LEED Ga_practice Set D_2

Native plants are the best type of plants to help reduce water use for landscaping. Native plants are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, requiring less water than non-native plants. They have deep root systems that can access water from deeper in the soil, reducing the need for irrigation. Native plants also have natural defenses against pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical treatments that can contaminate water sources. Overall, planting native plants in landscaping helps conserve water resources and promotes a healthier ecosystem.

CFC-based refrigerants used in HVAC systems have ozone depletion potential (ODP). Ozone depletion potential refers to the ability of a substance to deplete the ozone layer. CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) are known to be major contributors to ozone depletion. When released into the atmosphere, CFCs break down and release chlorine atoms, which then react with ozone molecules, leading to the destruction of ozone molecules. Therefore, CFC-based refrigerants used in HVAC systems have a significant impact on ozone depletion.

A project team would use low-emitting materials to protect the health of construction personnel and building occupants. Low-emitting materials release fewer harmful chemicals and pollutants into the air, creating a healthier indoor environment. This is particularly important during construction when workers may be exposed to these materials for extended periods. Additionally, using low-emitting materials can help prevent health issues such as respiratory problems and allergies for the occupants of the building once it is completed.

The 40/60 rule suggests that the project team should consider both the cost and regional priority credits when deciding which rating system to use. This means that they should prioritize the rating system that will result in the lowest certification costs, but also take into account the number of regional priority credits available in each rating system. By using this rule, the team can make a more informed decision that balances both financial considerations and regional priorities.

Replacing permeable pavement with turf grass will not reduce the use of potable water for irrigation. This is because turf grass requires a significant amount of water to maintain its health and appearance, especially in dry climates. On the other hand, installing native plants, using graywater, and using rainwater for irrigation are all strategies that can help reduce the use of potable water for irrigation. Native plants are adapted to the local climate and require less water, graywater is recycled water from household use that can be used for irrigation, and rainwater can be collected and stored for later use in irrigation.

If a project owner locates a building close to a bicycle network, the availability and convenience of biking as a mode of transportation would increase. This would likely lead to a decrease in the need for parking spaces, as more people would choose to bike instead of driving. Therefore, the project element that could decrease in this scenario is parking.

ENERGY STAR can be used to compare the energy performance of two buildings. ENERGY STAR is a program developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that provides energy efficiency ratings for various products and buildings. It rates buildings based on their energy consumption and performance, allowing for a comparison between different buildings. By using ENERGY STAR, individuals and organizations can make informed decisions regarding energy efficiency and choose buildings that have a higher energy performance rating.

Submeters are a strategy to reduce outdoor water use by providing water consumption tracking and leak identification. By installing submeters, water usage can be monitored more closely, allowing for early detection of leaks or excessive water consumption. This enables prompt repairs and adjustments to be made, preventing wastage and reducing outdoor water use.

A building should have a green cleaning policy in order to reduce the environmental effects of cleaning products. Traditional cleaning products often contain harmful chemicals that can be detrimental to the environment and human health. By implementing a green cleaning policy, the use of eco-friendly and non-toxic cleaning products can be encouraged, minimizing the negative impact on the environment. This can also contribute to a healthier indoor environment for the occupants of the building.

Regional Priority credits help a project take advantage of the environmental assets of the area they live in. These credits are awarded to projects that address specific environmental priorities identified by the local region. By earning these credits, a project can demonstrate its commitment to sustainable practices and contribute to the overall environmental goals of the area. This can include aspects such as energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction, and the use of local resources. By incorporating regional priorities into their design and construction, projects can better align with the unique environmental characteristics of their location.

To ensure that a building remains efficient during its operation, the project team should focus on ensuring that the building systems are functioning as designed and that they support the owner's project requirements. This includes regularly monitoring and maintaining the systems, conducting performance tests, and addressing any issues that may arise. Running computer simulations to prioritize energy-efficiency opportunities can also be helpful, but it is not the primary action for ensuring ongoing efficiency. Turning on all systems to their maximum output is not necessary and may cause unnecessary strain on the building. Verifying that no issues occur during a demand-response event is important for managing energy demand, but it does not guarantee ongoing efficiency.

The correct answer is the Integrative Process (IP) ANSI Consensus National Standard Guide 2.0 for Design and Construction of Sustainable Buildings and Communities. This standard is specifically designed to assist project teams in engaging in a comprehensive integrative process. It provides guidelines and best practices for designing and constructing sustainable buildings and communities, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and integration of various disciplines and stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle. By following this standard, project teams can ensure that all aspects of the project are considered and integrated in a holistic and sustainable manner.

Budgeting the planning and design costs separately from the operations costs is not a principle that should be followed for a successful green building project. In a successful green building project, it is important to consider the lifecycle costs of the building, including both the upfront costs of planning and design, as well as the ongoing operations costs. By considering both costs together, it allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the financial implications of the project and ensures that sustainable practices are integrated throughout the entire lifecycle of the building.

Occupant surveys are important because they help identify areas that need improvement. By gathering feedback from the occupants of a building, it becomes possible to understand their needs, preferences, and concerns. This information can then be used to make necessary adjustments and improvements to enhance the overall comfort, functionality, and satisfaction of the occupants. Without conducting surveys, it would be difficult to pinpoint specific areas that require attention and may result in missed opportunities for improvement.

To reduce a building's energy load, one can configure the building to minimize solar gain in summer and maximize it in winter. This means designing the building in a way that minimizes the amount of heat gained from the sun during hot summer months, such as using shading devices or reflective materials. In contrast, during winter, the building can be designed to maximize solar gain by allowing sunlight to enter and warm the interior, reducing the need for heating. By optimizing solar gain throughout the year, the building's energy load can be reduced.

Using sound isolation would help achieve the goal of protecting patient privacy. Sound isolation refers to the practice of designing spaces in a way that minimizes the transmission of sound between them. In a healthcare setting, this can be crucial in maintaining patient confidentiality and preventing sensitive information from being overheard by others. By implementing sound isolation measures, such as soundproof walls, doors, and windows, the project team can create a more private and secure environment for patients.

Installing shielded fixtures is a design strategy that would reduce light trespass from a site and help prevent light pollution. Shielded fixtures are designed to direct light downward and minimize the amount of light that is emitted horizontally or upward. This helps to contain the light within the intended area and reduces the amount of light that spills over into neighboring properties or the night sky. By using shielded fixtures, the site can effectively control and minimize light pollution, creating a more environmentally friendly and sustainable lighting solution.

The unit of measurement used for a lavatory faucet is gallons / liters per minute. This refers to the amount of water that flows out of the faucet in a minute, measured in either gallons or liters. This measurement is important for determining the efficiency and effectiveness of the faucet in terms of water usage.

Installing a dual flush toilet is a strategy for conserving potable water because it allows users to choose between a full flush and a half flush, depending on the amount of water needed to remove waste. This reduces water consumption compared to traditional toilets, which always use the same amount of water for flushing. By providing an option for a lower water volume flush, dual flush toilets help to conserve potable water resources and promote water efficiency.

The distance from a building's entrance to the nearest bus stop would be measured by calculating the walking distance along infrastructure that is safe and comfortable for pedestrians. This means considering the routes that pedestrians can take, such as sidewalks or pedestrian paths, and excluding any private drives or areas that are not accessible to pedestrians. This method takes into account the practicality and convenience for individuals walking from the building to the bus stop.

Planting a variety of indigenous plants would promote biodiversity the most because indigenous plants are naturally adapted to the local environment and provide food and habitat for native wildlife. By planting a diverse range of indigenous plants, it creates a balanced ecosystem and supports a wide variety of species, including insects, birds, and other animals. This helps to maintain a healthy and thriving ecosystem, contributing to the overall biodiversity of the area.

Construction hard costs refer to the direct expenses incurred during the construction process. In the context of an office condominium project, masonry costs paid to a sub-contractor and the cost for installing a green roof are both examples of construction hard costs. Masonry costs include expenses related to materials and labor for constructing the masonry walls or structures. Installing a green roof involves the cost of materials, labor, and specialized installation techniques to create an environmentally friendly and sustainable roof system. These costs directly contribute to the physical construction of the office condominium project.

In a green building project, one additional cost that may arise compared to a conventional project is the consultant fees for green building experts. These experts are necessary to ensure that the project meets the required sustainability standards and certifications. They provide guidance and expertise in areas such as energy efficiency, renewable energy systems, water conservation, and environmentally friendly materials. Their fees contribute to the overall cost of the project, but they are essential for achieving the desired green building objectives.

To obtain LEED certification, a project team must gather documentation for the prerequisites, which are the minimum requirements that must be met in order to be eligible for certification. Additionally, they must gather documentation for 40 of the points available, as LEED certification is based on a points system where projects earn points for various sustainable design and construction strategies. By gathering documentation for both the prerequisites and a sufficient number of points, the project team demonstrates their compliance with the necessary criteria for LEED certification.

Increasing ventilation levels to improve indoor air quality is a crucial consideration during the pre-design phase of a project. This is because the pre-design phase involves the initial planning and conceptualization of the project, where key decisions regarding the building's design and systems are made. By addressing ventilation needs at this stage, the project team can ensure that the building's design incorporates adequate ventilation systems to provide fresh air and remove pollutants effectively. This proactive approach helps create a healthier and more comfortable indoor environment for future occupants.

Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) are a benefit of purchasing because they help reduce emissions. RECs are certificates that represent the environmental attributes of renewable energy generation. By purchasing RECs, individuals or organizations support the production of renewable energy and contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. These credits incentivize the development of renewable energy projects and help shift the energy market towards cleaner and more sustainable sources. Therefore, purchasing RECs can have a positive impact on reducing emissions and promoting a more environmentally friendly energy system.

Purchasing off-site renewable energy (Green Power) has the benefit of generating fewer emissions. This is because renewable energy sources, such as wind or solar power, produce electricity without emitting greenhouse gases or other pollutants. By opting for green power, the building can reduce its carbon footprint and contribute to mitigating climate change.

Providing natural buffers around the property is a strategy for construction activity pollution prevention that would prevent waterway sedimentation. Natural buffers, such as vegetation or wetlands, can act as a barrier between construction sites and nearby waterways, preventing sediment runoff. These buffers can help filter and absorb sediment, preventing it from entering the water and causing pollution. By implementing natural buffers, construction activities can minimize their impact on water quality and reduce the risk of sedimentation in waterways.

The LEED credit forms must be signed by the Declarant. The Declarant is the individual or organization responsible for submitting the LEED project for certification. They are the ones who declare that the project meets all the necessary requirements and criteria for LEED certification.

A site with pedestrian access between diverse uses would promote walkability and reduce vehicle distance traveled. This means that the site would have a layout that allows people to easily walk between different types of destinations, such as residential areas, workplaces, shops, and recreational facilities. By providing convenient pedestrian access, people would be more inclined to walk instead of using vehicles, thereby reducing the distance traveled by vehicles and promoting a more sustainable and environmentally friendly mode of transportation.

The correct answer is Ceramic tile that a manufacturer takes back after its end of life and recycles and Wood flooring that a manufacturer takes back after its end of life and refinishes. These options meet the criteria of being environmentally preferable because the manufacturer takes back the flooring after its end of life and either recycles it (in the case of ceramic tile) or refinishes it (in the case of wood flooring). This reduces waste and promotes sustainability by reusing materials instead of sending them to the landfill or burning them.

A prerequisite refers to a mandatory project characteristic, measurement, quality, value, or function as identified within the LEED rating system. It is a requirement that must be met in order to achieve LEED certification.

Green Seal and Environmental Choice are third party standards that certify and label cleaning products. These standards ensure that the products meet specific environmental and health criteria, such as being biodegradable, non-toxic, and made from sustainable materials. By choosing cleaning products with these certifications, consumers can make more environmentally friendly choices and contribute to a healthier and more sustainable future.

The plan should address keeping dust and dirt out of the building, protecting materials from moisture damage, and flushing out the building before occupancy. This will help improve the air quality during the construction process by preventing the accumulation of dust and dirt, which can contribute to poor air quality. Protecting materials from moisture damage is important to prevent the growth of mold and other contaminants that can negatively impact air quality. Flushing out the building before occupancy will help remove any remaining pollutants or odors, ensuring that the air is clean and healthy for occupants. Additionally, these measures align with best practices for maintaining good indoor air quality during construction.

Locating a project within a dense area can aid in promoting walkability. In a dense area, there are usually shorter distances between destinations, making it easier for people to walk from one place to another. This can encourage more people to choose walking as a mode of transportation, leading to reduced reliance on vehicles and promoting a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle.

WaterSense labels apply to private lavatory faucets, toilets, and showerheads. These products are all commonly found in residential bathrooms and are major sources of water usage. By labeling these products as WaterSense, it indicates that they meet certain water efficiency criteria set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This helps consumers make informed choices about water-saving products and encourages water conservation in households. Irrigation submeters and washing machines are not mentioned as products that are eligible for WaterSense labels.

Life cycle costing is the accounting methodology used to evaluate the economic performance of a product or system over its useful life. It involves considering all costs associated with a product or system, including initial purchase cost, operating and maintenance costs, and disposal costs. By analyzing the total cost over the life cycle, businesses can make informed decisions about the economic viability and sustainability of their products or systems. This approach helps in identifying potential cost savings and making more efficient use of resources.

A bioswale is a landscape element designed to manage stormwater runoff by filtering and removing pollutants before they enter natural waterways. It helps to reduce the impact of development on the surrounding environment and promotes sustainable land use practices. Therefore, the use of a bioswale would contribute to earning credit in the LEED category of Sustainable Sites, which focuses on minimizing the environmental impact of a building's site selection, development, and landscaping.

A life-cycle assessment is the most appropriate method for comparing the environmental attributes of the two cabinet options. This assessment considers the entire life cycle of the products, including raw material extraction, manufacturing, transportation, use, and disposal. It takes into account factors such as energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, and waste generation. By conducting a life-cycle assessment, the tenant can evaluate the overall environmental impact of each cabinet option and make an informed decision based on sustainability criteria.

A demand response (DR) event is triggered by the utility company. This is because the utility company is responsible for managing and balancing the electricity grid's supply and demand. During periods of high demand or system emergencies, the utility company may initiate a demand response event to reduce electricity consumption. This can be done by sending signals to participating buildings or customers to temporarily reduce their electricity usage, such as by adjusting thermostat settings or turning off non-essential equipment. By triggering the DR event, the utility company can effectively manage the grid and ensure its stability and reliability.

The correct answer is usgbc.org because the US Green Building Council (USGBC) is the organization responsible for developing and maintaining the LEED rating system. Their website, usgbc.org, is a reliable source for updates and errata for the LEED BD+C: New Construction rating system. LEED online is a platform for project registration and certification, not for updates and errata. The LEED reference guides provide detailed information about the rating system, but updates and errata are typically found on the USGBC website. GBCI.org is the website for the Green Building Certification Institute, which administers the LEED certification process, but it is not the primary source for updates and errata.

The point values of a credit are based on the credit's ability to mitigate the environmental harms of a building and promote beneficial effects. This means that credits that have a significant impact in reducing the negative environmental impact of a building and have positive effects on the environment will be given higher point values. This ensures that buildings that prioritize sustainability and have a positive impact on the environment are rewarded with higher certification levels.

Hardwood cabinets, Bamboo floors, and Softwood moulding can be certified under the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) because they are made from wood materials that can be sustainably sourced and managed. The FSC certification ensures that the wood used in these products comes from responsibly managed forests, which helps to protect biodiversity, support local communities, and promote environmentally friendly practices. Linoleum floor tiles, Leather furniture, and Wheatboard desks are not made from wood and therefore cannot be certified under the FSC.

USGBC's vision is to create buildings and communities that will regenerate and sustain the health and vitality of all life within a generation. This means that they aim to develop sustainable and environmentally-friendly structures and neighborhoods that promote the well-being of both humans and the natural world. They seek to go beyond simply constructing green buildings and instead focus on creating spaces that contribute to the overall health and vitality of all living beings.

In a green building project, it is important to consider contingencies for research of unconventional techniques or materials. Unlike a conventional project, a green building project may require exploring new and innovative methods and materials that are not commonly used. This research may involve additional costs and time to ensure that the building is truly energy efficient and sustainable. Therefore, including contingencies in the project budget allows for flexibility and adaptation to unexpected challenges that may arise during the research phase.

Project teams can use the Natural Heritage Program and state fish and wildlife agencies (or local equivalent) to identify a sensitive habitat. The Natural Heritage Program is a comprehensive database that provides information on rare and endangered species, as well as important habitats. State fish and wildlife agencies, on the other hand, have the expertise and knowledge to identify and protect sensitive habitats in their respective regions. By utilizing these resources, project teams can ensure that they are aware of and take necessary measures to avoid or mitigate any potential negative impacts on sensitive habitats during their projects.

The appropriate language to describe a project that has been certified at any level is "LEED-certified." This term indicates that the project has received certification according to the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards. It is grammatically correct and concise, conveying the necessary information about the project's certification status.

Green infrastructure (GI) and low-impact development (LID) are strategies that can be combined to mimic natural systems and manage rainwater. Green infrastructure involves using natural elements such as vegetation, permeable surfaces, and rain gardens to manage stormwater runoff. Low-impact development focuses on minimizing the impact of development on the environment and includes techniques like rainwater harvesting, rain gardens, and permeable pavement. By combining these strategies, a project team can mimic the natural water cycle, reduce stormwater runoff, and manage rainwater in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner.

Advanced framing, structural insulated panels, and reducing hallways are all strategies that can help a large home builder save on material costs and conserve materials. Advanced framing techniques involve using less wood and reducing the amount of waste generated during construction. Structural insulated panels are pre-fabricated panels that provide better insulation and reduce the need for additional materials. Reducing hallways can help minimize the amount of materials needed for construction and also increase the usable space within the homes. These strategies not only save on material costs but also contribute to sustainability and energy efficiency.

Transportation is responsible for 25% of greenhouse gas emissions globally. This is because transportation relies heavily on fossil fuels, such as gasoline and diesel, which release carbon dioxide when burned. Cars, trucks, ships, airplanes, and trains all contribute to these emissions. Additionally, the growing demand for transportation services, especially in developing countries, has led to an increase in greenhouse gas emissions from this sector. Therefore, transportation plays a significant role in contributing to climate change and global warming.