Practices questions Flashcards
- A project team member finds an issue not addressed in the LEED reference guide regarding indoor
plumbing fixtures and submits a suggested approach to the credit during the standard LEED review
process. What is true about this approach?
A. They will receive a determination in the review comments at the discretion of the reviewer assigned
to the project.
B. The approach will be rejected because it is outside the scope of the review process
C. The approach will be rejected and a Project CIR will need to be submitted instead
D. If the approach is accepted it can be precedent-setting and can be used in future project reviews
A
When dealing with an issue not addressed in available LEED guidance material, project teams have the
option of submitting a suggested approach during the standard LEED certification process. They will
receive a determination in the review comments at the discretion of the reviewer assigned to the
project.
As with Project CIRs, decisions made in a particular project’s review are not precedent-setting and
therefore cannot be used in future project reviews.
- After project registration you find a credit the project is attempting is listed as applicable under the
‘Applicable credits’ section of the Interpretations database. What must the project team do?
A. Review the interpretation and apply it if it makes sense to do so
B. Submit a Project CIR
C. Review the Addenda database
D. Resubmit the credit
A
If a credit that a project is attempting is listed as applicable under the ‘Applicable credits’ section of the
interpretation, the team must review the interpretation and apply it if it makes sense to do so. LEED
project teams can choose to reference LEED Interpretations that do not list their credit as applicable if
the project team believes it is appropriate. A final determination will be made during the certification
review
- A 10,000 SF tenant space is located in a 150,000 SF high-rise building. The project building includes
underground parking and an attached parking deck. The tenant shares the parking with other building
tenants. What would the certification fees be based on?
A. Project gross floor area, excluding parking
B. Project gross floor area, including parking
C. Building gross floor area, excluding parking
D. Building gross floor area, including parking
A
ID+C project fees exclude parking areas.
- Which action is an example of an overlapping benefit that a project team might find during ongoing
discovery while iteratively testing alternatives and refining an analysis?
A. Using the waste heat from a mechanical system to heat hot water
B. Deciding to increase ventilation by 30%
C. Removing an underfloor air-distribution system due to cost
D. Selecting one paint over another for aesthetic reasons
A
This is an example of looking for new opportunities in the design that support the project goals.
- Which response is a possible consequence if a project does not comply with the minimum program
requirements?
A. An alternative compliance path may be used
B. If the project has earned a LEED certification, the building’s certification may be revoked
C. The project team may need to submit a CIR
D. Additional fees or fines may be incurred
B
A project must adhere to the LEED Minimum Program Requirements (MPRs) in order to achieve/retain
LEED certification. Failure to comply with MPRs may result in the certification being revoked. No fees
will be refunded
A project can meet the MPRs prior to certification, then earn project certification, and then later
something may change so that the project no longer meets the MPRs. An example of this scenario is if
the occupancy rate of the building decreases.
Note that after the project is certified (has attained any LEED certification at any level), the project must
continue to meet the MPRs or certification can be revoked. For example, if a hotel is certified, and then
the hotel shuts down, the hotel is not maintaining the minimum occupancy levels required by the MPRs.
The certification could be revoked
- If the requirements described on a credit form do not match the rating system and/or reference guide
material, which action should a project team take next?
A. Contact LEED technical customer service
B. Submit a project CIR
C. Submit a LEED interpretation
D. Submit the issue via the feedback button within leedonline.com
D
If a project team needs guidance on an issue before submitting for certification review, the project CIR
process is available to them. The project CIR will be determined by a GBCI Certification Reviewer familiar
with the project’s specific circumstances. The advantage of a project CIR is that the timeline for a ruling
is relatively quick, and the project team can have certainty about the applicability of their strategy early
in the design or implementation process.
This type of formal inquiry is relevant to many projects. These are examples of inquires that, after
receiving a project CIR, would also result in a LEED interpretation if the project team opted into the
LEED-interpretations process.
For assistance with broken prerequisite/credit forms and/or functionality within leedonline.com, submit
issues via the feedback button, found on every page in leedonline.com.
The following are examples of LEED Online issues:
Requirements as described in the form do not match the rating system and/or reference guide material
or the project team member is having problems logging in, joining a team, or accessing projects or
credits
- When developing a LEED Scorecard, on which credits should the team focus first?
A. Credits with the highest value for the project over the long term
B. Credits that are the easiest to earn
C. Credits that are the least expensive to earn
D. Credits that are the most familiar to the project team members
A
The credits selected are primarily based on the goals set in the goal workshop. These goals are of the highest importance (and thus value) to the owner. After picking the highest priority credits, select other credits that have synergies and reinforce the project goals. Then select additional credits that get the project to the desired target certification
- A project has achieved one pilot credit, has earned exemplary performance in three credits, and has
used a strategy for innovation. How many points would this project earn?
A. 2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 5
C
Innovation earns up to 4 points. The example earned 1.
Pilot credits earn up to 4 points. The example earned 1.
Exemplary performance earns up to 2 points. The example achieved 3 credits, but 2 points is the
maximum number that can be earned.
The maximum for the Innovation credit is 5 points.
One additional point can be earned for LEED AP
- A building owner inquires about how many LEED Pilot credits the project team can pursue. Which
response is correct?
A. The project team can pursue an unlimited number of Pilot credits; however, the number of points
awarded will be limited by the number of Innovation credits.
B. The project team can pursue only as many Pilot credits as there are Innovation credits.
C. The project team can pursue an unlimited number of Pilot credits and earn points for every Pilot
credit achieved.
D. The project team can pursue up to five Pilot credits and can earn up to three Innovation credits.
A
LEED project teams may pursue an unlimited number of pilot credits; however, the number of points
awarded is limited by the number of Innovation credits available (up to 5 for LEED 2009 projects).
- Which project strategy would earn an exemplary performance point under IN Credit Innovation
Option 3 Additional Strategies?
A. Doubling the highest transit service point threshold for alternative transportation
B. Achieve a 30% energy savings
C. Install advanced metering for the entire building
D. Use 100% non-potable water for all flushing fixtures
A
LT Credit Access to Quality Transit can earn exemplary performance for doubling the highest transit
service point threshold.
EA Credit Optimize Energy Performance can earn exemplary performance for 32% or more energy
savings.
EA Credit Advanced Energy Metering doesn’t have exemplary performance.
WE Credit Indoor Water Use Reduction doesn’t have exemplary performance
- What options within LEED credits address different geographic and climactic regions while providing
solutions to challenges faced by projects at a regional level?
A. Regional Alternative Compliance Paths
B. Regional priority credits
C. Innovation credits
D. Minimum program requirements (MPRs)
A
These options address different geographic and climactic regions while providing solutions to challenges
faced by projects at a regional level. The first of these to be released are the Regional Alternative
Compliance Paths for projects using LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance in Europe.
- At a minimum how many potential locations or base building options must be assessed for IP Credit
Integrative Process as part of the discovery phase for site selection?
A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
B
At least two potential locations or base building options must be assessed
- At a minimum what must be analyzed for IP Credit Integrative Process for ID+C projects?
A. Energy-related and water-related systems only
B. Site selection and energy-related systems only
C. Energy-related systems only
D. Site selection, energy-related systems, and water-related systems
B
Site and energy are required and can earn one point, water earns one additional point.
14. What design decision would have a negative environmental impact in a cooler climate? A. Task lighting B. Low-flow fixtures C. Reflective roof panels D. Indoor pest management
C
In colder climates, reflective roofing can increase the heating requirements when temperatures cool
because the reflective roof panels would reflect heat away from the building.
- An office space will include individual occupant controls for lighting. What design strategy would
most reduce the operational energy use associated with task lighting?
A. Integrating individual controls with occupancy sensors
B. Installing higher reflective surfaces
C. Installing automatic shading devices on windows
D. Increasing the glazing on windows
A
A common problem with task lighting is occupants leave the task lights on when they are away from
their desks, such as for lunch or when leaving for the day/weekend. Integrating task lighting with
occupancy sensors can reduce the energy costs the most.
Surfaces that reflect/absorb light can also have potential energy savings, but integrating task lighting
with occupancy sensors will have a greater impact
- An office project will have a 3% energy improvement over a baseline building. The project team is
considering increasing ventilation. The project uses mechanical ventilation. This change could have a
negative impact on:
A. EQ Credit Daylight
B. EA Credit Optimize Energy Performance
C. EA Prerequisite Minimum Energy Performance
D. EA Prerequisite Fundamental Refrigerant Management
C
Increasing the ventilation of a building that uses mechanical ventilation will require a larger HVAC
system capacity and greater energy use. Since the baseline building energy performance would change,
EA Prerequisite Minimum Energy Performance will be impacted.
The building has a 3% energy performance improvement which is enough for the prerequisite but falls
short of the minimum for Optimize Energy Performance. Since the project cannot earn Optimize Energy
Performance, this credit will not be affected, but the prerequisite could be
- A project team has hired a LEED consultant to assist them with their first LEED project. What will the
consultant need to tell the project team to take photographs of if they choose to pursue those credits?
A. LT Credit Surrounding Density and Diverse Uses
B. LT Credit Access to Quality Transit
C. WE Credit Indoor Water Use Reduction
D. IEQ Credit Construction IAQ Management Plan
D
Construction Management IAQ Management Plan requires photos that highlight the implemented
construction IAQ practices.
LT Credit Surrounding Density and Diverse Uses does not require a photo, but a photo is one alternative
for providing the site vicinity plan. Sketches, block diagrams, and maps can also be used.
LT Credit Access to Quality Transit does not require photos.
WE Credits do not require photographs
- If a project team is pursuing both IP Credit Integrative Process and EA Credit Optimize Energy
Performance, which action should occur first?
A. A basic energy analysis prior to conducting the energy simulation
B. Creation of a baseline energy model
C. Determination the energy costs savings
D. Use of the exceptional calculation method for unregulated loads
A
For option 1 Whole-Building Energy Simulation, if projects are also pursuing the Integrative Process
credit, then the project team must identify the requirements for concept-level energy modeling to determine how to coordinate the overall model of development. The basic energy analysis for the
Integrative Process credit must be done before conducting the energy simulation.
- A client is assessing the value LEED certification for an office project in a suburban area. All of the
following are values and benefits of green building except:
A. Higher property values
B. Incentives for tax rebates and zoning allowances
C. Faster lease-up rates
D. Higher cost of ownership
D
LEED-certified buildings cost less to operate, reducing energy and water bills by as much as 40%.
Businesses and organizations across the globe use LEED to increase the efficiency of their buildings,
freeing up valuable resources that can be used to create new jobs, attract and retain top talent, expand
operations and invest in emerging technologies.
LEED buildings have faster lease-up rates and may qualify for a host of incentives like tax rebates and
zoning allowances. Not to mention they retain higher property values
- A project team has selected an office location in a LEED ND Certified neighborhood that will
streamline the documentation of the LT credits. What additional documentation needs to be submitted
for the LT Credit LEED for Neighborhood Development Location?
A. Vicinity base map with the LEED project boundary and LEED ND certified neighborhood or plan
boundary
B. Parking map for the office occupants
C. Bicycle map identifying bicycle routes for occupants
D. Public transportation schedules and routes
A
EXPLANATION:
This is part of the required documentation
21. What is the maximum points a project can earn by selecting a tenant space in a LEED ND Platinum location? A. 8 B. 10 C. 12 D. 18
D
18 points max for the credit.
- A LEED AP is collecting information about a site that includes the dwelling units per acre (hectare)
and total floor-area ratio per acre (hectare) of buildings in the surrounding area. What would this
information be used for?
A. LT Credit Surrounding Density and Diverse Uses Option 1 Surrounding Density
B. LT Credit Surrounding Density and Diverse Uses Option 2 Diverse Uses
C. LT Credit Reduced Parking Footprint
D. LT Credit LEED for Neighborhood Development Location
A
Dwelling units and floor area ratio are part of the density calculations.
- A LEED AP is documenting five uses within walking distance of the main entrance of an office
building. What is an acceptable way to document LT Credit Surrounding Density and Diverse Uses?
A. By including a map showing the project site, location and type of each use, and walking routes from
the main entrance to each use.
B. By uploading a project narrative that includes each use name, use type, and address
C. By creating a map showing the project, project boundary, and walking routes and longitude and
latitude of each use.
D. By using the area plan or map to show the project site and location of existing and planned uses
within a quarter-mile (400-meter) radius of the project site.
A
This is how the credit is documente
- A project has the following transit service summary:
Light rail:
80 weekday trips
60 Saturday trips
50 Sunday trips
Commuter rail:
40 weekday trips
12 Saturday trips
0 Sunday trips
Given this information, which statement is true about the transit service and the project’s ability to earn
LT Credit Access to Quality Transit?
A. The commuter rail would count as having no weekend trips.
B. The light rail service does not provide enough weekend trips.
C. The light rail service does not provide enough weekday trips.
D. The commuter rail weekend trips can be averaged to meet the minimum required.
D
The weekend trips can be averaged to 6 to meet the requirements.
- A project team is reviewing potential sites that have a diversity of transit routes. Which site feature
would help the project earn more points for LT Credit Access to Quality Transit?
A. A site served by a bus route and a light rail route for which no one route provides more than 60% of
the total trips
B. A site served by light rail that has double the required weekend trips
C. A site served by a bus route, light rail, and commuter route
D. A site served by multiple transit types all within a 1/4-mile (400 meters) of any functional entry
A
A site that has multiple transit types which do not provide more than 60% of the trips can earn the
project more points
- A retail clothing project is located in a mall. All of the following would help the project earn LT Credit
Bicycle Facilities EXCEPT:
A. Two short term storage spaces
B. Two long term storage spaces
C. Coupons for yearly bicycle tune-ups
D. Map identifying bicycle routes to the project site
E. Shower
E
Retail projects require programs to support bicycle use that must be documented. A bicycle
maintenance or route assistance program is required in addition to two short and two long-term spaces.
Showers are not required for retail projects
- A 2,500 SF (233 m2) store pursuing LEED ID+C: Retail is located near a bicycle network. All of the
following design decisions would contribute to earning LT Credit Bicycle Network EXCEPT:
A. On-site supplies for bicycle repair
B. Bicycle route map posted on the front window for employees and customers
C. 2 long-term bicycle storage spaces located within 100 feet (30 meters) of the main entrance
D. 2 short-term bicycle storage spaces located within 100 feet (30 meters) of the employee entrance
D
Short term storage must be located near any main entrance. An employee entrance would not be
accessible to customers and is thus not a main entrance.
- A 500,000 SF (46,500 m2) office building pursuing LEED ID+C: Commercial Interiors has 102 regular
building occupants and 40 peak visitors. How many shower facilities are required for LT Credit Bicycle
Facilities?
A. 0
B. 1
C. 2
D. 3
C
1 shower/changing room for the first 100 regular building occupants and 1 shower for every 150 more.
They key here is regular building occupants. Visitors don’t count in the calculation. The other point to
remember is to always round up.
The office space has 102 regular building occupants. The first 100 require 1 shower. The next 150
require 1 more. Since we have 102, 2 showers are required.
