Overview of USGBC and LEED

Question 1

Agent

Answer 1

Person (or entity) who is granted actual authority by the owner to register the project and accept the certification agreement

Question 2

Albedo

Answer 2

A metric to define the reflectivity of an object from darkest black to white using a scale from 0 to 1

Question 3

Certification level

Answer 3

A LEED designation based on point thresholds met, such as LEED Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum

Question 4

Certification process

Answer 4

A hierarchy of assigned tasks of completed through LEED Online

Question 5

Checklist

Answer 5

A single-page list containing the name of the rating system adaptation and a series of categories that pertain to the site, transportation, water, energy, materials, indoor air and innovation of the project

Question 6

Credit

Answer 6

A point or range of points given depending on its credit weighting

Question 7

Credit interpretation request (CIR)

Answer 7

A fee-based inquiry to the USGBC as to how to implement a strategy for a certain prerequisite or credit

Question 8

Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI)

Answer 8

A third-party organization that provides independent oversight of professional credentialing and project certification programs related to green building

Question 9

Impact categories

Answer 9

The environmental issues that LEED projects aim to address

Question 10

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)

Answer 10

The US Green Building Council (USGBC) LEED green building program is the preeminent program for the design-construction, maintenance and operation of high-performance green buildings

Question 11

LEED AP

Answer 11

The advanced level of LEED credentials that requires an advanced knowledge in green building as well as expertise in a particular LEED rating system

Question 12

LEED for Building Design and Construction (BD+C)

Answer 12

Buildings that are new construction or major renovation
BD+C new construction or major renovation
BD+C core and shell development
BD+C schools
BD+C retail
BD+C data centers
BD+C warehouses and distribution centers
BD+C hospitality
BD+C healthcare

Question 13

LEED for Building Design and Construction: homes

Answer 13

Homes and Multifamily Lowrise
Multifamily Midrise

Question 14

LEED for Building Operations and Maintenance (O+M)

Answer 14

Existing buildings that are undergoing improvement work or little-to-no construction
O+M existing buildings
O+M retail
O+M schools
O+M hospitality
O+M data centers
O+M warehouses and distribution centers

Question 15

LEED certification process

Answer 15

1. Rating system selection
2. Project registration
3. Credit submittals
4. Project review
5. Project certification

Question 16

LEED fellow

Answer 16

The most prestigious LEED designation that recognizes LEED APs who have demonstrated exceptional achievement in technical knowledge and skill, leadership, advocacy, commitment and service, and teaching, mentoring or research

Question 17

LEED for Interior Design and Construction (ID+C)

Answer 17

Interior spaces that are a complete interior fit-out
ID+C: Commercial Interiors
ID+C: Retail
ID+C: Hospitality

Question 18

LEED for Neighborhood Development (ND)

Answer 18

New land development projects or redevelopment projects containing residential uses, nonresidential uses or a mix
ND: Plan
ND: Built Project

Question 19

LEED Green Associate

Answer 19

The basic level of LEED credentials that requires a documented, up-to-date understanding of the most current green building principles and practices

Question 20

Minimum project requirement (MPR)

Answer 20

A requirement that a building must meet before it can consider LEED certification

Question 21

Minimum program requirements

Answer 21

1. Must be in a permanent location on existing land
2. Must use reasonable LEED boundaries
3. Must comply with project size requirements
   - BD+C and O+M: minimum 1000 sf GFA
   - ID+C: minimum 250 sf GFA
   - ND: minimum two habitable buildings, maximum 1500 acres
   - Homes: must be defined as a ‘dwelling unit’ by all applicable codes

Question 22

Owner

Answer 22

Person (or entity) who has the authority to hold and control the real and personal property associated with the project and accept the certification agreement

Question 23

Pilot credit library

Answer 23

A database of credits that are being tested for future versions of LEED rating systems

Question 24

Point thresholds

Answer 24

Certified: 40 - 49 points
Silver: 50 - 59 points
Gold: 60 - 69 points
Platinum: 80+ points

Question 25

Prerequisite

Answer 25

A mandatory project requirement that ensures a minimum level of achievement within a category

Question 26

Project administrator

Answer 26

Person who plays a key quality role by checking that the LEED submission is complete and accurate before submitting the project to GBCI for review and by accepting the review results once the review is complete

Question 27

Project team

Answer 27

Owner
Agent
Project administrator

Question 28

Synergy

Answer 28

The interrelationship between credit categories, systems and components that can be realized through the integrative process to achieve high levels of building performance, human performance and environmental benefits

Question 29

US Green Building Council (USGBC)

Answer 29

A nonprofit organization made up of member organizations, chapters and credentialed professionals that was formed to promote sustainability within the built environment and has been releasing versions of the LEED rating systems since 2000