LEED-Green-Associate LEED Green Associate Exam (LEED GA) Question and Answers

Light-colored paving and cool roofs refer to materials with higher emissivity and higher albedo. Emissivity is the ability of a material to emit heat that it absorbs, while albedo is a measure of how much light that hits a surface is reflected without being absorbed. Materials with high emissivity can help reduce heat islands by releasing more of the heat they absorb, while those with high albedo can reflect more sunlight and thus stay cooler. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

The term “LEED certified building” is the correct usage according to the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). This term indicates that a building has met the standards set by the LEED rating system and has been officially certified by the USGBC. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

A list of materials to be diverted from disposal is a component of a construction waste management plan. A construction waste management plan is a document that outlines the goals, procedures, and responsibilities for diverting construction and demolition waste from landfills or incinerators. A list of materials to be diverted from disposal identifies the types and quantities of materials that can be recycled, reused, salvaged, or donated, as well as the destinations and methods for diversion. The other options are not components of a construction waste management plan. Projected cost savings from diverting waste is a potential benefit of implementing a construction waste management plan, but it is not a required component. Quantity of waste generated from excavated soil is a factor that affects the construction waste generation rate, but it is not a component of a construction waste management plan. Distance of the recycling facility from the project site is a factor that affects the transportation emissions and costs associated with diverting waste, but it is not a component of a construction waste management plan. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, page 28; USGBC, [Materials and Resources], page 3.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, space heating accounted for about 32% of energy use for all U.S. commercial buildings in 2018, followed by ventilation and lighting, each at about 10%1. Space heating is the largest single energy end use in U.S. office buildings as well2.

Use of energy in commercial buildings - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)1

DataTrends: Energy Use in Office Buildings | ENERGY STAR2

Installing permanent water submeters that measure the total potable water use for a building and associated grounds allows facility staff to track water consumption and identify leaks. This can help reduce water waste, lower utility bills, and improve water efficiency1. It can also contribute to the Water Metering credit in the Water Efficiency category of LEED v42.

How LEED Guides Users to Water Efficiency - Facilitiesnet1

Submeter at least two water subsystems | LEEDuser2

Air movement is a factor that affects the thermal comfort of occupants, as it influences the heat exchange between the human body and the surrounding air1. Air movement can be controlled by mechanical systems, such as fans, or natural systems, such as operable windows2. LEED v4 requires that at least 50% of individual occupant spaces have thermal comfort controls that allow occupants to adjust air movement in their local environment3.

 1 LEED (BD+C)- Indoor Environmental Quality Credit: Thermal comfort2 Get to Know LEED®: How to Provide Thermal Comfort in a LEED for Homes … 3 CI-v4.1 EQc5: Thermal comfort | LEEDuser.

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.

Harvesting rainwater reduces reliance on potable water for non-potable uses like irrigation and flushing. LEED supports this approach under Water Efficiency credits for reducing potable water consumption​​.

The footprint of a building is the area of ground that it covers, defined by its perimeter. It’s essentially the shape that results when you trace around the outer walls of a building plan. This term is used in architecture and urban planning to describe the space that a building occupies on a site. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

Designing buildings to shade each other can help reduce energy demand by decreasing cooling loads. By strategically positioning buildings on a site, it’s possible to use the buildings themselves to block solar heat gain, reducing the need for air conditioning. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

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]

Retrocommissioning is a process applied to existing buildings to ensure that they continue to perform optimally for the current use. This process involves checking systems to see if they function as intended, making necessary repairs or improvements, and ensuring that building staff are trained in the operation and maintenance of systems. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

LEED certification can provide financial benefits for a building, such as qualification for tax rebates, zoning allowances, and other incentives from local and state governments. These incentives can help offset the initial costs of green building and encourage more projects to pursue LEED . References: LEED v4 Green Associate Candidate Handbook, LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide

Occupancy sensors are devices that detect the presence or absence of people in a space and automatically turn the lights on or off accordingly. By installing occupancy sensors for the building’s lighting system, projects can achieve two benefits: improving the indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and reducing the energy consumption. Occupancy sensors can enhance the IEQ by providing lighting control for individual spaces, allowing occupants to adjust the light levels to their preferences and needs. Occupancy sensors can also save energy by avoiding unnecessary lighting when spaces are unoccupied, thus lowering the electricity demand and greenhouse gas emissions. References: LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, p. 507 1; LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Operations and Maintenance, p. 241 1

The result of proper design and operation of buildings and neighborhoods is an increase in energy efficiency. Energy efficiency is the ratio of useful output to energy input for a system or process. Energy efficiency can be improved by using less energy to perform the same function or by using renewable or low-impact energy sources. Energy efficiency can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, energy costs, and dependence on fossil fuels1 . References: LEED v4 Green Associate Candidate Handbook1, EPA’s Energy Efficiency

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.

Green Seal is a non-profit organization that develops standards and certifies products and services that are environmentally preferable and meet rigorous performance criteria1. Green Seal has standards for various categories of products and services, including custodial products and materials, such as cleaners, degreasers, floor care products, paper products, and hand soaps2. Green Seal-certified custodial products and materials can help achieve credits in the LEED v4 Materials and Resources category, such as Purchasing - Ongoing Consumables34.

About Us | Green Seal1

Standards | Green Seal2

LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide - U.S. Green Building Council3

Credit’s Supporting LEED’s Materials and Resources Category | Legrand4

impervious surfaces are those that do not allow water to infiltrate into the soil, such as asphalt, concrete, roofs, or compacted soil. Impervious surfaces increase the amount and speed of stormwater runoff, which can cause erosion, sedimentation, flooding, and pollution of downstream water bodies. Minimizing impervious surfaces can help reduce these negative impacts and preserve the aquatic habitat and natural stream morphology12.

Native vegetation is the plant life that is adapted to the local climate and soil conditions. Native vegetation can help filter pollutants, stabilize soils, reduce runoff, provide shade, and create habitat for wildlife. Enhancing native vegetation can help restore the natural functions and diversity of the ecosystem and protect the aquatic habitat and natural stream morphology13.

Rainwater is the precipitation that falls on the site. Rainwater can be captured and reused for various purposes, such as irrigation, toilet flushing, or cooling. Capturing and reusing rainwater can help reduce potable water demand, decrease stormwater runoff, and prevent flooding and pollution of downstream water bodies. Capturing and reusing rainwater can help conserve water resources and protect the aquatic habitat and natural stream morphology1 .

These strategies are consistent with the LEED v4 requirements for the Sustainable Sites credit category, which aims to protect and restore habitat, manage stormwater, reduce heat island effects, and promote alternative transportation.

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.

Water closets, also known as toilets, are fixtures that use water to flush human waste into a sewer or septic system. The unit of measure for water closets is gallons (liters) per flush, which indicates the amount of water used for each flushing cycle. The water efficiency of water closets can vary depending on the design, technology, and regulation of the fixture. The LEED rating system encourages the use of water-efficient fixtures that reduce water consumption and wastewater generation12. References: LEED v4 Green Associate Candidate Handbook1, EPA’s WaterSense Toilets2

A minimum program requirement for LEED for New Construction and Major Renovations projects is to be a permanent building or space on existing land. This means that the project must be designed and constructed for a fixed location on land that is legally defined and has legal boundaries. The project cannot be a temporary structure, such as a trailer or a tent, or a movable structure, such as a boat or a vehicle. The LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook states that this is one of the four minimum program requirements that apply to all LEED rating systems [1, p. 9]. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, [Minimum Program Requirements | U.S. Green Building Council]

The owner is one of the team members who should participate in the initial evaluation to determine which level of LEED certification to target. The owner is the person or entity who has the authority and responsibility to make decisions about the project’s goals, budget, schedule, and design. The owner’s involvement is crucial for setting the vision and expectations for the project’s sustainability performance and selecting the appropriate LEED rating system and certification level. The LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook states that one of the steps in the integrative process is to “engage in a preliminary LEED assessment with key project team members, including owner” [1, p. 12]. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, [Integrative Process | U.S. Green Building Council]

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.

When a project involves multiple rating systems, the project team must decide the most appropriate one based on the project’s scope and primary objectives. LEED provides guidance to facilitate this decision​​.

Building orientation is the element of design that can be used to take advantage of natural ventilation, solar energy and daylight. Building orientation refers to the position and direction of a building in relation to the sun, wind, and other environmental factors. By orienting a building properly, it can maximize the benefits of passive design strategies such as daylighting, natural ventilation, and solar energy. For example, a building can be oriented to face the south or north in temperate climates to capture more sunlight for heating and lighting, or to face the east or west in hot climates to avoid excessive solar heat gain and glare. A building can also be oriented to align with the prevailing wind direction to enhance natural ventilation and cooling. Building orientation can also affect the shape, size, and placement of windows, doors, roofs, and other architectural elements that influence the performance and comfort of a building. References: Passive Design Strategies | Sustainability Workshop, section “Building Massing & Orientation”; Back to Basics: Natural Ventilation and its Use in Different Contexts | ArchDaily, section “Orientation”; Courtyard configuration to optimize shading, daylight and ventilation …, section “Introduction”

 Selecting native plants to provide habitat for local fauna is a strategy that a design team should consider in order to decrease the impact of a new construction project. Native plants are plants that have evolved in a specific region and have adapted to the local climate and soil conditions. Native plants can offer many benefits for the environment, such as:

Reducing water use and runoff by requiring less irrigation and fertilization

Enhancing biodiversity and ecosystem services by supporting native wildlife and pollinators

Improving air quality and mitigating climate change by sequestering carbon and reducing greenhouse gas emissions

Increasing soil health and stability by preventing erosion and improving infiltration

Creating a sense of place and cultural identity by reflecting the natural heritage of the region

The other options are not strategies that would decrease the impact of a new construction project. Maximizing views of the existing wetland may improve occupant satisfaction, but it does not necessarily reduce the environmental footprint of the project. Locating the project in an existing office park with ample parking may reduce land use and transportation impacts, but it may also increase heat island effect and stormwater runoff. Increasing the project’s footprint to maximize roof space for a solar array may increase renewable energy generation, but it may also increase site disturbance, material use, and energy demand. References: : Native Plants

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​​.

 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

According to the LeadingGreen Guide:

“Individual controls for lighting have a significant effect on occupants’ comfort. Meeting the unique needs of each occupant can be accomplished through effective design of lighting controls…”

LEED credits under EQc6 emphasize providing lighting comfort and energy savings through such controls.

According to the LEED credit library, the Energy and Atmosphere category for Building Design and Construction: New Construction and Major Renovation has 6 prerequisites and 11 credits, with a total of 33 possible points. The prerequisites are:

Fundamental Commissioning and Verification (required)

Minimum Energy Performance (required)

Building-Level Energy Metering (required)

Fundamental Refrigerant Management (required)

Construction Activity Pollution Prevention (required)

Advanced Energy Metering (required)

The credits are:

Enhanced Commissioning (2-6 points)

Optimize Energy Performance (1-18 points)

Advanced Energy Metering (1 point)

Demand Response (1-2 points)

Renewable Energy Production (1-3 points)

Enhanced Refrigerant Management (1 point)

Green Power and Carbon Offsets (1-2 points)

LEED considers products to be environmentally preferable when they are locally extracted, manufactured, and purchased. This is because local sourcing reduces the environmental impact associated with transportation, supports local economies, and can often ensure that the materials are suitable for the local climate and conditions. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

According to the Indoor Environmental Quality credit category of LEED, mechanical and electrical rooms are considered unoccupied spaces. These spaces are typically not intended for human occupancy, except for maintenance or operational purposes, and therefore do not require the same level of environmental control (such as ventilation or temperature control) as occupied spaces. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

 LEED is an acronym for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, which is the most widely used green building rating system in the world. LEED provides a framework for creating healthy, efficient, and cost-saving buildings that have positive environmental and social impacts. LEED certification is a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement and leadership12.

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?

Daylighting falls under the Indoor Environmental Quality category. LEED awards points for strategies that enhance natural light to improve occupant comfort and reduce energy consumption​​.

The cost of commissioning (Cx) is often repaid with recovered energy performance. Commissioning is a process of verifying and documenting that a building and its systems meet the design intent and the owner’s project requirements. Commissioning can help improve the energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality, and occupant satisfaction of a building. According to a study by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, commissioning can result in median energy savings of 13% for existing buildings and 16% for new construction, with payback times of 1.1 years and 4.2 years, respectively1. Therefore, commissioning can be acost-effective investment that pays off with reduced energy consumption and costs over the life cycle of a building. References: Building Commissioning: A Golden Opportunity for Reducing Energy Costs and Greenhouse Gas Emissions1; LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, Energy and Atmosphere, page 81

The Facilities Manager is typically responsible for ensuring the comfort and safety of a building’s occupants. They would be best equipped to evaluate responses to a survey about comfort levels in the building and develop a corrective action plan to address any problems identified. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

A strategy for preventing light pollution is to install shielded fixtures. Light pollution is the excessive or inappropriate use of artificial lighting that can have adverse effects on human health, wildlife, ecosystems, and astronomy. Shielded fixtures are lighting devices that direct light downward and prevent light from escaping upward or sideways. Shielded fixtures can reduce light pollution by minimizing glare, sky glow, light trespass, and energy waste13. References: LEED v4 Green Associate Candidate Handbook1, International Dark-Sky Association’s Lighting Basics3

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

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

LEED for Building Operations and Maintenance (O+M) is the rating system that applies to existing buildings and interior spaces that have been fully operational and occupied for at least one year1. It focuses on performance-oriented sustainable strategies and outcomes, such as energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, indoor environmental quality, and transportation2. LEED O+M can help existing buildings reduce their environmental impacts and improve their operations1.

 2 LEED rating system | U.S. Green Building Council1 LEED for Existing Buildings (LEED-EB) | Harvard Energy & Facilities.

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]

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

Conducting an occupant comfort survey with all building occupants is an effective way to identify occupant comfort issues in a space based on LEED best practices. An occupantcomfort 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, ergonomics, and aesthetics. An occupant comfort survey can help identify areas of improvement and potential solutions for enhancing occupant comfort and well-being. The other options are not effective ways to identify occupant comfort issues in a space based on LEED best practices. Installing energy meters in the building is a strategy that measures energy performance, but does not directly address occupant comfort. Discussing potential issues with building owner is a subjective and limited way of gathering information, as the building owner may not represent the views and experiences of all building occupants. Waiting for occupants to alert facilities management team of issues is a passive and reactive way of addressing occupant comfort, as some occupants may not voice their concerns or may have already suffered from discomfort. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, page 25; USGBC, [Guide to LEED Certification: Commercial], page 13.

The methodology that is used to evaluate and study the economic performance of a building or system over its entire life is life cycle assessment (LCA). LCA is a technique that assesses the environmental aspects and potential impacts associated with a product, process, or service throughout its life cycle, from raw material extraction to end-of-life disposal or recycling7. LCA can also include an economic dimension by incorporating life cycle costing (LCC), whichestimates the total costs of ownership over the life cycle of a product or system8. By combining LCA and LCC, one can evaluate the environmental and economic performance of a building or system in a holistic way, taking into account both the initial investment costs and the long-term operational costs. This can help identify trade-offs and synergies between environmental and economic objectives, as well as opportunities for improving efficiency and reducing impacts9. References: Life-cycle assessment7; What is Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)?8; Life Cycle Costing in Construction Projects: A Case Study of a Municipal Building in Portugal9

Designers and builders can construct a green building that uses significantly less water than a conventional building by incorporating native plant landscapes. Native plant landscapes are plants that are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, and require little or no irrigation, fertilization, or pesticides. They also provide habitat for wildlife, reduce stormwater runoff, and enhance the aesthetic value of the site. The LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook states that one of the intents of the Sustainable Sites category is to “conserve water by using native or adapted plants” [1, p. 13]. References: [LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook], [Native Plants | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency]

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

The LEED for Schools rating system includes specific requirements not found in other BD+C categories:

“Minimum Acoustical Performance – Schools ONLY – EQp3 + EQc9… This prerequisite is for school projects only to provide a quiet environment to facilitate the teacher-to-student and student-to-student communication.”

This makes "Minimum Acoustic Performance" a required prerequisite for schools.

LEED certification is awarded based on the number of points a project earns across several categories of green building performance. The range of points required to achieve LEED Silver is 50-59, out of a possible 110 points. The other levels of LEED certification are: Certified (40-49 points), Gold (60-79 points), and Platinum (80 or more points)12. Therefore, if a project initially has 34 credit points,it would need 20 additional points to reach the minimum threshold for LEED Silver. References: LEED v4 Green Associate Candidate Handbook1, LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide2

The Full Time Equivalent (FTE) occupancy of a project is a measure of how many people occupy a building or space on a regular basis. The FTE occupancy is calculated by dividing the total number of hours worked by all occupants in a week by the standard weekly hours for one FTE occupant. Thestandard weekly hours for one FTE occupant is typically 40 hours per week1 . For this project, the FTE occupancy is calculated as follows:

16 employees x 4 hours/day x 5 days/week = 320 hours/week 20 employees x 6 hours/day x 5 days/week = 600 hours/week 10 employees x 8 hours/day x 5 days/week = 400 hours/week Total hours/week = 1320 hours/week FTE occupancy = 1320 hours/week / 40hours/week = 33 Therefore, the FTE occupancy of the project is 33. References: LEED v4 Green Associate Candidate Handbook1, LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide

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.

Low-Impact Development (LID) is an approach to land development that uses various land planning and design practices and technologies to simultaneously conserve and protect natural resource systems and reduce infrastructure costs. LID still allows land to be developed, but in a cost-effective manner that helps mitigate potential environmental impacts. This approach aims to manage rainwater as close to its source as possible, mimicking a site’s pre-development hydrology through the use of numerous site design strategies. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

LEED Interior Design and Construction (ID+C) is a rating system that applies to projects that are a complete interior fit-out or renovation1. Data centers are one of the project types that can use this rating system, as they have specific requirements for energy efficiency, cooling, and reliability2.

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LEED rating system

LEED rating system selection

LEED Rating Systems Overview

LEED credits are weighted based on their potential environmental impacts and human benefits. Those that most directly address these areas are given greater weight in the scoring system. This approach is intended to prioritize actions that have the greatest positive impact on critical environmental issues such as climate change, water resources, biodiversity, air pollution, and human health. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

LEED certification is awarded based on the number of points a project earns across several categories of green building performance. The range of points required to achieve the Certified level of certification for the commercial LEED Rating System is 40-49, out of a possible 110points. The other levels of LEED certification are: Silver (50-59 points), Gold (60-79 points), and Platinum (80 or more points)12. References: LEED v4 Green Associate Candidate Handbook1, LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide2

According to the LEED Study Guide:

“LEED for Operations and Maintenance (LEED O+M) applies to existing buildings that are fully operational and occupied.”

This system evaluates how a building performs after it is constructed and in use, making it the correct fit for a built project.

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

A flush-out is a process that is conducted prior to building occupancy and removes indoor airborne contaminants by thoroughly exhausting old air and replacing it with fresh outdoor air. A flush-out is one of the options for achieving the LEED Indoor Air Quality Assessment credit, which aims to reduce indoor air quality problems resulting from construction or renovation and promote the comfort and well-being of occupants1. A flush-out requires that the building be supplied with a total air volume of 14,000 cubic feet of outdoor air per square foot of gross floor area while maintaining an internal temperature of at least 60°F and no higher than 80°F and relative humidity no higher than 60%. The flush-out can be done before or during occupancy, but the latter option requires a minimum ventilation rate and duration2. A flush-out can help to remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulate matter (PM), and other pollutants that may be emitted from construction materials, finishes, furnishings, and equipment3.

Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) are tradable, non-tangible energy commodities that represent the environmental attributes of one megawatt-hour of electricity generated from renewable sources, such as wind, solar, hydro, or biomass1. RECs can be purchased by anyone, regardless of their location or utility provider, to support the development of renewable energy and reduce their carbon footprint2. RECs can also help projects earn points for the LEED v4 Innovation credit for Green Power and Carbon Offsets,which requires the purchase of at least 50% of the total building energy use from renewable sources or offsets for a minimum of five years3.

Using Renewable Energy for LEED Certification

Renewable Energy Certificates For Green Building Explained

LEED v4, Renewable Energy, and Carbon Offsets

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.

Gallons per minute or liters per minute refers to the amount of water used by flow fixtures in LEED. Flow fixtures are fixtures that deliver a constant stream of water, such as faucets, showerheads, or hose bibs. The flow rate of these fixtures is measured in gallons per minute (gpm) or liters per minute (L/min), which indicates how much water flows through them in a given time period. The LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook states that one of the strategies for achieving water efficiency is to “use low-flow faucets and showerheads (maximum 2.5 gpm at 80 psi)” [1, p. 14]. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, [Water Efficiency | U.S. Department of Energy]

The project team’s strategy of using low-flow toilet fixtures and integrating non-potable water strategies for the building interior falls under the Water Efficiency category. The Water Efficiency category addresses the conservation and management of water resources in buildings and landscapes. Using low-flow toilet fixtures reduces the amount of potable waterused for flushing toilets, saving water and energy. Integrating non-potable water strategies for the building interior involves using alternative sources of water, such as rainwater, graywater, or reclaimed water, for non-potable purposes such as toilet flushing or irrigation, reducing the demand for potable water and wastewater generation. The other options are not categories that this strategy falls under. Innovation is a category that recognizes exemplary performance, innovative strategies, or pilot credits that are not covered by existing LEED credits. Sustainable Sites is a category that addresses the selection, development, and maintenance of project sites in ways that minimize environmental impacts and enhance human health and well-being. Optimized Process Water Use is not a LEED category or credit. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, page 31; USGBC [Water Efficiency], page 1-2.

In the context of a LEED project, the charrette is a meeting of stakeholders, project team members and others to establish project objectives. The charrette is a collaborative and participatory process that involves brainstorming, discussing, and generating ideas and solutions for the project’s sustainability goals, design strategies, performance targets, and evaluation methods. The charrette is usually held at the early stages of the project to ensure alignment and integration among all parties involved. The LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook states that one of the steps in the integrative process is to “conduct a preliminary LEED assessment with key project team members, including owner” [1, p. 12]. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, [Charrette | Whole Building Design Guide]

Building-level energy metering is a prerequisite in LEED that requires the installation of energy meters to track the total energy usage of a building12. It helps to monitor and optimize the energy performance of the building and to report the data to USGBC3. Green metering, site evaluation data, and energy savings records are not terms used in LEED.

Increasing density means building more units or floor area on a given site, which reduces the amount of land and resources needed per unit or occupant1. This also creates a smaller footprint and maximizes the floor area ratio (FAR), which is the ratio of the total building floor area to the site area2. Increasing density can help achieve creditsin the Location and Transportation category, such as Surrounding Density and Diverse Uses3.

LEED v4: Neighborhood Development Guide | U.S. Green Building Council1

Floor Area Ratio - Planning Department2

LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide - U.S. Green Building Council3

Native landscaping directly supports bothsite assessmentandoutdoor water use reductionby reducing irrigation needs and enhancing biodiversity:

“Install native or adaptive landscaping to reduce or eliminate irrigation demands… Site assessment is one of the most important parts of the integrative process…”

This synergy reflects environmental and water conservation priorities within the LEED rating system.

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an independent, non-governmental organization that promotes responsible management of the world’s forests. FSC sets standards for forest management that ensure environmental, social, and economic benefits for present and future generations. FSC also certifies forest products that meet its standards through a chain of custody system that tracks the origin and processing of the products. A wood product that is certified by FSC is guaranteed to be harvested from a well-managed source that protects biodiversity, respects indigenous rights, maintains forest productivity, and supports local communities1 . References: LEED v4 Green Associate Candidate Handbook1, FSC’s What We Do

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

Regional priority credits are bonus points that are awarded to projects that achieve credits that address geographically specific environmental, social equity and public health priorities. These credits are not new LEED credits, but instead are existing credits that USGBC regional councils and chapters have designated as being particularly important for their areas. The goal of regional priority credits is to incentivize project teams to address the most critical and relevant environmental issues in their regions, such as water scarcity, air quality, habitat loss, or social equity12. Regional priority credits are based on the project’s geolocation (latitude and longitude coordinates), which can be entered and confirmed during project registration in LEED Online2. Each project can earn up to four regional priority bonus points, one for each regional priority credit achieved3.

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 considered an alternative water source because it is a sustainable source of water that is not supplied from fresh surface water or groundwater. Rainwater can be harvested from roofs or other surfaces and stored for later use. Rainwater can offset the demand for freshwater and reduce the pressure on water resources. Rainwater can be used for various purposes, such as irrigation, toilet flushing, cooling, and cleaning. LEED projects can earn credits for using alternative water sources under the Water Efficiency category. References: Best Management Practice #14: Alternative Water Sources1; LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, Water Efficiency, page 51

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. One of the key aspects of integrative process is to establish feedback loops that allow for continuous monitoring, evaluation, and improvement of the project performance during its operation. Therefore, option C is an example of integrative process, while the other options are not directly related to it. References: Integrative process | U.S. Green Building Council, section “Integrative Process”; Understanding Integrative Design in LEED v4, page 1; LEED Integrative Process Credit Explained, section “INTEGRATIVE PROCESS V4 CREDIT OVERVIEW”

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

ASHRAE 189.1 is a standard for the design of high-performance green buildings that covers various aspects of sustainability, energy efficiency, water efficiency, indoor environmental quality, and more. It is an alternate compliance path for the IGCC, which is a model code that contains minimum requirements for green building design and construction. In jurisdictions that adopt the IGCC, a builder has the option to design and construct a building in accordance with the provisions of ASHRAE 189.1 rather than those of the IGCC123.

ASHRAE Standard 189.1-2014: Standard for the Design of High-Performance Green Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings (ASHRAE 189.1) | US EPA Smart Growth1

ASHRAE Standard 189.1-2014 - Trane Heating & Air Conditioning2

IgCC and ASHRAE Standard 189.1 Technical Provisions3

LEED Building Design and Construction: Homes is the rating system that applies to single-family homes, low-rise multi-family homes, and mid-rise multi-family homes1. It includes the ability to reduce point thresholds for LEED certification levels based on building size, as smaller homes tend to have lower environmental impacts than larger homes2. The point thresholds are determined by the size of the house compared to the number of bedrooms1.

 2 LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Homes, p. 171 The LEED rating system - Ecohome.

A 100% vegetated roof coverage best addresses both heat island effect and rainwater runoff from the roof only. A vegetated roof, also known as a green roof, is a layer of living plants thatcovers the roof surface. A vegetated roof reduces the heat island effect by providing shade, evapotranspiration, and insulation, lowering the roof temperature and the surrounding air temperature. A vegetated roof also reduces rainwater runoff by retaining and absorbing precipitation, decreasing the volume and peak flow of stormwater leaving the roof. The other options are not as effective as a 100% vegetated roof coverage in addressing both heat island effect and rainwater runoff from the roof only. A 100% high-albedo roof reflects more solar radiation than a conventional roof, reducing the heat island effect, but it does not reduce rainwater runoff. A 20% high-albedo and 80% conventional roof has a lower reflectance than a 100% high-albedo roof, resulting in a higher heat island effect, and it does not reduce rainwater runoff either. A 50% standing seam copper and 50% vegetated roof has a lower vegetated area than a 100% vegetated roof, resulting in less shade, evapotranspiration, insulation, retention, and absorption, leading to a higher heat island effect and more rainwater runoff. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, page 27; USGBC, [Sustainable Sites], page 3.

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.

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.

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

Blackwater is wastewater that contains fecal matter and pathogens, such as from toilets. Greywater is wastewater that is less contaminated, such as from showers, sinks, and washing machines1. However, the classification of kitchen sink wastewater may vary depending on local codes and regulations. Some states and authorities consider kitchen sink wastewater as blackwater because it may contain food waste and germs123. Others consider it as greywater if it meets certain quality standards and is used for beneficial purposes, such as irrigation or toilet flushing45. A CIR (Credit Interpretation Request) is a process to seek clarification on a specific credit or prerequisite in a LEED rating system, but it does not change the definition of blackwater or greywater.

Greywater Reuse | WaterSense | US EPA4

Greywater - California Department of Water Resources5

What Is Greywater? What Is Blackwater? | HomeServe USA1

Grey Water / Reclaimed Water | University of Maryland Extension2

What is meant by the terms Gray water and black water3

Credit Interpretation Requests (CIRs) | U.S. Green Building Council

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

Lighting controls are devices or systems that can regulate the amount and quality of light in a space according to various factors, such as user preferences, natural light availability, occupancy, and time of day. By doing so, lighting controls can improve occupant comfort and save energy throughout the building. Lighting controls can enhance the visual comfort, well-being, and productivity of the occupants by providing them with appropriate and adjustable light levels for different tasks and moods. Lighting controls can also reduce the energy consumption and environmental impact of the lighting system by avoiding unnecessary or excessive lighting, which can waste electricity, generate heat, and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.Lighting controls are an essential component of green building design and certification, such as LEED v4, which has adopted ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2010 as the baseline for energy performance and lighting requirements. LEED v4 also recognizes and rewards various lighting control strategies, such as automatic shutoff, light-level reduction, daylight harvesting, exterior lighting control, and plug-load control. References: [LEED Link: Minimum Energy Performance], section “LEED v4 BD+C: Minimum Energy Performance”; [LEED Link: Lighting Controls], section “LEED v4 BD+C: Lighting Controls”

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.

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

Greenwashing is a term that describes misinformation presented to consumers to portray a product or policy as being more environmentally friendly than it is. Greenwashing can be done by using vague or misleading claims, false labels or certifications, irrelevant or exaggerated benefits, or hidden trade-offs. Greenwashing can deceive consumers into buying products or supporting policies that are not trulygreen, and undermine the credibility and effectiveness of genuine green initiatives1 . References: LEED v4 Green Associate Candidate Handbook1, EPA’s Greenwashing

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

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]

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.

From the Project Surroundings guide:

“Only about 3% of Earth’s water is freshwater.”

This limited availability emphasizes the importance of water conservation in LEED.

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

Maximizing daylighting opportunities with properly sized and oriented windows can significantly reduce a building’s energy use. By allowing more natural light into the building, the need for artificial lighting can be reduced, which in turn reduces electricity consumption. Additionally, if windows are properly oriented, they can also help with passive heating and cooling, further reducing energy use. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

According to systems thinking, climate change is an example of a positive feedback loop, which means that an initial change in one part of the system causes a chain ofevents that amplify the effects of the change. For example, as the Earth warms due to increased greenhouse gas emissions, ice sheets and glaciers melt, reducing the albedo (reflectivity) of the Earth’s surface and allowing more solar radiation to be absorbed, which further increases the temperature and accelerates the melting process. This is one of several positive feedback loops that can accelerate climate change and make it harder to reverse.

15 Climate Feedback Loops and Examples - Earth How

Systems Thinking Through Climate Change — 5 Positive Feedback Loops

What are climate change feedback loops? - The Guardian