USGBC LEED-Green-Associate LEED Green Associate Exam (LEED GA) Exam Practice Test

One of the values and benefits of building green is that it will enhance the health of the building occupants. Building green is a process that incorporates environmental considerations into every stage of a building’s life cycle, from design to construction to operation to end-of-life. Building green can improve the indoor environmental quality (IEQ) of a building, which is the physical and psychological conditions of the indoor spaces that affect the health, comfort, and productivity of the occupants. Building green can enhance IEQ by using low-emitting materials, providing adequate ventilation, controlling temperature and humidity, optimizing daylighting and lighting quality, reducing noise levels, and promoting occupant well-being12. References: LEED v4 Green Associate Candidate Handbook1, LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide2

Reused materials are materials that have been used before and are incorporated into a new building without significant alteration1. They are different from recycled materials, which are materials that have been reprocessed into new products or materials2. Reused materials reduce the demand for new resources and the amount of waste sent to landfills1. LEED v4 encourages the use of reused materials by awarding points for Building Product Disclosure and Optimization - Sourcing of Raw Materials3.

Construction Waste Management | WBDG - Whole Building Design Guide1

Why plastic waste is an ideal building material - BBC Future2

LEED v4 | HPAC Engineering3

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) administers the LEED rating systems development. The LEED rating systems are frameworks that provide guidance and criteria for designing, constructing, operating, and maintaining green buildings. The USGBC is responsible for developing, maintaining, and updating the LEED rating systems through a consensus-based process that involves various stakeholders, such as technical experts, industry leaders, government representatives, and public comments. The LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook states that “USGBC is committed to transforming the way our buildings are designed, constructed and operated through LEED” [1, p. 7]. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, [LEED Rating Systems | U.S. Green Building Council]

CIRs are intended for technical clarification:

“Project teams may send a credit interpretation request at a cost of $220... Credit interpretation rulings are the reviewers’ responses to these requests... If a project team encounters unclear issues, they should send a credit interpretation request.”

They must be submitted through GBCI and are reviewed by third-party reviewers—not by project members themselves.

ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager is an online tool developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that allows building owners and managers to measure and track the energy and water performance of their buildings, as well as benchmark their buildings against similar buildings nationwide. The tool uses a 1-100 ENERGY STAR score to rate the energy efficiency of a building relative to its peers, where a score of 50 represents medianperformance and a score of 75 or higher indicates top performance1 . References: LEED v4 Green Associate Candidate Handbook1, ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager

Recycling is a strategy that can be used during the building process and after occupation to reduce waste. Recycling involves collecting, sorting, processing, and reusing or selling materials that would otherwise be discarded as waste. Recycling can save natural resources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, create jobs, and lower disposal costs1 . Recycling can also help to achieveLEED credits in the Materials and Resources category by reducing the amount of construction and demolition waste generated by the project or by diverting waste from landfills or incinerators. References: LEED v4 Green Associate Candidate Handbook1, EPA’s Recycling Basics2, LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide

Graywater refers to wastewater that is not heavily soiled, typically from bathroom sinks, showers, tubs, and washing machines. It does not include water from toilets (which is considered blackwater) or kitchen sinks (which can contain food waste). Graywater can be treated and reused for purposes like landscape irrigation, which can save water and earn LEED points. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

The triple bottom line is a business concept that states firms should commit to measuring their social and environmental impact—in addition to their financial performance—rather than solely focusing on generating profit, or the standard “bottom line”1. The triple bottom line can be broken down into “three P’s”: profit, people, and the planet2. Firms can use these categories to conceptualize their environmental responsibility and determine any negative social impacts to which they might be contributing1.

Triple bottom line

ASHRAE 189.1 is a standard that provides guidance for the design, construction, and operation of high-performance green buildings that comply with building codes and voluntary rating systems. The standard covers topics such as site sustainability, water efficiency, energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality, and the impact of materials and resources12. References: LEED v4 Green Associate Candidate Handbook1, ASHRAE’s Standard 189.12

Prerequisites and credits are the two types of requirements that make up the LEED rating system. Prerequisites are the basic elements or strategies that must be included in any LEED certified project, regardless of the rating system or the level of certification1. Credits are the additional elements or strategies that can be included in a LEED project to achieve higher levels of performance and certification1. Credits are optional and have different point values depending on their environmental benefits and impacts2. Therefore, the correct answer is B. Prerequisites are mandatory and credits are optional.

LEED v4 | U.S. Green Building Council

LEED credit library | U.S. Green Building Council

One of the goals of the LEED rating system is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation by encouraging alternative modes of transportation that are less dependent on fossil fuels. Providing bicycle storage and shower facilities is a strategy that encourages a building’s users to use bicycles as a means of transportation, which can reduce vehicle miles traveled, fuel consumption, air pollution, traffic congestion, and parking demand. This strategy can also promote physical activity and health benefits for the users . References: LEED v4 Green Associate Candidate Handbook, LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide

LEED AP credentials can contribute a point under the Innovation category, which rewardsprojects for achieving exceptional or innovative performance above the requirements set by the LEED rating system12. Having a LEED AP with specialty on the projectteam is one of the possible strategies to earn this point, as it demonstrates expertise and commitment to the green building process34. The specialty credential must match the rating system of the project4.

References :=

Innovation | U.S. Green Building Council

LEED v4.1 BD+C | U.S. Green Building Council

Get a LEED AP with specialty on your team | LEEDuser

LEED professional credentials | U.S. Green Building Council

A wind turbine is a source of green power, which is electricity generated from renewable sources that have low or zero greenhouse gas emissions. A wind turbine converts the kinetic energy of the wind into mechanical power, which can then be used to generate electricity. Wind power is a clean, abundant, and sustainable form of energy that does not produce air pollution or contribute to climate change. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, wind power accounted for about 8.4% of the total U.S. electricity generation in 2020. The other options are not sources of green power, as they either rely on fossil fuels or nuclear energy, which have significant environmental and social impacts. Clean coal is a term used to describe technologies that aim to reduce the emissions and waste from burning coal, but it is still a carbon-intensive and polluting source of energy. Nuclear fission is a process that splits atoms to release energy, but it also produces radioactive waste that poses long-term health and safety risks. Natural gas captured by hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is a process that injects water, chemicals, and sand into underground rock formations to release natural gas, but it also causes water contamination, air pollution, and seismic activity. References: LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, p. 347 1; [U.S. Department of Energy website]

Green Cleaning is a plan that is implemented after occupancy to ensure that the building is maintained in a way that reduces the environmental and health impacts of cleaning products, equipment, and practices. Green Cleaning is part of the LEED v4 Operations and Maintenance rating system, and it includes credits for purchasing sustainable cleaning products and materials, using green cleaning equipment, implementing an indoor integrated pest management program, and developing a green cleaning policy1.

LEED v4: Operations and Maintenance Guide1, pages 36-41

Composting toilets operate without water, making them ideal for reducing potable water consumption. LEED promotes such innovative technologies for achieving water efficiency credits​​.

Biomass is a renewable energy source that can be used to produce electricity from organic plant and waste material. It is considered green power by the U.S. EPA because it provides environmental benefits and reduces greenhouse gas emissions12.

Implementing a stormwater pollution prevention plan during construction can help projects meet on-site sustainability goals. This plan outlines measures to control runoff and prevent soil erosion, which can carry pollutants into nearby water bodies. By managing stormwater on-site, projects can protect local water quality while also recharging groundwater supplies. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

An integrative process is a collaborative approach that involves all project stakeholders in the design and decision-making process from the beginning to the end of a project. It aims to optimize the performance, environmental, social, and economic outcomes of a project by considering the interrelationships and synergies between various building and site systems. By identifying overlapping relationships, services and redundancies among systems, an integrative process can result in increased performance and reduced costs, as it can create more efficient, effective, and innovative solutions that meet the project goals and requirements. For example, an integrative process can help to reduce the energy demand of a building by integrating passive design strategies, such as building orientation, envelope design, daylighting, natural ventilation, and shading, which can also improve the indoor environmental quality and occupant comfort. An integrative process can also help to reduce the material and water consumption of a project by reusing existing resources, selecting durable and low-impact materials, and implementing water-efficient fixtures and systems, which can also reduce the waste generation and environmental impact of the project

One of the causes of surface water degradation is the expansion of impervious surfaces. Impervious surfaces are those that do not allow water to infiltrate into the soil, such as roads, parking lots, rooftops, and sidewalks. Impervious surfaces increase the amount and speed of stormwater runoff, which can carry pollutants, sediments, nutrients, and pathogens into surface water bodies such as streams, rivers, lakes, and oceans. Impervious surfaces also reduce groundwater recharge, lower base flow in streams, increase flooding and erosion, alter streammorphology and habitat, and affect water temperature and dissolved oxygen levels2. Therefore, impervious surfaces can have significant negative impacts on the quality and quantity of surface water resources. References: Surface Water as a cause of land degradation from dryland salinity3; What is Water Pollution?4

a construction waste management plan is a document that outlines how the project will reduce, reuse, recycle, or dispose of the construction and demolition waste generated on site. One of the key components of a construction waste management plan is to track and document the volume or weight of materials that are diverted from landfills or incinerators by redirecting them to other destinations, such as recycling facilities, salvage yards, donation centers, or reuse on site12.

Tracking and documenting the volume or weight of materials diverted is important for several reasons, such as:

It helps measure the performance and effectiveness of the waste management plan and identify areas for improvement.

It provides evidence and verification for LEED certification, as LEED v4 requires projects to divert at least 50% or 75% of construction and demolition waste (by weight or volume) from disposal in landfills or incineration facilities for one or two points, respectively3.

It demonstrates the environmental and economic benefits of waste diversion, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving natural resources, saving disposal costs, and creating jobs12.

The number of dumpsters used is not a relevant metric for tracking a construction waste management plan, as it does not indicate how much waste is generated or diverted. The amount of site soils reused on the site is also not a valid indicator, as sitesoils are not considered construction and demolition waste by LEED v43. The amount of post-consumer recycled content is not related to a construction waste management plan, as it refers to the percentage of material in a product that was previously used by consumers and diverted from landfills or incinerators before being incorporated into a new product.

Unless mitigated, resource consumption over the life of a conventional building incrementally increases the total emissions footprint. This is because conventional buildings often use non-renewable resources for energy and materials, which contribute to greenhouse gas emissions during extraction, production, use, and disposal. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

Construction Waste Management is tracked by weight:

“LEED tracks the total amount of waste diverted from landfills in terms of weight or volume.”

This provides a quantitative measure of how much waste was properly managed.

Low-emitting materials are those that have minimal or no emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other harmful pollutants that can affect indoor air quality (IAQ)1. Specifying and installing low-emitting materials at the source can help prevent the negative effects of indoor pollutants by reducing the exposure of occupants and workers tothese substances2. Some examples of low-emitting materials are paints, coatings, adhesives, sealants, flooring, furniture, and insulation that meet the criteria of third-party certification programs such as Green Seal, Greenguard, or SCS3.

Regional Priority credits are awarded to encourage projects to address local environmental issues that are of particular importance or concern for the region where the project is located. These issues may include water scarcity, air quality, habitat protection, or human health. Regional Priority credits are not new LEED credits, but rather existing credits that have been identified by regional councils or chapters of USGBC as having higher priority or relevance for their areas. Projects can earn up to four bonus points by achieving Regional Priority credits. References: LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, Introduction, page 13; LEED v4 Impact Category and Point Allocation Process Overview1

 Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are compounds that have a high vapor pressure and low water solubility, and are emitted as gases from certainsolids or liquids1. VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects2. Concentrations of many VOCs are consistently higher indoors (up to ten times higher) than outdoors2. VOCs are emitted by a wide array of products, such as paints, solvents, cleaners, fuels, pesticides, building materials, office equipment, etc2. Breathing VOCs can irritate the eyes, nose andthroat, can cause difficulty breathing and nausea, and can damage the central nervous system and other organs3. Some VOCs can cause cancer3. Therefore, VOCs negatively impact the quality of indoor air, which is option B.

According to LEED guidelines:

“Integrated Project Delivery phases: Pre-Design, Design, Bidding, Commissioning, Occupancy”

Commissioning aligns with these project phases for quality assurance and system verification.

receptacle load is the electrical load that is connected to the building’s electrical system through receptacles (also known as outlets or sockets). Receptacle load includes both regulated and non-regulated loads, such as computers, printers, monitors, lamps, refrigerators, microwaves, coffee makers, etc. Receptacle load does not include hard-wiredequipment, such as lighting fixtures, HVAC systems, or elevators12.

Receptacle load is one of the major components of plug and process loads (PPLs), which consume about 47% of primary energy in U.S. commercial buildings2. Reducing receptacle load can help improve building energy efficiency and achieve LEED certification. One of the strategies to reduce receptacle load is to use automatic receptacle controls, which are devices that turn off or reduce power to receptacles when they are not in use. Automatic receptacle controls are required by ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1-2019: Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings, as well as NIH DRM 10.5.313.

 LEED for Neighborhood Development (LEED ND) is a rating system that aims toinspire and help create better, more sustainable, well-connected neighborhoods1. It looks beyond the scale of buildings to consider entire communities1. One of the main goals ofLEED ND is to reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and greenhouse gas emissions by promoting the location and design of neighborhoods that are accessible by foot or public transportation234. Therefore, LEED ND encourages development within and near existing communities or public transportation infrastructure, which is option C.

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LEED certification forneighborhood development

LEED for Neighborhood Development - Wikipedia

LEED® for Neighborhood Development - Grow Smart RI

LEED for Neighborhood Development - s3.amazonaws.com

The discovery phase is the most important phase of the integrative process, as it sets the foundation for the rest of the project. In this phase, the project team conducts a preliminary analysis of the site, building, systems, and occupants to identify the goals, challenges, and opportunities for improving performance and sustainability. The team also engages in an iterative process of exploring design options, evaluating trade-offs, and selecting strategies that optimize multiple benefits across different disciplines and stakeholders. The discovery phase requires a high level of collaboration and communication among the team members and with the client, as well as a holistic and systems thinking approach to problem-solving. References: LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, Integrative Process, page 28; LEED v4: Building Design +Construction Guide4

Rainwater is the type of water that would be most useful for landscape irrigation when considering water conservation and water efficient landscaping. Rainwater is water that falls from the sky as precipitation, and it can be collected and stored in tanks, barrels, cisterns, or ponds for later use1. Rainwater is a renewable and free source of water that does not require any treatment or pumping, unlike potable water, which is water that is safe for human consumption and often comes from municipal sources2. Potable water is a scarce and valuable resource that should be conserved for drinking,cooking, and hygiene purposes, rather than for irrigation2. Clean water is a vague term that can refer to any water that is free of contaminants, but it does not necessarily mean that it is potable or suitable for irrigation3. Blackwater is water that contains human or animal waste, such as sewage or toilet water, and it poses a health and environmental risk if used for irrigation without proper treatment4. Therefore, rainwater is the best option for landscape irrigation, as it reduces the demand for potable water, lowers the utility bills, and benefits the plants and soil1.

Rainwater Harvesting for Landscape Irrigation

Potable Water

Clean Water

Blackwater

Pre-consumer recycled content refers to waste material that is diverted from the waste stream during the manufacturing process. This can include scraps or trimmings that are collected and returned to the manufacturing process. It does not include rework, regrind, or scrap materials capable of being reclaimed within the same process that generated them. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

The Integrative Process Credit in LEED v4 requires the project team to implement an integrative process that enables themto discover unique opportunities for enhancing project performance and environmental benefits1. The project team should identify and use opportunities to achieve synergies across disciplines and building systems2.

References := Integrative process | U.S. Green Building Council, LEED Integrative Process Credit Explained - Projectific, Inc.

According to LEED, one of the factors that should be considered when locating a site for a project is the infrastructure context. The infrastructure context refers to the existing physical systems that support a site, such as roads, utilities, transit networks, water supply, wastewater treatment, stormwater management, and waste disposal. Choosing a site that has access to adequate infrastructure can reduce the environmental impacts of developing new infrastructure, such as land disturbance, resource consumption, energy use, emissions, and pollution. The LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook states that one of the intents of the Location and Transportation category is to “reduce environmental harm from transportation infrastructure” [1, p. 12]. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, [Location and Transportation | U.S. Green Building Council]

The scorecard is the recommended tool for the project team to utilize in order to determine the target certification level. The scorecard is a document that lists all the prerequisites and credits available for a specific rating system, along with their point values and requirements. The project team can use the scorecard to track their progress and estimate their potential score based on their design strategies and performance goals. The scorecard also helps the project team to identify synergies and trade-offs among different credits, prioritize their efforts, and optimize their resources.

The other options are not useful for estimating the certification level, as they are tools for documenting or clarifying specific credits or issues. The credit submittal form is a template that guides the project team on how to submit the required documentation for each credit. The project CIR (Credit Interpretation Request) is a service that allows the project team to ask technical questions or request clarifications on credit requirements or standards from USGBC or GBCI reviewers. The certification level cannot be determined without complete drawings, as they are necessary to demonstrate compliance with credit criteria.

Green Seal is a third-party certification program that evaluates the environmental impacts of cleaning products and services. It has standards for various categories of products, such as cleaners, paper products, hand soaps, and floor care. Green Seal certified products meet rigorous performance, health, and environmental criteria. By using Green Seal certified products, projects can reduce the exposure of building occupants and maintenance personnel to potentially harmful chemicals, improve indoor air quality, and support sustainable purchasing practices. References: LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Operations and Maintenance, p. 109 1; Green Seal website

Renovating an existing building using recycled and salvaged building materials is an example of a life-cycle approach to development or design. A life-cycle approach is an approach that considers the environmental impacts of a product or a project from cradle to grave, or from extraction of raw materials to disposal or reuse. Renovating an existing building using recycled and salvaged building materials reduces the environmental impacts associated with new construction, such as land use change, resource depletion, energy consumption, waste generation, and greenhouse gas emissions.The LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook states that one of the intents of the Materials and Resources category is to “promote life-cycle assessment as a means of evaluating environmental impacts” [1, p. 15]. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, [Life Cycle Assessment | U.S. Department of Energy]

One of the requirements for the Sustainable Sites Credit: Rainwater Management is that projects must use Green Infrastructure (GI) and Low Impact Development (LID) techniques within the LEED project boundary. GI and LID are design approaches that mimic natural hydrologic processes to manage stormwater runoff at its source. GI and LID techniques include strategies such as rain gardens, bioswales, permeable pavements, green roofs, rain barrels, cisterns, and vegetated buffers. The other options are not requirements for the Sustainable Sites Credit: Rainwater Management. Maximizing open space within the LEED project boundary is a requirement for the Sustainable Sites Credit: Open Space. Calculating the total rainwater runoff for 75th percentile rainfall events is a requirement for the Sustainable Sites Credit: Site Assessment. Using a combination of both structural and non-structural measures to manage a 90th percentile rainfall event is an option for meeting Option 1 of the Sustainable Sites Credit: Rainwater Management. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, page 27; USGBC, [Sustainable Sites], page 4-5.

Placing grilles, grates or mats at all major entrances is an example of permanent entryway systems used to reduce dust, dirt and contaminants brought into a facility. Permanent entryway systems are designed to capture dirt and particulates from people’s shoes and prevent them from entering the indoor environment. This improves the indoor air quality and reduces the need for cleaning and maintenance. The LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook states that one of the strategies for achieving indoor environmental quality is to “use permanent entryway systems (grilles, grates, mats) to reduce particulate matter being brought into buildings at regular entryways” [1, p. 16]. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, [Indoor Environmental Quality | U.S. Green Building Council]

Increasing the amount of ventilation in an occupied space affects the Indoor Environmental Quality credit category. Ventilation is the process of supplying fresh outdoor air and removing stale indoor air from a building. Ventilation can improve the indoor environmental quality by diluting or removing indoor pollutants, such as carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds, or particulate matter, and enhancing the thermal comfort and well-being of the occupants. The LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook states that one of the strategies for achieving indoor environmental quality is to “increase ventilation rates” [1, p. 16]. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, [Ventilation | U.S. Department of Energy]

Building commissioning is a quality assurance process that begins during the design phase and continues through construction, occupancy, and operation of the building. It ensures that the building’s systems are designed efficiently, installed correctly, and operate as intended. The commissioning process involves a series of inspections, tests, and adjustments of building systems, followed by a review of the system design and operation with the building’s operations team. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

A project can earn up to four maximum points under the Regional Priority credit. The Regional Priority credit is a bonus credit that rewards projects for addressing environmental issues that are of regional importance. The USGBC regional councils and chapters have identified six environmental issues for each zip code in the United States, and projects can earn one point for each issue they address, up to a maximum of four points. The other options are not correct. One, two, or three points are possible, but not the maximum number of points under the Regional Priority credit. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, page 30; USGBC, [Regional Priority], page 1.

The scope of the LEED impact category component Protect Human Health from Direct Exposure to Negative Health Impacts is building occupants and design and construction crew during the construction phase and use phase of the building cycle, within the project boundary and its immediate surroundings. This component aims to reduce the exposure of people to harmful substances or conditions that may affect their health and well-being. This includes indoor air quality, thermal comfort, lighting quality, noise levels, water quality, and safety hazards. The component covers both the construction phase and the use phase of the building cycle, as both stages can pose potential health risks to people involved or affected by the project. The component also considers both the project boundary and its immediate surroundings, as some health impacts may extend beyond the site itself. References: LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, Introduction, page 9

An owner who wants to update the interior materials of the office while promoting a healthier indoor work environment using LEED strategies can specify low-emitting materials as one of the strategies to achieve this goal. Low-emitting materials are materials that have low or no emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or other pollutants into the indoor air. VOCsare organic chemicals that can evaporate or vaporize at room temperature and can adversely affect the indoor air quality (IAQ) of a building and the health, comfort, and productivity of the occupants. Some sources of VOCs in buildings are paints, coatings, adhesives, sealants, flooring, furniture, and cleaning products. Specifying low-emitting materials can reduce the exposure and risk of VOCs for the occupants and improve IAQ12. References: LEED v4 Green Associate Candidate Handbook1, LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide2

LEED states:

“Refrigerants have ozone depletion potential (ODP) and global warming potential (GWP)... Projects should select refrigerants with low values of both.”

This aligns with the credit “Fundamental Refrigerant Management” in LEED v4.

One type of construction pollution that can be reduced by prevention activities is airborne dust generation. Airborne dust can be generated by various construction activities, such as excavation, demolition, grading, hauling, and vehicle traffic. Airborne dust can have negative impacts on the air quality, human health, and climate. Airborne dust can contribute to respiratory problems, allergies, asthma, and eye irritation for workersand nearby residents. Airborne dust can also reduce the visibility, increase the risk of accidents, and damage the equipment and materials. Airborne dust can also affect the climate by absorbing or reflecting solar radiation, altering the cloud formation and precipitation patterns, and influencing the carbon cycle1.

Some of the prevention activities that can reduce airborne dust generation during construction are12:

Covering or wetting the exposed soil and stockpiles

Using water sprays or misters to suppress the dust

Installing wind fences or barriers around the site

Applying mulch, straw, or vegetation to stabilize the soil

Sweeping or vacuuming the paved areas and roads

Limiting the speed and frequency of vehicles

Using low-emission or electric vehicles and equipment

Implementing a dust control plan and monitoring the dust levels

Closed systems are systems that promote the conservation of materials and resources by linking elements in order to form relationships with their function. Closed systems aim to minimize waste, energy loss, and environmental impact by reusing, recycling, or regenerating materials within the system boundaries. Closed systems can be inspired by natural ecosystems, where waste from one process becomes food for another process. An example of a closed system is a building that collects rainwater for irrigation, uses solar panels for electricity, composts organic waste forfertilizer, and recycles greywater for flushing toilets1 . References: LEED v4 Green Associate Candidate Handbook1, Biomimicry Institute’s What is Biomimicry?

A life-cycle assessment (LCA) is a strategy that can help an owner of newly acquired land design a building that uses materials that have minimal impact on the environment. An LCA is a method that evaluates the environmental impacts of a product or material over its entire life cycle, from extraction to disposal. An LCA can measure the impacts on various categories, such as energy use, water use, greenhouse gas emissions, resource depletion, and waste generation. An LCA can help compare different products or materials based on theirenvironmental performance and select the ones that have the lowest impact13. References: LEED v4 Green Associate Candidate Handbook1, EPA’s Life CycleAssessment3

The Promote Sustainable and Regenerative Material Resource Cycles impact category in LEED encourages the use of materials that can be continually cycled back into the same system at their end-of-life. This is referred to as moving to cyclical, non-depleting material cycles. It promotes the use of renewable or recyclable materials and reduces waste. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

Graywater includes wastewater from lavatory faucets, whereas blackwater includes wastewater from toilets and urinals. This describes the difference between graywater and blackwater according to LEED. Graywater is wastewater that has been used for non-potable purposes, such as washing hands or dishes, but does not contain human or animal waste. Blackwater is wastewater that has been contaminated with human or animal waste from toilets or urinals. Graywater can be reused for certain purposes after minimal treatment, such as irrigation or toilet flushing, whereas blackwater requires more advanced treatment before reuse or disposal. The LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook states that one of the strategies for achieving water efficiency is to “use non-potable water (graywater) for sewage conveyance” [1, p. 14]. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, [Graywater vs Blackwater | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency]

Credit Interpretation Requests (CIRs) are a formal process for clarifying technical questions about LEED credits. Project teams submit CIRs through LEED Online to receive guidance on specific credit requirements. CIRs apply to the project in question and cannot be transferred to other projects. They are essential tools for resolving ambiguities in achieving LEED certification​​.

An infill site within an existing neighborhood with substantial transit connectivity would maximize LEED points under Location and Transportation. An infill site is a site that has been previously developed or graded and is surrounded by existing development. An existing neighborhood is a geographic area with a variety of land uses, such as residential, commercial, educational, or recreational. Substantial transit connectivity means that the site has access to multiple modes of public transportation, such as buses, trains, light rail, or bicycles. The LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook states that one of the intents of the Location and Transportation category is to “encourage development within existing communities and public transit infrastructure” [1, p. 12]. References: [LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook], [Location and Transportation | U.S. Green Building Council]

Low-emitting materials, including partitions, are intended to:

“...reduce concentrations of chemical contaminants that can damage air quality, human health, productivity, and the environment.”

VOCs are a major indoor air contaminant addressed under the Indoor Environmental Quality category.

Construction IAQ management and LEED strategies directly improve health:

“Using proper construction management practices… protects worker and occupant health by controlling pollutant sources and pathways…”

High VOC materials and low ventilation have adverse effects, not benefits.

Quality transit in LEED refers to public transportation modes that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide access to diverse destinations. Bicycles are considered a type of quality transit in LEED, as they meet the criteria of being low-emitting, fuel-efficient, and having a high ridership capacity. Taxis, motorcycles, and single passenger cars are not considered quality transit in LEED, as they have higher emissions, lower fuel efficiency, and lower ridership capacity than bicycles.

The environmental harm associated with transportation is reduced when purchasing and installing locally sourced, environmentally preferable products. Locally sourced products are products that are extracted, harvested, recovered, or manufactured within a certain distance from the project site. Environmentally preferable products are products that have reduced environmental impacts compared to similar products in terms of energy use, water use, materials use, waste generation, emissions, toxicity, and durability. Purchasing and installing locally sourced, environmentally preferable products reduces the amount of fuel consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and road congestion associated with transporting products over long distances. The LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook states that one of the strategies for achieving materials and resources efficiency is to “use local or regional materials (extracted, processed and manufactured within 100 miles)” [1, p. 15]. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, [Environmentally Preferable Purchasing | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency]

The LEED minimum program requirements state that for LEED BD+C and LEED O+M rating systems, the LEED project must include a minimum of 1000 ft2 (93 m2) of gross floor area1.

LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide

LEED minimum program requirements

LEED For Building Design And Construction (LEED BD+C) Rating Systems In Details

Strategies for improving building occupants’ comfort and control may consist of installing operable windows, giving occupants lighting control and providing ergonomic furniture. These strategies can enhance the indoor environmental quality (IEQ) of a building, which is the physical and psychological conditions of the indoor spaces that affect the health, comfort, and productivity of the occupants. Installing operable windows can allow occupants to adjust the natural ventilation, temperature, and fresh air intake of their spaces. Giving occupants lighting control can allow them to adjust the artificial lighting levels, color, and direction of their spaces. Providing ergonomic furniture can support the physical comfort, posture, and well-being of the occupants12. References: LEED v4 Green Associate Candidate Handbook1, LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide2

Sustainable forestry is the practice of managing forest resources in a way that meets the current and future needs of humans forforest products, while also conserving and enhancing the ecological, social, and economic values of the forest and its surrounding landscape1. One of the key aspects of sustainable forestry is to maintain the biodiversity of the forest, which refers to the variety and abundance of living organisms, such as plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms, and their interactions within the forest ecosystem2. Biodiversity is important for the health and resilience of the forest, as it provides essential ecosystem services, such as carbon sequestration, water purification, soil formation, nutrient cycling, pollination, pest control, and climate regulation23. Biodiversity also supports the livelihoods, cultures, and well-being of forest-dependent communities and indigenous peoples23.

What is sustainable forestry?

Why is biodiversity important for forests?

LEED v4 - FSC United States

LEED encouragesTransportation Demand Managementstrategies to reduce single-occupancy vehicle use when access to public transit is not available. One such strategy is:

“Encouraging carpooling… provides options to users in areas without access to transit.”

Offering preferred parking for single-use vehicles contradicts the intent, and LEED cannot require changes to local transit systems. Providing extra parking encourages single-occupancy vehicle use.

As per the LEED prerequisite for Environmental Tobacco Smoke (ETS) Control:

“Prohibit smoking in the building and on property within 25 feet from operable windows, entries and air intakes.”

Building entrances are particularly sensitive areas where smoke can enter the ventilation system.

LEED allows flexibility:

“If a project has overlapping eligibility, the project team must choose the rating system that best aligns with the majority of the project scope.”

The team determines applicability based on scope and use.

This formula is used to calculate the percentage of restoration area for the LEED v4 credit SSc2: Protect or Restore Habitat1. The restoration area is the portion of the site that is restored with native or adapted vegetation, and the total previously disturbed site area is the area that was altered by human activity before the project2.

References := NC-v4.1 SSc2: Protect or Restore Habitat | LEEDuser, LEED CERTIFICATION- REQUIREMENTS FOR SS CREDIT: PROTECT OR RESTORE …

The USGBC administers the LEED credentialing programs, which include the LEED Green Associate and the LEED AP with specialty credentials. The USGBC does not administer the LEED exams, the LEED rating systems development, or the LEED project certification.

The LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook states that “The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) administers the LEED credentialing programs related to green building practice” 1, page 3.

The same handbook also states that “The Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) administers the LEED professional credential exams” 1, page 3.

The LEED AP with Specialty Candidate Handbook states that “The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is responsible for the development of the LEED rating systems” 2, page 3.

The same handbook also states that “The Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) administers project certification for all commercial and institutional projects pursuing LEED certification under any of the current rating systems” 2, page 3.

LEED defines Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) as:

“Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) analyzes the environmental impacts of a service, material or product through its entire life cycle.”

This makes LCA distinct from Life Cycle Costing (LCC), which evaluates economic impact.

Acomposting toileteliminates water use by not requiring any water for flushing, unlike traditional or low-flow fixtures:

“Composting toilets… operate without water use, thus eliminating indoor water demand for flushing.”

WaterSense toilets and low-flow lavatories reduce water use but do not eliminate it.

The Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct of 1992) is a United States government act that set goals, createdmandates, and amended utility laws to increase clean energy use and improve overall energy efficiency in the United States1. The EPAct of 1992 is a baseline standard for the Energyand Atmosphere prerequisite category in LEED v4, which aims to reduce the environmental and economic impacts of excessive energy use and promote the use of renewable and alternative energy sources2. The EPAct of 1992 establishes the minimum energy performancerequirements for buildings, such as lighting power density, HVAC efficiency, and water heating efficiency3. The EPAct of 1992 also provides tax incentives and grants for energy conservationand renewable energy projects1. The EPAct of 1992 was amended by the Energy Policy Act of 2005, which updated some of the provisions and standards of the original act4.

 Flush out process is performed to remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the indoor air after construction or renovation12. VOCs are chemicals that can evaporate at room temperature and cause health problems, such as headaches, nausea, and irritation3. Flush out process involves supplying 100% outdoor air to the building for a certain period of time or until a certain amount of air changes are achieved12.

Flush-out documentation | LEEDuser1

Building flushout - option 2 | LEEDuser2

Volatile Organic Compounds’ Impact on Indoor Air Quality | Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) | US EPA3

Developing a construction purchasing policy is a strategy that promotes sustainable purchasing during construction. A construction purchasing policy is a document that outlines the criteria and requirements for selecting materials, products, and services that have lower environmental impacts and support human health during construction. A construction purchasing policy can address issues such as recycled content, regional materials, certified wood, low-emitting materials, rapidly renewable materials, durability, life cycle assessment, waste reduction, and indoor air quality. The other options are not strategies that promote sustainable purchasing during construction. Specifying green electronic equipment is relevant for operations purchasing, not construction purchasing. Reducing regional materials expense by 10% does not necessarily imply sustainable purchasing, as regional materials may have higher or lower environmental impacts depending on their source and transportation methods. Implementing an erosion and sedimentation plan is a strategy that protects water quality during construction, but does not address sustainable purchasing. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, page 24; USGBC, [Guide to LEED Certification: Commercial], page 12.

Potable water is water that is suitable for drinking. Potable water meets or exceeds the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) drinking water quality standards and is free of contaminants that are harmful to human health. The other options are not suitable for drinking. Graywater is wastewater from sinks, showers, and laundry that can be reused for non-potable purposes such as toilet flushing and irrigation. Greenwater is rainwater that is collected and stored for non-potable uses. Stormwater is runoff from precipitation that can carry pollutants and sediments into waterways. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, page 26; USGBC, [Water Efficiency], page 2.

A charrette is a collaborative workshop that brings together various stakeholders and experts to address a particular design issue, such as sustainability, security, or accessibility. A charrette should take place at the beginning of the project, when the project goals, scope, and budget are being defined, and when the most impact can be made with the least cost. A charrette can help establish a shared vision, identify potential challenges and opportunities, and generate innovative and integrated solutions.

 A Handbook for Planning and Conducting Charrettes for High-Performance Projects, page 1-2; LEED v4 Green Associate Candidate Handbook, page 12.

Good site design benefits a project in which of the following ways: makes occupants comfortable by providing green spaces. Green spaces are areas of vegetation that improve the quality of life for building occupants and visitors by providing natural views, fresh air, shade, noise reduction, and recreational opportunities. They also reduce heat island effect, improve stormwater management, and sequester carbon dioxide. The LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook states that one of the intents of the Sustainable Sites category is to “enhance occupant comfort by providing green spaces” [1, p. 13]. References: [LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook], [Green Spaces | U.S. Department of Energy]

Monitoring outdoor airflow is a strategy for improving indoor environmental quality during construction. Outdoor airflow is the amount of fresh air that enters a building through natural or mechanical means. Monitoring outdoor airflow can help ensure that adequate ventilation is provided to the building during construction, which can prevent the accumulation of indoor pollutants, such as dust, debris, or volatile organic compounds, that may affect the health and comfort of the workers or occupants. The LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook states that one of the strategies for achieving indoor environmental quality is to “monitor outdoor airflow” [1, p. 16]. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, [Outdoor Airflow | ASHRAE]

Xeriscaping is a landscaping practice that uses drought-tolerant native and adaptive plants to reduce water use and maintenance. Xeriscaping also incorporates other strategies such as mulching, efficient irrigation, soil improvement, and appropriate design and zoning. By using xeriscaping, projects can conserve water, protect natural habitats, reduce stormwater runoffand pollution, and enhance the aesthetic and ecological value of the site. References: LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, p. 123 1; [Xeriscape Colorado website]

LEED promotes compact, transit-rich locations:

“Locating a project in an area that supports walking, biking, and mass transit... will result in lower GHG emissions from reduced car travel.”

Urban centers offer the best access to alternative transport and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are a type of compound that was widely used in the 20th century in various applications, including as a refrigerant in air conditioning systems such as centrifugal chillers. CFCs are known to deplete the ozone layer when released into the atmosphere, and their use has been phased out in many countries under the Montreal Protocol. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

 In the commercial LEED rating systems, achieving 40-49 points will result in Silver level certification. The points are awarded based on how well the project meets various sustainability criteria set out in the LEED rating system. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

According to the LeadingGreen LEED GA Study Guide:

“In LEED v4 for BD+C: New Construction, the Energy and Atmosphere category offers a maximum of 33 points.”

These points are awarded across various credits like Optimize Energy Performance, Demand Response, and Renewable Energy.

ASHRAE 55 defines thermal comfort by outlining acceptable indoor conditions for temperature, humidity, and air movement. This standard is essential for meeting LEED Indoor Environmental Quality requirements​​.

Teams organize and work as part of an integrative process by working in small groups and as a whole with iterative processes. The integrative process is a method of design and construction that involves the collaboration and coordination of all project stakeholders from the beginning to achieve the project’s sustainability goals1. The integrative process requires teams to work in small groups, such as subcommittees or task forces, to focus on specific aspects of the project, such as energy, water, materials, indoor environmental quality, and site ecology2. The small groups then report back to the whole team and share their findings and recommendations, allowing for feedback and integration among different disciplines and systems2. The integrative process also requires teams to work with iterative processes, which means that they repeat and refine the design and analysis cycles until they reach the optimal solutions that meet the project’s performance targets3. The iterative processes enable teams to explore various scenarios, test assumptions, identify synergies and trade-offs, and evaluate the life-cycle impacts of their design decisions34.

Integrative process | U.S. Green Building Council

LEED v4 | U.S. Green Building Council

The Integrative Process in LEED V4 —ArchEcology

New LEED Pilot Credit Establishes an Integrative Process for Health Promotion

LEED Integrative Process Credit Explained - Projectific, Inc.

The intent of waste management in the Materials and Resources credit category is to reduce the amount of waste and toxins hauled to landfills. This can be achieved through strategies such as recycling, composting, reusing materials, and reducing overall material consumption. By reducing waste, we can conserve natural resources, reduce pollution from waste treatment and disposal processes, and decrease the demand for landfill space. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

High reflectance roofing materials can help reduce heat gain and peak air temperatures by reflecting more sunlight away from the building, thereby reducing the amount of heat absorbed by the roof. This can lead to lower cooling loads and energy use for air conditioning. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

LEED uses specific ASHRAE standards for energy and indoor air quality:

“ASHRAE 90.1-2010 is used for Minimum Energy Performance...”

“ASHRAE 62.1-2010 is used for Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance...”

SMACNA is related to construction air quality, not performance standards.

Minimal hardscape and permeable surfaces allow water to infiltrate, reducing rainwater runoff and supporting sustainable stormwater management strategies. These practices align with LEED Sustainable Sites goals​​.

Daylighting is a strategy that uses natural light to illuminate the interior spaces of a building, reducing the need for artificial lighting and improving the visual comfort and well-being of the occupants. One of the strategies that can help improve daylighting in an office building is tolocate private offices toward the building core and organize cubicles at the perimeter, so that more people can benefit from the access to windows and views. This can also increase the daylight penetration depth and reduce glare and contrast12. References: LEED v4 Green Associate Candidate Handbook1, LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide2

An occupant survey is the most efficient way for building users to rate the heating and air-conditioning and other aspects of work spaces. An occupant survey is a tool that collects feedback from building occupants about their satisfaction with various aspects of their indoor environment, such as thermal comfort, lighting quality, acoustic quality, air quality, and spatial layout. An occupant survey can help identify areas for improvement, monitor performance, evaluate design strategies, and inform future decisions. The LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook states that one of the strategies for achieving indoor environmental quality is to “conduct occupant surveys on thermal comfort” [1, p. 16]. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, [Occupant Surveys | Center for the Built Environment]

Minimum acoustic performance is a prerequisite requirement that applies to LEED for Schools projects. The prerequisite aims to provide classrooms that facilitate better teacher-to-student and student-to-student communication through effective acoustic design. The prerequisite requires projects to meet the sound transmission class (STC) ratings for walls, floors, ceilings, doors, and windows; the background noise levels from HVAC systems; and the reverberation time for core learning spaces. By meeting the minimum acoustic performance, projects can improve the indoor environmental quality, enhance the learning outcomes, and reduce the health and stress impacts of noise. References: LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, p. 545 1; [Acoustical Society of America website]

Pervious paving, also known as permeable paving, allows water to pass through it, facilitating the recharging of aquifers. This type of paving reduces runoff by allowing water to soak into the ground, which can help replenish groundwater supplies and reduce the impact on nearby water bodies. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

Graywater refers to relatively clean wastewater from domestic activities such as washing dishes, laundry, and bathing. Water from lavatory faucets falls into this category. Graywater can be treated and reused for non-potable purposes such as toilet flushing or irrigation, which can help conserve water. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

The coordination of building and site systems should be addressed at the predesign stage to maximize the impact of integrative process. The integrative process is a method of design and construction that involves the collaboration and coordination of all project stakeholders from the beginning to achieve the project’s sustainability goals1. The predesign stage is the earliest phase of the project, where the project vision, scope, budget, schedule, and performance targets are defined2. By addressing the coordination of building and site systems at this stage, the project team can identify and analyze the interrelationships and synergies among various systems, such as energy, water, materials, indoor environmental quality, and site ecology3. This can help the team to optimize the design solutions, reduce costs and risks, enhance performance and quality, and avoid rework and conflicts later in the projec

A waste reduction, reuse and recycling program must collect and measure the waste diverted through recycling and reuse, which is the amount of waste that is prevented from going to landfills or incinerators by being recovered, reused, or recycled. This is one of the key indicators of the environmental performance and benefits of a waste management program, as it can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve natural resources, save energy and water, and create jobs. LEED v4.1 recognizes and rewards this strategy in the Construction and Demolition WasteManagement credit1, which aims to reduce construction and demolition waste disposed of in landfills and incineration facilities2. The other options are not directly related to the waste reduction, reuse and recycling program, as they involve different types of materials or metrics that are not relevant for measuring waste diversion. References: LEED Link: Construction and Demolition Waste Management, section “LEED v4.1 BD+C: Construction and Demolition Waste Management”; LEED v4 Waste Management Credits - Zero Waste, section “LEED v4 Waste Management Credits”

LEED Building Design and Construction Homes and Multifamily Low-rise is a rating system that applies to single-family homes and multifamily buildings between one and three stories. This rating system covers the design and construction phases of residential projects that areintended for human occupancy12. Projects that have more than three stories are not eligible for this rating system, but may qualify for other LEED rating systems, such as LEED Building Design and Construction Multifamily Mid-rise, which applies to multifamily buildings between four and eight stories

LEED rating systems are designed with 100 base points for core credits, six bonus points for Innovation, and four bonus points for Regional Priority credits. This structure allows projects to achieve a total of 110 points, reflecting LEED’s flexibility and comprehensive approach​​.

Life-cycle assessment (LCA) is the approach that refers to the identification and quantification of environmental effects throughout the life of the materials and products used in a project as well as the project itself. LCA evaluates the environmental impacts of a product, process, or service from cradle to grave, or from raw material extraction to disposal or reuse. LCA considers various impact categories, such as global warming potential, ozone depletion potential, acidification potential, eutrophication potential, smog formation potential, and human health impacts. LCA can help to compare the environmental performance of different design options, select more sustainable materials and products, and reduce the environmental footprint of a project

Native species are plants that are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, and therefore require less water and maintenance than non-native species. By maximizing the use of native species in the landscaping design, the project can reduce the need for potable water for irrigation and achieve the Outdoor Water Use Reduction credit under LEED v4 Water Efficiency category1.

LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide1, page 35

According to LEED v4, the commissioning authority (CxA) should be contracted before the end of the Design Development (DD) phase and should be involved in the project team from early in the Schematic Design (SD) phase1.

References := LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, LEED v4 -U.S. Green Building Council, SBGD - Part D – ConsultantScopes of Work 3. Commissioning Authority, What’s new in LEED V4 – Commissioning Changes - Steven Winter …, LEED ENHANCED COMMISSIONING | Steps and Downloads

The use of native plant species, captured rainwater, and evapotranspiration controllers are all strategies that can contribute to reducing outdoor water use. Native plants are adapted to local conditions and typically require less water than non-native species. Captured rainwater can be used for irrigation, reducing the need for potable water. Evapotranspiration controllers adjust irrigation schedules based on weather conditions and plant needs, preventing overwatering. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources