LEED Green Associate Flashcards
What are the Minimum Program Requirements (MPR) for a LEED Project?
- Must be in a permanent location on existing land.
- Must use a reasonable site boundary.
- Must comply with the project size requirements.
What is ASHRAE 62.1 related to?
ASHRAE 62.1 is related to ventilation, controlling air contaminant levels, humidity, and temperature within a space.
What is ASHRAE 55 related to?
ASHRAE 55 is related to the comfort criteria of specific design conditions that take into account temperature, humidity, air speed, outdoor temperature, outdoor humidity, seasonal clothing, and expected activity. These all relate to occupant thermal comfort.
What is ASHRAE 90.1 related to?
ASHRAE 90.1 relates to HVAC systems. HVAC systems are defined as: equipment, distribution systems, and terminals that provide the processes of heating, ventilating, or air-conditioning.
What does ASHRAE stand for?
American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers
What ASHRAE standards would be used for the Energy and Atmosphere category?
ASHRAE 90.1
What ASHRAE standards would be used for the Indoor Environmental Quality category?
ASHRAE 62.1 is related to ventilation and ASHRAE 55 is related to the thermal comfort criteria of occupants.
What standard addresses the thermal comfort of building occupants?
ASHRAE 55
What LEED category would SMACNA standards be used for?
Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ)
What LEED category would the Green-e standard be used for?
Energy and Atmosphere (EA)
What LEED categories contain standards related to VOC emissions?
Materials & Resources (MR) and Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ)
What is a MERV rating?
Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV). MERV ratings are used to rate the ability of an air conditioning filter to remove dust from the air as it passes through the filter. MERV rating range from 1 (least efficient) - 16 (most efficient).
What is the EPAct of 1992?
The Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct 1992) covers many products and services related to energy. It also sets standards for toilets and other water fixtures in both commercial and residential models.
What is ISO 14021?
The ISO 14021 series standards, Environmental Labels and Declaration, are communication tools that convey information on environmental aspects of a product or service to the market. This standard is used for recycled materials to label their pre and/or post-consumer content.
What is IESNA?
Illuminating Engineering Society of North America. Publisher of lighting design and illumination standards.
What is Green-e?
Green-e is a program established to promote green electricity products and provide consumers with a nationally recognized method to identify those products.
What does an ENERGY STAR rating refer to?
The ENERGY STAR rating is a measure of a building’s energy performance compared with that of similar buildings, as determined by ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager. A score of 50 represents average building performance.
What does Certification by FOREST STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL mean?
Certification means forest managers have adopted environmentally and socially responsible forest management practices. And certification allows companies to manufacture and sell products made from sustainable wood.
What is Chain-of-Custody (CoC) Certification?
Chain of Custody refers to chronological documentation or paper trail. CoC is important in LEED when dealing with certified wood. Companies that process, manufacture, and/or sell products made of certified wood can earn CoC certification by having an audit done of their documentation. This certification shows the FSC that the name and logo are being used correctly.
What are CREDIT INTERPRETATION RULINGS (CIR)?
They are designed for technical and administrative guidance for MPR, Prerequisites, and Credits. They may be submitted any time after the project is registered and must be completed using LEED Online. Do not write as a letter. Include only the inquiry and essential information. CIRs can contain maximum of 600 words. The CIR many NOT include attachments, cut-sheets, plans or drawings.
CIRs can be used for what purpose(s)?
CIRs are used to ask one clear and concise question for technical and administrative guidance on MPRs, Prerequisites, or Credits.
For multiple building developments who determines the LEED PROJECT BOUNDARY?
The project team.
What is LEED Online?
LEED online is the primary resource for managing the LEED documentation process.
What are some of the features of LEED Online?
Through LEED Online, project teams can:
- Manage project details
- Complete documentation requirements for LEED credits and prerequisites
- Upload supporting files
- Submit applications for review
- Receive reviewer feedback
- Ultimately earn LEED certification
What is the purpose of a LEED SCORECARD?
The LEED Scorecard is to assist in determining the Total Project Score and achievable Credits at the inception of a LEED Project.
Where can the LEED Score Card be found?
USGBC’s website.
What are the LEED Reference Guides used for?
A user’s manual that guides a LEED project from registration to certification of the design and construction of a project.
What do the LEED Reference Guides contain?
- Strategies
- Case Studies
- Documentation Requirements
for each credit and prerequisite in a rating system
Who can access LEED Online?
Anyone assigned to a project by the project administrator.
What general documentation must be submitted for LEED certification?
Project Narrative
1) Project photos/drawings
2) Typical floor plans
3) Elevations
What organization is responsible for LEED project registration?
GBCI
What is a LEED intent?
Identifies the main sustainability goal or benefit of the prerequisite or credit (USGBC)
What does a PREREQUISITE represent?
A prerequisite represents the key criteria that define green building performance. They must be completed for a project to earn certification.
Why do projects need to meet prerequisites?
Prerequisites represent the key criteria that define green building performance.
How many CERTIFICATION LEVELS are available to a LEED project?
4
What are the different certification levels LEED projects can earn?
- Certified
- Silver
- Gold
- Platinum
How are CIRs submitted?
Credit interpretation requests must be submitted through LEED Online.
What are the amount of points a credit can earn (credit weighting) based on?
How well the credit addresses environmental and health concerns.
What is environmental sustainability?
Long-term maintenance of ecosystem components and functions for future generations. (EPA)
What is considered a construction HARD COST?
Construction hard costs are considered to be CSI MasterFormat 2004 Edition Divisions 03-10, 31 (Section 31.60.00 Foundation) and 32 (Sections 32.10.00 Paving, 32.30.00 Site Improvements, and 32.90.00 Planting).
What is a construction hard cost?
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 of hard costs include masonry, wood, steel, carpet, tile, mechanical systems, and roofing.
What are some examples of construction hard costs?
Cement, steel, drywall, wood, and land.
What are CONSTRUCTION SOFT COSTS?
Soft costs are expense items that are not considered direct construction costs such as legal fees, and building permitting.
What is meant by LIFE-CYCLE ASSESSMENT?
A Life-Cycle assessment is an analysis of the environment aspects and potential impacts associated with a product, process, or service.
What are some examples of construction SOFT COSTS?
Examples include architectural, engineering, financing, and legal fees.
What factors dictate how much a projects CERTIFICATION fees will cost?
The rating system in which the project is registered under, the size of the project in square feet, and the date in which the project was registered.
LEED promotes what type of approach to sustainability?
A whole building approach.
What has USGBC adapted to establish metrics and rating systems to measure building performance?
Triple bottom line
When can a LEED project be eligible to display the LEED plaque and other marketing material?
LEED projects are eligible following the acceptance of a final certification review.
What does each category in the LEED rating system consist of?
Prerequisites and credits.
What are the names of the LEED Rating Systems?
Building Design and Construction (BD+C)
Interior Design and Construction (ID+C)
Operations and Maintenance (O+M)
Neighborhood Development (ND)
Homes
What is LEED?
An internationally recognized green building certification system, providing third-party verification that a building or community was designed and built using strategies aimed at improving performance across all the metrics that matter most: energy savings, water efficiency, CO2 emissions reduction, improved indoor environmental quality, and stewardship of resources and sensitivity to their impacts. (USGBC)
What does LEED stand for?
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System
What parts of the LEED rating system are optional?
Credits are optional, prerequisites are required.
How is LEED developed?
LEED Rating Systems are developed through an open, consensus-based process led by LEED volunteer committees.
What is the total number of points available a LEED project can earn?
110 possible points.
What are the different point/certification levels for LEED certification?
- Certified, 40-49 points
- Silver, 50-59 points
- Gold, 60-79 points
- Platinum, 80+ points
What is SMACNA used for?
Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractor’s National Association (SMACNA) guidelines play a key role in construction activity pollution prevention. The standard provides an overview of air pollutants associated with construction, control measures, construction process management, quality control, among other things.
What is Green Seal used for?
Green Seal is an independent nonprofit organization that identifies and promotes products that are environmentally preferable. Several of its standards measure VOC limits in products.
What type of products are related to the Green Seal standard?
Paints and primers.
What LEED credit category has credits that reference the Green Seal standard?
Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ)
What are LEED credit templates?
The documentation forms used to prove the requirements of a prerequisite or credit have been met. These will be filled out in LEED Online.
What is a PRELIMINARY RATING?
The target score the project team will attempt to achieve. The final score, based on the number of points awarded, may be more or less than the preliminary rating.
Can a project earn MULTIPLE CERTIFICATIONS?
Yes. Projects can earn more than one LEED certification depending on the Rating Systems.
What are some ways the TRIPLE BOTTOM LINE is referred to?
- Ecology, environment, economics
- People, profit, planet
- Economics, ecology, social equity
What is the triple bottom line?
A change from being primarily financially driven to considering economics, environment, and social responsibility.
What is a LEED CREDIT?
Part of the LEED Rating System. Projects earn points by meeting the requirements of credits in order to achieve building certification.
What CREDIT CATEGORIES are shared among most LEED rating systems?
- Location and Transportation
- Sustainable Sites
- Water Efficiency
- Energy and Atmosphere
- Materials and Resources
- Indoor Environmental Quality
- Innovation
What is a GREEN SCORE?
A green score measures the ‘greenness’ of an automobile.
What is the highest LEED CERTIFICATION LEVEL?
Platinum
What is a LEED category?
A subset of the LEED Rating System. Each rating system has several green building categories.
What is a CIR?
A CIR is a credit interpretation ruling and is a process for project applicants seeking technical and administrative guidance on how LEED credits apply to their projects and vice versa.
What is USGBC?
A non-profit trade organization that promotes sustainability in how buildings are designed, built, and operated.
What does SUSTAINABILITY mean?
Sustainability is meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
What develops LEED?
Volunteer committees.
What types of projects would LEED BD+C be used for?
New construction and major renovations.
What types of projects would LEED ID+C be used for?
Interior fit-outs.
What types of projects would LEED BD+C: Core and Shell be used for?
For designers, builders, developers and new building owners who want to address sustainable design for new core and shell construction. Covers base building elements such as structure, envelope and the HVAC system.
What types of projects would LEED for Homes be used for?
High-performance green homes.
What types of projects would LEED O+M be used for?
Existing buildings that are undergoing improvement work or little to no construction.
What types of projects would LEED for Neighborhood Development be used for?
New land development projects or redevelopment projects containing residential uses, nonresidential uses, or a mix.
What types of projects would LEED BD+C: Schools be used for?
The design and construction of K-12 schools. Based on the LEED for New Construction rating system, it addresses issues such as classroom, acoustics, master planning, mold prevention and environmental site assessment.
What types of projects would LEED BD+C: Retail be used for?
The different types of spaces that retailers need for their distinctive product lines.
What types of projects would LEED BD+C: Healthcare be used for?
Sustainable planning, design and construction for high-performance healthcare facilities.
True or False: Can a product can earn LEED certification?
FALSE
What LEED category can earn points for low-emitting materials?
Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ)
What is life cycle costing?
Evaluates a product’s economic performance
What is a life cycle assessment?
The investigation and valuation of the environmental impacts of a given product or service caused of necessitated by its existence.
When should a life cycle assessment be used?
When considering the products long term environmental impact over the products lifetime.
Why should you use life cycle costing?
When there exists project alternatives that fulfill the same performance requirements, but differ with respect to initial costs and operating costs. The comparison can help maximize net savings.
True of False: LEED projects are more expensive than traditional projects.
FALSE
Ture or False: Using an integrative process takes longer than traditional projects.
FALSE. Generally this is false, but sometimes they cost more or less depending on the situation. This point is often argued among the building community.
What is value engineering?
Analysis of the requirements of a project for the purpose of achieving the essential functions at the lowest total costs.
What is pervious pavement used for?
Pervious pavement is used to reduce runoff by allowing runoff to filter through the pervious material.
What is SOLAR REFLECTANCE?
It is a measure of the ability of a surface material to reflect sunlight in forms of visible, infrared, and ultraviolet wavelengths, which is measured on a scale of 0 to 1. Black paint has an albedo of 0 and white paint has an albedo of 1.
What is HEAT ISLAND effect?
The heat island effect is a situation where the absorption of heat by hardscapes, buildings and dark materials then radiates to surrounding areas. The term describes the event where radiant air and surface temperatures in urban areas are higher than rural or suburban area nearby.
What can cause the heat island effect?
- Dark surfaces that absorb heat (black roofs, asphalt)
- Vehicle exhaust
- Air-Conditioners
- Reduced air flow from tall buildings and narrow streets
What is SOLAR REFLECTANCE INDEX (SRI)?
A measure of the constructed surface’s ability to stay cool in the sun by reflecting solar radiation and emitting thermal radiation. It is defined such that a standard black surface (initial solar reflectance 0.05, initial thermal emittance 0.90) has an initial SRI of 0, and a standard white surface (initial solar reflectance 0.80, initial thermal emittance 0.90) has an initial SRI of 100.
What are the benefits or reducing heat islands?
Reducing heat islands reduces air temperatures which would reduce the need to cool that air in buildings. Thus energy consumption is lowered.
What are some types of DIVERSE USES?
Bank, Place of Worship, Convenience Grocery, Day Care Center, Cleaners, Fire Station, Beauty Salon, Hardware, Laundry, Library, Medical or Dental Office, Senior Care Facility, Park, Pharmacy, Post Office, Restaurant, School, Supermarket, Theater, Community
What are some ways to reduce automobile parking?
Select a site near mass transit.
Promote carpooling.
Install less parking.
Install bicycle racks.
What is a BROWNFIELD?
Real property whose use may be complicated by the presence or possible presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant.
What do reflective materials help with?
Reducing the heat island effect.
What are ways to reduce single passenger vehicles traveling to a project site?
Locate the site near mass transit, promote carpooling, reduce parking space, install bicycle racks.
What does PREFERRED PARKING refer to?
Preferred parking refers to the parking spots that are closest to the main entrance of the project (exclusive of spaces designated for handicapped persons) or parking passes provided at a discounted price.
What term defines paving systems that are open and allow moisture to soak into the ground below?
Pervious. There are many types of pervious paving systems.
What minimum Green Score is required by LEED for a vehicle to qualify as a green vehicle?
A minimum Green Score of 45 is required on the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) annual vehicle rating guide.
What do IMPERVIOUS surfaces promote?
It promotes water runoff instead of infiltration into the subsurface. This term is mostly used when discussing hardscape surfaces.
By what amount can HEAT ISLANDS elevate temperatures in an urban area?
10 degrees F or more.
Heat islands impact what LEED category(s)?
Sustainable Sites (SS) and Energy and Atmosphere (EA). Heat islands increase temperatures resulting in the need for more air conditioning (and more energy to cool the air).
What STRATEGIES are employed to reduce the HEAT-ISLANDS?
Strategies include using materials with higher solar reflectance properties in the site design, provide shaded area, and reduce hardscape surfaces and installing vegetated roofs.
What generally defines OPEN SPACE area?
Local zoning requirements?
What does the BUILDING FOOTPRINT consist of?
The area on a project site used by the building structure and defined by the perimeter of the building plan.
What is light pollution?
Waste light from building sites that produces glare, is directed upward to the sky, or is directed off the site. Waste light does not increase nighttime safety, utility, or security and needlessly consumes energy.
What is a benefit of locating a project near mass transit?
Reduced automobile use which reduces automobile emissions.
What is a GREENFIELD site?
A site not previously developed or graded that could support open space, habitat, or agriculture.
What are examples of IMPERVIOUS surfaces?
Parking lots, roads, sidewalks, and plazas.
How is development density calculated?
By drawing a radius from the project building.
What is the purpose of locating a project in an area with DIVERSE USES?
Locating near diverse uses promotes walking which helps to limit urban sprawl and reduces automobile use.
What is a DIVERSE USE?
A distinct, officially recognized business, nonprofit, civic, religious, or governmental organization, or dwelling units (residential uses) 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.
How are diverse uses identified for a project?
By walking distance from the project site?
What helps reduce the heat island effect?
Light colored paving materials
Green roofs
Cool roofs
Shading
Underground parking
What is PEDESTRIAN ACCESS?
Pedestrian access allows pedestrians to walk between areas without interference from walls, highways or other barriers.
What is a PREVIOUSLY DEVELOPED site?
A site that was previously built on, has been graded, or contained a parking lot, roadway, or other structure.
What is the DEVELOPMENT FOOTPRINT?
The development footprint includes all areas of a site affected by the development or project site activity. Include hardscapes, parking lots, access roads, non-building facilities and the building itself.
What is an ALTERNATIVE fuel vehicle?
An alternative fueled vehicle uses low-polluting, nongasoline fuels such as electricity, hydrogen, propane, compressed natural gas, liquid natural gas, methanol, and ethanol.
What are some examples of mass transit?
Busses
Ferries
Rail Lines
Shuttles
What is OPEN SPACE?
Open space is undeveloped land, but it differs from greenfield sites since open space could have been developed in the past and restored to an undeveloped state.
What is a FULL-TIME EQUIVALENT (FTE)?
Is 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.
How can potable water use be reduced for irrigation?
- Use graywater or rainwater for watering
- Use drip irrigation
- Install native and adaptive plants
What two measurements are used to calculate a percent reduction in water use?
A baseline design case and an installed design case.
What are transient occupants?
Building visitors and other part-time or occasional occupants, such as students, volunteers, visitors, etc.
What variables are used in determining FTE calculations?
The type of building occupant (full-time, part-time, transient) and the hours worked per week.
What does runoff contribute to?
Soil erosion and sedimentation of local waterways.
HARVESTED RAINWATER can be substituted for what types of potable water use?
Landscape irrigation, fire suppression, toilet and urinal flushing, and custodial uses.
What does a VEGETATED roof consist of?
Vegetation, growing medium, filter fabric, drainage, and a waterproof membrane.
What does GPF stand for?
Gallons per Flush. The unit of measurement for flush fixtures (urinals, water closets).
What is a bioswale?
Landscape elements designed to remove silt and pollution from surface runoff water. They consist of a swaled drainage course with gently sloped sides and filled with vegetation, compost and/or riprap.
What does GPM stand for?
Gallons per Minute. The unit of measurement for flow fixtures (faucets, showers)
What is sedimentation?
When runoff deposits sediment into water ways, leading to a decline in water quality by blocking sunlight.
What is graywater?
Domestic wastewater composed of wash water from kitchen, bathroom, and laundry sinks, tubs, and washers. (EPA)
What codes define GRAYWATER?
Local and state authorities along with the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) in its Appendix G, Gray Water Systems for Single-Family Dwellings and The International Plumbing Code (IPC) Appendix C, Gray Water Recycling Systems.
Irrigation impacts what LEED categories?
Water Efficiency (WE) and Energy and Atmosphere (EA)
What is BLACKWATER?
Blackwater is wastewater from toilets and urinals. Wastewater from kitchen sinks (perhaps differentiated by the use of a garbage disposal), showers, or bathtubs is considered blackwater under some state or local codes.
What is XERISCAPING?
Xeriscaping is a landscaping method that makes routine irrigation unnecessary. It uses drought-adaptive and low-water plants as well as soil amendments such as compost and mulches to reduce evaporation.
Water saving fixtures can reduce water use in a project by what amount?
30% (USGBC)
What is DRIP IRRIGATION?
Drip irrigation delivers water and low pressure through buried mains and sub mains. Water is distributed to the soil through a network of perforated tubes or emitters. Drip irrigation is much more efficient than traditional sprinkler systems.
What are NOXIOUS weeds?
They are an invasive species of plants that inhibit the cultivation and growth of local native or adaptive plants.
What are NATIVE or INDIGENOUS plants?
They are adapted to a given area during a defined time period and are not invasive. In North America, the term often refers to plants growing in a region prior to the time of settlement by people of European descent.
What are considered INVASIVE plants?
They are nonnative to the ecosystem and likely to cause harm once introduced. These species are characteristically adaptable and aggressive, have a high reproductive capacity, and tend to overrun the ecosystems they enter. Collectively, they are among the greatest threats to biodiversity and ecosystem stability.
What is the definition of POTABLE WATER?
Potable water meets or exceeds EPA’s drinking water quality standards and is approved form human consumption by the state or local authorities having jurisdiction; it may be supplied from wells or municipal water systems.
What are some uses of NONPOTABLE water?
Landscape irrigation, toilet and urinal flushing, custodial purposes, and building systems.
What are some of the benefits of VEGETATED ROOFS?
They reduce the heat island effect, retain runoff, insulating benefits, aesthetically pleasing, have longer life and less maintenance than conventional roofs.
What would you use the EPAct of 1992 for?
Measuring the baseline case water use for the Water Efficiency credits.
What are some examples of GRAYWATER?
Water from bathtubs, showers, bathroom wash basins, water from clothes-washer and laundry tubs. Some cases allow for kitchen sinks depending on state and local authorities.
Reductions in potable water consumption from water efficient landscaping are attributed to what techniques?
Choosing the correct plants species, density and microclimate factors, irrigation efficiency, use of captures rainwater, use of recycled wastewater, use of water treated and conveyed by a public agency specifically for nonpotable uses or absolutely no potable water use.
What are some ways to capture rainwater to prevent runoff?
Rain gardens
Green roofs
Retention Pond
Bioretention Pond
What factors are used to establish a baseline water demand when calculating for water efficiency in commercial or residential applications?
Calculations are based on estimated occupancy usage and must include only the following fixtures and fixture fittings (as applicable to the project scope): water closets, urinals, lavatory faucets, showers, kitchen sink faucets and pre-rinse spray valves.
LEED Water Efficiency addresses what environmental concerns for building use and disposal?
- Monitoring water consumption performance
- Reduction in indoor potable water consumption
- Reduction in water consumption to save energy and improve environmental well-being
- Practice water-efficient landscaping.
PROCESS WATER is used for what purpose?
Process water is used for industrial processes such as cooling towers, boilers, and chillers. The term can also refer to water used in operational processes, such as dishwashing, clothes washing, and ice making.
