Free Practice Questions for USGBC LEED-Green-Associate Exam

Low-emitting materials, including partitions, are intended to:

“...reduce concentrations of chemical contaminants that can damage air quality, human health, productivity, and the environment.”

VOCs are a major indoor air contaminant addressed under the Indoor Environmental Quality category.

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.

Lighting controls are devices or systems that can regulate the amount and quality of light in a space according to various factors, such as user preferences, natural light availability, occupancy, and time of day. By doing so, lighting controls can improve occupant comfort and save energy throughout the building. Lighting controls can enhance the visual comfort, well-being, and productivity of the occupants by providing them with appropriate and adjustable light levels for different tasks and moods. Lighting controls can also reduce the energy consumption and environmental impact of the lighting system by avoiding unnecessary or excessive lighting, which can waste electricity, generate heat, and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions.Lighting controls are an essential component of green building design and certification, such as LEED v4, which has adopted ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2010 as the baseline for energy performance and lighting requirements. LEED v4 also recognizes and rewards various lighting control strategies, such as automatic shutoff, light-level reduction, daylight harvesting, exterior lighting control, and plug-load control. References: [LEED Link: Minimum Energy Performance], section “LEED v4 BD+C: Minimum Energy Performance”; [LEED Link: Lighting Controls], section “LEED v4 BD+C: Lighting Controls”

 LEED is an acronym for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, which is the most widely used green building rating system in the world. LEED provides a framework for creating healthy, efficient, and cost-saving buildings that have positive environmental and social impacts. LEED certification is a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement and leadership12.

To maintain the LEED Green Associate credential, you must earn 30 continuing education hours every two years, with at least six of those hours being LEED specific. This requirement ensures that LEED Green Associates stay up-to-date with the latest developments in green building practices and LEED rating systems. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

Regional Priority credits are awarded to encourage projects to address local environmental issues that are of particular importance or concern for the region where the project is located. These issues may include water scarcity, air quality, habitat protection, or human health. Regional Priority credits are not new LEED credits, but rather existing credits that have been identified by regional councils or chapters of USGBC as having higher priority or relevance for their areas. Projects can earn up to four bonus points by achieving Regional Priority credits. References: LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, Introduction, page 13; LEED v4 Impact Category and Point Allocation Process Overview1

This is the correct order of the LEED certification process for most projects1. The first step is to register the project on LEED Online and pay the registration fee2. The second step is to prepare the application by collecting and uploading the required information and documents according to the chosen rating system and credits2. The third step is to submit the application and pay the certification fee2. The fourth step is to undergo the application review by a LEED accredited third party, which may request clarifications or corrections2. The final step is to receive the certification decision and the LEED plaque and certificate2.

Life-cycle cost analysts of a new construction includes consideration of

cost of purchasing window glazing

cost of adding accessible parking

cost of challenging a real estate tax assessment

cost of subsidizing the use of public transportation

Answer: A

Life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA) is a method for assessing the total cost of owning a facility or running a project. It considers all the costs associated with obtaining, owning, and disposing of an investment1. The cost of purchasing window glazing is one of the initial costs that affects the energy performance and thermal comfort of a building2. Therefore, it is included in the LCCA of a new construction.

https://www.usgbc.org/credentials/leed-green-associate

Native species are plants that are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, and therefore require less water and maintenance than non-native species. By maximizing the use of native species in the landscaping design, the project can reduce the need for potable water for irrigation and achieve the Outdoor Water Use Reduction credit under LEED v4 Water Efficiency category1.

LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide1, page 35

Strategies for improving building occupants’ comfort and control may consist of installing operable windows, giving occupants lighting control and providing ergonomic furniture. These strategies can enhance the indoor environmental quality (IEQ) of a building, which is the physical and psychological conditions of the indoor spaces that affect the health, comfort, and productivity of the occupants. Installing operable windows can allow occupants to adjust the natural ventilation, temperature, and fresh air intake of their spaces. Giving occupants lighting control can allow them to adjust the artificial lighting levels, color, and direction of their spaces. Providing ergonomic furniture can support the physical comfort, posture, and well-being of the occupants12. References: LEED v4 Green Associate Candidate Handbook1, LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide2

LEED Interior Design and Construction (ID+C) is a rating system that applies to projects that are a complete interior fit-out or renovation1. Data centers are one of the project types that can use this rating system, as they have specific requirements for energy efficiency, cooling, and reliability2.

=

LEED rating system

LEED rating system selection

LEED Rating Systems Overview