×

Quiz Session - Attempts With Random Questions

USGBC LEED Green Associate Exam Questions

Page 4 of 50

61.

Which of the credit categories must use strategies that aren't covered in any of the other LEED categories to earn points? 

  • Innovation

  • Regional Priority

  • Sustainable Sites 

  • Materials and Resources 

Correct answer: Innovation 

One option to achieve the Innovation category is to use strategies that aren't covered in the other LEED categories. This credit, also called innovation, must be replicable by other projects. 

The ability to come up with their own innovative strategies that aren't in any other LEED category is not an available option in Regional Priority, Sustainable Sites, or Materials and Resources categories. 

62.

To earn EQ Credit - Construction Indoor Air Quality Management Plan, project teams must make a plan that is compliant with which of the following standards? 

  • SMACNA 

  • CBECS

  • Low Impact Development 

  • 2012 EPA Construction General Permit 

Correct answer: SMACNA 

SMACNA is the set of standards used to guide project teams in making their construction indoor air quality management plan. 

CBECS, Low Impact Development, and the 2012 EPA Construction General Permit would not help teams create and implement their construction indoor air quality management plan. 

63.

A new music production project has placed importance on sound design. What should they consider in the early stages of acoustical planning?

  • Placing restrictions on background noise levels, utilizing sound-absorptive finishes, and taking noise control measures for the mechanical system

  • Only utilizing sound-absorptive finishes

  • Gathering all product disclosures from HVAC systems, as well as all material finishes that will be used

  • Adding a sound design consultant to the team

Correct answer: Placing restrictions on background noise levels, utilizing sound-absorptive finishes, and taking noise control measures for the mechanical system

As part of Indoor Environmental Quality (EQ), the Acoustic Performance credit notes how critical it is for acoustical planning to take place in the early stages. This recommendation ensures that the desired acoustical goals are met, and it creates cost-effective solutions. A few of the solutions the credit provides are the use of absorptive ceiling tiles, low-noise HVAC systems, specialized wall framing techniques, placing restrictions on background noise levels produced by HVAC systems, utilizing sound-absorptive finishes, and implementing noise control measures for mechanical systems. 

Utilizing sound-absorptive finishes is one of many strategies, and it alone will not achieve credit. Gathering all product disclosures from HVAC systems, as well as all material finishes that will be used, and adding a design consultant to the team, is a further step from first choosing the right materials. 

64.

All of the following are jobs of the commissioner except:

  • Establishing design and energy goals

  • Ensuring goals are implemented

  • Verifying that a building meets the OPR

  • Documenting that a building is sufficiently maintained

Correct answer: Establishing design and energy goals

Commissioning (Cx) is the process of verifying and documenting that a buildling and all of its systems and assemblies are planned, designed, installed, tested, operated, and maintained to meet the owner's project requirements (OPR). It is the responsibility of the owner, not the commissioner, to establish design and energy goals.

65.

Which of these fixture types is NOT a low-flow plumbing fixture?

  • Dual-flow urinals

  • Ultra-low-flow water closets

  • Dual-flush water closets

  • Ultra-low-flow urinals

Correct answer: Dual-flow urinals

There are only dual-flush toilets, no urinals.

Ultra-low-flow water closets include a pressure tank that creates a pressure-assisted flush. Low-flow aerators use a flow restrictor to minimize water flow, and a mixer to increase the air in the water. Ultra-low-flow urinals use an efficient valve that produces a pressure-assisted flush. Dual-flush water closets provide a flush option for liquid waste and for solid waste.

66.

Your project is located near a light rail station. What is the maximum distance this station can be located from the project to achieve points for LT Credit - Access to Quality Transit? 

  • 1/2 mile (800 meters) walking distance 

  • 1/4 mile (400 meters) walking distance 

  • 1/2 mile (800 meters) biking distance 

  • 1/4 mile (400 meters) biking distance 

Correct answer: 1/2 mile (800 meters) walking distance 

Light rail stations can be farther away from projects to qualify for points. Likewise, bus rapid transit stops and commuter ferry terminals can earn project points by being located 1/2 mile (800 meters) walking distance from an entrance. 

One-fourth mile (400 meters) walking distance would achieve points, but it's not the maximum distance the station can be to earn points. Biking distance does not qualify for this credit. 

67.

If you were in charge of researching a product's extraction location, the materials used, its manufacturing process and location, and its impact on the workers, what task would you be performing? 

  • An LCA 

  • An LCC 

  • An embodied energy assessment 

  • An EPD 

Correct answer: An LCA 

A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) involves assessing a product's extraction location and materials it is made from, its location of production and extraction, and its impact on the workers. 

An LCC involves the economic and environmental costs of a product. There is no such thing as an embodied energy assessment, but embodied energy is also assessed during an LCA. An EPD is an Environmental Product Disclosure that includes information from the LCA. 

68.

Which rating system must perform an environmental site assessment?

  • Schools and Healthcare

  • Multi-family Midrise

  • Healthcare

  • New Construction and Major Renovation

Correct answer: Schools and Healthcare

Projects using the LEED BD+C schools and healthcare rating systems must perform an environmental site assessment as a prerequisite. The assessment requires that the site receives a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment to determine whether environmental contamination currently exists at the site as described in ASTM E1527.

New construction, major renovation, and multi-family midrise are not required to perform an environmental site assessment.

69.

Which credential is reserved for professionals who are involved in designing or building a LEED project?

  • AP

  • Green Associate

  • Fellow

  • Homes Green Rater

Correct answer: AP

The LEED Associate Professional (AP) credential is reserved for professionals who are involved in designing or building a LEED project. To become a LEED AP, candidates must pass the Green Associate exam as well as the exam for the LEED AP credential.

The LEED Green Associate is designed for those who are not working directly on LEED projects; it concentrates on the big picture of green building and design. The LEED Fellow credential is the most prestigious designation awarded. It recognizes LEED APs who have demonstrated exceptional achievement in technical knowledge and skill, leadership, advocacy, commitment, and service, as well as teaching, mentoring, or research. "Homes Green Rater" is not a LEED credential.

70.

During cooling tower operation, what is one significant source of water loss?

  • Evaporation

  • Condensation

  • Convection

  • Precipitation

Correct answer: Evaporation

Cooling towers are structures that regulate air temperature in facilities by using water to absorb heat from air conditioning systems. Evaporation can lead to significant water loss in cooling towers. Metering the water lost to evaporation during cooling tower operation can provide particularly important information to project teams.

The remaining answer options are incorrect because they do not lead to significant water loss during cooling tower operation. Condensation is the change of water from gas to liquid. Convection refers to the escape of heat from a cooling mass. Precipitation is condensed atmospheric water that falls to the ground.

71.

Which of the following is not a benefit of green buildings? 

  • Lower cost to build 

  • Lower maintenance costs 

  • Energy use reduction

  • Lower CO2 emissions

Correct answer: Lower cost to build 

The cost of a green building depends on the owner's budget for the project. Green buildings can be built on any budget, some are more expensive than others. 

The benefits of green buildings include lower maintenance costs, energy use reduction, and lower CO2 emissions. 

72.

All of the following are strategies for reducing the heat island effect except:

  • Installing submeters

  • Planting an urban forest

  • Installing reflective roof surfaces

  • Reducing the area of paved surfaces exposed to sunlight

Correct answer: Installing submeters

When roofing materials have lighter colors, the energy demand is reduced. The mechanical systems do not need to compensate for heat gains that would occur if roofing materials were of a dark color. The same principle holds true when lighter colored materials are used for walkways, rooftops and surface paving. Sunlight collects as heat in surfaces with darker colors. When this effect is consolidated in an urban area, it is known as the heat island effect. Green building projects seek to use materials with high solar reflectance (SR) and solar reflectivity index (SRI). Materials with lighter colors create conditions where less heat is absorbed and the heat island effect is mitigated. 

Strategies for reducing the heat island effect include installing reflective roof surfaces, reducing the area of paved surfaces exposed to sunlight, and planting an urban forest or a green roof. Installing submeters is a way to reduce indoor water use.

73.

All of the following terms describe the LEED Green Associate credential except:

  • Entry level

  • Voluntary

  • Consensus based

  • Market driven

Correct answer: Entry level

The LEED Green Associate credential denotes general knowledge of green design, construction, and operations. It is a green building benchmark that is voluntary, consensus based, and market driven. It encourages and accelerates adoption of sustainable building and community development practices. The LEED Green Associate credential is not regarded as "entry level," but as a credential existing professionals can work toward.

74.

Building commissioning helps project teams ensure that systems are all of the following except:

  • Constructed at or under budget

  • Designed efficiently

  • Installed appropriately

  • Operate as intended

Correct answer: Constructed at or under budget

Commissioning (Cx) is the process of verifying and documenting that a buildling and all of its systems and assemblies are planned, designed, installed, tested, operated, and maintained to meet the owner's project requirements (OPR). Building commissioning helps project teams ensure that systems are designed efficiently, are installed appropriately, and operate as intended. Commissioning does not ensure that a project is constructed at or under budget.

75.

In terms of rainwater collection, why is it important to research local ordinances?

  • Some regions encourage rainwater collection and others prohibit it

  • LEED v4 requirements always supersede local ordinances

  • More and more environmental laws are being rolled back

  • Rainfall benefits more of the wildlife in certain regions of the country

Correct answer: Some regions encourage rainwater collection and others prohibit it

Project teams are encouraged to research the environmental conditions when establishing a rainwater management strategy for a project. Rainwater collection maybe encouraged in one region and prohibited in others.

The remaining answer options are incorrect. LEED v4 requirements will never supersede local ordinances. While there is a trend to roll back environmental regulations, LEED v4 aims to be a steadfast option to make the built environment greener. Wildlife in any region of the country benefits from the natural rainfall of its region, but this has little to do with rainfall collection regulation.

76.

What must project teams do in order to achieve LEED certification?

  • Satisfy all prerequisites and earn a minimum number of credits

  • Prove that their designs save more money than other projects

  • Create the most environmentally friendly building in existence

  • Successfully obtain at least one grant for their project

Correct answer: Satisfy all prerequisites and earn a minimum number of credits

Within each category of each of the rating systems, there are prerequisites and credits. It is critical to remember that prerequisites are absolutely required and credits are optional. Not all categories contain prerequisites, but all of the categories have credits. It does not matter if a project intends to pursue credits in every category—all prerequisites are required and are mandatory in the rating system in which the project is working.

77.

What is the purpose of I-Codes?

  • To provide minimum safeguards for people at home, at school, and at work

  • To provide universal measurements for construction 

  • To help project teams consider the triple bottom line when building

  • To inform the public about green building

Correct answer: To provide minimum safeguards for people at home, at school, and at work

The International Code Council (ICC) is a member-focused association that is dedicated to developing model codes and standards used in the design, build, and compliance process to construct safe, affordable, sustainable, and resilient structures. The ICC publishes the I-Codes, which provide minimum safeguards for people at home, at school, and in the workplace. The I-Codes are a complete set of building safety and fire prevention codes that benefit public safety and support the industry's need for one set of codes without regional limitations.

The I-Codes do not provide universal measurements for construction, help project teams consider the triple bottom line when building, or inform the public about green building.

78.

A project owner wants to leave a portion of the interior incomplete. What percentage of the gross floor area of the project must be left incomplete for the project to be applicable for LEED BD+C Core and Shell? 

  • More than 40% of the gross floor area must be incomplete 

  • Less than 40% of the gross floor area must be incomplete 

  • Exactly 40% of the gross floor area must be incomplete 

  • Less than or equal to 40% of the gross floor area must be incomplete 

Correct answer: More than 40% of the gross floor area must be incomplete 

Projects whose gross floor area is equal to or more than 40% incomplete qualify as Core and Shell projects. 

79.

What is the prerequisite for the LEED v4 Regional Priority category?

  • There are no prerequisites

  • Environmental Tobacco Smoke Control

  • Construction and Demolition Waste Management Planning

  • Indoor Water Use Reduction

Correct answer: There are no prerequisites

Every LEED v4 project must comply with certain prerequisites. In the Regional Priority category, there are no prerequisites.

The remaining answers are incorrect. Most categories have prerequisites, but Regional Priority does not.

80.

To achieve EQ Prerequisite - Environmental Tobacco Smoke Control, what is the minimum distance away from the building must smoking zones be located? 

  • 25 feet

  • 7.5 feet 

  • 100 feet 

  • 50 feet

Correct answer: 25 feet

EQ Prerequisite - Environmental Tobacco Smoke Control requires smoking zones to be at least 25 feet away from any entry, operable windows, and outdoor air intakes. Signs must also be put up. 

Seven and a half feet is not far enough away from the building. One hundred feet and 50 feet are not the minimum distances for this prerequisite. 

×