LEED Indoor Environmental Quality Flashcards

1
Q

A healthcare project team in the pre-design phase is discussing ways to protect patient privacy. Which of the following strategies would help achieve this goal? A. Reducing the building’s footprint B. Designing waiting areas with views to the outdoors C. Using sound isolation D. Placing recovery rooms toward the core of the building

A

C. Using sound isolation - Sound isolation is part of acoustic performance. In healthcare, patient privacy is important - discussions between doctors and patients should be private. Sound isolation helps achieve this.

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2
Q

What can a project team do to reduce the need for pesticides?
A. Develop a coordinated program of nonchemical strategies B. Install hardscapes around the entire building perimeter C. Do not permit smoking around building entrances D. Use only native plants in the landscaping

A

A. Develop a coordinated program of nonchemical strategies

IPM begins with monitoring and baiting to reduce the need for chemical pesticides

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3
Q

A project team is trying to maximize the number of points they can achieve for their LEED project by identifying synergies. Which elements, when combined, would best achieve this goal?
(Choose 3)
A. Occupant lighting controls B. Daylight sensors C. CO2 sensors D. Operable windows E. Occupancy sensors

A

A. Occupant lighting controls
B. Daylight sensors
E. Occupancy sensors

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4
Q

Which responsibilities would belong to the general contractor during construction to improve indoor air quality?
(Choose 2)
A. Verifying construction waste is placed in the proper trash bins B. Overseeing the rainwater management plan C. Making sure someone is sweeping periodically to control dust D. Implementing a pest control management plan E. Capping the ducts to mechanical systems

A

C. Making sure someone is sweeping periodically to control dust E. Capping the ducts to mechanical systems

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5
Q

Which of the following should a green cleaning policy include?
A. Standards for selecting products and technologies and certification of cleaning equipment B. A waste stream audit of recyclable materials and instructions for calibrating indoor air quality sensors C. Measures to prevent against unwanted pests and the amount of waste to divert from the waste stream D. The replacement of Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) filters and the selection of low VOC materials, furniture, and finishes

A

A. Standards for selecting products and technologies and certification of cleaning equipment

A green cleaning policy should include:

  1. The standards used to select products and technologies such as Green Seal or California Code of Regulations.
  2. Certification of cleaning equipment from the carpet and rug institute.
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6
Q

A project design with a focus on creating a healthy building includes materials with low VOC emissions, grates used in the entryway, higher-rated MERV filters, and air intakes located in an open-air parking garage. Which of these design strategies negatively impacts good indoor-air quality?
A. The higher-rated MERV filters B. The materials with low VOC emissions C. The grates used for the entryway D. The location of the air intakes

A

D. The location of the air intakes

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7
Q

A building in a warm climate will not have operable windows or natural ventilation due to a limited number of days each year that these strategies would be beneficial. Which of the following would help the project team give ventilation control to occupants?
A. Window blinds B. Movable furniture C. Adjustable height partitions D. Adjustable air diffusers

A

D. Adjustable air diffusers

Adjustable air diffusers help with ventilation control.

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8
Q

Designing a building with a natural ventilation system will impact what credit categories?
(Choose 2)
A. Energy and Atmosphere B. Materials and Resources C. Sustainable Sites D. Indoor Environmental Quality

A

A. Energy and Atmosphere

A natural ventilation system (aka passive ventilation) will reduce the energy demands of a building. No mechanical cooling system will need to installed and run.

D. Indoor Environmental Quality

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9
Q

Properly designed daylighting results in which of the following?
A. The need to add operable windows B. A decreased need for artificial lighting C. An increased lighting power density D. A decreased need for glare control

A

B. A decreased need for artificial lighting

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10
Q

A business owner wants to have an open office plan in a tenant space. To increase daylighting and optimize views, which of the following should the plan include?
(Choose 2)
A. Low partitions B. Single-pane glazing C. Vision panels D. Task lighting E. Solid doors

A

A. Low partitions C. Vision panels

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11
Q

In a naturally ventilated building, which of the following would provide occupants with control over their temperature?
A. CO2 sensors B. Operable windows C. A single-office thermostat D. Outdoor air monitors

A

B. Operable windows

Operable windows allow users near those windows to control their environment.

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12
Q

What are the best design strategies for improving indoor air quality during operations and maintenance of a building?
(Choose 2)
A. Orient the building for optimal sun exposure B. Use air filters with high Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) ratings C. Use natural refrigerants D. Increase the ventilation in the building E. Use soft surfaces on the interiors

A

B. Use air filters with high Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) ratings D. Increase the ventilation in the building

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13
Q

A government project with an open office plan will have partitioned cubes with frosted glass above eye level position for privacy. This design choice would negatively impact which of the following elements?
A. Individual occupant controls B. CO2 monitoring C. Views to the outside D. Individual thermal comfort

A

C. Views to the outside

Frosted glass would block the views to the outside.

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14
Q

How can a project team in a hot climate reduce a building’s energy use and increase daylighting?
A. By siting the building in an area surrounded by other buildings that can provide shade B. By installing glass over the entire exterior of the building C. By installing appropriately sized and located windows D. By locating private offices along the perimeter of the building walls

A

C. By installing appropriately sized and located windows

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15
Q

When thinking about room layouts early in the design process, which of the following should be considered?
A. Acoustics B. Environmental tobacco smoke control C. Using materials with recycled content D. Entryway systems

A

A. Acoustics

Acoustics are often overlooked, but they should be considered early in the design process when designing room layouts in order to select a room design that aids this element.

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16
Q

In which of the following ways does integrated pest management (IPM) help a building owner save money?
(Choose 2)
A. Because over application can be avoided B. Because pests are never present on the site C. Because only beneficial insects that contribute to a healthy ecosystem are allowed to thrive on the site. D. Because only appropriate chemicals are used

A

A. Because over application can be avoided D. Because only appropriate chemicals are used

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17
Q

A tenant of an office space wants an open office layout. What is one trade-off of this decision?
A. The acoustics may be poor. B. The room will have decreased air quality. C. The space will not be able to include task lighting. D. Daylighting will be harder to achieve.

A

A. The acoustics may be poor

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18
Q

At which point during the project schedule would a flush-out occur?
A. After the building envelope is weather-tight B. Prior to the building water being turned on C. After HVAC ducts have been sealed and protected D. Prior to occupants moving in

A

D. Prior to occupants moving in

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19
Q

An effective thermal comfort strategy considers the six primary factors that affect thermal comfort. A close collaboration between the owner, architect, and who else is critical to achieving thermal comfort success?
A. Engineer B. Building code inspectors C. Landscape designer D. Lighting designer

A

A. Engineer - From ASHRAE 55, the six primary factors of thermal comfort are:

Surface temperature
Air temperature
Humidity
Air movement
Metebolic rate
Clothing
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20
Q

The developer of a school project in a sunny region suggests using light shelves to bring daylight into some of the classrooms. Which of the following issues would arise as a result of this this strategy?
A. Glare B. Reduction of low-emitting materials C. Interference with outside views D. Decreased acoustic performance

A

A. Glare

Anytime daylight is brought into the building, glare needs to be considered, no matter what method is used to bring in the daylight.

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21
Q

For which of the following reasons is it important to conduct occupant surveys?
A. Surveys identify areas that need improvement. B. Surveys are a Minimum Program Requirement. C. Surveys are required for ongoing commissioning. D. Surveys reduce the ongoing waste stream.

A

A. Surveys identify areas that need improvement.

A survey will provide facility managers with information on areas of the building that may be underperforming.

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22
Q

Changing the building envelope from single-pane glazing to double-pane glazing would result in which of the following?
A. Improved occupant controls B. Increased energy efficiency C. Increased daylighting D. Decreased energy demand

A

D. Decreased energy demand

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23
Q

A project team member is discussing adding soft surfaces to an exterior building room. What would be the result of doing this?
A. Improved daylighting B. Reduced glare C. Reduced contaminants D. Improved acoustics

A

D. Improved acoustics

Acoustic surfaces such as soft surfaces, building geometry, and duct insulation all help improve the acoustics of a space.

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24
Q

A building owner wants to have improved IAQ after construction to improve occupant health. Which of the following products would a project team need to verify have low-VOCs?
(Choose 3)
A. Computer workstations B. Acoustic insulation C. No smoking signs located outside the building D. Ceiling paint E. Granite countertops

A

A. Computer workstations B. Acoustic insulation D. Ceiling paint

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25
Q

A developer for an office project is considering a natural ventilation system. Which of the following will be the MOST important in determining if the system will be appropriate?
A. Whether or not the system is quiet B. Whether or not the system can connect to a building automation system C. Whether or not the system can be submetered D. Whether or not the system can provide enough fresh air

A

D. Whether or not the system can provide enough fresh air

26
Q

In order for an occupant survey to improve the triple bottom line of a project, what should occur after the survey results have been assessed?
A. The survey results should be uploaded to LEED online. B. Corrective action should be taken to address any problems. C. The survey results should be shared with USGBC. D. The building systems manual should be updated to include the survey results.

A

B. Corrective action should be taken to address any problems.

27
Q

A project team in a dry region is designing a project with an entryway that leads to a downtown city block. The building owner wants to reduce dirt, dust, and contaminants tracked into the building from people’s shoes. Which of the following would be appropriate choices for an entryway system that would improve indoor air quality?
(Choose 3)
A. Recycled wood flooring B. Rubber mats manufactured overseas C. Steel grates D. Metal grills made of aluminum E. Marble tile extracted and manufactured locally

A

B. Rubber mats manufactured overseas
C. Steel grates
D. Metal grills made of aluminum

28
Q

A business owner is building an office in a city that has air quality issues during the summer. The owner wants to hear recommendations for design decisions that improve indoor air quality. Which of the following are strategies that would achieve the project goal?
(Choose 2)
A. Use materials with low VOC emissions B. Orient the building east to west C. Install walk-off mats in the entryways D. Use natural ventilation E. Permit smoking around side entrances only

A

A. Use materials with low VOC emissions C. Install walk-off mats in the entryways

Walk-off mats help capture dust, dirt, and contaminants people could otherwise track into the building.

29
Q

An owner has selected an office building site in a natural area. They want to provide views to the outside while also using daylighting to reduce energy demand. Which strategy would achieve these goals?
A. Installing an under floor air distribution system B. Locating conference rooms and offices near the glazing C. Having adjustable window shades and operable windows D. Installing cubicles with low partitions and placing conference rooms and offices in the core of the building

A

D. Installing cubicles with low partitions and placing conference rooms and offices in the core of the building

30
Q

Which factors affect an occupant’s thermal comfort?
A. Acoustics, ergonomics, and views B. Temperature, humidity, and air movement C. Daylighting, air monitoring, and cleanliness D. VOC levels, glare, and acoustics

A

B. Temperature, humidity, and air movement

31
Q

To improve occupant satisfaction a project team conducts a survey of the occupants. Which of the following are important IEQ topics to ask about in the survey?
(Choose 3)
A. Are any areas are too hot or too cold? B. Is the lighting adequate? C. How frequently does an individual take public transportation to work? D. How are the acoustics? E. Are the bicycle racks conveniently located?

A

A. Are any areas are too hot or too cold?
B. Is the lighting adequate?
D. How are the acoustics?

32
Q

Why should a building have a green cleaning policy?
A. To reduce the environmental effects of cleaning products B. To reduce the costs of cleaning a building C. To decrease the time it takes to clean a building D. To provide the janitorial staff with an opportunity to be part of the integrative design

A

A. To reduce the environmental effects of cleaning products

33
Q

A company is designing an open office plan for seventy-five employees working in an entire floor of a building. Daylighting will be used to provide natural light and reduce energy costs. To ensure effective lighting quality for all of the occupants, the design should include which of the following?
A. Zoned daylighting controls B. Automatic shades C. Reflective paint and surfaces D. Light shelves

A

A. Zoned daylighting controls

Because the plan is for an entire floor of a building, different areas of the project will receive different levels of lighting throughout the day. To make sure all occupants have quality lighting, a zoned system that adjusts lighting levels based on the quantity of daylight coming in will work best.

34
Q

Which type of products would reduce the environmental effects of cleaning products?
A. Green Label Plus B. Environmental Choice C. CRI D. Green-e

A

B. Environmental Choice

Environmental Choice has many standards that apply to green cleaning products.

35
Q

A project team is beginning the integrative process late into the design-phase of a new office building. At this point, which of the following could still be changed and would be a low-cost solution for improving daylighting?
(Choose 2)
A. The colors of the surfaces B. The window configuration C. The orientation of the building D. The number of glazing panes E. The types of furnishings

A

A. The colors of the surfaces E. The types of furnishings

36
Q

Why would a project team use low-emitting materials?
A. These materials allow more daylight into the core of a building. B. These materials protect the health of construction personnel and building occupants. C. These materials reduce the glare from interior finishes. D. These materials provide soft surfaces to improve acoustics.

A

B. These materials protect the health of construction personnel and building occupants.

Low-emitting should bring low VOC to mind

37
Q

Where should smoking be prohibited for a project?
(Choose 3)
A. Walking trails B. Operable windows C. Air intakes D. Garages E. Building entrances

A

B. Operable windows
C. Air intakes
E. Building entrances

38
Q

One side of a building is oriented toward the afternoon sun. Which of the following can give occupants control over excessive brightness and glare?
A. Operable windows B. Individual task lighting C. Adjustable window shades D. Thermal comfort controls

A

C. Adjustable window shades

39
Q

The practice of placing windows or other transparent media and reflective surfaces in such a way that during the day natural light provides effective internal illumination is referred to as:
A. Daylighting B. Natural ventilation C. Passive ventilation D. Lighting power density

A

A. Daylighting

40
Q

Which of the following does LEED require for good indoor air quality?
A. That smoking indoors is prohibited B. That the building is kept clean during construction C. That low-emitting materials are specified D. That a green cleaning policy is implemented

A

A. That smoking indoors is prohibited

This is a prerequisite and is required for LEED certification.

41
Q

Including task lighting and increasing ventilation levels in a new building has what effect on the triple bottom line?
A. Decreased maintenance B. Increased occupant performance C. Lower first costs D. Decreased ozone depletion

A

B. Increased occupant performance

42
Q

What amount of time do people in the United States spend on average indoors?
A. 90% B. 80% C. 70% D. 60% E. 50%

A

A. 90%

43
Q

Which of the following preventive maintenance tasks would a facility manager routinely perform to maintain indoor air quality?
(Choose 2) A. Conducting a flush-out B. Calibrating sensors C. Dusting all blinds with electrostatic cloths D. Replacing air filters

A

B. Calibrating sensors

Checking the CO2 sensors and the outdoor airflow monitors are tasks the facility manager could do periodically to make sure the system is functioning as designed.

D. Replacing air filters

44
Q

A project owner wants to create a healthy work environment for employees. To help ensure indoor air quality, which of the following should be monitored?
(Choose 2)
A. Outdoor airflow B. Daylighting levels C. Carbon-dioxide levels D. Submetering of the HVAC system E. Wind speed and direction

A

A. Outdoor airflow C. Carbon-dioxide levels

45
Q

Which of the following elements should be considered to facilitate communication in school classrooms?
(Choose 3)
A. Soft surfaces B. Air filters with high MERV ratings C. Building geometry D. Duct insulation E. Increased ventilation

A

A. Soft surfaces C. Building geometry D. Duct insulation

46
Q

A building owner has concerns about the costs of increasing the ventilation from the minimum required for indoor air quality. Which of the following could help offset the operating costs?
A. Implementing a green-cleaning program B. Using demand control ventilation C. Installing higher rated MERV filters D. Specifying low-emitting materials

A

B. Using demand control ventilation

Demand-control ventilation is based on monitoring spaces and only increasing the ventilation when set points are reached. This is based on having CO2 sensors/monitors in the room.

47
Q

The developer of a new restaurant wants to include a smoking room inside. Which of the following statements is true about the project’s ability to earn LEED certification?
A. The project is exempt from ETS control. B. The project cannot earn LEED certification because it will not meet all the prerequisites. C. The project could get an exception for ETS control. D. The project could earn LEED certification if appropriate signage is put up designating the smoking area.

A

B. The project cannot earn LEED certification because it will not meet all the prerequisites.

No smoking is allowed to meet the LEED prerequisite.

48
Q

For which of the following reasons is it important to provide individual lighting and thermal comfort controls to building occupants?
A. Occupant controls help improve productivity B. Occupant controls help improve indoor air quality C. Occupant controls help improve acoustics D. Occupant controls help increase ventilation

A

A. Occupant controls help improve productivity

49
Q

A delivery of drywall arrived at a building site during a rain storm. Some of the drywall was exposed to the rain. What should the general contractor do with the material?
A. Install it anyway B. Ask for replacement drywall from the seller C. Send it to the landfill D. Wait for it to dry out and then install it

A

B. Ask for replacement drywall from the seller

50
Q

A building owner and general contractor are creating a construction plan to improve the air quality during the construction process. What should the plan address?
A. Keep dust and dirt out of the building, protect materials from moisture damage, flush-out the building before occupancy B. Conduct custodial training, use fans to blow out construction dust, orient the building properly C. Increase ventilation, calibrate sensors and monitors, conduct an occupant survey D. Use low VOC materials, monitor carbon dioxide, monitor outdoor airflow

A

A. Keep dust and dirt out of the building, protect materials from moisture damage, flush-out the building before occupancy

51
Q

A building design in a cool climate includes daylighting, natural ventilation, operable windows, and individual lighting controls. What else can be included in the design to improve occupant comfort and control?
A. Ergonomic desks B. Discounted transit passes C. Bicycle racks near the building entrance D. Walk off mats in all emergency exits

A

A. Ergonomic desks

52
Q

During the integrative process a building owner decides to replace a low VOC ten-year carpet tile with a less expensive and higher VOC twelve-year carpet tile. Which of the following would be impacted by this change?
A. Indoor air quality B. Construction waste management C. Material reuse D. Raw material sourcing

A

A. Indoor air quality

The higher VOC carpet tile impacts indoor air quality

53
Q

Which of the following would help increase the daylight brought into a space?
A. Low VOC interior walls, single-pane glazing, and reused furniture B. Task lighting, occupancy sensors, window blinds, and operable windows C. Clerestory windows, light shelves, reflective paint, and skylights D. Ergonomic furniture, reused acoustic ceiling tiles, polished concrete flooring, and movable partitions

A

C. Clerestory windows, light shelves, reflective paint, and skylights

54
Q

What product for an entryway system allows for good indoor air quality and is a good material choice?
A. Carpeted tile shipped from overseas B. Wood flooring made in another country C. Low VOC rubber mat D. Stone tiles extracted and manufactured locally

A

C. Low VOC rubber mat

55
Q

Proper ventilation systems remove which of the following contaminants?
(Choose 3)
A. CO2 concentrations B. Phosphorus C. Material off-gassing D. Radon E. CFCs

A

A. CO2 concentrations C. Material off-gassing

D. Radon

56
Q

When determining the ventilation levels of a space needed for good indoor air quality, which of the following should the project team consider?
(Choose 2)
A. The space’s proximity to the exterior building envelope B. The number of occupants in the space C. The time of day the space will be used D. The activities performed in the space

A

B. The number of occupants in the space D. The activities performed in the space

57
Q

When conducting a confidential occupant survey to rate the lighting, acoustics, temperature, and cleanliness of a building, who is primarily responsible for reviewing the results and taking any corrective action?
A. The facility manager(s) B. The architect(s) C. The building owner(s) D. The occupant(s)

A

A. The facility manager(s)

58
Q

When would a project team need to consider increasing the ventilation levels to improve indoor air quality?
A. Before the occupants move in B. Pre-design C. After the occupants have moved in D. During building commissioning

A

B. Pre-design

Increasing ventilation may require a bigger ventilation system. It may also consume more energy to run the system. By the time the building is being constructed, these decisions can be too late.

59
Q

Which strategy supports improved indoor air quality during operations and maintenance?
A. Outlining green cleaning procedures and goals for custodians B. Flushing out the building before occupancy C. Locating air intakes away from garage areas D. Using building materials with low life-cycle impacts

A

A. Outlining green cleaning procedures and goals for custodians

60
Q

Which design strategy allows occupants to actively participate in energy savings?
A. Views to the outdoors B. Smoking away from the building C. Daylighting D. Task lighting

A

D. Task lighting

61
Q

A project administrator needs specific information on an interior paint used in a tenant space. The information on the VOCs in the paint need to be uploaded into LEED Online. Where would this information be found?
A. USGBC materials database B. LEED Online materials database C. Local building code office D. MSDS

A

D. MSDS