LEED Ga_practice Set D_1

A brownfield refers to previously used or redeveloped land that may be contaminated with hazardous waste or pollution. This term is commonly used to describe land that was previously used for industrial or commercial purposes and is now being considered for redevelopment. The contamination on brownfield sites can pose environmental and health risks, requiring careful assessment and remediation before any new development can take place.

Blackwater refers to wastewater from toilets that contains feces and urine, as well as other bodily waste and potentially harmful pathogens. It is unsuitable for flushing toilets as it poses health risks and requires proper treatment and disposal. Rainwater, graywater, and non-potable water, on the other hand, can be used for flushing toilets as they are not contaminated with fecal matter and can be safely reused for this purpose.

Temperature, humidity, and air movement are the factors that affect an occupant's thermal comfort. These factors play a significant role in determining whether a person feels comfortable or uncomfortable in a space. Temperature refers to the level of heat or coldness in the environment, humidity refers to the amount of moisture in the air, and air movement refers to the circulation and flow of air. Maintaining an optimal balance of these factors is crucial for creating a comfortable and healthy indoor environment for occupants.

The correct answer is that a facility manager would be most involved in the ongoing operations and maintenance of a building. This means that their main responsibility is to ensure that the building is running smoothly and efficiently on a day-to-day basis. They would oversee tasks such as maintenance, repairs, security, and cleaning. They would also be responsible for managing the budget and resources for the building's operations. This role is crucial in ensuring that the building remains functional and meets the needs of its occupants.

The given scenario describes a situation where a school building consumes electricity from the grid at night but contributes energy back to the grid during the day through on-site solar panels. This results in the school having no electricity costs. This aligns with the concept of net-zero energy, which refers to a building or system that produces as much energy as it consumes over a given period of time. In this case, the school's energy consumption and energy production are balanced, making it an example of net-zero energy.

Exemplary performance and pilot credits are awarded in the Innovation category of LEED. This category recognizes projects that demonstrate innovative strategies and practices that go beyond the requirements of other LEED categories. It encourages projects to push the boundaries of sustainability and find new ways to address environmental and social challenges. By rewarding exemplary performance and pilot credits, LEED promotes continuous improvement and encourages projects to strive for even higher levels of sustainability.

CFCs, or chlorofluorocarbons, are commonly used in refrigeration systems and centrifugal chillers. CFCs are known for their excellent heat transfer properties and low boiling points, making them ideal for cooling applications. They are used in these project areas to facilitate the cooling process and maintain low temperatures. CFCs have been widely used in refrigeration systems in the past, but their usage has been reduced due to their harmful impact on the ozone layer.

The impact category that most directly helps with the people aspect of the triple bottom line is enhancing social equity, environmental justice, and community quality of life. This category focuses on ensuring fairness and equality in society, as well as improving the overall well-being and quality of life for communities. It involves promoting social justice, equal access to resources and opportunities, and creating sustainable communities where people can thrive. By enhancing social equity and community quality of life, this impact category directly addresses the people aspect of the triple bottom line.

A life cycle costing of the trade-offs between the capital and operating costs would help with the decision-making process for the building owner. This analysis would consider not only the higher initial costs for ENERGY STAR appliances but also the potential long-term savings in operating costs and energy consumption. By comparing the total costs over the lifespan of the appliances, the owner can make an informed decision about whether the investment in ENERGY STAR appliances is financially beneficial in the long run.

The project team should start by completing an early site assessment. This will allow them to evaluate the potential environmental impacts of the project and identify any sensitive ecosystems or wetlands that need to be protected. It will also help them assess the site's suitability for achieving the goals of reducing the heat-island effect and designing a healthy building. Additionally, the early site assessment will provide valuable information on the energy demand of the building, which is important for reducing energy demand and potentially implementing a demand response program.

Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) are not an example of on-site generated renewable energy because they do not involve the direct production of energy. RECs are a market-based instrument that represents the environmental benefits of renewable energy generation. They are created when renewable energy is produced and can be bought and sold separately from the actual electricity. On the other hand, solar, wind, and biofuel-based electrical systems are all examples of on-site generated renewable energy as they directly produce electricity from renewable sources.

A full-time cafeteria worker would be classified as an FTE (Full-Time Equivalent) because they work full-time hours, typically 40 hours per week. FTE is a measure used to calculate the number of full-time employees or their equivalent in a company or organization. This classification is based on the number of hours worked and indicates that the cafeteria worker is employed on a full-time basis.

A project that earns 65 points would earn the Gold level of certification. This indicates that the project has achieved a high level of performance and meets the requirements for the Gold certification. It surpasses the Silver and Certified levels, but falls short of the highest level, Platinum.

The correct answer is that each credit is independently evaluated by USGBC within the seven impact categories. This means that the USGBC (United States Green Building Council) evaluates each credit based on its impact in seven different categories, such as energy efficiency, water conservation, and indoor air quality. The evaluation determines the number of points that a credit can earn in LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. This ensures that the points awarded are based on the actual environmental impact of the credit, rather than being determined by other factors such as GHG emissions or member voting.

The use of light-colored, pervious paving helps with rainwater management because it allows rainwater to infiltrate into the ground, reducing runoff and preventing flooding. It also helps with heat island reduction by reflecting sunlight and reducing heat absorption, which can lower temperatures in urban areas and mitigate the urban heat island effect.

If a building code official finds an issue between a proposed energy efficiency strategy and the city's building electrical code, the project team must alter the design. This means that they need to make changes to the design in order to comply with both the energy efficiency strategy and the building electrical code. The electrical contractor cannot proceed with the design as it is, and the project administrator may need to re-run the energy model to ensure that the revised design meets the required standards. A LEED reviewer's approval may not be necessary in this case.

A flush-out refers to the process of removing any remaining construction contaminants from the building before it is occupied. This is typically done to ensure the indoor air quality meets acceptable standards. The correct answer, "Prior to occupants moving in," is the most logical point for a flush-out to occur as it ensures that the building is fully cleaned and ready for occupancy. The other options, such as after the building envelope is weather-tight or after HVAC ducts have been sealed and protected, are important milestones in the construction process but do not specifically relate to the need for a flush-out.

Graywater refers to the wastewater generated from domestic activities such as bathing, laundry, and dishwashing, which can be reused for non-potable purposes. Showers and washing machines are both sources of graywater as they produce wastewater that can be collected and treated for reuse. Municipal potable water supply systems, wells, and toilets, on the other hand, do not produce graywater as they either provide clean drinking water or dispose of wastewater that is unsuitable for reuse.

When buildings use significant quantities of potable water indoors, it leads to increased environmental burdens on the water supply. This means that the demand for water increases, putting pressure on the natural water sources. It can result in water scarcity, depletion of groundwater, and damage to aquatic ecosystems. Additionally, the extraction, treatment, and distribution of water require energy, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and decreased energy efficiency. Overall, the excessive use of potable water indoors has negative environmental consequences on the water supply.

Commissioning of a building is the process of ensuring that the building and its systems are designed, installed, and functionally tested to meet the owner's project requirements. This includes verifying that all aspects of the building, including HVAC systems, meet the specific needs and goals set by the owner. The commissioning process helps to ensure that the building operates efficiently, effectively, and in accordance with the owner's expectations, rather than just meeting minimum local building code requirements or occupant preferences.

The correct answer is "Enhance Individual Human Health and Well-Being." This is because protecting human health globally and across the entire built environment life cycle aligns with the goal of enhancing individual human health and well-being. By ensuring that the built environment is safe and healthy, we can promote the well-being of individuals and contribute to their overall health.

The maximum number of project administrators that can be assigned to a LEED project is 1. This means that only one person can be designated as the project administrator for a LEED project. This ensures that there is a single point of contact and responsibility for the project, helping to streamline communication and decision-making processes. Having multiple project administrators could lead to confusion and potential conflicts, so limiting it to one helps to maintain clarity and accountability.

Conducting a life-cycle assessment helps to evaluate the environmental impact of a building throughout its entire life, allowing for the identification of areas where improvements can be made. Using salvaged flooring in a new building reduces the demand for new resources and reduces waste. Restoring a historic building preserves its cultural and historical value, preventing the need for new construction. These strategies all contribute to reducing harm to the environment over a building's entire life.

To calculate the Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) of a material, two pieces of information are needed: reflectance and emissivity. Reflectance refers to the material's ability to reflect solar radiation, while emissivity refers to its ability to emit thermal radiation. These two factors are crucial in determining the SRI value, which is used to assess a material's ability to reflect solar heat and maintain a cooler surface temperature. The thickness of the material and the thermal gradient are not directly related to the calculation of SRI.

A building renovation in a federal empowerment zone supports the triple bottom line because it addresses economic, social, and environmental concerns. Renovating a building in an empowerment zone can create jobs and stimulate economic growth in the area. It also improves the social well-being of the community by providing better infrastructure and facilities. Additionally, renovating an existing building reduces the need for new construction, which helps to minimize environmental impact and conserve resources.

Source reduction is ranked the highest by the EPA to reduce waste because it focuses on preventing waste from being generated in the first place. This approach aims to minimize the amount of waste created by reducing the use of materials, improving manufacturing processes, and promoting sustainable consumption patterns. By addressing the root causes of waste generation, source reduction helps to conserve resources, reduce pollution, and minimize the environmental impact of waste disposal.

The Campus Program is suitable for certifying multiple buildings that are not necessarily uniform in design or operations but are located on a single campus location. This means that if the university client has multiple buildings on one campus but they are not identical in design or operations, they can still use the Campus Program to certify these buildings.

The appropriate rating system for the project would be LEED Interior Design and Construction: Commercial Interiors because the tenant is leasing only 2 stories within the existing 10-story building. This rating system specifically focuses on the interior design and construction of commercial spaces, which aligns with the tenant's needs for their leased space. It does not encompass the entire building or its shell, making it the most suitable option for this scenario.

Only 3% of the Earth's water is fresh water. The majority of the Earth's water is saltwater, found in the oceans and seas. Fresh water is essential for human consumption, agriculture, and various other purposes. The limited availability of fresh water highlights the importance of conservation and sustainable use of this precious resource.

Before a project team pursues a LEED Interpretation, the inquiry must first undergo the project CIR process. This means that the team must submit their inquiry through the LEED Certification Review (CIR) program, which allows project teams to seek official interpretations of LEED credits and prerequisites. The CIR process ensures that the inquiry is reviewed and responded to by the appropriate LEED technical experts, providing clarification and guidance on how the project can achieve LEED certification. Only after this process has been completed can the project team pursue a LEED Interpretation.

To purchase renewable energy certificates (RECs) for LEED credit, an owner must commit to a minimum contract length of 5 years. This is because RECs represent the environmental attributes of renewable energy generation, and LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification requires a significant and long-term commitment to sustainability. A 5-year contract ensures that the owner is actively supporting renewable energy for a substantial period, aligning with the goals of LEED certification.

Regularly occupied spaces are areas that are frequently used by people for activities such as living, working, or socializing. A dorm room is a space that is regularly occupied as it is used by students for sleeping, studying, and living. On the other hand, a break room is also a regularly occupied space as it is used by employees for taking breaks and socializing. Similarly, a restroom is a regularly occupied space as it is used by people for personal hygiene purposes. However, a corridor is not considered a regularly occupied space as it is primarily used for transit and does not involve prolonged or consistent occupancy.

If a building owner selects a project site in an existing community with proximity to existing utility lines and street networks, it would save on project costs by reduced infrastructure costs. This is because the existing utility lines and street networks can be utilized, eliminating the need for extensive construction and installation of new infrastructure. This would result in significant cost savings for the project.

The ICC International Codes are used for providing minimum safeguards for people at home, at school, and in the workplace. These codes are designed to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals in various settings by establishing regulations and standards that need to be followed. They cover a wide range of aspects including building construction, fire safety, plumbing, mechanical systems, and more. By implementing these codes, it helps to create a safer environment for individuals in their daily lives.

Task lighting allows occupants to actively participate in energy savings by giving them control over the amount of lighting they use. With task lighting, individuals can choose to only illuminate the specific areas they need, rather than relying on general overhead lighting that may be unnecessary. This allows for more efficient use of energy and can help reduce electricity consumption.

By fixture cut sheets is the appropriate way to document whether a bathroom sink qualifies for an indoor water use reduction. Fixture cut sheets provide detailed information about the fixtures, including their water usage and efficiency ratings. This documentation is important for determining if the bathroom sink meets the requirements for water conservation in LEED certification.

The integrative process being iterative means that it is a repetitive and continuous process, where feedback and adjustments are made throughout the project. This is in contrast to a conventional building process, which typically follows a linear and sequential approach. In the integrative process, all project team members are involved and collaborate, ensuring that all perspectives and expertise are considered. The process does not have a fixed completion date, as it is ongoing and adaptable. The inclusion of a schematic design phase is not unique to the integrative process and can also be part of a conventional building process.

One low/no cost structural incentive that a municipality can make to a developer to encourage green building is allowing increases in the floor area ratio. This means that the developer can build more floor space on a given plot of land, which can be beneficial in terms of increasing the profitability of the development. By allowing this, the municipality is providing an incentive for developers to incorporate green building practices, as they can potentially benefit financially from the increased floor area.

Increasing the quantity of open space on a project has several benefits. Firstly, it provides more habitat for vegetation and wildlife, allowing them to thrive and contribute to the biodiversity of the area. Secondly, it helps in increasing rainwater infiltration, which means that more rainwater can be absorbed into the ground instead of running off, reducing the risk of flooding and replenishing groundwater supplies.

A construction waste management plan should address a target diversion rate and what materials should be diverted from the waste stream. This means that the plan should set a goal for diverting a certain percentage of waste from going to landfills and identify which specific materials should be recycled, reused, or repurposed. This helps to minimize the environmental impact of construction activities and promote sustainable waste management practices. The other options mentioned in the question, such as onsite waste incineration, certified wood procurement, community recycling programs, source reduction, and disposal of hazardous materials, may also be important considerations in waste management, but they are not the primary focus of a construction waste management plan.

Selecting products that have been developed with a sustainable design is an example of source reduction. Source reduction refers to reducing the amount of waste generated at the source by using materials that are designed to be more environmentally friendly and sustainable. By choosing products that have been developed with a sustainable design, we are actively reducing the amount of waste that is generated and minimizing the impact on the environment. This approach focuses on preventing waste rather than managing it after it has been created.

Designers and builders can construct green buildings that use significantly less municipal water than conventional construction by using graywater and/or rainwater for nonpotable water needs. Graywater and rainwater can be collected and treated for uses such as toilet flushing and irrigation, reducing the reliance on municipal water sources. Additionally, installing water-efficient fixtures such as low-flow toilets and faucets can further minimize water consumption. Incorporating native landscapes that eliminate the need for irrigation can also contribute to water conservation efforts by reducing the demand for additional water for landscaping purposes.

CFCs have a greater global warming potential (GWP) than HCFCs. This means that CFCs have a stronger ability to trap heat in the atmosphere and contribute to global warming compared to HCFCs. This is an important consideration in environmental policies and regulations, as reducing the use of substances with high GWP can help mitigate climate change.

The architectural firm may encounter obstacles with the owner in terms of the additional time required for the integrative process. This is because LEED projects involve a comprehensive and collaborative approach that requires input from various stakeholders, including the building owner. This may result in longer decision-making processes and potentially slower progress.

Another obstacle that the firm may face is the use of new technologies. LEED projects often incorporate innovative and sustainable technologies that may be unfamiliar to the building owner. This could lead to resistance or hesitation in adopting these new technologies, as they may be perceived as risky or unproven.

The most likely reason that a LEED project incurred higher development costs compared to conventional development is that green building goals were not set in the pre-design phase. This means that the project did not prioritize and plan for sustainable and energy-efficient features from the beginning, leading to additional costs later on.

ASHRAE 189.1 is an alternative compliance path to the International Green Construction Code (IgCC). ASHRAE 189.1 is a standard developed by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) that provides minimum requirements for the design, construction, and operation of high-performance green buildings. It offers an alternative set of guidelines and standards that can be used as a compliance path for green construction, in addition to or instead of the IgCC.

Using light shelves to bring daylight into classrooms can lead to glare reduction. Light shelves are horizontal surfaces that reflect sunlight deeper into a space, allowing natural light to penetrate further into the room. By redirecting sunlight towards the ceiling, light shelves help to reduce direct glare and distribute the light more evenly, creating a more comfortable and visually pleasing environment for students and teachers. This can enhance visibility and reduce eye strain, improving the overall learning experience in the classrooms.

Completing a life-cycle assessment (LCA) of a building during the design process aids in reducing the amount of materials used by identifying areas where materials can be minimized or substituted. It also helps in determining the materials that best fit the project over the building's life by considering factors such as durability, maintenance requirements, and environmental impact. However, it does not directly impact shortening the construction schedule, reducing change orders, or decreasing project costs.

The project boundary is defined by the platted property line, which includes both land and water within it. This means that any area within the legal property boundaries of the site, whether constructed or nonconstructed, is considered part of the project boundary. This definition ensures that all areas of the site are included and accounted for in the project.

GreenScreen and Cradle-to-Cradle Certified are both standards that focus on material ingredient optimization. GreenScreen is a method for chemical hazard assessment that helps identify and prioritize safer alternatives. Cradle-to-Cradle Certified is a holistic certification program that evaluates products based on their material health, material reutilization, renewable energy use, water stewardship, and social fairness. Both of these standards aim to promote the use of materials that are safe for human health and the environment, making them important contributors to material ingredient optimization.