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Quiz Session - Attempts With Random Questions

USGBC LEED Green Associate Exam Questions

Page 8 of 50

141.

Which standard defines acceptable ventilation rates for the quality of indoor air?

  • ASHRAE 62.1-2010

  • ASHRAE 55-2010 

  • CIBSE AM10

  • ISO 14025

Correct answer: ASHRAE 62.1-2010

To achieve the goal of balancing energy demands and delivering adequate fresh air to indoor spaces, ASHRAE 62.1 is the go-to industry standard for proper ventilation system design. LEED rating systems set the baseline for minimum indoor air quality (IAQ) and thermal comfort using a variety of standards, including ASHRAE 62.1-2010 and ASHRAE 55-2010. ASHRAE 62.1-2010 is the recognized standard for ventilation system design and acceptable IAQ.

ASHRAE 55-2010 defines the range of indoor thermal environmental conditions acceptable to a majority of occupants. CIBSE AM10 is a manual that defines the acceptable process for the natural ventilation of non-domestic buildings. ISO 14025 is a third-party certification program used in the Materials and Resources category.

142.

When should a project team perform a site assessment if they wish to gain points for SS Credit - Site Assessment? 

  • Before the schematic design phase 

  • After the design is complete

  • At the end of the project 

  • Around the middle of the project 

Correct answer: Before the schematic design phase 

The SS Credit - Site Assessment encourages projects to do site assessments before the project design is complete. By doing so, the results of the assessment can be the most effective for the development of the project. 

By the end or even the middle of the project, there will only be so much the team can do about the results of the assessment. It is best to do the site assessment before the design is complete. 

143.

According to USGBC, what is the intent of the integrative credit process?

  • Support high-performance, cost-effective project outcomes through an early analysis of building systems

  • Support reduced building costs

  • Create a more collaborative process through design

  • Receive early analysis on building systems

Correct answer: Support high-performance, cost-effective project outcomes through an early analysis of building systems

The intent of the integrative process credit is to support high-performance, cost-effective project outcomes through an early analysis of the interrelationships among systems. During the integrative process, teams may see reduced building costs, enjoy the benefits of collaborative work, and have access to early building analysis; but these things are not the only intent of the credit process.

144.

A new project has just begun. Who must attend the charrette? 

  • The owner or owner's representative 

  • The MEP engineer 

  • The head architect 

  • LEED consultant 

Correct answer: The owner or owner's representative

For the integrative process to be most effective, it should include a project team that includes the owner (or owner's representative) and as many of the people who will be working on the project, including, but not limited to, the architect, the contractor, the MEP engineer, and the commissioning authority. 

145.

A project is being built within an area that is certified under LEED Neighborhood Development. Based on this information, which of the following is true? 

  • The project earns points for LT Credit - LEED for Neighborhood Development Location but cannot earn points from the other credits in the Location and transportation category

  • This has no bearing on the project

  • The project can receive points from locating within a LEED ND boundary but must also achieve LT - Credit Surrounding Density and Diverse Uses

  • The project can't receive points for being located within a LEED ND boundary but can still receive points from the Location and Transportation credits

Correct answer: The project earns points for LT Credit - LEED for Neighborhood Development Location but cannot earn points from the other credits in the Location and Transportation category

For the Locations and Transportation category, projects have two options: 1. locate the project within a LEED ND location. This automatically grants you 16 points. 2. If there is no LEED ND near where the project is located, teams can work toward the other credits for a possible total of 16 points. Projects cannot do both options.  

146.

Which of the following is associated with the use of refrigerants and their harmful side effects?

  • The Montreal Protocol

  • ASTM E1903-97 

  • EPAct of 1992

  • EPA Protocol

Correct answer: The Montreal Protocol

The Montreal Protocol is an international treaty eliminating and phasing out the use of harmful refrigerants that deplete the ozone layer. It has been signed by 197 countries, bans chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and phases out hydrofluorocarbons (HCFCs) by 2030. These refrigerants have the biggest impact on ozone depletion, and LEED project teams should aim to follow the Montreal Protocol to earn the Energy and Atmosphere Credit for Enhanced Refrigerant Management.

ASTM E1903-97 is the Standard Guide for Environmental Site Assessments. The EPAct of 1992 aims to improve overall energy efficiency in the United States. The term "EPA Protocol" does not specifically relate to the use of refrigerants.

147.

Which category of the LEED rating system provides guidance on where the project is built, encouraging the selection of sites with existing services and transit?

  • Smart Location and Linkage

  • Sustainable Sites

  • Green Infrastructure and Buildings

  • Neighborhood Pattern and Design

Correct answer: Smart Location and Linkage

Categories unique to the LEED Neighborhood Development (ND) rating system include the Smart Location and Linkage, Neighborhood Pattern and Design, and Green Infrastructure and Buildings categories. Credits in the Smart Location and Linkage category are used to promote walkable neighborhoods with efficient transportation options and open space, encouraging the selection of sites with existing services and transit.

The focus of the LEED Sustainable Sites (SS) category is on reducing environmental impacts through site assessment, site design, and site management. Green Infrastructure and Buildings credits promote the reduction of the environmental consequences of the construction and operation of buildings and infrastructure. Neighborhood Pattern and Design credits emphasize compact, walkable, vibrant, mixed-use neighborhoods with good connections to nearby communities.

148.

To reduce the heat island effect, paving surfaces need to have what? 

  • A high SRI

  • A low SRI

  • Trees to shade as much as possible 

  • Be painted white 

Correct answer: A high SRI 

The higher Solar Reflectance Index (SRI), the less heat is absorbed into the surface. This means that surfaces with high SRI contribute less to the heat island effect. 

Painting surfaces white can raise the SRI of that surface, but there are many other ways to raise the SRI other than painting it white. Trees, likewise, are helpful but not a requirement. A low SRI would not be useful for reducing the heat island effect. 

149.

Which of the following would count as reclaimed water? 

  • Treated wastewater from a building's cooling tower 

  • Fresh water from a local well 

  • Unused tap water 

  • Untreated black water 

Correct answer: Treated wastewater from a building's cooling tower 

Reclaimed water is any wastewater that has gone through the proper treatment. 

Fresh water from a local well is or can be made potable, so it is not reclaimed. Unused tap water and untreated black water are not reclaimed water either.  

150.

A building owner has noticed an increase in their electricity bills and finds out that lights are being left on when no one is in the building. Instead of complaining to the occupants, they put up displays showing the amount of electricity being used as well as information about its impact on the environment. Workers begin turning the lights off when they leave, and the owner's electricity bill comes back down. 

What is this an example of? 

  • The Prius Effect 

  • A leverage point

  • The integrative process 

  • Optimization

Correct answer: The Prius Effect 

The Prius Effect is a strategy that hypothesizes that when information is given to users, they will respond and change their behavior. In this scenario, they saw how much energy they were wasting and decided to turn the lights off when they weren't in the office. 

A leverage point is an action within the Prius Effect. The leverage point in this scenario would have been the displayed information. This is not an example of the integrative process. Optimization is usually a term used to describe a product that has been changed to achieve a goal. 

151.

Which of the following credits would project teams be trying to achieve if they were using Low Impact Development and Green Infrastructure, such as preserving natural landscape features? 

  • SS Credit - Rainwater Management 

  • SS Credit - Open Space

  • MR Credit - Building Life-Cycle Impact Reduction 

  • EA Credit - Enhanced Refrigerant Management 

Correct answer: SS Credit - Rainwater Management 

Low Impact Development or LID is an approach that works with nature to help reduce rainwater runoff. This approach uses strategies that include preserving natural landscape features and limiting impervious hardscape. 

SS Credit - Open Space, MR Credit - Building Life-Cycle Impact Reduction, and EA Credit - Enhanced Refrigerant Management would not require the use of LID infrastructure. 

152.

Degraded surface water quality, harmed aquatic life, and poorer recreation opportunities in receiving waters are all results of what?

  • Runoff

  • Rain barrels

  • Drip irrigation systems

  • Pervious hardscapes

Correct answer: Runoff

Rainwater runoff from a building site can disrupt natural hydrology, contaminate nearby bodies of water with nonpoint source pollution, compromise wildlife habitat, and contribute to soil erosion and collapse. Chemicals from runoff can degrade surface water quality and harm aquatic life and recreation opportunities in receiving waters.

Rain barrels are one method of collecting rainwater and reusing it rather than allowing it to collect or run off surfaces into bodies of water. Drip irrigation is one of the most efficient forms of irrigation systems. Pervious hardscapes reduce runoff because they absorb water or allow it to penetrate the materials.

153.

To reduce the built environment's contribution to climate change with respect to location and transportation, buildings need to be located in:

  • High-density areas

  • Rural towns

  • Greenfield areas

  • Arid environments

Correct answer: High-density areas

To reduce the built environment's contribution to climate change with respect to location and transportation, buildings need to be located in high-density areas. This allows occupants to have easy access to retail and services as well as multimodal methods of transportation.

Though sometimes it's unavoidable, building in rural towns increases the likelihood of occupants needing vehicles to travel from the building to other locations. Building on greenfield areas, which are areas that have never been developed, should be avoided when possible. Whether a building is located in an arid environment does not necessarily relate to transportation.

154.

For LEED v4, what information must be entered to accurately identify Regional Priority credits?

  • The project's coordinates

  • The project's zip code

  • The project's area code

  • The project's city and state

Correct answer: The project's coordinates

The intent of the Regional Priority category is to provide an incentive for the achievement of credits that address geographically specific environmental, social equity, and public health priorities. In LEED v4, regional priorities were created using a geographic information systems (GIS)-based program. Therefore, in order to accurately identify Regional Priority credits, the project's physical coordinates must be entered.

In LEED 2009, regional priorities were based on zip codes, but with LEED v4 this was changed to a GIS-based program. Area codes and the project's city and state are not used to identify Regional Priority credits either.

155.

Why might an operable window be preferable to use over a sealed environment maintained at ideal temperatures?

  • It gives occupants some control over the environment

  • They are cheaper to install and maintain

  • They can be cleaned more easily than a sealed window

  • It is more aesthetically pleasing than a sealed one

Correct answer: It gives occupants some control over the environment

An operable window may make occupants more comfortable than a sealed environment maintained at ideal temperatures simply because it gives them some control over their environment. This is important for LEED project teams to consider, as maintaining occupants' comfort and giving them some personal control is a priority.

The remaining answer options are incorrect. Operable windows are not necessarily cheaper to install and maintain or easier to clean. Whether they are more aesthetically pleasing than sealed windows is a matter of personal opinion.

156.

Projects referring to IESNA would most likely be working on which of the following credits? 

  •  EQ Credit - Daylight 

  • EA Credit - Green Power and Carbon Offsets

  • WE Credit - Outdoor Water Use Reduction 

  • EA Credit - Renewable Energy Production

Correct answer: EQ Credit - Daylight 

IESNA or the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America is the technical authority for lighting and is used in three different LEED credits. 

IESNA would not be used to guide project teams in EA Credit - Green Power and Carbon Offsets, WE Credit - Outdoor Water Use Reduction, or EA Credit - Renewable Energy Production. 

157.

What is one benefit of proper shielding of light fixtures?

  • It directs light onto a specific area

  • It is less expensive than traditional lighting

  • It sheds light outside of the project's boundaries

  • It helps ensure the safety of occupants

Correct answer: It directs light onto a specific area

Strategic lighting design will help eliminate overlighting by locating fixtures appropriately and possibly reducing the number of fixtures required. Smart fixtures use proper shielding to focus light downward and onto intended areas. This helps eliminate light trespass, when light spills out of a project's physical boundary.

Shielding of light fixtures prevents light from escaping outside of the project's boundaries and is more expensive than not using a shield. The aim of shielding is not to ensure the safety of occupants but to eliminate unnecessary lighting.

158.

What was the LEED Pilot Credit designed for?

  • To test new or revised LEED credits

  • To be the second option for achieving a point

  • To study advanced strategies

  • To review the process of a new credit

Correct answer: To test new or revised LEED credits

The LEED Pilot Credit Library was designed to test new or revised LEED credits. The Pilot Credit is the second option for achieving a point in Innovation credit.

USGBC creates testing periods where they collect feedback on Pilot Credits. The hope is to find advanced strategies through this process, but the goal of the Pilot Credit is to add successful credits to the LEED rating systems. USGBC members can submit a proposal for a new Pilot Credit. These proposals will be reviewed by LEED staff and committees for possible inclusion in the LEED Pilot Credit Library. 

159.

What is the main difference between prerequisites and credits in the LEED rating systems?

  • Prerequisites are required; credits are optional

  • Prerequisites are more difficult to earn than credits

  • Project teams must build up credits before they can aim for prerequisites

  • Credits are required; prerequisites are optional

Correct answer: Prerequisites are required; credits are optional

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.

Whether a prerequisite or a credit is difficult to earn is based on the LEED project team. Prerequisites must always be achieved, but it is not required that they be completed before the credits.

160.

On a homestead, a gardener grows vegetables to eat. These vegetables attract bugs, which then attract ducks. The ducks eat the bugs and produce waste. The gardener uses the waste along with food trimmings to make compost, which helps her grow more vegetables. What kind of system is this? 

  • A closed system 

  • An open system 

  • An iterative process 

  • A cradle-to-cradle process 

Correct answer: A closed system 

In a closed system, nothing goes to waste and nothing is needed from outside resources. In this example, waste from the ducks and the vegetables is reused as compost. 

In an open system, materials are brought in from the outside and waste is sent out of the system rather than reused or recycled. The iterative process is a design process and part of the integrative design process. Cradle-to-cradle also involves waste reduction but is about products being given a second use after their primary function is complete. 

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