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

 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

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.

This is the correct order of the LEED certification process for most projects1. The first step is to register the project on LEED Online and pay the registration fee2. The second step is to prepare the application by collecting and uploading the required information and documents according to the chosen rating system and credits2. The third step is to submit the application and pay the certification fee2. The fourth step is to undergo the application review by a LEED accredited third party, which may request clarifications or corrections2. The final step is to receive the certification decision and the LEED plaque and certificate2.

Life-cycle cost analysts of a new construction includes consideration of

cost of purchasing window glazing

cost of adding accessible parking

cost of challenging a real estate tax assessment

cost of subsidizing the use of public transportation

Answer: A

Life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA) is a method for assessing the total cost of owning a facility or running a project. It considers all the costs associated with obtaining, owning, and disposing of an investment1. The cost of purchasing window glazing is one of the initial costs that affects the energy performance and thermal comfort of a building2. Therefore, it is included in the LCCA of a new construction.

https://www.usgbc.org/credentials/leed-green-associate

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

According to the LEED v4 Minimum Program Requirements (MPRs), there is no minimum required number of occupants or full-time equivalents (FTEs) for which a building must be designed to be considered eligible to pursue certification1. However, the project must serve at least one FTE, which is based on an 8-hour day2. The other options are not part of the MPRs.

Minimum Program Requirements (MPRs) - U.S. Green Building Council1

LEED 101: MPRs (Minimum Program Requirements)2

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

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.

Soft surfaces contribute to a comfortable acoustic environment by absorbing sound waves and reducing noise levels. This can include items such as carpets, upholstered furniture, and acoustic ceiling tiles. In contrast, hard surfaces (like wood cabinets, hollow metal doors, or glass partitions)can reflect sound waves and increase noise levels. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

According to the LeadingGreen LEED GA Study Guide:

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

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

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

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

Building and material reuse contribute to the sustainability goals of a project by reducing the use of raw materials, which can save energy, water, and natural resources, as well as reduce greenhouse gas emissions, waste generation, and environmental impacts. By reusing existing buildings or materials, project teams can avoid the extraction, processing, transportation, and disposal of new materials, which can have significant environmental and social costs. LEED v4.1 recognizes and rewards multiple strategies for building and material reuse in the Building-Life Cycle Impact Reduction credit1.

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

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

The increase in air temperature in a developed area resulting from the dark surfaces of roadways, parking lots, and tarred rooftops is known as heat island effect. Heat island effect is a phenomenon whereby urban areas experience higher temperatures than rural areas due to the absorption and re-emission of solar heat by man-made surfaces. Heat island effect can have negative impacts on human health, energy consumption, air quality, and climate change. Some strategies to reduce heat island effect include increasing vegetation cover, using reflective or green roofs, using cool or permeable pavements, and enhancing natural ventilation.

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

The percentage rule is a method to determine the most appropriate LEED rating system for a project when several rating systems may be applicable1. To use this rule, first assign a rating systemto each square foot or square meter of the building, and then choose the most appropriate rating system based on the resulting percentages1. The entire gross floor area of a LEED project must be certified under a single rating system and is subject to all prerequisites andattempted credits in that rating system1. The percentage rule states that if one rating system covers more than 60% of the gross floor area, that rating system should be used1. If no rating system covers more than 60% of the gross floor area, but one covers more than 40%, then that rating system should be used1. If no rating system covers more than 40% of the gross floor area, then the project team can choose any applicable rating system1. Therefore, the answer is B. 40/60 rule.

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LEED rating system selection guidance

Recycling is a strategy that can be used to reduce the amount of construction waste that is sent to landfills or incinerators. Recycling involves collecting, sorting, processing, and reusing or selling materials that would otherwise be discarded as waste. Recycling can save natural resources, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, create jobs, and lowerdisposal costs1 . References: LEED v4 Green Associate Candidate Handbook1, EPA’s Recycling Basics

Non-potable water is water that is not suitable for human consumption, but can be used for other purposes that do not require potable quality water. Non-potable water sources include rainwater, reclaimed/recycled water and greywater. Greywater is wastewater from sinks, showers, bathtubs, washing machines and dishwashers that can be reused for applications such as toilet flushing, irrigation and cooling tower make-up water12. Using non-potable water can reduce the demand for potable water and contribute to LEED water efficiency credits34.

References :=

SRI Calculator | LEEDuser

What Is Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) of Materials?

Water Efficiency and LEED Certification | Contractor

Water Balance Analysis - ASHRAE

What is LEED? | Net Zero Water Inc. - Net Zero Water

Social responsibility is one of the factors that contribute to the triple bottom line. The triple bottom line is a framework that measures the performance of an organization or a project based on three dimensions: environmental, social, and economic. Social responsibility refers to the ethical obligation of an organization or a project to consider the impacts of its decisions and actions on society and stakeholders, such as employees, customers, communities, and future generations. The other options are not factors that contribute to the triple bottom line. Global security is a broad concept that encompasses various aspects of international relations, such as peace, human rights, justice, and cooperation. Project balance sheet is a financial statement that summarizes the assets, liabilities, and equity of a project at a given point in time. Green metrics and verification are tools and methods that quantify and validate the environmental performance of a project or a product. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, page 31; USGBC [LEED v4 Impact Category: Triple Bottom Line], page 1.

Rainwater storage cisterns are components of a collected rainwater irrigation system that are most likely to make it cost prohibitive over a conventional system in a large site that has a short, intense rainy season and a long, dry season. A collected rainwater irrigation system is a system that collects, stores, and distributes rainwater for irrigation purposes. Rainwater storage cisterns are containers that store the collected rainwater until it is needed for irrigation. In a large site that has a short, intense rainy season and a long, dry season, the rainwater storage cisterns would need to be very large and durable to capture and store enough rainwater for the dry season. This would increase the initial cost and maintenance cost of the system compared to a conventional system that uses potable water or groundwater for irrigation1 . References: LEED v4 Green Associate Candidate Handbook1, EPA’s Rainwater Harvesting

Including subsidies for carpools is a strategy that can increase the number of points the project receives for Location and Transportation credits. This is because it reduces the demand for single-occupancy vehicle trips and parking spaces, which in turn reduces greenhouse gas emissions, traffic congestion, and land consumption12. The project can earn up to 15 points for the Transportation Demand Management credit by providing various incentives and programs to encourage alternative modes of transportation, such as carpooling, public transit, biking, or walking12.

Installing a solar photovoltaic system can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from a building. Solar panels generate electricity from sunlight, a renewable resource, instead of burning fossil fuels that release carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. While solar panels do require an upfront investment, they can also result in lower energy bills over time. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

Carbon offsets are used to balance emissions by reducing or sequestering equivalent amounts of CO₂ elsewhere. LEED supports using carbon offsets to meet energy and atmosphere goals​​.

One of the things that LEED promotes by encouraging compact development is walkability. Compact development is a form of urban planning that aims to reduce sprawland make more efficient use of land and resources by increasing density, diversity, and connectivity of land uses5. Compact development can enhance walkability by creating mixed-use neighborhoods that provide a variety of destinations within walking distance, such as shops, services, workplaces, schools, parks, and transit stops. Walkability can offer multiple benefits for the environment, health, economy, and social equity. For example, walkability can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution byreplacing car trips with walking or transit; improve physical and mental health by increasing physical activity and reducing stress; support local businesses and generate tax revenues by increasing foot traffic and property values; and foster social cohesion and civic engagement by creating vibrant public spaces and enhancing accessibility for all6. References: Compact urban development6; LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, Location and Transportation, page 15

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

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

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

The 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

Shielded light fixtures are designed to direct light downwards and prevent it from spilling over into areas where it’s not wanted, such as beyond the project boundary. This helps to prevent light trespass, which can be a form of pollution that disrupts ecosystems and human sleep patterns. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

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

Open grid pavement, also known as permeable pavement, allows water to drain through it, reducing runoff and recharging groundwater supplies. It also tends to be lighter in color than traditional asphalt, which means it absorbs less heat from sunlight. This helps to reduce the urban heat island effect, which is a phenomenon where urban areas are significantly warmer than their rural surroundings due to human activities. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is a third-party verification organization that certifies forest products that are sourced from responsibly managed forests that meet environmental, social, and economic standards12. FSC-certified wood products are considered environmentally preferable products under the LEED v4 Materials and Resources category, as they reduce the negative impacts of deforestation, habitat loss, and biodiversity loss34.

What is FSC? | FSC International1

Forest Stewardship Council - Wikipedia2

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ASHRAE 62.1 is a standard that ensures adequate ventilation is supplied to building occupants. ASHRAE stands for the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-ConditioningEngineers, a professional organization that develops standards and guidelines for the design, operation, and maintenance of buildings. ASHRAE 62.1 is a standard that specifies the minimum ventilation rates and other measures for new and existing buildings that are intended to provide acceptable indoor air quality (IAQ) for the occupants. Ventilation is the process of supplying outdoor air to or removing indoor air from a building. Adequate ventilation is important for maintaining good IAQ, which can affectthe health, comfort, and productivity of the occupants13. References: LEED v4 Green Associate Candidate Handbook1, ASHRAE’s Standard 62.13

The reclaimed wood doors can be used to meet the Materials Reuse credit under the Building Product Disclosure and Optimization category in LEED v4. This credit rewards projects for reusing materials that have been recovered from existing buildings or products, and reduces the demand for virgin materials and the associated environmental impacts. The credit does not have any distance requirements for the source of the reused materials, unlike the Recycled Content and Regional Materials credits.

LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide1, page 36

LEED v4 and Low Carbon Building Materials2, page 19

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​​.

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

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

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 Energy and Atmosphere (EA) category addresses the energy performance, efficiency, and renewable sources of buildings. One of the credits in this category is EA Credit: Enhanced Refrigerant Management, which aims to reduce the emissions of ozone-depleting substances and greenhouse gases from refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment. Refrigerants are substances that are used to transfer heat in cooling systems. Some refrigerants have high global warming potential (GWP) and ozone depletion potential (ODP), which means they can contribute to climate change and damage the ozone layer if they leak or are improperly disposed of. Enhanced refrigerant management involves selecting refrigerants with low GWP and ODP, minimizing refrigerant charge size, and preventing or detecting leaks12. References: LEED v4 Green Associate Candidate Handbook1, LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide2

The minimum program requirements (MPRs) are the basic characteristics that a project must possess in order to be eligible for LEED certification. One of theMPRs for the LEED for New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System is to comply with the minimum project size, which is defined as having a gross floor area of at least 1,000 square feet (93 square meters) that is capable of achieving a minimum level of energy efficiency13. References: LEED v4 Green Associate Candidate Handbook1, LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide3

Regenerative design is a type of design that goes beyond sustainability and aims to restore or enhance the natural systems that support life. Regenerative design projects not only minimize their environmental impact, but also contribute positively to the environment and society. An example of regenerative design is a building that generates electricity from renewable sources, such as solar panels or wind turbines, and sends the excess electricity to the grid, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting the transition to a clean energy economy.

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

The credit templates are the online forms that document the achievement of the LEED credits for a project pursuing LEED certification. The credit templates are completed and signed by the specified team member who is responsible for the credit, such as the architect, engineer, contractor, or owner. The teammember must provide the required information, calculations, narratives, and supporting documentation for each credit13. References: LEED v4 Green Associate Candidate Handbook1, LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide3

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

The USGBC member logo may be displayed by an organization that is a member of the USGBC. Membership in the USGBC is organizational, not individual, so the logo represents the organization’s commitment to sustainability and green building practices. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

Sustainable landscape design aims to create landscapes that are in harmony with the local environment, conserve natural resources, and provide ecological benefits. One of the outcomes of sustainable landscape design is restoring and regenerating habitat for native plants and animals, which enhances biodiversity and ecosystem services.

LEED v4 for Building Design and Construction, p. 582

LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, p. 11

Should non-design team stakeholders be included in design charrettes?

No, because it may increase legal liability

Yes, because it may help to reduce future litigation

No, because they lack the expertise to contribute design ideas

Yes, because they enhance understanding of community concerns

Answer: D

Design charrettes are collaborative sessions where stakeholders brainstorm and generate design solutions for a project. Non-design team stakeholders, such as community members, clients, users, and regulators, can provide valuable input and feedback on the project goals, needs, challenges, and opportunities. Including them in design charrettes can help to create more sustainable, inclusive, and responsive design outcomes that meet the expectations and requirements of all parties involved. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, page 14; LEED Green Associate | U.S. Green Building Council, section “LEED v4 Rating Systems”

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

Rainwater Harvesting for Landscape Irrigation

Potable Water

Clean Water

Blackwater

Daylighting is a strategy that involves designing buildings to maximize the use of natural light and reduce the need for artificial lighting1. Daylighting can improve the indoor environmental quality by enhancing the visual comfort, mood, and productivity of the occupants2. Daylighting can also help attain points toward LEED certification by contributing to the credits in the Energy and Atmosphere and Indoor Environmental Quality categories1. Night lighting, installing indoor plants, and installing inoperable windows are not strategies that directly improve the indoor environmental quality or help attain points toward LEED certification.

An integrative design process is a collaborative and holistic approach that involves the project team and stakeholders from the early stages of the project to identify the project goals, analyze the site and climate conditions, explore multiple design options, and optimize the performance and cost-effectiveness of the project. By applying an integrative design process, a LEED project can achieve higherlevels of sustainability and efficiency, as well as reduce the risks of errors, delays, and change orders12. References: LEED v4 Green Associate Candidate Handbook1, LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide2

A charrette is an intensive planning session where citizens, designers, and others collaborate on a vision for development. It provides a forum for ideas and offers the unique advantage of giving immediate feedback to the designers. More importantly, it allows everyone who participates to be a mutual author of the plan. This should be conducted first to ensure all stakeholders are aligned on the project goals and strategies before proceeding with detailed analyses or modeling. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

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

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LEED certification forneighborhood development

LEED for Neighborhood Development - Wikipedia

LEED® for Neighborhood Development - Grow Smart RI

LEED for Neighborhood Development - s3.amazonaws.com

The Energy and Atmosphere Credit in LEED encompasses building loads, energy performance management, and environmental quality (EQ). Building loads refer to the amount of energy consumed by a building’s systems, such as heating, cooling, lighting, and equipment. Energy performance management involves strategies to reduce energy consumption and improve efficiency. Environmental quality refers to the conditions inside the building, including air quality, thermal comfort, and access to daylight and views. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

A drip irrigation system provides maximum water efficiency for a building irrigation system. A drip irrigation system delivers water directly to the root zone of plants, minimizing evaporation, runoff, and overspray. This reduces water consumption and prevents water pollution from fertilizers and pesticides. The LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook states that one of the strategies for achieving water efficiency in landscaping is to “use efficient irrigation systems, such as drip irrigation” [1, p. 14]. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, [Drip Irrigation | U.S. Department of Agriculture]

Per the LeadingGreen Study Guide:

“LEED points are awarded on a 100-point scale. Additionally, 10 bonus credits are available: six Innovation and four Regional Priority credits.”

This totals 110 maximum points.

According to the LeadingGreen Study Guide:

"The first step in the certification process is the Project Registration. Projects can be registered on the GBCI website (www.gbci.org)... Before registration, the process begins with selecting the appropriate rating system using the 40/60 rule... "

Thus, selecting the correctrating systemis the initial key step before registration and documentation submission. The selection ensures alignment with the project type and its characteristics.

A high-efficiency HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system can directly reduce a building’s greenhouse gas emissions by using less energy than a standard system. Since most energy production involves the burning of fossil fuels, which releases greenhouse gases, using less energy results in fewer emissions. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

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

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

Conserving the Earth’s potable water supply is a green building objective that can be achieved by utilizing high efficiency water fixtures. High efficiency water fixtures reduce the amount of water used for indoor plumbing, which reduces the demand on municipal water supply and wastewater systems. This also saves energy and money for the building owners and occupants. The LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook states that one of the intents of the Water Efficiency category is to “reduce potable water use within buildings and for landscape irrigation” [1, p. 13]. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, [Water Efficiency | U.S. Green Building Council]

According to a study completed by the Heschong Mahone Group, providing increased daylighting in schools can improve student test scores by 7%-18%. Daylighting is the practice of placing windows, skylights, other openings, and reflective surfaces so that sunlight (direct or indirect) can provideeffective internal lighting. Particular attention is given to daylighting while designing a building when the aim is to maximize visual comfort or to reduce energy use. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

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

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.

vocs are volatile organic compounds that can evaporate from paints, solvents, adhesives, and other building materials. They can cause health problems such as eye irritation, respiratory distress, headaches, and cancer. Limiting the concentration of vocs in the air protects the health of construction personnel by reducing their exposure to these harmful substances12.

References :=

Occupational Hygiene - Occupational Exposure Limits | CCOHS

1910.1450 - Occupational exposure to hazardous chemicals in laboratories. | Occupational Safety and Health Administration

In addition to temperature and air movement, humidity is another factor to consider when implementing thermal comfort strategies. Humidity is the amount of water vapor in the air, which affects how warm or cool people feel. High humidity can make people feel hotter and more uncomfortable, while low humidity can cause dryness and irritation of the skin, eyes, nose, and throat. Thermal comfort strategies should aim to maintain an optimal level of humidity that balances human comfort and health with energy efficiency and moisture control. The other options are not factors to consider when implementing thermal comfort strategies. Methane off-gassing is the release of methane gas from organic matter decomposition or anaerobic digestion, which contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. Carbon dioxide concentrations are a measure of indoor air quality that indicates the level of ventilation and fresh air supply in a space. Combustion processes from vehicles are sources of outdoor air pollution that emit carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and other harmful substances. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, page 29; USGBC, [Indoor Environmental Quality], page 2.

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.

EPA’s ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager is a no-cost, interactive energy management tool that allows you to securely track and assess energy and water consumption across your building portfolio12. You can use Portfolio Manager to benchmark your building’s performance, set investment priorities, verify savings, and apply for ENERGY STAR certification23. Portfolio Manager does not measure embodied energy, which is the total amount of energy required to produce, transport, and install building materials.

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.

LEED defines Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) as:

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

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

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

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 maintain Gold level of LEED certification is 60-79, out of a possible 110 points. The other levels of LEED certification are: Certified (40-49 points), Silver (50-59points), and Platinum (80 or more points)13. References: LEED v4 Green Associate Candidate Handbook1, LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide3

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”

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

An office without transit access can substantially reduce its transportation impact if workers are able to walk from the office to basic services. Transportation impact is the effect of transportation activities on the environment, society, and economy. Transportation impact can include greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, noise pollution, energy consumption, land use, traffic congestion, infrastructure costs, and public health. Walking is a form of alternative transportation that can reduce transportation impact by using less energy, emitting less pollutants, occupying less space, and improving physical activity and well-being. If workers are able to walk from the office to basic services, such as retail, restaurants, banks, or post offices, they can reduce their vehicle miles traveled, fuel consumption, and parking demand1 . References: LEED v4 Green Associate Candidate Handbook1, EPA’s Transportation and Climate Change

The Sustainable Sites (SS) category addresses the site selection, design, construction, and operation of a project, as well as its impacts on the natural and built environment. One of the goals of this category is to reduce light pollution and discourage the development of previously undeveloped land. Light pollution is the excessive or inappropriate use of artificial lighting that can have adverse effects on human health, wildlife, ecosystems, and astronomy. Previously undeveloped land is land that has not been graded, cleared, or built upon prior to the current project and remains in a natural state. Developingpreviouslyundeveloped land can result in habitat loss, soil erosion, stormwater runoff, and increased infrastructure costs13. References: LEED v4 Green Associate Candidate Handbook1, LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide3

An exemplary performance point is earned if the project achieves a performance level that is significantly higher than the credit requirements, as specified in the LEED Reference Guide1. The incremental performance threshold varies depending on the credit and is typically double the credit requirements or the next percentage threshold2.

 1 NC-v4.1 INc1: Innovation | LEEDuser2 What Is Exemplary Performance In LEED? | LEED Blog - Projectific, Inc.

 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

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

Paved surfaces absorb and retain heat, increasing local temperatures and contributing to the heat island effect. LEED encourages mitigating this effect by using materials with high Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) or implementing strategies like green roofs and shaded areas​​.

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

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

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

Water Efficiency is the only credit category that does not have a prerequisite in LEED v4 for Building Design and Construction. Prerequisites are the minimum requirements that all projects must meet to be eligible for LEED certification. They are mandatory and non-weighted, meaning they do not contribute to the project’s score. The other credit categories have at least one prerequisite each, as shown in the table below:

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

The LEED Fellow is a distinction awarded by GBCI for LEED APs who have made significant contributions to the field of green building and sustainability at a regional, national or global level. The LEED Fellow designation recognizes exceptional contributions to green building and significant professional achievement within the rapidly growing community of LEED Professionals. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

The LeadingGreen Study Guide defines carbon offsets as:

“Alternatively a project can purchase carbon offsets to reduce scope 2 emissions, as one carbon offset is equal to one carbon dioxide equivalent of greenhouse gases”.

Additionally, LEED recognizes carbon offsets as a method to:

“...compensate for emissions occurring elsewhere.”

Hence, the correct and verified answer isCarbon offsets.

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

ASHRAE 90.1-2010, Appendix G is the referenced standard for defining the baseline building performance for energy simulation modeling in LEED v4 for Building Design and Construction. The baseline building is a hypothetical building that represents the minimum energy performance required by ASHRAE 90.1-2010, which is a standard for energy efficiency in buildings. The baseline building is used as a benchmark to compare the proposed design of the project and to calculate the percentage of energy cost savings achieved by the project. The baseline building performance is evaluated by following the procedures and assumptions specified in Appendix G of ASHRAE 90.1-2010, such as building envelope, lighting, HVAC systems, service water heating, and renewable energy.

The other options are not relevant to the question, as they are standards for different aspects of green building, such as thermal comfort (ASHRAE 55-2010), air filtration (ASHRAE 52.2-2007), and ventilation (ASHRAE 62.1-2010).

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.

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

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