Site Selection (SS) Flashcards
(104 cards)
1
Q
What information must be
inventoried for a site
assessment?
A
-Topography
-Hydrology
-Climate
-Vegetation
-Soils
-Human use
-Human health effects
2
Q
What should be used to
estimate the water storage
capacity of a site during a site
assessment?
A
Urban Hydrology for Small
Watersheds Technical
Release 55 (TR-55)
or
local
equivalent for projects
outside the U.S.
3
Q
What is a three-year aged
SR (or SRI)?
A
A solar reflectance or solar
reflectance index rating that
is measured after three
years of weather exposure
4
Q
What should be used to
designate a site as prime
farmland and identify its soil
classification?
A
Natural Resources
Conservation Service (or
local equivalent)
5
Q
What are the three options
for high priority sites?
A
Option 1. Historic district
Option 2. Priority
designation
Option 3. Brownfield
remediation
6
Q
What type of location must
a historic district project be
located in for High-Priority
Site?
A
On an infill location
7
Q
What are the priority
designations for High-
Priority Site?
A
-Site listed by the EPA National Priorities List
-Federal Empowerment Zone site
-Federal Enterprise Community site
-Federal Renewal Community site
-Department of the Treasury Community
Development Financial Institutions Fund
Qualified Low-Income Community
-Site in a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development’s Qualified Census Tract or
Difficult Development Area
-Local equivalent program administered at the
national level for projects outside the U.S.
8
Q
What percent of Open Space
must be vegetated?
A
25% minimum
9
Q
How much outdoor space must
be provided for Open Space?
A
30% of the total site area
(including the building
footprint) or greater.
10
Q
What must outdoor space
be to qualify for Open
Space?
A
Physically accessible
11
Q
What types of outdoor spaces
qualify for Open Space?
A
-paving or turf that
accommodates outdoor social
activities
-paving or turf that encourages
physical activity
-year-round garden space
-community gardens
-preserved or created habitat
12
Q
When can a vegetated roof
count towards vegetation
for Open Space?
A
When a project has a density of 1.5 FAR
13
Q
How much rainfall must be
managed for a project with a
zero-lot-line with a minimum
density of 1.5 FAR?
A
85th Percentile
14
Q
What are some ways to capture
rainwater to prevent runoff?
A
LID and green infrastructure
15
Q
For a project with open space
what minimum rainfall must
be managed?
A
95th Percentile
16
Q
When managing rainwater
using natural land cover
condtions what must be
done?
A
Manage on site the annual
increase in runoff volume
from the natural land cover
condition to the
postdeveloped condition.
17
Q
When managing a
percentile of rainfall events
what minimum amount of
historical rainfall data is
required?
A
10 years worth
18
Q
What percent of runoff must
be managed for the 95th
percentile rainfall event?
A
100%
19
Q
What minimum percent of
parking spaces must be
placed under cover for
Heat Island Reduction
Option 2. Parking Under
Cover?
A
75%
20
Q
Shade and architectural devices
used for Heat Island Reduction
must have at least what three-
year aged solar reflectance?
A
0.28. If the three-year aged
value information is not
available use materials with an
initial SR of at least 0.33
21
Q
How is the total vehicle parking
spaces calculated for Heat
Island Reduction?
A
The number of parking spaces
in the LEED project boundary
(includes motorcycle parking).
Do not count bicycle parking
spaces.
22
Q
Any roof used to shade
covered parking for Heat
Island Reduction must meet
what requirements?
A
-1. Three year aged SRI of at
least 32
-2. Or a vegetated roof
-3. Or covered by energy
generation systems
23
Q
What are the light pollution
reduction requirements for
internally illuminated exterior
signs?
A
Do not exceed a luminance
of 200 cd/m2 (nits) during
nighttime hours and 2000
cd/m2 (nits) during daytime
hours.
24
Q
What exterior lighting is
exempted from uplight and
light tresspass
requirements?
A
-Specialized lighting for transportation
-Lighting for façade and landscape
lighting in MLO lighting zones 3 and 4
-Lighting for theatrical purposes
-Government-mandated roadway lighting
-Hospital emergency departments,
including associated helipads
-Lighting for the national flag in MLO
lighting zones 2, 3, or 4
-Internally illuminated signage
25
How many conditions are
there where the lighting
boundary can be different
than the property
boundary?
There are 3 conditions. The
exceptions are not listed
here due to their length (see
the reference guide).
26
When using the calculation
method for light pollution
reduction how far apart can the
calculation points be?
No more than 5 feet (1.5
meters) apart.
27
If the BUG rating method is
used to meet the Uplight
requirements does the
method have to be used to
meet the Light Tresspass
requirements?
No. Project teams can use the
BUG method or calculation
method for Uplight, and use the
same or different method for
Light Tresspass.
28
What is a BUG rating?
A luminaire classification system
that classifies luminaires in terms
of backlight (B), uplight (U), and
glare (G) (taken from IES/IDA
Model Lighting Ordinance). BUG
ratings supersede the former
cutoff ratings.
29
What must your erosion control
plan adhere to?
2003 EPA Construction General
Permit (or local standards,
whichever is more stringent)
30
What is a Phase I
Environmental Site
Assessment?
A report prepared for a real
estate holding that identifies
potential or existing
environmental contamination
liabilities
31
How is a Phase Il
Environmental Site
Assessment more in depth?
A further investigation that
collects original samples of
soil, groundwater, or
building materials to
analyze for quantitative
32
What are the types of
sensitive sites to avoid
building on?
-Prime farmland
-Flood plain
-Endangered species habitat
-Land within 50' (15 meters) of
wetlands
-Land within 100' (30 meters) of a
water body
33
Who defines Prime
Farmland?
The U.S. Department of
Agriculture
34
What is the building
requirement for projects in
places without legally
adopted flood hazard map?
Cannot build on a floodplain
subject to a 1% or greater
chance of flooding in any
given year
35
For previously developed or
graded sites, how much
habitat needs to be
restored?
30% (including the building
footprint) of all portions of
the site
36
What is an example of a
monoculture planting, which
would not help with
restoring/protecting habitat?
Turf grass
37
What areas can be excluded
from the vegetation and soil
requirements to
restore/protect habitat?
Vegetated landscape areas
that are constructed to
accommodate rainwater
infiltration.
38
For school projects what
areas can be excluded from
soil restoration criteria to
restore/protect habitat?
Athletic fields
39
What amount of financial
support can be provided to
restore/protect habitat?
$0.40 / SF ($4 / m2)
40
What are the distance
limitations when providing
financial support to
protect/restore habitat?
Financial support must be provided to a nationally or locally recognized land trust or conservation organization within the same EPA Level Ill ecoregion or the project's state (or within 100 miles of the project [160 kilometers] for projects outside the U.S.).
For U.S. projects, the
land trust must be accredited by the
Land Trust Alliance.
41
What should be included in
a sustainable landscape
plan?
List of all plant species, noting
whether or not they are
native/adapted; info about
invasive species and pests
those plants may harbor; best
maintenance practices for the
chosen plants, and site maps
showing boudaries for the
protected habitat areas
42
What are the IESNA lighting
zones?
LZ0 - Wilderness;
LZ1 - Dark (parks, rural areas);
LZ2 - Low (residential, light industrial);
LZ3 - Medium (commercial,
industrial, high density
residential);
LZ4 - High (metro areas)
43
When an organization/agency
is providing space for shared
use to students, what should
be included?
Auditorium, Gym, Cafeteria,
One or more classrooms,
Swimming Pool, or Playing
Field
44
What slope is important for
heat island effect - roof?
2:12 slope; > means steeped
slope and requires an initial
SRI of 39 or greater; 2:12 <
means low slope and requires
an SR1 of 82 or greater
45
What causes skyglow?
Stray light from unshielded light
sources and light reflecting off
surfaces that then enter the
atmosphere and illuminate and
reflect off dust, debris, and
water vapor.
46
For Schools to achieve Site
Master Plan, how many other
credits must be met?
At least 4 of 6 of these credits:
-LT Credit High Priority Site
S Credit Site Development - Protect or
Restore Habitat
-SS Credit Open Space
-S Credit Rainwater Management
-SS Credit Heat Island Reduction
-SSCredit Light Pollution Reduction
47
When can wetlands count
as open space?
Wetlands or naturally
designed ponds may count
as open space and the side
slope gradients average 1:4
(vertical: horizontal) or less
and are vegetated.
48
Which SS-Credit benefits from soil restoration?
SS Credit: Site Development - Protect and Restore Habitat
49
Define Green Infrastructure?
soil or vegetation approach to wet weather management that is cost-effective, sustainable, and
environmentally friendly.
50
Define low impact development?
An approach to managing rainwater runoff that emphasizes on-site natural features to protect water quality.
51
List structural controls that can be induced in erosion and sedimentation control plans
Earthen dikes
Silt fences
Sediment traps
Catch Basins
52
Small scale project is pursuing LEED certification in a jurisdiction that does not require the project
to implement erosion and sediment control measures due to its size. What should Erosion Control plan
conform with?
Regardless of size, project must conform to the 2012 US Environmental Protection Agency
Construction General Permit or a local equivalent whichever is more stringent.
53
List the site features and topics that should be surveyed for SS-C Site Assessment?
Topography
Hydrology
Climate
Vegetation
Soils
Human Use
Human Health Effects
54
List 13 credits and 1 prerequisite that have synergy with SS-C Site Assessment
Ip-C- Integrative process
LT-C Sensitive Land Protection
LT-C Surrounding Density Díverse Uses
LT-C Access to Quality Transit
LT-C Bicycle Facilities
SS-C Site Development - Protect or Restore Habitat
SS-C Open Space
SS-C Rainwater Management
SS-C Heat Island Reduction
EA- Minimum Energy Performance
EA- Optimize Energy Performance
EA-C Renewable Energy Production
EA-C Daylight
EA-C Quality Views
55
Is turf grass eligible for SS-C Open Space Calculations?
Yes for open space, no for vegetated space
56
Does artificial turf count as a compliant vegetated roof strategy in SS-C Heat Island Reduction
calculations?
No
57
When should a project team conduct a site survey for SS-C Site Assessment to maximize opportunities for achieving other LEED credits?
Before Conceptual Design
58
Which SS-C utilizes 3 year aged SRI values for services?
SS-C Heat Island Reduction
59
An intensive vegetated roof installed on an office building with a FAR of 1.6 helps project teams
achieve which credits?
SS - Open Spaces
SS - Rainwater Management
SS - Heat Island Reduction
SS - Protect and Restore Habitat
EA - Optimize Energy Performance
60
Which SS-C has direct or indirect synergies with over a dozen other credits?
Site Assessment
61
Reducing building footprint provides opportunities for which SS-C?
Open Spaces
62
What are the Financial benefits for installed vegetated roof?
reduced utility bills,
increased durability,
extended material life,
postponing need for expensive replacements
63
List two pieces of information about a material that are needed to calculate SRI
Reflectance value
Emittance value
64
Environmental benefits of a vegetated roof?
reducing stormwater run-off,
reducing heat island effect,
providing habitat
65
What SS credits benefit the most from a project teams strategy of specifying highly reflective pervious pavers?
Heat Island Reduction
Rainwater Managment
66
To provide Financial support (option 2 ) to a Land trust or Conservation Organization for SS- Protect or Restore Habitat credit; what is the Eligibility criteria the Land trust must meet?
In U.S: Must be provided to a nationally or locally recognized land trust or conservation organization
within the same EPA Level III ecoregion or project’s State. US projects must be accredited by the Land
Trust Alliance.
Outside US: Land must be within 100miles (160km) of the project
67
How far apart must vertical illuminance calculations be from each other?
How far must they extend from grade level to above the tallest illuminaire in the project for the light trespass
calculation method of SS?
Vertical calculation points must be no more than 5ft apart.
Vertical calculation points must extend from grade level up to at least 33ft above the tallest luminaire in the project.
68
On which factor does a project site's lighting design depend?
Lighting zone of the project determines the compliance criteria for its lighting design.
69
List the exterior light fixtures that are exempt from the requirements for SS-C Light Pollution Reduction
Specialized signal/direction
Facade and Landscape in zones in LZ 3 and 4, turned off from midnight until 6 AM
Lighting for theatrical purposes for stage, film, video perfomances
Government mandated exterior lighting
Hospital emergency departments/helipads
Lighting for national flag in LZs 2,3,4
Internally Illuminated signage
70
Providing financial support to a land trust for protection of off-site habitats is an option for which
SS credit?
SS-C protect or restore habitat
71
Good lighting design to achieve SS-C Light Pollution Reduction involves reducing which 3 forms of light pollution?
uplight, glare, light trespass.
72
List the types of spaces in a school that SS-C Joint use of Facilities requires, at a minimum of 3, to be accessible to and available for shared use by the general public.
Auditorium
Gymnasium
Cafeteria
One or more classrooms
Playing fields and stadiums
Joint parking
73
Which lighting zone would commercial corridors, high-intensity suburban commercial areas, town
centers, mixed-use areas, industrial uses, and shipping and rail yards with high nighttime activity
fall under?
LZ3 - Moderately High Ambient Lighting
74
A project team pursuing SS-C Master Site Plan should achieve at least 4 of which 6 credits for
school projects?
LT - High Priority Site
SS - Protect and Restore Habitat
SS - Open Space
SS - Rainwater Management
SS - Heat Island Reduction
SS - Light Pollution Reduction
75
Total Site of 150,000 SF. How much financial support must be provided?
$60.000
(0.4$/sf)
76
How should Erosion & Sediment control measures be approached for a Zero lot line project in order to meet SS-P: Construction Activity Pollution Prevention?
Provide description of special conditions and compliance with any applicable ESC measures.
77
Under which circumstances do wetlands and naturally designed ponds count as open space?
If the side slope gradients are 1:4 or less and are vegetated.
78
which strategy helps a project team working on a zero lot line project achieve SS-C Open Space if
the project has a FAR of 1.5?
A vegetated roof that is accessible.
79
How should the top level of a parking structure be classified for SS-C Heat Island Reduction if
there are uncovered parking spaces present?
Top level should be labeled as nonroof surface.
80
List green infrastructure and low impact development strategies for rainwater management.
Bioretention Facilities
Rain Gardens
Vegetated roofs
Rain barrels
Permeable pavements
81
Total site is 500,000 SF. What is required vegetated space to earn SS-C Open Space ?
37,500 SF
( 30% of total site must be restored, of which 25% of that restored area must be vegetated)
82
What tool should a project team use to calculate the 95th percentile rainfall event for SS-C
Rainwater Management?
USGBC Rainfall Events Calculator
83
What are requirements for SS-C Protect and Restore Habitat?
Preserve 40% of greenfield area.
Restore 30% of all portions of the site identified as previously developed.
Financial alternate of $.40/SF of total site area
84
What are the minimum initial and 3 year SRI values for a low-sloped roof according to the requirements
SS-C Heat Island Reduction?
Initial SRI 82
3 Year SRI 64
Steep-Slope:
Initial SRI 39
3-YR. SRI 32
85
Option 2 (Parking under cover) of SS Credit: ‘Heat Island Reduction’ requires placement of a minimum of 75% of the parking spaces under cover and the roof used to cover parking to have what three criteria?
1. Have a three year aged SRI of at least 32 [use materials with an initial SRI of at least 39 at installation].
2. Be a vegetative roof.
Or
3. Be covered by energy generation systems, such as solar, photovoltaics, and wind turbines.
86
What is the requirement for Option 2 Natural Land Cover Conditions of SS-C Rainwater Management?
Manage the annual increase in runoff volume from the natural land cover condition to the post developed condition.
(I.e Any increase in annual Runoff because of the new development must still be managed/maintained in its pre-development state. E.g discharge rate into stream shouldn’t increase)
87
What is the difference between a site assessment and an ESA?
Site assessment reviews:
Topography, Hydrology, Climate, Vegetation, Soils, Human Use, Human Health Effects
Informs design and performance
ESA reviews:
Potential contaminants onsite
Prerequisite for schools and Healthcare
88
What is purpose of site assessment?
To review onsite conditions to inform design and performance.
89
What is exemplary performance criteria for SS-C Rainwater Management?
Manage 100% of rainfall within project boundary.
90
500 Parking spaces required onsite. What is minimum amount of spaces Project should place underground to achieve Heat Island Reduction?
375
(75% minimum)
91
What are the Roof related requirements for covered parking that Reduce Heat Island effects?
1. Have 3 year aged SRI of at least 32 or initial SRI of 39
2. Be a vegetated
3. Be covered by energy generation systems, such as solar thermal collectors, photovoltaics, and
wind turbines.
92
Outdoor spaces are required to be 1 of 5 spaces for SS-C Open Space. What are the 5 possible
spaces?
-Pedestrian oriented paving or turf for outdoor social activity.
-Recreation oriented paving or turf for outdoor physical actívity.
-Garden spaces with diversity of vegetation for year round visual effects.
-Garden spaces dedicated to community gardens or urban food production.
-Preserved or created habitats that meet the criteria of SS-C Protect or Restore Habitat and also include elements of human interaction.
93
For schools, The Site Master Plan must be developed in collaboration with who?
School authorities.
94
For school projects in which no future development is planned, are eligible for the SS Credit: Site Master Plan.
True or false?
False.
95
The SS credit: Site Master Plan is applies only to which BD&C rating system?
Schools
Worth 1 point
96
They SS Credit: Tenant Design & Construction Guidelines applies only to which BD & C rating system?
Core & Shell 
worth 1 point
97
A hospital has 50 hospital beds for inpatients, and can accommodate 50 outpatient procedures whose length of stay exceeds 4 hours.
How much exterior access’ is necessary
to earn SS Credit Direct Exterior Access?
[(50 x 0.75) + (50 x 0.75)] x 5 sqft = 375 sqft
The requirements call for 5 square feet (0.5 square meters) per patient for 75% of all inpatients, and 75% of qualifying outpatients whose clinical length of stay exceeds four hours.
98
The SS Prerequisite 2: Environmental Site Assessment applies only for which two BD & C rating systems?
Healthcare.
Schools.
99
SS-Prerequisite 2:Environmental Site Assessment is applicable for only which two types of occupancy or rating systems?
Healthcare and schools.
100
According to LEED, a Phase 1 environmental site assessment is valid for how long?
180 days
Between 180 days and one year, updates must be made to different sections.
An assessment older than one year must be redone.
101
For SS Credit 2: Site Development - Protect or Restore Habitat, the project must preserve and protect what percentage of a Greenfield site condition from development.?
40%
102
For a Brownfield or previously developed sites, the project is to restore what percentage of the total site area?
30%
103
A project site is 10 acres (4 hectares). 5 acres (2 hectares) of the site have been
previously developed, including a 1 acre (0.4 hectare) building footprint. How much money must be contributed to a land trust? (Hint: There are 43,560 square feet in an acre, and 10,000 square meters in a hectare.)
10 x 43,560 sf x 0.4S/sf = $174,240 or 4 ha x 10,000 x 4S/ha = $160,000.
104
A site has 100,000 sq. ft. in hardscapes, and 25,000 sq. ft. of the hardscapes have been replaced with pervious pavement that has an initial SR of 0.33. The same 25,000 sq. ft. will also be shaded with new trees. The building has a 30,000 sq. ft. low-sloped roof with an initial SRI value 85. Will the project as designed earn Sustainable Sites Credit, Heat Island Reduction?
Compliant surfaces: (25,000 / 0.5) + (30,000 /0.75) = 50,000 + 40.000 = 90.000
Total surfaces: 100,000 + 30,000 = 130,000
Compliant surfaces are not greater than or equal to total surfaces, therefore, this project cannot earn the credit as designed.
