LEED Ga Practice Test - Cm 455

VOC stands for Volatile Organic Compounds. These are organic chemicals that easily vaporize at room temperature and can be found in various products such as paints, cleaning agents, and fuels. VOCs can have harmful effects on human health and the environment, contributing to air pollution and the formation of smog. Therefore, it is important to monitor and control VOC emissions to minimize their negative impact.

The Montreal Protocol is an international treaty developed to protect the ozone layer by minimizing or eliminating destructive activities. It was signed in 1987 and has been ratified by almost every country in the world. The protocol aims to phase out the production and consumption of substances that deplete the ozone layer, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). By reducing the use of these substances, the Montreal Protocol has played a crucial role in preventing further damage to the ozone layer and promoting global environmental sustainability.

The factors considered in determining lifecycle cost are first costs (less resale investment), maintenance and repair cost, and operational and replacement cost. First costs refer to the initial expenses incurred in acquiring and installing a product or system, excluding any potential resale value. Maintenance and repair cost includes the expenses associated with regular upkeep and fixing any issues that may arise. Operational and replacement cost involves the ongoing expenses of operating and replacing the product or system over its lifespan.

Zoning is the correct answer because it is a legal instrument that regulates current land use. Zoning refers to the division of land into different zones or areas, each with specific regulations and restrictions regarding the types of activities or developments that are allowed. These regulations help ensure that land use is organized and controlled in a way that promotes public health, safety, and welfare. Zoning laws typically dictate the types of buildings that can be constructed, the purposes for which they can be used, and the density of development in different areas.

A green project should be located in an existing community because it allows for easy access to basic community resources. By being located in a community, the project can benefit from existing infrastructure such as schools, hospitals, and public transportation. This not only reduces the need for additional development but also promotes a sense of community and encourages sustainable practices. Additionally, being connected to basic community resources can help promote awareness and education about the green project, leading to greater acceptance and support from the community.

Decreasing impervious surfaces on a project site will reduce stormwater runoff. Impervious surfaces such as concrete or asphalt prevent water from seeping into the ground, causing excess water to flow over the surface and create stormwater runoff. By decreasing impervious surfaces, such as replacing them with permeable materials or adding green spaces, the amount of stormwater runoff can be reduced. This helps to prevent flooding, water pollution, and strain on stormwater management systems.

CFCs, or chlorofluorocarbons, are the most damaging refrigerants to the ozone layer. When released into the atmosphere, CFCs can rise up to the stratosphere where they are broken down by ultraviolet radiation. This process releases chlorine atoms, which then catalytically destroy ozone molecules. The destruction of ozone in the stratosphere leads to the thinning of the ozone layer, which is crucial for protecting life on Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation. Due to their harmful effects, CFCs have been phased out and replaced with less damaging alternatives.

To reduce occupant exposure to harmful airborne chemicals, it is important to prohibit smoking near building entrances and adjacent to building air intakes. Smoking near entrances can result in secondhand smoke entering the building and affecting occupants. Smoking near air intakes can lead to the intake of smoke and harmful chemicals into the building's ventilation system, which can then be circulated throughout the indoor space. Prohibiting smoking in these areas helps to maintain a healthier and safer environment for the building occupants.

A green roof provides several benefits, including assisting with stormwater quantity and quality. By absorbing rainwater, a green roof helps to reduce the amount of stormwater runoff that can overwhelm sewer systems and cause pollution. Additionally, the vegetation on a green roof acts as a natural filter, improving the quality of the water that does runoff. Another benefit of a green roof is that it reduces the heat island effect. The vegetation and soil on a green roof help to insulate the building, reducing the amount of heat that is absorbed and radiated back into the environment. This can help to lower energy consumption for cooling and mitigate the urban heat island effect.

Plastic bottles are required to be recycled under the Materials & Resources Prerequisite: Storage and Collection of Recyclables. This means that in order to meet the prerequisite, the facility or organization must have a system in place to collect and store plastic bottles for recycling. This is important for reducing waste and promoting sustainability.

The intent of this class was not to prepare you for this exam but rather to teach concepts of sustainable construction, irrespective of any rating system. Certainly, had the class more fully addressed topics about the LEED process, each student would have done much better on this practice exam.
Although this is a difficult exam, you are well on your way to preparing for this test. With some extra study from the materials provided on Blackboard, all students should be able to become LEED Green Associates without too much extra trouble. Take advantage of the materials on Blackboard and download them before the end of the semester.

ASHRAE 90.1-2007 is the correct answer because it is a standard that is used to set a baseline for energy performance in LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) projects. This standard provides guidelines for the design of energy-efficient buildings and is often referenced in LEED certification requirements. It covers various aspects of building design and energy conservation, including building envelope, lighting, HVAC systems, and energy modeling. By complying with the requirements of ASHRAE 90.1-2007, buildings can achieve a certain level of energy efficiency and contribute to sustainable practices.

The certification that requires a Chain of Custody (COC) number is FSC. FSC stands for Forest Stewardship Council, an international organization that promotes responsible management of the world's forests. The COC number is used to track the flow of certified wood and paper products through the supply chain, ensuring that they come from well-managed forests and responsible sources.

A LEED AP (Accredited Professional) is helpful on a project because they have the knowledge of requirements, resources, and processes of LEED. This allows them to effectively navigate the certification process and ensure that the project meets the necessary criteria for LEED certification. Additionally, having a LEED AP on the project team helps to streamline the application and certification process by having someone who is familiar with the necessary documentation and can efficiently manage the submission process.

Energy and Atmosphere credit category focuses on optimizing energy performance and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in a building. Implementing energy-efficient measures and technologies in a new building may require higher upfront costs compared to other credit categories. However, these investments can lead to significant energy savings and reduced operating costs over time, resulting in a quicker payback period. Therefore, the Energy and Atmosphere credit category has the potential to add the highest initial costs but also provide the quickest return on investment.

Regional Priority credits are determined by regional councils, chapters, and affiliates, which means that these entities play a role in deciding which credits are prioritized in a specific region. Additionally, these credits vary by zip code, meaning that the specific credits available and prioritized may differ depending on the location of the project.

A brownfield with solvent contamination is an acceptable site for a LEED building pursuing sustainable Site Selection because redeveloping and rehabilitating contaminated sites can have significant environmental benefits. By choosing to build on a brownfield, the project can help mitigate the negative impacts of the contamination and transform the site into a sustainable and environmentally-friendly space. This aligns with the goals of LEED certification, which promotes sustainable building practices and encourages the reuse and revitalization of existing sites.

The best ways to reduce potable water in irrigation are to reduce lawn (turfgrass), plant or protect native or adapted plants, and install drip irrigation. By reducing the amount of turfgrass, less water will be needed for irrigation. Planting or protecting native or adapted plants can also help as they are more suited to the local climate and require less water. Installing drip irrigation allows for targeted watering directly to the roots of plants, minimizing water waste.

The trade-off in this question refers to a situation where choosing one option may result in a compromise or sacrifice of another option. In the context of the given credits, increased ventilation and optimizing energy performance are the two options that involve a trade-off. Increasing ventilation may require additional energy consumption, which can negatively impact energy performance. Therefore, there is a trade-off between the benefits of increased ventilation and the goal of optimizing energy performance.

When a project is registered with GBCI, it is provided with a listing on the GBCI website as a project registered for LEED. This allows the project to gain visibility and recognition as a LEED registered project. Additionally, the project is given access to LEED Online, which is a platform that helps streamline the certification process by allowing project teams to submit documentation and track their progress online. These two benefits of listing on the GBCI website and access to LEED Online are essential for project teams to effectively navigate the LEED certification process.

An ID credit for exemplary performance in water use reduction (LEED for New Construction v3, WE Credit 3) requires a minimum of 45% savings (30% for 2 points, 35% for 3 points, 40% for 4 points). But if the project achieved a 50%, 55%, or 80% water use reduction, only one exemplary performance point would be earned.

Implementing a green education program would be considered a candidate for innovation in design because it involves incorporating a new and innovative approach to educating individuals about sustainability and environmental practices. This goes beyond the physical design of a building and focuses on creating awareness and promoting sustainable behaviors among the building's occupants. It demonstrates a proactive and forward-thinking approach to design by considering the long-term impact and benefits of educating people about green practices.

SMACNA guidelines refer to Construction IAQ Management. These guidelines provide recommendations and best practices for managing indoor air quality during construction projects. This includes strategies for controlling dust, preventing the spread of pollutants, and ensuring proper ventilation. By following these guidelines, construction professionals can create a healthier and safer environment for workers and occupants of the building.

The explanation for the correct answer, "Cost," is that when calculating reuse performance, the cost of materials plays a significant role. Reuse performance refers to the effectiveness of reusing materials, and considering the cost allows us to determine the economic feasibility of reusing materials. By considering the cost, we can assess whether reusing materials is a cost-effective option compared to purchasing new ones. Therefore, cost is an essential factor in calculating reuse performance.

The USGBC and LEED logos may be used to indicate that a business is a USGBC member and that a building is LEED certified. These logos serve as a visual representation of the organization's membership and certification status, allowing businesses and buildings to showcase their commitment to sustainability and environmentally friendly practices.

Renewable energy certificates are tradable commodities representing proof that a unit of electricity was generated form a renewable energy resource. RECs are sold separately from electricity itself and thus allow the purchase of green power by a user of conventionally generated electricity.

The term "LEED Certified" refers to a specific level of certification within the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating system. While projects can be designed with the goal of achieving LEED certification, it's only accurate to use the term "LEED Certified" after the project has undergone the formal review process by GBCI and has been officially awarded the "Certified" rating. Using the term prematurely or for higher-level certifications (Silver, Gold, Platinum) would be inaccurate and misleading.

To use the LEED New Construction and Major Renovations Rating System, a project owner or tenant must occupy at least 50% of a building. This means that the owner or tenant must have control and use of at least half of the building's total area. This requirement ensures that the LEED certification is applicable to buildings where the owner or tenant has a significant influence on the building's operations and sustainability practices.

The documentation required for a Construction Waste Management plan includes haul tickets and summary logs for both material diverted from the landfill to recycling facilities and material disposed of in the landfill. Additionally, a Construction Waste Management plan should also include a list of materials to be diverted.

LEED: Core and Shell Certification in a building that is more than 60% owner occupied is not possible because the Core and Shell Certification is specifically designed for buildings that are less than 60% owner occupied. This certification focuses on the core and shell elements of a building, such as the structure, envelope, and HVAC systems, which are typically controlled by the building owner or developer. Therefore, if a building is more than 60% owner occupied, it would not be eligible for the Core and Shell Certification.

The Project Team Administrator and the Project Team Member assigned to a given credit can upload supporting documentation onto LEED Online. This means that both individuals have the authority and responsibility to provide the necessary documentation for the LEED certification process. The Project Team Administrator oversees the overall project and has access to upload documentation for all credits, while the Project Team Member assigned to a specific credit can upload documentation specifically for that credit.

LEED Technical Advisory Groups (TAGs)

Increasing daylight glazing and increasing vision glazing are the best strategies for achieving high quantities of daylighting in a building with large open offices. By increasing the amount of glazing, more natural light can enter the space, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day. Daylight glazing refers to windows or other openings specifically designed to allow natural light to enter, while vision glazing refers to transparent or translucent surfaces that provide a view to the outside. These strategies maximize the amount of natural light available in the office, creating a brighter and more comfortable environment for occupants.

The correct answer is "A description of project strategy and brief background information." This is because when requesting credit interpretation, providing a description of the project strategy and brief background information helps the credit interpretation team understand the context and purpose of the project. This information allows them to accurately assess the credit requirements and provide an appropriate interpretation. Including full project drawings, specifications, and construction submittals may be necessary for a more detailed interpretation, but they are not explicitly required in the question. A payment of $220 and contact information for each project team member are not mentioned as requirements for credit interpretation.

LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, considers bamboo flooring and linoleum flooring as rapidly renewable materials. This is because bamboo is a fast-growing grass that can be harvested in a short period of time, making it a sustainable choice. Similarly, linoleum is made from natural materials such as linseed oil, which is a rapidly renewable resource. Both of these options align with LEED's goal of promoting environmentally friendly and sustainable building practices.

The correct answer is Thermal Comfort, Verification and Thermal Comfort, Design. These two credits are related to each other because they both focus on ensuring that the indoor thermal conditions in a building are comfortable for occupants. The Thermal Comfort, Design credit deals with the design strategies and considerations for achieving thermal comfort, while the Thermal Comfort, Verification credit involves the measurement and verification of the actual thermal conditions in the building to ensure that they meet the required standards. Both credits work together to ensure that occupants are comfortable in terms of temperature in the building.

The correct answer is that all certification fees are refunded in the form of a rebate. This means that if a project achieves Platinum level Certification, the fees paid for the certification will be returned to the project team in the form of a rebate.

A liquid adhesive would need to meet the standard set by the South Coast Air Quality Management District. This suggests that the adhesive must meet certain air quality regulations and guidelines in order to be considered safe and environmentally friendly. The South Coast Air Quality Management District is known for its strict regulations on air pollution, so meeting their standard would ensure that the adhesive does not contribute to air pollution or harm air quality.

A reasonable LEED boundary can be shared by two buildings as long as both are LEED certified. This means that the boundary can encompass multiple buildings that meet the LEED certification requirements. This allows for flexibility in determining the boundary based on the specific project and its goals. By sharing the boundary, both buildings can benefit from the LEED certification and contribute to sustainable design and construction practices.

The others are handled mainly in the design, but the correct adhesives have to be verified by the construction team as they are used by subcontractors.