building density does not address how occupants commute.
B Build the project on a brownfield
Brownfields are contaminated sites. They may or may not be located in densely populated areas.
C Designate preferred parking spaces for car pools
Providing preferred parking for carpools is a LEED strategy to get more occupants to carpool.
D Locate the project in a suburban area
This would probably put the project further away from mass transit and increase automobile use.
Notes:
Reference: Green Building & LEED Core Concepts Guide
Question 36:
What aspect of a local community would be of most interest to a project team?
A Distance from the landfill
This would not be the most important question about the local community.
B Proximity to green power
This would not be the most important question about the local community.
C Pedestrian access

Pedestrian access may be of interest to the project team. The question is asking about what is of most
interest. For LEED pedestrian access impacts one credit while local zoning impacts many LEED credits.
D Local zoning
Notes:
This question is teaching you about zoning if you are not familiar with that term.
The zoning regulations should always be one of the first things reviewed. Per the MPRs, zoning would fall under MPR
1, Environmental Laws.
Zoning regulations need to be reviewed during pre-design because they have a significant impact on the green
building goals and strategies used.
If you were planning an office building, or a condominium project, what would be the first question ou would ask about
a particular piece of property? 'Can I put an office building here?'. If the land is in the middle of a bunch of houses, the
answer is probably not because people in residential neighborhoods don't really like having a skyscraper in the
middle of their neighborhood. You wouldn't first ask, how far away is the nearest landfill, or can we get green power,
or are there sidewalks. The first question is how can the land be used, as determined by the local zoning regulations.
Question 37:
Which of the following are not alternative fuel vehicles?
A Gas-electric hybrid
B Diesel powered car
See SS Credit 4.3
For LEED, alternative-fuel vehicles are defined as those vehicles that 'use fuels such as electricity,
hydrogen, propane, compressed natural gas, liquid natural gas, methanol, and ethanol. Efficient gas-electric
hybrids are also included in this group.'
For LEED, low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehicles are defined as 'vehicles that are either classified as Zero
Emission Vehicles (ZEV) by the California Air Resources Board or have achieved a minimum green score of
40 on the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) annual vehicle rating guide.'
Some diesel powered cars have a minimum green score of 40 from the ACEEE and qualify as low-emitting
and fuel-efficient vehicles. However these vehicles are not alternative fuel vehicles.
C Liquid natural gas powered van
D Methanol powered truck
Notes:
Question 38:
What type of program is Zipcar?
A Preferred parking program
B Car share membership program
C Car pooling program

D An alternative vehicle refueling program
Notes:
Car sharing is an alternative to car rental and car ownership. Cars are located throughout cities in convenient
locations. People who sign up for the program can reserve the cars and use them for a short period of time. See
zipcar.com for an example.
Question 39:
What is a footcandle?
A The ratio of the radiation emitted by a surface to the radiation emitted by a black body at the same
temperature.
This is the definition of emissivity.
B Measure of the quantity of light falling on a given surface
A footcandle is the measure of the quantity of light falling on a given surface. Minimizing foot candles helps
reduce light pollution which helps nocturnal wildlife and preserve nighttime views of the sky.
C The amount of liquid a material can pass through
This is a material's perviousness.
D Measure of a surface's ability to reflect solar heat
This is solar reflectance.
Notes:
While the definition is not present in the reference, the term is.
Question 40:
What defines the open space of a site area if there is no local zoning?
A Total area within the project boundary of the applicant building
B Property area minus the development footprint
Open space must be vegetated and pervious.
C Unconstructed area of the project boundary
D Constructed area of the project boundary
Notes:

Question 41:
What helps reduce urban sprawl?
Urban sprawl means that cities are no longer compact but are spread out. This can increase commute times.
People moving further from city centers to purchase houses contributes to sprawl but sprawl does not
increase home prices. Urban sprawl actually discourages urban renewal as old buildings and areas are not
redeveloped.
Development density and community connectivity help to reduce urban sprawl.
B Designing buildings that use durable materials
Using durable materials helps reduce the demand for virgin resources over the long term lifetime of a
building.
C Reducing the heat island effect
Reducing the heat island effect helps make the surrounding areas cooler.
D Providing pedestrian access
Providing pedestrian access is a way to keep automobiles off the road.
Notes:
Question 42:
What is the heat island effect?
A The absorption of heat by dark surfaces and its radiation to surrounding areas
The heat island effect refers to the ability of dark, non-reflective paved areas-city streets, rooftops, and
sidewalks-to absorb and radiate heat, making urban areas and the surrounding suburbs noticeably hotter
than rural towns nearby. Other contributors include reduced air flow due to tall buildings and narrow streets,
calm and sunny weather, and auto exhaust.
B The increase in humidity in urban areas caused by stormwater runoff
C The differences in air quality caused by the burning of fossil fuels
D The reflection of heat in urban areas to the surrounding countryside
Notes:

Question 43:
How can automobile use be reduced?
A Creating a ride share board
Reducing automobile use saves energy and reduces environmental issues associated with car pollution.
A LEED option to reduce parking capacity (and thus reduce the number of automobiles on the road) is to
provide infrastructure programs that increase carpooling such as ride share boards, shuttles to mass transit,
and designated parking for carpools or vanpools.
A ride share board makes it easier to carpool.
B Providing incentives for purchasing fuel efficient vehicles.
Does providing incentives for fuel efficient cars reduce automobile use? No, because if you were given an
electric car that does not stop or reduce your driving. It does decrease emissions because you are not
driving your old gas powered car, but it doesn't reduce your driving miles.
C Replacing the parking lot with underground parking
Moving the location of the parking from above to below ground does not reduce automobile use.
D Creating parking further from the building entrance
Does creating parking further from the building entrance stop you from driving a car? That would probably
just make irritated employees because they have to walk farther to get to the front door.
Notes:
Question 44:
A project site contaminated with hazardous substances is called a:
A Brownfield
LEED credit can be earned for projects that remediate the site and build on it.
B Remediated site
The land of the brownfield has the potential to be reused once any hazardous substances, pollutants, or
Remediation is the process of cleaning up the site and must occur prior to building.
C Greenfield
A greenfield is site that is undeveloped and in a natural state or has been used for agriculture.
D Infill site
Infill development occurs within established urban areas where the site or area either is a vacant place

between other developments or has previously been used for another urban purpose.
Notes:
Question 45:
Which vehicle is not considered an alternative-fuel vehicle?
A Natural gas powered car
A natural gas powered vehicle meets the LEED definition of an alternative-fuel vehicle.
B Efficient gas-electric hybrid
An efficient gas-electric hybrid vehicle meets the LEED definition of an alternative-fuel vehicle.
C Electric car
An electric car meets the LEED definition of an alternative-fuel vehicle.
D Gas powered Honda that has achieved a Green Score of 40
A green score of 40 does not imply a fuel efficiency of 40 mpg or more or that the car is powered with
alternative fuel. In fact most cars that are eligible for LEED don't come anywhere close to that. The score is
based on emissions not on fuel efficiency. For a complete list look at the reference link.
Additional information:
Hybrid vehicles such as the Toyota Prius are not, of themselves, alternative fuel vehicles - clever use of a
battery, motor/generator, merely means that a more efficient but less powerful engine can be used.
Essentially all the power comes from petroleum.
For LEED, low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehicles are defined as vehicles that are either classified as Zero
Emission Vehicles (ZEV) by the California Air Resources Board or have achieved a minimum green score of
40 on the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) annual vehicle rating guide.
Notes:
Reference: GreenerCars website
For LEED alternative-fuel vehicles use nongasoline fuels such as:
electricity
Question 46:
What site and/or project characteristics would contribute to earning Maximize Open Space?
A Building on a previously developed site
This is part of site selection, not maximizing open space.
B Creating a narrow 10 story building instead of a wider 5 story building
Stacking the floor plans reduces the size of the building footprint. See SS Credit 5.2 Maximize Open Space

C Building next door to a park
Building next door to a park does not count as maximizing open space, because the park would not be part
of the LEED project boundary.
D Building on a Greenfield site
Notes:
Question 47:
What site and/or project characteristics would contribute to earning Maximize Open Space?
A Building on a previously developed site
B Creating a narrow 10 story building instead of a wider 5 story building
Stacking the floor plans reduces the size of the building footprint. See SS Credit 5.2 Maximize Open Space
C Building next door to a park
Building next door to a park does not count as maximizing open space, because the park would not be part
of the LEED project boundary.
D Building on a Greenfield site
Notes:
Question 48:
What would contribute to community connectivity?
A A site with pedestrian access between basic services
B A site near mass transit
Access to public transpiration (mass transit) helps with reducing automobile use in the LEED Rating System,
however picking a site near mass transit does not help earn the community connectivity credit.
C A site near a restaurant
D A site near public parking

A parking lot or parking garage is not defined by LEED as a service. A public park is defined by LEED as a
basic service.
Notes:
Community connectivity channels development to urban areas with existing infrastructure. This includes areas with
walkways and areas near basic services.
Basic services are those services that are open to the public, and are common services that people might use
regularly. People must be able to walk between the project and the service without being blocked by walls, highways,
or other barriers (this is called pedestrian access). LEED encourages building near a variety of basic services, not
just one type of service such as twelve clothing stores in a strip mall. LEED provides examples of basic services as:
Bank
Church
Supermarket / convenience store
Day care
Dry cleaner / laundry mat
Fire station
Salon
Hardware store
Library
Medical / dental office
Park
Pharmacy
Post office
Restaurant
School
Theatre / museum
Community center
Gym
Question 49:
What is not an example of a basic service?
A Public park
B Mass transit
Mass transit is not considered a basic service
C House of worship
D Bank
Notes:
Community connectivity channels development to urban areas with existing infrastructure. This includes areas with
walkways and areas near basic services.
Basic services are those services that are open to the public, and are common services that people might use
regularly. People must be able to walk between the project and the service without being blocked by walls, highways,
or other barriers (this is called pedestrian access). LEED encourages building near a variety of basic services, not
just one type of service such as twelve clothing stores in a strip mall. LEED provides examples of basic services as:

Bank
Church
Day care
Fire station
Salon
Hardware store
Library
Park
Pharmacy
Post office
Restaurant
School
Theatre / museum
Community center
Gym
Question 50:
What design strategy would promote biodiversity the most?
A Planting a variety of indigenous plants
Native (or indigenous) plants are those that grow naturally in an area, or that have been in an area for many
years. Native plants require less water, fertilizer, and pest control. These plants can be trees, shrubs,
flowers, or grasses. Adaptive plants are non-native plants that perform well in the local climate. Native and
adaptive plants require less water, and are more disease resistant because they are suited to the region's
usual rainfall, soil, and temperature.
B Installing a dry pond planted with invasive plants
A dry pond with invasive plants would not promote biodiversity as much as indigenous plants.
C Increasing open space and covering it with turf grass
Maximizing open space is the starting point to promote biodiversity. However planting turf grass or a single
species (monoculture) is not diverse.
D Installing a rock garden
A rock garden does not promote biodiversity.
Notes:
Question 51:
What is not an example of smart growth?
A Development of a site that is far from existing development and infrastructure
Smart growth is developing in areas near transportation, housing, and jobs in order to leave open spaces
and farmland free from development.

This example of development is most likely on a greenfield which is not preferable to infill development.
B Retail, office, and residential townhouses on the site of a former gas station
C Residential development on a previously developed site located near shops and schools
D Neighborhood design that has offices and shops within walking distance to public transportation
Question 52:
Locating a project near mass transit would have what economic benefit?
A Habitat and natural resources would be preserved
Protecting habitat and natural resources is one of the environmental goals of community connectivity
B Greenfields would be protected
Protecting greenfields is one of the environmental goals of community connectivity.
C Transportation costs for material delivery would be reduced
Mass transit isn't used to deliver project materials to a site.
D Parking capacity can be reduced
The parking capacity can be reduced which would reduce the amount of money spent on the parking
structure or area.
Notes:
Question 53:
Selecting which of the following sites would have the greatest positive environmental impact?
A Parkland near basic services
Parkland is open space (though not for the project) and should be avoided for building on.
B Locating the project near public parking
Locating the project near public parking may reduce the project's parking needs but this is not the best
answer choice.
C An old building
Redeveloping (or reuse) of an existing site significantly minimizes the project's impact on the environment. It
also provides the project team opportunity to reuse existing infrastructure.
D A previously undeveloped site

This is a greenfield site and would not be the best choice for building on.
Notes:
Reference: n/a
Question 54:
Developments located within walking distance of basic services reduce:
A Sedimentation of nearby water bodies
Erosion control, stormwater control, and landscape design reduce sedimentation.
B Air pollution
Development density and community connectivity help reduce the impacts of automobiles, which include air
pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
C Water use
Water use is affected by irrigation practices and fixture/fitting types.
D Greenhouse gas emissions
Development density and community connectivity help reduce the impacts of automobiles, which include air
pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
Notes:
Reference: n/a
Question 55:
What would qualify as preferred parking for LEED?
A Visitor drop-off areas
B Bicycle parking
C Providing discounted parking passes for low-emitting and fuel efficient vehicles
Preferred parking spaces are for particular users and are parking spaces that are closest to the main
entrance of a project. They do not include handicapped parking. For LEED, other forms of preferred parking
include discounted parking passes, designated covered spaces, and guaranteed passes in a lottery system.
Preferred parking is a strategy by LEED to reduce the pollution from automobiles. Preferred parking is
reserved for carpools, vanpools, and occupants who drive low-emitting and fuel efficient vehicles. Each of
these drivers help reduce automobile use and/or emissions.
LEED allows providing discounted parking passes to owners of low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehicles. The
discounted passes may help to encourage the purchase of these vehicles that are better for the
environment.
D Delivery truck parking

Notes:
Question 56:
What area would not be considered previously developed?
A Site of an old barn
Any existing building lot is a previously developed area.
B Abandoned urban parking lot
C Wetland
not count.
A wetland would not have a building on it, so it would not be considered previously developed.
D Railroad yard
Any area with previous development even if it did not contain a building is considered previously developed.
Notes:
Reference: LEED for Homes Glossary
Question 57:
Placing a project's parking underground would help with what LEED credit?
A Preferred parking
Preferred parking is not itself a LEED credit. Preferred parking is a requirement for some credits.
B Parking capacity
Moving parking underground doesn't change the capacity.
C Heat island effect
Moving parking spaces underground reduces the quantity of hardscapes above ground. Less hardscapes
result in lessening the heat island effect.
D Recycled materials
Recycled materials and parking location are not related.
Notes:

Question 58:
A company is building a new office building in a dense urban area 1/4 mile from public transportation. The company
will allow telecommuting and promote carpooling. What could these strategies help with?
A Reducing the number of parking spaces needed
Locating a project near public transportation, promoting carpooling, and telecommuting are all strategies
to reduce the number of vehicles on the road, and thus the parking spaces needed for workers.
B Increasing development density
C Reducing the heat island effect
Question 59:
What information is needed to determine if a product will help with the heat island effect of a non-roof surface?
A SRI of the material
than reflect it.
paving.
Many outdoor materials now come with the SRI value printed on the label so purchasers know how the
product will impact the urban heat island effect. The higher the SRI number the more solar heat the material
can reflect. Black asphalt has an SRI of 0.
B Run-off coefficients for the material
Run-off coefficients are used for stormwater management.
C Life cycle costs of the material
The life cycle cost does not indicate if the material will reduce heat islands.
D Emissivity of material
Project teams do not need the emittance of a material. They do need the SRI value because that is what is
needed for the LEED credits. The emittance of a material refers to its ability to release absorbed heat.
Scientists use a number between 0 and 1, or 0% and 100%, to express emittance. With the exception of
metals, most construction materials have emittances above 0.85 (85%). Emittance is used by manufacturers
to calculate the SRI.
Notes:

Question 60:
What environmental issue occurs from stormwater runoff?
A Ozone depletion
B Heat islands
C Blackwater
D Sedimentation
Stormwater consists of rainwater and melted snow that run off streets, lawns, farms, and construction
and industrial sites. Stormwater runoff can lead to sedimentation. Sedimentation is where pollutants from
natural or human activities add particles to water bodies. Pollutants come from soil, fertilizer, oil or gas on
roadways, pesticides, etc.
Stormwater runoff should be controlled onsite by harvesting the water, increasing open space, and
reducing impervious surfaces.
Question 61:
Which of the following would not be included in local zoning or local code requirements?
A Fire suppression systems
Fire suppression if it is required would be set by local code. An example is an office building that would be
required to have a fire suppression system installed.
B Minimum parking spaces
The quantity of parking required for a project is usually set by local zoning.
C Green power
Green power is generated off-site, and requiring its use in projects would not be part of local code. Perhaps
it will in the future but today it is not.
In LEED, green power refers to off-site generated renewable energy. Since the energy comes from offsite it
would not impact the building project or need to reference any zoning/codes for the project.
D Open space limits
Open space requirements are usually set by local zoning. For example if a lot is 2 acres local zoning may
require preserving 0.5 acres as open space.
Notes:
Reference: n/a
Zoning is a method of land use regulation used by local governments in most developed countries. Zoning may be
use-based (regulating the uses to which land may be put), or it may regulate building height, lot coverage, and similar
characteristics, or some combination of these.
Question 62:
What design decisions would help reduce the quantity or improve the quality of stormwater runoff?

A Adding a constructed wetland
Adding constructed wetlands reduces the quantity of stormwater runoff by providing a location for the
stormwater to collect.
B Placing the building next to a park or other natural area
Placing the building next to a park or natural area does not address the issue.
C Using drip lines for irrigation
Using drip lines vs. conventional irrigation does not impact stormwater. However the source of the water
for irrigation is important - potable vs. stormwater or graywater.
D Replacing all roads and hardscapes with impervious asphalt
Replacing all roads and hardscapes with impervious asphalt is incorrect. Use pervious pavement to
allow water to filter through.
Question 63:
What design decisions would help reduce the quantity or improve the quality of stormwater runoff?
A Adding a constructed wetland
Adding constructed wetlands reduces the quantity of stormwater runoff by providing a location for the
stormwater to collect.
B Placing the building next to a park or other natural area
Placing the building next to a park or natural area does not address the issue.
C Using drip lines for irrigation
Using drip lines vs. conventional irrigation does not impact stormwater. However the source of the water
for irrigation is important - potable vs. stormwater or graywater.
D Replacing all roads and hardscapes with impervious asphalt
Replacing all roads and hardscapes with impervious asphalt is incorrect. Use pervious pavement to
allow water to filter through.
Question 64:
What is the best type of site to develop on?
A Nature preserve
B Previously developed site
Selecting a previously developed site avoids disturbing natural areas that have not been developed.
C Wetland

D Greenfield
Question 65:
What are the environmental benefits of selecting a previously developed site for a project?
A The site would be located near mass transit
A previously developed site doesn't mean mass transit will be available. There are plenty of cities that have
no or poor public transportation systems.
B Preserving open space
The question asks for an environmental benefit.
LEED prefers not building on greenfields but using previously developed land instead. Preserving
greenfields means more open space will be available.
C Local tax savings may be available
Tax savings are an economic benefit.
D The site would have a greater development density
The development density of the project depends on the building design, not the type of land chosen.
Notes:
Question 66:
What are ways to reduce water pollution from stormwater runoff?
A Open grid paving
Open grid paving and pervious surfaces allow stormwater to percolate through the surface instead of
running off.
B Impervious concrete hardscapes
Impervious materials increase stormwater runoff, as does increasing the size of the building footprint.
C Increasing the building footprint
Increasing the building footprint reduces the quantity of open space. By decreasing open space
stormwater runoff can be increased since there is less natural area to absorb runoff.
D Rain gardens
A rain garden is used to capture stormwater runoff.

Question 67:
A density radius calculation would be used for what purpose?
A To identify any building near the project site to include in project density calculations
The density radius is calculated using a formula provided by LEED. Any building within the radius is included
in the calculations to determine the average density of the area. Projects are awarded credit for building
within dense areas. Public roads and waterways are excluded from the calculations.
B To locate parks near the project that can be counted as open space
Open space not within the project boundary is not counted as open space for the project.
C To identify distance to mass transit
Mass transit is identified by using a map and measuring the walking distance to the transit.
D To locate basic services near a project site
Basic services are identified by drawing a 1/2 mile circle around a project site on a map.
Notes:
Question 68:
What would installing a green roof help with?
A Increasing off-site renewable energy
A green roof does not impact offsite renewable energy.
B Eliminating CFCs
The choice of refrigerant and if natural or mechanical ventilation is used are decisions that help eliminate
CFCs.
C Reducing heat islands
D Increasing the lifespan of the roof
Green roofs typically have a longer life-cycle than traditional roofs (according to LEED).
Notes:
Green roofs help reduce heat islands. They also help provide greater insulation of the roof to reduce energy
consumption.

Question 69:
What encourages the purchase and use of low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehicles?
A Providing solar car ports
This is not a LEED strategy to encourage the purchase and use of low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehicles.
B Providing preferred parking for those vehicles
Preferred parking (parking closest to the building) for fuel-efficient vehicles promotes their purchase.
Preferred parking is a strategy by LEED to reduce automobile use.
Preferred parking spaces are parking spaces that are closest to the main entrance of a project, but they do
not include handicapped parking. Other forms of preferred parking include discounted parking passes,
designated covered spaces, and guaranteed passes in a lottery system.
C Locating the project in a dense neighborhood
D Designing the project to be mixed-use
Notes:
Question 70:
A project team decides to build up, instead of out, to reduce the building footprint. This strategy could help earn what
credit?
A Community Connectivity
Community Connectivity would not be impacted by a change in the building footprint.
B Maximize Open Space
Reducing the building footprint could result in more open space around the building, assuming it wasn't then
paved over.
C Heat Island Effect, Roof
Changing the size of the building footprint (or the roof size) does not help earn a project Heat Island Effect.
D Development Density
The density of the project does not change, so this credit would not be impacted.
Notes:

Question 71:
What is a car share membership program?
A A shuttle that ferries people from mass transit to the workplace, school, etc.
This is a LEED strategy to encourage using public transportation.
B A program where cars can be rented on an hourly or daily basis to reduce automobile ownership
Car sharing is an alternative to car rental and car ownership. Cars are located throughout cities in
convenient locations. People who sign up for the program can reserve the cars and use them for a short
period of time. See zipcar.com for an example.
C A program where two or more people drive together to reduce automobile use
This is carpooling.
D A program where two people share a common parking space in urban areas
This is not a practical scenario.
Notes:
Question 72:
Which of the following are examples of infill development?
A The development of a brownfield site
This is brownfield development.
B A design that increases the number of units of residential space per acre
This is an example of a compact development strategy. The project is putting more people in a given amount
of space. This reduces the need for additional construction elsewhere to accommodate the same amount of
people.
C A store built between two existing urban buildings
This example is a type of infill project.
D An office project on a previously developed site in a city center
This example is a type of infill project.
Notes:
Infill development occurs within established urban areas where the site or area either is a vacant place between other
developments or has previously been used for another urban purpose.

Question 73:
What area would not be considered previously developed?
A Unoccupied big-box retail store
B Parking lot grown over into a field
A parking lot is a developed area.
C Cotton field
not count.
D Old, torn-down steel mill
Notes:
Reference: LEED for Homes Glossary
Question 74:
An office park design includes a parking lot. How could the parking be redesigned to reduce the heat island effect?
A Place the parking underground
Moving a parking lot/spaces under the building is one way to reduce the heat island effect. This reduces the
amount of impervious area above ground.
than reflect it.
B Designate preferred parking spaces
Adding preferred parking does not reduce the heat island effect.
C Encourage occupants to use public transportation one day a week
This is not a LEED strategy to reduce the heat island effect.
D Use black asphalt for the parking lot
This would increase the heat island effect.
Notes:

Question 75:
Gray or white concrete generally has a _________ reflectance and a ________ SRI value than darker concrete does.
A higher, lower
B lower, higher
C higher, higher
paving.
Dark paving materials generally have a low reflectance and low SRI.
Gray/white paving materials generally have a higher reflectance and a higher SRI value.
D lower, lower
Notes:
To reduce the heat island effect cover the surface with materials that have a high (not low) SRI value.
Question 76:
What area is included in the building footprint?
A Parking lots made with permeable concrete
B Area of the building structure
The area of the site occupied by the building structure, not including parking lots, landscapes, and other
nonbuilding facilities.
C Ponds
D Stone walkways
Notes:
Question 77:
Which of the following is NOT an example of passive design?
A Capturing sunlight for natural lighting (daylighting)
In passive design free solar energy is captured and applied efficiently instead of relying predominantly on
active systems.

Daylighting is the practice of placing windows or other transparent media and reflective surfaces so that
during the day natural light provides effective internal illumination.
B Orienting a building for optimal sun exposure
The building orientation impacts the heating and cooling of a building depending on the climate and the
orientation.
C Using wind for natural ventilation
Windows that open to allow air movement is an example of passive design.
D Using natural refrigerants
Do not confuse passive (natural) ventilation/design with natural refrigerants. Natural refrigerants still require
mechanical means to distribute the cool air.
Notes:
Passive design combines fundamental building principles such as orientation, massing and optimal material
properties to deliver comfort to building occupants while minimizing the use of mechanical systems.
Question 78:
A vehicle meeting which standard would be considered low-emitting and fuel efficient?
A Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) by the California Air Resources Board
Vehicles must be classified as a Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) by the California Air Resources Board or have
a green score of 40 or more from the ACEEE annual vehicle rating guide.
The LEED Credit is named Low-Emitting and Fuel-Efficient Vehicles and ZEVs qualify under that credit. The
question doesn't ask about Zero-Emitting and Fuel-Efficient Vehicles because there is no LEED credit by
that name.
B EPA Transportation and Air Quality standard
This is not correct.
C SCAQMD air quality standards
SCAQMD is an air pollution control agency.
D Green-e Certified
Green-e is a program established to promote green electricity products and provide consumers with a
nationally recognized method to identify those products.
Notes:

Question 79:
What site features are included in the landscape area?
A Open grid paved surfaces
Open grid pavement is a strategy for reducing heat islands and for stormwater control. Open-grid pavement
is considered part of the site hardscape.
B Neighboring green space property
The neighboring property is outside of the LEED project boundary.
C Parking lot with high albedo surfaces
Paved surfaces would be excluded.
D Tree save area
Landscape area: the total site area less the building footprint, paved surfaces, water bodies, and patios. (-
USGBC)
The tree save area would be included in the landscape area. A tree save area is defined as any tree cover
on the tract left undisturbed. They are usually roped off to prevent trucks from driving in the area and people
from accidentally cutting down the trees.
Notes:
Question 80:
For the purposes of LEED certification, a project building includes all areas except:
A The grounds around the building
The grounds are part of the project building.
B Parking lots
Parking lots are part of the project building.
C A shared parking structure on a neighboring property that is part of another LEED project
Shared parking structures that are part of another LEED project would not be included.
D An occupied and operational building
The building is of course included in the project building.
Notes:
A project building is the real property, including an occupied and operational building(s) and the associated grounds

that is registered for and actively pursuing LEED certification.
While it may seem correct to use the term 'project boundary' in the question instead of 'project building', the O+M
glossary uses the term 'Project Building' so that is what we have used in the question.
Question 81:
What generally defines the LEED project boundary?
A Building footprint and hardscapes
B Building footprint
C Area of disturbance and all surrounding roadways
D Site boundary
Generally the LEED project boundary is the same as that of the site boundary. For multi-building projects the
team may determine the project boundary by the portion the development covers.
Notes:
Question 82:
What does a building need to have for community connectivity?
A Pedestrian access to nearby buildings
Access to nearby buildings is not enough information to choose this answer. Nearby office buildings would
not count because an office building is not a basic service. The choice would need to state the buildings
contained basic services.
B Pedestrian access to basic services
Community connectivity helps channel development to urban areas with existing infrastructure. Pedestrian
access is needed for occupants to take advantage of basic services.
C Density of 60,000 sq. ft. / acre
This density helps with Development Density.
D Pedestrian access to mass transit within 1/4 mile
Access to public transpiration (mass transit) helps with reducing automobile use in the LEED Rating System,
however picking a site near mass transit does not help earn the community connectivity credit.
Notes:

Question 83:
What is an example of a basic service?
A Hotel
Hotels are not considered basic services.
B Access to mass transit
Access to mass transit helps reduce automobile use.
C Shuttle services
Shuttle services help provide access to mass transit.
D Community center
Community connectivity channels development to urban areas with existing infrastructure. This includes
areas with walkways and areas near basic services.
Basic services are those services that are open to the public, and are common services that people might
use regularly. People must be able to walk between the project and the service without being blocked by
walls, highways, or other barriers (this is called pedestrian access). LEED encourages building near a variety
of basic services, not just one type of service such as twelve clothing stores in a strip mall. LEED provides
examples of basic services as:
Bank
Church
Day care
Fire station
Salon
Hardware store
Library
Park
Pharmacy
Post office
Restaurant
School
Theatre / museum
Community center
Gym
Notes:
Question 84:
A project team has decided to shrink the building footprint. This change can have a positive impact on what project
area?
A Open space

Reducing the size of the building footprint may allow for more open space (fields, grasslands,
landscaping, etc.)
Open space are the ground areas that are vegetated and pervious.
Green roofs can be considered open space but only for urban areas.
B Parking capacity
C Pedestrian access
D Car-pool parking
Question 85:
What is a benefit of increasing the quantity of open space on a project?
A Reducing potable water use
More open space may increase water needs due to an increase in landscape size.
B Increasing stormwater infiltration
C Increased durability of the overall project
There is no correlation between open space and durability.
D More habitat for vegetation and wildlife
Notes:
Reference: n/a
Question 86:
How can the heat island effect of a parking lot be reduced for LEED credit?
A Reduce the size of the parking lot
Reducing the size of the parking lot reduces the heat island effect but LEED does not measure the effect
based on the total area of hardscapes. The reduction is a percentage of shading, underground parking, or
open grid pavement for the total area of the hardscapes.
B Orienting the building so that the building shades the parking lot from any afternoon sun
Shading with vegetation (trees) or architectural devices is acceptable but the shade must occur all day.

C Installing asphalt that has a high SRI value
Any covering with a high SRI will help reduce the heat island effect.
D Installing pervious paving
Pervious paving helps with stormwater control.
E Installing shaded parking covers that have low SRI values
Shaded parking covers would need high SRI values to help reduce the heat island effect.
Notes:
Question 87:
What is a brownfield?
A Previously used or redeveloped land that may be contaminated with hazardous waste or pollution
Projects may get special deals on developing on these sites if the owner cleans them up first.
B An infill site
C Gaps between existing infrastructure
D A site that has been graded
Notes:
Question 88:
What types of land does LEED prefer project teams build on?
A Brownfields
Brownfields are previously used or developed land that may be contaminated with hazardous substances or
pollutants.
LEED credit can be earned for projects that remediate the site and build on it.
B Farmland
LEED does not award points for building on farmland.
C Floodplains

LEED does not award points for building in floodplains.
D Greenfields
LEED prefers not building on greenfields but using previously developed land instead.
Notes:
Question 89:
What impacts a project's ability to achieve Development Density?
A Measuring an accurate project boundary
The Development Density credit uses the density of the area of the project being built. This density is
compared to the densities of other projects within a calculated density radius.
An accurate project boundary is used to determine the project's density.
B Making sure the project has pedestrian access to at least 10 basic services within 1/2 mile
Locating the project within 1/2 mile of 10 basic services helps the project earn Community Connectivity.
C Locating the project near 2 or more bus stops
Locating a project near public transportation can help earn Alternative Transportation, Public Transportation
Access.
D Building on a brownfield site in a dense urban area
This would help a project earn Brownfield Redevelopment.
Notes:
Question 90:
What are attributes of open space?
A Open space is vegetated
B Open space is 100 ft. beyond the building perimeter
Open space may or may not go beyond the building perimeter.
C Open space is shaded
Open space doesn't have to be shaded.

D Open space has been previously developed
Open space is usually undeveloped. If a previously developed area is restored it may contribute to open
space.
E Open space is pervious
Green roofs can be considered open space but only for urban areas.
Notes:
Question 91:
What is the result of increasing the floor area ratio (FAR) from 1.0 to 2.0 while maintaining the same gross floor area
on a project being designed for a greenfield site?
A The building footprint increases
The building footprint would decrease because the project is building up rather than out.
B The LEED project boundary changes
The project boundary would remain unchanged. Only the building footprint changes - not the site area.
C The development density of the project increases
The gross floor area is the same so the density of the project does not change.
D Biodiversity is promoted
FAR is the total building square footage (building area) divided by the site size square footage (site area).
One of the objectives of green building is to build 'up' rather than 'out', thereby having a smaller building
footprint to Maximize Open Space and promote biodiversity. For example instead of having a 1 story building
with a 10,000 SF footprint design a 2 story building with a 5,000 SF footprint. Both designs have 10,000 SF
of total floor area but the 2 story building has a smaller footprint.
Notes:
Question 92:
A project team has selected a previously developed lot in an urban area to build a new condominium. If the project
site is near a public library what would this help with?
A Reducing the heat island effect
The type of lot selected does not address the heat island effect. It is what happens to the lot later that can
impact the heat island effect, such as the quantity of hardscapes and the choice of materials used for paving.

B Preserving any historical surroundings
Building on a previously developed lot does not preserve the historical surroundings.
C Meeting local zoning requirements
Nothing in this scenario addresses meeting zoning requirements.
A public library is a basic service.
libraries, etc.
Notes:
Reference: n/a
Question 93:
What would NOT help earn Heat Island Effect-Non Roof?
A Planting large non-native trees for shading
Shading hardscapes is an accepted strategy by LEED for reducing the heat island effect.
B Placing parking under cover
Placing parking under cover is an accepted strategy by LEED for reducing the heat island effect.
C Using paving materials with high SRI values
Materials with high SRI values reduce the heat island effect by reflecting solar radiation rather than
absorbing it.
D Increasing the number of above ground parking spaces
Increasing the number of parking spaces above ground would increase the heat island effect.
Notes:
Question 94:
Which of the following is a strategy to prevent stormwater runoff?
A Installing a vegetated roof
A vegetated roof helps capture stormwater on a roof.

B Locating the building 40 feet from a water body
This does not prevent runoff.
C Minimizing the quantity of open space in the project boundary
Minimizing open space would negatively affect runoff. LEED projects can earn credit for Maximize Open
Space.
D Replacing native plants with turf grass to capture and filter the water
Turf grass should be avoided because it requires more watering than native plants. Replacing plants with turf
grass may have a negative effect, because turf grass may have more compact soil and not infiltrate as well.
Notes:
Question 95:
What is integrated pest management?
A The rotation of landscape plants to maximize soil nutrients and organisms
This is not IPM.
B An approach to operations that brings management members together to work on pest control collaboratively
This would be part of the integrated process.
C The coordinated use of pest and environmental information with available pest control methods to prevent
unacceptable levels of pest damage by the most economical means and with the least possible hazard to
people, property, and the environment
This is the correct definition. IPM combines:
-knowledge about pests
-the environment
-pest prevention and control methods
D The combination of pesticides and poisons to make sure all pests are eradicated from inside a building for
the purpose of occupant health and well being
IPM tries to avoid the use of poisons and prevent pests from coming in the building.
Notes:
Question 96:
A project team has selected a previously developed lot in an urban area to build a new condominium. If the project
site is near a public park what would this help with?
A Increasing the development density

A public park does not increase development density.
B Reducing the heat island effect
The choice of site does not reduce the heat island effect.
C Community connectivity
A public park is a basic service.
libraries, etc.
D Increasing open space
Public parks do not contribute to open space for LEED projects. Open space is a measurement of the open
space within the LEED boundary.
Notes:
Reference: n/a
Question 97:
Which of these sites would be most appropriate for community connectivity?
A A site located in an urban residential area
Being located in an urban residential area doesn't automatically qualify the site for community connectivity.
B A site located within 1/4 mile of two or more bus stops
This would help with providing public transportation access.
C A site located in proximity to schools, parks, stores, and other services and amenities
Community connectivity is the quantity of connection between a site and the surrounding community.
Bank
Church
Day care
Fire station
Salon
Hardware store
Library
Park

Pharmacy
Post office
Restaurant
School
Theatre / museum
Community center
Gym
D A site that has been documented as contaminated
A brownfield is a site that has been documented as contaminated. Brownfield sites may or may not be near
basic services and meet the other requirements for community connectivity.
Notes:
Question 98:
What does the emissivity of a material refer to?
A How hot a surface gets relative to standard black and standard white surfaces
B The environmental benefits of the material over time
C The ratio of energy radiated by a particular material to energy radiated by a black body at the same
temperature
The emissivity of a material is the ratio of energy radiated by a particular material to energy radiated by a
black body at the same temperature. It is a measure of a material's ability to radiate absorbed energy.
D The measure of a material's ability to reflect sunlight (including the visible, infrared, and ultraviolet
wavelengths) on a scale of 0 to 1
Notes:
Question 99:
What are heat islands?
A Reflection of heat by high albedo surfaces
B Surfaces with an imperviousness of 50% or more
C Air and surface temperature differences between developed and undeveloped areas
Heat islands are air and surface temperature differences between developed and undeveloped areas.
than reflect it.

D An environmental issue that causes ozone depletion
Notes:
Question 100:
When project team members discuss the albedo of a product, to what are they referring?
A The reflectivity of a material
total reflectivity.
B Recycled content
Recycled content is a the percent of a material that contains pre or post consumer recycled materials.
C Emissivity
The emissivity of a material is the ratio of energy radiated by a particular material to energy radiated by a
black body at the same temperature. It is a measure of a material's ability to radiate absorbed energy.
D Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) content
VOCs are compounds in building materials that can off gas and contribute to poor indoor air quality.
Notes:
Question 101:
What defines the density of a nonresidential building?
A Site Area / Acre of Buildable Land
B Floor Area / 120,000 sq. ft.
C Building Footprint / Acre of Buildable Land
D Floor Area / Acre of Buildable Land
The glossary defines density for both residential and nonresidential buildings:
The quantity of structures on a site, measured for residential buildings as dwelling units per acre of buildable
land available for residential uses, and for nonresidential buildings as floor area ratio per net acre of
buildable land available for nonresidential uses. (USGBC, Glossary)

Notes:
Reference: LEED for Homes Rating System
Question 102:
What is a way LEED encourages the purchase and use of low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehicles?
A Setting up a carpool notification system
This helps with mass transit.
B Providing discounted parking passes to the owners of low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehicles (if parking fees
exist)
Discounted parking passes given to the owners of these vehicles may encourage their purchase by
offsetting any parking costs.
C Locating the project in a densely developed neighborhood
Locating the project in a densely developed neighborhood helps channel development to urban areas with
existing infrastructure, protect greenfields and preserver habitat and natural resources.
D Implementing a car share membership
This helps with mass transit.
Notes:
Question 103:
What is SRI?
A Measure of VOC levels in paint
B Measure of air quality
C Measure of a material's ability to reflect solar heat
paving.
The higher the SRI number the more solar heat the material can reflect. Black asphalt has an SRI of 0.
D Measure of an automobile's emissions
Notes:

Question 104:
A project team will exceed local zoning requirements for open space by 25% to earn credit for Maximizing Open
Space. What will increasing the amount of open space for the project impact?
A Quantity of rainwater available for irrigation
The same amount of rain is going to fall from the sky regardless of what's on the property.
B Size of the LEED boundary
Altering the size of the open space does not change the LEED boundary.
C Community connectivity
Community connectivity would not change.
D Size of the area available to plant native vegetation
Increasing the open space would impact the size of the area to plant any vegetation, including native.
Notes:
Reference: n/a
Question 105:
What is the benefit of installing bicycle racks?
A Communitiy connectivity
B Reducing heat islands
C Innovation in Design
D Reducing automobile use
Bicycle use is one of the ways to promote alternative modes of transportation in the Sustainable Sites
section.
Notes:
Question 106:
Which of these sites if selected would most help with community connectivity?
A A site located next door to residential condominiums

Residences are not a type of basic service.
B A site that has underground parking and open space on the property
Open space on the site does not count as community connectivity.
C A site located within 1/2 mile walking distance of a commuter rail line
This would help with providing public transportation access.
D A site within 1/2 mile walking distance to a public park
Community connectivity is the quantity of connection between a site and the surrounding community.
Bank
Church
Day care
Fire station
Salon
Hardware store
Library
Park
Pharmacy
Post office
Restaurant
School
Theatre / museum
Community center
Gym
Notes:
Question 107:
What would NOT qualify as a previously developed site?
A Greenfield lot donated to the city
B Lot reseeded with native grasses
A lot that has been altered by humans may be considered previously developed.
C Lot where there used to be a road

A site that had a road would be previously developed.
D Lot that was recently graded
A lot that has been graded is previously developed.
Notes:
Reference: LEED for Homes glossary
Previously developed sites are sites that once had buildings, roadways, parking lots, or were graded or otherwise
altered by direct human activities. (-USGBC)
Question 108:
What does the use of light-colored, pervious paving help with?
A Stormwater management
Pervious paving helps with reducing stormwater runoff by allowing stormwater to percolate through the
pavement.
B Heat island effect
Light colored paving, or paving with a high SRI value, helps reduce the heat island effect.
than reflect it.
C Regional materials
D Recycling
Notes:
Question 109:
What is true about a project that is located in an urban area?
A The project will need to be located near mass transit to achieve LEED certification
Locating a project near mass transit is not a prerequisite for projects in urban areas.
B The project team will likely have to select a site on previously undeveloped land
Urban developments usually have access to previously developed land. It is in suburban areas where a
project is more likely to find a greenfield to develop on.
C The project is likely to experience higher cooling costs due to the heat island effect
The heat island effect refers to the ability of dark, non-reflective paved areas-city streets, rooftops, and
sidewalks-to absorb and radiate heat, making urban areas and the surrounding suburbs noticeably hotter

than rural towns nearby. Other contributors include reduced air flow due to tall buildings and narrow streets,
calm and sunny weather, and auto exhaust.
Because the air around the building is heated, more air conditioning is required in the building to keep it cool.
This in turn, further heats the surrounding air and creates a vicious cycle.
D The design of the project within the project boundary is unlikely to contain open space
Even in an urban area the project team can design the project to leave some of the area as open space.
Notes:
Reference: n/a
Question 110:
The installation of impervious parking materials with high SRI values will have a negative impact on what project
area?
A Heat island effect
The high SRI material will positively impact the heat island effect.
B Recycled materials
There would be no impact on recycled materials.
C Water use reduction
There would be no impact on water use.
D Stormwater runoff
Impervious materials increase stormwater runoff.
This is an example of a material that has a tradeoff. The material increases stormwater runoff but reduces
the heat island effect.
Notes:
Reference: n/a
Question 111:
To be classified as fuel-efficient, a vehicle might meet which of the following standards?
A Green Seal score
Green Seal is label used to indicate if paint contains low VOC content.
B Green-e
Off-site renewable energy must come from renewable resources that meet the Green-e certification
requirements as defined by the Center for Resource Solutions.

C ACEEE Green score
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) defines Zero-Emission Vehicles (ZEV's) and the American
Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) submits green scores (a minimum of 40 is required for
LEED).
D Green Label
Green Label is a certification used to indicate if carpet cushion has low VOC content.
Notes:
Question 112:
What urban area is a best choice for a LEED project?
A Areas with low development density
Projects cannot earn credits for building in areas with low densities.
B Areas that have not been previously developed
Projects cannot earn credits for building on lots that are not previously developed.
C Areas with zero development density
Projects cannot earn credits for building in areas with zero densities.
D Areas with high development density
Notes:
Choosing urban areas that are previously developed with high development densities can earn LEED credit.
Question 113:
Which of the following is included in the landscape area?
A Building footprint
According to LEED the building footprint is not part of the landscape.
B Green roof
The landscape area of the site is the total site area less the building footprint, hardscape area, water bodies,
etc.
Green roofs are considered part of the landscaping. Green roofs help reduce heat islands. They also help
provide greater insulation of the roof to reduce energy consumption, and they have a longer life-cycle than
traditional roofs.

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