Leed green associate pool f - answer

LEED Green Associate Pool F
Question 1:
Which of the following is included in the landscape area?
A Natural ponds
According to LEED water bodies are excluded from the landscape area.
B Building footprint
According to LEED the building footprint is not part of the landscape.
C Paved walkways
According to LEED hardscapes are excluded from the landscape area.
D 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.
Notes:
Reference: LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance Reference Guide, Glossary
Question 2:
What must be considered in the project budget for a green building project that would not be part of a conventional
project?
A Additional time in the schedule for construction
'One of the main potential benefits of IPD is the reduction of construction time due to the extensive planning
and changes to project processes.' (AIA IPD Guide)
B Contingencies for research of unconventional techniques or materials
The manual states project teams should determine relevant design fees and construction costs. Also
address:
1. Life-cycle cost analysis
2. Design and cost advice from experienced green building professionals
3. Contingencies for research of unconventional techniques or materials
Life cycle costing is used to evaluate economic performance and takes into account operational and
maintenance costs throughout the life of the product.
C Selecting only ENERGY STAR appliances
While ENERGY STAR appliances do save more energy compared to non ENERGY STAR appliances, green
buildings do not require ENERGY STAR appliances.

D Added building equipment to make the building more energy efficient
Green building doesn't necessarily require added equipment for efficiency.
Notes:
Reference: Sustainable Building Technical Manual: Part II
Question 3:
Why should a waste stream audit be conducted for a building's ongoing operations?
A To increase waste diversion
The audit may reveal other opportunities to divert waste.
B To determine if the recycling program needs updating
A waste stream audit in an existing building can be a measure and verification of the company's recycling
program. The team can decide on how many categories, but they should include recyclable items,
compostable items, and true waste. No matter the number of categories, in the end the waste accounted for
should equal 100%. This should be done occasionally to check and ensure recycling items are in fact being
recycled and that any waste education in the project is being followed by occupants.
C To identify waste haulers
The audit is primarily used to see what is happening with the waste in the building, not who is hauling it off
the site.
D To identify environmentally preferable products
This is part of a sustainable purchasing policy.
Notes:
Reference:
Question 4:
Which is not a LEED Minimum Program Requirement?
A Minimum building to site ratio
B Minimum floor area
C Minimum building height
There is no minimum height requirement.
D Permanent building / space
Notes:

Reference: Minimum Program Requirements
The Minimum Program Requirements are:
Must comply with environmental laws
Must be a complete, permanent building or space
Must use a reasonable site boundary
Must comply with minimum floor area requirements
Must comply with minimum occupancy rate
Must commit to sharing whole-building energy and water usage data
Must comply with a minimum building area to site area ratio
Question 5:
What are attributes of native plants?
A Require less pruning
Pruning is dependent on the plant requirements.
B Require less pesticide
See the other correct answer choice.
C Require less fertilizer
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.
D Require less sunlight
Sunlight is dependent on the plant requirements.
Notes:
Question 6:
A project team submitted a Credit Interpretation Request (CIR) regarding a particular strategy to meet a credit's
requirements and was notified that the strategy is acceptable. What is true regarding this scenario?
A The project team must still demonstrate that the requirements for the credit were met
Yes, the credit/prerequisite requirements must still be met.
B The project team will not be allowed to earn exemplary performance for the credit if exemplary performance
is available
Exemplary performance could still be earned using an alternative strategy
C The project team will earn an Innovation in Design for an innovative approach due to the use of a different
strategy to achieve the credit

Innovation in Design points for innovation cannot be earned for existing LEED credits.
D The project has met the requirements for the credit and will achieve the credit
A positive response for a CIR does not mean the credit requirements do not have to be met. Only the
strategy has been accepted.
Notes:
Reference: GBCI Credit Interpretation Request (CIR)
Question 7:
Which of the following are examples of post-consumer recycled content?
A Magazines from a print overrun
This is an example of pre-consumer recycled content because the material never made it to the consumer.
B Planer shavings used to make composite wood
This is an example of pre-consumer recycled content because the material never made it to the consumer.
C Scraps reclaimed from the manufacturing line
Scraps reclaimed from the manufacturing line and used to make more of the same product/material are not
considered to include recycled content.
D Construction and demolition debris sent to a recycling plant
Construction and demolition debris can be sorted and recycled and used to make other products.
Notes:
Post-consumer material - recycled material generated from the waste of household, commercial, industrial, or
institutional end-users
Postconsumer recycled content - is the percentage of material in a product that was consumer waste. The recycled
material was generated by household, commercial, industrial, or institutional end-users and can no longer be used for
its intended purpose. It includes returns of materials from the distribution chain. Examples include construction and
demolition debris, materials collected through recycling programs, discarded products (e.g., furniture, cabinetry,
decking), and landscaping waste (e.g., leaves, grass clippings, tree trimmings). (ISO 14021)
Pre-consumer content - formerly known as post-industrial content, is the percentage of material in a product that is
recycled from manufacturing waste. Examples include planer shavings, plytrim, sawdust, chips, bagasse, sunflower
seed hulls, walnut shells, culls, trimmed materials, print overruns, overissue publications, and obsolete inventories.
Excluded are materials such as rework, regrind, or scrap generated in a process and capable of being reclaimed
within the same process that generated it (ISO 14021).
Question 8:
What are attributes of open space?

A Open space is pervious
Open space are the ground areas that are vegetated and pervious.
Green roofs can be considered open space but only for urban areas.
For the purposes of LEED, open space is the property area minus the development footprint, when local
zoning does not define open space.
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 vegetated
Open space are the ground areas that are vegetated and pervious.
Notes:
Question 9:
The portion of the project site submitted for LEED certification is referred to as the:
A LEED boundary
The LEED boundary is the portion of the project site submitted for LEED certification. (-USGBC)
For single building developments, this is the entire project scope and is generally limited to the site boundary
- they are not necessarily the same thing.
In the case of a multiple building project the LEED boundary is that part of the entire project being submitted
for certification as determined by the project team. For example for a campus project that might have 5
buildings, each building is submitted separately for certification. The LEED boundary is set for each of the 5
buildings though they cannot overlap if they property is contiguous.
B Property area
Same thing as the property boundary.
C Property boundary
The property boundary is the total area within the legal property boundaries of the site; it encompasses all
areas of the site, including constructed and nonconstructed areas. (-USGBC)
D Project boundary
The project boundary is the platted property line of the project defining land and water within it. (-USGBC)

Notes:
Reference: n/a
Question 10:
What is greenwashing?
A The implementation of a green cleaning custodial policy
B Advertising a product or policy to be more environmentally friendly than it really is
The term greenwashing is generally used when significantly more money or time has been spent advertising
being green, rather than spending resources on environmentally sound practices.
The term greenwashing was coined by New York environmentalist Jay Westervelt in a 1986 essay regarding
the hotel industry's practice of placing placards in each room promoting reuse of towels ostensibly to 'save
the environment'. Westerveld noted that, in most cases, little or no effort toward reducing energy waste was
being made by these institutions - as evidenced by the lack of cost reduction this practice effected.
Westerveld opined that the actual objective of this 'green campaign' on the part of many hoteliers was, in
fact, increased profit. Westerveld thus labeled this and other outwardly environmentally conscientious acts
with a greater, underlying purpose of profit increase as greenwashing.
C Changing local zoning codes to be greener
D Building green buildings in an industrial area
Question 11:
What does the LEED Volume Program help with?
A Policy support for LEED documentation
B Cost-effective LEED certification on a volume scale
Among other things the LEED Volume Program (formerly the USGBC Portfolio Program) provides a cost-
effective path to achieving LEED certification on a volume scale.
C Comparing baseline energy use among buildings
D Comparing design case energy use among buildings
Notes:
Reference: LEED Volume Program (formerly the USGBC Portfolio Program)
Question 12:
What strategies does the EPA recommend for waste reduction?

A Reuse
B Recycling
C Sustainable materials
The use of sustainable materials helps the environment but does not necessarily impact waste reduction.
D Locally manufactured materials
This does not impact waste reduction.
E Source reduction
Notes:
Source reduction, reuse, and recycling are the three ways EPA ranks as reducing waste the most.
Question 13:
A school project will use some old school lockers that were salvaged from a fitness center located 70 miles away.
What LEED credits will this decision help with?
A Construction Waste Management
Construction waste management addresses diverting construction debris from the project site from landfills.
B Regional Materials
Because the material is located within a 500 mile radius, the lockers count as a Regional Material.
C Recycled Materials
Recycled materials are those materials that contain pre or post consumer recycled content.
D Materials Reuse
Materials Reuse includes salvaged materials found either onsite or offsite.
E Building Reuse
Building Reuse is the reuse of major building elements such as the shell, roof, structural flooring, or interior
wall partitions.
Notes:
Reference: n/a
Question 14:
How can a project team reduce wastewater generation and potable water demand while increasing the local aquifer
recharge for Innovative Wastewater Technologies?

A Treat wastewater onsite to tertiary standards
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.
B Install indigenous or adaptive plants in the landscape
Planting indigenous or adaptive plants helps achieve the Water Efficient Landscaping credit.
C Install drip irrigation
Drip irrigation is a strategy to achieve the Water Efficient Landscaping credit.
D Reduce potable water use by installing water conserving fixtures
A project that can reduce potable water use for building sewage conveyance by 50% through the use of
water conserving fixtures or by using nonpotable water can earn the Innovative Wastewater Technologies
credit.
Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System
This question is asking about the two ways to achieve the Innovative Wastewater Technologies credit.
Question 15:
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
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.
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.
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.
Notes:
Question 16:
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 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 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.
E 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.
Notes:
Question 17:
How is a building's water savings calculated?
A By calculating the percentage reduction from a baseline case to the design case
Water demand is calculated by taking a baseline case and then subtracting the installed design case
calculations from it based on the fixture flush and flow rates of the FTE occupants.
This differs from calculating landscaping reduction, which uses different measurements (but still uses a
design and baseline case).

B By reviewing water use from utility meters
Metering is not a strategy used by LEED to calculate water savings.
C By measuring graywater use
While the quantity of graywater is subtracted from the design case, measuring the graywater use is not the
correct answer.
D By counting the number of fixtures
LEED does not use the number of fixtures in any water use reduction calculations. Calculations are based
on occupant use and flush/flow rates.
Notes:
Question 18:
How many categories are in the LEED Rating Systems for commercial projects?
A 4
B 10
C 7
There are 7 categories for a LEED commercial project:
Sustainable Sites (SS)
Water Efficiency (WE)
Energy and Atmosphere (EA)
Materials and Resources (MR)
Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ)
Innovation in Design (ID) / Innovation in Operations (IO)
Regional Priority
D 5
Notes:
Question 19:
What part of a project would need to have a documented quantitative performance improvement?
A Innovation in Design (ID) credit
ID credits must be documented. The 3 basic criteria for achieving an ID credit for a category not found in the
LEED rating system is:

1. Quantitative. This means the concept must have measurable/quantifiable environmental benefits.
Establish a baseline and compare it with the final outcome to determine the improvement. How
much environmental benefit did the strategy achieve?
2. Comprehensive. The process or specification must be comprehensive. For example, if a new
material could be used in every floor of a building, the project team can't use it in just one floor. A
process that only addresses a part of the project isn't considered comprehensive and does not
meet the credit requirements.
3. Transferrable. The concept must be able to be used on other projects by other project teams. It
can't be a concept that only applies to a unique aspect of one project.
B The project narrative
The project narrative is included as part of the application process. The narrative does not document
quantitative performance improvements.
C Confirmation that the Minimum Program Requirements (MPRs) were met
MPRs do not measure performance improvements. They are baseline criteria that must be met for
certification.
D Credit Interpretation Request (CIR) process
CIRs are used for technical guidance on credits, not documenting performance improvements.
Notes:
Question 20:
A CIR submission should be made:
A To change the rating system a project is certifying under
A project team can decide to change the rating system the project will be certified under, but the CIR
process would not be used for that.
B To determine a project's baseline water use
CIRs are not used to determine baseline measurements for water use.
C When filling out the LEED checklist
When the project team fills out the LEED checklist they are determining what credits the project is likely to
achieve. CIR submissions would be done after the credits that will be or may be attempted have been
selected.
D After project registration
CIR submissions are available only after a project has been registered.
Notes:
Reference: n/a

Question 21:
What type of plants should be used on a green roof to promote biodiversity?
A Plants with high watering needs
The plants should have low watering needs.
B Monocultures
Monocultures are a single species of plant such as turf grass. Monocultures do not promote biodiversity.
C Native plants
The vegetation for a green roof should use native plants, just like the rest of the project landscape.
D Tall plants that provide shade
The roof doesn't really need to be shaded. The vegetation addresses the heat island effect.
Question 22:
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 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.
D Replacing the parking lot with underground parking
Moving the location of the parking from above to below ground does not reduce automobile use.

Notes:
Question 23:
What minimum water savings are LEED v3 projects required to achieve?
A 15%
B 0%
C 20%
The Water Use Reduction prerequisite requires a 20% reduction of the design case compared to the
baseline case.
D 10%
Notes:
Question 24:
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 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.
C 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.
D 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.
Notes:
Reference: GBES LEED Green Associate Study Guide

Question 25:
A project will achieve exemplary performance by having 100% of the materials extracted, harvested, or recovered, as
well as manufactured within 500 miles of the project site. The project can earn credit in what LEED categories?
A Materials and Resources
Regional materials are materials that have been extracted, harvested, or recovered, as well as manufactured
within 500 miles of a project site. These materials earn credit in the Materials and Resources category.
B Innovation in Design
A project can also earn points for exemplary performance under Innovation in Design if the project meets the
exemplary performance requirements.
For example in the LEED NC rating system a project would need to have 30% regional materials to earn
exemplary performance.
C Energy and Atmosphere
D Sustainable Sites
E Indoor Environmental Quality
Notes:
Question 26:
What has the greatest long-term impact on building performance and on the environment?
A Purchase of green power
Green power use does not impact the building's performance.
B The use of recycled materials
Recycled materials impact natural resources.
C Site selection
Site selection impacts a building's performance more than any other decision. Community connectivity,
access to public transportation, daylighting strategies, stormwater management, etc. are all impacted by the
location of the site
D Water use
Water efficiency is the credit category that can earn the least amount of points in almost all LEED rating
systems.

Notes:
Reference: n/a
Question 27:
Which items can contribute to Construction Waste Management?
A Hazardous construction debris
Hazardous debris does not qualify for this credit; therefore, hazardous construction debris is incorrect.
B Concrete
Concrete - if kept out of the landfill - can be counted towards reducing construction waste.
C Steel and wallboard
Steel and wallboard - if kept out of the landfill - can be counted towards reducing construction waste.
D Fill dirt
Fill dirt does not qualify for this credit; therefore, fill dirt (excavated soil) is incorrect.
Notes:
Question 28:
What will the project team NOT be able to determine without consulting local zoning?
A The types of materials that can be used for a tenant fit-out
Local zoning doesn't regulate interior material selection.
B The refrigerant selection for HVAC&R systems
Local zoning does not address refrigerant selection.
C Where in the building recycling containers can be placed
Local zoning doesn't address recycling locations.
D The total square footage the building can be in relation to the site area
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.
The building size compared to the site size is the building's density, which would fall under local zoning.
Notes:
Reference: n/a

Question 29:
What type of fixture can earn EPA's WaterSense label?
A HET dual flush toilet
WaterSense helps consumers identify water efficient fixtures.
The WaterSense label applies to showerheads, toilets, urinals, and bathroom sinks.
B Dishwasher
Dishwashers are not covered by WaterSense at this time.
C Kitchen sink faucets
Kitchen sink faucets do not usually come in low flow varieties or with flow restrictors because these would
only serve to make it take longer to fill up a pot of water rather than save water.
D Washing machine
Washing machines are not covered by WaterSense at this time.
Question 30:
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 annual energy cost while Onsite Renewable Energy is based on the
percent of the building's energy consumption
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 Btus per square foot while Onsite Renewable Energy is based on the
building's kWh per square foot per year
D The calculations are the same
Notes:
Question 31:
What is a characteristic of open-grid pavement?

A It is 100% impervious
B It is at least 75% impervious
C 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
D It is at least 50% impervious
Notes:
Question 32:
A bioswale would be used to help earn credit in what LEED category?
A Energy and Atmosphere
B Water Efficiency
C Sustainable Sites
Bioswales are landscape elements designed to remove silt and pollution from surface runoff water. They
consist of a swaled drainage course with gently sloped sides and filled with vegetation, compost and/or
riprap.
Bioswales would be used to help improve the quality of stormwater runoff.
D Indoor Environmental Quality
Notes:
Question 33:
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 Purchasing RECs will help a project earn credit for Green Power
For LEED, purchasing RECs can help a project earn credit for Green Power.
C RECs will increase the amount of onsite renewable energy a building generates
RECs do not impact the quantity of onsite energy a building generates.
D RECs decrease a building's energy demand
RECs do not impact a building's energy demand.
Notes:
Question 34:
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 Community connectivity
B Reducing the heat island effect
C 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.
D Increasing development density
Question 35:
What is the environmental benefit of selecting something that is Green-e certified?
A Better indoor air quality due to lower VOC content in carpets
The Green Label / Green Label Plus is used for carpet certification.
B 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.
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 36:
What is albedo?
A Measure of a material's imperviousness
B 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.
C Measure of a plant's drought tolerance
D Measure of a refrigerant's ozone depletion potential
Notes:
Question 37:
What tool would a project team use to set the project's green design criteria?
A Vision statement
The project's green building goals should be developed from the vision statement. (Sustainable Building
Technical Manual: Part II)
However the vision statement is not a tool and not what the question is trying to teach.
B Project schedule
The project schedule should occur later on after the design criteria has been set.
C Construction bids
Construction bids should occur later on after the design criteria has been set.
D LEED Score Card
The LEED Score Card is a tool that helps the project team decide what specific design criteria will be met.
Usually in the pre-design phase everyone involved in a project will get together either in person or on a
conference call and discuss the project's green building goals. These goals may have already been set by
the project's owner based on the project vision, or the team may come up with them at this time. Once the
goals are set, the project team will use the LEED score card to check which LEED credits the project is likely
to achieve, and/or which credits the project team wants to achieve. This meeting is called the charrette. The
LEED score card is a tool to help guide the process and the meeting.
What was just described is a typical approach, but it may not always be followed this way. There are
variations but the end result is the same - a completed LEED score card that guides the project from
beginning to end. At each step during the project - design, construction, etc, the project team consults the
LEED score card to make sure the project is on track to achieve the credits the project team set out to

achieve.
Notes:
Reference: Sample credit checklist for LEED v3
Question 38:
A project team has decided to modify a low SRI roof design to include a vegetated roof to help with stormwater
management. What other credit would this decision help with?
A Heat Island Effect
A green roof can help with reducing the heat island effect. Vegetation is a good insulator against the heat
from the sun and would keep a building cooler compared to low SRI material.
B Green Power
Green power, or offsite renewable energy, is unrelated to vegetated roofs.
C Water Use Reduction
A vegetated roof may actually increase the watering needs of a building due to the watering needs of the
plants.
D Recycled Materials
Vegetation does not count as a recycled material.
Notes:
Reference: n/a
Question 39:
What tool is used to determine the target certification level?
A LEED Online
LEED Online is the tool used for documenting the project.
B LEED Score Card
The LEED Scorecard helps teams decide what credits to achieve.
C CIR
CIRs are specific questions regarding one credit or one prerequisite. They are submitted using LEED Online
or using a standalone CIR form.
D EPA's Target Finder
Target Finder is a no-cost online tool that enables architects and building owners to set energy targets and
receive an EPA energy performance score for projects during the design process.

Notes:
Question 40:
Which of the following is not a strategy for reducing the heat island effect of a proposed parking lot?
A Placing the parking spaces under the building
Placing the parking underground would eliminate the parking lot.
B 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.
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.
C 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.
D Planting trees that will provide shade
Shading the hardscapes prevent the sun from hitting the surface.
Notes:
Reference: n/a
The question asks for what is not a strategy.
Question 41:
What environmental benefit does green power have?
A Avoiding electricity blackouts
This is an benefit to society.
B 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.
C Stability of electrical prices
This is an economic benefit.
D Reduced environmental regulation

This is not an environmental benefit.
Notes:
Reference: Guide to Purchasing Green Power
Question 42:
What items would NOT be included in commingled recycling?
A Aluminum cans
B Cardboard
C Plastic
D Stone
For LEED, stones, dirt, hazardous materials, batteries, mercury-containing light bulbs, and food waste would
not be included.
Notes:
At a minimum, a recycling program should include paper, cardboard, glass, plastic, and metal.
Question 43:
ASHRAE 90.1-2007 is used for which of the following project areas?
A 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.
B 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.
C 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.
D Measuring the quantity of stormwater runoff for the project boundary
A civil engineer would measure the quantity of stormwater runoff from a project site.
Notes:

Question 44:
Wastewater from bathroom sinks can:
A Always be recycled and used for irrigation
B Never be recycled and used for irrigation
C Sometimes be recycled and used for irrigation, depending on local codes
Wastewater treatment systems are sometimes used in projects to treat wastewater and reuse it onsite for
non-potable uses such as irrigation and for flushing fixtures.
Blackwater does not have a single definition accepted nationwide. Adjacent cities may have different codes
that allow or prohibit the use of sink/shower water for non-potable uses. On jurisdiction may define
sink/shower water as blackwater and not permit its use, while another may define it as graywater and will
permit its use. Review local codes before making design decisions based on the use of wastewater.
D Always be used for makeup water in cooling towers
Notes:
Question 45:
The ASHRAE standards cover which LEED topics?
A Carbon emissions
LEED does not reference a standard for carbon emissions.
B VOC emissions
VOC emissions are addressed by Green Seal and Green Label.
C Thermal comfort conditions
more of occupants find them acceptable.
D Ventilation rates
rates are used to improve indoor air quality as part of the IEQ credit category.
E Minimum requirements for the energy efficient design of most buildings
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).

Question 46:
What are the three R's of construction waste management?
A Resourcing
B Reuse
C Reduce
D Refilling
E Recycle
Notes:
Reduce, reuse, recycle are the three ways to reduce construction waste.
Question 47:
Which statement is true regarding regional priority credits (RPCs)?
A RPCs are always awarded for reducing automobile use
It depends on the zipcode, so it is not 'always'.
B RPCs are awarded for using local green power
Projects can use green power from any certified source, not just 'local' sources.
C RPCs are not new credits; they are 'bonus points'
Regional Priority Credits - these are bonus points for encouraging teams to attempt LEED credits that
address specific environmental priorities in the project's region. Each zipcode in the U.S. has 6 LEED credits
that are extra important to that zipcode. A project that achieves one of those credits earns a bonus point, up
to a maximum of 4. Here is an example. In Georgia zipcode 30002 saving water is important, because
Georgia has had a lot of droughts lately.
See what is important in your zipcode here:
http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=1984
RPCs are not new credits; they are 'bonus points' for existing credits.
Pre-2009 rating systems are not eligible unless the project moves to the LEED 2009 rating system.
RPCs for international projects do not exist.
D RPCs are awarded for locating the project in urban areas
This is not true.
Notes:
Reference: RPC FAQ

Question 48:
How can projects reduce sending waste to a landfill?
A Use local materials
Using local materials helps reduce the transportation costs associated with moving materials as well as
helping the local economy.
B Use materials with low lifecycle costs
Using materials with lower life cycle costs helps reduce operating costs and maintenance expenses over the
products lifetime.
C Reuse materials
Recycling and reuse of construction and demolition debris help reduce waste that is sent to a landfill.
D Recycle materials
Recycling and reuse of construction and demolition debris help reduce waste that is sent to a landfill.
Question 49:
A project will achieve exemplary performance for using 100% Regional Materials. In what credit or which category
would the exemplary performance point be awarded for this achievement?
A Materials and Resources category
Exemplary performance points are earned under the Innovation in Design credit. Categories do not earn
credits. LEED categories group similar environmental/building topics together. While each LEED category
has a total number of points that can be earned, there are no minimum number of points that must be
earned in any category.
B Regional Materials credit
The Regional Materials credit would not earn bonus points for exemplary performance. Bonus points are
awarded through ID credits.
C Regional Priority category
Regional priority rewards projects for achieving LEED credits for environmentally sensitive issues specific to
a particular zipcode.
D Innovation in Design credit
Achieving exemplary performance is awarded through ID credits.
Notes:

Question 50:
What credit category is given the greatest weighting?
A Water Efficiency
B Energy and Atmosphere
C Materials and Resources
D Sustainable Sites
Notes:
The Energy and Atmosphere category has the most points available and the most environmental impact.
Question 51:
What LEED rating system addresses exterior site maintenance programs?
A LEED for New Construction
B LEED for Core and Shell
C LEED for Schools
D LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance
Notes:
Reference: USGBC Website
Any type of maintenance should be a reminder of the operations and maintenance of a building.
'The LEED for Existing Buildings Rating System helps building owners and operators measure operations,
improvements and maintenance on a consistent scale, with the goal of maximizing operational efficiency while
minimizing environmental impacts. LEED for Existing Buildings addresses whole-building cleaning and maintenance
issues (including chemical use), recycling programs, exterior maintenance programs, and systems upgrades. It can
be applied both to existing buildings seeking LEED certification for the first time and to projects previously certified
under LEED for New Construction, Schools, or Core & Shell.' – USGBC
Question 52:
What statement is true regarding a passive cooling system?
A It has high global warming potential (GWP)
Passive cooling systems do not use refrigerants and thus do not have GWP.

B It has a high indirect impact on the environment
A passive cooling system does not have a high indirect impact the environment.
C 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.
D The refrigerants operate at a low or negative pressure
Passive cooling systems do not use refrigerants.
Notes:
Reference: n/a
Question 53:
How many points are listed for prerequisites on the LEED Scorecard?
A 18
B 1
C 0
Prerequisites are required and are not assigned any points.
D 2
Notes:
Question 54:
A project site contaminated with hazardous substances is called a:
A Greenfield
A greenfield is site that is undeveloped and in a natural state or has been used for agriculture.
B Remediated site
The land of the brownfield has the potential to be reused once any hazardous substances, pollutants, or
contaminants are remediated.
Remediation is the process of cleaning up the site and must occur prior to building.
C 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.
D Brownfield
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
LEED credit can be earned for projects that remediate the site and build on it.
Notes:
Reference: Green Building & LEED Core Concepts Guide
Question 55:
What would having a project with pedestrian access between the project building and a city park help with?
A Community connectivity
Pedestrian access to basic services such as a park help projects earn community connectivity.
B Access to mass transit
No mention of mass transit is included in the question, and access to a park wouldn't provide access to
mass transit.
C Access to bicycle racks
Even if bicycle racks were available at the park, transportation reduction credits for LEED require bicycle
racks on the project property.
D Increasing open space
City parks do not help LEED projects with open space requirements.
Notes:
Question 56:
What is NOT a factor in the calculation of embodied energy when using the Construction Carbon Calculator?
A Building size
B Project materials
C Site disturbance
D Landscape
E Number of occupants

Notes:
Reference: Construction Carbon Calculator
The Construction Carbon Calculator estimates embodied carbon. Embodied carbon is the carbon released when a
product is manufactured, shipped to a project site and installed. This calculator looks at an entire project, and takes
into account the:
site disturbance
landscape and ecosystem installation or restoration
building size
base materials of construction
(BuildingCarbonNeutral.org)
Question 57:
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 Light trespass
Light trespass is light that passes beyond the project boundary.
C 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.
D Light division
This is not correct.
Notes:
Question 58:
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 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.
C 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.
D 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.
Notes:
Reference: The Treatment by LEED of the Environmental Impact of HVAC Refrigerants
Question 59:
What statement is true regarding green building?
A The construction of green buildings have no major significant cost difference to non-green buildings
According to Cost of Green Revisited - The 2006 study shows essentially the same results as 2004: there is
no significant difference in average costs for green buildings as compared to non-green buildings.
B LEED teams are achieving certification through widely diverse methods
LEED teams are achieving LEED certification through similar, low cost approaches. Most times the
strategies among projects are very similar for those projects that have similar goals. Widely diverse methods
would indicate every project is doing something significantly different than other projects.
C Green design is a cost neutral add-on
Green design should not be an add-on. Green design should be considered in the pre-design phase. When
green design is considered later (construction) phase the costs go up significantly and the building usually
doesn't perform as well.
D LEED buildings were increasingly common until construction costs rose 30% in the last two years
LEED building is still taking place despite increases in construction costs.
Notes:
Reference: Cost of Green Revisited
Question 60:
What is embodied energy?
A The proportion of fuel costs used to transport a material from its source to its final destination
B The potential of a design or product to contribute to decreasing the quantity of energy the built environment
will consume
C The percent of recycled content in a product
D All the energy used to grow, extract and manufacture a product, transport it to the jobsite, complete the
installation, and finally dispose of it at the end of its life cycle
Embodied energy is an accounting methodology which aims to find the sum total of the energy necessary for

an entire product lifecycle. This lifecycle includes raw material extraction, transport, manufacture, assembly,
installation, disassembly, deconstruction and/or decomposition.
For example consider a clay brick. This includes the energy to extract the clay, transport it to the brick-works,
form the brick, fire it in the kiln, transport it to the building site and put the brick into place. It also includes all
the indirect energy required, i.e., all the energy required to manufacture the equipment and materials needed
to manufacture a brick, e.g. trucks, kilns, mining equipment, etc. All have a proportion of their energy
invested in the brick.
Question 61:
Which vehicle is not considered an alternative-fuel vehicle?
A Electric car
An electric car 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 Natural gas powered car
A natural gas powered vehicle 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:
Question 62:
What process identifies the high-performance building systems that will save money over the life of a project?
A Value engineering
Value engineering is an organized methodology that identifies and selects the lowest cost options in design,
materials and processes that achieves the desired level of performance, reliability and customer satisfaction.
B Life-cycle costing

Life cycle costing (LCC) is the evaluation of the total cost of a building or product over its useful life, including
initial, maintenance, repair and replacement costs as well as savings. LCC evaluates economic
performance.
LCC compares different designs to determine the best long-term investment.
All building expenses are included in the analysis including:
Initial costs (design + construction)
Operating costs (utilities, water, electricity, people)
Maintenance costs (repair, replacement, upkeep)
C Life-cycle assessment
Life cycle assessment (LCA) is the investigation and valuation of the environmental impacts of a given
product or service. LCA evaluates environmental performance. This view takes into account the whole life of
a product or project (not assessing it from a single point in time).
D Energy modeling
Energy modeling is only one aspect of measuring a building's performance.
Notes:
Reference: n/a
Question 63:
For a building project, when does the life cycle approach begin?
A During materials selection
B With the initial pre-design decisions and goal setting
A life cycle approach considers all stages of a project, product or service. For example a life cycle approach
for materials would consider growing raw materials and production, to distribution, consumer use and
product disposal. This approach considers longevity. For a building the life cycle approach continues through
design, planning, construction, operation and maintenance, and renovation. The approach ends when the
project reaches its end-of-life and the components are recycled or reused.
C During project scheduling
D After a site has been selected
Question 64:
What organization publishes lighting design and illumination standards?
A ASHRAE
ASHRAE does not publish lighting standards.
B EPA
The EPA does not publish lighting standards.

C IESNA
The Illuminating Engineering Society of North America is the publisher of lighting design and illumination
standards. For LEED these standards are used to help reduce light pollution from a project.
D USGBC
USGBC uses standards from other organizations (such as IESNA) for many LEED prerequisites and credits.
Notes:
Question 65:
Which strategy would help achieve credit towards Water Efficient Landscaping?
A Using drip irrigation
Drip irrigation is one of the most efficient means of watering a landscape.
Drip irrigation has a 90% irrigation efficiency compared to 65% for conventional sprinkler systems.
B Increasing open space
Increasing open space may increase irrigation needs.
C Replacing hardscapes with open grid paving
This helps with stormwater control.
D Increasing the permeability of the landscape
Increasing permeability helps with stormwater control.
Notes:
Question 66:
Reusing an existing building can help earn credit in what category?
A Energy and Atmosphere
B Sustainable Sites
C Materials and Resources
The Materials and Resources category has LEED credits for building reuse. For example, if a project selects
an existing building and guts the building but leaves the walls and roof, credit could be earned.
D Water Efficiency

Notes:
Question 67:
What is a stakeholder meeting?
A A meeting where engineers work together to discover new synergies
This is an example of a team meeting.
B A meeting where research is conducted about materials
This is an example of a small task group meeting.
C An intense workshop to solve a problem or plan the design of something that includes the project team and
stakeholders
This is a charrette. Also included in the charrette are any external experts that might be needed for
consultation. An example would be a sales engineer for a specific product.
D A meeting with everyone that has a vested interest in the outcome of a project
This is an example of a stakeholder meeting. Stakeholders involve everyone that may be impacted by the
project. An example is if a new residential project is being planned, the existing neighbors would be invited to
the meeting to voice their input and concerns. Also included would be city planners, engineers, building
owners, general contractors, etc.
Notes:
Question 68:
What will not help with water efficient landscaping?
A Xeriscaping
Xeriscaping refers to landscaping and gardening in ways that reduce or eliminate the need for supplemental
water from irrigation.
B Mulching around plants
Mulch is simply a protective layer of a material that is spread on top of the soil, often to keep moisture in.
Mulches can either be organic -- such as grass clippings, straw, bark chips, and similar materials -- or
inorganic -- such as stones, brick chips, and plastic.
C Creating a sediment basin
A sediment basin is useful strategies for stormwater management, but is not used to reduce water use in
landscaping.
D Planting native plants

Question 69:
Every LEED rating system contains credits for:
A Fundamental refrigerant management
Fundamental refrigerant management is a prerequisite, not a credit.
B Carbon offsets
Carbon offsets are not part of any LEED rating system.
C Radon measurements
Radon issues are only addressed in LEED for Homes.
D Innovation
All LEED rating systems award projects for innovative or exemplary performance.
Notes:
Reference: n/a
Every LEED rating system has prerequisites and credits. Most of the prerequisites and credit names are common
among the rating systems, though their requirements may differ.
Question 70:
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 71:
What are three important factors of the LEED Green Building Rating System?
A It is market-driven
LEED is driven by the market place due to the volunteer committees being made up of people who work in
the market place.
B It is voluntary
USGBC member committees develop the LEED Rating System via a robust consensus process that has
been refined since its inception. The key elements of the LEED Rating Systems are:
 A consensus process that has a balanced and transparent committee structure
 Technical Advisory Groups to ensure scientific consistency and rigor
 Opportunities for stakeholder comment and review
 Member ballot of new rating systems and certain changes to existing rating systems
 A fair and open appeals process
C It is government-financed
USGBC is non-profit organization that derives revenue from training classes, consulting, and reference
materials.
D It is consensus-based
LEED is a consensus process that has a balanced and transparent committee structure.
E It is the only green building standard
LEED is not the only green building standard - Green Globes is another green building standard.
Notes:
Reference: LEED Rating Systems
Question 72:
What transfers heat during the mechanical cooling process?
A Feedback loop
B 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.

C Off-gassing
D Biomass
Notes:
Question 73:
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 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.
D 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.
Notes:
Question 74:
What issues do the ASHRAE standards NOT address?
A Plumbing codes
ASHRAE standards do not address plumbing codes.
B Thermal comfort
rates are used to improve indoor air quality as part of the IEQ credit category.
more of occupants find them acceptable.

C Heat island measurement
ASHRAE standards do not address heat island measurement.
D Energy efficiency
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).
Question 75:
What does global warming potential (GWP) measure?
A Embodied energy of a refrigerant
B Chemical contribution to global warming
See page iv of the reference.
GWP is a measurement of a refrigerants chemical contribution to global warming.
C Harm done by refrigerants to the ozone layer
D Lifespan of refrigerants
Notes:
Reference: The Treatment by LEED of the Environmental Impact of HVAC Refrigerants
Question 76:
What project design strategy would minimize a project's water usage the most?
A Increasing the area of permeable surfaces
This strategy can help with stormwater control.
B Installing a landscape that needs no irrigation
A landscape that requires no irrigation uses less water.
C Minimize the quantity of hardscapes on the project site
This strategy helps with stormwater control and increasing open space.
D Directing runoff into retention ponds or bioswales
This strategy helps with stormwater control.
Notes:
Reference: n/a

Question 77:
What can help reduce indoor potable water use?
A Installing a green roof
A green roof does not impact the baseline indoor water use.
B Replacing fixtures with salvaged toilets manufactured in 1992
Fixtures made pre-1993 do not comply with EPAct 1992 and are less efficient than many newer fixtures.
C Installing reduced-flow aerators on lavatory faucets
Retrofitting/designing a building with flow-restrictors and reduced-flow aerators helps reduce water use.
D Installing a blackwater system
This would help with wastewater management.
Notes:
Question 78:
What LEED Rating System is used for interior tenant improvements?
A LEED for Existing Buildings Operations & Maintenance
The LEED for Existing Buildings Rating System helps building owners and operators measure operations,
improvements and maintenance on a consistent scale, with the goal of maximizing operational efficiency
while minimizing environmental impacts. LEED for Existing Buildings addresses whole-building cleaning and
maintenance issues (including chemical use), recycling programs, exterior maintenance programs, and
systems upgrades. It can be applied both to existing buildings seeking LEED certification for the first time
and to projects previously certified under LEED for New Construction, Schools, or Core & Shell. (-USGBC)
B LEED for New Construction
The LEED for New Construction Rating System is designed to guide and distinguish high-performance
commercial and institutional projects, including office buildings, high-rise residential buildings, government
buildings, recreational facilities, manufacturing plants and laboratories.(-USGBC)
C LEED for Commercial Interiors
D LEED for Core & Shell
LEED for Core & Shell is a green building rating system for designers, builders, developers and new building
owners who want to address sustainable design for new core and shell construction. Core and shell covers
base building elements such as structure, envelope and the HVAC system. LEED for Core & Shell is
designed to be complementary to the LEED for Commercial Interiors rating system, as both rating systems
establish green building criteria for developers, owners and tenants. (-USGBC)
Notes:

LEED for Commercial Interiors is a benchmark for the tenant improvement market that gives the power to make
sustainable choices to tenants and designers. (-USGBC)
Question 79:
Sustainable design strategies are effectively implemented only by using a:
A Flexible approach
While the LEED Rating System is flexible and independent, effective sustainable design strategies rely on a
whole building approach, not a part or incremental approach.
B Whole building approach
By taking into consideration the building site, the building structure, all of the systems, and the use of the
building, the project team applies a 'whole building' approach.
C Conventional approach
Conventional building is what sustainable design is moving away from.
D Incremental approach
While the LEED Rating System is flexible and independent, effective sustainable design strategies rely on a
whole building approach, not a part or incremental approach.
Question 80:
What is a density radius calculation used for?
A To measure any bus/rail line locations relative to the entrance of a building
B To define the area where basic services are located
C To define properties included in the development density calculation
See SS Credit 2.
While not directly referenced in the requirements of Develop Density and Community Connectivity, the
density radius is used in the density calculations as is applicable under exam objective II.A / II.B
The density radius calculation is used to draw a circle around the project plan and identify properties within
or intersecting that radius. Those properties must be factored into the development density calculation for
certain credits.
D To define the project site area
Notes:

Question 81:
An old door taken from one project site and reused on another project site is considered what type of material?
A Rapidly renewable
A rapidly renewable material (like bamboo) is a material that has a harvest cycle of 10 years or less. These
types of materials reduce the use of old grow materials such as hardwood trees.
B Locally harvested
C Salvaged
Salvaged materials or reused materials are construction materials recovered from existing buildings or
construction sites and reused. The materials may be used for the same purpose (a door used as a door) or a
different purpose (a door turned into a table). Some common material that is salvaged includes old flooring,
brick, doors, cabinets, and structural beams.
D Certified wood
Wood that has been certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is acceptable for LEED credits for
Certified Wood.
Notes:
This is a type of Regional Material.
Question 82:
What factor impacts the cost of earning LEED building certification?
A Square footage of the building
The square footage of the project is the primary cost consideration for LEED certification.
Remember certification and registration fees are not the same.
B The number of Full Time Equivalents (FTEs) that will occupy the finished building
This may affect the cost of the project, but not the cost of the certification.
C The type of land the building was built on
D The number of stories the building has
Notes:
GBCI Website, Certification Fees

Question 83:
A Green Education program is widely known as an innovative strategy worthy of an ID point in the LEED rating
systems. What characteristics does this program display that must be present in all innovative performance
strategies?
A Unique
B Quantifiable
C Rare
D Comprehensive
Notes:
Reference: Guidance on Innovation & Design (ID) Credits
The 3 basic criteria for achieving an ID credit for a category not found in the LEED rating system is:
1. Quantitative. This means the concept must have measurable/quantifiable environmental benefits. Establish
a baseline and compare it with the final outcome to determine the improvement. How much environmental
benefit did the strategy achieve?
2. Comprehensive. The process or specification must be comprehensive. For example, if a new material could
be used in every floor of a building, the project team can't use it in just one floor. A process that only
addresses a part of the project isn't considered comprehensive and does not meet the credit requirements.
3. Transferrable. The concept must be able to be used on other projects by other project teams. It can't be a
concept that only applies to a unique aspect of one project.
Question 84:
Which of the following is an example of the triple bottom line in practice?
A A building material purchased and shipped from overseas
The environment would be negatively impacted by the transportation from overseas.
B A residential project that contributes to neighborhood revitalization
This benefits the people and surrounding community with additional tax revenue.
C An energy efficient building built on a site with endangered species
The environment would be negatively impacted by the loss of species.
D A building with good indoor air quality and minimal insulation
The minimal insulation would be bad for the environment and probably the occupants.

Notes:
Question 85:
How long can a project team take after project completion to phase-out any CFC-based refrigerants?
A 2 years
B 3 years
C 4 years
D 5 years
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.
Question 86:
What is an example of a construction hard cost?
A Payments received from recycled materials
This isn't a cost but a potential source of income.
B Measurement and verification of a building's energy consumption over time
Measurement and verification is a soft cost.
Measurement and Verification plans are used to account for a building's energy consumption over time to
optimize energy performance, minimize environmental impacts, and save on building operating costs. New
Construction projects can earn a Measurement and Verification credit for implementing this type of plan.
C On-site renewable energy system
An onsite renewable energy system is a mechanical system and would be a hard cost.
D Permit fees
Permit fees are a soft cost. A soft construction cost is one that is not directly related to building, construction,
etc. These include building permit fees, architect fees, legal, financing, engineering fees, commissioning,
and other costs incurred before and after construction.
Notes:
Reference: n/a

Hard costs: By far the largest portion of the expenses in a construction budget, the hard costs are mostly comprised
of the actual construction costs incurred to build the project.
Examples include masonry, wood, steel, carpet, tile, mechanical systems, roofing.
Question 87:
The Green Power credit gives preference to electricity products that:
A Come from hydroelectric sources
LEED does not give preference to high impact hydroelectric sources.
B Are greenhouse gas neutral
C 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)
D 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).
Notes:
Question 88:
If a building has already earned LEED for New Construction certification, what additional certifications could the
building earn in the future?
A Operations & Maintenance
O&M could be earned for the ongoing operations of the building.
B Neighborhood Development
Neighborhood Development applies to the community, not to a building.
C Commercial Interiors
LEED CI could be earned for the interior spaces.
D Core & Shell

Core & Shell cannot occur after New Construction certification.
Question 89:
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 revegetated
Brownfields must be remediated but they are not required to have the site revegetated for development.
B The site must be located in a suburban area
Brownfield can be found in urban and suburban areas.
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
D 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.
Notes:
Question 90:
Which of the following are mandatory for LEED certification?
A Meeting the Minimum Program Requirements
MPRs are mandatory for certification.
B Earning at least 50 points
Non-homes projects must earn at least 40 points.
C Meeting all prerequisites
Meeting the prerequisites are mandatory for certification. Credits are optional, though a certain number of
credits are needed for certification. The project team chooses which credits to pursue. Prerequisites are not
a choice.
D Earning Innovation in Design points
This is not mandatory.
E Achieving all Regional Priority credits

This is not mandatory.
Notes:
Reference: GBCI LEED Certification Policy Manual
Question 91:
How many Innovation & Design Process Points can a non-home project earn in LEED v3?
A 10
B 8
C 4
D 6
In LEED v3 a non-home project can earn up to 6 Innovation in Design points.
Question 92:
What types of products should be selected for reducing indoor water use?
A Green Water
B Class 3 Water Savings
C EnergyStar
ENERGY STAR qualified clothes washers use about 37% less energy and use over 50% less water than
regular washers.
D EPA WaterSense
WaterSense is an EPA certification awarded to fixtures that use less water than comparable fixtures.
Notes:
Question 93:
What are examples of waste diversion for construction waste management?
A Recycling
Recycling materials keeps them out of landfills and reduces the demand for virgin resources.

B Disposal in landfills
Disposal in landfills is what construction waste management tries to avoid.
C Reuse
Reusing materials keeps them out of landfills and reduces the demand for virgin resources.
D Incineration
Incineration is not a practice LEED accepts for construction waste management.
Notes:
Question 94:
On a project with an older existing HVAC&R system that uses CFCs, what can the project team do to earn LEED
certification?
A Get a state exemption for the HVAC&R system
This would not meet LEED requirements.
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 Recharge the equipment with CFCs
D Make a phase out plan for the removal of the CFC based refrigerants
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.
Notes:
This would not meet LEED requirements.
Question 95:
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 1%
B 5%
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.
For such projects, the refrigerant leakage rate must be reduced to no more than 5% each year.
C 3%
D 0%
Notes:
Question 96:
What is incorporated into many local building codes?
A Uniform Plumbing Codes and International Plumbing Codes
UPC defines water-conserving fixtures and fittings. IPC defines the maximum flow rates for plumbing fixtures
and fittings.
B Transportation reduction strategies
How to reduce automobile use is not part of the building code.
C ASHRAE standards
ASHRAE publishes a well recognized series of standards and guidelines relating to HVAC systems and
issues. These standards are often referenced in building codes.
D Choices for regional materials
Regional materials would not be found in local building codes.
Notes:
Question 97:
Heat islands can occur in urban areas when what happens?
A Absorption of heat by hardscapes
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.
B Reflection of heat by white rooftops
C Absorption of heat by open space

D Reflection of heat by hardscapes
Question 98:
What is true about integrative design?
A Integrative design results in longer construction schedules
One of the main potential benefits of IPD is the reduction of construction time due to the extensive planning
and changes to project processes. (AIA IPD Guide)
B Integrative design is applicable to any phase in the life cycle of a building or land-use project
Integrative design can be applied to any type of project no matter the stage of the project.
C Integrative design is only used for new construction design processes
Integrative design is not limited to new construction projects
D Integrative design is a linear process
Conventional design is linear. Integrative design is more collaborative and concurrent.
Notes:
Reference: Green Building & LEED Core Concepts Guide
Question 99:
An office cubicle that contains post-consumer aluminum content would contribute to what credit area?
A Certified Materials
Recycled materials are not certified by any organization.
B Recycled Content
Post-consumer aluminum content is a type of recycled material.
C Rapidly Renewable Materials
Aluminum is not a rapidly renewable material.
D Construction Waste Management
This is incorrect because the cube is not construction or demolition debris.
Question 100:
What needs to occur to have an integrated team?

A Regular meetings of only the owner, architect, and contractor
All team members must be involved with regular meetings to have an integrated team.
B Regular meetings of all key project members
Regular meetings of all key project members and the ability to call emergency meetings if a decision must be
made quickly are both needed for project team decision making.
C Durability planning
Durability planning would be one part of the discussions the integrated team would have.
D Quarterly meetings between engineers
Quarterly meetings between engineers would not be frequent enough.

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