Leed green associate iv. project systems and energy impacts answer

LEED Green Associate IV. Project Systems and Energy Impacts
Question 1:
What transfers heat during the mechanical cooling process?
A Off-gassing
B Biomass
C Refrigerants
Refrigerants are substances used to transfer heat during the mechanical cooling process within air
conditioning and refrigerator systems. They act as the heat carrier which changes from gas to liquid and then
back to gas in the refrigeration cycle.
D Feedback loop
Notes:
Reference: LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance Reference Guide, Glossary
Question 2:
What project areas would you find CFCs used in?
A Radiant flooring
Radiant flooring is a method for heating floors by embedding materials in the subfloor that can transfer heat.
B Centrifugal chillers
Centrifugal chillers are a building application that uses CFCs.
C Refrigeration
Refrigeration is a building application that uses CFCs.
D Hot water heating
Hot water heating does not use CFCs.
Notes:
Reference: The Treatment by LEED of the Environmental Impact of HVAC Refrigerants
Question 3:
With regards to refrigerants what is a natural conflict between the prevention of ozone depletion and global warming?
A Refrigerants contain ozone layer gases

B Refrigerants that are neutral to the ozone layer are less efficient
If a cooling system achieves greater efficiency only at the environmental price of using a chlorine-containing
refrigerant, an inevitable environmental conflict exists.
C Refrigerants that deplete the ozone layer are less efficient
D Refrigerants contain global warming gases
Notes:
Question 4:
Developing nations banned chlorofluorocarbons under the:
A Executive Order 95-231
B Montreal Protocol
The Montreal Protocol banned CFCs. Developing nations signed on to phase out the use of CFCs, while
some other nations still produce and use CFCs.
Under the Montreal Protocol, CFC production in the United States ended in 1995. To implement the
Montreal Protocol, the EPA established Section 608 of the EPA Clean Air Act for regulating the use and
recycling of ozone-depleting compounds.
C EPA Clean Air Act
EPA Clean Air Act specifies disposal procedures for CFCs among other things.
D Kyoto Treaty
This is a protocol aimed to fight global warming. LEED does not reference this protocol.
Notes:
Question 5:
The Green Power credit gives preference to electricity products that:
A Are greenhouse gas neutral
B Come from grid-source, renewable energy technologies on a net zero pollution basis
See the Intent of the Green Power credit in the reference.
The Green Power credit encourages the development and use of grid-source, renewable energy
technologies on a net zero pollution basis.
The term 'green power' refers to electricity products that include significant proportions of electricity
generated from energy resources that are both renewable and environmentally preferable (such as a wind
farm).

C Come from hydroelectric sources
LEED does not give preference to high impact hydroelectric sources.
D Use cogeneration
Combined heat and power (CHP) is an electricity generation technology, also known as cogeneration, that
recovers waste heat from the electric generation process to produce simultaneously other forms of useful
energy, such as usable heat or steam. On average, two-thirds of the input energy used to make electricity is
lost as waste heat. In contrast, CHP systems are capable of converting more than 70 percent of the fuel into
usable energy. (Guide to Purchasing Green Power)
Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System
Question 6:
What statement is true regarding a passive cooling system?
A It does not use any refrigerants
A passive cooling system is also called natural ventilation. In cooler climates a building can be designed to
maximize the flow of outdoor air through the building to provide natural cooling to the occupants. A simple
example is a window that can be opened.
B It has a high indirect impact on the environment
A passive cooling system does not have a high indirect impact the environment.
C The refrigerants operate at a low or negative pressure
Passive cooling systems do not use refrigerants.
D It has high global warming potential (GWP)
Passive cooling systems do not use refrigerants and thus do not have GWP.
Notes:
Reference: n/a
Question 7:
Which of the following causes depletion of the ozone layer?
A CO2
B CFCs
CFCs cause depletion of the ozone layer.
CO2, ammonia, and propane are natural refrigerants that are not detrimental to the ozone layer.
C Propane

D Ammonia
Notes:
Question 8:
What statement is true regarding the purchase of RECs?
A RECs decrease the quantity of energy a building owner must purchase from utility companies
RECs do not impact the quantity of energy a building consumes.
B RECs will increase the amount of onsite renewable energy a building generates
RECs do not impact the quantity of onsite energy a building generates.
C Purchasing RECs will help a project earn credit for Green Power
For LEED, purchasing RECs can help a project earn credit for Green Power.
D RECs decrease a building's energy demand
RECs do not impact a building's energy demand.
Notes:
Question 9:
What credit category is given the greatest weighting?
A Energy and Atmosphere
B Sustainable Sites
C Water Efficiency
D Materials and Resources
Notes:
The Energy and Atmosphere category has the most points available and the most environmental impact.
Question 10:
Energy efficiency is defined as:

A The use of technology that requires less energy to perform the same function as a conventional item
A compact fluorescent light bulb that uses less energy than an incandescent bulb to produce the same
amount of light is an example of energy efficiency. The decision to replace an incandescent light bulb with a
compact fluorescent is an example of energy conservation.
B Any strategy that reduces resource use 20% from a baseline comparison
No specific percentages define if a product is more energy efficient than another.
C Any strategy that reduces resource use 10% or more from a baseline comparison
No specific percentages define if a product is more energy efficient than another.
D The replacement of any older building product with a newer building product
Newer building products are not necessarily more energy efficient. Doors are a good example. A door from
100 years ago was probably solid wood. A new door might be a wood frame with steel veneer and a
Styrofoam core. The old door may have greater insulating properties.
Notes:
Reference: n/a
Question 11:
In an existing building, with what can a project team replace CFCs and still earn LEED certification?
A Only natural refrigerants
HCFCs and HFCs can be used as refrigerants as well as natural refrigerants.
B Only HFCs or natural refrigerants
HCFCs and HFCs can be used as refrigerants as well as natural refrigerants.
C Any non CFC-based refrigerant
Any non CFC-based refrigerant is acceptable to earn LEED certification.
D Natural ventilation
The team can choose to re-design the building to use natural ventilation in place of refrigerants.
Notes:
Question 12:
What are differences between Hydrocarbons (HCs) and Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs)?
A HCs are environmentally benign to the atmosphere while HCFCs are not

HCs, or hydrocarbons, are natural refrigerants that include propane, butane, ethane, isobutene, and
isopentane. Natural refrigerants are benign but they require a greater amount of energy to achieve the same
level of cooling as refrigerants such as HFCs and HCFCs.
B HCs are an ideal replacement for CFCs while HCFCs are not
HCs are not an ideal replacement for CFCs because they require a greater amount of energy to achieve the
same level of cooling as HFCs and HCFCs.
C HCs can be used as refrigerants in new buildings while LEED requires zero use of HCFC-based refrigerants
in new base building elements
LEED requires zero use of CFC-based (not HCFC-based) refrigerants in new base building elements for
Fundamental Refrigerant Management, with the intent of reducing stratospheric ozone depletion.
D HCs have a lower global warming potential (GWP) than HCFCs
HCs are benign to the atmosphere and thus have a low direct global warming potential (GWP). Because
HCs are less efficient they require more energy to achieve the same level of refrigeration and the increased
use of fossil fuels indirectly increases global warming.
Notes:
Question 13:
What types of energy sources generate the least air and water pollution?
A Biofuel
B Oil
C Wind
D Natural gas
E Coal
Notes:
Wind, solar, and biomass are types of renewable energy sources LEED rewards projects for using.
Coal, nuclear, natural gas, oil, and other fossil fuels have greater environmental impacts to the air and water.
Question 14:
What leaves the largest carbon footprint in the typical office building?
A Transportation
B Materials

C Water
D Building systems
A building's systems - HVAC+R, lighting, etc - use the most energy in a typical building.
Question 15:
What does the Montreal Protocol ban?
A Coal-fired power plants
The Montreal Protocol does not ban coal-fired power plants.
B CFCs
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are now banned under the Montreal Protocol. Refer to the Treatment by LEED
of Environmental Impact of HVAC Refrigerants.
C Mercury in light bulbs
The Montreal Protocol does not ban mercury in light bulbs.
D Incandescent light bulbs
The Montreal Protocol does not ban incandescent light bulbs.
Notes:
Question 16:
Can ozone have negative environmental effects?
A Yes, depending on where ozone is located
(O3) is a gas composed of three oxygen atoms. It is not usually emitted directly into the air, but at ground-
level is created by a chemical reaction between oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic compounds
(VOC) in the presence of sunlight. Ozone has the same chemical structure whether it occurs miles above the
earth or at ground-level and can be 'good' or 'bad,' depending on its location in the atmosphere.
In the earth's lower atmosphere, ground-level ozone is considered 'bad.' Motor vehicle exhaust and industrial
emissions, gasoline vapors, and chemical solvents as well as natural sources emit NOx and VOC that help
form ozone. Ground-level ozone is the primary constituent of smog. Sunlight and hot weather cause ground-
level ozone to form in harmful concentrations in the air. As a result, it is known as a summertime air
pollutant. Many urban areas tend to have high levels of 'bad' ozone, but even rural areas are also subject to
increased ozone levels because wind carries ozone and pollutants that form it hundreds of miles away from
their original sources.

'Good' ozone occurs naturally in the stratosphere approximately 10 to 30 miles above the earth's surface
and forms a layer that protects life on earth from the sun's harmful rays.
B Yes, when located in the upper atmosphere
C No, ozone is essential to life on earth
D No, ozone is located in the upper atmosphere
Question 17:
The leakage rate is the speed at which an appliance loses refrigerant, measured between refrigerant charges or over
_____, whichever is shorter.
A 24 months
B 6 months
C 18 months
D 12 months
The speed at which an appliance loses refrigerant, measured between refrigerant charges or over 12
months, whichever is shorter. The leakage rate is expressed in terms of the percentage of the appliance's
full charge that would be lost over a 12-month period if the rate stabilized. (EPA Clean Air Act, Title VI, Rule
608).
Notes:
Question 18:
Purchased power must meet which certification's standards to qualify as off-site renewable sources of energy for
LEED projects?
A Green Label Plus
Green Label Plus certified carpets have low VOC content.
B Green Seal
Green Seal and Environmental Choice are standards LEED accepts for cleaning products.
C 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.
D Green Label
Green Label certified carpet cushions have low VOC content.

Notes:
Question 19:
How can a LEED project earn credit for Green Power?
A By selecting a Green-e certified power provider
For states with open electricity markets a Green-e certified power provider can be selected. Off-site
renewable energy is accepted by LEED towards the Green Power credit.
B By purchasing any renewable energy source
Only energy sources certified by Green-e are acceptable.
C By installing solar panels
Installing solar panels helps with On-site Renewable Energy.
D By purchasing biofuel based power
Purchasing biofuel based power can help but only if the energy source is Green-e certified.
Notes:
Question 20:
An office project design in a cooler climate will include natural ventilation. What standards will help the project team
earn credits for this design?
A 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. This standard is used for
ventilation rates of both mechanical (active) ventilation and passive (natural) ventilation.
B SMACNA
The Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning National Contractors Association (SMACNA) has a set of indoor air
quality guidelines that are used to help manage air quality issues resulting from construction and renovation.
These air quality guidelines do not address natural ventilation.
C ASHRAE 55-2004
ASHRAE 55-2004 Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy help with defining what makes
a comfortable indoor environment for occupants. Indoor conditions are considered acceptable if 80% or
more of occupants find them acceptable. It is especially important when having a natural ventilation system
that occupants are comfortable.
D 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.
E SCAQMD
The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) develops, adopts and implements an Air
Quality Management Plan for bringing the area into compliance with the clean air standards established by
national and state governmental legislation.
Notes:
Question 21:
What statement is true regarding halons?
A Halons absorb heat from a reservoir at low temperatures and reject heat at higher temperatures
Refrigerants (not Halons) are substances used to transfer heat during the mechanical cooling process within
air conditioning and refrigerator systems. They act as the heat carrier which changes from gas to liquid and
then back to gas in the refrigeration cycle.
B Halons are commonly used in centrifugal chillers
Halons are not refrigerants used in centrifugal chillers.
C Halons are a type of hydrocarbon
Halons are not hydrocarbons because they do not contain hydrogen.
D Halons are substances that deplete the stratospheric ozone layer
Halons are used as fire extinguishing agents, both in built-in systems and in handheld portable fire
extinguishers. Halon production in the U.S. ended on December 31, 1993, because they contribute to ozone
depletion.
Notes:
Question 22:
Which refrigerants are considered environmentally benign?
A Halons
Halons used to be used fire suppression systems until they were banned. Halons, CFCs, and HCFCs
contribute to stratospheric ozone depletion.
B Propane
Propane is a type of hydrocarbon. Hydrocarbons are a classification of natural refrigerants which are benign
to the environment.

C Hydrofluorocarbons
HFCs (HydroFluoroCarbons) are not covered in the Montreal Protocol. These refrigerants have low Ozone
Depletion Potential but typically high Global Warming Potential.
D Hydrocarbons
Hydrocarbons are a classification of natural refrigerants which are benign to the environment.
Propane, butane, ethane, isobutene, and isopentane are types of hydrocarbons.
Notes:
Question 23:
What is building commissioning?
A A process to remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from a building
This is the definition of a bake out.
B A systematic process of assuring that a building and its systems perform in accordance with the design intent
and the owner's requirements
This is the definition of commissioning.
C The process of adapting old structures for purposes other than those initially intended
This is the definition of adaptive reuse.
D When an existing building undergoes the commissioning process to discover if improvements or changes
should be made to improve the building
This is the definition of retrocommissioning.
Notes:
Reference: GBES LEED Green Associate Study Guide
Question 24:
Which of the following has the greatest direct impact on global warming?
A Building orientation
Building orientation has an indirect impact since the building's orientation does not itself increase global
warming. The orientation has an indirect impact by either requiring more/less fossil fuels to be burned to
heat/cool the building.
B Chillers' operating efficiency
How efficiently HVAC equipment is directly impacts how much fossil fuel is burned to heat and cool a
building.

C SRI of a building's roof
This is an indirect impact because the roof does not contribute to global warming. The roof has an indirect
impact by either requiring more/less fossil fuels to be burned to heat/cool the building.
D Use of natural refrigerants
Natural refrigerants (Carbon dioxide, ammonia, propane) have no ozone depletion potential. Since these
refrigerants are much less efficient than HCFCs or HFCs, more energy is needed to get the same
refrigeration levels.
Equipment that burns more energy for cooling as a result of lower efficiency or the use of natural refrigerants
can result in greater global warming. While natural refrigerants do not directly impact global warming, they
indirectly impact global warming by requiring more energy to achieve lower refrigeration temperatures.
Notes:
Question 25:
On a project with older existing HVAC&R system that uses CFCs what can the project team do to earn LEED
certification?
A The project can be certified with the existing system as-is
B Replace the HVAC&R system with one that does not use CFCs
The project team can replace or retrofit the existing system with one that is CFC-free, or agree to have a
phase out plan that is completed 5 years after project completion.
C Maintain the equipment properly over the building's lifetime
D Seal any leaks in the existing system
Notes:
Question 26:
Ozone-friendly refrigerants differ from ozone-damaging refrigerants in what way?
A Ozone-friendly refrigerants are more energy efficient
B Ozone-friendly refrigerants may cause more global warming
According to the reference: 'some refrigerants cause more ozone depletion than others, but the most ozone-
friendly refrigerants cause more global warming.'
HFCs, while generally better for the environment in regards to ozone depletion potential, are less efficient
than HCFCs. Because they are less efficient a building that uses HFC refrigerants must spend more energy
to keep the building as cool compared to using HCFC refrigerants. Using more energy to cool the building

uses more fossil fuels to run the HVAC equipment and generates more pollution, thereby increasing the
greenhouse effect and global warming.
C Ozone-friendly refrigerants are global warming neutral
D Ozone-friendly refrigerants may cause less global warming
Notes:
Question 27:
What environmental issue is associated with refrigerants used in HVAC&R systems?
A Increased use of fossil fuels
B Damage to the Earth's ozone layer
Refrigerants have ozone depletion potential (ODP) and global warming potential (GWP) due to greenhouse
gas emissions. Low values of each are best for refrigerant choices.
C Increased air pollution
D Pollution of water bodies
Notes:
Question 28:
Green power refers to electricity products that include significant proportions of electricity generated from energy
resources that are:
A Derived from the sun
Green power can come from wind, biofuels, low-impact hydro, ocean waves, etc.
B Renewable
The term 'green power' refers to electricity products that include significant proportions of electricity
generated from energy resources that are both renewable and environmentally preferable.
The LEED credit for 'Green Power' refers to off-site renewable energy, not on-site renewable energy. This is
often a source of confusion because the media uses the term 'green power' to refer to any type of renewable
energy.
C Locally harvested
Green power does not have to be generated locally.
D Green Seal Certified

Green Seal certification indicates paints (and other materials) have low VOC content.
Notes:
Reference: Guide to Purchasing Green Power
Question 29:
What causes depletion of the ozone layer?
A Biofuel
B HCFCs
HCFC is a refrigerant which causes ozone depletion. CFC has the greatest negative impact on the ozone
layer.
C Landfill gas
D Hydrogen power
Notes:
Question 30:
On a project with an older existing HVAC&R system that uses CFCs, what can the project team do to earn LEED
certification?
A Make a phase out plan for the removal of the CFC based refrigerants
B Eliminate all refrigerant leaks
During the phase out plan the leakage rate must be reduced. However just reducing leaks doesn't meet
LEED requirements.
C Get a state exemption for the HVAC&R system
This would not meet LEED requirements.
D Recharge the equipment with CFCs
Notes:
This would not meet LEED requirements.

Question 31:
Which of the following is a natural refrigerant?
A HCFC
HCFCs are being phased out in the United States.
B CFC
C CO2
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) is classified as a natural refrigerant.
D HFC
HFCs typically have a negligible impact on the ozone layer, but many have a significant global warming
potential.
Notes:
Question 32:
What should be done to minimize a building's impact on ozone depletion?
A Install a green roof
Install a green roof helps reduce heat islands, and can reduce the amount of energy a building uses due to
the insulating properties of the roof.
B Reduce heat islands
Heat islands do not cause ozone depletion.
C Zero use of CFCs
The rating systems have a prerequisite for Fundamental Refrigerant Management which requires zero use of
CFCs. CFCs are known to cause ozone depletion.
For buildings with existing systems that use CFC-based refrigerants, the systems must be phased out within
5 years after the project is completed, unless a third-party audit shows the simple payback for
retrofitting/replacement is more than 10 years.
Fundamental Refrigerant Management differs from Enhanced Refrigerant Management which requires either
using no refrigerants or using refrigerants that are low in Ozone Depletion Potential and Global Warming
Potential (ODP and GWP).
D Use halons in fire suppression systems
Halons cause ozone depletion.

Notes:
Question 33:
What does global warming potential (GWP) measure?
A Harm done by refrigerants to the ozone layer
B Lifespan of refrigerants
C Chemical contribution to global warming
See page iv of the reference.
GWP is a measurement of a refrigerants chemical contribution to global warming.
D Embodied energy of a refrigerant
Notes:
Question 34:
What must a project team do prior to phasing out CFC-based refrigerants?
A Select a replacement refrigerant with a long atmospheric lifetime
Refrigerants should be selected with short atmospheric lifetimes, not long atmospheric lifetimes.
B Select a replacement refrigerant with a nonzero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP)
Refrigerants that are best for the environment have zero ODP. LEED doesn't require selecting refrigerants
with zero ODP, but suggests refrigerants be chosen that have low/no ODP.
C Vent any remaining CFCs for disposal to the air prior to decommissioning any equipment
Venting the CFCs to the air is what you don't want to do. CFCs in the atmosphere are what cause ozone
depletion.
D Reduce the annual leakage of CFCs to 5% or less using EPA Clean Air Act procedures
The question asks what must the project team do.
Before the phase-out begins, LEED requires reducing the annual leakage of CFCs to 5% or less using EPA
Clean Air Act procedures.
Notes:

Question 35:
The practice of placing windows or other transparent media and reflective surfaces in such a way that during the day
natural light provides effective internal illumination is referred to as:
A 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.
Reducing the lighting power density for a project can reduce energy use.
B Natural ventilation
Natural (or passive) ventilation uses the natural forces of wind and buoyancy to deliver fresh air into
buildings through doors, windows, or other designed opening (chimneys).
C Daylighting
This is the definition of daylighting.
D Passive ventilation
See natural ventilation.
Notes:
Question 36:
What statement is true regarding the use of Halons?
A A building that uses Halons in fire suppression systems cannot earn any LEED certification.
B A building that uses Halons in fire suppression systems could not earn LEED for Existing Buildings:
Operations and Maintenance certification
The building could earn any LEED certification.
C A building that uses Halons in fire suppression systems must implement a 5-year phase out plan as part of
the application process
Phase out plans are used when an existing building uses CFC-based refrigerants.
D A building that uses Halons in fire suppression systems can still earn LEED certification
LEED prerequisites do not require zero use of Halons from a building in order to earn certification.
Fundamental Refrigerant Management requires zero use of CFCs.
Enhanced Refrigerant Management (a LEED credit) can be earned for zero use of Halons, but remember
that this credit does not have to be pursued if the project team chooses not to.
Notes:

Question 37:
When calculating building energy performance, what is included as process energy?
A Desktop computer
B Washing machine
C Walkway lighting
D Instant hot water heater
E Elevator
F High efficient HVAC unit
Notes:
When calculating the Minimum Energy Performance of a building the energy calculations take into account process
and non-process energy. The best way to remember the difference is process energy generally comes from
equipment that is plugged into a wall outlet (it has a plug load). Examples of process energy include:
 Computers
 Office equipment
 Kitchen stoves
 Kitchen refrigerators
 Washers and dryers
 Elevators and escalators (these don't have regular plugs, but are considered process energy for LEED)
Non-process, or regulated energy generally includes built-in building components:
 Interior and exterior lighting (parking garage, security, landscape, architectural)
 HVAC (heating, cooling, fans, pumps)
 Hot water heating
 Toilet exhaust
 Parking garage ventilation
See EA Prerequisite 2 for more information about process energy.
Question 38:
What project design feature would decrease energy costs in a building?
A Cogeneration

The high efficiency of CHP technology can result in energy savings when compared to conventional,
separately purchased power and onsite thermal energy systems. To determine if CHP is likely to offer a
compelling return on investment at a particular site, the costs of the CHP system (capital, fuel, and
maintenance) should be compared to the costs of purchased power and thermal energy (hot water, steam,
or chilled water) that would otherwise be needed for the site. (EPA)
B Increased Ventilation with a mechanical system
Increased ventilation often increases the need for more energy for the additional ventilation. One way to
offset the increased energy use is to use heat recovery - a type of cogeneration. Overall though the energy
use/costs would go up.
C Purchasing materials with low VOC content
VOC content is rarely a factor in energy use.
D Installing equipment that uses more kBtu
kBtu / square foot / year is an energy use intensity measurement. A lower kBtu will use less energy.
Notes:
Question 39:
Which refrigerant has the lowest Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP)?
A CFC
B Halon
C HFC
Of the choices HFC has the lowest overall ODP.
D HCFC
Notes:
Question 40:
Which of the following is a type of biofuel?
A Hydro
B Wind

C Corn oil
D Solar
Notes:
LEED accepts certain biofuels for achieving credit for onsite renewable energy.
Biofuels are made from organic material, such as animal and plant waste.
Question 41:
What must occur if a project includes a CFC phase-out plan?
A The CFC-based refrigerants must be replaced with low ODP refrigerants
The CFC-based refrigerants do not have to be replaced low ODP refrigerants - they can be replaced with
other refrigerants.
Be careful of the wording of questions that use absolute terms such as must, not, always, etc.
B The project must implement green house gas emissions reporting
LEED does not require greenhouse gas emission reporting or tracking.
C The CFC-based refrigerants must be replaced with HCFCs
The CFC-based refrigerants do not have to be replaced with HCFCs - they can be replaced with other
refrigerants.
Be careful of the wording of questions that use absolute terms such as must, not, always, etc.
D The annual leakage of CFC-based refrigerants must be reduced to 5% or less
Notes:
The project team can take 5 years from project completion to phase out CFC-based refrigerants, as long as the
annual leakage rate of CFC-based refrigerants is reduced to 5% or less.
Projects that have a shown a simple-payback of CFC based refrigerant systems will take more than 10 years can be
exempt from this requirement, but must still reduce the annual leakage rate to 5% or less.
Simple payback takes the cost of an item or strategy and divides that number by the yearly savings that product or
strategy creates. If replacing a CFC-based system costs $150,000 but saves a property manager $50,000 a year, the
project will have a simple payback period of 3 years.
Question 42:
What organization is responsible for qualifying sources of off-site renewable energy acceptable by LEED?
A Center for Resource Solutions
The organization that maintains Green-e is the Center for Resource Solutions.

B EPA
The EPA does not specify renewable energy sources for LEED.
C ASHRAE
ASHREA standards do not address renewable energy sources.
D Green-e
Green-e is the actual certification used for RECs.
Notes:
Question 43:
Which of the following refrigerants are banned or are scheduled to be banned under the Montreal Protocol?
A Isopentane
Isopentane is hydrocarbon (HC) and a type of natural refrigerant.
B CFCs
CFCs were banned under the Montreal Protocol in 1995. Developing nations that signed the treaty have until
2010 to phase out their production of CFCs.
C HFCs
HFC (HydroFluoroCarbons) are not covered in the Montreal Protocol. These refrigerants have low Ozone
Depletion Potential but typically high Global Warming Potential.
D HCFCs
Under the Montreal Protocol no production and no importing of any HCFCs is permitted after 2030.
Notes:
Question 44:
Which of the following causes depletion of the ozone layer?
A Halons
Halons are chemicals commonly used in fire suppression systems and cause ozone depletion.
B Heat islands
C Solar radiation

D Mercury
Notes:
Question 45:
The selection of a less efficient refrigerant for HVAC&R systems can result in an increase in what types of emissions?
A Radon
Radon is a naturally-occurring radioactive gas that may cause cancer, and may be found in drinking water
and indoor air. Some people who are exposed to radon in drinking water may have increased risk of getting
cancer over the course of their lifetime, especially lung cancer. Radon in soil under homes is the biggest
source of radon in indoor air, and presents a greater risk of lung cancer than radon in drinking water. (EPA)
B VOCs
VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, are an emission from building materials such as carpets and paints.
New car smell is an example of a VOC.
C CFCs
CFCs are some of the most efficient refrigerants, but they are bad for the environment and banned under the
Montreal Protocol.
D NH3
NH3 is ammonia and a type of natural refrigerant.
E CO2
Less efficient refrigerants will consume more energy (usually consuming fossil fuels) resulting in greater
release of CO2 into the atmosphere by the electricity provider.
Notes:
Question 46:
What type of building system might use halons?
A Electrical
B Irrigation
C Fire suppression
Halons are found in HVAC and refrigeration equipment as well as fire suppression systems. Halons are
ozone-depleting substances.

D Plumbing
Notes:
Question 47:
In a state with a closed electricity market, how can off-site green power be purchased?
A Enroll in a Green-e renewable power program from the utility provider
Some utility companies allow the purchase of renewable energy, sometimes for a price premium. Make sure
the source of the energy is Green-e certified for it to qualify for LEED credit.
B Through an ENERGY STAR approved utility provider
ENERGY STAR does not approve power providers.
C From a USGBC approved provider
USGBC does not approve power providers.
D Have certified wood scraps delivered onsite for burning
This may help with generating on-site renewable energy.
Notes:
Question 48:
A project building in a sunny location has photovoltaic cells that generate part of the building's electricity. What is true
about this project?
A The project will need to purchase Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) equal to the amount of onsite
renewable energy generated
Onsite and offsite renewable energy are two different things. Generating onsite power is not related to the
purchase of RECs.
B The project's annual energy costs from the utility provider will be lower than they would be if the building did
not have the photovoltaic system
Having onsite renewable energy reduces demand for grid-source energy and offsets the building's energy
costs.
C The project's on-site energy is Green-e certified
Off-site renewable energy (not onsite) must come from renewable resources that meet the Green-e
certification requirements as defined by the Center for Resource Solutions.
D The project will receive RECs from the utility provider

A building that generates its own power doesn't receive RECs.
RECs represent the reduced emissions of renewable energy compared to conventional fossil fuels. RECs
are sold separately allowing people to purchase the 'greenness' of the electricity. This allows anyone to
purchase an REC even if the power to their building is not renewable.
Notes:
Reference: n/a
Question 49:
Which of the following is NOT an example of on-site generated renewable energy?
A Wind
Wind can be generated on-site and is a renewable energy source.
B REC
A REC represents the environmental, social, and other positive attributes of power generated by renewable
resources. These attributes may be sold separately from the underlying commodity electricity. RECs are not
energy themselves.
C Biofuel-based electrical system
Biofuel based technologies use a renewable/recurring supply of organic material such as plant matter
(biomass) to produce electricity. Bio-fuels are fuels derived from biomass. Bio-fuel systems reduce
dependence on fossil fuels.
For LEED biofuels include:
 untreated wood waste
 agricultural crops or waste
 animal waste
 other organic waste
 landfill gas
D Solar
Solar power can be generated on-site and is a renewable energy source.
Notes:
Question 50:
What standards would be used for the Energy and Atmosphere category?
A ASHRAE 90.1-2007

ASHRAE 90.1-2007 establishes minimum requirements for the energy efficient design of buildings (not
included are single family homes or multifamily homes less than 3 stories).
B ASHRAE 55-2004
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. This standard is used in the IEQ category.
C 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.
D EPAct 1992
EPAct 1992 is used for calculating the baseline water use of a project in the Water Efficiency category.
Notes:
Question 51:
In a new building how much CFC-based refrigerant can be used?
A 5% of the total refrigerants
B 5% of the total refrigerants, as long as they are not used in fire suppression systems
C None
The rating systems have a prerequisite for Fundamental Refrigerant Management which requires zero use
of CFCs. CFCs are known to cause ozone depletion.
Fundamental Refrigerant Management differs from Enhanced Refrigerant Management which requires either
using no refrigerants or using refrigerants that have low Ozone Depletion Potential and Global Warming
Potentials (ODP and GWP).
D 2% of the total refrigerants
Notes:
Question 52:
Why do natural refrigerants have greater global warming potential than refrigerants that can damage the ozone layer?
A They require water use

This is not correct.
B They are less efficient
'Thermodynamic properties make the HFCs (and natural refrigerants) slightly less efficient refrigerants than
the HCFCs given idealized equipment design, so the same amount of cooling may require more electricity
and thereby causes the indirect release of more CO2 in generating that electricity. The dilemma, therefore, is
that some refrigerants cause more ozone depletion than others, but the most ozone-friendly refrigerants
cause more global warming.'
C They have higher leakage rates
Natural refrigerants have no more or less leakage rates than other refrigerants.
D They produce more sulfur dioxide in the refrigeration process
Notes:
Question 53:
LEED buildings use what percent less energy than the national average?
A 26%
B 18%
C 20%
D 24%
A study conducted by the New Buildings Institute titled 'Energy Performance of LEED for New Construction
Buildings' (2008) analyzed 121 LEED-Certified office buildings in the U.S. and found this information.
Question 54:
What organization publishes Ozone Depletion and Global Warming Potential scores?
A United Nations
The United Nations does not do this.
B Montreal Protocol

C USGBC
USGBC does not do this.
D World Meteorological Organization
The Treatment by LEED of Environmental Impact of HVAC Refrigerants states that values are published by
the Environmental Protection Agency [3-6] and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). Because the
WMO values are better documented, we use that publication as the preferred source, supplemented with
values from the EPA where necessary.
Notes:
Question 55:
How is lighting power density determined?
A By measuring the installed lighting power per unit area
Reducing the lighting power density can reduce energy use.
B By conducting energy modeling using special software
Energy modeling can help determine a building's overall energy use.
C By calculating the energy consumption divided by the square feet in a building
This is energy use intensity.
D By submetering a building's energy use
Submetering helps to measure specific energy consumption in a building.
Notes:
Question 56:
Reduced emissions are a benefit of purchasing:
A Recycled water
Recycled water supplied by municipalities helps reduce potable water use.
B Materials with high SRI
Materials with high SRI help reduce the heat island effect.

C RECs
RECs are a tradable commodity representing the 'greenness' of green power. They are purchased when a
project does not have access to green power through their utility provider. However, this isn't a way to
bypass purchasing power; when RECs are purchased the project still needs to pay the normal electricity
bills.
purchase an REC even if the power to their building is not green power.
RECs have no geographic constraints, because they are sold separately from electricity. A project in Maine
can purchase RECs from any other state.
RECs cannot be purchased for a project's own on-site renewable energy systems. For example if a project
has a solar array, the building owner could not issue RECs to themselves.
D Certified wood
Sustainable forestry is the environmental benefit of certified wood.
Notes:
Question 57:
What is Global Warming Potential as it relates to refrigerants?
A The efficiency of a refrigerant
There is no LEED value which identifies refrigerant efficiency.
B The potential for a single molecule of the refrigerant to destroy the ozone layer
This is the Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP).
C A measurement of how much effect the given refrigerant will have on global warming in relation to carbon
dioxide.
CO2 has a GWP of 1.
The lower the GWP the better the refrigerant is for the environment.
D The speed at which an appliance loses its refrigerant
This is the leakage rate for a piece of equipment.
Notes:
Question 58:
What are the environmental benefits of cogeneration?
A Reduced greenhouse gas emissions

B Recharging of aquifers
C Reduced erosion and sedimentation
D Reduced wastewater generation
E Reduced air pollution
Notes:
Combined heat and power (CHP) is an electricity generation technology, also known as cogeneration, that recovers
waste heat from the electric generation process to produce simultaneously other forms of useful energy, such as
usable heat or steam. On average, two-thirds of the input energy used to make electricity is lost as waste heat. In
contrast, CHP systems are capable of converting more than 70 percent of the fuel into usable energy. (Guide to
Purchasing Green Power)
Because less fuel is burned to produce each unit of energy output, CHP reduces air pollution and greenhouse gas
emissions.
Question 59:
ASHRAE standards are used in all of the following LEED categories except:
A Materials and Resources
ASHRAE standards are not used in Materials and Resources.
B Indoor Environmental Quality
In Indoor Environmental Quality ASHRAE 62.1-2007 for providing minimum indoor air quality performance.
C Energy and Atmosphere
In Energy and Atmosphere ASHRAE 90.1-2007 is to calculate the baseline energy use of a building.
D Sustainable Sites
In Sustainable Sites ASHRAE 90.1-2007 defines the limits for exterior lighting power densities, for the
purposes of reducing light pollution outdoors.
Notes:
Question 60:
Installing photovoltaic cells on a building's rooftop will help with what green building area?
A Fundamental Refrigerant Management
Fundamental refrigerant management addresses zero use of CFCs in a building's base HVAC&R systems.

B Recycled Materials
Mechanical equipment cannot be included in the recycled materials calculations.
C Green Power
Green power is offsite renewable energy.
D Onsite Renewable Energy
Onsite renewable energy is used to reduce the energy demand from grid sources, such as coal burning
plants. Photovoltaic cells, or solar panels, are one of the most common types of onsite renewable energy.
Notes:
Reference: n/a
Question 61:
Biomass is what type of material?
A Fly-ash
B Landfill gas
C Animal waste
D Plant material
Biomass is plant material converted to heat energy to produce electricity.
Notes:
Question 62:
What is the function of the ozone layer?
A Protects the earth from solar wind
B Prevents smog creation
C Absorbs ultraviolet light
The ozone layer absorbs 97-99% of the sun's high frequency ultraviolet light-light that is potentially
damaging to life on earth. Source: NASA.
D Keeps the earth's atmosphere warm

Question 63:
Which of the following have helped reduce stratospheric ozone depletion?
A Replacing HFC-based refrigerants with HCFC-based refrigerants in existing equipment
HCFCs are scheduled to be phased out under the Montreal Protocol by 2030. Projects should try to replace
HCFCs with HFCs, not the other way round.
B Implementing a phase-out of CFC-based refrigerants in existing equipment
For renovations of existing buildings, implementing a phase-out of CFC-based refrigerants in existing
equipment is a way to reduce ozone depletion
C Not using CFC-based refrigerants in new equipment
For new buildings LEED requires zero use of CFC-based refrigerants in new base building HVAC systems.
D Installing halon-based fire suppression systems
Halons are an ozone depleting substance, just like CFCs and HCFCs. In LEED enhanced refrigerant
management requires not using halons in fire suppression systems.
Notes:
The intent of fundamental refrigerant management is to reduce stratospheric ozone depletion. This question asks
about the requirements used to fulfill this intent.
Question 64:
What types of systems are not acceptable by LEED as sources of onsite renewable energy?
A Low-impact hydroelectric power systems
LEED rewards projects for using low-impact hydr as a source of onsite renewable energy.
B High-impact hydroelectric power systems
While low-impact hydroelectric power systems are accepted, high-impact hydroelectric power systems are
not. High-impact hydropower is not considered environmentally friendly because of water quality issues, and
the negative impact it has on fish and wildlife.
C Biomass
LEED rewards projects for using biomass as a source of onsite renewable energy.
D Wind
LEED rewards projects for using wind as a source of onsite renewable energy.
Notes:

This question asks what choices are not acceptable by LEED as sources of onsite renewable energy.
Question 65:
What statement is true regarding the use of ammonia (NH3) as a refrigerant?
A The use of NH3 as a refrigerant can result in more climate change compared to HCFCs
When looking at the reference material you may see that NH3 has a zero ODP and GWP compared to
HCFCs. This is true for the direct impact on the ozone of NH3. Does NH3 released into the atmosphere
cause ozone to be depleted? No. Does NH3 released into the atmosphere increase global warming? No.
HOWEVER - Refrigerants that are ozone friendly can cause more climate change. Why? Because it takes
more electricity to create the same level of cooling as the more efficient refrigerants. If it takes twice as much
electricity using NH3 to cool a building compared to using CFCs or HCFCs, the indirect release of CO2 from
fossil fuels results in greater climate change.
B NH3 is a type of hydrocarbon (HC)
While NH3 is a type of natural refrigerant, it is not a hydrocarbon. Hydrocarbons are a group of natural
refrigerants and include propane, butane, ethane, isobutene, and isopentane
C NH3 is more likely to leak out of equipment compared to HFCs
The leakage rate of a refrigerant is related to best practices, regulations, and the pressure the refrigerant is
under.
D HCFC has a lower ozone depletion potential (ODP) compared to NH3
HCFC has a higher ODP compared to NH3.
Notes:
Question 66:
What can be used to identify under-performing buildings and verify efficiency improvements?
A 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.
B 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.
C Building Research Establishment's Environmental Assessment Method
A BREEAM assessment uses recognized measures of performance, which are set against established
benchmarks, to evaluate a building's specification, design, construction and use.
D LEED Volume Program

The LEED Volume Program lets organizations achieve LEED certification on a volume scale. For example if
the organization has dozens of buildings across the country.
Notes:
Reference: GBES LEED Green Associate Study Guide
Question 67:
In cooler climates how can a new building be designed to use no refrigerants?
A The building could have a CFC phase-out plan in place
With a CFC-phase out plan you are usually replacing one refrigerant with another, not going from
mechanical to natural ventilation.
B The building could be cooled with natural refrigerants such as propane or ammonia
Natural refrigerants are still refrigerants.
C The building could use natural ventilation
The no refrigerant option for buildings can be achieved with natural ventilation. Natural ventilation can be
done in cooler climates where ventilation can be provided by opening windows or using fans to pull in
outside air to cool the building. Using refrigerants requires mechanical ventilation.
D The building could use halons for cooling
Halons are primarily used in fire suppression.
Question 68:
How is ozone created?
A Transportation emissions
B Emissions from incinerators
C Emissions from factories
D Sunlight-driven chemical reaction between molecules
Notes:
Reference: N/A
ozone: (O3) is a gas composed of three oxygen atoms. It is not usually emitted directly into the air, but at ground-
level is created by a chemical reaction between oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOC) in
the presence of sunlight. Ozone has the same chemical structure whether it occurs miles above the earth or at
ground-level and can be 'good' or 'bad,' depending on its location in the atmosphere. (EPA)

Question 69:
What types of energy are not fossil fuels?
A Nuclear
Nuclear power is not a type of fossil fuel.
B Coal
Coal is a fossil fuel.
C Oil
Oil is a fossil fuel.
D Biofuel
Biofuel is solid, liquid or gaseous fuel derived from relatively recently dead biological material and is
distinguished from fossil fuels, which are derived from long dead biological material.
Wind, solar, and biomass are types of renewable energy sources LEED rewards projects for using.
E Natural gas
Natural gas is a fossil fuel.
Notes:
Fossil fuels are non-renewable resources because they take millions of years to form, and reserves are being
depleted much faster than new ones are being formed.
Question 70:
What are MERV ratings used for?
A Determining the quantity of recycled content in a material
B Measuring the effectiveness of a sustainable purchasing policy
C Comparing the VOC content of paints and sealers
D Comparing the efficiency of air filters
MERV or Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value is a standard comparison of the efficiency of an air filter. The
MERV scale ranges from 1 (least efficient) to 16 (most efficient), and measures a filter's ability remove
particles from 3 to 10 microns in size.
The higher the rating the better the air quality.

Notes:
Question 71:
What does not meet LEED requirements for minimizing the negative impacts of refrigerants on the environment?
A Selecting refrigerants with zero or low ozone depletion potential (ODP) and minimal global warming potential
(GWP).
If a building does use chemical refrigerants the project team should try to select refrigerants with low ODP
and GWP.
B Reducing the annual leakage rate of refrigerants to 10% or less
When phasing out CFC-based refrigerants or when a phase out is not economically feasible, LEED requires
reducing the annual leakage of CFCs to 5% or less using EPA Clean Air Act procedures.
This applies to CFCs but any new building should not have a refrigeration system that leaks 10% of the
refrigerant annually.
C Designing a building with natural ventilation
A building that uses natural ventilation (also called passive cooling) does not use refrigerants. Examples of
natural ventilation include the use of open windows. This strategy is often viable in cooler climates.
D Designing a building that does not use chemical refrigerants
A building that does not use chemical refrigerants will not have a negative impact on the environment.
Notes:
Question 72:
Which of the following refrigerants has the least global warming potential?
A CFC-11
CFC-11 and CFC-12 both have high GWPs.
B HFC-23
HFCs have low ODPs but high GWPs.
C HCFC-123
While you don't need to memorize the entire table of ODP and GWP values, note that while HFCs deplete
less ozone, HCFC-123 causes less global warming than any HFC.
D CFC-12
CFC-11 and CFC-12 both have high GWPs.
Notes:

Question 73:
What environmental issue is associated with refrigerants used in HVAC&R systems?
A Increasing greenhouse gas emissions
Refrigerants have ozone depletion potential (ODP) and global warming potential (GWP) due to greenhouse
gas emissions. Low values of each are best for refrigerant choices.
B Groundwater contamination
C Soil contamination
D Increased CO2 indoors
Notes:
Question 74:
The type of refrigerant selected for a building will impact what LEED credit categories?
A Indoor Environmental Quality
The refrigerant choice impacts the thermal comfort of the occupants. Selecting a poor performing refrigerant
and equipment in a hot climate may result in portions of the building being too hot for occupants.
B Sustainable Sites
C Energy and Atmosphere
The refrigerant choice will impact Fundamental Refrigerant Management, as well as the energy use for a
building. Less efficient refrigerants will consume more energy.
D Materials and Resources
E Water Efficiency
Question 75:
What implies a direct impact on global warming?
A Refrigerant charge
This is just the charge of the refrigerant into a piece of equipment.
B Global warming potential

Global warming potential describes an item's or action's direct effect on global warming.
C Ozone depleting potential
ODP is a number that refers to the amount of ozone depletion caused by a substance.
D Service life
The service life is how long a piece of equipment should last before replacement.
Notes:
Question 76:
What does a REC represent?
A The amount of energy an electricity provider purchases from renewable sources
This would be expressed in kilowatt hours and is just a quantity of energy.
B The environmental, social, and other positive attributes of power generated by renewable resources
A REC represents the environmental, social, and other positive attributes of power generated by renewable
resources. These attributes may be sold separately from the underlying commodity electricity.
C The amount of energy purchased from a Green-e supplier
When you purchase an REC you are not purchasing energy.
D The quantity of fossil fuels avoided by purchasing renewable energy, expressed in tons
RECs are expressed in kilowatt hours.
Notes:
Question 77:
When purchasing RECs, what is the project purchasing?
A Carbon offsets
RECs are not the equivalent of carbon offsets.
B Positive environmental attributes of off-site renewable energy

RECs are a tradable commodity representing the 'greenness' of green power. They are purchased when a
project does not have access to green power through their utility provider.
C Electricity
Purchasing RECs isn't a way to bypass purchasing power; when RECs are purchased, the project still needs
to pay the normal electricity bills.
D On-site renewable energy
RECs cannot be purchased for a projects own on-site renewable energy systems. For example if a project
has a solar array the building owner could not issue RECs to themselves.
Notes:
Question 78:
What LEED category would the Green-e standard be used in?
A Materials and Resources
B Sustainable Sites
C Indoor Environmental Quality
D Energy and Atmosphere
Green-e is the organization that certifies green power and RECs.
Notes:
Question 79:
On a project with an older, existing HVAC&R system that uses CFCs, what can the project team do to earn LEED
certification?
A Purchase carbon credits
This is not a strategy to offset CFC use in a building.
B Replace the CFCs with natural refrigerants

C Purchase Renewable Energy Certificates to offset the CFC use
Renewable Energy Certificates are used for Green Power and are not related to CFC use in a building.
D Replace the CFCs with Halons
CFCs and Halons both cause damage to the ozone layer. Halons are primarily used for fire suppression
systems.
Notes:
Question 80:
What environmental issue is associated with the burning of fossil fuels?
A Release of carbon dioxide
Burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide, a type of greenhouse gas.
B Sedimentation of water supplies
Sedimentation of water supplies is caused by stormwater runoff/erosion.
C Reduction of water from aquifers
The use of potable water for indoor and outdoor water use contributes to reducing water in aquifers.
D Interference with migratory birds
Bird migration is usually not impacted by the burning of fossil fuels.
Notes:
Reference: n/a
Question 81:
ASHRAE 90.1-2007 is used for which of the following project areas?
A Determining how efficient a refrigerant is
The efficiency of a refrigerant is not defined by a standard. Generally the more efficient a refrigerant is, the
greater negative impact the refrigerant has on the environment.
B Measuring a project's exterior lighting power density
Exterior lighting can impact nighttime visibility and nocturnal life. Light pollution reduction is achieved by not
exceeding the lighting power densities that are defined in ASHRAE 90.1-2007.
C Measuring the quantity of stormwater runoff for the project boundary
A civil engineer would measure the quantity of stormwater runoff from a project site.

D Determining the baseline water use reduction of a project
EPAct 1992 is used to determine the baseline water use of a project. EPAct 1992 defines flush and flow
values for fixtures and fittings such as water closets, urinals, and bathroom faucets.
Notes:
Question 82:
What is NOT a natural refrigerant?
A HFC
Make sure you do not confuse HC, which is good refrigerant, with HFC or HCFC, which are refrigerants that
cause environmental issues.
B CO2
C NH3
D HC
Notes:
There are five refrigerants that are benign to the earth's atmosphere. They are:
CO2 - Carbon dioxide
H2O - Water
NH3 - Amonia
HC - Hydrocarbons, such propane, butane, ethane, isobutene, and isopentane
Air
Question 83:
What is the environmental benefit of selecting something that is Green-e certified?
A Reduced CO2 emissions from fossil fuels because of greener and cleaner electricity
Green-e is the organization responsible for certifying electricity that is cleaner and greener.
B Better indoor air quality due to lower VOC content in carpets
The Green Label / Green Label Plus is used for carpet certification.
C Lower impact on natural resources because of better logging practices
The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certifies wood.

D Less smog from automobile pollution because of more efficient cars
This is what the Green Score is used for.
Notes:
Reference: n/a
Question 84:
For LEED, if a project has an existing CFC-based refrigeration system and it is not economically feasible to replace
the system, what maximum annual leakage of the existing system is allowed?
A 0%
B 1%
C 5%
For such projects, the refrigerant leakage rate must be reduced to no more than 5% each year.
D 3%
Notes:
Question 85:
What is the root cause of global climate change?
A Greenhouse gases
Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere are often called greenhouse gases. This trapping of heat is believed
by some to be a cause of global climate change.
B The use of halons
Halons are a ozone depleting substance found in fire suppression systems. They are not the root cause of
climate change.
C Topsoil loss
Topsoil loss does not impact climate change.
D Ozone depletion
Ozone protects the earth from ultraviolet radiation. Reduced ozone impacts human health, crops, and
habitat.

Notes:
Arguments exist about if climate change is caused by humankind or not. Regardless of personal opinions about the
cause of climate change or if climate change is even occurring, LEED is based on the environment and that is what is
tested on with this question.
Question 86:
An existing office building has a 20-year old chiller that uses CFC-11. An owner is considering a major renovation of
the building and applying for LEED for New Construction certification. What statement is true about the project's
ability to earn LEED certification?
A The owner will not be able to achieve a Platinum level certification
The project could still achieve any level of certification.
B The owner can implement a phase-out plan to earn LEED certification
Existing buildings that have CFC based systems are still eligible for certification. A phase out plan must be
implemented if a third party audit shows that the simple payback for the new system would be 10 years or
less. The phase out must occur within 5 years after the project is completed. The system must be reduced to
an annual leakage of 5% or less during the phase out or if the system will stay in place if the simple payback
is more than 10 years.
C The owner must replace the chiller to earn LEED certification
Replacement is not always required. If a third party audit shows that the simple payback for the new system
would be more than 10 years the system does not have to be replaced.
D The owner can leave the existing system in place if the annual leakage is reduced to 10% or less
The annual leakage must be reduced to 5% or less, and only in cases when there will be a phase out or a
third party audit shows that the simple payback for the new system would be more than 10 years and the old
system will be left in place.
Notes:
Question 87:
What year does the Montreal Protocol finally phase out HCFCs?
A 2030
Most CFC use and production was phased out in 1995, while some other substances and derivatives will be
phased out in 2010, and the less active HCFCs will be phased out in 2030.
B 1995
C 2010
D 2020

Notes:
Question 88:
What standard helps businesses and households compare and select clean renewable energy options?
A Green Label
Green Label is used for certifying carpet cushion with low VOC content.
B Green-e
LEED accepts Green-e certified power as a Green Power source.
C 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 Seal
Green Seal is used for certifying paints with low VOC content.
Notes:
Question 89:
Section 608 of the EPA Clean Air Act established regulations that helped with what issue?
A CO2 levels inside buildings
B Smog
C Humidity from heat islands
D Using and recycling ozone-depleting compounds
Section 608 of the Clean Air Act established regulations on ozone-depleting compounds.
Here is a good summary of Section 608 of the Clean Air Act:
http://articles.submityourarticle.com/how-to-understanding-the-us-clean-air-act-53090
Question 90:
What refrigerant has the greatest ozone depletion potential (ODP)?
A CO2

CO2 is a natural refrigerant and has an ODP of zero.
B CFC-11
CFC-11 and CFC-12 set the bar for ozone depletion potential against what all other refrigerants are
measured.
C HCFC-22
HCFC-22 has a low ODP, but HCFCs were still banned under the Montreal Protocol.
D HFC-23
HFCs have a negligible ODP but a higher global warming potential (GWP).
Notes:
Question 91:
What gives the ozone layer legal protection?
A Kyoto Protocol
B Montreal Protocol
According to Treatment by LEED of Environmental Impact of HVAC Refrigerants, the legal protection of the
ozone layer is well in place throughout most of the international community via the Montreal Protocol.
C ASHRAE Standards
D US DOE
Notes:
Question 92:
What is an example of climate change?
A A five-year drought
Climate change takes place over more than five years.
B An unexpected snowstorm in Phoenix
This is a weather condition.

C A significant two-year increase in wind speeds
Climate change takes place over more than two years.
D A century-long increase in temperature by 1 degree
Climate change refers to any significant change in measures of climate (such as temperature, precipitation,
or wind) lasting for an extended period (decades or longer) (Environmental Protection Agency).
Notes:
Question 93:
What is a biofuel-based system?
A A system that runs using wave power
B A system that runs on power from the sun
C A system that runs on gas
D A system that runs on organic material
Notes:
Question 94:
How does calculating a project's Green Power compare to calculating a project's Onsite Renewable Energy?
A Green Power is based on the building's Btus per square foot while Onsite Renewable Energy is based on the
building's kWh per square foot per year
B Green Power is based on the percent of the building's energy consumption while Onsite Renewable Energy
is based on the percent of the building's annual energy cost
The quantity of Onsite Renewable Energy a project uses to offset the building energy costs is expressed as
a percent of the building's annual energy cost. For example the building's annual energy cost is $100,000.00
and the onsite renewables offset $3,000.00 of that cost. That would be 3% renewable energy.
Green Power purchases come from the quantity of energy consumed (not cost). For example if the building
had 150,000 kWh/year, a certain amount of kWh of green power would need to be purchased to earn the
credit.
C Green Power is based on the building's annual energy cost while Onsite Renewable Energy is based on the
percent of the building's energy consumption
D The calculations are the same
Notes:

Question 95:
What has a long atmospheric life that causes harm to the ozone layer?
A HCFCs
HCFCs have a low ozone depletion potential (compared to CFCs) but high global warming potential.
B NH3
NH3 is ammonia, a natural refrigerant.
C CFCs
CFCs are refrigerants that were banned because they lead to the depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer.
D HCs
HC stands for hydrocarbons, a group of refrigerants benign to the atmosphere.
Notes:
Question 96:
LEED addresses ozone depletion by setting requirements on the following:
A Refrigerants
Refrigerants are a requirement that must be addressed for certification.
B Green power use
This impacts global warming.
C Automobile use reduction
This impacts global warming.
D Fire suppression system chemicals
The type of fire suppression system used effects ozone depletion.
Notes:
Question 97:
What is the name of the cancer-causing radioactive gas that can be found in the ground, groundwater, or building
materials?

A VOC
Volatile organic compounds are the result of off gassing from building materials. They are not radioactive.
B Urea-formaldehyde
This is a substance used in some glue that can cause health issues.
C NH3
NH3 is ammonia and is a choice for natural refrigerants.
D Radon
Radon is an odorless, tasteless and invisible gas produced by the decay of naturally occurring uranium in
soil and water. Radon is found in outdoor air and in the indoor air of buildings of all kinds. Radon is a proven
carcinogen and exposure to radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after smoking.
Notes:
Reference: LEED for Homes Rating System
Question 98:
What is a building's annual energy cost used to calculate?
A Onsite Renewable Energy
The quantity of Onsite Renewable Energy a project uses to offset the building energy costs is expressed as
a percent of the building's annual energy cost. For example the building's annual energy cost is $100,000.00
and the onsite renewables offset $3,000.00 of that cost. That would be 3% renewable energy.
B Enhanced Commissioning
This credit does not use energy costs.
C Green Power
Green Power purchases come from the quantity of energy consumed (not cost). For example if the building
had 150,000 kWh/year, a certain amount of kWh of green power would need to be purchased to earn the
credit.
D Measurement and Verification
This credit does not use energy costs.
Notes:
Question 99:
What statement is true about RECs?

A RECs are reduced from utility bills
RECs are not reduced from utility bills.
B RECs provide electricity
RECs are not electricity.
C RECs depreciate in value
RECs do not lose value.
D RECs are tradable commodities
RECs have no geographic constraints, because they are sold separately from electricity.
Notes:
Question 100:
What statement is true about RECs?
A RECs are sold separately from electricity
B RECs are sold within a 500 mile radius of the project
C RECs may only be sold in locations approved by Green-e
Green-e certifies the power, not the location.
D RECs can be sold back to an electricity provider through net-metering
This is not true.
Notes:
Question 101:
What qualifies for Green Power credit for LEED projects?

A Renewable energy certificates
The Green Power LEED credit requires off-site generated power.
RECs can be purchased to show green power is used for the building's energy supply.
There is the general term 'green power' which tends to mean renewable energy. You might hear this term on
the news. However in LEED renewable energy has distinct credits.
The Green Power credit deals with renewable energy from the grid (utility providers) and comes from off-
site. This could be solar power from a solar power farm, or a wind farm, low impact hydro, etc. In LEED,
RECs contribute to the Green Power credit. If a project has no access to a solar power farm from their local
utility provider, RECs can be purchased to earn the Green Power credit.
B On-site renewable energy
Green Power is not generated on site (that is called on-site renewable energy). On-Site Renewable Energy
is energy the building produces on site. This could be a solar panel or an onsite windmill.
C Energy reductions
Energy reductions is how energy performance is optimized.
D Using no refrigerants
Using no refrigerants results in natural or passive ventilation.
Notes:
Question 102:
What statement is true regarding CFCs?
A CFCs are no longer used anywhere
CFCs are used both in the United States in existing buildings and other countries.
B CFCs are not addressed in the US EPA Clean Air Act
The US EPA Clean Air Act addresses CFC use.
C No ideal alternative for CFCs has been developed
CFC production in the U.S. and other developed countries has ended, but no ideal alternative exists yet.
CFCs are used in existing systems in the U.S.
D CFCs are no longer used in developed nations
CFCs are used both in the United States in existing buildings and other countries.
Question 103:
What is a drawback of using a biofuel-based energy system?
A The lack of regulatory oversight

B Fossil fuels must still be used to produce biofuels
Biofuel based technologies use a renewable/recurring supply of organic material such as plant matter
(biomass) to produce electricity. Bio-fuels are fuels derived from biomass. Bio-fuel systems reduce
dependence on fossil fuels.
For LEED biofuels include:
 untreated wood waste
 agricultural crops or waste
 animal waste
 other organic waste
 landfill gas
An issue with bioenergy is the amount of fossil fuel energy used to produce it. Bioenergy such as the burning
of ethanol from corn, requires energy to produce the fuel.
C These systems are not acceptable for LEED credits
D Production is unreliable or inconsistent
Notes:
Question 104:
What statement is true regarding the Clean Air Act?
A The Sustainable Sites category references the Clean Air Act in regards to airborne dust generation from
construction activities
This is achieved by following the EPA Construction General Permit, or local codes, whichever is more
stringent.
B The Clean Air Act provides recommendations on carbon emissions for all new commercial buildings
Neither LEED, nor the Clean Air Act provides any type of limit or recommendation on how much carbon
emission a building should have.
C No production and no importing of any HCFCs will be allowed after 2030 under the Clean Air Act
The United States implemented HCFC phaseout through Clean Air Act Regulations. Under the Clean Air Act
in 2030 no production and no importing of any HCFCs is allowed.
D The Clean Air Act defines what constitutes a low-emitting or fuel-efficient vehicle
LEED has its own definitions of low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehicles. The Clean Air Act provides no such
definitions.
Notes:

Question 105:
What is lighting power density measured in?
A Footcandles per floor area
This is incorrect.
B Installed lighting power per unit area
Reducing the lighting power density can reduce energy use.
C Number of luminaires per unit area
This is incorrect.
D The quantity of light trespass on adjacent sites, measured in watts
This is incorrect
Notes:
Question 106:
Why should building commissioning be performed?
A Sustainable purchasing programs require it
Sustainable purchasing has nothing to do with commissioning.
B Operating costs can be lowered and energy use can be reduced
Commissioning is the systematic process of assuring that a building and its systems performs in accordance
with the design intent and the owner's requirements. This is part of building construction.
C An innovation credit can be earned
Fundamental commissioning is a prerequisite and it cannot earn an ID credit.
D It is required by local code prior to earning a Certificate of Occupancy
Notes:
Question 107:
Which statement is true about CFCs in the United States?

A CFC production in the United States will be phased out by 2030
B CFC production in the United States ended in 1995
Many refrigeration systems of existing buildings still use CFCs in the United States. For these projects, the
project team can take 5 years from project completion to phase out CFC-based refrigerants, as long as the
C CFC production in the United States will be phased out by 2010
D CFCs are no longer used in the United States
Question 108:
What statement is true regarding Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)?
A Many HFCs have a significant global warming potential
HFCs typically have a low ozone depletion potential but a high global warming potential.
B HFCs are scheduled to be banned under the Montreal Protocol
HCFCs, not HFCs are scheduled to be banned under the Montreal Protocol
C The HFC refrigerant group includes NH3, CO2, and propane
NH3, CO2, and propane are types of natural refrigerants and are not part of the hydrofluorocarbons (HFC)
refrigerant group.
D HFCs have high ozone depletion potential
HFCs have a low ozone depletion potential, not a high ozone depletion potential.
Notes:
Question 109:
What is the most common way to meet the requirements of off-site renewable energy?
A Installing a rooftop photovoltaic array
Photovoltaic arrays are a type of on-site renewable energy.
B Directly purchasing green power from local utility companies
Purchasing RECs is more common than purchasing green power from local utility companies.
C Purchasing RECs

The most common way (according to LEED) of meeting the requirements of off-site renewable energy is by
purchasing RECs. Many local utility companies currently are either closed markets or do not offer renewable
alternatives.
D Obtaining energy from a geothermal system
Geothermal systems are a type of on-site renewable energy.
Notes:
Question 110:
What statement is true regarding HydroChloroFluoroCarbons (HCFCs)?
A HCFCs have a low ozone depletion potential compared to CFCs
HCFCs have a low ozone depletion potential compared to CFCs.
B Zero use of HCFCs is required to achieve Fundamental Refrigerant Management
Zero use of CFCs, not HCFCs, is required to achieve Fundamental Refrigerant Management under LEED.
C HCFCs are a type of natural refrigerant
HCFCs are not in the class of natural refrigerants.
D HCFCs are the refrigerants with the least direct impact on the environment
Natural refrigerants, not HCFCs, are the refrigerants that have the least direct impact on the environment.
Notes:
HCFCs are schedule to be phased out under the Montreal Protocol.
Question 111:
Which projects would not be eligible for LEED certification?
A An existing building project that reduces CFC-based refrigerants by 95% prior to submitting the LEED
application and will continue to use this CFC system for another 10 years
This would not be eligible unless the project had a phase-out plan in place at the time of the application and
the CFC-based system was phased out within 5 years (not 10 years).
B A new building project that uses hydrocarbons (HCs) as refrigerants

Hydrocarbons (HCs) are a group of refrigerants that are a type of natural refrigerant. Examples of
hydrocarbons include propane, butane, ethane, isobutene, and isopentane.
C A new building project that uses CFC-based refrigerants
New buildings cannot use CFC-based refrigerants. This is called Fundamental Refrigerant Management in
LEED.
D A new building project that uses no refrigerants
The use of no refrigerants is preferred when possible.
E An existing building project that phases out the use of CFC-based refrigerants no later than 5 years after the
project is completed
For existing buildings with CFC-based refrigerants, a phase out plan must be in place that eliminates all
CFC-based refrigerants within 5 years of project completion. For such projects, the refrigerant leakage rate
must be reduced to no more than 5% each year.
Notes:
Question 112:
What environmental benefit does green power have?
A Avoiding electricity blackouts
This is an benefit to society.
B Reduced environmental regulation
This is not an environmental benefit.
C Stability of electrical prices
This is an economic benefit.
D Emission reductions
The environmental attributes of green power differ from the financial benefits. Emission reductions are an
environmental benefit. The other choices are financial benefits.
Notes:
Question 113:
What process uses heat recovery to capture heat from the process of generating electricity and then turns the
recovered heat into thermal energy that can be used to heat a building?
A Cogeneration

B Commissioning
Commissioning is systematic process of assuring that a building performs in accordance with the design
intent and the owner's operational needs.
C Tertiary treatment
A project that treats 50% of wastewater onsite to tertiary standards can earn the Innovative Wastewater
Technologies credit. Tertiary treatment of wastewater leaves the water in a state where it can be used for
agriculture or discharged back into the environment. It is not suitable for drinking.
D Evopotranspiration
Evopotranspiration is water leaving plants and soil and returning back to the atmosphere.
Notes:
Question 114:
When calculating building energy performance what is included as non-process energy?
A Parking garage ventilation
B Refrigerator
C Electric kitchen stove
D Parking garage lighting
E Fans for increased ventilation
F Escalator
Notes:
When calculating the Minimum Energy Performance of a building the energy calculations take into account process
and non-process energy. The best way to remember the difference is process energy generally comes from
equipment that is plugged into a wall outlet (it has a plug load). Examples of process energy include:
 Computers
 Office equipment
 Kitchen stoves
 Kitchen refrigerators

 Washers and dryers
 Elevators and escalators (these don't have regular plugs, but are considered process energy for LEED)
Non-process, or regulated energy generally includes built-in building components:
 Interior and exterior lighting (parking garage, security, landscape, architectural)
 HVAC (heating, cooling, fans, pumps)

 Hot water heating
 Toilet exhaust
 Parking garage ventilation
See EA Prerequisite 2 for more information about process energy.
Question 115:
Which of the following is a type of natural refrigerant?
A Passive refrigerants
There is no such thing as a passive refrigerant.
Do not confuse passive (natural) ventilation with natural refrigerants.
B Halons
Halons are a group of chemical compounds used in fire suppression systems and fire extinguishers that
contribute to ozone depletion.
C HydroCarbons (HC)
Hydrocarbons are natural refrigerants such as propane, butane, ethane, isobutene, and isopentane.
D Geothermal energy
Geothermal energy is energy from the earth.
Notes:
Question 116:
Which of the following is not an alternative LEED recommends for reducing stratospheric ozone depletion?
A Selecting refrigerants that have a long atmospheric lifetimes
Refrigerants that are in the atmosphere longer would have a longer (greater) impact on the ozone layer.
B Designing a building to use natural ventilation
Natural ventilation does not require the use of refrigerants and would result in no refrigerants gassing into

the ozone layer.
C Using natural refrigerants
Natural refrigerants are benign to the atmosphere.
D Selecting refrigerants with lower ODP and GWP
Refrigerants with lower ODP and GWP have a lesser effect on the ozone layer.
Notes:
Question 117:
What variables measure a refrigerant's impact on the environment?
A Lifecycle potential
Lifecycle potential is not a term LEED uses to measure refrigerant impact. Lifecycle ODP and Lifecycle GWP
are however.
B Ozone depletion potential
ODP is a number that refers to the amount of ozone depletion caused by a substance.
C Global warming potential
GWP is a number that refers to the amount of global warming caused by a substance.
D Greenhouse gas lifetime
This is not a LEED term.
E Global warming period
This is not a LEED term.
Notes:
Question 118:
What statement is true regarding ChloroFluoroCarbons (CFCs) and HydroChloroFluoroCarbons (HCFCs)?
A CFCs have a greater global warming potential (GWP) than HCFCs
CFCs do have a greater global warming potential (GWP) compared to HCFCs.
See Table 1 in the reference. Every CFC listed has a greater GWP than the HCFCs listed.
B The ozone depletion potential (ODP) of HCFCs and CFCs is about the same

HCFCs have much smaller ODP values than CFCs, but their ODP values are not zero. HCFCs do less than
2% ozone damage compared to CFC-11.
C LEED encourages replacing CFC or halon-based fire suppression systems with HCFCs
LEED promotes using fire-suppression systems that do not contain CFCs, HCFCs, or halons.
D CFCs are banned under the Montreal Protocol while HCFCs are not
Both CFCs and HCFCs are banned under the Montreal Protocol. CFC production in the United States
stopped in 1995. Developing nations that signed the treaty agreed to stop producing CFCs by 2010.
Notes:
Question 119:
How long can a project team take after project completion to phase-out any CFC-based refrigerants?
A 4 years
B 5 years
C 2 years
D 3 years
Notes:
The project team can take 5 years from project completion to phase out CFC-based refrigerants, as long as the
Question 120:
For LEED credit a fire suppression system should not contain:
A Water
Water, of course, is fine.
B CO2
CO2 based fire suppression systems are acceptable for LEED.
C Halons
Because of their strong ozone depletion potential, the Montreal Protocol required the earliest production and
import phaseout of halons in the U.S. in 1994.
D HCFCs

LEED prefers HCFCs not be used in fire suppression systems.
E CFCs
CFCs are banned under the Montreal Protocol
Notes:
Question 121:
Approximately 50% of chillers in existing buildings use what refrigerant?
A NH3
B HCFC-22
C HFC-23
D CFC-11
CFC-11 is used in chillers for about 50% of existing buildings. Nowadays it is encouraged to replace these
systems with newer and more efficient systems that use more environmentally friendly refrigerants. Doing so
would save money in the long term.
Notes:
A centrifugal chiller is one of the most economical means to cool large buildings. These units use water and a
refrigeration cycle to provide cooling.
Question 122:
Which of the following is NOT a type of biofuel?
A Wood chips
B Soybean oil
C Geothermal
Geothermal energy comes from the ground.
D Vegetable oil
Notes:

Question 123:
What are the best design strategies for improving indoor air quality during operations and maintenance of a building?
A Use soft surfaces on the interiors
Soft surfaces are good for acoustic design, not air quality.
B Use natural refrigerants
The type of refrigerant does not directly impact the particulates in the air.
C Use air filters with high minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) ratings
MERV ratings are a standard comparison of the efficiency of an air filter. The MERV scale ranges from 1
(least efficient) to 16 (most efficient), and measures a filter's ability remove particles from 3 to 10 microns in
size. The ratings were developed by ASHRAE.
D Increase the ventilation in the building
Additional outdoor air can be provided in the building. This is a common trade-off though - when increasing
the ventilation for a mechanical system the energy use of the building goes up.
New Construction projects can earn credit for Increased Ventilation. In milder climates Increased Ventilation
can still be accomplished with natural ventilation through proper design of air flows through the building.
E Orient the building for optimal sun exposure
Building orientation can impact the particulates entering the building due to the direction the wind blows.
However it isn't as big of a factor as the air filters used.
Notes:

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