LEED Process Flashcards
1
Q
What is an alternative compliance path to the International Green Construction Code (IgCC)?
A
ASHRAE 189.1
2
Q
What LEED rating systems would the project team of a planned new three-story apartment building choose?
A
The LEED Homes rating system that corresponds to the ENERGY STAR program in which they are participating.
3
Q
What LEED credit category encourages strategies that minimize the impact on ecosystems and water resources?
A
Sustainable Sites
4
Q
The LEED Green Building Rating System is all of the following:
A
The LEED Green Building Rating System is all of the following:
Consensus-based
Voluntary
Market-driven
5
Q
What is the maximum number of project administrators that can be assigned to a LEED project?
A
One.
There is only one project administrator per project.
6
Q
What must occur before a project team pursues a LEED Interpretation?
A
The inquiry must first undergo the project CIR process.
7
Q
The total land area of a project site covered by buildings, streets, parking areas, and other typically impermeable surfaces constructed as part of the project is the:
A
Development footprint
8
Q
What impact categories are given the greatest weight in LEED?
A
Reverse Contribution to Global Climate Change 35%
and
Enhance Individual Human Health and Well-Being 20%
9
Q
Promoting the triple bottom line is a part of USGBC’s what?
A
USGBC’s (7) Guiding principles:
(1) Promote the triple bottom line (people, planet, profit)
(2) Establish leadership
(3) Reconcile humanity with nature
(4) Foster social equity
(5) Maintain integrity
(6) Be inclusive
(7) Exhibit transparency
10
Q
When there are two or more rating systems that might be applicable to a project, how should the project team decide which rating system to use?
A
Use the 40/60 rule:
- If a particular rating system is appropriate for 40% or less of a LEED project building or space, then that rating system should not be used.
- If a particular rating system is appropriate for 60% or more of a LEED project building or space, then that rating system should be used.
- Project teams with buildings and spaces that do not fall into the scenarios described in a) and b) must independently assess their situation and decide which rating system is most applicable.
11
Q
A LEED credit that supports local economies and strengthens the green building industry and supply chains supports what impact category?
A
Build a Greener Economy
The Build a Greener Economy impact category components are:
(1) Enhance the Value Proposition of Green Building
(2) Strengthen the Green Building Industry and Supply Chain
(3) Promote Innovation and Integration of Green Building Products and Services
(4) Incentive Long Term Growth and Investment Opportunities
(5) Support Local Economies
12
Q
What determines the level of certification a project earns?
A
The number of points a project earns determines the level of certification.
- Certified: 40-49 points
- Silver: 50-59 points
- Gold: 60-79 points
- Platinum: 80+ points
13
Q
What are the roles of USGBC?
A
USGBC is responsible for administering and creating the LEED rating systems.
USGBC issues LEED building certifications once they have been approved by GBCI’s third-party review.
14
Q
Each LEED credit and prerequisite includes the intent of the credit/prerequisite. What is the ‘intent’ of a credit/prerequisite?
A
Identifies the main sustainability goal or benefit of the prerequisite or credit
15
Q
Which of the following is NOT a component of the impact category Enhance Social Equity, Environmental Justice, Community Health and Quality of Life?
A. Provide Affordable, Equitable and Resilient Communities B. Promote Access to Neighborhood Completeness Resources C. Support Occupant Comfort and Well-Being D. Create a Strong Sense of Place E. Promote Human Rights and Environmental Justice
A
Support Occupant Comfort and Well-Being is a component of the impact category Enhance Individual Human Health and Well-Being.
16
Q
To transform the way buildings and communities are designed, built, and operated, enabling an environmentally and socially responsible, healthy, and prosperous environment that improves the quality of life’ describes what?
A
This statement describes USGBC’s mission.
17
Q
For which of the following would a LEED Green Associate use the Green Building Information Gateway (GBIG)?
A
Exploring and comparing the green dimensions of the built environment.
One of the tasks of a LEED Green Associate is to create project profiles/case studies/press releases.
Part of the public relations guidelines for LEED-certified projects may be to utilize the Green Building Information Gateway (GBIG). The GBIG is a global-innovation platform used for exploring and comparing the green dimensions of the built environment.
18
Q
What is true regarding the LEED Scorecard?
A
There is one LEED Scorecard that can be used for any rating system
Each rating system family (BD+C, ID+C, O+M, ND) has one project checklist.
The LEED Scorecard is organized by LEED category.
Each LEED category is listed, along with the credits and prerequisites for that category.
The LEED Scorecard is also called the LEED Credit Checklist.
19
Q
What is submitted to document that the requirements of a credit or prerequisite were met?
A
LEED credit form.
Each rating system will have its own set of forms that must be completed and submitted for documentation and verification. These credit forms accessed via LEED Online.
Credits/prerequisites are assigned by the project administrator. Whoever has been assigned responsibility for the credit/prerequisite by the administrator fills out the credit form using LEED Online. Once all of the credit forms are completed for those credits being attempted, the project administrator will submit the project for review.
The credit forms are also referred to as credit templates, submittal templates, or submittals.
20
Q
The area of a project site that is used by the building structure, defined by the perimeter of the building plan is the:
A
Building footprint.
21
Q
What is the minimum certification level in LEED?
A
The minimum certification level is Certified.
- Certified: 40-49 points
- Silver: 50-59 points
- Gold: 60-79 points
- Platinum: 80+ points
22
Q
What should be used during all project phases to verify the green building goals are being met?
A
LEED Project Checklist.
The LEED Project Checklist is the quick list of what credits the project team has decided to pursue in the pre-design phase, based on the project vision and the project’s green building goals.
Through each phase this checklist is consulted to ask ‘are we on track and are we working towards meeting those credits we set out to do?’
23
Q
What is one difference between LEED Interpretations and project CIRs?
A
LEED interpretations are precedent setting.
There are three significant ways in which LEED Interpretations are different from Project CIRs:
- Precedent-setting
All project teams are required to adhere to all LEED interpretations posted before their registration date. This also applies to other addenda. Adherence to rulings posted after a project registers is optional, but strongly encouraged.
A Project CIR can only be used by the project that submitted it.
- Published Online
LEED interpretations will be published in a searchable database at usgbc.org. Project CIRs are not published publicly.
- Subject to consensus-based review
LEED interpretations undergo review by the US Green Building Council’s (USGBC) member-selected volunteer LEED committees.
Project CIRs are created by the certification review teams at the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI).
24
Q
Which of the following actions can NOT be performed by a project team member using LEED Online?
A. Coordinating resources among project team members
B. Managing public-facing project details
C. Accessing web-based reference guides
D. Submitting technical inquiries regarding LEED credits
A
Accessing web-based reference guides.
The web-based reference guides are accessible only through a user’s USGBC online account, not through LEED online.
25
What is true about a project that earns 38 points towards certification?
The project would not earn certification
Projects must earn a minimum of 40 points. Anything less does not earn certification.
26
What does IgCC stand for?
International Green Construction Code (IgCC)
The IgCC provides the building industry with language that both broadens and strengthens building codes in a way that will accelerate the construction of high performance green buildings.
Jurisdictions that adopt the IgCC into their building codes can enforce them.
27
What LEED rating system addresses exterior site maintenance programs?
LEED O+M: Existing Buildings
The LEED O+M Rating Systems helps building owners and operators measure operations, improvements and maintenance on a consistent scale, with the goal of maximizing operational efficiency while minimizing environmental impacts. LEED for Existing Buildings addresses whole-building cleaning and maintenance issues (including chemical use), recycling programs, exterior maintenance programs, and systems upgrades. It can be applied both to existing buildings seeking LEED certification for the first time and to projects previously certified under LEED BD+C.' - USGBC
28
How does USGBC support achievement of its mission 'to transform the way buildings and communities are designed, built and operated, enabling an environmentally and socially responsible, healthy, and prosperous environment that improves the quality of life'?
(Choose 2)
```
A. Free consulting
B. Financial incentives
C. GBCI
D. LEED green building program
E. Local chapters
```
LEED green building program
and
Local chapter
29
A hamburger franchise is planning on building thirty new restaurants across the country in the next two years. Each restaurant is based on the same prototype. How should the multiple buildings be certified?
Using the LEED Volume Program
The LEED Volume Program is a streamlined certification process for organizations planning to certify a large number of new construction projects that are prototype-based.
The LEED Volume Program is more streamlined as a process than registering each project individually with LEED online.
30
What best defines the property area?
Total area within the legal property boundaries of the site; it encompasses all areas of the site, including constructed and non-constructed areas
The property boundary and/or property area is the total area within the legal property boundaries of the site; it encompasses all areas of the site, including constructed and nonconstructed areas.
31
What are the basic types of LEED improvements that are updated through revisions on a regular development cycle?
(Choose 3)
```
A. Adaptations
B. LEED technical requests
C. Errata and Addenda
D. Next version of LEED
E. LEED reviewer comments
F. Credit interpretation requests
```
There are three basic types of LEED improvements:
ERRATA & ADDENDA or Implementation and maintenance of the current version of LEED: This process includes the correction and clarification of credit language as well as fixing more substantive inaccuracies and omissions, which require a more rigorous review and approval process.
ADAPTATIONS: The process for adaptations to existing ratings systems and their credits provides an efficient and streamlined approach for responding to the particular needs, constraints and opportunities of different project types.
NEXT VERSION: This is the comprehensive improvement phase of LEED development that occurs through a periodic evaluation and revision process. This phase includes multiple avenues for stakeholder input and final approval by USGBC members.
32
What components are included in the impact category for Reverse Contribution to Global Climate Change?
GHG Emissions Reduction from Building Operations Energy Use and GHG Emissions Reduction from a Cleaner Energy Supply
The 5 components of this impact category are:
GHG Emissions Reduction from Transportation Energy Use
GHG Emissions Reduction from Materials and Water Embodied Energy Use
GHG Emissions Reduction by Embodied Energy of Water Reduction
GHG Emissions Reduction from a Cleaner Energy Supply
Global Warming Potential Reduction from Non-Energy Related Drivers
33
Impact Categories were developed and approved by the LEED Steering Committee for incorporation into
LEED v4. These Impact Categories answer the question: “What should a LEED project accomplish?”
List the (7) LEED impact categories?
(1) Reverse Contribution to Global Climate Change
(2) Enhance Individual Human Health and Well-Being
(3) Protect and Restore Water Resources
(4) Protect, Enhance and Restore Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services
(5) Promote Sustainable and Regenerative Material Resources Cycles
(6) Build a Greener Economy
(7) Enhance Social Equity, Environmental Justice, and Community Quality of Life
34
A university client asks about certifying multiple buildings. Which of the following is an appropriate response?
The Campus Program can be used for projects not necessarily uniform in design or operations but located on a single campus location.
LEED volume is for prototype-based projects, usually in different areas. Campus is for projects located on a single campus. A big university with many satellite schools building the same classroom in multiple, distant locations would be LEED Volume. A school classification doesn't automatically indicate a Campus Program.
The Campus Program is used when there are less than twenty-five projects and they are non-uniform in size. The projects do not have to be adjacent.
35
What are the key criteria that define green building performance?
Prerequisites
The prerequisites are the key criteria that define green building performance. - GBCI
36
What is the point range for a project to earn LEED Gold?
The Gold level is 60-79 points
* Certified: 40-49 points
* Silver: 50-59 points
* Gold: 60-79 points
* Platinum: 80+ points
37
Some credits have an LPE option. What does LPE mean?
That the credit has a Licensed Professional Exemption
Licensed Professional Exemption (LPE) is an optional credit documentation path in which professionals can submit license information and a declaration of compliance in lieu of a number of otherwise required submittals.
Credit forms automatically recognize and link LP information from user account data when that user accesses the credit form. Licensed Professional (LP) Information must be identified from the My Account Page of the user's account, or during User Registration. This information is visible within a project on the Team Administration page, but can only be added or changed from the My Account Page. For LPE paths with multiple sign-offs, more than one team member may be assigned to the credit or prerequisite for signatures. (see 'Assign Credits') Note: It is not required that the LP be a LEED AP. Also, the LP must have a U.S. license but it does not have to be issued from the state of the project.
Based on credit, LPE streamlined paths are available to:
Professional Engineers (PE)
Registered Architects (RA)
Registered Landscape Architects (RLA)
Registered Interior Designers (RID)
38
A member company wants to display its USGBC member logo. What would be an appropriate use for the USGBC member logo?
On company letterhead
While we receive many comments about the relevance of these types of questions, the subject matter may come up on your exam.
A LEED Green Associate's tasks includes creating project profiles/case studies/press releases which require knowledge of the USGBC trademark and logo policies.
Use of the USGBC member logo is limited to member companies.
39
Which LEED rating system has pre-certification?
LEED BD+C: Core and Shell
Once a project is registered as a LEED BD+C: Core and Shell project, the project team may apply for precertification. LEED BD+C: Core and Shell precertification is a formal recognition by the USGBC given to a candidate project for which the developer/owner has established a goal to develop a LEED BD+C: Core and Shell building. Once precertification is granted, the developer/owner can market the building's proposed green features to potential tenants and financiers.' -USGBC
40
What impact category most directly helps with the people aspect of the triple bottom line?
Enhance social equity, environmental justice, and community quality of life
This impact category directly emphasizes social equity and community.
41
What rating system has a credit category named Smart Location and Linkage?
LEED ND
Smart location & linkage credits promote walkable neighborhoods with efficient transportation options and open space.
42
What LEED rating system helps create better, more sustainable, well-connected neighborhoods?
LEED ND
LEED for Neighborhood Development integrates the principles of smart growth, urbanism and green building into the first national system for neighborhood design.
43
What is the International Green Construction Code (IgCC) intended to replace?
Traditional building codes
The IgCC provides the building industry with language that both broadens and strengthens building codes in a way that will accelerate the construction of high performance green buildings.
Jurisdictions that adopt the IgCC into their building codes can enforce them.
By having comprehensive mandatory codes, building owners can experience the benefits of green building.
44
A new building tenant is leasing 2-stories in an existing 10-story building. What rating system would be appropriate for the project?
LEED Interior Design and Construction:
Commercial Interiors is for interior spaces that are a complete interior fit-out. (-USGBC)
45
Credit Interpretation Requests (CIRs) are most likely used for what part of the LEED process?
LEED ID+C: Commercial Interiors
LEED BD+C: Core and Shell covers base building elements such as structure, envelope and the HVAC system. Once a tenant has been established then additional certifications can be earned.
Projects where 50% or less of the leasable square footage is owner-occupied are generally not candidates for LEED BD+C: New Construction.
46
Which of the following defines the types of buildings, spaces, and neighborhoods that the LEED rating system is designed to evaluate?
Minimum Program Requirements
MPRs are the minimum characteristics or conditions that make a project appropriate to pursue LEED certification. These requirements are foundational to all LEED projects and define the types of buildings, spaces, and neighborhoods that the LEED rating system is designed to evaluate.
47
How does LEED evaluate the environmental performance of a building?
From a whole building perspective over a building's life cycle
See LEED Today in reference.
LEED looks at the environmental performance of a building through the building's entire life cycle, from pre-design until deconstruction.
48
If an error is found in the LEED rating system, which of the following would USGBC use to address the error?
LEED Addenda
USGBC periodically publishes clarifications (also called addenda) to address errors in the LEED rating systems and reference guides.
49
What term refers to a mandatory project characteristic, measurement, quality, value or function as identified within the LEED rating system?
Prerequisite
In addition to the Minimum Program Requirements, each version of LEED contains unique prerequisite requirements that must be satisfied in order to achieve certification. The term prerequisite refers to a mandatory project characteristic, measurement, quality, value or function as identified within the LEED rating system. Prerequisites represent the key criteria that define green building performance. Each project must satisfy all specified prerequisites outlined in the LEED rating system under which it is registered. Failure to meet any prerequisite will render a project ineligible for certification.
A project must adhere to the LEED Minimum Program Requirements, (MPRs) in order to achieve LEED certification. LEED projects must comply with each applicable MPR. These requirements define the types of buildings that the LEED Green Building Rating Systems were designed to evaluate, and taken together serve three goals:
(1) to give clear guidance to customers
(2) to protect the integrity of the LEED program
(3) to reduce complications that occur during the LEED Certification process
50
Which of the following are credit categories found in the LEED scorecard?
(Choose 3)
```
A. Sustainable Sites
B. Materials and Resources
C. Energy Performance
D. Water Efficiency
E. LEED AP
F. Indoor Air Quality
```
Sustainable Sites
Materials and Resources
Water Efficiency
LEED is organized to promote action in 6 key areas, known as credit categories:
(1) Location and Transport
(2) Sustainable Sites
(3) Water Efficiency
(4) Energy and Atmosphere
(5) Materials and Resources
(6) Indoor Environmental Quality
51
An office has a small pantry with a kitchen sink. The sink is used to wash dishes by hand and fill coffee pots. What is the type of water called that comes out of the kitchen faucet?
Potable water
Water that meets EPA's drinking water standards is fit for human consumption and is considered potable.
52
For a project to be LEED Platinum a minimum of how many points must be earned?
Platinum: 80+ points
* Certified: 40-49 points
* Silver: 50-59 points
* Gold: 60-79 points
* Platinum: 80+ points
53
What is required of all new LEED buildings?
Minimum Program Requirement aka MPR
The Minimum Program Requirements are:
1. Must be in a permanent location on existing land
2. Must use reasonable LEED boundaries
3. Must comply with project size requirements
54
In what instances would a project team submit a Credit Interpretation Request (CIR)?
(Choose 2)
A. When the reference guide does not address a specific issue
B. When appealing a credit that has been denied
C. When the person registering the project has a question about the registration process
D. When a conflict in a credit or prerequisite requires resolution
When the reference guide does not address a specific issue (CIRs should be used when you can't find the answer in the reference guide.)
and
When a conflict in a credit or prerequisite requires resolution (CIRs should be used when there are conflicts in a credit/prerequisite.)
55
Which of the following is NOT a minimum program requirement (MPR)?
A. Permanent location on existing land
B. Compliance with project size requirements
C. Commitment to sharing whole-building energy and water usage data
D. Reasonable LEED boundaries
In LEED v4 the sharing of energy and water data are now prerequisites within the rating systems and no longer MPRs.
The Minimum Program Requirements are:
1. Must be in a permanent location on existing land
2. Must use reasonable LEED boundaries
3. Must comply with project size requirements
56
What impact category addresses reducing negative environmental impacts throughout the materials life-cycle?
Promote Sustainable and Regenerative Material Resources Cycles
The components of the Protect, Enhance and Restore Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services are:
(1) Local Biodiversity, Habitat Protection and Open Spaces
(2) Global Biodiversity, Habitat Protection and Land Preservation
(3) Sustainable Use and Management of Ecosystem Services
57
What part of LEED Online can be used to obtain a real-time snapshot of the project's progress?
The project timeline
The project timeline gives an overview of all the steps of the project's process via real-time snapshots.
58
Grammatically, what language is the appropriate usage to describe a project that has been certified at any level?
LEED-certified
'LEED-certified' with lowercase 'c' is used to describe a project that has been certified.
'LEED Certified' with capital 'C' (and no hyphen) is used to describe a project that has been certified to the base level: Certified.
59
What best defines the project boundary?
The project boundary is the platted property line of the project defining land and water within it.
60
What is each LEED rating system made up of?
A. Interpretations
B. 3rd party standards
C. Impact categories
D. A combination of credit categories
A combination of credit categories
'Each rating system is made up of a combination of credit categories.
Within each of the credit categories, there are specific prerequisites projects must satisfy and a variety of credits projects can pursue to earn points. The number of points the project earns determines its level of LEED certification.'
61
What describes a project that has been certified to the base level?
A. LEED Accredited
B. LEED's Certified
C. LEED Certified
D. LEED Certified certified
LEED Certified
'LEED Certified' with capital 'C' (and no hyphen) is used to describe a project that has been certified to the base level: Certified.
62
Protecting human health globally and across the entire built environment life cycle is part of what impact category?
Enhance Individual Human Health and Well-Being
The components of the impact category Enhance Individual Human Health and Well-Being are:
(1) Support Occupant Comfort and Well-Being
(2) Protect Human Health from Direct Exposure to Negative Health Impacts
(3) Protect Human Health Globally and Across the Entire Built Environment Life Cycle
63
A multi-family building that is 3 stories tall would be certified under what rating system?
LEED Homes and Multifamily Lowrise
LEED Homes and Multifamily Lowrise = single family and low-rise (1-3 stories) multifamily residential buildings that are undergoing new construction or a gut rehab.
LEED Multifamily Midrise = Mid-rise (4-8 stories) multifamily residential buildings, dormitories, and assisted living facilities can use LEED Multifamily Midrise.
LEED BD+C: New Construction can be used for residential projects of 4 or more stories.
64
Exemplary performance and pilot credits are awarded in what LEED category?
A. Innovation
B. Core and Shell
C. Sustainable Sites
D. Awareness and education
Innovation
All LEED rating systems award projects for innovative, exemplary performance, and pilot credits.
Innovative strategies are those that are not addressed in the LEED rating system.
Exemplary performance strategies are earned when a higher threshold is achieved beyond that required by the credit.
Pilot credits are experimental credits project teams can pursue.
65
A declarant is the person on the project team who:
Is technically qualified to verify the information on the LEED credit forms and is authorized by the project administrator to sign the form
66
What is the intent of the Indoor Environmental Quality credits?
Promote better indoor air quality and access to daylight and views
67
If a building has already earned LEED BD+C: New Construction certification what additional certifications could the building earn in the future?
(Choose 2)
A. LEED O+M: Existing Buildings
B. LEED for Neighborhood Development
C. LEED ID+C: Commercial Interiors
D. LEED BD+C: Core and Shell
LEED O+M: Existing Buildings could be earned for the ongoing operations of the building.
and
LEED ID+C: Commercial Interiors could be earned for the interior spaces.
68
What factor impacts the cost of earning LEED-certification?
Square footage of the building
The square footage of the project is the primary cost consideration for LEED-certification.
Remember certification and registration fees are not the same.
69
Where should a project team go for updates and errata for the LEED BD+C: New Construction rating system?
usgbc.org
Any updates, changes, errata to any LEED rating system are found on USGBC's website and nowhere else.
70
At a minimum, a project team must successfully do which of the following to obtain LEED certification?
(Choose 2)
A. Hire a LEED AP
B. Gather documentation for 40 of the points available
C. Gather documentation for the prerequisites
D. Record all vendors used on the project
Gather documentation for 40 of the points available
The minimum number of points required for certification is 40.
and
Gather documentation for the prerequisites
Projects must meet all prerequisites to earn LEED certification and submit documentation for the credits being attempted.
71
Which of the following documents establishes the terms and conditions of the LEED Certification Program to which the building owner is bound?
A. Agent's authority
B. LEED certification
C. Certification agreement
D. Owner's project requirements
Certification agreement
The purpose of the Agreement is to establish the terms and conditions of the LEED Certification Program (the 'Program,') to which You (and Your Agent, if any) are bound.
The Program consists of the process whereby GBCI reviews documentation submitted by participants to determine if a building, interior space, or neighborhood, as described to GBCI, complies with the requirements of the LEED Green Building Rating System and has accumulated the minimum number of points necessary to achieve pre-certification or a particular level of LEED Certification (i.e., LEED Certified, LEED Silver, LEED Gold, or LEED Platinum). GBCI administers the Program and confers pre-certification and LEED Certification under license from the U.S. Green Building Council, Inc. ('USGBC').
The agent's authority agreement allows an agent to act on behalf of an owner to perform certain actions.
LEED certification is what is awarded to a building, it is not a document that establishes terms and conditions for the Program.
The OPR documents how the owner expects the building to function.
72
What is the exterior surface of the building referred to as?
The building envelope (aka building shell) is the exterior surface of the building. It includes the walls, windows, roof, and floor.
73
What does LEED stand for?
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
74
Who develops ongoing improvements to LEED?
USGBC member-based volunteer committees in conjunction with USGBC staff
'LEED is developed by USGBC member-based volunteer committees, subcommittees, and working groups in conjunction with staff. LEED development follows a structure that includes a balanced representation of stakeholders and management of conflict of interest, to ensure that the development of LEED is transparent and consensus-based. The LEED committee structure balances market needs and constraints with consistency and technical rigor in the development and improvement of the credits within LEED, to ensure the quality and integrity of the LEED brand. The balloting process of new versions with USGBC membership reinforces the open consensus process.' - USGBC
75
Who is responsible for ensuring the use of the consensus process to evolve LEED in accordance with the mission, guiding principles, and strategic plan of USGBC?
LEED Steering Committee
The LEED Steering Committee (LSC) is an integrated group of volunteers and staff charged with developing and maintaining LEED as a leadership tool, preserving the integrity of the LEED rating systems, and ensuring the use of the consensus process to evolve LEED in accordance with the mission, guiding principles, and strategic plan of USGBC. A standing committee of USGBC Board of Directors, the LEED Steering Committee is the governing body of all LEED committees.
76
What are the roles of GBCI?
(Choose 3)
A. Auditing USGBC Member Companies
B. Administration of the LEED exams
C. Promoting the triple bottom line
D. Approving the LEED Rating Systems
E. Overseeing LEED credential maintenance
F. Third-party technical reviews of registered LEED projects
Administration of the LEED exams
Overseeing LEED credential maintenance
Third-party technical reviews of registered LEED projects
GBCI administers the LEED certification program, performing third-party technical reviews and verification of registered projects to determine if they have met the standards set forth by the LEED rating system.
77
What is the scope of the Protect and Restore Water Resources impact category?
Water Conservation, Water Quality Protection, and Protection and Restoration of Water Regimes and Natural Hydrological Cycles
The components of this impact category are:
(1) Water Conservation
(2) Water Quality Protection
(3) Protection and Restoration of Water Regimes and Natural Hydrological Cycles
78
A building owner's project includes a major HVAC renovation, significant envelope modifications, and core plumbing renovation. An interior fit-out is not part of the project. What LEED rating system would be most appropriate for this project?
LEED BD+C: Core and Shell
LEED Building Design and Construction: Core and Shell is for the exterior shell and core mechanical, electrical, and plumbing units, but not a complete interior fit-out.
LEED BD+C: Core and Shell is the appropriate rating system to use if more than 40% of the gross floor area is incomplete at the time of certification.
LEED Interior Design and Construction: Commercial Interiors is for interior spaces that are a complete interior fit-out.
LEED Operations and Maintenance: Existing Buildings is for buildings that are undergoing improvement work or little to no construction.
79
The point values of a credit are based on the credit's ability to:
(Choose 2)
A. Be easily implemented
B. Contribute to a higher certification level
C. Mitigate the environmental harms of a building
D. Promote beneficial effects
E. Decrease building costs
Mitigate the environmental harms of a building
and
Promote beneficial effects
80
Which of the following impact categories is given the greatest weight in LEED?
A. Build a Greener Economy
B. Reverse Contribution to Global Climate Change
C. Enhance Individual Human Health and Well-Being
D. Protect and Restore Water Resources
E. Protect, Enhance and Restore Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services
F. Promote Sustainable and Regenerative Material Resources Cycles
Reverse Contribution to Global Climate Change
Weighting of the LEED v4 impact categories account for differences in scale, scope, severity, and relative contribution of the built environment to the impact. The weightings are:
35% Reverse Contribution to Global Climate Change
20% Enhance Individual Human Health and Well-Being
15% Protect and Restore Water Resources
10% Protect, Enhance and Restore Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services
10% Promote Sustainable and Regenerative Material Resources Cycles
5% Build a Greener Economy
5% Enhance Social Equity, Environmental Justice, Community Health and Quality of Life
81
What LEED developments address specific space types and international requirements?
LEED Rating System adaptations
The LEED Rating System adaptations can be considered extensions of existing rating system to address specific types of spaces or requirements for international projects. For example the LEED BD+C: New Construction rating system currently has the following adaptations:
```
LEED BD+C: Core and Shell
LEED BD+C: Schools
LEED BD+C: Retail
LEED BD+C: Data Centers
LEED BD+C: Warehouses
LEED BD+C: Hospitality
LEED BD+C: Healthcare
```
82
A project that earns 65 points would earn what level of certification?
The Gold level is 60-79 points
* Certified: 40-49 points
* Silver: 50-59 points
* Gold: 60-79 points
* Platinum: 80+ points
83
An architect is designing a mixed use building that will have retail space on the lower floors and residential condominiums on the upper floors. The building will also include space for a pre-kindergarten learning facility. What LEED rating system would be most appropriate?
LEED BD+C: New Construction
A mixed use project for new construction would use the LEED BD+C: New Construction rating system.
84
A telecom company is building a new ten-story office and data center. The office space will be on the top seven floors and the data center on the first three floors. Which of the following rating system would be best suited for the project?
LEED BD+C: New Construction
LEED BD+C: New Construction. New construction or major renovation of buildings that do not primarily serve K-12 educational, retail, data centers, warehouses and distribution centers, hospitality, or healthcare uses. New construction also includes high-rise residential buildings nine stories or higher.
For LEED BD+C: Data Centers to be applicable the size of the data center in relation to the building must be 60% or more. In this case it is only the bottom three floors, which would be just 30%.
85
What is the proper designation for a project that has earned 80 points and met all prerequisites?
The Platinum level is 80+ points
* Certified: 40-49 points
* Silver: 50-59 points
* Gold: 60-79 points
* Platinum: 80+ points
86
Which of the following instances of documentation is an acceptable form when the name of the organization is appearing in a press release for the first time?
A. U.S. GBC
B. U.S.G.B.C.
C. U.S. Green Building Council
D. United States Green Building Council
U.S. Green Building Council
USGBC Name: The official organization name is the U.S. Green Building Council. 'USGBC' is the official acronym. Use the complete name for any first reference. Subsequent references in copy may use USGBC. NOTE: When using 'USGBC' as a noun, do not precede with 'the.' For example: Contact USGBC for more information.
87
What tool is used to determine the target certification level?
A. LEED Online
B. CIR
C. EPA's Target Finder
D. LEED Scorecard
LEED Scorecard
The LEED Scorecard helps teams decide what credits to achieve.
CIRs are specific questions regarding one credit or one prerequisite. They are submitted using LEED Online or using a standalone CIR form.
LEED Online is the tool used for documenting the project.
Target Finder is a no-cost online tool that enables architects and building owners to set energy targets and receive an EPA energy performance score for projects during the design process.
88
What does the LEED Volume Program help with?
Cost-effective LEED certification on a volume scale
Among other things the LEED Volume Program provides a cost-effective path to achieving LEED certification on a volume scale.
89
How are the number of points a credit can earn in LEED determined?
Each credit is independently evaluated by USGBC within the seven impact categories.
The USGBC LEED Steering Committees determine the credit weighting based on a point allocation methodology.
The basic approach is that each of the LEED credits are independently evaluated along each of the seven impact categories, in a matrix style format with credits as rows, impact categories as columns, and associations between credits and impact categories as individual cells. For each cell, an association between credit and impact category is determined and given a weight that depends on the relative strength of that association (i.e. credit outcome weighting).
90
How are LEED credits that significantly contribute to accomplishing the system goals of the seven impact categories given more emphasis?
A. They contain third party standards
B. The requirements are easier to achieve
C. The have more options to meet the requirements
D. They can earn more points
They can earn more points
'For LEED to be successful in driving the market toward certain priorities while still maintaining flexibility, credits that significantly contribute to accomplishing the system goals of the seven impact categories are given more emphasis by being assigned more points
91
LEED requires which of the following to be done in order for a project to earn certification?
(Choose 2)
A. Achieve at least 50 points
B. Include a LEED AP on the project
C. Meet the Minimum Program Requirements
D. Have the project administrator be a LEED AP
E. Achieve all prerequisites for the rating system
Meet the Minimum Program Requirements
All Minimum Program Requirements must be met.
and
Achieve all prerequisites for the rating system
ALL prerequisites must be met for the rating system. If even a single prerequisite cannot be achieved in the rating system being certified under the project cannot earn LEED certification.
92
Which of the following are mandatory for LEED certification?
(Choose 2)
A. Earning Innovation points
B. Earning at least 50 points
C. Achieving all Regional Priority credits
D. Meeting all prerequisites
E. Meeting the Minimum Program Requirements
F. Having a LEED AP on the project
Meeting all prerequisites
Meeting the prerequisites are mandatory for certification. Credits are optional, though a certain number of credits are needed for certification. The project team chooses which credits to pursue. Prerequisites are not a choice.
and
Meeting the Minimum Program Requirements
MPRs are mandatory for certification.
93
How many of the 110 possible LEED points can be earned for addressing regionally specific environmental issues?
Four.
LEED points are awarded on a 100-point scale, and credits are weighted to reflect their potential environmental impacts. Additionally, 10 bonus credits are available, four of which address regionally specific environmental issues.
All rating systems with 100 baseline points and 10 bonus points. Of the 10 bonus points 4 are for regional priority.
94
List credit category for LEED for Neighborhood Development?
List credit category for LEED for Neighborhood Development are:
(1) Smart Location and Linkage
(2) Green Infrastructure and Buildings
(3) Neighborhood Pattern and Design
95
What LEED credit category rewards projects within relatively dense areas, near diverse uses, with access to a variety of transportation options, or on sites with development constraints?
Location and Transportation
96
Which of the following are green building rating systems that exist in addition to LEED?
(Choose 3)
```
A. Green Star
B. BREEAM
C. ASHRAE
D. WaterSense
E. Green Globes
```
Green Star = Australia
BREEAM = is the world's leading environmental assessment method and rating system for buildings.
Green Globes = Canada and USA online green building rating tool
97
What is USGBC's vision?
Buildings and communities that will regenerate and sustain the health and vitality of all life within a generation
98
Which of the following appropriately refers to LEED's system goals?
Impact Categories
LEED's system goals are referred to as 'Impact Categories.' These Impact Categories answer the question: 'What should a LEED project accomplish?'
(1) Reverse Contribution to Global Climate Change
(2) Enhance Individual Human Health and Well-Being
(3) Protect and Restore Water Resources
(4) Protect, Enhance and Restore Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services
(5) Promote Sustainable and Regenerative Material Resources Cycles
(6) Build a Greener Economy
(7) Enhance Social Equity, Environmental Justice, and Community Quality of Life
99
What is true regarding LEED Interpretations true?
LEED interpretations are reviewed by LEED committees comprised of member-selected green building practitioners and USGBC staff.
LEED interpretations are an opportunity to contribute to LEED in a significant way.
LEED interpretations can be applied to multiple projects.
Note:
LEED interpretations are NOT an avenue for making significant changes or new requirements to the LEED rating system. LEED interpretations are also NOT the intended path for fixing errors in the LEED rating systems and reference guides. USGBC publishes clarifications (also called addenda) to address those issues.
100
What is the purpose of the LEED Pilot Credit Library?
To allow credits to be refined through LEED project evaluations before they complete the balloting process for introduction into LEED
The LEED Pilot Credit Library facilitates the introduction of new prerequisites and credits to LEED. The process allows projects to test credits that haven't been through USGBC's complete drafting and balloting process.
101
What helps reinforce the open consensus process of new LEED versions?
The balloting process with USGBC membership
102
What must a project do to earn LEED certification after selecting a rating system?
Satisfy all prerequisites for the selected rating system and earn a minimum number of points
After selecting a rating system a project must satisfy all prerequisites and earn a minimum number of points to be certified.
103
A project team is shrinking the building footprint to increase the amount of open space on a project. What impact category does this design decision support?
Protect, Enhance and Restore Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services
The components of the impact category Protect, Enhance and Restore Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services are:
Local Biodiversity, Habitat Protection and Open Spaces
Global Biodiversity, Habitat Protection and Land Preservation
Sustainable Use and Management of Ecosystem Services
By increasing open space the project could earn a LEED credit for increasing open space.
104
What is the point range for a project to earn LEED Silver?
The Silver level is 50-59 points
* Certified: 40-49 points
* Silver: 50-59 points
* Gold: 60-79 points
* Platinum: 80+ points
105
What are three important factors of the LEED Green Building Rating System?
(Choose 3)
```
A. It is government-financed
B. It is consensus-based
C. It is market-driven
D. It is voluntary
E. It is the only green building standard
```
It is consensus-based
LEED is a consensus process that has a balanced and transparent committee structure.
and
It is market-driven
LEED is driven by the market place due to the volunteer committees being made up of people who work in the market place.
and
.It is voluntary
USGBC member committees develop the LEED Rating System via a robust consensus process that has been refined since its inception. The key elements of the LEED Rating Systems are:
A consensus process that has a balanced and transparent committee structure
Technical Advisory Groups to ensure scientific consistency and rigor
Opportunities for stakeholder comment and review
Member ballot of new rating systems and certain changes to existing rating systems
A fair and open appeals process
106
Performance periods are part of which LEED rating system family?
LEED O+M projects have a performance period requirement where various building systems are measured over time.
107
What are the goals of the Minimum Program Requirements?
(Choose 3)
A. Give clear guidance to customers
B. Reduce certification process challenges
C. Protect the integrity of the LEED program
D. Ensure prerequisites are met
E. Verify buildings are meeting environmental goals
Give clear guidance to customers
Reduce certification process challenges
Protect the integrity of the LEED program
A project must adhere to the LEED Minimum Program Requirements, (MPRs) in order to achieve LEED certification. LEED projects must comply with each applicable MPR. These requirements define the types of buildings that the LEED Green Building Rating Systems were designed to evaluate, and taken together serve three goals:
to give clear guidance to customers
to protect the integrity of the LEED program
and to reduce complications that occur during the LEED Certification process
MPRs have 3 goals (above), and 7 things that must be complied with. The difference is goals vs. tasks. MPRs are minimum characteristics that a project must possess in order to be eligible for LEED Certification.
MPRs do not ensure prerequisites are met. The certification process (leedonline) and the people reviewing LEED applications ensure the prerequisites are met and that the building has met the credits applied for.
In addition to the Minimum Program Requirements, each version of LEED contains unique prerequisite requirements that must be satisfied in order to achieve certification. The term prerequisite refers to a mandatory project characteristic, measurement, quality, value or function as identified within the LEED rating system. Prerequisites represent the key criteria that define green building performance. Each project must satisfy all specified prerequisites outlined in the LEED rating system under which it is registered. Failure to meet any prerequisite will render a project ineligible for certification.
108
What additional LEED certification would a project team likely pursue for an office building that has already earned LEED BD+C: Core and Shell if the offices will be leased out to tenants?
LEED ID+C: Commercial Interiors
LEED BD+C: Core and Shell covers base building elements such as structure, envelope and the HVAC system. Once a tenant has been established then additional certifications can be earned.
Projects where 50% or less of the leasable square footage is owner-occupied are generally not candidates for LEED BD+C: New Construction.
