1- 'To transform the way buildings and communities are designed, built, and operated, enabling

an environmentally and socially responsible, healthy, and prosperous environment that

improves the quality of life' denotes which of the following:

A. The purpose of LEED Online

B. USGBC's mission

This statement describes USGBC's mission.

C. USGBC's 2013-2015 strategic plan
D.USGBC's vision

USGBC's vision is that 'buildings and communities will regenerate and sustain the health and
vitality of all life within a generation.'

2- What does LEED accept as part of a building design to qualify as open space for projects in
urban areas?

A. Shaded parking lots

Shaded parking lots are not considered open space.

B. Vegetated (green) roofs

A vegetated roof may count as open space for projects in urban areas.
C. Higher density buildings

Higher density buildings do not contribute to open space requirements.

D.Balconies

Balconies are not considered open space.

3- What should be used during all project phases to verify the green building goals are being
met?

A. Sustainable purchasing policy

This policy is used to document environmentally preferable materials to purchase.

B. Materials checklist

The materials checklist would be used by contractors to purchase materials needed for the
project.
C. Commissioning plan

The commissioning plan is used to verify the installed systems are working as designed.
D.LEED Project Checklist
 The LEED Project Checklist is the quick list of what credits the project team has decided to
pursue in the pre-design phase, based on the project vision and the project's green building
goals.

Through each phase this checklist is consulted to ask 'are we on track and are we working
towards meeting those credits we set out to do?'
4- What statement is true regarding HydroChloroFluoroCarbons (HCFCs)?

A. HCFCs are a type of natural refrigerant

HCFCs are not in the class of natural refrigerants.

B. HCFCs are refrigerants currently banned by the Montreal Protocol

HCFCs are not banned yet. They are being phased out by the Montreal Protocol.
C. HCFCs have a low ozone depletion potential compared to CFCs

HCFCs have a low ozone depletion potential compared to CFCs.

D.LEED requires zero use of HCFCs

Zero use of CFCs, not HCFCs, is required to achieve Fundamental Refrigerant Management
under LEED.
Notes:
HCFCs are schedule to be phased out under the Montreal Protocol.
5- Which of the following is a type of graywater?

A. Rainwater collected and held in a cistern

This is rainwater.
B. Rainwater collected in a retention pond

This is rainwater.
C. Wastewater from urinals

This is blackwater.
D.Wastewater that has not come in contact with toilet waste or kitchen sinks

Graywater is defined by the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) as untreated house-hold

wastewater which has not come into contact with toilet waste or kitchen sinks.

Graywater includes used water from bathtubs, showers, bathroom wash basins, and water
from clothes-washer and laundry tubs. It does not include water from kitchen sinks or
dishwashers.
6- What impact category addresses reducing negative environmental impacts throughout the
materials life-cycle?
 A. Reverse Contribution to Global Climate Change
B. Promote Sustainable and Regenerative Material Resources Cycles

The components of the Protect, Enhance and Restore Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services
are:

Local Biodiversity, Habitat Protection and Open Spaces

Global Biodiversity, Habitat Protection and Land Preservation
Sustainable Use and Management of Ecosystem Services

C. GHG Emissions Reduction from Materials and Water Embodied Energy Use
D.Protect, Enhance and Restore Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services

7- What is at the core of the integrative process?

A. Working toward individual goals

The integrative process focuses on the project goals, which the team members come up
with.
B. Cost-based decision making

The integrative process uses life cycle costing and life cycle analysis to make decisions
rather than first costs.
C. Collaborative team members

Integrative projects are based on integrative teams and frequent, collaborative

communications.
D.Linear planning

Linear planning is how conventional building is done.

8- Relative to the LEED project design what has a low soft cost?

A. Building commissioning

Building commissioning costs are much higher than the cost of a one-day charrette.
B. Carpet installation

Carpet installation is a hard cost.

Hard costs: By far the largest portion of the expenses in a construction budget, the hard
costs are mostly comprised of the actual construction costs incurred to build the project.

Examples include masonry, wood, steel, carpet, tile, mechanical systems, roofing.
C. Facility management costs

This would be your ongoing operations costs, which is typically salaries for people.
D.Cost of the LEED charrette
 The cost of the charrette and the time of each team member for the one day is pretty
insignificant compared to the benefits and cost savings of the integrative process.
Notes:

A soft construction cost is one that is not directly related to building, construction, etc. These include
building permit fees, architect fees, legal, financing, engineering fees, commissioning, and other
costs incurred before and after construction
9- What are local ordinances?

A. Building codes based on national model codes

This defines local codes.

Local building codes represent the minimum codes that a project must adhere to.

State and local jurisdictions may develop their own regulations or adopt building codes
based on national model codes. State and local codes are typically based on national model
codes published by the International Code Council (ICC)
B. A law usually found in a municipal code

This defines what local ordinance is.

Projects should prepare and review a list of the appropriate and applicable laws, codes, local
ordinances, statutes, and industry-related standards relevant to the project.
C. Local government regulations imposed to promote orderly development of private lands and
prevent land-use conflicts
This defines local zoning.
D.Recommendations for good building practices

This is not the correct definition.

10- What credit category rewards project teams for taking advantage of existing patterns of
development and land density?

A. Innovation
B. Sustainable Sites

Sustainable Sites address on-site ecosystems.

C. Location and Transportation

LT focuses on the surrounding community of the project and what currently exists - is there
public transportation, existing infrastructure, a previously developed site to build on, etc.?
D.Regional Priority
11- Which of the following are mandatory for LEED certification?

A. Earning Innovation points

This is not mandatory.

B. Having a LEED AP on the project

This is not mandatory.

C. Achieving all Regional Priority credits

This is not mandatory.

D.Meeting all prerequisites

Meeting the prerequisites are mandatory for certification. Credits are optional, though a
certain number of credits are needed for certification. The project team chooses which
credits to pursue. Prerequisites are not a choice.
E. Earning at least 50 points

Non-homes projects must earn at least 40 points.

F. Meeting the Minimum Program Requirements

MPRs are mandatory for certification.

12- What are the benefits of reducing potable water use in buildings?

A. Decreased building operating costs

When low flow fixtures and fittings are used, the quantity of water that needs to be heated
is reduced thereby decreasing energy consumption.
B. Reduced drawdown of water from water bodies and aquifers

Less water is taken from nature which helps preserve the environment for future
generations.
C. Reduced contamination of nearby water bodies

Contamination of nearby water bodies would be caused by sedimentation.

D.Increased irrigation efficiency

The type of water does not affect the efficiency of an irrigation system.

13- For a project to be LEED Platinum a minimum of how many points must be earned?

A. 80

Certified 40-49 points

Silver 50-59 points
Gold 60-79 points
Platinum 80+ points
B. 90
C. 60
 D.70

14- Which of the following can increase the heat island effect in urban areas?

A. Hardscapes shaded by trees

Hardscapes shaded by trees is a strategy to reduce the heat island effect.

B. Reduced air flow from tall buildings and narrow streets

The primary cause of the heat island effect is dark surfaces such as rooftops or dark asphalt
pavement that absorb heat and radiate it into the surrounding areas.

Reduced air flow between buildings and narrow streets also increases the effect.

Other causes of the heat island effect include air-conditioners, vehicle exhaust, and calm
and sunny weather.
C. Large areas of turf grass

Any type of vegetation will help reduce the heat island effect. Plants absorb the heat and do
not radiate it.
D.Underground parking

Underground parking is a LEED strategy to reduce the heat island effect because it reduces
the need for paved parking surfaces exposed to the sun.

15- What describes a project that has been certified to the base level?

A. LEED Certified

'LEED Certified' with capital 'C' (and no hyphen) is used to describe a project that has been
certified to the base level: Certified.
B. LEED Certified certified

Due to repetition, the wording 'project 'A' is LEED Certified certified' is not recommended.
'Certified' to reference both certification and level is sufficient.
C. LEED Accredited

People are accredited, not buildings.

D.LEED's Certified

This is not correct.

16- A data center is located in a remote, forested area. In which of the following ways could
the project team reduce light pollution?

A. By installing surfaces and lights that reduce glare

 Good exterior lighting design results in the reduction of three forms of light pollution:
uplight, glare, and light trespass.
B. By increasing the number of exterior lights

Increasing the quantity of lights increases the light pollution.

C. By installing lights that shine upward

Lights should point downward, not upward.

D.By placing exterior lights close to the project boundary

Lights placed near the project boundary increase light trespass outside of the project
boundary and should be avoided.

17- Which of the following statements regarding LEED Interpretations is NOT true?

A. LEED interpretations are reviewed by LEED committees comprised of member-selected green

building practitioners and USGBC staff.
A LEED interpretation is reviewed by LEED committees comprised of member-selected green
building practitioners and USGBC staff.
B. LEED interpretations are used to add new requirements to the LEED Rating System.

LEED interpretations are not an avenue for making significant changes or new requirements
to the LEED rating system. LEED interpretations are also not the intended path for fixing
errors in the LEED rating systems and reference guides. USGBC publishes clarifications (also
called addenda) to address those issues.
C. LEED interpretations can be applied to multiple projects.

A LEED interpretation can be used for all projects certifying under the rating systems that it
applies to, as indicated in the LEED Interpretations and Addenda database.
D.LEED interpretations are an opportunity to contribute to LEED in a significant way.

A LEED interpretation is an opportunity to contribute to the LEED conversation in a

significant way. This is in addition to opportunities such as commenting and voting during
the new rating system creation process, suggesting addenda, volunteering on a USGBC
committee, etc.

18- What is the International Green Construction Code (IgCC) intended to replace?

A. LEED

The IgCC is distinct from LEED, and also compliments LEED. Where the IgCC is intended to
raise the bar of mandatory building codes, LEED take green building one step further. LEED
is still voluntary in most places where the IgCC is designed to be a minimum enforceable
green building code.
B. ENERGY STAR
C. ASHRAE 189.1
 IgCC doesn't replace ASHRAE 189.1. ASHRAE 189.1 is an alternative compliance path to the
IgCC.

An addition to the technical content of the IgCC is the inclusion of ANSI/ASHRAE/USGBC/IES

Standard 189.1, Standard for the Design of High Performance, Green Buildings Except Low-
Rise Residential Buildings, as an alternate path of compliance. Standard 189.1 is a set of
technically rigorous requirements, which like the IgCC, covers criteria including water use
efficiency, indoor environmental quality, energy efficiency, materials and resource use, and
the building's impact on its site and its community.
D.Traditional building codes

The IgCC provides the building industry with language that both broadens and strengthens
building codes in a way that will accelerate the construction of high performance green
buildings.

Jurisdictions that adopt the IgCC into their building codes can enforce them.

By having comprehensive mandatory codes, building owners can experience the benefits of
green building.
19- Using passive strategies such as daylighting is an example of which of the following:

A. Energy performance management

B. Renewable energy practice
C. Reducing energy demand

Passive strategies are an example of reducing energy demand.

D.Increasing energy efficiency

Notes:

During the integrative process, project teams consider several design topics related to energy:

Energy demand
Energy efficiency
Using renewable energy
Ongoing performance of the building's systems

It is important to understand how a design decision falls into one of these categories
20- In which of the following instances would a project team need to use the ITE
Transportation Planning Handbook?

A. When locating existing rights-of-way when determining surrounding density

B. When calculating a project's parking capacity

When reducing parking, project teams will use the ITE Transportation Planning Handbook to
determine recommended parking.
C. When reviewing planned future public transportation routes
D.When determining if a bicycle network is adequate

21- A project team has decided to modify a low SRI roof design to include a vegetated roof
to help with rainwater management. What other credit would this decision help with?

A. On-site renewable energy

B. Heat island reduction

A green roof can help with reducing the heat island effect. Vegetation is a good insulator
against the heat from the sun and would keep a building cooler compared to low SRI
material.
C. Light pollution reduction
D.Construction activity pollution prevention

22- During the integrative process a building owner decides to replace a low VOC ten-year
carpet tile with a less expensive and higher VOC twelve-year carpet tile. Which of the following
would be impacted by this change?

A. Material reuse

Since the carpet is new, material reuse is not relevant.

B. Construction waste management

Construction waste management would not be impacted.

C. Indoor air quality

The higher VOC carpet tile impacts indoor air quality.

D.Raw material sourcing

Not enough information is provided about the carpets to know if raw material sourcing is an
issue.

23- For which of the following credit areas would a site plan be submitted for
documentation?

A. Outdoor water use reduction

The landscape area would need to be documented to show the types of plants, the different
areas of vegetation, where irrigation will go, etc.
 B. Acoustic design
C. Furniture reuse
D.Demand response

24- What are examples of spaces that are typically unoccupied?

A. Private office
B. Airplane hanger
C. Inactive storage area in a warehouse
D.Gymnasium
E. Data center floor area
F. Mechanical room

Notes:

Read the Space Categorization section of the EQ Overview at http://www.usgbc.org/guide/bdc for

information on space types and occupied vs. unoccupied spaces.

Further, pay attention to the differences between regularly occupied spaces vs. nonregularly occupied
spaces, and also individual occupant spaces vs. shared multioccupant spaces.
25- Which of the following is NOT a type of diverse use?

A. A barber shop
B. A public park
C. A police station
D.An ATM

A diverse use is 'a distinct, officially recognize business, nonprofit, civic, religious, or
governmental organization, or dwelling units (residential use) or offices (commercial office
use). It has a stationary postal address and is publicly available. It does not include
automated facilities such as ATMs, vending machines, and touchscreens.' - USGBC

26- The Green Label Plus certification is used for what material?

A. Floors

Floors are certified by FloorScore.

B. Cleaning products

Green Seal and Environmental Choice are standards LEED accepts for cleaning products.
C. Carpets

Green Label Plus certified carpets have low VOC content.

D.Wood

Wood is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.

 27- What environmental issue is associated with refrigerants used in HVAC&R systems?

A. Increased CO2 indoors

B. Soil contamination
C. Groundwater contamination
D.Increasing greenhouse gas emissions

Refrigerants have ozone depletion potential (ODP) and global warming potential (GWP) due
to greenhouse gas emissions. Low values of each are best for refrigerant choices.

28- A project team is trying to maximize the number of points they can achieve for their
LEED project by identifying synergies. Which elements, when combined, would best achieve
this goal?

A. Occupant lighting controls

B. Occupancy sensors
C. Daylight sensors
D.CO2 sensors
E. Operable windows

Notes:

The big three when it comes to saving energy and optimizing lighting is daylighting combined with
occupancy sensors and individual occupant controls.

Daylighting, of course, reduces the energy required for lighting. By having daylighting sensors, the
interior lighting levels are adjusted automatically to further save energy by increasing artificial
lighting only in areas that need it. If a space is unoccupied, occupancy sensors can turn off artificial
lighting. Finally, individual task lighting lets each occupant turn on lights for their own comfort
29- What process uses heat recovery to capture heat from the process of generating
electricity and then turns the recovered heat into thermal energy that can be used to heat a
building?

A. Tertiary treatment

A project that treats 50% of wastewater onsite to tertiary standards can earn the Innovative
Wastewater Technologies credit. Tertiary treatment of wastewater leaves the water in a state
where it can be used for agriculture or discharged back into the environment. It is not
suitable for drinking.
B. Evapotranspiration

Evapotranspiration is water leaving plants and soil and returning back to the atmosphere.
C. Commissioning
 Commissioning is systematic process of assuring that a building performs in accordance
with the design intent and the owner's operational needs.
D.Cogeneration

Combined heat and power (CHP) is an electricity generation technology, also known as
cogeneration, that recovers waste heat from the electric generation process to produce
simultaneously other forms of useful energy, such as usable heat or steam. On average,
two-thirds of the input energy used to make electricity is lost as waste heat. In contrast,
CHP systems are capable of converting more than 70 % of the fuel into usable energy.

30- Which of the following would help increase the daylight brought into a space?

A. Clerestory windows, light shelves, reflective paint, and skylights

B. Ergonomic furniture, reused acoustic ceiling tiles, polished concrete flooring, and movable
partitions
C. Task lighting, occupancy sensors, window blinds, and operable windows
D.Low VOC interior walls, single-pane glazing, and reused furniture

31- Which of the following does green building help with creating?

A. Lower-impact built environments

A goal of green building is to reduce the impact of the built environment.

B. Increased building operational costs

One of the economic benefits of green building is more efficient buildings that
have lower operational costs.
C. Communities that are more vital to a healthy society

Green communities can significantly affect the quality of life, as well as the environment.
Reduced commute times, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and reduced water use and
resource consumption all help with the health of society.
D.Increased segregated land use

Segregated land use is how development can be characterized prior to the green building
movement. Moving people further and further away from city centers is one of the reasons
greenhouse gas emissions have increased.

32- The owner of a historic renovation project wants to achieve carbon neutrality. Which of
the following design decision will help the project team achieve this?

A. Participating in a demand response program

This decision helps lower a project's energy demand but it does not achieve carbon
neutrality like purchasing carbon offsets would.
B. Purchasing carbon offsets
 One way to achieve carbon neutrality is to purchase carbon offsets
C. Purchasing Renewable Energy Credits (RECs)

REC purchases contribute to growing grid-source renewable energy.

D.Using no more water than what falls on the site as precipitation

This is an example of how a project would achieve water balance.

33- Which of the following does LEED use as a standard means of reporting the
environmental impacts of a product, such as global warming potential and greenhouse gas
emissions?

A. Greenhouse Gas Inventory

B. MSDS
C. Carbon management tool
D.Environmental Product Declarations

Typically, an EPD will include information about a product's impact on global warming,
ozone depletion, water pollution, ozone creation, and greenhouse gas emissions.

34- A delivery of drywall arrived at a building site during a rain storm. Some of the drywall
was exposed to the rain. What should the general contractor do with the material?

A. Wait for it to dry out and then install it

B. Send it to the landfill
C. Install it anyway
D.Ask for replacement drywall from the seller

Notes:

What is this question really asking? A building material got wet, what does that impact? For good
indoor air quality, remember a general contractor is responsible for keeping building materials dry so
that no mold is introduced into the building.

Installing it or waiting for it to dry and then installing it are not good options (how could it be known
for certain that it's dry below the surface?).

Sending it to the landfill is not good for the environment.

The seller might replace it and send the damaged materials back to be ground up into new product.
35- Which of the following preventive maintenance tasks would a facility manager routinely
perform to maintain indoor air quality?
 A. Calibrating sensors

Checking the CO2 sensors and the outdoor airflow monitors are tasks the facility manager
could do periodically to make sure the system is functioning as designed.
B. Conducting a flush-out

A flush-out is done once prior to occupancy to remove construction contaminants from the
air.
C. Dusting all blinds with electrostatic cloths

Dusting is part of a cleaning program, not preventive maintenance.

D.Replacing air filters

Replacing air filters should be done as part of a routine preventive maintenance schedule.

36- Which of the following project team members is responsible for verifying and
documenting that a building and all of its systems and assemblies are planned, designed,
installed, tested, operated, and maintained to meet the owner's project requirements?

A. The LEED project reviewer

This person reviews the submitted credit documentation. They do not show up on site and
test systems.
B. The project administrator

The project administrator is not responsible for this (unless they are also the commissioning
authority).
C. The commissioning authority

This is another way of asking who is responsible for commissioning.'

Commissioning is 'the process of verifying and documenting that a building and all of its
systems and assemblies are planned, designed, installed, tested, operated, and maintained
to meet the owner's project requirements.' - USGBC

The owner's project requirements (OPR) are 'a written document that details the ideas,
concepts, and criteria determined by the owner to be important to the success of the
project.' - USGBC

D.The mechanical engineer

The mechanical engineer may assist the commissioning authority (CxA) but the CxA has
other systems to verify besides just the mechanical systems.

37- Which of the following reduce the energy use and waste associated with the demolition
and construction of buildings?
 A. Rehabilitating blighted buildings
B. Designing buildings with single-pane glazing for daylighting
C. Restoring existing buildings
D.Preserving historic structures
E. Incinerating construction waste from a demolition

Notes:
This question is about building reuse and its benefits.

Restoration, preservation, and rehabilitation are three types of building reuse which will help reduce
the energy use and waste from tearing down a building.
38- Which type of products would reduce the environmental effects of cleaning products?

A. Environmental Choice

Environmental Choice has many standards that apply to green cleaning products.
B. Green-e

Green-e is for RECs and carbon offsets.

C. Green Label Plus

Green Label Plus indicates carpets have low VOC content.

D.CRI

The Carpet and Rug Institute has certifications for carpet, carpet pads, and carpet cleaning
equipment.

39- How are LEED credits that significantly contribute to accomplishing the system goals of
the seven impact categories given more emphasis?

A. The have more options to meet the requirements

B. They contain third party standards
C. They can earn more points

'For LEED to be successful in driving the market toward certain priorities while still
maintaining flexibility, credits that significantly contribute to accomplishing the system
goals of the seven impact categories are given more emphasis by being assigned more
points.' - USGBC
D.The requirements are easier to achieve

40- A developer for an office project is considering a natural ventilation system. Which of
the following will be the MOST important in determining if the system will be appropriate?

A. Whether or not the system can be submetered

B. Whether or not the system can connect to a building automation system
C. Whether or not the system is quiet
 D.Whether or not the system can provide enough fresh air

The system first and foremost has to provide enough fresh air to meet the prerequisite of
LEED.

All the other choices may be important, which would be determined in the integrative
process.
41- Indoor water use reductions require projections based on which of the following:

A. The cost of potable water

B. The number of fixtures installed
C. Occupants' usage

When calculating indoor water use baselines or design cases, the calculations are based on
the number of occupants in the building using the fixtures (50 employees, 600 students,
etc.).
D.The gross area of the building

42- A project team developing a library on a greenfield site decides to reduce the project's
parking footprint. Which of the following additional areas of the project could this also aid?

A. Increasing the project density

Reducing the parking does not increase a project's density.

B. Protecting sensitive land

One of the synergies with parking reduction is that the land now not being used for parking
is being protected from development, reducing the environmental impact from the location
of a building on a site.
C. Encouraging walkable design

The size of a parking lot doesn't equate to increasing walkability.

D.Restoring habitat

This protects habitat, it does not restore it.

43- What intense workshop is used to establish green building goals across all aspects of
the building design, drawing on the expertise of all participants?

A. LEED roundtable
B. Charrette

A charrette is an intense collaborative session where participants make a concerted effort to

solve a problem or plan the design of something.

The charrette is one of the first things that should occur on a new project. During the initial
 charrette the project team will:

• Decide what rating system to use

• Determine the projects green building goals
• Set a preliminary rating using the LEED Project Checklist

A charrette should be held no later than the design development phase and preferably
during schematic design.

C. Technical Advisory Group meeting

D.Facility manager meeting

44- An owner is questioning the additional costs of submetering of a mixed-use project's

water systems. For what reason should the submeters be installed?

A. The integrative process does not work without submetering data

B. Submetering is a Minimum Program Requirement
C. LEED requires metering by subsystem of all energy and water based systems

Subsystems are not required to be metered in LEED; only building level metering is required.

In LEED v4 building level energy and water metering is a prerequisite.

In LEED v2009 sharing energy and water use with USGBC is a Minimum Program
Requirement (via utility statements or metering data).
D.Identifies disparities between how a project's water-based systems are designed to operate
and how they actually perform
Notes:

One of the intents of water metering is to determine if a building is performing as designed.

45- What best defines the property area?

A. Portion of the project site submitted for LEED certification

The LEED boundary is the portion of the project site submitted for LEED certification. (-
USGBC)
B. Platted property line of the project defining land and water within it

The project boundary is the platted property line of the project defining land and water
within it. It is used to define the construction area.
C. Total area within the legal property boundaries of the site; it encompasses all areas of the
site, including constructed and non-constructed areas
 The property boundary and/or property area is the total area within the legal property
boundaries of the site; it encompasses all areas of the site, including constructed and
nonconstructed areas.
D.Total area within the platted property line not including any non-constructed areas

This is not any type of area.

46- Some credits have an LPE option. What does LPE mean?

A. That a credit is a LEED Pilot credit

B. That the credit has a Licensed Professional Exemption

Licensed Professional Exemption (LPE) is an optional credit documentation path in which

professionals can submit license information and a declaration of compliance in lieu of a
number of otherwise required submittals.

Credit forms automatically recognize and link LP information from user account data when
that user accesses the credit form. Licensed Professional (LP) Information must be identified
from the My Account Page of the user's account, or during User Registration. This
information is visible within a project on the Team Administration page, but can only be
added or changed from the My Account Page. For LPE paths with multiple sign-offs, more
than one team member may be assigned to the credit or prerequisite for signatures. (see
'Assign Credits') Note: It is not required that the LP be a LEED AP. Also, the LP must have a
U.S. license but it does not have to be issued from the state of the project.

Based on credit, LPE streamlined paths are available to:

Professional Engineers (PE)

Registered Architects (RA)
Registered Landscape Architects (RLA)
Registered Interior Designers (RID)
C. That the credit will pursue LEED Exemplary Performance
D.That a LEED Accredited Professional is primarily responsible for the credit

47- REACH Optimization would be used in which of the following credit categories?

A. Indoor Environmental Quality

B. Materials and Resources
C. Energy and Atmosphere
D.Location and Transportation

Notes:
REACH is the Regulation on Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals.
REACH requires all companies manufacturing or importing chemical substances into the European
Union in quantities of one ton or more per year to register these substances.

The main aims of REACH are to ensure a high level of protection of human health and the
environment from the risks that can be posed by chemicals, the promotion of alternative test
methods, the free circulation of substances on the internal market, and enhancing competitiveness
and innovation.

REACH makes the industry responsible for assessing and managing the risks posed by chemicals and
providing appropriate safety information to their users.

LEED products that do not contain substances in the Authorization List or Candidate List can be used
to meet certain credit requirements in the Materials and Resources category.
48- What type of water is rainwater?

A. Potable water

Potable water is water which is fit for consumption by humans and other animals. It is also
called drinking water, in a reference to its intended use. Water may be naturally potable, as
is the case with pristine springs, or it may need to be treated in order to be safe.
B. Blackwater

Blackwater is waste water from toilets and urinals. Water that has come in contact with food
through kitchen sinks and dishwashers is usually classified as blackwater.
C. Graywater

Graywater is defined by the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) as untreated house-hold

wastewater which has not come into contact with toilet waste or kitchen sinks.

Graywater includes used water from bathtubs, showers, bathroom wash basins, and water
from clothes-washer and laundry tubs. It does not include water from kitchen sinks or
dishwashers.
D.Non-potable water

In most jurisdictions rainwater is considered non-potable.

49- What statement is true regarding green building?

A. Green design is a cost neutral add-on

 Green design should not be an add-on. Green design should be considered in the pre-
design phase. When green design is considered later (construction) phase the costs go up
significantly and the building usually doesn't perform as well.
B. LEED teams are achieving certification through widely diverse methods

LEED teams are achieving LEED certification through similar, low cost approaches. Most
times the strategies among projects are very similar for those projects that have similar
goals. Widely diverse methods would indicate every project is doing something significantly
different than other projects.
C. The construction of green buildings have no major significant cost difference to non-green
buildings

According to Cost of Green Revisited - The 2006 study shows essentially the same results
as 2004: there is no significant difference in average costs for green buildings as compared
to non-green buildings.
D.LEED buildings were increasingly common until construction costs rose 30% in the last two
years
LEED building is still taking place despite increases in construction costs.

50- What is a benefit of selecting a project location surrounded by existing built density?

A. Increased availability of rainwater

B. More lenient zoning rules
C. Protection of undeveloped land

Locating a project in an area with dense surroundings conserves land and protect farmland
and wildlife habitat by encouraging development in areas with existing infrastructure.
D.Reduction of heat islands

51- What process identifies the high-performance building systems that will save money
over the life of a project?

A. Life-cycle assessment

Life cycle assessment (LCA) is the investigation and valuation of the environmental impacts
of a given product or service. LCA evaluates environmental performance. This view takes
into account the whole life of a product or project (not assessing it from a single point in
time).
B. First costs

First costs identify only the design and construction of a building, not its ongoing operating
costs.
C. Life-cycle costing

Life cycle costing (LCC) is the evaluation of the total cost of a building or product over its
useful life, including initial, maintenance, repair and replacement costs as well as savings.
 LCC evaluates economic performance.

LCC compares different designs to determine the best long-term investment.

All building expenses are included in the analysis including:

Initial costs (design + construction)

Operating costs (utilities, water, electricity, people)
Maintenance costs (repair, replacement, upkeep)

D.Value engineering

Value engineering is an organized methodology that identifies and selects the lowest cost
options in design, materials and processes that achieves the desired level of performance,
reliability and customer satisfaction.

52- What financial incentives can a municipality offer to a developer that proposes a green
building?

A. Fee waivers
B. Tax credits
C. Revolving loan funds
D.Allowing a building to be have an increased height
E. Percentage increase in the floor area ratio
F. Increases in the allowable density

Notes:

Make sure you check out the document Green Building Incentive Strategies to learn about money-
saving incentives:

http://www.usgbc.org/Docs/Archive/General/Docs6248.pdf

There are different incentives for rewarding developers or homeowners who practice green building
techniques spurs innovation and demand for green building technologies.

Structural incentives include:

Expedited review / permitting process
Density and height bonuses
Financial incentives include:
Tax credits
Fee reductions / waivers
Grants
Revolving loan funds (low-interest loans)

Non-financial incentives include:

Technical assistance
Marketing assistance
53- What does a REC represent?

A. The amount of energy an electricity provider purchases from renewable sources

This would be expressed in kilowatt hours and is just a quantity of energy.

B. The amount of energy purchased from a Green-e supplier

When you purchase an REC you are not purchasing energy.

C. The environmental, social, and other positive attributes of power generated by renewable
resources
A REC represents the environmental, social, and other positive attributes of power generated
by renewable resources. These attributes may be sold separately from the underlying
commodity electricity.

RECs represent the reduced emissions of renewable energy compared to conventional fossil
fuels. RECs are sold separately allowing people to purchase the 'greenness' of the electricity.
This allows anyone to purchase an REC even if the power to their building is not green
power.

RECs have no geographic constraints, because they are sold separately from electricity. A
project in Maine can purchase RECs from any other state.
D.The quantity of fossil fuels avoided by purchasing renewable energy, expressed in tons

RECs are expressed in kilowatt hours.

54- Which of the following is not an alternative LEED recommends for reducing
stratospheric ozone depletion?

A. Designing a building to use natural ventilation

Natural ventilation does not require the use of refrigerants and would result in no
refrigerants gassing into the ozone layer.
B. Selecting refrigerants that have a long atmospheric lifetimes
 Refrigerants that are in the atmosphere longer would have a longer (greater) impact on the
ozone layer.
C. Selecting refrigerants with lower Ozone Depltion Potential (ODP) and Global Warming
Potential (GWP)

Refrigerants with lower ODP and GWP have a lesser effect on the ozone layer.
D.Using natural refrigerants

Natural refrigerants are benign to the atmosphere.

55- The process of green building begins with the idea of the project and continues until:

A. The schematic design is completed

B. The project begins operating
C. The construction documents are prepared
D.The project is reused or recycled

Green building continuously improves a project from when the idea is first realized in a
person's head to when the project is finally either reused for a different purpose or it is
demolished and hopefully recycled. This differs from conventional design where all trades
are not involved in all parts of the process through the project's life cycle

56- A hamburger franchise is planning on building thirty new restaurants across the country in
the next two years. Each restaurant is based on the same prototype. How should the multiple
buildings be certified?

A. As a LEED for Neighborhood Development project

This choice is not applicable to this scenario.

B. By registering each project individually with LEED Online

The LEED Volume Program is more streamlined as a process than registering each project
individually with LEED online.
C. Using the LEED Volume Program

The LEED Volume Program is a streamlined certification process for organizations planning
to certify a large number of new construction projects that are prototype-based.
D.Using the LEED Campus Program

The Campus Program, in contrast to the LEED Volume Program, is for projects not
necessarily uniform in design or operations but located on a single campus location.

57- What factor impacts the cost of earning LEED-certification?

A. The number of stories the building has

This may affect the cost of the project, but not the cost of the certification.
B. The number of Full Time Equivalents (FTEs) that will occupy the finished building
 This may affect the cost of the project, but not the cost of the certification.
C. The type of land the building was built on

This may affect the cost of the project, but not the cost of the certification.
D.Square footage of the building

The square footage of the project is the primary cost consideration for LEED-certification.

Remember certification and registration fees are not the same.

58- Which LEED rating system has pre-certification?

A. LEED ID+C: Commercial Interiors

B. LEED BD+C: Core and Shell

'Once a project is registered as a LEED BD+C: Core and Shell project, the project team may
apply for precertification. LEED BD+C: Core and Shell precertification is a formal recognition
by the USGBC given to a candidate project for which the developer/owner has established a
goal to develop a LEED BD+C: Core and Shell building. Once precertification is granted, the
developer/owner can market the building's proposed green features to potential tenants and
financiers.' -USGBC
C. LEED O+M: Existing Buildings
D.LEED BD+C: Schools
E. LEED BD+C: New Construction

59- What is the term for the analysis of the environmental aspects and potential impacts
associated with a product, process, or service?

A. ASHRAE Level I audit

This term is outside the scope of the exam objectives and is only listed as a distractor.
B. Life-cycle costing

Life cycle costing (LCC) is the evaluation of the total cost of a building or product over its
useful life, including initial, maintenance, repair and replacement costs as well as savings.
LCC evaluates economic performance.
C. Life-cycle assessment

Life cycle assessment evaluates a product's 'environmental impact'.

Life cycle assessment (LCA) is the investigation and valuation of the environmental impacts
of a given product or service. LCA evaluates environmental performance. This view takes
into account the whole life of a product or project (not assessing it from a single point in
time).
 The goal of LCA is to compare the full range of environmental and social damages
assignable to products and services to be able to choose the least burdensome one.
D.Triple bottom line accounting

The triple bottom line - society, environment, and the economy - guides USGBC policies.

60- What is considered a positive externality of LEED-certified buildings on building

occupants?

A. Improved daylighting

The daylighting itself is a design choice, not an externality. What the daylight provides
(increased productivity, decreased absenteeism) is the externality.
B. Decreased absenteeism

Research shows that just like increased productivity, decreased absenteeism is a by-product
of healthier buildings.
C. Energy efficiency improvements

Energy efficiency is not an externality for an occupant.

D.Reduced water consumption

Water reduction is not an externality for an occupant.

61- Which of the following is effective at reducing potable water use indoors?

A. Installing submeters

Water submeters by themselves do not reduce use. They are a tracking and information tool
to help inform design decisions.
B. Installing fixtures that meet the EPAct 1992 standard

EPAct 1992 is the standard used to calculate baseline water usage, not the design case.
EPAct 1992 mandated the use of water conserving plumbing fixtures in residential,
commercial and industrial buildings. The answer choice of 'Installing fixtures that meet the
EPAct 1992 standard' only meets the baseline standard and does not contribute to reducing
potable water use for the purposes of earning LEED credits.

The fixture and flow rates of EPAct 1992 are used to set the water use baseline for a
building. The design case must reduce water use 20% over the baseline. In order to do this
low flow fixtures must be used in the design, or replacing potable water with
graywater/rainwater. Think of the fixtures and flow rates of EPAct 1992 as the worst case
scenario.
C. Installing low-consumption flush fixtures and low-flow rate faucets

The intent of the Water Efficiency category is to reduce potable water demand (not increase
it).
 Low-flow fixtures help reduce potable water consumption indoors.
D.Implementing cooling tower water management

Cooling tower water management is part of process water reduction.

62- The built environment, including buildings and transportation systems, account for
what percent of all greenhouse gas emissions?

A. 1/2
B. 1/3
C. 1/4
D.2/3

About 2/3 of GHG emissions are attributed to the built environment.

63- One side of a building is oriented toward the afternoon sun. Which of the following can
give occupants control over excessive brightness and glare?

A. Adjustable window shades

Window shades that occupants can adjust manually or automatically help reduce brightness
and glare.
B. Individual task lighting

Task lighting is part of a good daylighting strategy. If individual occupants can control their
own lighting, it eliminates the need for overhead lighting of an entire area.
C. Operable windows

Operable windows help with natural ventilation.

D.Thermal comfort controls

Thermal comfort controls would not help with brightness or glare.

64- The use of a brownfield site can enhance a community. What must occur for a
brownfield site to be developed?

A. The site must be revegetated

Brownfields must be remediated but they are not required to have the site revegetated for
development.
B. The site must be located in a suburban area

Brownfield can be found in urban and suburban areas.

C. The site must be located along existing roads

A contaminated site may or may not be near existing roads. For example a remote toxic
waste dump from 80 years ago may have grown over and have no access.
D.The site must be remediated
 Brownfields are previously used or redeveloped land that may be contaminated with
hazardous waste or pollution (-USGBC). The land has the potential to be reused once any
hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants are remediated

65- Which project layout would be the best for reducing demand for new materials?

A. A dense, mixed-use neighborhood

The greater the density of a project, the more environmentally friendly it is. Putting more
people into a building compared to building more buildings is better.

Mixed-use projects such as putting apartments on top of retail stores reduce materials
because the project isn't building separate buildings for residential and retail. Less buildings
means less new materials.

Finally, more dense building requires less roads and infrastructure, saving more materials.
B. Single-home residences in a suburban area

Compared to the mixed-use project, single-story homes would use more new materials.
C. An outdoor shopping mall built on a greenfield

Compared to the mixed-use project, the outdoor mall would use more new materials.
D.A multi-building office project with single-story buildings

Having multiple buildings that are each one-story compared to having a single tall building
would use more new materials.

66- Which of the following is a difference between Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) and a
carbon offset?

A. RECs are tradable commodities

This is a difference between the two.

B. RECs are purchased

Both RECs and carbon offsets are purchased.

C. RECs encourage the reduction of GHG emissions

Both RECs and carbon offsets encourage the reduction of GHG emissions
D.RECs must be purchased locally

RECs can be purchased from any provider.

67- Designing a building with a natural ventilation system will impact what credit
categories?

A. Sustainable Sites
 No credits from this category are impacted by designing a building with natural ventilation.
B. Materials and Resources

No credits from this category are impacted by designing a building with natural ventilation.
C. Indoor Environmental Quality

A natural ventilation system impacts the indoor air quality of a building. Indoor air quality is
part of this credit category.
D.Energy and Atmosphere

A natural ventilation system (aka passive ventilation) will reduce the energy demands of a
building. No mechanical cooling system will need to installed and run.

68- Regional priority credits are specific to:

A. LEED rating system family (BD+C, ID+C, etc.)

B. LEED project type (schools, healthcare, data centers, etc.)

Each LEED project type may have different impacts so each rating system has its own RP
credits. For example a warehouse may not have high priority for indoor water use if there
are not a lot of occupants.
C. LEED credit category
D.The state the project is located in

69- Construction activity pollution prevention should address what environmental

protection measures?

A. Ozone protection
B. Fresh water consumption
C. Soil erosion
D.Waterway sedimentation
E. Airborne dust
F. Greenhouse gas emissions

70- Which of the following would require use of the EPA's ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager?

A. Comparing the ongoing operating performance of a building with its intended design
performance
EPA created ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager, an online tool to measure and track energy
and water consumption, as well as greenhouse gas emissions. Use it to benchmark the
performance of one building or a whole portfolio of buildings against other similar
buildings. Use it also to benchmark the performance of one building against itself over a
period of several years.
B. Bulk uploading project information into LEED online
C. Calculating a building's minimum energy use
D.Registering a large volume of LEED projects
71- If a developer is planning on building a multi-family residential project what are the
most important things the project team should consider?

A. Available LEED ND projects close by

A nearby LEED ND project may have additional room in the development for the residential
project.
B. Proximity to waste haulers

This is not as important as the other correct choices.

C. Nearby LEED BD+C projects

Nearby BD+C projects would not impact the design decisions.

D.Local zoning

Local zoning will need to be considered for any building project.

72- What environmental issue occurs from runoff?

A. Heat islands
B. Increased municipal wastewater treatment costs

This is an economic cost from needing to build more infrastructure as the population and
built environment increases.
C. Ozone depletion
D.Sedimentation

Rainwater consists of rainwater and melted snow that run off streets, lawns, farms, and
construction and industrial sites. runoff can lead to sedimentation. Sedimentation is where
pollutants from natural or human activities add particles to water bodies. Pollutants come
from soil, fertilizer, oil or gas on roadways, pesticides, etc.

runoff should be controlled onsite by harvesting the water, increasing open space, and
reducing impervious surfaces
73- Which of the following strategies should a hospital project choose to extend the life of
the building and conserve building resources as the surrounding population grows?

A. Site the building in a dense area

This meets neither project goal.

B. Design rooms with modular systems

Designing for flexibility is a concept that considers the future use of the building and how it
may be modified while at the same time reducing waste and reducing the need for new
materials.
 Modular room partitions, modular furniture, and zoned utility systems allow for future
expansion.
C. Select low-emitting materials

This meets neither project goal.

D.Purchase additional land on which to construct additional buildings

Additional buildings would extend the project but this choice does not conserve resources.

74- Which of the following legally binding documents describe the quality of the materials
to be used on the project?

A. Health Product Declaration (HPD)

B. Specifications

Specifications are created by architects and given to the contractor for the purposes of
purchasing the right quantity and type of materials. Specifications include drawings of what
is to be built. They are legally binding documents. Specifications are detailed and might
include:

Use #2 salvaged oak flooring in the main lobby, along with the dimensions and layout of the
lobby. Purchase the oak flooring locally.
C. Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)
D.Cradle-to-Grave Analysis

75- Who is responsible for ensuring the use of the consensus process to evolve LEED in
accordance with the mission, guiding principles, and strategic plan of USGBC?

A. LEED Technical Committee

The LEED Technical Committee oversees Technical Advisory Groups (TAGs) and other
technical working groups and recommends solutions regarding technical issues to the LEED
Steering Committee. Its responsibilities include coordinating cross-category matters within
LEED, reviewing LEED credits and prerequisites for technical validity and recommending
improvements, and assessing LEED's technical rigor, coherency, and achievement trends
through a system of performance metrics.
B. LEED Technical Advisory Groups

Under the direct management of the LEED Technical Committee, Technical Advisory Groups
(TAGs) recommend technical solutions to rating system development and maintenance
issues. The groups provide a consistent source of technical advice to LEED committees and
working groups regarding credit and prerequisite improvement and supporting tool
development. Technical Advisory Groups are structured to include expertise for specific
 technical issues: location and planning, sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and
atmosphere, materials and resources, and indoor environmental quality.
C. LEED Steering Committee

The LEED Steering Committee (LSC) is an integrated group of volunteers and staff charged
with developing and maintaining LEED as a leadership tool, preserving the integrity of the
LEED rating systems, and ensuring the use of the consensus process to evolve LEED in
accordance with the mission, guiding principles, and strategic plan of USGBC. A standing
committee of USGBC Board of Directors, the LEED Steering Committee is the governing body
of all LEED committees.
D.LEED Board of Directors

USGBC Board of Directors articulates and upholds the vision, values, and mission of USGBC.
Directors meet in person three times each year and by teleconference regularly throughout
the year.

76- What is a negative environmental externality of locating a project in an area that does
not have diverse uses or public transportation access, and is not densely developed?

A. Increased tax base

An increased in the tax base is a positive externality.

B. Availability of high-paying jobs

More jobs is a positive externality.

C. Increased development costs

The development cost is not an externality, because the developer is going to pay them. The
city is going to have to come up with the funds to install the infrastructure, but they do this
hoping to increase the tax-base.
D.Increased air pollution

Every company, large or small, has 'externalities' that typically do not show up in profit and
loss reports.

Environmental externalities are transactions in which one or more parties to the transaction
are not compensated and may have little choice in the transaction.

Air pollution, for example, is a visible externality of manufacturing, the cost of which is
generally paid by others.

Externalities can be either negative or positive for both parties affected. Consider the effects
of locating an oil refinery adjacent to a residential neighborhood: air pollution and
associated health effects, noise pollution, light pollution, increased traffic, risk of industrial
 accident (all negative externalities) and availability of high-paying jobs, increased tax base
for schools and other infrastructure (positive effect).
77- An effective thermal comfort strategy considers the six primary factors that affect
thermal comfort. A close collaboration between the owner, architect, and who else is critical to
achieving thermal comfort success?

A. Building code inspectors

B. Engineer
C. Landscape designer
D.Lighting designer

Notes:

Thermal comfort inside buildings has a great impact on people's satisfaction and their performance.

From ASHRAE 55, the six primary factors of thermal comfort are:

Surface temperature
Air temperature
Humidity
Air movement
Metebolic rate
Clothing

The owner, architect, and engineer must work closely together for a successfuly thermal comfort
design strategy for occupants.
78- When conducting a confidential occupant survey to rate the lighting, acoustics,
temperature, and cleanliness of a building, who is primarily responsible for reviewing the
results and taking any corrective action?

A. The facility manager(s)

The facility manager is the primary person responsible for the survey and its follow-up
corrective action. That is not to say the other choices would not be involved - just to a
lesser degree.
B. The building owner(s)
C. The architect(s)
D.The occupant(s)
79- What type of plants should be used on a green roof to promote biodiversity?

A. Monocultures

Monocultures are a single species of plant such as turf grass. Monocultures do not promote
biodiversity.
B. Plants with high watering needs

The plants should have low watering needs.

C. Native plants

The vegetation for a green roof should use native plants, just like the rest of the project
landscape.

Native (or indigenous) plants are those that grow naturally in an area, or that have been in
an area for many years. Native plants require less water, fertilizer, and pest control. These
plants can be trees, shrubs, flowers, or grasses. Adaptive plants are non-native plants that
perform well in the local climate. Native and adaptive plants require less water, and are
more disease resistant because they are suited to the region's usual rainfall, soil, and
temperature.
D.Tall plants that provide shade

The roof doesn't really need to be shaded. The vegetation addresses the heat island effect.

80- What is the purpose of having a LEED AP on a project?

A. To submit all project data

Any project team member can submit project data.

B. For building commissioning

A LEED AP will not necessarily commission the building.

C. To streamline the LEED process

The purpose (or intent) of having a LEED AP on the project is to 'support and encourage the
design integration required by LEED to streamline the application and certification process'.
D.To serve as the project administrator

The project administrator does not have to be a LEED AP.

81- If a building owner enrolls in a demand response program, which of the following will
happen?

A. The building may have to decrease electricity use during peak times.
 'Demand response allows utilities to call on buildings to decrease their electricity use during
peak times, reducing the strain on the grid and the need to operate more power plants, thus
potentially avoiding the costs of constructing new plants.' - USGBC
B. During off-peak times, the building's excess electricity may be sold back to the utility
company.

This is net-metering, though net-metering occurs at any time, not just off-peak hours.
C. The owner will have to purchase RECs equal to fifty percent of the building's yearly
electricity use.

This is required for Green Power

D.The owner will have to purchase carbon dioxide equivalents equal to the annual grid-
generated electricity.
This is required for Carbon Offsets

82- A United Nations study indicates that which of the following percentages of the
ecosystem services that have been assessed worldwide are currently degraded or used
unsustainably?

A. 30%
B. 50%
C. 60%
D.40%

83- Which of the following impact categories is given the greatest weight in LEED?

A. Promote Sustainable and Regenerative Material Resources Cycles

B. Protect, Enhance and Restore Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services
C. Enhance Individual Human Health and Well-Being
D.Reverse Contribution to Global Climate Change
E. Protect and Restore Water Resources
F. Build a Greener Economy

Notes:

Weighting of the LEED v4 impact categories account for differences in scale, scope, severity, and
relative contribution of the built environment to the impact. The weightings are:

35% Reverse Contribution to Global Climate Change

20% Enhance Individual Human Health and Well-Being
15% Protect and Restore Water Resources
10% Protect, Enhance and Restore Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services
10% Promote Sustainable and Regenerative Material Resources Cycles
5% Build a Greener Economy
5% Enhance Social Equity, Environmental Justice, Community Health and Quality of Life
84- A project owner that chooses to use onsite renewable energy sources instead of oil,
coal, and natural gas gets what economic benefit of the triple bottom line?

A. Decreasing destructive extraction processes

B. Avoiding escalating market prices
C. Protection from uncertain supplies
D.Contributing to national security vulnerability

Notes:

Renewable energy sources are sustainable, unlike nonrenewable sources which are limited cannot be
replenished as fast as they are being consumed.

This question asks about an economic benefit � avoiding nonrenewable pricing fluctuations.
85- What is an environmental benefit of using graywater for irrigation?

A. Reduced heat islands

Using potable or non-potable water for irrigation does not impact heat islands.
B. Drip irrigation can be used

Drip irrigation does not require a specific type of water. Potable or non-potable (graywater)
can be used.
C. Increased irrigation efficiency

The type of water does not determine the irrigation efficiency. The type of irrigation system
(drip, conventional, etc) does.
D.Preserving aquifers

An aquifer is an underground layer of water-bearing permeable rock or unconsolidated

materials (gravel, sand, silt, or clay) from which groundwater can be usefully extracted using
a water well. Aquifers are critically important in human habitation and agriculture.

Water efficient landscaping helps reduce the need from potable water from local and
regional aquifers. LEED rewards projects for reducing potable water (drinking water) use for
landscaping. Reducing potable water use preserves aquifers for future generations.
86- Water that is used for dishwashing, clothes washing, and ice making is considered what
type of water?

A. Process water
 Process water is 'water that is used for industrial processes and building systems, such as
cooling towers, boilers, and chillers. It can also refer to water used in operational processes,
such as dishwashing, clothes washing, and ice making.' - USGBC
B. Blackwater
C. Recycled water
D.Reclaimed water

87- What does ASHRAE 55 specify?

A. Thermal comfort

ASHRAE 55 Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy help with defining
what makes a comfortable indoor environment for occupants. Indoor conditions are
considered acceptable if 80% or more of occupants find them acceptable.
B. Indoor air quality
C. Commuting surveys
D.Energy performance

88- By identifying synergies between systems during the integrative process, teams will
save time and money in both the short and the long term while optimizing resource usage.
Which of the following are also true of the integrative process?

A. The integrative process is based on an ISO standard.

The integrative process is not based on an ISO standard.

The Integrative Process (IP) ANSI Consensus National Standard Guide 2.0 for Design and
Construction of Sustainable Buildings and Communities provides step-by-step guidance and
a methodology for improving building design, construction, and operations through a
replicable, integrative process.
B. The integrative process reduces the need for change orders during construction.

This statement is true.

C. The integrative process can avoid delays and costs resulting from design changes during the
Construction Documents phase.

This statement is true.

D.The integrative process increases the amount of construction time for a project.

The design time is increased while the construction time is usually decreased.

89- What variables measure a refrigerant's impact on the environment?

A. Global warming period

This is not a LEED term.

B. Greenhouse gas lifetime
 This is not a LEED term.
C. Ozone depletion potential

ODP is a number that refers to the amount of ozone depletion caused by a substance.
D.Lifecycle potential

Lifecycle potential is not a term LEED uses to measure refrigerant impact. Lifecycle ODP and
Lifecycle GWP are however.
E. Global warming potential

GWP is a number that refers to the amount of global warming caused by a substance.

90- What is FSC Certified wood?

A. Wood that has been sourced (extracted, manufactured, purchased) within 100 miles (160
km) of the project site
This is an example of a locally sourced product. In LEED v4 products sourced (extracted,
manufactured, purchased) within 100 miles (160 km) of the project site are valued higher
than those that are not.

For LEED v2009 projects the distance is 500 miles.

B. Wood that has been procured from well managed forests

Wood that has been certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is acceptable for LEED
credits.

FSC Certified wood comes from well managed forests that use responsible logging practices.
C. Composite wood that contains post-consumer recycled wood, usually from construction and
demolition debris
This type of material is not certified.
D.Composite wood that does not contain any urea formaldehyde

This type of wood is not certified.

91- What unit of measurement is used for toilets?

A. FTE

Full-time equivalent (FTE): A regular building occupant who spends 40 hours per week in
the project building. Part-time or overtime occupants have FTE values based on their hours
per week divided by 40. Multiple shifts are included or excluded depending on the intent
and requirements of the credit. (-USGBC)
B. Gallons per flush (liters per flush)

From the EPAct standard of 1992, the baseline flush rate for water closets is 1.6 gpf (gallons
per flush). For urinals the flush rate is 1.0 gpf.
C. Wastewater efficiency
 There is no such term as wastewater efficiency in LEED.
D.Gallons per minute (liters per minute)

Gallons per minute is a measurement of flow fixtures such as faucets

92- How many of the 110 possible LEED points can be earned for addressing regionally
specific environmental issues?

A. 1
B. 2
C. 10
D.4

LEED points are awarded on a 100-point scale, and credits are weighted to reflect their
potential environmental impacts. Additionally, 10 bonus credits are available, four of which
address regionally specific environmental issues.

All rating systems with 100 baseline points and 10 bonus points. Of the 10 bonus points 4
are for regional priority.
93- Which of the following helps encourage building users to take alternative
transportation?

A. Reducing the number of bicycle spaces

B. Sharing parking among two or more buildings
C. Limiting parking

A LEED strategy to reduce occupants from driving their own vehicles to the project site is to
make it harder for them to find a parking spaces. (It's true!) This encourages the users to
seek other modes of transportation.
D.Including off-street parking spaces
E. Using permeable paving for parking lots

94- Which of the following is not a credit category for LEED for Neighborhood Development?

A. Awareness and Education

In the commercial building rating systems the topics of Awareness and Education are
covered under the Innovation category.
B. Smart Location and Linkage
C. Neighborhood Pattern and Design
D.Green Infrastructure and Buildings

95- Which of the following is NOT a strategy to reduce construction waste?

A. Sell unused materials

 B. Use salvaged materials
C. Recycle materials
D.Maximize the building footprint

Increasing the size of the building footprint would likely increase the amount of
construction waste.
Notes:

Note the question asks what is not a strategy.

To reduce construction waste, divert any unused materials from the waste stream-namely, landfills
and incinerators.

Materials can be donated, sold, or recycled, to keep them out of landfills and to help reduce the
demand for virgin materials.
96- A project that reduces the amount of wastewater transported off site helps achieve
which of the following?

A. A reduction in energy required to treat wastewater

B. A reduction in the need for graywater used on site
C. A reduction in the demand for potable water
D.A reduction in the demand for wastewater treatment infrastructure

Notes:

For this question, think about the water leaving the site. What is the result?

1) Reduced energy to treat that wastewater

2) Reduced demand for wastewater treatment infrastructure.

Both of these reduce GHG and other pollutants created by water transportation and treatment
facilities, which in turn improves quality of life for humans and lessens environmental burdens.
97- Which greenhouse gas is produced in landfills as a result of solid waste disposal?

A. CO2
B. Methane

As trash decomposes in landfills methane is produced - a potent greenhouse gas.

C. Radon
D.NH3
98- Which of the following best describes systems thinking?

A. A Sustainable plan for built environments that improve existing conditions.

This describes Regenerative Design.

B. An understanding of the built environment as a series of relationships in which all parts
influence many other parts.

This type of exam question tests an ability to accurately know the exact (or best) definition
of a term � as defined by USGBC.

This is USGBC's definition of systems thinking.

C. An approach to design and operations that brings team members together to work
collaboratively on all of the project's systems, finding synergistic solutions that support
greater levels of sustainability.
This describes the integrative process.
D.A formal review process of the design of a project based on its intended function in order to
identify potential alternatives that reduce costs and improve performance.
This describes Value Engineering.

99- A LEED project is in the pre-design phase, and a previously developed site has already
been selected. The team wants to protect or restore habitat. Which of the following strategies
should they consider?

A. Using pervious paving materials for the parking area

This would help with rainwater management.

B. Implementing a construction activity pollution plan

This would help with minimizing water, dirt, and airborne pollutants during construction.
C. Restoring compacted soils and revegetating

On-site restoration involves restoring compacted soils and revegetating.

D.Increasing the floor-to-area ratio of the building

This would help increase open space.

100- Which of the following does not aid in the identification of sensitive habitats?

A. ACEEE

ACEEE is the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy. ACEEE publishes an annual
list of green cars.
B. The U.S. Code of Federal Regulations

This defines prime farmland.

C. The NatureServe Heritage Program
 NatureServe Heritige Program classifies species and ecological communities under different
ratings.
D.The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

The Fish and Wildlife Service keeps a list of threatened and endangered species.
E. FEMA

FEMA is used to defined floodplains.