LEED Ga_practice Set B_2

The burning of fossil fuels is associated with the release of carbon dioxide. Fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, contain carbon that has been stored underground for millions of years. When these fuels are burned, carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere. This contributes to the greenhouse effect and climate change. Carbon dioxide is a major greenhouse gas that traps heat in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to rising temperatures and various environmental impacts.

CFCs, or chlorofluorocarbons, are known to cause depletion of the ozone layer. When released into the atmosphere, CFCs break down and release chlorine atoms. These chlorine atoms then react with ozone molecules, breaking them apart and reducing the ozone layer's thickness. This process is known as ozone depletion. CO2, propane, and ammonia do not have a direct effect on the ozone layer and are not known to cause its depletion.

The project team creates a construction waste management plan to address the administrative and procedural requirements for salvaging, recycling, and disposing of non-hazardous demolition and construction waste. This plan outlines how the team will handle waste materials during the project, including strategies for reducing waste, recycling materials, and properly disposing of any waste that cannot be salvaged or recycled. It helps ensure that waste management practices are followed and that the project complies with applicable regulations and environmental standards.

Using salvaged wood flooring in a residential project has environmental benefits because it reduces the demand for virgin resources. By reusing wood that has already been harvested and processed, there is less need to cut down trees and extract resources from natural forests. This helps to conserve natural resources, preserve biodiversity, and mitigate deforestation. Additionally, reusing salvaged wood reduces the energy and water consumption associated with the extraction and processing of new wood, further reducing the environmental impact.

The correct answer is "Water that meets or exceeds EPA's drinking water standards." This is because potable water refers to water that is safe for human consumption. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) sets drinking water standards to ensure that water is free from harmful contaminants and meets certain quality criteria. Therefore, potable water must meet or exceed these standards to be considered safe for drinking.

LEED ND (Neighborhood Development) rating system helps create better, more sustainable, well-connected neighborhoods. This rating system focuses on the development of entire neighborhoods and promotes sustainable practices such as walkability, connectivity, green space, and energy efficiency. It encourages the integration of residential, commercial, and public spaces to create a vibrant and sustainable community. LEED ND also emphasizes the reduction of environmental impact, promotion of public health, and enhancement of quality of life in neighborhoods.

Developments located within walking distance of diverse uses reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. This is because when different types of amenities and services are conveniently located near residential areas, people are more likely to walk or use non-polluting modes of transportation, such as bicycles, instead of relying on cars. This reduces the amount of greenhouse gases and air pollutants emitted from vehicles, leading to a cleaner and more sustainable environment.

The integrative process promotes reaching across disciplines to incorporate diverse team members during the predesign period. This process involves bringing together individuals from different fields and backgrounds to collaborate and share their expertise, ideas, and perspectives. By doing so, the team can benefit from a range of knowledge and skills, leading to innovative solutions and a more holistic approach to the design process. This approach fosters collaboration and encourages the integration of diverse perspectives, ultimately resulting in a more comprehensive and successful outcome.

The correct answer states that all new LEED buildings must be permanent structures, use a reasonable site boundary, and have a minimum floor area. This means that LEED buildings cannot be temporary or mobile structures, they must have defined boundaries for their site, and they must meet a minimum size requirement for their floor area. These criteria ensure that LEED buildings are built to last, have a designated location, and are of a sufficient size to accommodate occupants and fulfill the requirements of sustainable design and construction.

Performance periods are part of the LEED O+M (Operations and Maintenance) rating system family. This rating system focuses on the ongoing operations and maintenance of existing buildings. Performance periods refer to the timeframes during which the building's performance is measured and evaluated to ensure that it meets the required sustainability standards. This includes monitoring energy usage, water consumption, waste management, and indoor environmental quality. By implementing sustainable practices and continuously monitoring the building's performance, LEED O+M aims to improve the efficiency and sustainability of existing buildings.

Carbon emissions are a useful metric for determining the energy, water, solid waste, materials, and transportation impacts of buildings and communities. Carbon emissions are directly linked to the burning of fossil fuels, which is a major contributor to climate change. By measuring carbon emissions, we can assess the environmental impact of various activities and identify areas where improvements can be made to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This metric provides a comprehensive understanding of the overall sustainability and environmental performance of buildings and communities.

Given that the project is located in a colder climate where the water supply is replenished each spring from the snow on nearby mountains, thinking ahead to the future would likely influence the design of the project by emphasizing water conservation. This is because the reliance on snowmelt for water supply suggests that water may not be readily available throughout the year. Thus, designing the project with a focus on water conservation would help ensure a sustainable and reliable water source for the project, especially during periods when snowmelt is not available.

To earn LEED certification after selecting a rating system, a project must satisfy all prerequisites for the selected rating system and earn a minimum number of points. This means that the project needs to meet all the necessary requirements and achieve a certain level of sustainability and environmental performance as outlined by the rating system. Simply earning a minimum number of points is not enough; the project must also fulfill all the relevant prerequisites. Additionally, paying the fees and obtaining approval from a Green Rater are not mentioned as requirements in the answer.

The level of certification a project earns is determined by the number of points it earns. Each project is evaluated based on a rating system, and points are awarded for various sustainable features and practices implemented in the project. The more points a project earns, the higher its level of certification. The size of the building, the number of prerequisites attempted, and the rating system selected may have some influence on the number of points earned, but ultimately it is the number of points that determines the level of certification.

The International Code Council (ICC) develops building safety and fire prevention codes for the construction of residential and commercial buildings, including homes and schools. They are responsible for creating and updating the International Building Code (IBC), which sets the standards for construction and ensures the safety of buildings. UL, ASHRAE, and the Department of Energy (DoE) are not directly involved in developing these codes.

Increased rainwater runoff can lead to eutrophication. When rainwater runoff carries excess nutrients from fertilizers, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, into bodies of water, it can cause an overgrowth of algae and other aquatic plants. This excessive growth depletes oxygen levels in the water, leading to the death of fish and other aquatic organisms. Eutrophication can disrupt the balance of an ecosystem and harm its biodiversity.

Providing preferred parking for green vehicles encourages their purchase and use. This incentive gives green vehicle owners the benefit of convenient and often closer parking spaces, making it more attractive for them to choose and use these environmentally friendly vehicles. By offering preferred parking, it promotes the adoption of green vehicles and incentivizes individuals to make sustainable transportation choices.

The landscape architect should review local codes before using graywater to irrigate a project's landscape. This is important because local codes dictate the regulations and guidelines for water usage and management in a specific area. By reviewing the local codes, the landscape architect can ensure that they are following the necessary requirements and restrictions when using graywater for irrigation. This will help them comply with the local regulations and avoid any potential legal issues or penalties.

Operable windows would provide occupants with control over their temperature in a naturally ventilated building. By opening or closing the windows, occupants can adjust the amount of fresh air and natural ventilation entering the space, thereby regulating the temperature according to their comfort level. CO2 sensors and outdoor air monitors are used to monitor air quality and ensure proper ventilation, but they do not directly control temperature. A single-office thermostat would only provide control over temperature in a specific area, not for all occupants in the building.

The LEED Green Building Rating System is a consensus-based, market-driven, and voluntary program. However, it is not privately funded. Instead, it is funded through a combination of government grants, private donations, and fees paid by project teams seeking LEED certification. The program's funding model ensures that it remains independent and unbiased, allowing it to maintain its credibility and integrity in promoting sustainable building practices.

A self-guided education program on the green features of a project has the lowest soft cost compared to the other options. Soft costs refer to expenses that are not directly related to the physical construction of a project. Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) are financial incentives for generating renewable energy and may involve administrative costs. Legal fees for building contracts and construction waste hauling fees are also likely to be higher than the cost of implementing a self-guided education program. Therefore, the self-guided education program on the green features of a project is the option with the lowest soft cost.

The documents of environmental product declaration (EPD), health product declaration (HPD), and corporate sustainability report (CSR) aid in promoting transparency. These documents provide detailed information about the manufacturer's product, its environmental impact, health aspects, and the company's sustainability practices. By making these documents available, the manufacturer is being transparent and allowing customers and stakeholders to make informed decisions based on the disclosed information.

The USGBC member logo would be appropriate to display on company letterhead as it signifies the company's membership with the USGBC (U.S. Green Building Council). This logo can be used to showcase the company's commitment to sustainability and green building practices, which aligns with the USGBC's mission. By including the logo on their letterhead, the company can effectively communicate their affiliation with the USGBC to clients, partners, and stakeholders.

The correct answer is that the project cannot earn LEED certification because it will not meet all the prerequisites. This means that in order to earn LEED certification, a project must meet all the requirements and criteria set by the LEED certification program. Since the developer wants to include a smoking room, which goes against LEED's goal of promoting healthy and sustainable environments, it would not meet the prerequisites and therefore cannot earn the certification.

Reducing fossil-fuel based energy consumption is the most impactful way that a project can help reverse contribution to climate change. Fossil fuels are the primary source of greenhouse gas emissions, which are the main cause of climate change. By reducing the use of fossil fuels and transitioning to renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power, projects can significantly decrease their carbon footprint and mitigate climate change. This approach not only addresses the root cause of climate change but also promotes sustainable and clean energy practices for a greener future.

The first statement, "The material would reduce the need for virgin materials," is true because using recycled milk jugs as a material for carpet reduces the demand for new materials to be produced. The second statement, "The carpet contains post-consumer recycled content," is also true because the carpet is made from recycled milk jugs, which are considered post-consumer waste.

Carbon offsets would help with the project owner's goal of providing financial support to a reforestation project. Carbon offsets are a way to compensate for carbon emissions by investing in projects that reduce or remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere, such as reforestation projects. By purchasing carbon offsets, the project owner can contribute to the funding of the reforestation project and support its goal of restoring and increasing forest cover. This financial support can help the reforestation project in its efforts to combat climate change and promote environmental sustainability.

The type of water that comes out of the kitchen faucet in the office pantry is called potable water. Potable water refers to water that is safe and suitable for drinking and cooking purposes. It is treated and meets the necessary quality standards to ensure it is free from harmful contaminants. In this case, the potable water is used for washing dishes by hand and filling coffee pots, indicating that it is safe for consumption and other uses within the office.

This design decision supports the impact category of Protect, Enhance and Restore Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services because by shrinking the building footprint, more open space is created, which can provide habitat for various species and support the overall health and functioning of the ecosystem.

Integrative project team members work together to identify opportunities for synergy. This involves finding ways to combine their individual skills, knowledge, and resources to create a greater overall benefit for the project. By collaborating and sharing ideas, team members can uncover potential areas where their efforts can be integrated and coordinated to achieve more efficient and effective results. This task requires open communication, active participation, and a willingness to explore innovative solutions that can enhance the overall project outcomes.

The roles of USGBC include administering and creating the LEED rating systems and issuing LEED building Certifications. This means that USGBC is responsible for developing and maintaining the standards and criteria for green building certification through the LEED rating systems. They also have the authority to issue certifications to buildings that meet the requirements, indicating their commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Building a new construction project in a LEED for Neighborhood Development location would be beneficial for the owner because it would have excellent location and transportation within the surrounding community. This would enhance the accessibility and convenience of the project for potential residents or users. Additionally, the certification process would be easier, which means that the owner would face fewer challenges and obstacles in obtaining the LEED certification for the project. This would save time, effort, and resources for the owner.

Buildings in the United States account for 38% of carbon dioxide emissions. This means that a significant portion of carbon dioxide emissions in the country can be attributed to the energy consumption and operations of buildings. This highlights the importance of implementing energy-efficient measures and sustainable practices in the construction and operation of buildings to reduce their carbon footprint and mitigate climate change.

A closed system in the built environment does not release used resources outside the system. In a closed system, all aspects are highly integrated to ensure maximum efficiency and there is no waste. Materials in a closed system are used for other purposes at the end of their useful life, rather than being released outside the system.

Using turfgrass for groundcover would increase outdoor water use because turfgrass requires regular watering to maintain its health and appearance. Turfgrass has high water needs and can consume a significant amount of water, especially in hot and dry climates. Therefore, choosing turfgrass as a groundcover option would result in increased water usage for irrigation purposes.

Regenerative design refers to sustainable plans for built environments that not only improve existing conditions but also actively restore and regenerate the natural systems and resources. It goes beyond just minimizing negative impacts and aims to create positive contributions to the environment. This approach focuses on creating resilient and adaptable systems that can thrive and evolve over time, promoting long-term sustainability and environmental stewardship.

If the project implements both the demand-response program and on-site renewable energy through a wind turbine, the project's energy costs will decrease. The demand-response program allows the project to adjust its energy usage based on the availability and price of electricity, potentially reducing the need to purchase expensive energy during peak demand periods. Additionally, the on-site wind turbine generates renewable energy, reducing the reliance on grid electricity and further lowering energy costs.

To reduce potable water use in the renovated apartment building, the project team can suggest installing new flush valves and new low-flow aerators. Installing new flush valves will help to reduce the amount of water used for flushing toilets, while installing new low-flow aerators will reduce water flow from faucets without compromising functionality. These alternatives can help the owner achieve their goal of making the space green without incurring the high cost of replacing all the porcelain plumbing fixtures.

The correct answer suggests that a bicycle network for a project should be documented by including a vicinity map that shows the bicycle network, route, and distance along the network to eligible destinations. This implies that the documentation should provide a visual representation of the bicycle network and its connectivity to different destinations. This map would help project stakeholders understand the layout and accessibility of the bicycle network within the project area.

The Minimum Program Requirements define the types of buildings, spaces, and neighborhoods that the LEED rating system is designed to evaluate. These requirements set the baseline criteria that a project must meet in order to be eligible for LEED certification. They cover aspects such as site selection, energy efficiency, water conservation, and indoor environmental quality. By meeting these requirements, a project can demonstrate its commitment to sustainable design and construction, and be recognized for its environmental performance.

Metal grills made of aluminum, steel grates, and rubber mats manufactured overseas would be appropriate choices for an entryway system that would improve indoor air quality. Metal grills and steel grates can effectively trap dirt and dust from people's shoes, preventing them from entering the building. Rubber mats are also effective in removing dirt and contaminants from shoes. However, marble tile extracted and manufactured locally and recycled wood flooring may not be as effective in reducing dirt and dust, and may not have the same level of durability and cleaning capabilities as the other options.

Building users would be the most important team members for providing information about how the building will be used. They are the individuals who will be using the building on a daily basis and have firsthand knowledge of their needs, preferences, and requirements. Their input is crucial for ensuring that the building is designed and constructed in a way that meets their specific needs and enhances their overall experience. Building owners, architects, and facility managers may also provide valuable insights, but the perspective of the building users is the most essential in this context.

Infill development refers to the process of developing vacant or underutilized land within already developed areas. It aims to make efficient use of existing infrastructure and resources. An office project on a previously developed site in a city center and a store built between two existing urban buildings both fit the definition of infill development. These projects involve utilizing existing spaces within developed areas to create new structures, rather than expanding into undeveloped land.

Green building has several economic benefits. One of them is reduced utility costs. Green buildings are designed to be energy-efficient, using renewable energy sources and implementing energy-saving technologies. This leads to lower energy consumption and reduced utility bills for the occupants.

Another economic benefit is reduced liabilities due to poor indoor air quality causing health issues. Green buildings prioritize indoor air quality by using low-emission materials, proper ventilation systems, and natural lighting. This helps to create a healthier indoor environment, reducing the risk of health issues for occupants. By avoiding health-related liabilities, green buildings can save on potential legal and medical expenses.

Outlining green cleaning procedures and goals for custodians supports improved indoor air quality during operations and maintenance. Green cleaning procedures involve the use of environmentally friendly cleaning products and practices that minimize the release of harmful chemicals into the air. By implementing these procedures and setting goals for custodians to follow, the building can maintain a healthier indoor environment with better air quality.

Process energy refers to the energy consumed by specific processes or equipment within a building. In this case, the elevator, desktop computer, and washing machine are included as process energy because they are individual equipment or appliances that consume energy. The instant hot water heater, high efficient HVAC unit, and walkway lighting are not considered process energy as they are part of the building's infrastructure or systems rather than individual equipment.

Construction activity pollution prevention has synergies with rainwater management because both focus on managing and reducing the negative impact of construction activities on water quality and quantity. By implementing best management practices, such as erosion control measures and sedimentation ponds, construction sites can prevent the runoff of pollutants into nearby water bodies. Protecting or restoring habitat is also related to construction activity pollution prevention as it involves preserving natural areas and ecosystems that may be affected by construction activities. By minimizing the disturbance to habitats, construction projects can help maintain biodiversity and ecosystem services.

The number of different permanently installed products used from different manufacturers is used in determining if LEED credit can be earned when choosing products that have Environmental Product Declarations (EPD). This means that using a variety of products from different manufacturers can contribute to earning LEED credit.

Propane and hydrocarbons are considered environmentally benign refrigerants because they have zero ozone depletion potential (ODP) and very low global warming potential (GWP). These refrigerants do not contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer or significantly contribute to climate change. On the other hand, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and halons are not environmentally benign as they have high GWP and can contribute to global warming.

Selecting refurbished furniture and installing demountable interior nonstructural walls are effective ways to lessen the overall environmental consequences of an interior space over its lifetime. Refurbished furniture reduces the demand for new furniture production, which helps in conserving resources and reducing waste. Installing demountable interior nonstructural walls allows for flexibility in the space layout, reducing the need for demolition and construction when making changes, thus reducing waste and energy consumption.