Free Practice Questions for USGBC LEED-Green-Associate Exam

Daylighting falls under the Indoor Environmental Quality category. LEED awards points for strategies that enhance natural light to improve occupant comfort and reduce energy consumption​​.

The statement that is the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) vision is: Buildings and communities will regenerate and sustain the health and vitality of all life within a generation. USGBC is a non-profit organization that promotes sustainability in the building industry through its LEED rating system, education programs, advocacy initiatives, and research projects. USGBC’s vision reflects its commitment to transformingthe built environment into one that supports human health, environmental quality, social equity, and economic prosperity1 . References: LEED v4 Green Associate Candidate Handbook1, USGBC’s Vision

The water use reduction for a project is determined by finding the difference between the baseline conditions and the calculated installed case. The baseline conditions are the water use of the project if it were designed to meet the minimum requirements of the Energy Policy Act of 1992 or a local equivalent, whichever is more stringent. The calculated installed case is the water use of the project based on the actual fixtures and fittings installed or specified. The water use reduction is calculated as a percentage of savings from the baseline conditions. The LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook states that one of the strategies for achieving water efficiency is to “calculate water use reduction by comparing a building project’s water use with the water use baseline calculated for the building after meeting the Energy Policy Act of 1992 fixture performance requirements” [1, p. 14]. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, [Water Use Reduction | U.S. Green Building Council]

Daylighting is a strategy that uses natural light to illuminate the interior spaces of a building, reducing the need for artificial lighting and improving the visual comfort and well-being of the occupants. One of the strategies that can help improve daylighting in an office building is tolocate private offices toward the building core and organize cubicles at the perimeter, so that more people can benefit from the access to windows and views. This can also increase the daylight penetration depth and reduce glare and contrast12. References: LEED v4 Green Associate Candidate Handbook1, LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide2

Covering duct work with plastic is a strategy for improving indoor environmental quality during construction. Covering duct work with plastic prevents dust, debris, and contaminants from entering the ducts and affecting the air quality of the building. This also reduces the need for cleaning and maintenance of the ducts after construction. The LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook states that one of the strategies for achieving indoor environmental quality is to “protect ducts during construction by sealing or covering with plastic” [1, p. 16]. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, [Indoor Air Quality During Construction | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency]

According to LEED guidelines:

“Integrated Project Delivery phases: Pre-Design, Design, Bidding, Commissioning, Occupancy”

Commissioning aligns with these project phases for quality assurance and system verification.

The LeadingGreen Study Guide defines carbon offsets as:

“Alternatively a project can purchase carbon offsets to reduce scope 2 emissions, as one carbon offset is equal to one carbon dioxide equivalent of greenhouse gases”.

Additionally, LEED recognizes carbon offsets as a method to:

“...compensate for emissions occurring elsewhere.”

Hence, the correct and verified answer isCarbon offsets.

Implementing a stormwater pollution prevention plan during construction can help projects meet on-site sustainability goals. This plan outlines measures to control runoff and prevent soil erosion, which can carry pollutants into nearby water bodies. By managing stormwater on-site, projects can protect local water quality while also recharging groundwater supplies. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources