The document discusses value engineering as a review process that identifies design alternatives that can reduce costs while improving performance. Value engineering reviews the lowest lifecycle cost options for design, materials, and processes to achieve the desired level of performance, reliability, and customer satisfaction. Conventional value engineering often cuts costs by removing building features, but for green buildings this can undermine the integrated performance of building systems.

1. LEED Green Associate VI. Stakeholder Involvement in Innovation
Question 1:
What is NOT a principle that should be followed for a successful green building project?
A Committing to green building early in the process
The green building process should begin early instead of being an add-on later in the project. When green
building products or designs are considered after construction has already started then it becomes more
expensive and less efficient. It's like adding a second story onto a one story house. It's cheaper to build a
two story house to begin with.
B Budgeting the planning and design costs separately from the operations costs
By separating costs stakeholders will not realize the long term savings green buildings have.
C Multidisciplinary approach
One of the principles of an integrated process is an integrated project team.
Everyone involved in the project or that is impacted by the project such as neighbors are considered
stakeholders.
D Looking at long term savings
Often owners consider only the upfront costs and not the long term operations and maintenance costs. Yes
a more efficient HVAC system may cost 20% more up front, but if it cuts energy bills by 50% the payback
may be only a few years, followed by 30 more years of lower energy bills.
E Commitment to the process through the life of the project
The green building process should not end when the occupants are allowed into the project. Systems will
need repair and maintenance for the life of the building. Strategies that were put in place in the design need
to be upheld for the greatest benefit.
Notes:
Reference: GBES LEED Green Associate Study Guide
Question 2:
What are the purposes of clearly defined goals to ensure project success?
A Providing a clearly defined vision statement
A vision statement is created by the client and project team to support and define the sustainability goals
during the life of the project.
B Defining the green design criteria and sustainability targets
Broad and specific targets must be defined and set by the goals. For example you could say 'the building
should be energy efficient', but you would also define that more specifically as 'the building should use 50%
less energy than comparable buildings'.

2. C Providing training for the project team
D Determining relevant design fees and construction costs
E Providing a point of reference that can be used when making decisions
Every decision should trace back to the original goals. This way the project team doesn't stray from the
original intent. This is important because projects can take years to complete. By looking back on the original
goals people stay on track.
Notes:
Reference: GBES LEED Green Associate Study Guide
The three correct answers define how goals can be used to make sure the project is a success.
Question 3:
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 awarded for locating the project in urban areas
This is not true.
D 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.
Notes:
Reference: RPC FAQ
Question 4:
Designing a building with a natural ventilation system will impact what credit categories?

3. A Materials and Resources
No credits from this category are impacted by designing a building with natural ventilation.
B Sustainable Sites
No credits from this category are impacted by designing a building with natural ventilation.
C Energy and Atmosphere
A natural ventilation system (aka passive ventilation) will reduce the energy demands of a building. No
mechanical cooling system will need to installed and run.
D Indoor Environmental Quality
A natural ventilation system impacts the indoor air quality of a building. Indoor air quality is part of this credit
category.
Notes:
Reference: n/a
Question 5:
What steps would be included in the pre-design phase of a green building project?
A Establish project goals and green building criteria
Establish project goals and green building criteria occurs in the pre-design phase.
B Document green materials and systems
This is part of the construction documents phase.
C Site selection
Site selection occurs in the pre-design phase.
D Test green solutions
This is part of the schematic design phase.
Notes:
Reference: Sustainable Building Technical Manual: Part II
Review this document and note the various steps of an environmentally responsive design process.
Question 6:
The project team for an office building is considering a composting program. What statement is true regarding the
Innovation in Design (ID) credit for a composting program?
A If Project ABC earns an ID credit for implementing a composting program then Project XYZ will also earn the
credit

4. An ID credit earned on one project does not guarantee the same strategy will be earned on another project.
B LEED would reject any ID credit submission for a composting program unless it was a Regional Priority
ID credits and Regional Priority credits are unrelated.
C A LEED AP would be required to design a composting management plan in order to meet the ID credit
requirements
A LEED AP helps streamline the certification process. A LEED AP is not required to design or implement
innovative strategies for ID points.
D Composting 100% of a project's organic waste can earn the project exemplary performance
Exemplary performance goes above and beyond the requirements of existing credits. Composting is not an
existing LEED credit.
E The ID point can only be earned if all occupants of the building are allowed to participate in the program
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.
The ID point for a composting program would only be allowed if all building occupants would have access to
the program. For example, you couldn't say 'we're limiting this program to the occupants on floors 1-5 but not
6-10 because we don't have enough space for all that compost.
Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System
Question 7:
What does the success of an integrated project team depend on?
A The choice of materials used
Material choice doesn't make or break a project team.
B Meeting the project schedule
The project schedule is bound to fluctuate. Success is measured by the end product and if it met the goals,
not how long it took to build.
C Commitment to the sustainability goals
Like any type of project success depends on sticking to the goals setup at the start.

5. D Building codes
The building codes would be reviewed first in the process. The design would revolve around those codes.
Since the codes would be followed from the start this should not be an issue.
Notes:
Reference: Sustainable Building Technical Manual: Part II
Question 8:
What review practice identifies design alternatives that reduce costs while yielding higher performance?
A Environmentally responsive design
Environmentally responsive design is a design approach that incorporates sustainable strategies into the
design of a building.
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.
C Value engineering
Value engineering (VE) is review process that identifies and selects the lowest lifecycle cost options in
design, materials and processes that achieves the desired level of performance, reliability and customer
satisfaction.
USGBC has redefined value engineering to mean reducing costs while improving performance.
In conventional building many building features are VEd out to cut the budget. Because of the integrated
process in green buildings, VEing out a feature often messes up the performance of the system as a whole.
For example if a building owner decides to take out better quality and more costly insulation, the building's
utility bills will most likely go up and the HVAC system could be undersized.
D 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).
Question 9:
What accounting methodology is used to evaluate the economic performance of a product or system over its useful
life?
A Triple bottom line accounting
B Cradle-to-cradle
C Life cycle assessment
Life cycle assessment (LCA) is the investigation and valuation of the environmental impacts of a given

6. 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).
LCA evaluates a products 'environmental impact'. This differs from life cycle costing evaluates a product's
'economic performance'.
D 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.
Question 10:
A LEED consultant helps a company earn an innovation point on a school project in Michigan using a strategy not
found in the LEED rating system. What is true regarding this consultant's ability to use this strategy and earn this
innovation point on other projects?
A The consultant is guaranteed to earn points using this strategy on other projects
The strategy is reviewed on its own without regard if a prior project has earned it.
B Other projects can not earn the point using this strategy
Other projects can earn ID credits using the same strategy as other projects. However the strategy is
reviewed on its own without regard if a prior project has earned it.
C This strategy can be used on one other project
The strategy can be used on an unlimited number of projects.
D It is not guaranteed that this strategy will earn points on other projects
It is important to note that the award of an ID credit for one project at a specific point in time does not
constitute automatic approval for a similar strategy in a future project.
Consider Project A that earns an ID credit for transplanting 50 trees from the building site to another area of
the property. Six months later Project B in another part of town also plans on transplanting some trees. Just
because Project A earned the point it does not automatically mean Project B will. Project B must submit the
appropriate documentation to GBCI through LEED Online for approval.
Notes:
Reference: Guidance on Innovation & Design (ID) Credits
Question 11:
Collecting and using stormwater to replace the use of potable water in flush fixtures helps with what project areas?
A Stormwater management
Capturing stormwater for use in flush fixtures reduces the quantity of stormwater flowing from the project
site.
B Reducing heat islands

7. The quantity of stormwater on a site does not impact heat islands themselves. The use of open grid
pavement on hardscapes would help with both stormwater management and reducing the heat island effect,
however that information was not provided in the question.
C Water use reduction
The design case water use calculations use the flush and flow rates of all fixtures installed, the estimated
occupancy usage. The design case also includes subtracting out any source of nonpotable water - in this
case the stormwater.
D Reducing the development footprint
Collecting stormwater does not impact the development footprint.
Notes:
Reference: n/a
Question 12:
What is true about integrative design?
A Integrative design is a linear process
Conventional design is linear. Integrative design is more collaborative and concurrent.
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 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)
Notes:
Reference: Green Building & LEED Core Concepts Guide
Question 13:
Reducing the heat island effect by installing paving materials with a high SRI can have an impact on credits in what
LEED categories?
A Energy and Atmosphere
Reducing heat islands by installing reflective materials (materials with a high SRI) on paved surfaces or on a
building's roof can reduce the amount of energy required to cool the building. This reduction in energy will
impact the energy use of the building and thus the Energy and Atmosphere credit.

8. B Sustainable Sites
Reducing heat islands is a credit from the Sustainable Sites category.
C Indoor Environmental Quality
Paving materials with a high SRI would not impact any of the IEQ credits.
D Water Efficiency
Paving materials with a high SRI would not impact any of the Water Efficiency credits.
E Materials and Resources
Paving materials with a high SRI would not impact any of the Materials and Resources credits. If the
materials were Regional Materials they could but that information was not provided in the question so you
can't assume one way or the other.
Notes:
Reference: n/a
Question 14:
How would a project team member determine if a credit has Regional Priority?
A Check the appropriate LEED reference guide
The LEED reference guides do not contain information on which credits are most important to which region.
B Submit a Credit Interpretation Ruling (CIR)
CIRs are used for technical guidance on credits. Anyone on the project team can submit a CIR, as long as
the person has access to LEED Online (through the project administrator).
C Visit the USGBC website
Regional Priority credits are listed in an Excel spreadsheet and available from USGBC's website.
Do not confuse the following terms:
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.
Regional Materials - building materials or products that have been extracted, harvested or recovered, as well
as manufactured, within 500 miles of the project site.
Regional Variations - These are only found in reference guides and are specific to each credit. A regional
variation 'outlines concerns specific to the geographic location of the building'. For example in some areas
there aren't great recycling programs, or they may be nonexistent. In regards to construction waste
management the regional variation states 'hey, check your local recycling program before you get to deep
into this credit because if you can't recycle anything your chances of earning the credit go down'.
D Look at the LEED credit checklist
The LEED Credit Checklist helps project teams track their credits against requirements for certification. The
LEED Credit Checklist is also called the LEED Scorecard.

9. Notes:
Reference: USGBC website
Question 15:
What is the term for the analysis of the environmental aspects and potential impacts associated with a product,
process, or service?
A 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.
B Triple bottom line accounting
C ASHRAE Level I audit
This term is outside the scope of the exam objectives and is only listed as a distractor.
D Life-cycle assessment
Life cycle assessment evaluates a product's 'environmental impact'.
Life cycle assessment (LCA) is the investigation and valuation of the environmental impacts of a given
product or service. LCA evaluates environmental performance. This view takes into account the whole life of
a product or project (not assessing it from a single point in time).
The goal of LCA is to compare the full range of environmental and social damages assignable to products
and services to be able to choose the least burdensome one.
Notes:
The triple bottom line - society, environment, and the economy - guides USGBC policies.
Question 16:
What statement is true about a project that has achieved exemplary performance for using Recycled Materials and
Regional Materials?
A The project will earn a Materials and Resources credit for exemplary performance
B The project will earn a Materials and Resources credit for exemplary performance and an Innovation in
Design credit for exemplary performance
C The project will earn an Innovation in Design credit for exemplary performance
Make sure you understand how Innovation in Design points are earned and where they get awarded. ID
points are 'bonus points' and the ID category is a 'bonus category'. When a project achieves exemplary or
innovative performance, the project can earn these bonus points under the ID category.
Consider Regional Materials. Under the LEED for New Construction rating system, regional materials use
can earn:
10% - 1 point
20% - 2 points

10. Exemplary performance is awarded for a 30% use. You would not get another point for Regional Materials
credit. The credit itself can earn a maximum of 2 points. A 30% use earns one bonus point for exemplary
performance.
What happens if a project uses 40% Regional Materials? No more points are awarded. The credit can earn a
maximum of two points, and there is one exemplary performance point. If there were no limits it would be too
easy to get a building certified because you could just buy 100% regional materials to get points easily.
Note you do not have to memorize points and percentages for your GA exam because the GA exam is not
rating system / credit specific. This information was provided as an example to further your understanding.
D The project will earn a Regional Priority credit
Regional Materials and Regional Priority credit are two different things. Do not confuse the two. Addressing
geographically specific environmental priorities can earn a Regional Priority credit.
E The project will earn a Materials and Resources credit for innovative performance
Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System
Recycled Materials and Regional Materials are both part of the Materials and Resources LEED category.
Question 17:
What is different about green building design compared to conventional design?
A Green building does not have a bidding phase
Green building has a bidding phase.
B Green building has longer schedules
This is not necessarily true. Green building does usually have a longer design phase.
C Green building costs more
This is sometimes true but not always.
D Green building uses an integrated building design
Green building has several additional phases compared to conventional design.
Notes:
Reference: Sustainable Building Technical Manual: Part II
Question 18:
Bonus points under the LEED rating systems are awarded when what occurs?
A Exemplary or innovative performance is achieved
Earning Innovation in Design credit for exemplary or innovative performance earns points in the Innovation in
Design (ID) category. These are bonus points beyond the 100 points in the rating systems.

11. B Two LEED APs work as principal participants on the project
The number two may have thrown you off. You may recall that you only need one LEED AP acting as a
principal participant to earn an ID credit. Put the answer choice in context - 'Does having two LEED APs on a
project earn the project a bonus point?' Yes it does. One, two, or fifty - and the project earns one bonus
point. This differs from other questions where you may be asked how many bonus points you can have for
having two LEED APs - only one bonus point.
C Prerequisites and a certain number of credits are earned
Meeting the prerequisites and earning a certain number of credits will achieve LEED certification.
D The project exceeds the Minimum Program Requirements
Most of the MPRs can't be exceeded (occupancy is an exception). Exceeding any MPR - if it can be -
doesn't earn a project points.
Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System
Question 19:
What amount of time do people in the United States spend on average indoors?
A 60%
B 50%
C 90%
The importance of the Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) category is partly due to how much time people
spend indoors. How healthy the indoor environment is, such as air quality, is related to human health.
D 80%
E 70%
Question 20:
Finding synergies among prerequisites and credits is aided by:
A A LEED AP
One of the roles of the LEED AP is to help with synergies among prerequisites and credits.
B GBCI
GBCI can answer questions but is not a contact resource for the synergies for your specific project.
C LEED Score Card

12. The LEED Score Card is used to determine the target certification level and serves as a high level guide of
what green building goals are trying to be achieved.
D USGBC
USGBC creates the LEED rating systems. USGBC can answer questions but is not a contact resource for
the synergies for your specific project.
Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System
See ID Credit 2 in the reference.
Question 21:
What tool would a project team use to set the project's green design criteria?
A Construction bids
Construction bids should occur later on after the design criteria has been set.
B 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.
C 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.
D Project schedule
The project schedule should occur later on after the design criteria has been set.
Notes:
Reference: Sample credit checklist for LEED v3
Question 22:
How many points would a project earn for having 3 LEED APs as principal participants on a project?

13. A 1
No matter how many LEED APs are working on a project, there is still only one point available for this credit.
For example if a project had 100 LEED APs working on a project as principal participants, the project would
not earn 100 points and get a Platinum certification.
B 3
C 2
D 0
Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System
Question 23:
When should innovative techniques first be addressed for a LEED project?
A After the design phase is complete
Innovative techniques should be addressed before the design is complete.
B During the planning process
The point here is that ideas and changes should occur in the design phase when they are least costly.
Making a change during the construction phase can result in cost overruns, schedule overruns, and negative
impacts to the synergies of the green building goals. Spend more time on design, and the construction will
cost less.
C Throughout the construction process as new ideas arise
This would result in many changes and cost overruns due to changes.
D When products are ordered
This would be post-design and not the best time.
Question 24:
The use of open grid pavement can help a project achieve points in what LEED areas?
A Water Use Reduction
Water use reduction addresses reducing potable water use inside and outside a building.
B Development Density
Development density addresses development in urban areas to reuse existing infrastructure, protect
greenfields, and preserve natural habitat.

14. C Stormwater Management
Open grid pavement helps reduce the rate and quantity of stormwater runoff by reducing the quantity of
impervious surfaces.
D Heat Island Effect
Open grid pavement is pavement that is less than 50% impervious and contains vegetation in the open cells.
LEED accepts this type of pavement for the use of reducing heat islands. The reason behind this is because
the vegetation in the open cells replaces heat absorbing surfaces just like any other plant.
Notes:
Reference: n/a
Question 25:
What would not describe a LEED AP?
A Someone with understanding of green building practices and principles
LEED APs have understanding of green building practices and principles.
B Someone separate from the integrated project team
All project team members should be part of the integrated team and process. A LEED AP would be an
integral part of the team.
C Someone with knowledge of the requirements, resources, and processes of LEED
LEED APs have knowledge of the requirements, resources, and processes of LEED
D Someone with knowledge & skill applicable to the LEED certification process
LEED APs have knowledge and skill applicable to the LEED certification process.
Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System
The purpose (or intent) of having a LEED AP on the project is to 'support and encourage the design integration
required by LEED to streamline the application and certification process'.
Question 26:
Which LEED credit category addresses light pollution reduction?
A Indoor Environmental Quality
B Innovation in Design
C Energy and Atmosphere

15. Reducing light pollution with impact energy usage, though the light pollution credit is not part of Energy and
Atmosphere.
D Sustainable Sites
Light pollution reduction is covered in the Sustainable Sites category. Light pollution impacts nighttime views
and nocturnal life. Projects attempting this credit are required to meet the lighting power densities defined in
ASHRAE 90.1-2007 based on the zone of the project. The zone of the project is defined in IESNA RP-33.
Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System
Question 27:
Which of the following are not required to be identified in writing to achieve an Innovation in Design (ID) credit for
innovative performance?
A The intent of the proposed credit
B The baseline threshold of the existing LEED credit
Innovative performance is for topics not addressed in the LEED rating system, therefore, there would be no
existing LEED credit.
C The proposed requirement for compliance
D The proposed submittals to demonstrate compliance
Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System
The following are required when submitting an ID credit for innovative performance:
 The intent of the proposed credit
 The proposed requirement for compliance
 The proposed submittals to demonstrate compliance
 The strategies used to meet the requirements
Question 28:
How do the LEED Rating Systems reward the development and adoption of new technologies and strategies that can
produce quantifiable environmental and human health benefits?
A Discounts in certification fees
B Additional points

16. Additional points (ID points) can be earned for implementing strategies or measures not addressed in the
current rating systems.
C Additional plaque for showing creativity
D Upgrade to the next certification level
Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System
Question 29:
Which of the following may earn a project Innovation in Design credit for innovative performance?
A Implementing a green education program
A green education program is one of the more common ID points for innovation.
B Achieving LEED certification under two different rating systems
This does not qualify for innovative or exemplary performance.
C Achieving a higher certification level than the one set in the preliminary rating
Other than the higher certification, no other reward exists for a project earning more points than originally
planned for.
D Having a building with 100% occupancy
LEED does not award projects in any way for having a fully occupied building.
Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System
Question 30:
If an HVAC engineer is a LEED AP and also a principal participant on a project, what type of credit can be earned??
A Bonus
Innovation in Design credits and Regional Priority credits are grouped as 'bonus points' but there are no
'bonus credits'.
B Innovation in Design
Projects can earn one Innovation in Design point (and only one) for having at least one principal participant
on the project that is a LEED AP.
C Platinum
Platinum is the highest certification level that can be achieved.

17. D Quantifiable
There is not a 'quantifiable credit'. A requirement of earning an ID point for innovative performance is the
credit must be quantifiable (measurable).
Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System
Question 31:
Which LEED category has the greatest total number of points a project can earn?
A Indoor Environmental Quality
B Energy and Atmosphere
Energy and Atmosphere has the greatest number of points available to earn in any of the LEED rating
systems. The LEED volunteer committees weighed this group, and thus energy consumption, as having the
greatest impact on the environment.
C Sustainable Sites
D Water Efficiency
Water efficiency (WE), while of great importance, can earn the least number of points out of the possible
choices. In some LEED rating systems Materials and Resources can earn slightly less points, though on
average the WE category has the least number of points.
Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System
Question 32:
What steps would be included in the pre-design phase of a green building project?
A Review materials test data
This is part of the construction phase.
B Develop, test, and select green systems
This occurs during design development.
C Develop a project schedule
The pre-design phase is the point when the project schedule is developed.
D Review laws and standards
Reviewing laws and standards should be done as early as possible in the process since these have a
significant impact on what can be built, where, and how.

18. Notes:
Reference: Sustainable Building Technical Manual: Part II
Review this document and note the various steps of an environmentally responsive design process.
Question 33:
How can regional priority credits be earned?
A Developing an educational or training system that addresses local building issues
This would help earn a project Innovation in Design.
B Addressing green measures or strategies that are more important to a climate or region
Regional credits are bonus points awarded for addressing needs specific to a region.
Do not confuse the following terms:
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.
Regional Materials - building materials or products that have been extracted, harvested or recovered, as well
as manufactured, within 500 miles of the project site.
Regional Variations - These are only found in reference guides and are specific to each credit. A regional
variation 'outlines concerns specific to the geographic location of the building'. For example in some areas
there aren't great recycling programs, or they may be nonexistent. In regards to construction waste
management the regional variation states 'hey, check your local recycling program before you get to deep
into this credit because if you can't recycle anything your chances of earning the credit go down'.
C Using materials that are located within 500 miles of the project site
This would help earn a project Regional Materials.
D Using 100% native plants for the site's landscaping
This could help a project in several areas such as restoring habitat and reducing landscape watering needs.
Notes:
Reference: USGBC Website
Question 34:
What statement is true regarding regional priority credits (RPCs)?
A RPCs reward the use of salvaged materials
This is not correct.
B RPCs are prerequisites
RPCs are not prerequisites.
C RPCs are referenced by zip code

19. 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.
Pre-2009 rating systems are not eligible unless the project moves to the LEED 2009 rating system.
RPCs are not new credits in the sense of they do not address new environmental issues beyond the existing
credits in the rating systems. They are called Regional Priority credits and earn bonus points for meeting the
requirements of existing credits.
D RPCs reward the use of local materials
This is not correct.
Notes:
Reference: RPC FAQ
Question 35:
What statement is true about exemplary performance?
A Exemplary performance is not available for all credits
Exemplary performance is a type of innovative design. An example is reducing water use by a higher
threshold than required by the credit (e.g., the project uses 50% less water compared to the 20% less water
required).
Exemplary performance is not available for all credits. The reference guides for each rating system indicate
which credits are eligible for exemplary performance.
B Locating a project near ten basic services is an example of exemplary performance
C Exemplary performance will result in rebates of all certification fees
D Exemplary performance will earn a project a Platinum rating
Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System
Question 36:
What intense workshop is used to establish green building goals across all aspects of the building design, drawing on
the expertise of all participants?
A Technical Advisory Group meeting
B Charrette
A charrette is an intense collaborative session where participants make a concerted effort to solve a problem
or plan the design of something.
The Charrette is one of the first things that should occur on a new project. During the initial charrette the
project team will:

20.  Decide what rating system to use
 Determine the projects green building goals
 Set a preliminary rating using the LEED Score Card
A charrette should be held no later than the design development phase and preferably during schematic
design.
C LEED roundtable
D Facility manager meeting
Question 37:
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 Indoor Environmental Quality
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 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.
D Energy and Atmosphere
E Sustainable Sites
Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System
Question 38:
What design decision would a project building located in a cooler climate least benefit from?
A The use of passive ventilation
Passive - or natural - ventilation in cooler climates would be a good choice compared to installing a HVAC
system.
B Increasing the amount of open space
Increasing the open space is always beneficial to the environment regardless of location.
C Using a white EPDM roofing material

21. In cooler climates a roof that reflects solar radiation (materials with high SRI values) may not be desirable.
These types of projects can benefit from the sun in the winter months and a darker roof would absorb the
heat to help keep heating costs down.
The most common commercial roof covering is EPDM rubber roofing, which is also used to waterproof roofs.
Black EPDM is very resistant to UV and ozone and has excellent sustainability and life. White EPDM is
cooler and more energy efficient and reflects UV rays.
D Having underground parking
This would not be better one way or the other in a cooler climate
Notes:
Reference: GBES LEED Green Associate Study Guide
Question 39:
What needs to occur to have an integrated team?
A Durability planning
Durability planning would be one part of the discussions the integrated team would have.
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 Regular meetings of only the owner, architect, and contractor
All team members must be involved with regular meetings to have an integrated team.
D Quarterly meetings between engineers
Quarterly meetings between engineers would not be frequent enough.
Question 40:
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 Innovation in Design credit
Achieving exemplary performance is awarded through ID credits.
B Regional Priority category
Regional priority rewards projects for achieving LEED credits for environmentally sensitive issues specific to
a particular zipcode.
C 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

22. earned in any category.
D Regional Materials credit
The Regional Materials credit would not earn bonus points for exemplary performance. Bonus points are
awarded through ID credits.
Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System
Question 41:
A project team reduces indoor water use 50% from a baseline, well above the 40% credit requirements. What type of
performance does this describe?
A Incremental
B Innovative
C Integrated
D Exemplary
Exemplary performance is how LEED describes performance that doubles the credit requirements and/or
achieves the next incremental percentage threshold. For instance, an ID credit for exemplary performance in
water use reduction (LEED for New Construction v3, WE Credit 3) requires a minimum of 45% savings (30%
for 2 points, 35% for 3 points, 40% for 4 points, etc.).
Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System
Question 42:
What are the results of incorporating green measures through a comprehensive, holistic design?
A Cost savings
Green buildings on average cost about the same as convention buildings (according to research which may
differ than personal experience). The cost savings come in terms of lower operating budgets over time.
B Credit synergies
Synergies among credits and sustainability goals yield a successful whole building design.
C Longer schedules
Green building does not cause a project to have an overall longer project schedule.
D Shorter schedules
Green building does not cause a project to have an overall shorter project schedule.

23. Question 43:
What statement is true regarding the evaluation process if a project team is considering a new technology to bring
more sunlight into a building?
A Adequate time for research and testing will be needed for evaluation
Many green and sustainable building practices are relatively new to the industry. Project teams should
allocate adequate time for additional research and analysis of options, as well as testing and inspections.
These tasks can be assigned to a small task group.
B If it is a proven technology, alternatives do not need to be considered
What might be proven for one project might not be appropriate for other projects. Other alternatives should
be considered.
C Further evaluation is not necessary if new information becomes available
New information would indicate a reevaluation may be necessary.
D The technology does not need to be evaluated in relation to other systems
Each part of the system should be evaluated in relation to the whole.
Notes:
Reference: GBES LEED Green Associate Study Guide
Question 44:
A project team for a LEED for New Construction project has decided to implement a community recycling program
that will allow community residents to drop off computers and electronics at the project site. What LEED category
could the project earn points under?
A Indoor Environmental Quality
B Innovation in Design
This is an example of innovative performance, because the project is creating a quantifiable program that
provides an environmental benefit to the community.
Also, only allowing the community to recycle computers and electronics doesn't make the program non-
comprehensive.
C Materials and Resources
The prerequisite for projects to have an on-site recycle program found in the Materials and Resources
category requires recycling of the following for the building occupants, not the general community.
 paper
 cardboard
 glass
 plastics
 metals

24. D Sustainable Sites
E Energy and Atmosphere
Notes:
Reference: Guidance on Innovation & Design (ID) Credits
Question 45:
How many Innovation & Design Process Points can a non-home project earn in LEED v3?
A 10
B 4
C 6
In LEED v3 a non-home project can earn up to 6 Innovation in Design points.
D 8
Question 46:
A project using recycled materials manufactured 750 miles from a project site would not impact what LEED credit?
A Community Connectivity
Community connectivity addresses development in urban areas and helps to use existing infrastructure,
protect greenfields, and preserve habitat.
Using recycled material from far away does not contribute to Community Connectivity.
B Recycled Materials
The question states the materials are recycled, which would impact the total recycled materials.
C Regional Materials
The quantity of regional materials a project uses is determined by the percent of materials used on a project.
Even though the recycled materials are outside of the 500 mile limit, the cost of those materials are still
going to be part of the regional materials calculations.
D Construction Waste Management
The use of any material may impact the amount of construction debris. For example, if a project purchased
steel rebar that contained recycled steel and had to cut the rebar to length, the scraps may end up being
recycled again or going to a landfill.
Notes:
Reference: n/a

25. Question 47:
What is a stakeholder meeting?
A A meeting where research is conducted about materials
This is an example of a small task group meeting.
B 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.
C A meeting with everyone that has a vested interest in the outcome of a project
This is an example of a stakeholder meeting. Stakeholders involve everyone that may be impacted by the
project. An example is if a new residential project is being planned, the existing neighbors would be invited to
the meeting to voice their input and concerns. Also included would be city planners, engineers, building
owners, general contractors, etc.
D A meeting where engineers work together to discover new synergies
This is an example of a team meeting.
Notes:
Reference: GBES LEED Green Associate Study Guide
Question 48:
What is the primary reason that a LEED project can have higher development costs compared to conventional
development?
A Material costs rose
This is not the primary reason.
B New, green building technologies were used
While this can lead to higher costs, it is not the primary reason (based on research).
C Team members worked together instead of separately
Integrated teams reduce mistakes and construction costs.
D Green building goals were not set in the pre-design phase
The primary reason that a green or LEED building would be more expensive is that the green building goals
were considered an add-on after the design was completed. This approach does not involve an integrated
process and usually results in a more expensive building.
The other primary reason is a lack of an integrated design team or team members not communicating and
sharing responsibilities. When the left hand doesn't talk to the right hand, the process fails-or at least breaks
down.
Value engineering some of the green building goals out might cut development costs, but will almost always
result in higher operating costs. Consider the removal of an on-site wastewater treatment system, which will
lead to lower upfront costs, but higher long-term operating costs.

26. Notes:
Reference: Cost of Green Revisited
Question 49:
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 Recycled Materials
Vegetation does not count as a recycled material.
B 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.
C Green Power
Green power, or offsite renewable energy, is unrelated to vegetated roofs.
D Water Use Reduction
A vegetated roof may actually increase the watering needs of a building due to the watering needs of the
plants.
Notes:
Reference: n/a
Question 50:
The process of green building begins with the idea of the project and continues until:
A The project is reused or recycled
Green building continuously improves a project from when the idea is first realized in a person's head to
when the project is finally either reused for a different purpose or it is demolished and hopefully recycled.
This differs from conventional design where all trades are not involved in all parts of the process through the
project's life cycle.
B The project begins operating
C The schematic design is completed
D The construction documents are prepared
Question 51:
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?

27. A Unique
B Comprehensive
C Rare
D Quantifiable
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 52:
A contractor purchased some carpet containing VOCs that was manufactured 250 miles from the project site. What
LEED category would this material negatively impact?
A Indoor Environmental Quality
Carpet is one of the materials measured for VOC content as part of Indoor Environmental Quality. Others
include paints, coatings, furniture, and composite wood products.
B Energy and Atmosphere
Neither materials nor VOCs are addressed in this category.
C Innovation in Design
This would not negatively impact exemplary performance.
D Sustainable Sites
Neither materials nor VOCs are addressed in this category.
E Materials and Resources
All materials are calculated as part of the total cost of materials for the purpose of calculating the percent of
Regional Materials. This includes carpet.
Notes:

28. Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System
Question 53:
Which of the following statements is true about innovative design?
A Coming in under budget and on schedule is innovative design
This is not an innovative strategy for earning ID points.
B Having an integrated project team is innovative design
This is not an innovative strategy for earning ID points.
C Using graywater on a project is innovative design
The use graywater is one of the strategies for reducing potable water use for the Water Efficiency credits.
D Prerequisites cannot earn innovative design credits
Notes:
Prerequisites must be earned for project certification. No innovation points are awarded for prerequisites.
Question 54:
A project is anticipating earning Innovation in Design for exemplary performance for three different credits. What
statement is true about this achievement?
A The credits will be submitted for final review by the project administrator
For the final review the project administrator is responsible for submitting all credits for review.
B The project team will need to submit fees for each of the credits
ID credits are included as part of the LEED application process and do not have separate fees.
CIRs have extra fees that must be paid when submitting them.
C The credits are submitted using the CIR process
ID credits are not part of the CIR process.
D A LEED AP will need to submit the credits for review
LEED APs help streamline the certification process but are not required to submit any/all documentation.
Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System

29. Question 55:
How is the documentation for Innovation in Design credits for innovative performance submitted?
A Using LEED Online
ID credits are submitted just like any other LEED credit - using LEED Online.
B Using GBCI's website
C Using USGBC's website
D Using the CIR process
Question 56:
Which of the following are not required to be identified in writing to achieve an Innovation in Design (ID) credit for
innovative performance?
A The regional variations for the credit
Regional variations address concerns that are specific to where a building is located. This is one of the
sections listed for each credit/prerequisite in the reference guide, but is not part of the submittal process for
an ID credit.
B The strategies used to meet the requirements
C The intent of the proposed credit
D The proposed requirements for compliance
Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System
The following are required when submitting an ID credit for innovative performance:
 The intent of the proposed credit
 The proposed requirement for compliance
 The proposed submittals to demonstrate compliance
 The strategies used to meet the requirements
Question 57:
Reducing external light pollution will result in synergies between what LEED credit categories?

30. A Innovation in Design
B Indoor Environmental Quality
C Sustainable Sites
Light pollution reduction is covered in the Sustainable Sites category. Light pollution impacts nighttime views
and nocturnal life. Projects attempting this credit are required to meet the lighting power densities defined in
ASHRAE 90.1-2007 based on the zone of the project. The zone of the project is defined in IESNA RP-33.
D Energy and Atmosphere
Reducing light pollution with impact energy usage, though the light pollution credit is not part of Energy and
Atmosphere.
Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System
Question 58:
When does a successful integrated project begin?
A In the pre-design phase
Successful integrated projects will begin in the pre-design phase when all team members get together and
discuss the project's vision, the projects green building goals, the technologies and strategies that will be
used, etc. When projects wait until later phases to start integrated, its often too late and becomes much
more expensive. The reason green buildings perform better is because the systems are integrated and work
together to achieve maximum benefits.
Please refer to the Sustainable Building Technical Manual Part II referenced in the GBCI Candidate
Handbook for detailed information on the differences between the pre-design and design phases:
B After occupancy
C At the project handover
D In the construction phase
Notes:
Reference: Sustainable Building Technical Manual: Part II
Question 59:
What is at the core of the integrated process?
A Cost-based decision making
The integrated process uses life cycle costing and life cycle analysis to make decisions rather than first
costs.

31. B Collaborative team members
Integrated projects are based on integrated teams and frequent, collaborative communications.
C Working toward individual goals
The integrated process focuses on the project goals, which the team members come up with.
D Linear planning
Linear planning is how conventional building is done.
Notes:
Reference: GBES LEED Green Associate Study Guide
Question 60:
Which of the following actions/concepts may earn a project Innovation in Design (ID) credit for innovative
performance?
A Providing an educational program on the environmental and human health benefits of a green building's
practices
A green teaching program is one of the more common innovative strategies used on projects.
B Achieving the next incremental threshold of a credit's requirements
This is a type of exemplary performance (not innovative performance) because the credit already exists.
C Doubling a credit requirement's threshold of achievement
This is a type of exemplary performance (not innovative performance) because the credit already exists.
D Addressing a geographically specific environmental priority for an existing LEED credit
This action could earn a Regional Priority credit, not an ID credit.
Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System
Question 61:
What would earn a project Innovation in Design credit?
A Implementing an Environmental Tobacco Smoke control policy for the entire building
ETS control is a prerequisite and cannot earn exemplary performance.
B Achieve double the requirements or meet the next incremental percentage threshold of an existing LEED
credit
For exceptional performance, doubling the requirements or meeting the next incremental percentage
threshold can earn an ID credit.

32. For example for Regional Materials under the BD+C rating system points are awarded as follows:
10% Regional Materials earns a project 1 point
20% Regional Materials earns a project 2 points
A project with 30% Regional Materials would earn an ID point because 30% is the next incremental
percentage threshold for that credit.
No additional ID points are earned past the 30%. For this example if a project had 40 or 50% Regional
Materials, no additional points would be earned.
C Having a LEED Green Associate work on a project as a principal participant
A LEED Green Associate cannot earn an ID point. Having a LEED AP on the project can.
D Using 100% passive ventilation (natural ventilation) in a building
Using all natural ventilation in a building does not in itself earn an innovation point. It is possible this design
would reduce energy use enough to earn exemplary performance for optimizing energy use, but this is not
the most appropriate answer choice because not enough information is given to make that determination.
Notes:
Reference: n/a
Question 62:
Which of the following statements is NOT true regarding Innovation in Design credits for exemplary performance?
A There are limits as to how many exemplary performance points can be awarded
The Innovation in Design category can earn a maximum of 6 points; therefore, there are limits to how many
exemplary performance points can be earned. For example, in LEED for New Construction, the maximum is
3 points.
B They are generally awarded for doubling the credit requirements and/or achieving the next incremental
percentage threshold
Exemplary performance points are generally awarded for doubling the credit requirements and/or achieving
the next incremental percentage threshold.
For instance, an ID credit for exemplary performance in water use reduction (LEED for New Construction v3,
WE Credit 3) requires a minimum of 45% savings (30% for 2 points, 35% for 3 points, 40% for 4 points).
C Exemplary performance is available to all LEED credits
Not all LEED credits have an exemplary performance option. Brownfield redevelopment is an example of a
credit that does not. Project teams either redevelop the brownfield, or they don't. LEED doesn't allow
remediating 50% of a brownfield and leaving the rest of the site contaminated, and awarding exemplary
performance if the project team remediates 100% of the site. No, the credit requires remediating the entire
site. Therefore there is no exemplary performance.
D One point is awarded for each Innovation in Design credit for exemplary performance achieved
Exemplary performance only earns a project one point, no matter how much extra the credit threshold is
exceeded.
For instance, an ID credit for exemplary performance in water use reduction (LEED for New Construction v3,
WE Credit 3) requires a minimum of 45% savings (30% for 2 points, 35% for 3 points, 40% for 4 points). But
if the project achieved a 50%, 55%, or 80% water use reduction, only one exemplary performance point
would be earned.

33. Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System
Note this question asks what is not true.
Question 63:
Which of the following requires the submission of a proposed requirement as part of the documentation?
A Credit Interpretation Request (CIR)
CIRs are used for technical guidance on credits. The credit requirements are not included when asking a
question.
B Innovation in Design (ID) credit submission
The following are required when submitting an ID credit for innovative performance:
 The intent of the proposed credit
 The proposed requirement for compliance
 The proposed submittals to demonstrate compliance
 The strategies used to meet the requirements
C CFC phase-out plan
A CFC phase-out plan requires following the EPA Clean Air Act regulations.
D Baseline water use calculations
The requirements for baseline water use calculations are a given as part of the rating system. The
requirements are not submitted with any type of documentation.
Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System
Question 64:
What are some of the economic benefits of green building?
A Increasing the tax base to the community
This would be a social issue that benefits the community rather than something that benefits the building
owner.
B Reduced liabilities due to poor indoor air quality causing health issues
One of the goals of the IEQ category is to create a healthier indoor environment for occupants. This results
in reduced sick days and hopefully cleaner air. Buildings that have mold or contaminants can cause health
problems which can lead to lawsuits from the occupants.
C Reduced disturbance of greenfield sites
Disturbing greenfields is an environmental issue rather than an economic issue.

34. D Reduced utility costs
Water use and energy use should be lower in a green building.
Notes:
Reference: n/a
Question 65:
A project team is removing cisterns from a project design and will install a green roof instead. What project area
would this change impact?
A Construction Waste Management
Neither design choice would impact Construction Waste Management.
B Onsite Renewable Energy
Neither design choice would impact Onsite Renewable Energy.
C Stormwater Management
Cisterns are used to store storm water so their removal may impact Stormwater Management.
D Heat Island Effect
Green roofs are an accepted LEED strategy for reducing the heat island effect.
Question 66:
Which LEED category has the least total number of points a project can earn?
A Sustainable Sites
B Indoor Environmental Quality
C Energy and Atmosphere
Energy and Atmosphere has the greatest number of points available to earn in any of the LEED rating
systems. The LEED volunteer committees weighted this group, and thus energy consumption, as having the
greatest impact on the environment.
D Water Efficiency
Water efficiency (WE), while of great importance, can earn the least number of points out of the possible
choices. In some LEED rating systems, Materials and Resources can earn slightly less points, though on
average the WE category has the least number of points.
Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System

35. Question 67:
Reducing the light pollution of a project site to preserve night views and not interfere with nocturnal species may
negatively impact what project areas?
A Onsite renewable energy
Light pollution and onsite renewable energy are unrelated with the exception the onsite renewable energy
may power part of the building.
B Safety and security
Safety and security are important issues when thinking about external lighting at night.
C Energy conservation
Reducing light pollution helps with energy conservation.
D Heat islands
Heat islands and light pollution are unrelated.
Notes:
Reference: n/a
Question 68:
What should be addressed in the project and building construction budget?
A Request for qualifications
B Life-cycle costs
See pg. 6 of the reference.
From the guide, it states project teams should determine relevant design fees and construction costs. Also
addressed:
1. Life-cycle cost analysis
2. Design and cost advice from experienced green building professionals
3. Contingencies for research of unconventional techniques or materials
C Green design criteria
D Statement of work
Notes:
Reference: Sustainable Building Technical Manual: Part II
Question 69:
A project team achieved an 80% water use reduction for an office building. What is true about this achievement?

36. A All of the flow and flush fixtures in the building must be WaterSense labeled in order for the project to be
eligible for LEED certification
The WaterSense label provided by the EPA lets you know a flow/flush fixture uses less water. However,
LEED does not require this label to be on anything installed in the project.
B The project will earn an exemplary performance point under Innovation in Design
LEED requires a baseline water use reduction for buildings of 20%. An 80% reduction would qualify the
project for an exemplary performance point under Innovation in Design.
C The project team must verify that all flush fixtures in the office building are low-flow
All of the flush fixtures in the building do not have to be low-flow to meet the credit requirements. In fact none
of the flush fixtures could be low-flow and an 80% water use reduction could still be achieved, though it
would be more difficult to do so. For instance, if a building used graywater/stormwater for all flushing fixtures,
that would significantly reduce the amount of potable water used.
D The project will earn a Regional Priority credit
Addressing geographically specific environmental priorities can earn a Regional Priority credit. Nowhere in
the question was information provided about the region the project was in. Additionally, this answer choice
stated will earn. Without additional information you cannot be sure.
Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System
Question 70:
What best defines durability?
A Materials that reduce operating costs and maintenance expenses over the product's lifetime
Using materials with lower life cycle costs helps reduce operating costs and maintenance expenses over the
products lifetime.
B The practice of managing resources to meet the long-term product needs of humans
This is good environmental stewardship.
C The design choice that has the least environmental impact while considering the triple-bottom-line
An integrated process is used to design the greenest building possible while considering the triple-bottom-
line.
D The ability of a building or any of its components to perform its required function in its service environment
over the period of time without unforeseen cost for maintenance or repair
This defines durability.
Notes:
Reference: LEED for Homes Rating System

37. Question 71:
Which of the following strategies would NOT earn Innovation in Design / Operations credit?
A Evaluating the life-cycle assessment of a project's products to show their environmental benefits
LEED does not endorse any product. However an innovative strategy is for project teams to show the
products/materials used on a project are more sustainable than alternatives.
B Having stakeholders divert and recycle waste from sources other than the building project
Onsite recycling is a prerequisite in most of the rating systems. This innovative strategy goes beyond that by
having occupants or stakeholders come up with a recycling program for outside waste. Consider having one
day per quarter where the community can drop off old electronic equipment that would otherwise end up in a
landfill.
C Implementing a green parking design
Reducing the parking requirements is covered in LEED in the reduced parking design credits.
D Implementing an educational outreach program
Green education is one of the most common innovation points projects often add. These programs outline
the green building strategies used in the building. The programs may include self-guided tours or computer
kiosks in the main entryway of the building so visitors can learn about the building.
Question 72:
What is not true about Innovation in Design (ID) credits?
A Each innovative performance credit awarded requires a 12 month follow up to verify the strategy is
comprehensive
Innovative performance does not require a follow up to prove the strategy is comprehensive.
B ID credits can be awarded for specific environmental issues related to the region the project is located in
Yes, a project's region may yield an innovative idea.
C Exemplary performance is only available for existing LEED credits
Exemplary performance is not available for prerequisites.
D ID credits are awarded for environmental impacts
This is true. ID credits are not awarded for economic savings, such as a project saving 20% on wood costs
by using trees taken from the clearing of the site.
Notes:
Reference: n/a
Question 73:
What is the primary benefit of an integrated process?

38. A Obtaining local, state, and federal incentives for green design and construction strategies
B Achieving the highest LEED rating possible
C Reducing costs over traditional construction practices
D Maximizing opportunities for integrated, cost-effective adoption of green design and construction strategies
See Integrated Project Planning in the rating system.
This is the primary benefit.
Notes:
Reference: LEED for Homes Rating System
Question 74:
Each LEED 2009 Rating System has ___ Regional Priority credits specified by zip code and can earn ___ points for
the Regional Priority section.
A 4, 4
B 6, 5
C 6, 3
D 6, 4
Notes:
Reference: USGBC website
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
Here is an example for zipcode 29821. This zipcode has 6 credits listed that are of environmental priority. They are:
SS Credit 4
SS Credit 6
WE Credit 2
EA Credit 1
EA Credit 4
IEQ Credit 2.3
For the time, lets ignore what the names of those credits are because it is beyond what you need to know for your
exam. What is important is you can see there are 6 different credits for the zipcode.
If your project achieves 4, 5, or 6 of the credits in that list, the project gets 4 bonus points under the Regional Priority
category. If the project achieves 2 of those credits, the project gets 2 bonus points. Just remember - pick from 6
credits, but you can only earn a maximum of 4 points.
Question 75:
What statement is true regarding a facility manager?

39. A A facility manager would be most involved in a project for LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations and
Maintenance
The people running the day to day activities in an existing building such as the property or facility manager
will have the greatest impact on LEED EB success.
B The facility manager has sole responsibility for designing a building recycling plan
In an integrated team more than one person would be involved in the design of any aspect of the LEED
project.
C A facility manager that is a LEED AP could not earn a project an Innovation in Design point
If the facility manager were a principal participant then an ID point could be earned for having a LEED AP on
the project.
D A facility manager would not be part of an integrated team
A facility manager would be part of the integrated team.
Notes:
Reference: n/a
Question 76:
How can project teams be awarded points for innovative performance?
A Implementing a strategy not addressed by the LEED rating system
LEED awards Innovation in Design points in two ways - exemplary performance and innovative
performance. Innovative performance occurs when the project team does something not addressed by the
LEED rating system the project is certifying under. An example might be implementing an onsite composting
system.
B Exceeding the requirements of a LEED credit
Exceeding the requirements of a credit provides an opportunity for earning exemplary performance under
Innovation in Design, not innovative performance.
For example, achieving a 45% water use reduction would earn a project an ID point in the LEED for New
Construction rating system, under the exemplary performance path.
C Meeting the requirements of a LEED credit
Meeting the requirements of a LEED credit would only earn that credit.
D Addressing geographically specific environmental priorities
Addressing geographically specific environmental priorities can earn a Regional Priority credit, not an
Innovation in Design credit.
Notes:
Reference: Guidance on Innovation & Design (ID) Credits

40. Question 77:
What will help with reducing stormwater runoff and reducing the heat island effect?
A Harvesting rainwater
Harvesting rainwater would only reduce stormwater runoff.
B Installing pervious pavement that has high SRI values
Pervious pavement allows stormwater to percolate through to the ground, reducing runoff. Pavement that is
reflective reduces the heat island effect.
C Maximizing the floor-area ratio
This would increase the density of the building.
D Installing a bioretention pond
A bioretention pond would only reduce stormwater runoff. LEED awards projects for reducing the heat island
effect by shading pervious surfaces, installing open grid paving, and using reflective materials. Installing a
retention pond does not do that.
Question 78:
What is the purpose of having a LEED AP on a project?
A To serve as the project administrator
The project administrator does not have to be a LEED AP.
B To submit all project data
Any project team member can submit project data.
C To streamline the LEED process
The purpose (or intent) of having a LEED AP on the project is to 'support and encourage the design
integration required by LEED to streamline the application and certification process'.
D For building commissioning
A LEED AP will not necessarily commission the building.
Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System
Question 79:
Which statements are not true regarding LEED projects?
A LEED APs are required for projects that use the LEED Volume Program

41. This is not correct.
The LEED Volume Program (formerly the USGBC Portfolio Program) enables owners to integrate the LEED
green building rating system into new and existing buildings in their company's portfolio, and do so in a cost
effective way without sacrificing the technical rigor and integrity of LEED. This program is a way to achieve
volume certification more easily.
B Projects can earn an Innovation in Design credit by having an individual within the organization who is
already a LEED AP participate in the project
Individuals within the organization who are LEED APs can help earn an ID credit.
C A LEED for New Construction project requires a LEED Green Associate to earn an Innovation in Design
credit
At this time a LEED Green Associate is not required for an ID credit.
D Projects can earn an Innovation in Design credit by hiring an outside consultant who is a LEED AP to support
the project
Consultants or contractors outside of organization who are LEED APs can help earn an ID credit.
Notes:
Reference: n/a
Question 80:
A project team discovers a new way to avoid the heat island effect. How does the LEED certification process reward
this new concept?
A An extra Heat Island Effect point would be awarded
B An innovative performance point would be awarded
C Heat Island Effect is covered by LEED, so no additional points would be awarded
Innovative performance as part of the Innovation in Design or Operations category is meant for green
building categories not specifically addressed by LEED. Innovation credits are not awarded for the use of a
particular product or design strategy if the technology aids in the achievement of an existing LEED credit.
USGBC/GBCI uses the CIR process for cases like this. A CIR could be submitted that specifies an alternate
way to earn the Heat Island credit. However only the Heat Island credit would be earned, not an ID point or
extra points.
D An exemplary performance point would be awarded
Question 81:
What has the greatest long-term impact on building performance and on the environment?
A 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
B Water use

42. Water efficiency is the credit category that can earn the least amount of points in almost all LEED rating
systems.
C Purchase of green power
Green power use does not impact the building's performance.
D The use of recycled materials
Recycled materials impact natural resources.
Notes:
Reference: n/a
Question 82:
A LEED AP on a project works exclusively on the HVAC system and does not serve as a principal participant. What
statement is true regarding this scenario?
A The project would earn an Energy and Atmosphere credit
LEED APs do not earn credit in the EA category.
B No Innovation in Design credit would be earned for having the LEED AP work on the project
The purpose of having a LEED AP on the project is to work on sustainable design and synergies, and
streamlining the process. Working in isolation - which is not part of the integrated process - does not meet
the Innovation in Design credit requirements.
For example if your project has a LEED AP that comes in and sweeps the floors of the construction site for
20 minutes a day during construction but doesn't participate in any other way, that doesn't meet the intent of
the credit.
The spirit of the credit is to have a LEED AP work in a significant role. It is possible to thwart the system and
put in a LEED AP who never worked at all on the project, or who sat in on only one conference call. It's also
possible to earn a LEED plaque by submitting a non-existent building and phony documentation. That isn't
the spirit of LEED or of this credit, which is what the question is pointing out.
C The project would earn an Innovation in Design credit
This is not correct because the LEED AP must be a principal participant.
D The project would earn a Regional Priority credit
LEED APs do not earn Regional Priority credits.
Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System
Question 83:
What should guide a LEED project from registration to certification of a project?
A LEED Reference Guide

43. Each USGBC reference guides 'is a user's manual that guides a LEED project from registration to
certification of the design and construction'.
The reference guides incorporate many of the principles defined in the Sustainable Building Technical
Manual:
'Environmental Design Guidelines, also an important component of green building development, direct the
activities of the design team from the pre-design stage through all subsequent stages of the project. These
guidelines may already exist as part of a building owner's operating policies, or may be developed for a
particular construction project.'
The suggested practices and checklist for Environmental Design Guidelines includes:
 Establish a vision statement that embraces sustainable principles and an integrated approach
 Establish the project's green building goals, developed from the vision statement
 Establish green design criteria
 Set priorities for the project design criteria
B Refrigerant choice
Refrigerant choice impacts the energy efficiency category.
C Plumbing codes
Plumbing codes - while important - do not drive the entire project.
D Landscape design
Landscape design impacts the site and irrigation demand, among other things.
Notes:
Reference: USGBC Website
Question 84:
What part of a project would need to have a documented quantitative performance improvement?
A Credit Interpretation Request (CIR) process
CIRs are used for technical guidance on credits, not documenting performance improvements.
B 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.
C 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

44. 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.
D The project narrative
The project narrative is included as part of the application process. The narrative does not document
quantitative performance improvements.
Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System
Question 85:
A project that uses 100% green power can earn credit in what LEED categories?
A Energy and Atmosphere
Green power is awarded points under the Energy and Atmosphere credit category.
B Indoor Environmental Quality
C Water Efficiency
D Sustainable Sites
E 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 purchase 100% green power to earn
exemplary performance.
Notes:
Reference: LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System