Poplar LEED v4 GA Study Guide 1.8.102414 (Original)

1! © 2014 - 2018 Green Buildings Online Inc.
All Rights Reserved

LEED Green Associate
Study Guide (LEED v4)
Table of Contents
Introduction .......................................................................................................................3
LEED Background and Overview ...................................................................................12
Integrative Process Credits ............................................................................................23
Location & Transportation ..............................................................................................26
Sustainable Sites ...........................................................................................................33
Water Efficiency..............................................................................................................44
Energy and Atmosphere .................................................................................................53
Materials and Resources ...............................................................................................63
Indoor Environmental Quality .........................................................................................74
Innovation .......................................................................................................................85
Regional Priority .............................................................................................................89
Definitions ......................................................................................................................92
Acronym Glossary ..........................................................................................................98
100 Question LEED Green Associate Practice Test!........................101

Answer Key...................................................................................................................122
Important please read:
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the prior written consent of Green Buildings Online Inc. This guide is for informational purposes only. This
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All trademarks and registered trademarks appearing in this guide are the property of their respective
owners. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, LEED, LEED AP, LEED Green Associate,
LEED AP Fellow and USGBC are registered trademarks of the U.S. Green Building Council. GBCI is a
registered trademark of the Green Building Certification Institute.
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is not affiliated with Green Buildings Online, Inc. and does not
participate in the development or administration of Green Buildings Online Inc. content. The USGBC does
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GBCI, and does not administer the LEED program. USGBC and GBCI do not endorse or recommend the
products or services offered by Green Buildings Online, Inc.
Introduction
Congratulations!
If you are interested in a green building career, the LEED Green Associate is an
excellent starting point.
By earning your LEED professional credential, you will be in good company. Leadership
in Energy and Environmental Design (“LEED”) credentials are arguably the most well-
recognized sustainability credentials on the market today, and as of September 2014,
there are over 200,000 LEED professionals globally.
LEED is the most widely adopted green building standard both domestically in the U.S.
and abroad. Indeed, USGBC reports that over 10 billion square feet of space is
registered in the U.S. alone and that approximately 1.7 million square feet of building
space is certified each day!
LEED is not only the most popular green building rating system in the United States but
also has buildings certified in 140 countries across the globe. The US Green Building
Council (USGBC), the 20+ year old organization that oversees the LEED rating
systems, is actively working to expand even further.
In 2013 it announced LEED Earth, a program in which it offered to refund the

certification review fees of the first project to become LEED certified in any of the
remaining 112 countries without a certified project, further boosting LEED’s international
presence. The LEED Earth program will be in place until June 5th, 2016. Early success
can be seen in that USGBC now reports that approximately 40% of all LEED registered
projects are located outside the U.S.
LEED is supported by over 77 chapters, 30,000 members and volunteers and 13,000
member companies and organizations.
The majority of employers in the real estate, building design and construction industries,
both domestic and international, will recognize LEED credentials. However, the appeal
of LEED goes beyond the built environment, and many job postings including those in
sales, marketing, business development, municipal planning, government, and even
finance and banking now include the credentials as a requirement or desired quality in a
candidate.
As a purchaser of this guide, you may automatically create a detailed professional

profile on Poplar Network with your LEED and other professional credentials. Many of
the members of Poplar Network run successful design build firms or operate successful
LEED consulting practices.
3! © 2014 - 2018 Green Buildings Online Inc. All Rights Reserved

About LEED v4
Consistent with its mission to continually update and improve its rating systems,
USGBC announced the LEED v4 rating system in November 2013 at the Greenbuild
Conference in Philadelphia, PA.
With LEED v4, USGBC is aiming to improve upon the popular LEED 2009 rating system
by building upon it with new criteria that are even more focused on creating a
sustainable built environment. A project certified under LEED v4 aims to accomplish the
following seven goals:
• Enhance human health and well-being

• Reverse contribution to climate change
• Enhance community, social equity, environmental justice and quality of life
• Build a greener economy
• Promote sustainable and regenerative resource cycles
• Protect biodiversity and ecosystem services
• Protect and restore water resources
LEED v4 also introduces new real estate market categories, such as data centers,
warehouses and distribution centers, as well as placing a greater emphasis on building
performance, not just design. LEED v4 also introduces new impact categories, taking
health, water resources, biodiversity, community and natural resources into account.
USGBC is also innovating with respect to providing LEED certified buildings with an
opportunity to learn about the performance of their
buildings in real time. USGBC is releasing a “Dynamic
Plaque” that will use digital visualization to reflect a
building’s real time performance while providing a
valuable feedback loop and educational tool for building
occupants.
All new LEED professional credentialing exams cover

the LEED v4 rating system, while also taking into
account important and consistent aspects of green
building design and development from the LEED 2009
rating system.
This guide includes the information you should know not

only from LEED v4, but also from LEED 2009.
About the LEED Green Associate™ Credential
The LEED professional credentials and exams are administered by the Green Building
Certification Institute (GBCI), the sister organization to USGBC. While LEED credentials
focus specifically on the LEED green building rating systems developed by the US
Green Building Council (USGBC), the training is relevant to many industries and
provides practical knowledge of sustainability that is applicable in almost any field.
GBCI offers two types of LEED credential examinations: the LEED Green Associate and
the LEED AP with specialty. Passing the LEED Green Associate exam is a prerequisite
to earning the LEED AP credential. While you may choose to take both exams in a
back-to back four hour “marathon” session, but you must pass the LEED Green
Associate exam during that 4-hour session to earn the LEED AP credential - if you pass
the LEED AP but fail the LEED Green Associate portion, you will not earn either
credential.
The LEED Green Associate exam and LEED AP exams are not only quite different in
terms of their content, but also in terms of the strategy one should employ when
preparing. For these reasons, we recommend that you take the LEED Green Associate
and LEED AP exams separately, due to the added difficulty of passing both exams at
the same time. If you are new to LEED, we recommend that you start with the LEED
Green Associate and pass that exam first.
What You Need to Know
The LEED Green Associate credential demonstrates a general knowledge of USGBC’s

green building principles and the LEED rating systems. To earn the LEED Green
Associate credential, the candidate must take and pass the 100 question LEED Green
Associate exam, which tests your knowledge of green building and LEED.
Exam content includes 15 “pre-test questions” that touch on concepts in specific Task
Domains and 85 questions that touch on specific Knowledge Domains.
According to USGBC/GBCI, Task Domains are defined as those areas that reflect the
tasks necessary to perform LEED safely and effectively. These include:
1. Communicate broad and basic green building concepts to team and/or

colleagues
2. Research and create a library of sustainable building materials
3. Assist others with sustainability goals
4. Create project profiles/case studies/press releases
5. Serve as a green advocate to clients, team members and the general public (e.g.
“Why green building?”
6. Stay current on updates to LEED and green building strategies in general
7. Navigate LEED Online
8. Assist project leaders with LEED correspondence to project team members
(consultants, contractors, owners, etc.)
9. Assist in managing the documentation process
10. Assist in managing the LEED certification timeline

Knowledge Domains reflect the rating systems’ credit categories and what one needs
to know. More detail is provided below. These include:
1. LEED Process (16 questions)

2. Integrative Strategies (8 questions)
3. Location and Transportation (7 questions)
4. Sustainable Sites (7 questions)
5. Water Efficiency (9 questions)
6. Energy and Atmosphere (10 questions)
7. Materials and Resources (9 questions)
8. Indoor Environmental Quality (8 questions)
9. Project Surroundings and Public Outreach (11 questions)
LEED Process (16 questions)
• Organization fundamentals (e.g. role of USGBC/GBCI; mission/vision; non-profit)

• Structure of LEED rating systems (e.g., credit categories, prerequisites, credits
and/or Minimum Program Requirements for LEED certification)
• Scope of each LEED rating system (e.g., rating system selection; rating system
families: BD+C, ID+C, O+M, ND, Homes)
• LEED development process (e.g., consensus based; stakeholder and volunteer
involvement; rating system updates/evolution)
• Credit categories (e.g., goals and objectives of each: LT, SS, WE, EA, MR, EQ,
IN, RP; synergies)
• Impact categories (e.g. What should a LEED project accomplish?)
• LEED certification process (e.g. certification levels: Certified, Silver, Gold,
Platinum; LEED Scorecard; 3rd party verification; role of documentation
submission; LEED Interpretations; Addenda; awareness of different system
versions [e.g., LEED Online])
• Components of LEED Online and project registration
• Other rating systems (e.g., in general what other rating systems are out there?)
Integrative Strategies (8 questions)
• Integrative process (e.g., early analysis of the interrelationships among systems;

systems thinking; charettes)
• Integrative project team members (e.g., architect, engineer, landscape architect,
civil engineer, contractor, facility manager, etc.)
• Standards that support LEED (e.g., breadth not depth of American Society of
Heating, Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Engineers [ASHRAE]; Sheet Metal
and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association [SMACNA] guidelines;
Green Seal,
• ENERGY STAR®, HERs, Reference Standards listed in ACPs, etc.)
Location and Transportation (7 questions)
• Site selection (e.g. targeting sites in previously developed and brownfields/high-

priority designation areas, avoiding sensitive habitats, located in areas with
existing infrastructure and nearby users, reduction in parking footprint.
Sustainable Sites (7 questions)
• Site assessment (e.g., environmental assessment, human impact)

• Site design and development (e.g., construction activity pollution prevention;
habitat conservation and restoration; exterior open space; rainwater
management; exterior lighting; heat island reduction)
Water Efficiency (9 questions)
• Outdoor water use (e.g., use of graywater/rainwater in irrigation; use of native

and adaptive species)
• Indoor water use (e.g., concepts of low flow/waterless fixtures; water-efficient
appliances; types and quality)
• Water performance management (e.g., measurement and monitoring)
Energy and Atmosphere (10 questions)
• Building loads (e.g., building components, space usage [private office; individual
space; shared multi-occupant spaces])
• Energy efficiency (e.g., basic concepts of design, operational energy efficiency,
commissioning, energy auditing)
• Alternative and renewable energy practices (e.g., demand response, renewable
energy, green power, carbon offsets)
• Energy performance management (e.g., energy use measurement and
monitoring; building automation controls/advanced energy metering; operations
and management; benchmarking; ENERGY STAR)
• Environmental concerns (e.g., sources and energy resources; greenhouse
gases; global warming potential; resource depletion; ozone depletion)
Materials and Resources (9 questions)

• Reuse (e.g., building reuse, material reuse, interior reuse, furniture reuse)
• Life-cycle impacts (e.g., concept of life-cycle assessment; material attributes;
human and ecological health impacts; design for flexibility)
• Waste (e.g., construction and demolition; maintenance and renovation;
operations and ongoing; waste management plan)
• Purchasing and declarations (e.g., purchasing policies and plans; environmental
preferable purchasing (EPP); building product disclosure and optimization [i.e.,
raw materials sourcing; material ingredients; environmental product disclosure])
Indoor Environmental Quality (8 questions)
• Indoor air quality (e.g., ventilation levels; tobacco smoke control; management of
and improvements to indoor air quality; low-emitting materials; green cleaning)
• Lighting (e.g., electric lighting quality, daylight)
• Sound (e.g., acoustics)
• Occupant comfort, health, and satisfaction (e.g., controllability of systems,
thermal comfort design, quality of views, assessment/survey)
Project Surroundings and Public Outreach (11 questions)
• Environmental impacts of the built environment (e.g. energy and resource use in
conventional buildings; necessity of green buildings; environmental externalities;
triple bottom line)
• Codes (e.g., relationship between LEED and codes [building, plumbing,
electrical, mechanical, fire protection]; green building codes)
• Values of sustainable design (e.g., energy savings over time; healthier
occupants; money-saving incentives; costs [hard costs, soft costs]; life-cycle)
• Regional design (e.g., regional green design and construction measures as
appropriate, regional emphasis should be placed in Sustainable Sites and
Materials & Resources)
About the LEED AP with Specialty Credential
The LEED AP with Specialty credential is the “Tier II”, or advanced LEED credential. It
designates an advanced knowledge of a specific LEED rating system. While the LEED
Green Associate exam requires general knowledge of the prerequisites and credits in
the LEED rating systems, the LEED AP with Specialty exams require specific
knowledge of each prerequisite and credit in a particular rating system.
The LEED AP with Specialty candidate is required to choose a specialty, which means
that he or she must specialize in a specific rating system. The following are the
available specialties and their corresponding rating systems:
• LEED AP BD+C: Building Design + Construction (BD+C)

• LEED AP ID+C: Interior Design + Construction (ID+C)
• LEED AP O+M: Existing Buildings, Operations + Maintenance (EB+OM)
• LEED AP Homes: Homes
• LEED AP ND: Neighborhood Development (ND)
For taking the LEED AP exam experience working on a LEED-registered project, or

having experience completing LEED credits, is strongly recommended.
Taking Both Exams at Once
While the LEED Green Associate exam is a prerequisite to earning the LEED AP
credential, you have the option of taking both the LEED Green Associate and LEED AP
exam in a back-to-back, 4-hour marathon session. You cannot earn the LEED AP if you
fail the LEED Green Associate exam during that session.
While it is certainly possible to pass both exams in one session, we do not recommend
taking both exams in the same session, as it is much more difficult to study for and pass
both exams.

How to Use This Guide
This study guide was developed by Poplar Education as a component of the Poplar
Education LEED Green Associate curriculum. It was developed by LEED credentialed
professionals who have taken and passed the LEED exams multiple times. The guide
has been proven as an effective study tool for passing the LEED Green Associate exam
the first time.
We recommend studying for about 20-40 hours for the exam. Use this study guide
along with exam simulators, which simulate the actual exam itself, or use the full 100
question practice test included at the end of this guide.
This guide is divided into the following sections:
• LEED Background and Overview

• Integrative Process
• Location and Transportation
• Sustainable Sites
• Water Efficiency
• Energy and Atmosphere
• Materials and Resources
• Indoor Environmental Quality
• Innovation
• Regional Priority
• Definitions
• Acronym Glossary
• 100 Question LEED Green
Associate Test USGBC awards a seal or plaque to
• Answer Key buildings that earn LEED certification.
The “LEED Background and Overview” section covers the green building rating system,
certification process, and the USGBC and GBCI.
Next, the study guide covers each of the individual credit categories: “Integrative
Process”, “Location and Transportation”, “Sustainable Sites”, “Water Efficiency”, “Energy
and Atmosphere”, “Materials and Resources”, “Indoor Environmental Quality”, “
Innovation” and “Regional Priority”. Each section contains the prerequisites and credits,
along with their intent and requirements.
In many LEED credit categories, “Exemplary Performance” opportunities may exist.

Exemplary Performance (EP) identifies the threshold that must be met to earn an
Exemplary Performance point.
Full Time Equivalent (FTE) calculations are sometimes used in LEED to estimate the
number of full-time employees, part-time employees, residents and transient visitors
(optional to include) in the building on an average day. Part-time employees count as
1/2 a full time employee.
The back of this guide contains a list of definitions, terms and acronyms. If you don’t
recognize a term or acronym, refer to those lists for help.
You should read through this guide in its entirety, and then go through section by section
and memorizing the material. Highlight and write notes in the margins to help yourself
remember the information as necessary.
Toward the end of the guide is a full 100 question practice test. Again, while not
required, we highly recommend using the free and/or premium LEED Green Associate
exam simulators available on Poplar Network.
LEED Background and Overview
In this section, you will learn about the LEED Green Associate exam, USGBC, the
organization that created and administers the LEED rating systems, GBCI, the
organization that oversees the LEED certification and professional credentialing
process, the structure of the LEED certification program, and the certification process.
LEED Green Associate Exam and Strategy

The exam is 100 multiple choice questions, worth a total of 200 points. You will have 2
hours to complete the exam. The passing score is 170/200, or 85%.
The points on the exam are awarded based on difficulty using a weighted formula
known only to GBCI. There is no partial credit awarded on this exam. You should
answer every question on the exam, or you will automatically lose points.
The exam itself offers takers the ability to mark questions for review later. Use this tool
to mark questions you are not sure about. You may come back to “marked” questions at
any time.
The exam is computerized and held in a Prometric testing center. You will be given a
sheet of paper and a pen or pencil when you enter the exam room. There is a 10 minute
introductory tutorial before the exam and a 10 minute optional survey afterward.
This introductory “tutorial” is designed to providing the exam taker with the most basic of
information, such as “how to use a computer mouse”. As such, this “tutorial” is a waste
of time for 99% of exam takers. A better use of this time may be for you to write down
information on the piece of paper that you have been given by the Prometric staff. Once
you are in the exam room, you may use this piece of paper to write down whatever
information you are having trouble remembering, etc. as it could come in handy during
the exam. This is totally legal.
When starting the exam, the clock on your two hours will start ticking down. We
recommend that during two hour period, you take the exam at least twice. In other
words, go through all 100 questions at least two times, but three times might be even
better for your final score.
The first time, go through all the questions once and answer any questions that you are
confident that you know the answers to. Mark all others. Once you have completed the
100 questions the first time, go back through the exam a second time. Re-read each
question that you have answered and confirm you are happy with those choices. By
going through the entire exam once, you may remember information that is triggered by
other questions and recall answers to questions you could not remember on your first
pass through the questions.
If possible, once you have answered all questions the second time, go through the
entire exam again for a third time to triple check your answers.
LEED Overview
The United States Green Building Council (USGBC) develops the Leadership in
Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating systems for green buildings.
The Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) administers building certification

and LEED professional credentialing exams.
• Buildings become LEED certified (people or products do not receive certification)

• Individuals become LEED accredited (as opposed to certified)
• Firms become USGBC national members (people can become members of local
chapters)
Only companies who are USGBC national members in good standing can use the
USGBC logo.
• USGBC’s mission: Voluntary, Consensus-Based, Market Driven Approach

• LEED’s Triple Bottom Line: People, Planet, Profit
LEED Rating Systems

Project teams have a choice of five rating systems. Project teams should use the 40/60
rule to determine which rating system to use. The 40/60 rule states that if the rating
system applies to 60% or more of the project, the project team should use that rating
system.
There are five LEED rating systems, as listed below. Each rating system may have sub-
rating systems beneath it, focusing on a particular type of building:
LEED for Building Design + Construction (BD+C)

• New Construction
• Core & Shell
• Schools
• Healthcare
• Retail
• Hospitality
• Data Centers
• Warehouses & Distribution Centers
LEED for Interior Design + Construction (ID+C)

• Commercial Interiors
• Retail
• Hospitality
LEED for Building Operations + Maintenance (O+M)

• Existing Buildings
• Schools
• Retail
• Hospitality
• Data Centers
• Warehouses & Distribution Centers
LEED for Homes

• Homes and Multifamily Low Rise
• Multifamily Mid-rise
LEED for Neighborhood Development

• Plan
• Built Project
LEED for Building Design + Construction

LEED BD+C rating systems apply to new construction or major renovations of entire
buildings. It includes all building types except residential buildings with eight or fewer
stories.
• New Construction and Major Renovation: Addresses design and construction

activities for both new buildings and major renovations of existing buildings. This
includes major HVAC improvements, significant building envelope modifications
and major interior rehabilitation.
• Core and Shell Development: For projects where the developer controls the
design and construction of the entire mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire
protection system—called the core and shell—but not the design and
construction of the tenant fit-out.
• Schools. For buildings made up of core and ancillary learning spaces on K-12
school grounds. Can also be used for higher education and non-academic
buildings on school campuses.
• Retail. Addresses the unique needs of retailers—from banks, restaurants,

apparel, electronics, big box and everything in between.
• Data Centers. Specifically designed and equipped to meet the needs of high
density computing equipment such as server racks, used for data storage and
processing.
• Warehouses and Distribution Centers. For buildings used to store goods,

manufactured products, merchandise, raw materials, or personal belongings, like
self-storage.
• Hospitality. Dedicated to hotels, motels, inns, or other businesses within the

service industry that provide transitional or short-term lodging with or without
food.
• Healthcare. For hospitals that operate twenty-four hours a day, seven days a
week and provide inpatient medical treatment, including acute and long-term
care.
LEED for Interior Design + Construction

LEED ID+C rating systems apply to a tenant fit out in a portion of a larger building. The
exterior can be Core & Shell certified (but doesn’t have to be).
• Commercial Interiors. For interior spaces dedicated to functions other than

retail or hospitality.
• Retail. Guides retailers interior spaces used to conduct the retail sale of
consumer product goods. Includes both direct customer service areas
(showroom) and preparation or storage areas that support customer service.
• Hospitality. Designed for interior spaces dedicated to hotels, motels, inns, or

other businesses within the service industry that provide transitional or short-term
lodging with or without food.
LEED for Building Operations + Maintenance

LEED O+M rating systems apply to all existing buildings except low-rise residential.
Less than 50% of the floor is altered, and the operations are improved. They are tested
during the performance period.
LEED O+M certified buildings are the only buildings that must re-certify every 5 years.
• Existing Buildings. Specifically projects that do not primarily serve K-12
educational, retail, data centers, warehouses and distribution centers, or
hospitality uses.
• Retail. Guides existing retail spaces, both showrooms, and storage areas.
• Schools. For existing buildings made up of core and ancillary learning spaces on
K-12 school grounds. Can also be used for higher education and non-academic
buildings on school campuses.
• Hospitality. Existing hotels, motels, inns, or other businesses within the service
industry that provide transitional or short-term lodging with or without food.
• Data Centers. Existing buildings specifically designed and equipped to meet the
needs of high density computing equipment such as server racks, used for data
storage and processing.
• Warehouses and Distribution Centers. Existing buildings used to store goods,

manufactured products, merchandise, raw materials, or personal belongings
(such as self-storage).
LEED for Homes

LEED for Homes applies to low-rise single family and multifamily residential buildings.
Construction and performance must be verified on-site by a Green Rater. Green

Homes Certification Providers manage and audit the work of Green Raters.
Homes and Multifamily Lowrise: Designed for single family homes and multifamily
buildings between one and three stories.
Multifamily Midrise: Designed for midrise multifamily buildings between four and eight
stories.
LEED for Neighborhood Development

LEED for ND applies to an entire neighborhood with residential uses, nonresidential
uses, or a mix. Projects can be at any stage of the development process, from
conceptual planning to construction.
Plan: For neighborhood-scale project currently in any phase of planning and design and
up to 75% completed construction.
Built Project: Designed for neighborhood-scale projects that are near completion, or
were completed within the last three years.
Special LEED Programs

LEED Volume: A simpler, speedier process for organizations planning to certify an
entire portfolio of building projects (25 or more) using the BD+C and O+M rating
systems.
LEED Campus: A simpler, speedier process for organizations planning to certify

multiple buildings on a single campus site and under the control of a single entity (like a
corporate or educational campus, or a commercial development).
LEED Recertification: For Building Operations and Maintenance projects. Projects

must recertify within five years of the previous certification and are eligible as often as
every 12 months.
LEED Certification
LEED buildings earn credits, each of which is worth a certain number of points. 100
base points are available, plus additional points for Innovation and Regional Priority.
Prerequisites are mandatory and are worth zero points.
A commercial building* can earn 4 levels of LEED certification, depending on the

number of points they earn:
• LEED Certified: 40-49 pts

• LEED Silver: 50-59 pts
• LEED Gold: 60-79 pts
• LEED Platinum: 80+ pts
*Does not apply to LEED for Homes
LEED Credit Categories

Each credit is weighted by environmental impact. The greater the positive
environmental impact, the greater the number of points the credit is worth. The
following are the LEED credit categories:
• Integrative Process
• Location and Transportation
• Sustainable Sites
• Water Efficiency
• Energy and Atmosphere
• Materials and Resources
• Indoor Environmental Quality
• Innovation and Regional Priority (additional points)
LEED Boundaries
LEED Project Boundary: Site area affected by the construction, including parking and
open space.
Property Boundary: The project’s property line from the tax map.
Minimum Program Requirements (MPRs)
All LEED projects (except LEED for Homes and Neighborhood Development) must
meet all MPRs to become certified. MPRs include:
1. Must be in a permanent location on existing land
2. Must use reasonable LEED boundaries
3. Must comply with project size requirements
a. BD+C and O+M must be at least 1,000 square feet

b. ID+C must be 250 square feet
c. Neighborhoods must have at least 2 habitable buildings and no larger than
1500 acres
d. Homes must be considered “dwelling units” by applicable codes
LEED Reference Guides
USGBC develops the LEED Reference Guides. Each rating system has its own
Reference Guide with intent, requirements, and strategies for each prerequisite and
credit. The reference guides can be found at USGBC.org (not LEED Online).
Note: This guide is designed to cover everything you need to know for the LEED Green
Associate exam. You do not need the USGBC Core Concepts Guide.
Once you pass the LEED Green Associate exam, if you are considering moving on to
the LEED AP exam you should purchase the appropriate Reference Guide from
USGBC.
However, while the Reference Guides are the source of 100% of the questions for the
LEED AP exams, because of the length of the reference guides (817 pages in LEED v4
for BD+C, for example) using a focused LEED AP exam study guide that covers the
questions actually found on the exam is highly recommended.
LEED Online
Project teams should manage their projects on the LEED Online website.
LEED Online contains credit templates and allows teams to upload documentation
(photos, site plan, floor plan, site rendering, project description) and submit Credit
Interpretation Requests (CIRs).
LEED Online contains the LEED Scorecard, which lists all the credits that the project is
attempting. It helps teams to keep track of their LEED certification plan.
The Project Team Administrator can submit either one (1) Construction Phase Review or
two (2) separate Design and Construction Phase reviews. Certification is only awarded
after Construction Phase (it can be “anticipated” after Design Phase).
Credit Interpretation Requests (CIRs)

A Credit Interpretation Request (CIR) allows project teams to get technical or
administrative guidance from the Technical Advisory Group (TAG), a group of industry
experts, on one credit, prerequisite or Minimum Program Requirements.
CIRs cost $220 each.
They must be submitted through LEED Online, are limited to 600 words, and must NOT
contain documentation. Anyone on the project team who has access to LEED Online
may submit a CIR.
The LEED Project Administrator
The LEED project team must choose a LEED Project Administrator by the time of LEED
Project registration to perform the following tasks:
• Invite team members to LEED Online

• Assign team members to credits in LEED Online
• Submit the project application to GBCI for review
Quiz: LEED Background and Overview
1) Who can submit a Credit Interpretation Request?
a) LEED APs with appropriate specialty only

b) LEED APs and Green Associates only
c) The commissioning agent
d) Anyone on the project team who has access to LEED Online
e) USGBC members only
2) For which of the following should the LEED project use the 40/60 rule?
a) Which rating system to use

b) How much graywater/potable water to use for flushing toilets
c) To determine the number of credits achieved in a LEED certification
d) How many occupants are satisfied vs. unsatisfied with their thermal comfort
e) The percentage of open space relative to the LEED project boundary
3) Which of the following can become LEED accredited?
a) Buildings
b) Companies
c) People
d) Nonprofit Organizations
e) Cities
4) A 750 square foot new construction project earned 62 points toward LEED
certification. Which of the following certification levels did it achieve?
a) Certified
b) Gold
c) Silver
d) Platinum
e) None
5) Which LEED rating system requires on-site inspection prior to certification?
a) LEED for Neighborhood Development

b) LEED for New Construction
c) LEED for Homes
d) LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations + Maintenance
e) All require inspection
Answers:
1) D. Anyone on a LEED project team who has access to LEED Online can submit a
Credit Interpretation Request (CIR).
2) A. Project teams use the 40/60 rule to determine which rating systems to use. If
the project applies to 60% or more of a certain rating system, it should attempt
certification under that system.
3) C. Only people can become LEED accredited (earn LEED credentials). Only
buildings can become LEED certified, and firms can become USGBC national
members.
4) E. For LEED certification, new construction projects must comply with minimum
floor area requirements of 1000 square feet.
5) C. LEED for Homes is the only rating system that requires inspection by a Green
Rater prior to certification.
Integrative Process Credits
USGBC stresses Integrated Project Delivery (IPD), a process that involves all of the
project participants in the design and construction processes as early as possible using
an integrated and collaborative process.
As opposed to IPD, a “conventional” construction process is different, and arguably less

efficient, because it involves separate pre-design, design, bid, construction, and
occupancy phases.
Benefits of IPD:
• Reduced construction time

• Cost control
• Better communication and sequencing
In LEED 2009, USGBC only stressed the benefits of IPD, and did not award project
teams for it. Under LEED v4, IPD is available as a credit.
There is only one credit in this category, worth up to one point. It is a prerequisite only
for Healthcare projects.
Integrative Process Credit: Integrative Process
Intent: Maximize opportunities for integrated, cost-effective adoption of green design

and construction strategies, To support high-performance, cost-effective project
outcomes through an early analysis of the interrelationships among systems.
Requirements:
Owner’s Project Requirement Documents:

Beginning in pre-design and continuing throughout the design phases, identify and use
opportunities to achieve synergies across disciplines and building systems described
below.
Use the analyses to inform the owner’s project requirements (OPR), basis of design
(BOD), design documents, and construction documents.
Energy Related Systems: Perform a preliminary “simple box” energy modeling analysis
that explores how to reduce energy loads in the building before the completion of
schematic design. Document how the analysis affected the OPR and BOD.
Water Related Systems: Perform a preliminary water budget analysis that explores how
to reduce potable water loads (indoor, outdoor, process water, and supply sources)
before the completion of schematic design. Document how the analysis affected the
OPR and BOD.
Preliminary Rating Goals: (required for Healthcare Projects, suggested for all)
Integrated Project Team: Assemble a project team with a minimum of four (4)
professionals in addition to the owner or owner’s representative. Examples of team
members include: architect or building designer, mechanical engineer, energy modeler,
equipment planner, acoustical consultant, landscape architect, commissioning agent,
community representatives, general contractor, green building consultant, lighting
designer, facility managers.
Design Charrette: As early as possible and before schematic design if possible,

conduct a minimum of a 4-hour design charrette with the project team.
Additionally, for LEED for Healthcare projects: A Health Mission Statement is to be

incorporated in the Owner's Project Requirements (OPR) to emphasize human health
as a fundamental evaluative criterion for building design, construction and operational
strategies.
Quiz: Integrative Process Credits

1) According to the Integrative Project Planning and Design prerequisite, when
should the design charrette preferably be held?
a) Before the design phase

b) During the design phase
c) During construction
d) After construction
2) In addition to the four professionals assigned to the Integrated Project Team

who must participate?
a) Green property and casualty insurance representative

b) A representative from the community
c) Owner or owner’s representative
d) GBCI representative
e) LEED Fellow
3) Which of the following is not a benefit of Integrative Project Planning and

Design?
a) More cost-effective construction
b) Enables better design, construction and operational strategies for human health
c) Lower LEED certification costs
d) Defined LEED certification goals
4) What is the minimum duration of the Design Charrette to consider it eligible to meet
the prerequisite / credit?
a) 8 hours
b) 5 hours
c) 4 hours
d) 6 hours
5) The health mission statement is applicable for:
a) All projects
b) Healthcare projects
c) School projects only
d) School and Healthcare projects
Answers:
1) A
The design charrette for a LEED project should be held “as early as practical and
preferably before schematic design”.
2) C.
An owner or owner’s representative must participate. The other choices are not required
at all.
3) C.
LEED projects are not awarded lower certification fees for integrative project planning
and design; rather, it is a prerequisite and is required by all projects.
4) C
The Design Charrette should last a minimum of 4 hrs.
5) B
A Health Mission Statement is required for LEED for Healthcare projects only.
Location & Transportation
In the last section, you learned about Integrative Process Credits.
In this section, you will learn about the

prerequisites and credits in the Location &
Transportation credit category. The intent of this
credit category, according to USGBC, is to
“reward thoughtful decisions about building
location, with credits that encourage compact
development, alternative transportation, and
connection with amenities, such as restaurants
and parks.”
The LT category considers the existing features

of the surrounding community and how this Bicycle racks may contribute to
infrastructure affects occupants’ behavior and Location & Transportation.
environmental performance.
Included in Which Rating Systems?

Credit Points (for New
Construction)
LEED for Neighborhood Up to 16 points New Construction, Schools, Core
Development location & Shell, Retail, Healthcare, Data
Centers, Hospitality,
Warehouses/Distribution Centers
Sensitive Land Protection 1 point New Construction, Schools, Core

& Shell, Retail, Healthcare, Data
High Priority Site Up to 3 points (e.g.. New Construction, Schools, Core

brownfield remediation) & Shell, Retail, Healthcare, Data
Surrounding Density and Diverse Up to 5 points New Construction, Schools, Core

Uses & Shell, Retail, Healthcare, Data
Access to Quality Transit Up to 5 points New Construction, Schools, Core

Construction)
Bicycle Facilities 1 point New Construction, Schools, Core
Reduced Parking Footprint 1 point New Construction, Schools, Core

Green Vehicles 1 point New Construction, Schools, Core

Location & Transportation Credit: LEED for

Neighborhood Development Location
Intent: To avoid development on inappropriate sites. To reduce vehicles miles traveled

(vehicles kilometers traveled). To enhance livability and improve human health by
encouraging daily physical activity.
Requirements: Locate the project within the boundary of development certified under
LEED for Neighborhood Development.
Projects applying for this credit cannot apply for points in other credits in Location and
Transportation.
Location & Transportation Credit: Sensitive Land

Protection
Intent: To avoid the development of environmentally sensitive lands and reduce the
environmental impact from the location of a building on a site.
Requirements:
Option 1: Locate the development footprint on land that has been previously
developed.
Option 2: Do not develop on sites that meet any of the following criteria:
1) Prime farmland (as defined by US Code of Federal Regulations and as identified
by Natural Resources Conservation Soil Survey)
2) A flood hazard area (as listed by a legally adopted map or by the jurisdiction or
the state) or in areas without legally adopted flood hazard areas, a site that is
outside a floodplain subject to a 1% or greater chance of flooding in a given year
3) Habitat for any species listed as threatened or endangered by the US
Endangered Species Act or other local equivalent standards
4) Habitat for species or ecological communities classified by NatureServe as GH
(possibly extinct), G1 (critically imperiled) or G2 (imperiled)
5) Land within 50 feet of wetlands
6) Land within 100 feet of a water body
Minor improvements are allowed only within water bodies and wetlands, if specified by
LEED.
Location & Transportation Credit: High Priority Site
Intent: To encourage project location in areas with development constraints and

promote health of the surrounding area.
Requirements:
Option 1: Historic District (1-2 points)
Locate the project on an infill location in a historic district.
Option 2: Priority Designation (1-2 points)

Locate the project on one of the following:
• a site listed by the EPA National Priorities List

• a Federal Empowerment Zone site
• a Federal Renewal Community site
• a Department of the Treasury Community Development Financial Institutions
Fund Qualified Low Income Community
• a site in a US Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Qualified
Census Tract (QCT) or Difficult Development Area (DDA)
• a local equivalent program administer at a national level for projects outside the
U.S.
Option 3: Brownfield Remediation (2-3 points)

Locate on a brownfield where the local, state or national authority requires its
remediation.
EP: Earn an exemplary performance point by pursuing both option 1 AND option 2 or 3.
Location & Transportation Credit: Surrounding Density
and Diverse Uses
Intent: To conserve land and protect farmland and wildlife habitat by encouraging
development in areas with existing infrastructure. To promote walkability, and
transportation efficiency and reduce vehicle distance traveled. To improve public health
by encouraging daily physical activity.
Requirements:
Option 1: Surrounding Density
Locate on a site whose surrounding existing density within a 1/4 mile of the project
meets certain values.
Option 2: Diverse Uses

Construct or renovate a building or a space within a building such that the building’s
main entrance is within a ½-mile (800-meter) walking distance of the main entrance of
four to seven (1 point) or eight or more (2 points) existing and publicly available diverse
uses.
Diverse Uses Include:
• Food Retail: Supermarket, Grocery with produce section
• Community-Serving Retail: Convenience store, farmers market, hardware store,

pharmacy, other retail
• Services: Bank, family entertainment venue (i.e. theater, sports), gym, health
club, exercise studio, hair care, laundry, dry cleaner, restaurant, cafe, diner
(excluding drive-thru only), adult or senior care, child care, community or
recreation center, cultural arts facility (i.e. museum, performing arts), education
facility (i.e. K-12 school, vocational school, community college, university, adult
education center), government office that serves public on-site, medical clinic/
office that treats patients, place of worship, police or fire station, post office,
public library, public park, social services center
• Civic and Community Facilities:
• Community Anchor Uses (BD+C and ID+C only): Commercial office (100+ full
time jobs)
Location & Transportation Credit: Access to Quality
Transit
Intent: To encourage development in locations shown to have multimodal transportation

choices or reduced motor vehicle use, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions, air
pollution and other environmental/health harms
Requirements: Locate any functional entry of the project within 1/4 mile walking
distance of a bus, streetcar or ride share stop OR 1/2 mile of bus rapid transit stops,
light or heavy rail stations, commuter rail stations or ferry terminals. The transit service
at these stops must meet a minimum number of weekday and weekend trips.
Note: Transit sites may be existing or planned within 2 years of building occupancy
EP: Earn an additional point by doubling the highest transit service point threshold
Location & Transportation Credit: Bicycle Facilities
Intent: To promote bicycling and transportation efficiency and reduce vehicle distance
traveled. To improve public health by encouraging utilitarian and recreational physical
activity
Requirements:
Bicycle Network: Functional entry or bicycle storage must be within 200 yard walking or
bicycling distance from a bicycle network that connects:
• At least 10 diverse uses
• A school or employment center, if the project is 50%+ residential
• A bus rapid transit stop, light or heavy rail station, commuter rail station, or ferry
terminal
Bicycle Storage and Shower Rooms:
Commercial and Institutional Projects:

• Short-term bicycle storage for 2.5% of peak visitors, and at least 4 spaces per
building AND
• Long-term bicycle storage for 5% of regular building occupants, with at least four
long-term storage spaces AND
• At least one shower + changing facility for first 100 occupants, plus additional
shower for each additional 150 occupants
Residential Projects:
• Short-term bicycle storage for 2.5% of peak visitors, and at least 4 spaces per
building AND
• Long-term bicycle storage for 30% of regular building occupants, with at least one
long-term storage space
All Projects:
Bicycle storage must be within 100 feet of main entrance or functional entry.
Location & Transportation Credit: Reduced Parking
Footprint
Intent: To minimize the environmental harms associated with parking facilities, including
automobile dependence, land consumption, and rainwater runoff
Requirements:
Do not exceed the minimum local code requirements for parking capacity.
Provide parking capacity that is 20-40% lower than the base ratios recommended by the
Parking Consultants Council, as shown in the Institute of Transportation
Engineers’ Transportation Planning Handbook.
EP: Achieve improvements of 60-80% beyond the stated base ratios by incorporating
strategies such as parking space leasing, pedestrian travel, bicycles and public
transportation usage.
Location & Transportation Credit: Green Vehicles
Intent: To reduce pollution by promoting alternatives to

conventionally fueled automobiles.
Definition: Green vehicle: Green vehicles must

achieve a minimum green score of 45 on the American
Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE)
annual vehicle rating guide.
Requirements:
Designate 5% of all the parking spaces used by the
project as preferred parking for green vehicles.
Discounted parking rate of at least 20% must be given
to green vehicles. An electric vehicle charging
station would contribute to
AND Green Vehicles.
Option 1: Electric Vehicle Charging
Install electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) in 2% of all parking spaces, and
designate those spaces for plug-in electric vehicles
Option 2: Liquid, Gas or Battery Facilities

Install liquid or gas alternative fueling facilities or battery switching station for 2% of all
parking spaces
Quiz: Location & Transportation

1) Which of the following is NOT an alternative fuel vehicle?
a) A hydrogen fuel vehicle
b) A gas-electric hybrid
c) A Diesel sedan
d) Electric vehicle
2) A Low Emitting and Fuel Efficient Vehicle must meet which of the following
requirements?
a) A minimum green score of 45
b) Green-e certification of 45
c) A Green Label Plus score of 35 or higher
d) Made by a U.S. automobile manufacturer
3) A LEED certified building has 100 full time employees, 200 part time
employees, and 100 peak time customers. How many bike storage spaces does it
need to earn the Location & Transportation, Bicycle Facilities credit?
a) 20
b) 15
c) 13
d) 12
e) 10
Answers:
1) C
An alternative fuel vehicle runs on non-petroleum based fuels. A diesel sedan is the
only one of these vehicles without an alternative fuel (hydrogen or electricity).
2) A
LEED defines a low emitting and fuel efficient vehicle as either a Zero Emissions
Vehicle (as defined by the California Air Resources Board) or a vehicle that scores a
minimum of 45 on the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy Guide.
3) C
For the Bicycle Facilities credit, bike storage must be provided for 2.5% of all peak
visitors and 5% of regular building occupants users (but no fewer than 4 in addition to
the visitor/short-term spaces). 100 full time employees + 0.5 x 200 part time employees
= 200 total full-time employees (FTEs). 5% of 200 FTE = 10 spaces. 2.5% of 100 peak
time visitors is 2.5 spaces. So, in total, the project must have 12.5 spaces, or 13
(rounded up - you can’t have half a space). There is no consideration in this question of
short term vs. long term spaces.
Sustainable Sites
In the last section, you learned about the LEED Location and Transportation credit
category.
In this section, you will learn about the prerequisites and credits in the Sustainable Sites
credit category. The intent of this credit category, according to USGBC, is to “reward
decisions about the environment surrounding the building, with credits that emphasize
the vital relationships among buildings, ecosystems, and ecosystem services”.
Sustainable Sites credits encourage restoring site elements, integrating the site with
local ecosystems, and maintaining biodiversity.
Take note of each prerequisite and credit’s intent and requirements, as they may appear
on the exam. They include:

Construction)
Construction Activity Pollution 0 (Required) New Construction, Schools, Core
Prevention & Shell, Retail, Healthcare, Data
Centers, Hospitality, Warehouses/
Distribution Centers
Environmental Site Assessment 1 point New Construction, Schools, Core

Site Development – Protect or Up to 2 points New Construction, Schools, Core

Restore Habitat & Shell, Retail, Healthcare, Data
Construction)
Open Space 1 point New Construction, Schools, Core
Rainwater Management Up to 3 points New Construction, Schools, Core

Heat Island Reduction Up to 2 points New Construction, Schools, Core

Light Pollution Reduction 1 point New Construction, Schools, Core

Tenant Design & Construction 1 point Core & Shell

Guidelines
Site Master Plan 1 point Schools
Joint Use of Facilities 1 point Schools
Places of Respite 1 point Healthcare
Direct Exterior Access 1 point Healthcare
SS Prerequisite: Construction Activity Pollution

Prevention
Intent: To reduce pollution from construction activities by controlling soil erosion,
waterway sedimentation, and airborne dust
Requirements: Create & implement erosion and sedimentation control plan for all
construction activities. Must meet either (whichever is more stringent):
1) 2012 EPA Construction General Permit, OR

2) Local erosion and sedimentation codes
Technologies/Strategies: Temporary and permanent seeding, mulching, earthen dikes,

silt fencing, sediment traps and sediment basins.
SS Credit: Site Assessment
Intent: To assess site conditions before design to evaluate sustainable options and
inform related decisions about site design
Requirements: Complete and document a site survey or assessment that includes the
following information: topography, hydrology, climate, vegetation, soils, human use,
human health effects.
The survey or assessment should demonstrate the relationships between the site
features and how they influenced the project design.
SS Credit: Site Development - Protect or Restore Habitat

Intent: To conserve existing natural areas and restore damaged areas to provide
habitat and promote biodiversity.
Requirements:
Preserve and protect all development and construction activity 40% of the greenfield
area on the site (if such areas exist).
Option 1: On-Site Restoration (2 points for all except Healthcare, 1 point Healthcare)
Using native or adapted vegetation, restore 30% (including the building footprint) of all
portions of the site identified as previously developed.
OR
Option 2: Financial Support (1 point)

Provide financial support equivalent to at least $0.40 per square foot (US$4 per square
meter) for the total site area (including the building footprint). Financial support must be
provided to a nationally or locally recognized land trust or conservation organization
within the same EPA ecoregion or the project’s state.
EP: By doubling the requirements in either Option 1 or Option 2, the project may earn
an additional point.
SS Credit: Open Space
Intent: To create exterior open space that encourages interaction with the environment,
social interaction, passive recreation, and physical activities.
Requirements:
Provide outdoor space greater than or equal to

30% of the total site area (including the building
footprint). A minimum of 25% of that outdoor
space must be vegetated (turf grass does not
count) or have overhead vegetated canopy.
The outdoor space must be physically accessible

and be one or more of the following:
• A pedestrian-oriented paving or turf area Open space on a college campus

with physical site elements that would contribute to Open Space.
accommodate outdoor social activities
• A recreation-oriented paving or turf area
with physical site elements that encourage physical activity
• A garden space with a diversity of vegetation types and species that provide
opportunities for year-round visual interest
• A garden space dedicated to community gardens or urban food production
• Preserved or created habitat that meets the criteria of SS Credit Site
Development—Protect or Restore Habitat and also includes elements of human
interaction
SS Credit: Rainwater Management

Intent: To reduce runoff volume and improve water quality by replicating the natural
hydrology and water balance of the site, based on historical conditions and
undeveloped ecosystems in the region.
Requirements:
OPTION 1: PERCENTILE OF RAINFALL EVENTS

Path 1: 95th Percentile
Manage on site the runoff from the developed site for the 95th percentile of regional or
local rainfall events using low-impact development (LID) and green infrastructure
Path 2: 98th Percentile (3 points, 2 points Healthcare)
Path 3: Zero Lot Line Projects Only (3 points, 2 points Healthcare)

The following requirement applies to zero lot line projects in urban areas with a
minimum density of 1.5 FAR. In a manner best replicating natural site hydrology
processes, manage on site the runoff from the developed site for the 85th percentile of
regional or local rainfall events, using LID and green infrastructure.
OPTION 2: NATURAL LAND COVER

CONDITIONS
Manage on site the annual increase in runoff
volume from the natural land cover condition to
the post-developed condition.
EP: Manage 100% of rainwater within project

boundaries.
SS Credit: Heat Island

Good rainwater management will
Reduction - Definitions increase perviousness, which
reduces stormwater runoff.
3 Year SRI or SR: A material’s ability to reject
solar heat may degrade over time, this can be
due to smog, weather exposure, etc. LEED v4 accommodates for such an eventuality
by measuring SRI and/or SR over time.
Albedo/reflectance: Ability of a surface to reflect sunlight on a scale of 0 to 1, with 0

being the least reflective and 1 being the most reflective.
Emissivity: The ratio of radiation emitted by a surface to the radiation emitted by a

blackbody at the same temperature. It is measured on a scale of 0 to 1, with 0 being
the most reflective and 1 being the blackbody (least reflective).
Emittance: Ability of a surface to shed thermal radiation on a scale of 0 to 1, with 0

emitting the least and 1 being a perfect emitter.
Heat island: The difference in thermal gradient between developed and undeveloped
areas.
Heat island effect: Absorption of heat by hardscapes such as dark, non-reflective

pavement and buildings, and its radiation to surroundings.
Solar Reflectance: For non-roofing materials (aka “nonroof”) such as vegetation,

shading devices, or other less reflective components, Solar Reflectance (SR) is used.
SR is a more appropriate way to measure nonroof materials, which have more thermal
mass.
Solar reflectance index (SRI): The most effective measure of a roofing material’s
ability to reject solar heat, SRI measures the ability of a surface to reject solar heat on a
scale of 0 to 100. The higher the SRI, the better it is at rejecting solar heat. SRI is a
combination of reflectance and emittance.
SS Credit: Heat Island Reduction

Intent: To minimize effects on microclimates and human and wildlife habitats by
reducing heat islands.
Requirements:
Option 1: Nonroof and Roof (2 points, 1 point Healthcare)
Use a combination of:

• Non-roof measures: Plants, shade structures with
high SRI, vegetated structures, high SRI paving
materials, open-grid paving system.
• High-reflectance roof: SRI for a low sloped roof
must be 82 (initial) or 64 (3-year aged). SRI for a
steep-sloped roof must be a 39 (initial) or 32 (3
year aged). Green roofs (roofs with
• Vegetated roof vegetation) can contribute
to Open Spaces and Heat
OR Island Reduction.
Option 2: Parking Under Cover (1 point)

Place a minimum of 75% of parking spaces under cover. Any roof used to shade or
cover parking must (1) have a three-year aged SRI of at least 32 (if three-year aged
value information is not available, use materials with an initial SRI of at least 39 at
installation), (2) be a vegetated roof, or (3) be covered by energy generation systems,
such as solar thermal collectors, photovoltaics, and wind turbines.
EP: By achieving both Option 1 and Option 2 AND locate 100% of parking under cover.
SS Credit: Light Pollution Reduction

Intent: To increase night sky access, improve nighttime visibility, and reduce the
consequences of development for wildlife and people.
Requirements:
Meet uplight and trespass requirements, using either the backlight-uplight-glare (BUG)
method or the calculation method.
UPLIGHT:
BUG method: Do not exceed luminaire uplight ratings, based on the specific light source
installed in the luminaire, as defined in IES TM-15-11, Addendum A.
BUG stands for “Backlight Uplight Glare”.
Calculation method: Do not exceed given percentages of total lumens emitted above
horizontal.
LIGHT TRESPASS:
BUG method: Do not exceed the given luminaire backlight and glare ratings (based on
the specific light source installed in the luminaire), as defined in IES TM-15-11,
Addendum A, based on the mounting location and distance from the lighting boundary.
Calculation method: Do not exceed the given vertical illuminances at the lighting
boundary.
SS Credit: Tenant Design & Construction Guidelines

(Core & Shell Only)
Intent: To educate tenants in implementing sustainable design and construction
features in their tenant improvement build-outs.
Requirements:
Publish for tenants an illustrated document with the following content, as applicable:
• A description of the sustainable features, goals and objectives in the Core & Shell
project
• Recommendations and examples for sustainable strategies, products, materials, and
services
• Information that enables a tenant to coordinate space design and construction with the
building systems when pursuing LEED v4 for Commercial Interiors prerequisites and
credits
SS Credit: Site Master Plan (Schools)

Intent: To ensure that the sustainable site benefits achieved by the project continue,
regardless of future changes in programs or demographics.
Requirements:
The project must achieve at least 4 of the following 6 credits, then use the associated
calculation methods. The achieved credits must then be recalculated using the data
from the master plan.
• LT Credit: High Priority Site

• SS Credit: Site Development – Protect or Restore Habitat
• SS Credit: Open Space
• SS Credit: Rainwater Management
• SS Credit: Heat Island Reduction
• SS Credit: Light Pollution Reduction
Develop a site master plan for the school in collaboration with school authorities.
Include current construction activity plus future construction plans affecting the site,
including parking, paving and utilities. Existing infrastructure should be maintained in
the plan whenever possible.
Note: Projects where no future development is planned are not eligible for this credit.
SS Credit: Joint Use of Facilities (Schools)

Intent: Integrate the school with the community by sharing the building and its playing
fields for non-school events and functions.
Requirements:
Option 1: (1 point)
• Make at least 3 of the following available for public use: auditorium, gym,
cafeteria, 1+ classrooms, playing fields and stadiums, joint parking.
• Provide access to toilets in joint-use areas after normal school hours.
Option 2: (1 point)
Contract with community or other organizations to provide at least 2 types of dedicated
use spaces in the building: commercial office, health clinic, community service centers,
police offices, library or media center, parking lot, 1+ commercial sector businesses
Option 3: (1 point)
Ensure that at least 2 spaces that are owned by other organizations/agencies are
accessible to students: auditorium, gym, 1+ classrooms, cafeteria, swimming pool,
playing field and stadiums
SS Credit: Place of Respite (Healthcare)
Intent: Provide patients, staff and visitors with the health benefits of the natural
environment by creating outdoor places of respite on the healthcare campus.
Requirements:
Provide places of respite that are accessible to patients and visitors, equal to 5% of the
net usable program area of the building. Provide additional places of respite for staff,
equal to 2% of the net usable program area of the building.
• All areas must meet the following requirements:

• Must be outdoors. Up to 30% may be indoors if they are inside atria,
greenhouses, solaria or conditioned spaces with a direct line of sight to
unobstructed views of nature.
• Accessible within the building or within 200 feet of a building entrance/access
point.
• Located where no medical intervention or direct medical care is delivered.
• Options for shade or indirect sun are provided, with at least one seating space
per 200 square feet, with one wheelchair space per 5 seating spaces.
• Horticulture therapy and special use gardens unavailable to all building
occupants must make up less than 50%.
• Universal-access natural trails may account for no more than 30%.
Outdoor spaces must have a minimum of 25% vegetated space, and must be open to
fresh air, the sky, and natural elements. Signage must meet FGI guidelines, and it may
not be within 25 feet of a smoking area.
EP: Projects may earn exemplary performance by demonstrating both of the following:
• Provide 10% of net usable program area as places of respite for patients and
visitors
• Provide 4% of the net usable program area as places of respite for staff
SS Credit: Direct Exterior Access (Healthcare)

Intent: To provide patients and staff with the health benefits associated with direct
access to the natural environment.
Requirements:
Provide direct access to an exterior courtyard, terrace, garden or balcony. The space
must be at least 5 square feet per patient for 75% of all inpatients and 75% of qualifying
outpatients whose length of stay exceeds 4 hours.
Quiz: Sustainable Sites
1) Which of the following does NOT reduce heat island effect?
a) Roof with a low solar reflectance index (SRI) value
b) A vegetative roof
c) Open-grid pavement
d) Solar panels
e) Shade from trees
2) Which of the following LEED credits could prevent eutrophication?

a) Fundamental Refrigerant Management
b) Heat Island Reduction
c) Rainwater Management
d) Daylight
3) The ASTM E-1527-05 Phase I Environmental Site Assessment determines which

type of land?
a) Prime farmland
b) Contaminated land
c) Wetland
d) Greenfield
e) Endangered species’ habitat
4) Which of the following credits promotes biodiversity?

a) Site Development - Protect or Restore Habitat
b) Rainwater Management
c) Heat Island Reduction
d) Surrounding Density and Diverse Uses
5) Open space is defined as:

a) The project’s property area minus the development footprint
b) Green space within the development footprint
c) Any space within the property area that is covered with native vegetation
d) Any outdoor space on the property area
Answers:
1) A
Vegetative roofs, open-grid pavement, solar panels and shade from trees all reduce
heat island effect. A roof with a high SRI, rather than a low SRI, reduces heat island
effect.
2) C
Eutrophication is the ecosystem’s response to excess nitrates or phosphates from
fertilizers or sewage. Therefore, Rainwater Management could prevent runoff (which
contains fertilizers) and prevent eutrophication.
3) B
The ASTM E-1527-05 Phase I Environmental Site Assessment defines contaminated
land, including brownfields.
4) A
The purpose of Site Development - Protect or Restore Habitat, is “to conserve natural
areas and restore damaged areas to provide habitat and promote biodiversity”. It does
this by promoting restoration with native or adapted vegetation.
5) A
Open space is defined as the project’s property area minus the development footprint.
Water Efficiency
In the last section, you learned about the Sustainable Sites credit category and its
prerequisites and credits.
In this section, you will learn about the Water

Efficiency credit category. According to USGBC,
this category “addresses water holistically, looking
at indoor use, outdoor use, specialized uses, and
metering”.
Green buildings can contribute up to 40% water

use reduction. This category aims to promote
“efficiency first” by looking at reductions in potable WaterSense faucets cut water use
water through water efficiency alone, then by 20% or more, helping to
recognizing the use of non-potable and achieve Indoor Water Use
alternative water sources second. Reduction.
Take note of the prerequisites and credits in

Water Efficiency, as they may appear on the exam. They include:

Construction)
Prerequisite, Outdoor Water Use 0 (Required) New Construction, Schools, Core
Reduction & Shell, Retail, Healthcare, Data
Prerequisite, Indoor Water Use 0 (Required) New Construction, Schools, Core

Prerequisite, Building Level Water 0 (Required) New Construction, Schools, Core

Metering & Shell, Retail, Healthcare, Data
Outdoor Water Use Reduction Up to 2 points New Construction, Schools, Core

Indoor Water Use Reduction Up to 6 points New Construction, Schools, Core

Construction)
Cooling Tower Water Use Up to 2 points New Construction, Schools, Core
Water Metering 1 point New Construction, Schools, Core

Water Efficiency: Definitions
Potable water: Meets or exceeds the EPA’s standards for drinking water quality and is
approved for human consumption for state or local authorities. It may be supplied from
wells or municipal plumbing systems.
Process water: Process water is water that is used for industrial processes and
building systems, such as cooling towers, boilers, and chillers. It can also refer to water
used in operational processes, such as dishwashing, clothes washing, and ice making.
Graywater: Untreated wastewater that has not come in contact with toilet waste.
Includes used water from bathtubs, showers, bathroom sinks, and laundry machines.
Does NOT include water from kitchen sinks or dishwashers. Governed by the Uniform
Plumbing Code.
Blackwater: Wastewater from toilets and urinals.
Tertiary Standards or Tertiary Treatment: the highest form of water treatment, and
removes phosphorus and nitrogen from wastewater.
Note: Tertiary Treatment does NOT produce drinking water.
Water Efficiency Prerequisite: Outdoor Water Use

Reduction
Intent: To reduce outdoor water use.
Requirements:
Option 1: No irrigation required
Prove no irrigation after two-year occupancy.
Option 2: Reduced irrigation
Reduce watering by 30% from baseline in peak

watering months as calculated by EPA
WaterSense Budget Tool.
Nonvegetated surfaces, such as permeable or

impermeable pavement, should be
excluded from landscape area calculations.
Athletic fields and playgrounds (if A sprinkler using potable water to
vegetated) and food gardens may be included provide irrigation. LEED’s WE categories
or excluded at the project team’s encourage minimizing the need for
discretion. irrigation through a variety of strategies.
Strategies:
• Drought tolerant species: Xeriscaping
(little or no water), herbaceous perennials
• Plant density
• Irrigation efficiency: Drip irrigation, weather sensing systems
• Non-potable water reuse: Graywater reuse, rainwater catchment, treated non-
potable water
Definitions:
• Evapotranspiration: Loss of water by evaporation
• Evapotranspiration rate: Amount of water lost via a specific plant, a.k.a. the water
necessary to grow a plant
Water Efficiency Prerequisite: Indoor Water Use

Reduction
Intent: To reduce indoor water use.
Requirements: Use 20% less water than the baseline.
All newly installed toilets, urinals, private lavatory faucets, and showerheads that are
eligible for labeling must be WaterSense labeled (or a local equivalent for projects
outside the U.S.).
WaterSense is a water conservation program created by the US Environmental

Protection Agency. WaterSense labeled fixtures use about 20% less water than other
products on the market.
Fixture baselines are based on:
1) Energy Policy Act (EPAct) 1992 and 2005
2) Uniform Plumbing Code
3) International Plumbing Code
Fixtures must use 20% less water than the following baselines:
Fixture Baseline
Toilet 1.6 gallons per flush (gpf)
Urinal (commercial buildings) 1.0 gallons per flush (gpf)
Showerheads 2.5 gallons per minute (leq)
Faucets 2.2 gpm for private/kitchen, 0.5 gpm for

public
Use appliances that meet the requirements listed in the table below:
Appliance Baseline
Residential clothes washers ENERGY STAR or equivalent
Commercial clothes washers CEE Tier 3A
Residential dishwashers ENERGY STAR or equivalent
Prerinse spray valves < 1.3 gpm
Ice machine ENERGY STAR or equivalent AND use

either air-cooled or closed-loop cooling
Water processes must meet the following requirements:
Process Requirement
Heat rejection and cooling No once-through cooling with potable

water for any equipment or appliances
that reject heat
Cooling towers and evaporative Equip with:

condensers
• makeup water meters
• conductivity controllers and overflow alarms
• efficient drift eliminators that reduce drift to

maximum of 0.002%
of recirculated water volume for
counterflow towers and 0.005% of
recirculated water flow for cross-flow
towers
EP: Projects may earn exemplary performance by achieving 55% water use reduction.
Water Efficiency Prerequisite: Building Level Water

Metering
Intent: To support water management and identify opportunities for additional water
savings by tracking water consumption.
Requirements:
• Install permanent water meters in building and on grounds
• Commit to sharing water data with USGBC for 5 years after certification or
occupancy, whichever is first
Water Efficiency Credit: Outdoor Water Use Reduction
Intent: To reduce outdoor water use.
Requirements:
Option 1: No irrigation required (2 points)

Option 2: Reduced irrigation (1-2 points, 1 point Healthcare)
Reduce watering by 50% (1 point) to 100% (2 points) from baseline in peak watering
months. Reductions must first be achieved through plant species selection and
irrigation system efficiency as calculated in the EPA WaterSense Water Budget Tool.
Additional reductions beyond 30% may be achieved using any combination of efficiency,
alternative water sources, and smart sourcing technologies.
Strategies: Nonvegetated surfaces, such as permeable or impermeable pavement,

should be excluded from landscape area calculations. Athletic fields and playgrounds (if
vegetated) and food gardens may be included or excluded at the project team’s
discretion.
Water Efficiency Credit: Indoor Water Use Reduction

Intent: To reduce indoor water use.
Requirements:
Earn additional points for reducing water use by 25% - 50%
25% = 1 point
30% = 2 points
35% = 3 points
40% = 4 points
45% = 5 points
50% = 6 points (except Hospitality, Schools, Retail, Healthcare)
EP: Indoor Water Use Reduction may earn exemplary performance by achieving 55%
water use reduction.
WE Calculations: Full Time Equivalent (FTE) Occupants
Indoor Water Use Reduction calculations are based on Full Time Equivalent (FTE)
Occupants.
There are two main ways that occupants are counted:

Daily averages take into account all the occupants of a given type for a typical 24-hour
day of operation.
Peak totals are measured at the moment in a typical 24-hour period when the highest
number of a given occupant type is present.
The calculation for FTE employees is:

FTE employees = Full-time employees + (Σ daily part-time employee hours / 8)
In buildings with irregular occupancy patterns, a better calculation is:
FTE employees = (Σ all employee hours / 8)
These show that each part time employee is worth a fraction of a full time employee.
One who works 20 hours per week is 1/2 a full time employee (40 hours per week).
Regular building occupants include:

• Full time employees/staff
• Part time employees/staff
• Residents
• Primary and secondary school students
• Hotel guests
• Inpatients
• Visitors include:
• Retail customers
• Outpatients
• Volunteers
• Higher education students
Male: Female ratio is 1:1 unless otherwise specified.
Women: 3 Bathroom Trips per day
• Traditional water closet: 3 water closet trips, 0 urinal trips

• Dual flush: 1 big button, 2 small buttons
Men: 3 Bathroom Trips per day
• Traditional water closet: 1 water closet trip, 2 urinal trips

• Waterless Urinal: 1 water closet trip, 2 urinal trips (but no water use)
Water Efficiency Credit: Building Level Water Metering
Intent: To support water management and identify opportunities for additional water
savings by tracking water consumption.
Requirements:
Install permanent water meters for two or more subsystems: irrigation, plumbing
fixtures and fittings, domestic hot water, boiler, reclaimed water, other process water
Water Efficiency Credit: Cooling Tower Water Use
Intent: To conserve water used for cooling tower makeup while controlling microbes,
corrosion, and scale in the condenser water system.
Requirements:
For cooling towers and evaporative condensers, conduct a one-time potable water
analysis, in order to optimize cooling tower cycles. Measure at least the five control
parameters:
10. Ca (as CaCO3)

11. Total alkalinity
12. SiO2
13. Cl-
14. Conductivity
ASHRAE 189.1 is referenced in Indoor Water Use Reduction for cooling tower and
evaporative condenser requirements.
Comments:
• The Cooling Tower Credit was originally limited to Existing Buildings: Operations +
Maintenance only, but now is included in Building Design + Construction
• Cooling towers cool water by evaporating water, usually at a rate of 3 gallons per
minute in a 100 ton chiller.
• Cooling towers evaporate water, leaving the remaining water with dissolved
minerals and contaminants – so it’s drained and replaced with fresh water (called
“blowdown”)
• LEED requires cooling towers to run the water through more cycles before
blowdown, and can be captured and reused for irrigation, often if mixed and diluted
• Projects can save more water through cooling towers than through other water
efficiency measures
Quiz: Water Efficiency
1) For the Indoor Water Use Reduction credit, the baseline for lavatory toilets (water
closets) is:
a) 1.2 Gallons per flush

b) 1.6 Gallons per flush
c) 1.4 Gallons per flush
d) 3.8 Liters per flush
e) 5 Liters per flush
2) What does WaterSense certification indicate about a toilet?

a) That the product uses 20% less water than the average toilet on the market
b) That the toilet does not have any leaks
c) That the product uses 40% less water than the average toilet on the market
d) That the toilet is compatible with the LEED project
3) Dual flush toilets save water by:

a) Using less water for solid waste and more for liquid waste
b) Reducing the amount of water in the tank by 50%
c) Using less water for liquid waste and more for solid waste
d) Requiring two flushes per use
4) Which of the following are considered Full Time Equivalent (FTE) occupants
when calculating indoor water use for Indoor Water Use Reduction? (Choose 3)
a) Full time employees
b) Part time employees
c) Construction workers prior to occupancy
d) Retail customers
e) Primary school students
5) The local law prohibits rainwater harvesting, but the LEED project team has
incorporated it into the building design and will be able to earn Water Efficiency
credits by doing so. What should the project team do?
a) Submit a Credit Interpretation Request
b) Request a variance from the local government
c) Pursue rainwater harvesting without contacting the local government or USGBC
d) Eliminate rainwater harvesting from the design
Answers:
1) B
The baseline for toilets (water closets) is 1.6 gpf.
2) A
WaterSense labeled fixtures use about 20% less water than other products on the
market.
3) C
Dual flush toilets conserve water by using less water to flush liquid waste and more
water for flushing solid waste.
4) A, B, and E
Full time equivalent (FTE) occupants include full time employees, part time employees,
residents, primary and secondary school students, inpatients, hotel guests and regular
volunteers. Visitors are considered to include retail customers, outpatients, periodical
volunteers, and higher-education students.
5) D
LEED projects should always adhere to local laws, which have precedence over LEED
prerequisites and credits.
Energy and Atmosphere

In the last section, you learned about the Water Efficiency credit category and its
requirements, which help to promote water conservation and reuse.
In this section, you will learn about the Energy and Atmosphere credit category, which
according to USGBC, “approaches energy from a holistic perspective, addressing
energy use reduction, energy-efficient design strategies, and renewable energy
sources”.
Buildings account for approximately 40% of the energy used today. This credit category
intends to promote energy efficiency, then supplementing that reduced energy use with
renewable energy, green power, or a demand response program.
Take note of the prerequisites and credits in Energy and Atmosphere, as they may
appear on the exam. They include:

Credit Points (for new
construction)
Prerequisite, Fundamental 0 (Required) New Construction, Schools, Core
Commissioning and Verification & Shell, Retail, Healthcare, Data
Prerequisite, Minimum Energy 0 (Required) New Construction, Schools, Core

Performance & Shell, Retail, Healthcare, Data
Prerequisite, Building-Level Energy 0 (Required) New Construction, Schools, Core

Metering & Shell, Retail, Healthcare, Data
Credit Points (for new
construction)
Prerequisite, Fundamental 0 (Required) New Construction, Schools, Core
Refrigerant Management & Shell, Retail, Healthcare, Data
Enhanced Commissioning Up to 6 points New Construction, Schools, Core

Optimize Energy Performance Up to 18 points New Construction, Schools, Core

Advanced Energy Metering 1 point New Construction, Schools, Core

Demand Response Up to 2 points New Construction, Schools, Core

Renewable Energy Production Up to 3 points New Construction, Schools, Core

Enhanced Refrigerant Management 1 point New Construction, Schools, Core

Green Power and Carbon Offsets Up to 2 points New Construction, Schools, Core
Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite: Fundamental

Commissioning and Verification
Intent: To support the design, construction, and eventual operation of a project that
meets the owner’s project requirements for energy, water, indoor environmental quality,
and durability.
Note: This will improve the building’s energy use, operational costs, occupant comfort,
etc.
Requirements:
• Designate an individual as a commissioning
authority (CxA). They should have
commissioning experience and be unrelated
to the project design/construction
management.
• CxA reviews owner’s project requirements

(OPR) and basis of design (BOD), develops
commissioning plan, verifies installation/
performance of energy systems, and
completes a commissioning report.
• Best to engage CxA as early as possible in

the design process.
Commissioned Systems:
• HVAC&R (Heating, Ventilation, Air A LEED certified office building
Conditioning and Refrigeration) may use lighting sensors to
• Electrical systems including distribution, reduce wasteful or excess
lighting and daylighting controls lighting, as seen in this building.
• Plumbing systems including - Domestic hot
water, pumps and controls
• Renewable energy systems
EA Prerequisite: Minimum Energy Performance

Intent: To reduce the environmental and economic harms of excessive energy by
achieving a minimum level of energy efficiency
References:
• ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2010 (BD+C)

• ENERGY STAR from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Requirements:
Compare the proposed building’s energy performance to a baseline and demonstrate a

percentage improvement in the proposed building.
• Option 1: Whole Building Energy Simulation - baseline as per ASHRAE/IESNA
Standard 90.1-2010 (BD+C)
• Option 2: ASHRAE Advanced Energy Design Guides (prescriptive)
• Option 3: Advanced Buildings Core Performance Guide (prescriptive)
EA Prerequisite: Building-Level Energy Metering
Intent: To support energy management and identify opportunities for additional energy
savings by tracking building-level energy use.
Requirements:
Install new or use existing building-level energy meters or submeters that provide data
representing total building energy consumption. Commit to sharing the data with
USGBC for 5 years or till the building changes ownership or lessee.
EA Prerequisite: Fundamental Refrigerant Management
Intent: To reduce stratospheric ozone depletion
Definitions:
Cholorofluorocarbon = CFC, a type of refrigerant with the most impact on the ozone
layer, high ODP and med-high GWP
Hydrocholorofluorocarbon = HCFC, a type of refrigerant (less harmful than CFCs), low
ODP and medium GWP
Ozone Depleting Potential = ODP
Global Warming Potential = GWP
Reference: Montreal Protocol, an international treaty that said:
By 2010: Phase out CFCs

By 2030: Phase out HCFCs
Requirements:
New Building: Zero use of CFC refrigerants in HVAC&R
Existing Building: CFC phase-out prior to project completion
Refrigerant Ozone Effect Note
High ODP,
CFCs Do not use, most harmful
Med-High GWP
HCFCs Low ODP, Medium GWP Second worst
Zero ODP, Med-High Less harmful than CFC and

HFCs
(Highest) GWP HCFC
Examples: Water, CO2,

Natural Refrigerants
Zero ODP, Low-Zero GWP Ammonia, propane, butane,
(Hydrocarbons - HC)
isopentane, etc.
Natural Ventilation Zero ODP/GWP Best but not always feasible
EA Credit: Enhanced Commissioning

Intent: To further support the design, construction, and eventual operation of a project
that meets the owner’s project requirements for energy, water, indoor environmental
quality, and durability.
Requirements: Requires commissioning activities in addition to the EA Prerequisite,

Fundamental Commissioning
Note: You do not need to know what the additional activities are, just that it requires
extra commissioning.
For Enhanced Commissioning, the CxA can be the owner of the project or the owner’s
representative or a sub-consultant to the architecture or engineering firm. Employees of
architecture or construction firm cannot be CXA for enhanced commissioning
EA Credit: Optimize Energy Performance
Intent: To achieve energy efficiency beyond the prerequisite.
Requirements:
Projects will earn points based on their degree of improvement in energy efficiency.
Compare the proposed building’s energy performance to a baseline.
• Improve the building’s energy efficiency beyond the prerequisite

• Cut energy demand first, improve efficiency second
Option 1: Whole Building Energy Simulation

Projects must demonstrate a percentage improvement in energy performance via an
energy simulation. The greater the percentage improvement, the higher the number of
points the project will earn.
Option 2: Prescriptive Compliance

Projects must comply with the ASHRAE 50% Advanced Energy Design Guides.
Existing Buildings: ENERGY STAR

Existing buildings that earn points above 75 in ENERGY STAR’s Portfolio Manager Tool
are eligible for points.
International projects: Use ASHRAE Standard 90.1
Projects not eligible for ENERGY STAR: Benchmark against national data averages or
historical data
EP: Achieve at least 54% energy savings (in New Construction, Major Renovation and
Core and Shell projects)
EA Credit: Advanced Energy Metering

Intent: To support energy management and identify opportunities for additional energy
savings by tracking building-level and system-level energy use.
Requirements:
Install advanced energy metering for (1) all whole-building energy sources and (2) any
individual energy end uses that represent 10% or more of the total annual energy
consumption
EA Credit: Demand Response
Intent: To increase participation in demand response technologies and programs that
make energy generation and distribution systems more efficient, increase grid reliability,
and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Requirements:
Design building and equipment for participation in demand response programs through
load shedding or shifting. On-site electricity generation does not meet the intent of this
credit.
Demand Response Program Available: Participate in an existing demand response

(DR) program with a minimum of a one-year contract for at least 10% of peak electricity
demand.
Demand Response Program Not Available: Provide infrastructure to take advantage of

future demand response programs or dynamic, real-time pricing programs.
EA Credit: Renewable Energy Production

Intent: To reduce the environmental and economic harms associated with fossil
fuel energy by increasing self-supply of renewable
energy.
Requirements: Use renewable energy systems to

offset building energy costs.
The use of solar gardens or community renewable
energy systems is allowed if both of the following
requirements are met.
• The project owns the system or has signed a

lease agreement for a period of at least 10
years. Solar photovoltaic panels can be used
• The system is located with the same utility on site to achieve the Renewable
service area as the facility claiming the use. Energy Production credit or off-site to
generate “Green Power”.
Allowable sources for renewable energy include
the following:
• Photovoltaic
• Solar thermal
• Wind
• Biofuel (in some cases)
• Low-impact hydroelectricity
• Wave and tidal energy
• Geothermal energy (in some cases)
EP: Renewable energy must account for 15% of total energy. For Core and Shell
projects the threshold is 10%.
EA Credit: Enhanced Refrigerant Management

Intent: To reduce ozone depletion and support early compliance with the
Montreal Protocol while minimizing direct contributions to climate change.
Requirements:
Option 1. No Refrigerants or Low-Impact Refrigerants
Option 2. Calculation of Refrigerant Impact
EA Credit: Green Power and Carbon Offsets

Intent: To reduce the environmental and economic harms
associated with fossil fuel energy by increasing self-supply
of renewable energy.
technologies and carbon mitigation projects.
Requirements: Engage in at least a 5-year renewable

energy contract to provide 50% or 100% of building’s
energy use from green power, carbon offsets, or renewable
energy.
Green power and RECs must be Green-e Certified (Center

for Resource Solutions)
Ex. Renewable energy certificates (RECs), tradable
renewable certificates (TRCs), green tags
Carbon offsets must be Green-e Climate Certified.

Wind turbines generating
Use baseline electricity use from either: energy could contribute to
1) annual electricity consumption from EA Prerequisite, the Green Power credit in
Minimum Energy Performance OR LEED.
2) U.S. Department of Energy’s Commercial Building
Energy Consumption Survey
Note: Based on energy consumption, not cost
Definitions:
Green power: A subset of renewable energy composed of grid-based electricity

produced from renewable energy sources.
Scope 1 emissions: Direct greenhouse gas emissions from sources owned or

controlled by the entity, such as
emissions from fossil fuels burned on site.
Scope 2 emissions: Indirect greenhouse gas emissions associated with the generation
of purchased electricity,
heating/cooling, or steam off site, through a utility provider for the entity’s consumption.
Carbon offset: A unit of carbon dioxide equivalent that is reduced, avoided, or

sequestered to compensate for emissions occurring elsewhere (World Resources
Institute).
Quiz: Energy and Atmosphere

1) Refrigerants are lost to the atmosphere according to which process?
a) Refrigerants are released during the air conditioner manufacturing process

b) Refrigerants are lost because of leaks in refrigeration or air conditioning equipment
c) Air conditioners release refrigerants when they are disposed in the landfill
2) On-site renewable energy is often more expensive than Green Power (such as
renewable energy certificates) because:
a) On-site renewable energy provides fewer energy savings over time than Green
Power
b) On-site renewable energy has high upfront installation and materials costs, whereas
those costs are spread over many customers with off-site green power
c) LEED charges higher certification costs for projects with on-site renewable energy
d) On-site renewable energy requires upfront investment whereas Green Power does
not
3) How is the baseline defined?

a) The amount of energy or water the building would consume if it used the most
sustainable materials available
b) The amount of energy or water the building would consume if it used traditional
materials
c) The lowest possible amount of water or energy the building could consume
d) The highest possible amount of water or energy the building could consume
4) Which of the following does not contribute to a building’s energy efficiency?

a) A vegetative roof
b) Using ENERGY STAR appliances
c) Purchasing green power
d) Natural ventilation system
5) Which is the following is NOT considered on-site renewable energy?

a) Wave and tidal energy
b) Forestry biomass (other than mill residue)
c) Wind energy
d) Landfill gas
e) Low-impact hydro-electric
Answers:
1) B
Refrigerants enter the atmosphere when they leak from air conditioners, refrigerators,
etc.
2) B
On-site renewable energy often costs more up front than green power because of the
additional installation, labor and materials costs to add renewables to an individual on-
site. The costs of green power are distributed across many customers.
3) B
The baseline is the amount of energy or water the building would consume if it used
traditional materials.
4) C
Green power is off-site renewable energy that is purchased through a contract. It does
not affect the building’s energy consumption, only the building’s carbon emissions
(which are reduced through carbon offsets).
5) B
LEED considers wave and tidal energy, wind energy, landfill gas and low-impact hydro-
electric as valid forms of on-site renewable energy. Forestry biomass (other than mill
residue) is not considered a valid form of on-site renewable energy in LEED.
Materials and Resources
In the last section, you learned about how the Energy and Atmosphere credits promote
energy conservation, renewable energy and refrigeration management.
The Materials and Resources credit

category, according to USGBC, “focuses
on minimizing the embodied energy and
other impacts associated with the
extraction, processing, transport,
maintenance, and disposal of building
materials”.
The credits require actions that support a

life-cycle approach to embodied impact
reduction.
Take note of the prerequisites and credits Recycling plastic, glass, and metal is
in this credit category, as they may mandatory for LEED certification.

Construction)
Prerequisite, Storage and Collection 0 (Required) New Construction, Schools, Core
of Recyclables & Shell, Retail, Healthcare, Data
PBT Source Reduction—Mercury 0 (Required) Healthcare
Prerequisite, Construction and 0 (Required) New Construction, Schools, Core

Demolition Waste Management & Shell, Retail, Healthcare, Data
Planning Centers, Hospitality, Warehouses/
Building Life-Cycle Impact Up to 5 points New Construction, Schools, Core

Building Product Disclosure and Up to 2 points New Construction, Schools, Core

Optimization - Environmental & Shell, Retail, Healthcare, Data
Product Declarations Centers, Hospitality, Warehouses/
Construction)
Optimization - Sourcing of Raw & Shell, Retail, Healthcare, Data
Materials Centers, Hospitality, Warehouses/

Optimization - Material Ingredients & Shell, Retail, Healthcare, Data
PBT Source Reduction— 1 point Healthcare

Mercury
PBT Source Reduction—Lead, 2 points Healthcare

Cadmium, and Copper
Furniture and Medical Up to 2 points Healthcare

Furnishings
Design for Flexibility. 1 point Healthcare
Construction and Demolition Waste Up to 2 points New Construction, Schools, Core

Management & Shell, Retail, Healthcare, Data
MR Prerequisite: Storage and Collection of Recyclables

Intent: Reduce waste in landfills.
Requirements:
At a minimum, recycle:
• Metal
• Glass
• Mixed Paper
• Plastic
• Corrugated Cardboard
Take appropriate measures for safe collection, storage and disposal of two of the
following:
• Batteries
• Mercury-containing lamps
• Electronic waste (“e-waste”)
MR Prerequisite: Construction and Demolition Waste

Management Planning
Intent: To reduce the construction and demolition of waste disposed in landfills and
incineration facilities by reusing, recovering and recycling materials.
Requirements: Develop and implement a construction and demolition waste

management plan,Define waste diversion goals for the project by identifying at least five
materials (both structural and nonstructural) targeted for diversion. Specify whether
materials will be separated or commingled.
MR Prerequisite: PBT Source

Reduction—Mercury (Healthcare only)
Intent: To reduce mercury-containing products and devices and mercury

release through product substitution, capture, and recycling.
Requirements:
As part of the project’s recycling collection system, identify the following:
• Types of mercury-containing products and devices to be collected;
• Criteria governing how they are to be handled by a recycling program; and
• Disposal methods for captured mercury.
MR Credit: Building Life-Cycle Impact Reduction

Intent: To encourage adaptive reuse and optimize the environmental performance of
products and materials.
Requirements:
Option 1: Historic Building Reuse (5 points)
Maintain the existing building structure, envelope and interior nonstructural elements of
a historic building or contributing building in a historic district. To qualify, the building or
historic district must be listed or eligible for listing in the local, state, or national register
of historic places.
Option 2: Renovation of Abandoned or Blighted Building (5 points)
Maintain at least 50% of a blighted building structure, enclosure, and interior structural
elements by surface area.
Option 3: Building and Material Reuse (2-4 points)
Reuse or salvage building materials from off site or on site as a percentage of the
surface area.
Include:
• structural elements (e.g., floors, roof decking)
• enclosure materials (e.g., skin, framing)
• permanently installed interior elements (e.g., walls, doors, floor coverings, ceiling
systems)
Option 4: Whole-Building Life-Cycle Assessment (3 points)
For new construction (buildings or portions of buildings), conduct a life-cycle

assessment that demonstrates a minimum of 10% reduction, compared with a baseline
building, in at least three of the six impact categories listed below:
• global warming potential (greenhouse gases) (mandatory)

• depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer
• acidification of land and water sources
• eutrophication
• formation of tropospheric ozone
• depletion of nonrenewable energy resources
EP: Reuse 95% of the building in Option 3; or achieve any improvement over the
required credit thresholds in all six (6) impact categories.
MR Credit: Building Product Disclosure and Optimization
(BPDO) - Environmental Product Declarations
Intent: To encourage the use of products and materials for which life-cycle information
is available and that have environmentally, economically, and socially preferable life-
cycle impacts. To reward project teams for selecting products from manufacturers who
have verified improved environmental life cycle impacts.
Requirements:
Option 1: Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)

Use at least 20 different permanently installed products sourced from at least five
different manufacturers that meet one of the disclosure criteria:
(1) Product-specific declaration (counts as 1/4 of a product)

(2) Environmental Product Declarations
(3) USGBC approved program
Option 2: Multi-Attribute Optimization

Use products that comply with one of the following criteria for 50%, by cost, of the total
value of permanently installed products in the project:
(1) Third party certified products that demonstrate impact reduction in at least three
categories:
• Global warming potential
• Depletion of the stratospheric
ozone layer
• Acidification of land and water
sources
• Eutrophication
• Formation of tropospheric
ozone
Note: Products sourced within 100

miles of the project site are valued at
200% of their contributing cost.
The Materials and Resources credit category
EP: Option 1: Source at least 40 aims to reduce impacts on the environment by
qualifying products from five encouraging the use of sustainably sourced and/
manufacturers; Option 2: Purchase or harvested materials.
75% by cost, of permanently installed
building products that meet the required attributes.
(BPDO) - Sourcing of Raw Materials
Intent: To encourage the use of products and materials for which life cycle information
is available and that have environmentally, economically and socially preferable life
cycle impacts. To reward project teams for selecting products verified to have been
extracted or sourced in a responsible manner.
Requirements:
Option 1: Raw Material Source and Extraction Reporting

Use at least 20 different permanently installed products from at least 5 different
manufacturers that have released a public report from their raw material suppliers that
include:
• Raw material supplier extraction locations
• Commitment to long-term ecologically responsible land use
• Commitment to reducing environmental harms from extraction and/or
manufacturing process
• Commitment to meeting applicable standards or programs voluntarily that address
responsible sourcing criteria
Reports may be self declared (worth 1/2 of a product) OR third-party verified corporate
sustainability reports (CSR) (worth 100% of a product).
Acceptable corporate sustainability reports (CSR) frameworks include:

• Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Sustainability Report
• Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Guidelines for
Multinational Enterprises
• U.N. Global Compact: Communication of Progress
• ISO 26000: 2010 Guidance on Social Responsibility
• USGBC approved program
Option 2: Leadership Extraction Practices

Use products that meet at least one of the following criteria for at least 25% (by cost) of
the total value of the permanently installed building products:
• Extended producer responsibility: Products purchased from a manufacturer

who participates in an extended producer responsibility program OR is directly
responsible for their extended producer responsibility
• Bio-based materials: Products must meet the Sustainable Agriculture
Network’s Sustainable Agriculture Standard. Raw materials must be tested using
ASTM Test Method D6866.
• Wood products: Wood products must be certified by the Forest Stewardship
Council (FSC)
• Materials reuse: Includes salvaged, refurbished or reused products
• Recycled content: Post-consumer content + 1/2 pre-consumer content
• USGBC approved program
EP: Option 1: Source at least 40 products from five manufacturers

Option 2: Purchase 50%, by cost, of the total value of permanently installed building
products that meet the responsible extraction criteria

(BPDO) - Material Ingredients
Intent: To encourage the use of products and materials for which life-cycle information
is available and that have environmentally, economically, and socially preferable life-
cycle impacts; to reward project teams for selecting products with verified ingredients
and reduced impact; to reward manufacturers who produce products verified to have
improved life-cycle impacts
Requirements:
Option 1: Material Ingredient Reporting
Use at least 20 different permanently installed products from at least 5 different

manufacturers that use the following programs to demonstrate the chemical inventory of
the product to at least 0.1%:
(1) Manufacturer Inventory, with all ingredients identified by name and the Chemical
Abstract Service Registration Number (CASRN)
(2) Health Product Declaration
(3) Cradle to Cradle
Option 2: Material Ingredient Optimization
Use products that document their material ingredient optimization using these paths for
at least 25% (by cost) of the total value of permanently installed products in the project:
(1) GreenScreen v1.2 Benchmark
(2) Cradle to Cradle Certified
(3) REACH Optimization (international projects)
EP: Option 1: Purchase at least 40 permanently installed building products that meet
the credit criteria.
Option 2: Purchase at least 50%, by cost, of permanently installed building products that
meet the credit criteria.
MR Credit: Construction and Demolition Waste

Management
Intent: To reduce construction and demolition waste disposed of in landfills and
incineration facilities by recovering, reusing and recycling materials.
Requirements:
Option 1: Diversion (1-2 points)

Path 1: Divert 50% of the C&D material in at least three material streams (1 point)
Path 2: Divert 75% of the C&D material in at least four material streams (2 points)
Material stream examples: plastic, carpet, paper/cardboard, metal, sheetrock, brick/

concrete masonry, asphalt shingles
Exclude excavated soil, land-clearing debris, and alternative daily cover (ADC). Include
wood waste converted to fuel (biofuel) in the calculations; other types of waste-to-
energy are not considered diversion for this credit.
Option 2: Reduction of Total Waste Material (2 points)

Do not generate more than 2.5 pounds of construction waste per square foot of the
building’s floor area.
EP: Achieve BOTH Option 1 and Option 2.
MR Credit: PBT Source

Reduction—Mercury (Healthcare only)
Intent: To reduce the release of persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic (PBTs)

chemicals associated with the life cycle of building materials.
Requirements:
Specify and install fluorescent lamps with both low mercury content (MR Prerequisite
PBT Source Reduction—Mercury) and long lamp life as listed in LEED Requirements,
Do not specify or install circular fluorescent lamps or probe start metal halide lamps.
MR Credit: PBT Source Reduction— Lead, Cadmium,

and Copper (Healthcare only)
Intent: To reduce the release of persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic (PBT)

chemicals associated with the life cycle of building materials.
Requirements:
Specify and install fluorescent lamps with both low mercury content (MR Prerequisite
PBT Source Reduction—Mercury) and long lamp life as listed in LEED Requirements,
Do not specify or install circular fluorescent lamps or probe start metal halide lamps.
MR Credit: Furniture and Medical Furnishings

(Healthcare only)
Intent: To enhance the environmental and human health performance attributes

associated with freestanding furniture and medical furnishings.
Requirements:
Use at least 30% (1 point) or 40% (2 points), by cost, of all freestanding furniture and
medical furnishings (e.g.,mattresses, foams, panel fabrics, cubicle curtains, window
coverings, other textiles) that meets the criteria in one of the following three options.
• Option 1. Minimal Chemical Content
• Option 2. Testing and Modeling of Chemical Content
• Option 3. Multi-Attribute Assessment of Products
EP: Use at least 50%, by cost, of all freestanding furniture and medical furnishings that
meet the credit criteria.
Design for Flexibility:(Healthcare only)
Intent: Conserve resources associated with the construction and management

of buildings by designing for flexibility and ease of future adaptation
and for the service life of components and assemblies.
Requirements:
Increase building flexibility and ease of adaptive use over the life of the structure by
employing at least three of the strategies. mentioned by LEED Reference Guide like
interstitial space, programmed soft space, horizontal expansion capacity, etc.
Quiz: Materials and Resources

1) The GreenScreen v1.2 Benchmark applies to which LEED credit?
a) Building Life-Cycle Impact Reduction
b) Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies
c) Building Product Disclosure and Optimization - Material Ingredients
d) Low-Emitting Materials
2) Bio-based products must meet which standard in order to comply with

Sourcing of Raw Materials - Leadership Extraction Practices?
a) Sustainable Agriculture Standard
b) USDA Organic
c) USDA Biopreferred
d) Design for the Environment
3) Which of the following is an example of post-consumer recycled content?

a) Wooden chairs from a yard sale
b) Fly ash bricks
c) Trimmings from a textile factory used to make couch stuffing
d) Flooring made from used car tires
4) Which of the following is not considered an acceptable CSR framework for

Building Product Disclosure and Optimization?
a) Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Sustainability Report
b) AccountAbility’s AA1000
c) U.N. Global Compact: Communication of Progress
d) ISO 26000: 2010 Guidance on Social Responsibility
5) What is the difference between an industry-wide EPD and a product-specific
EPD?(Choose 2)
a) Industry-wide EPDs are generic and product-specific EPDs are specific to one
product
b) Industry-wide EPDs compare the product to others in the industry and product-
specific EPDs use the individual product as the baseline
c) Industry-wide EPDs are valued as one half of a product and product-specific EPDs
are valued as one product
d) Industry-wide EPDs are valued as one product and product-specific EPDs are valued
as one half of a product
Answers:
1) C.
GreenScreen v1.2 Benchmark is one of the options for complying with Option 2,
Material Ingredient Optimization, in Building Product Disclosure and Optimization -
Material Ingredients.
2) A.
Bio-based products must meet the Sustainable Agriculture Network’s Sustainable
Agriculture Standard.
3) D
Post-consumer recycled content is waste material generated by households or
commercial, industrial and institutional facilities in their role as end-users of the product.
Examples include newspaper, glass bottles, yogurt containers, construction and
demolition debris, plastic bottles, soup cans, and steel. Used car tires have already
been used by a consumer, so they are considered post-consumer recycled content.
4) B.
AccountAbility’s AA1000 is not a listed acceptable CSR framework for the credit.
5) A and C.
Industry-wide EPDs are generic and product-specific EPDs are specific to one product;
therefore, industry-wide EPDs are valued as one half of a product and product-specific
EPDs are valued as one product.
Indoor Environmental Quality
In the last credit category, you learned about how LEED encourages the use of
sustainable building materials.
Many people think of energy efficiency when they hear “green building”. However,
USGBC takes a whole building approach to green building and considers the health of
its occupants an important component of sustainable living.
According to USGBC, “green buildings with good indoor environmental quality protect
the health and comfort of building occupants” and “high-quality indoor environments
also enhance productivity, decrease absenteeism, improve the building’s value, and
reduce liability for building designers and owners”. Therefore, Indoor Environmental
Quality is a credit category that encourages designing for thermal, visual and acoustic
comfort.
Take note of the prerequisites and credits in Indoor Environmental Quality, as they may

Credit Points(for New
Construction)
Prerequisite, Minimum 0 (Required) New Construction, Schools, Core
Indoor Air Quality Centers, Hospitality, Warehouses/
Performance Distribution Centers
Environmental Tobacco 0 (Required) New Construction, Schools, Core

Smoke Control Centers, Hospitality, Warehouses/
Minimum Acoustic 0 (Required) New Construction, Schools, Core

Performance Centers, Hospitality, Warehouses/
Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Up to 2 points New Construction, Schools, Core

Strategies Centers, Hospitality, Warehouses/
Low Emitting Materials Up to 3 points New Construction, Schools, Core

Credit Points(for New
Construction)
Construction Indoor Air 1 point New Construction, Schools, Core
Quality Management Plan Centers, Hospitality, Warehouses/
Indoor Air Quality Up to 2 points New Construction, Schools, Core

Assessment Centers, Hospitality, Warehouses/
Thermal Comfort 1 point Core & Shell
Interior Lighting Up to 2 points Schools
Daylight Up to 3 points Schools
Quality Views 1 point Healthcare
Acoustic Performance 1 point Healthcare
Indoor Environmental Quality Prerequisite: Minimum

Indoor Air Quality Performance
Intent: To contribute to the comfort and well-being of building occupants by establishing
minimum standards for indoor air quality (IAQ).
Requirements:
Ventilation:
Mechanically ventilated spaces: Meet ASHRAE 62.1-2010 or CEN Standards EN
15251-2007 and EN 13779-2007
Naturally ventilated spaces: Meet the requirements of ASHRAE Standard 62.1 or a local
equivalent, whichever is more stringent and follow the flow diagram in the CISBE
Applications Manual AM10, March 2005, Natural Ventilation in Nondomestic Building,
Figure 2.8
Monitoring:
Mechanically ventilated spaces:
• Variable air volume: direct airflow measurement device to measure the minimum
outdoor intake air flow
• Constant-volume: Design the outdoor
airflow according to ASHRAE
62.1-2010. Install a monitoring device
such as a current transducer or airflow
switch.
Naturally ventilated spaces:

• Install a direct airflow measurement
device to measure the minimum
outdoor intake air flow
• Provide automatic indication devices
on all natural ventilation openings to Indoor pollutants can cause health
meet minimum opening requirements problems, which is why LEED limits
• Monitor carbon dioxide chemical pollutants indoors.
concentrations within each thermal
zone
Indoor Air Quality Prerequisite: Environmental Tobacco

Smoke Control
Intent: To prevent or minimize exposure of building occupants, indoor surfaces, and

ventilation air distribution systems to environmental tobacco smoke.
Requirements:
• Prohibit smoking inside the building

• Prohibit smoking outside of the building except in designated smoking areas that
are at least 25 feet from entries, air intakes and operable windows
• If the requirement to prohibit smoking within 25 feet cannot be implemented
because of code, provide documentation of these regulations
• Signage must be posted within 10 feet of all building entrances indicating a no
smoking policy
Indoor Air Quality Prerequisite: Minimum Acoustic

Performance (Schools only)
Intent: Provide classrooms that are quiet so that teachers and students can effectively
communicate without raising their voices.
Requirements:
1) Background Noise: Achieve a maximum background noise level of 40 dBA from
HVAC systems in classrooms and core learning spaces
2) Exterior Noise
For high-noise sites (peak-hour Leq above 60 dBA during school hours), implement
acoustic treatment and other measures to minimize noise intrusion from exterior
sources and control sound transmission between classrooms and core learning spaces.
3) Reverberation Time: Limit reverberation in classrooms and core learning spaces with
sound absorptive finishes
Case 1: Classrooms and Core Learning Spaces < 200,00 cubic feet (566 cubic m)
Option 1: Minimum NRC

For each room, the total surface area finished with a Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC)
of 0.70 or higher must meet or exceed total ceiling area
Option 2: Compliance with ANSI Standard S12.60-2010 (or non-US equivalent)
Case 2: Classrooms and Core Learning Spaces > 200,00 cubic feet (566 cubic m)
Meet the recommended reverberation times for classrooms and core learning spaces
described in the NRC-CNRC Construction Technology Update No. 51, Acoustical
Design of Rooms for Speech (2002), or a local equivalent.
Indoor Environmental Quality Credit: Enhanced Indoor

Air Quality Strategies
Intent: To promote occupant comfort, well-
being, and productivity by improving indoor
air quality
Requirements:
Option 1: Enhanced IAQ Strategies (1

point)
(1) Entryway systems
(2) Interior cross-contamination
prevention HVAC systems are a big component of
(3) Filtration Indoor Environmental Quality, because they
(4) Natural ventilation design calculations help to regulate indoor air quality and
(5) Mixed-mode design calculations thermal comfort.
Option 2: Additional Enhanced IAQ Strategies (1 point)
(1) Exterior contamination prevention
(2) Increased ventilation
(3) Carbon dioxide monitoring
(3) Additional source control and monitoring
(4) Natural ventilation room-by-room calculations
EP: Achieve both Option 1 AND Option 2, while incorporating an additional Option 2
strategy.
Indoor Environmental Quality Credit: Low Emitting

Materials
Intent: Reduce concentrations of contaminants that can damage air quality, human
health, productivity and the environment
Requirements:
This credit covers VOC emissions into indoor air, VOC content in materials, and testing
methods for VOCs.
Option 1: Product Category Calculations – achieve

the given thresholds of compliance for interior paints
and coatings, interior adhesives and sealants,
flooring, composite wood, ceilings, walls, thermal &
acoustic insulation, and furniture. Exterior applied
products are included for hospitals and schools only.
Option 2: Budget Calculation Method

Calculate compliance as a percentage for flooring,
ceilings, walls, thermal and acoustic insulation, and
furniture. 1 point is awarded for over 50%
compliance, 2 points for over 70% and 3 points for
over 90%.
- Products must also either be inherently non- Low VOC paint contributes to
Low Emitting Materials.
emitting or tested and determined compliant by the
California Department of Health Standard Method
v1.1-2010.
EP: Option 1: Earn all points and reach 100% of products.

Option 2: Reach 100% of products.
Indoor Environmental Quality Credit: Construction

Indoor Air Quality Management Plan
Intent: To promote the well-being of construction workers and occupants by minimizing
indoor air quality problems associated with construction and renovation.
Requirements:
Develop and implement IAQ management plan:
1. Meet or exceed Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning National Contractors

Association (SMACNA) IAQ Guidelines for Occupied Buildings Under Construction
2. Protect absorptive materials from moisture damage (mold)
3. Air handlers: Use MERV 8 Filters per ASHRAE Standard 52.2-2007
4. Prohibit the use of tobacco products inside the building and within 25 feet of the
building during construction
Indoor Environmental Quality Credit: Indoor Air Quality

Assessment
Intent: To establish better quality indoor air in the building after construction and during
occupancy.
Requirements:
Option 1: Flush-Out
1. Before occupancy: Flush building with 14,000 cubic ft. air per square foot at constant
temperature and humidity OR
2. During occupancy: Flush with 3,500 cubic ft. per square foot before occupancy, then
14,000 cubic ft. per square foot after occupancy. Maintain constant temperature and
humidity.
Option 2: Air Testing

Conduct IAQ testing for each contaminant and make sure they are below the maximum
concentration levels. Testing is per EPA Compendium methods, ASTM standard
methods, or ISO methods.
Indoor Environmental Quality Credit: Thermal Comfort
Intent: To promote occupants’ productivity, comfort and well-being by providing thermal
comfort.
Requirements:
Provide thermal comfort controls for at least 50% of individual occupant spaces, and
provide group thermal comfort controls for all shared multi-occupant spaces. The
controls should adjust at least one of: air temperature, radiant temperature, air speed
and humidity.
Option 1: ASHRAE Standard 55-2010. Design HVAC systems according to ASHRAE

Standard 55-2010, Thermal Conditions for Human Occupancy or local equivalent.
Option 2: ISO and CEN Standards. Design HVAC systems according to ISO
7730:2005, Ergonomics of the Thermal Environment, and CEN Standard EN
15251:2007, Indoor Environmental Input Parameters for Design and Assessment of
Energy Performance of Buildings.
Indoor Environmental Quality Credit: Interior Lighting

Intent: To promote occupants’ productivity, comfort, and well-being by providing high-
quality lighting.
Requirements:
Option 1: Lighting Control (1 point)

• Individual lighting controls for 90% of occupants, with at least three lighting
levels: on, off, midlevel
• Lighting controls for all shared multi-occupant spaces:
Option 2: Lighting Quality (1 point)

Choose 4 of 8 strategies for lighting quality. For example:
• For all regularly occupied spaces, use light fixtures with a luminance of less than
2,500 cd/m2 between 45 and 90 degrees from nadir.
• For the entire project, use light sources with a CRI of 80 or higher. Exceptions
include lamps or fixtures specifically designed to provide colored lighting for
effect, site lighting, or other special use.
• Use direct-only overhead lighting for 25% or less of the total connected lighting
load for all regularly occupied spaces.
Indoor Environmental Quality Credit: Daylight
Intent: To connect building occupants with the outdoors, reinforce circadian
rhythms, and reduce the use of electrical lighting by introducing daylight into the space.
Requirements:
Provide manual or automatic glare-control devices for all regularly occupied spaces.
Option 1: Simulation – Spatial Daylight Autonomy (2-3 points, 1-2 points Healthcare)
Demonstrate through annual computer simulations that spatial daylight autonomy300/50%
of at least 55%, 75%, or 90% is achieved AND demonstrate that annual sunlight
exposure1000,250 of no more than 10% is achieved.
Option 2: Simulation – Illuminance

Calculations (1-2 points)
Demonstrate through computer
modeling that illuminance levels will
be between 300 lux and 3,000 lux for
9 AM and 3 PM, both on a clear sky
day at the equinox, for the specified
floor area. Calculate illuminance
intensity for sun (direct component)
and sky (diffuse component) for clear-
sky conditions as directed by LEED.
Option 3: Measurement (2-3 points,

1-2 points in Healthcare) Daylighting and views contribute to Indoor
Achieve certain illumination levels Environmental Quality because they help connect
for the floor area and appropriate occupants to the outdoors and create a healthier,
work plane with furniture, fixtures happier space.
and equipment in place.
Indoor Environmental Quality Credit: Quality Views

Intent: To give building occupants a connection to the natural outdoor
environment by providing quality views.
Requirements:
Achieve a direct line of sight to the outdoors via vision glazing for 75% of all regularly
occupied floor area.
75% of all regularly occupied floor area must have at least two of the four following
kinds of views:
(1) multiple lines of sight to vision glazing in different directions at least 90 degrees
apart
(2) views that include at least two of the following: (1) flora, fauna, or sky; (2) movement;
and (3) objects at least 25 feet from the exterior of the glazing
(3) unobstructed views located within the distance of three times the head height of the
vision glazing
(4) views with a view factor of 3 or greater, as defined in “Windows and Offices; A Study
of Office Worker Performance and the Indoor Environment”. Views into interior atria
may be used to meet up to 30% of the required area.
EP: New Construction: Meet the requirements for 90% of all regularly occupied areas.
Indoor Environmental Quality Credit: Acoustic

Performance
Intent: To provide workspaces and classrooms that promote occupants’ well-being,

productivity and communications through effective acoustic design.
Requirements:
1) HVAC Background Noise: Achieve maximum background noise levels from heating,
ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems per 2011 ASHRAE Handbook, HVAC
Applications, Chapter 48, Table 1; AHRI Standard 885-2008, Table 15; or a local
equivalent. Calculate or measure sound levels.
For measurements, use a sound level meter that conforms to ANSI S1.4 for type 1
(precision) or type 2 (general purpose) sound measurement instrumentation, or a local
equivalent.
2) Sound Transmission: Meet the composite sound transmission class (STCC) ratings
listed in Table 1, or local building code, whichever is more stringent.
3) Sound Reverberation Time: Meet the reverberation time requirements in Table 2

(adapted from Table 9.1 in the Performance MeasurementProtocols for Commercial
Buildings)
4) Sound Reinforcement: For all large conference rooms and auditoriums seating more
than 50 persons, evaluate whether sound reinforcement and AV playback capabilities
are needed.
5) Masking Systems: For projects that use masking systems, the design levels must not
exceed 48 dBA. Ensure that loudspeaker coverage provides uniformity of +/–2 dBA and
that speech spectra are effectively masked.
Quiz: Indoor Environmental Quality
1) Which of the following is not regulated for volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
by LEED?
a) Interior walls
b) Exterior walls
c) Ceilings
d) Flooring
e) Furniture
2) What credits require non-regularly occupied space to be defined? (Choose 2)

a) Daylight
b) Thermal Comfort
c) Quality Views
d) Optimize Energy Performance
3) The Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning National Contractors Association

provides guidelines for which of the following?
a) Refrigerant management
b) Building envelope energy efficiency
c) Indoor air quality
d) Recycled content
e) Thermal comfort
4) Which factors determine thermal comfort? (Choose 2)

a) Temperature
b) Daylight
c) Humidity
d) Views
e) Proximity to vent
5) What does the ANSI Standard S12.60–2010 standard address?

a) Acoustics
b) Energy efficiency
c) Volatile organic compounds
d) Thermal comfort
Answers:
1) B. Only compounds inside the building are considered for Low Emitting Materials
because VOCs cause poor indoor environmental quality. Outdoors, there is enough air
to disperse the VOCs.
2) A and C.
Both Daylight and Views must meet certain percentage requirements for regularly
occupied spaces. Therefore, the project team must define regularly and non-regularly
occupied spaces.
3) C
The Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning National Contractors Association’s (SMACNA)
rules apply to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in adhesives, sealants, finishes,
coatings, stains, sealers, etc. VOCs negatively affect indoor air quality.
4) A and C
Temperature and humidity are the two main factors affecting thermal comfort.
5) A.
ANSI Standard S12.60–2010 addresses acoustics and is referenced in the Acoustic
Performance credit.
Innovation
Innovation is a “bonus” credit category. It does not have prerequisites, only credits,
available for a total of six points.
The points are not included in the “base points”, but rather additional “bonus” points that
the project team can opt to achieve.
According to USGBC, Innovation credits “address sustainable building expertise as well

as design measures not covered under the LEED credit categories”.
It awards points for using innovative design measures, exemplary performance (going
above and beyond the credit requirements) and by having a LEED AP as a principal
project participant.
Take note of the requirements in this credit category, as they may appear on the exam.
They include:

Construction)
Innovation Possible 5 points New Construction, Schools, Core
LEED Accredited Possible 1 point New Construction, Schools, Core

Professional & Shell, Retail, Healthcare, Data
IN Credit: Innovation
Intent: Opportunity to achieve exceptional performance and/or innovative performance
Requirements:
Innovation (1 point per strategy, up to 3 points)

Use a strategy not addressed in the rating system to achieve significant, measurable
environmental performance
• Intent of proposed credit

• Proposed requirements and submittals for compliance
• Design approach used to meet the requirements
Pilot (1 point per credit, up to 3 points)
Achieve one pilot credit from USGBC’s LEED Pilot Credit
Library
LEED Pilot Credit: a credit that has not yet been balloted and
introduced to LEED, but can be attempted for one point in
Innovation in Design. LEED project teams give feedback on
the credits so that they can be adjusted before the ballot or
thrown out.
Exemplary Performance (1-2 points)

Achieve double the credit requirements or the next
incremental credit threshold
This building’s
Credits with Exemplary Performance points available:
innovative, energy-
saving facade is an
Note: Bolded information refers to the exemplary
example of a strategy
performance thresholds that you should memorize. These
that could contribute to
are listed with each respective credit in the guide. Just be
Innovation.
familiar with the rest.
Credit Category Credit Exemplary Performance

Threshold
Location & Transportation High Priority Site Pursue Priority Designation

or Brownfield Remediation
in addition to Historic District
Access to Quality Transit Double the transit service
Reduced Parking Footprint 60-80% parking reduction

from the base ratio
Sustainable Sites Site Development, Protect Double the restoration

or Restore Habitat requirement (60%), or
double the financial
requirement ($.80 per
square foot)
Rainwater Management Manage 100% of rainwater

Threshold
Heat Island Reduction Achieve Nonroof and Roof

AND Parking Under Cover,
plus 100% of parking under
cover.
Places of Respite Both 10% of program area

as place of respite for
patients/visitors AND 4%
program area for staff
Water Efficiency Indoor Water Use Reduction Achieve 55% water use
reduction.
Energy and Atmosphere Renewable Energy Renewable energy must

Production account for 15% of total
energy (10% C&S)
Materials and Resources Building Life Cycle Impact Reuse 95% of the building
Reduction
Building Product Disclosure Source at least 40 qualifying

and Optimization - products from 5
Environmental Product manufacturers OR purchase
Declarations 75% (by cost) of qualifying
installed building products

and Optimization - Sourcing products from 5
of Raw Materials manufacturers OR purchase
75% (by cost) of qualifying
Threshold

and Optimization - Material products from 5
Ingredients manufacturers OR purchase
75% (by cost) of qualifying
Furniture and Medical Use 50% (by cost) qualifying

Furnishings furniture and medical
furnishings
Construction and Demolition Achieve both Diversion

Waste Management (Option 1) & Reduction of
Total Waste (Option 2)
Indoor Environmental Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Achieve both Enhanced IAQ
Quality Strategies Strategies (Option 1) &
Additional Enhanced IAQ
Strategies (Option 2)
Low-Emitting Materials Reach 100% of products
Quality Views Meet requirements for 90%

of regularly occupied area
IN Credit: LEED Accredited Professional

Intent: To support & encourage design integration required by LEED to streamline
the application and certification process
Requirements:
At least 1 principal participant of the project team shall be a LEED AP with Specialty
appropriate for the project. Legacy LEED APs (LEED APs without specialty) are no
longer eligible for the Innovation point.
Note: 1 point for 1+ LEED AP with Specialty on the project. No additional points for
incremental increases in additional LEED APs.
Regional Priority
Like Innovation in Design, Regional Priority is another “bonus” credit category with no
prerequisites, only credits. According to USGBC, its purpose is to “address regional
environmental priorities for buildings in different geographic regions”.
There is only one credit in this category, Regional Priority, which you should know for
the exam. The credit is worth up to 4 “bonus” points.
RP Credit 1: Regional Priority

Intent: Provide incentive for achievement of credits that address geographically-specific
environmental, social equity, and public health priorities
Requirements:
Earn up to 4 out of the 6 Regional Priority credits identified by the USGBC chapter for
each region. (Worth 1 point each)
Quiz: Innovation and Regional Priority
1) How many points can a project earn for having a LEED Green Associate as a
principal participant in the design process?
a) 0
b) 1
c) 2
d) 3
e) 4
2) Which of the following is required when submitting an Innovation credit?

(Choose 3)
a) Intent of proposed credit

b) Credit Interpretation Request (CIR)
c) Proposed submittals for the credit
d) Design approach to achieve the proposed credit
e) Drawings and photographs of the implemented credit
3) Which of the following are examples of how to achieve Innovation credits?

(Choose 2)
a) Achieving all credits in one category

b) Using only ENERGY STAR and WaterSense labeled products
c) Using 95% wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council
d) Using a strategy not addressed in the rating system to achieve environmental
benefits
e) Having a LEED Green Associate as a principal project participant
4) Which of the following credits is not eligible for Exemplary Performance?

a) Optimize Energy Performance
b) Daylight and Views
c) Minimum Energy Performance
d) Green Power
e) On-Site Renewable Energy
5) Out of the six available credits in the Regional Priority Category, maximum how
many points can a project earn?
a) 6
b) 5
c) 4
d) 3
e) 1
Answer Key:
1) A. Zero. A LEED project can earn one Innovation in Design point for having a LEED
AP (or multiple LEED APs) as a principal project participant. Projects do not earn points
for having LEED Green Associates work on the project.
2) A, C, and D. When submitting an Innovation in Design credit, the intent of the

proposed credit, proposed submittals for the credit, and design approach to achieve the
proposed credit are required.
3) C and D. Using 95% FSC-certified wood would earn an Innovation in Design point for
exemplary performance. Alternatively, using a strategy not addressed in the
rating system to achieve environmental benefits could achieve a point for Innovation in
Design.
4) C. Minimum Energy Performance is a prerequisite and is not eligible for Exemplary

Performance.
5) C. Out of the six available credits in Regional Priority projects can earn up to 4 points.
Definitions
This is a list of green building and LEED terms that may appear on the exam. Be
familiar with all of terms and how they relate to green building and/or LEED.
• Albedo/Reflectance: Ability of a surface to reflect sunlight on a scale of 0 to 1, with

0 being the least reflective and 1 being the most reflective.
• Baseline: the amount of energy or water the building would consume if it used
conventional materials and design.
• Basis of Design (BOD): The information necessary to accomplish the owner’s

project requirements, including system descriptions, indoor environmental quality
criteria, design assumptions, references to applicable codes, standards, regulations
and guidelines.
• Biobased Material: Commercial or industrial products (other than food or feed) that
are composed in whole, or significant part, of biological products, renewable
agricultural materials (including plant, animal and marine materials), or forestry
materials. For the purposes of LEED, this excludes leather and other animal hides.
• Biodiversity: the variety of life in all forms from the ecosystem level to the genetic
level.
• Bioremediation: the use of living organisms to remove pollutants from water.
• Blackwater: Wastewater from toilets and urinals.
• Brownfield: A brownfield is a property that is previously developed and that may

have hazardous substances, pollutants or contaminants associated with it.
• BUG Rating: A luminaire classification system that classifies luminaires (light

fixtures) in terms of (B) backlight, (U) uplight, (G) glare. This approach comes from
the IES/IDA Model Lighting Ordinance. The BUG Rating is new in LEED v4 and
supercedes former “cutoff ratings” in LEED 2009.
• Chain of Custody (COC) Certificate: companies earn the right to market and sell
products as being FSC Certified and to affiliate themselves with the Forest
Stewardship Council.
• Co-generation: Also known as combined heat and power. It is the production of

heat and electricity from a single fuel source. Electricity generation produces heat,
which is captured and converted into useful thermal energy (steam or hot water).
• Combined Heat and Power (CHP): CHP is an integrated system that captures the
heat, otherwise wasted, that is generated by a single fuel source in the production of
electrical power. Also known as cogeneration.
• Commissioning: the process of verifying that energy systems are installed,
calibrated and performing according to the owner’s project requirements, basis of
design and construction documents.
• Commissioning Authority (CxA): Designated individual who reviews owner’s

project requirements (OPR) and basis of design (BOD), develops commissioning
plan, verifies installation/performance of energy systems, and completes a
commissioning report.
• Construction Carbon Calculator: measures the embodied carbon of the

construction process.
• Cradle to Cradle: A process for managing materials that emphasizes recycling and
reuse at the end of a product or material’s life, rather than disposal. Products that
are Cradle to Cradle (C2C) certified may qualify for contributing to MR credits in
LEED v4.
• Cradle to Gate: An analysis of a product’s partial life cycle, from resource extraction
(cradle) to the factory (gate) before it has been transported for distribution and sale.
This omits the use and disposal phases of the product.
• A Credit Interpretation Request (CIR) allows project teams to get technical or

administrative guidance from the Technical Advisory Group (TAG), a group of
industry experts, on one credit.
• Densely Occupied Space: A densely occupied space has a design occupant

density of 25 people or more per 1,000 square feet (93 square meters), or 40
square feet or less, per person.
• Emissivity: The ratio of radiation emitted by a surface to the radiation emitted by a

blackbody at the same temperature. It is measured on a scale of 0 to 1, with 0
being the most reflective and 1 being the blackbody (least reflective).
• Emittance: Ability of a surface to shed thermal radiation on a scale of 0 to 1, with 0

emitting the least and 1 being a perfect emitter.
• ENERGY STAR: a program developed and administered by the Environmental

Protection Agency and Department of Energy. The label shows that a building uses
less energy, are less expensive to operate, and emit fewer greenhouse gases than
its peers.
• Eutrophication: The ecosystem’s response to excess nitrates or phosphates from

fertilizers or sewage.
• Evapotranspiration: Loss of water by evaporation of soil and transpiration from

plants.
• Exemplary Performance (EP): In Innovation in Design, projects can earn extra

points for achieving more than (usually almost double) the credit requirements.
• Floor Area Ratio: the ratio of the total floor area of the building to the lot size of the
site. The higher the floor area ratio, the higher the development density.
• Full Time Equivalent (FTE): calculations used in LEED to estimate the number of
full-time employees, part-time employees, residents and transient visitors (optional
to include) in the building on an average day. Part-time employees count as 1/2 a
full time employee.
• Graywater: Untreated wastewater that has not come in contact with toilet waste.
Includes used water from bathtubs, showers, bathroom sinks, and laundry
machines. Does NOT include water from kitchen sinks or dishwashers. Governed
by the Uniform Plumbing Code.
• Green Guard: Standard for low emitting (low VOC) furniture.
• Green Homes Certification Providers manage and audit the work of the Green
Raters.
• Green Rater: provides verification for LEED for Homes projects.
• Green-e Certified: Off-site renewable energy that is certified and verified by the
Center for Resource Solutions.
• Hard cost: Purchase price of a hard asset that is a direct construction cost.
Examples: land, equipment, building materials.
• Heat island: The difference in thermal gradient between developed and

undeveloped areas.
• Heat island effect: Absorption of heat by hardscapes such as dark, non-reflective

pavement and buildings, and its radiation to surrounding areas.
• Infill Site: A site where at least 75% of the land area, exclusive of rights of way,
within 1/2 mile of the project boundary is previously developed.
• Integrated Project Delivery: Involving all participants in the design and

construction process as early as possible with an integrated and collaborative
design and construction process
• LEED Interpretations: the USGBC’s rulings on formal inquiries (Credit

Interpretation Requests, or CIRs) submitted by LEED project teams.
• LEED Online contains credit templates. It allows teams to upload documentation

(photos, site plan, floor plan, site rendering, project description), submit Credit
Interpretation Requests, contact customer service, and respond to reviewer
comments.
• LEED Pilot Credit: a credit that has not yet been balloted and introduced to LEED,
but can be attempted for one point in Innovation in Design. LEED project teams
give feedback on the credits so that they can be adjusted before the ballot or thrown
out.
• LEED Project Boundary: Site area affected by the construction, including parking
and open space.
• LEED Online contains the LEED Scorecard, which lists each credit that the project
is attempting. It helps teams to keep track of their LEED certification plan.
• Leq: is the preferred method to describe sound levels that vary over time, resulting
in a single decibel value which takes into account the total sound energy over the
period of time of interest.
• Life Cycle Assessment: A life cycle assessment is an evaluation of the impacts a

product, process or service has on the environment over its lifetime; this process is
defined by ISO 14040-2006 and ISO 14044-2006.
• Light Pollution: Light pollution is wasted light that produces glare or is directed up
toward the sky or away from the building.
• Light Rail: Transit service using 2-3 car trains that is separated from other traffic
and separated by transit stations that are approximately 1/2 mile apart, or more.
• Non-potable water: Water that does not meet drinking standards
• Non-process (Regulated) Energy: Lighting, HVAC, service water heating, chillers,

boilers, etc.
• Non-regularly occupied spaces: Includes corridors, hallways, lobbies, break

rooms, copy rooms, storage rooms, kitchens, restrooms, and stairwells. These may
be excluded from calculations for glazing factor in Daylight & Views.
• Open Grid Paving System: A grid of structurally sound materials or webbing that
can support loose, typically pervious, substrates including grass or gravel.
• Open Space: Open space is defined as the project’s property area minus the
development footprint.
• Place of Respite: An area that connects building occupants to the natural

environment.
• Plug Loads: Also known as receptacle loads, it is the current drawn by any
electrical equipment that is connected via a wall outlet.
• Pre-consumer Recycled Content: Material diverted from the waste stream during
the manufacturing process. Reutilization of materials (i.e. rework, regrind or scrap
generated in a process and capable of being reclaimed within the same process
that generated it) is excluded. (manufacturer waste, never owned by a consumer).
Examples: shavings, sawdust, walnut shells, fly ash, over-issue publications,
textile clippings, obsolete inventories.
• Prius Effect: The act of responding to data or real time feedback regarding energy
and/or fuel consumption in a manner that further decreases consumption of said
fuel or energy.
• Post-consumer Recycled Content: Waste material generated by households or

by commercial, industrial and institutional facilities in their role as end-users of the
product, which can no longer be used for its intended purpose. (consumer waste).
Examples: newspapers, construction and demolition debris, plastic bottles, soup
cans, steel.
• Potable Water: Meets or exceeds the EPA’s standards for drinking water quality
and is approved for human consumption for state or local authorities. It may be
supplied from wells or municipal plumbing systems.
• Process Energy: Power resources consumed in support of a manufacturing,

industrial or commercial process. Process energy is considered by LEED to include
office equipment, computers, laundry washing and drying, kitchen cooking and
refrigeration. Non-process (regulated) energy includes lighting, HVAC, service
water heating, chillers, boilers, etc.
• Process Water: Used for industrial processes and building systems, such as
boilers, cooling towers, clothes washers, chillers, etc.
• Project Boundary: The building’s development footprint.
• Property Boundary: The project’s property line from the tax map.
• PUE: Power Utilization Effectiveness is a measure used by data centers to evaluate

the efficiency of the use of electricity or energy. Specifically how much power is
being used by computing equipment, such as servers, rather than for overhead
related to the building, such as cooling/AC.
• Rapidly Renewable: Building materials made from plants that are typically
harvested in a 10 year or shorter life cycle.
• Regularly occupied spaces: Areas where workers are seated or standing as they
work inside a building.
• Each rating system has its own Reference Guide with intent, requirements, and
strategies for each prerequisite and credit.
• Rideshare: A passenger car based transit service for at least 4 people, or human
powered conveyance (e.g.. rickshaw) for at least 2 people, and must include
enclosed passenger seating area, fixed route service, fixed fare structure, regular
operation, and the ability to pick up multiple riders.
• Soft cost: Expense that is not considered a direct construction cost. Examples:
engineering fees, architect fees, legal fees.
• Solar Reflectance Index (SRI): Ability of a surface to reject solar heat, on a scale
of 0 to 100 (the higher, the better it is at rejecting solar heat). Combination of
reflectance and emittance.
• Tertiary Treatment: the highest form of water treatment, and removes phosphorus
and nitrogen from wastewater.
• Total Suspended Solids (TSS): Total suspended solids, which are particles that
are too buoyant to settle out of water by gravity, is a measurement of stormwater
quality.
• VOC Budget: the measurement of the total VOC concentration in the building’s
indoor air. A VOC budget is allowed for Low Emitting Materials - Paints and
Coatings and Adhesives and Sealants.
• Xeriscaping: a landscaping method that makes routine irrigation unnecessary. It

uses drought-adaptable and low-water plants as well as soil amendments such as
compost and mulches to reduce evaporation.
Acronym Glossary
This is a list of acronyms commonly used in the green building industry or in LEED.
This glossary will help you to use this guide and to understand the lingo used in some of
the questions on the exam.
• ACEEE: American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy
• ASHRAE: American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning

Engineers
• BD+C: Building Design + Construction
• BMP: Best Management Practice
• BUG Method: An approach using the BUG (Backlight Uplight Glare) rating for
luminaires. This approach supercedes the former lighting cutoff ratings used in
LEED 2009. This method comes from the IES/IDA Model Lighting Ordinance.
• CFC: Chlorofluorocarbon
• CIR: Credit Interpretation Request
• CxA: Commissioning Authority
• EA: Earth and Atmosphere
• EBOM: Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance
• EP: Exemplary Performance
• EPA: Environmental Protection Agency
• FEMA: Federal Emergency Management Agency
• FSC: Forest Stewardship Council
• FTE: Full Time Equivalent
• GBCI: The Green Building Certification Institute
• GWP: Global Warming Potential
• HCFC: Hydrochlorofluorocarbon
• HFC: Hydrofluorocarbon
• HVAC: Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
• ID+C: Interior Design + Construction
• IEQ: Indoor Environmental Quality
• IPD: Integrated Project Delivery
• LCGWP: Life cycle global warming potential
• LCODP: Life cycle ozone depletion potential
• LEED: Leadership for Energy and Environmental Design
• LEFE: Low Emitting and Fuel Efficient Vehicle
• MR: Materials and Resources
• ODP: Ozone Depleting Potential
• RECs: Renewable Energy Certificates
• SCAQMD: South Coast Air Quality Management District
• SRI: Solar Reflectance Index
• SS: Sustainable Sites
• TARP: Technology Acceptance Reciprocity Partnership
• TRCs: Tradable Renewable Certificates
• TSS: Total Suspended Solids
• USDA: US Department of Agriculture
• USGBC: United States Green Building Council
• VOC: Volatile Organic Compound
• WE: Water Efficiency
• ZEV: Zero Emissions Vehicle
Photo Credits
Page 8: suttonhoo via Flickr
Page 24: Oregon DOT via Flickr
Page 28: jojo nicdao via Flickr
Page 29: belboo via Flickr
Page 31: Benimoto via Flickr
Page 37: Joe Schlabotnik via Flickr
Page 30: Sustainable Sanitation via Flickr
Page 40:: kumaravel via Flickr
Page 40: janie.hernandez55 via Flickr
Page 55: Credit: kateausburn via Flickr
Page 58: jeeheon via Flickr
Page 60: Preservation Resource Center, Advocacy Department, via Flickr
Page 67: Rosenfeld Media via Flickr
Page 71: William Brawley via Flickr
Page 72: joe.oconnell via Flickr
Page 75: Tappe Libraries via Flickr
Page 78: Y via Flickr
Page 83: OestePURPURA via Flickr
100 Question LEED Green Associate Practice Test
1) Which of the following is a preferred site for a LEED building?
o. A pristine site overlooking a marsh

p. A brownfield with solvent contamination
q. An organic farm
r. Habitat for an endangered species
2) A project team is interested in pursuing LEED Platinum Certification for a major

renovation. Which of the following is true?
a. There is an additional fee for Gold and Platinum Level certification

b. There is no registration or certification fee for Platinum Certified buildings
c. The project team must achieve 70 points or more to achieve LEED Platinum
certification
d. LEED Platinum certification requires achieving 80 points or more
3) Which of the following credit categories would potentially add the highest first costs in
a New Building, but also with the quickest payback?
a. Sustainable Sites
b. Water Efficiency
c. Energy and Atmosphere
d. Regional Priority
4) What certification requires a Chain of Custody (COC) number?
a. GreenGuard
b. FSC
c. Green Spec
d. Green-e
5) Which of the following is not a biobased material?
a. Plant material
b. Leather
c. Animal based material
101! © 2014 Green Buildings Online Inc. All Rights Reserved

d. Marine material
6) What standard would a wet applied liquid adhesive need to meet to be eligible for EQ
Low Emitting Materials credit?
a. Green Seal 36
b. Green Guard
c. Green-e
d. South Coast Air Quality Management District
7) The minimum program requirements for LEED certification serve what purpose?
(choose three)
a. To give clear guidance to customers

b. To protect the integrity of the LEED program
c. To reduce challenges that occur during the LEED certification process
d. To assign your project a unique project ID number
8) A reasonable LEED boundary:
a. Is determined by the project team using the LEED Project Checklist

b. Can be shared by two buildings as long as both are LEED certified
c. Must include a permanent building or space
d. Can include adjacent land for open space credit
9) Which of the following are considered soft costs? (choose two)
a. Project drawings
b. Concrete stain
c. GreenGuard Certified furniture
d. Interest payments
10) Which statement is false about minimum program requirements?
a. Must comply with project size requirements

b. Must use reasonable LEED boundaries
c. Must be in a permanent location on existing land
d. Must have a gross floor area of at least 50% of gross land area within LEED
boundary

11) A USGBC logo may be used to indicate: (choose two)
a. That a product meets LEED requirements

b. That a business is a USGBC member
c. That a building is LEED certified
d. That a building is anticipating LEED certification
12) How is density calculated for Surrounding Density and Diverse Uses credit
calculated? (Choose 3)
a. Separate residential density in (dwelling units/acre)

b. Separate Non-residential density in FAR (Floor Area Ratio)
c. Combined density (buildings/acre)
d. Combined density: square footage/acre
13) Who can upload supporting documentation onto LEED Online?
a. The LEED AP and the project Owner

b. The Project Team Administrator
c. The Project Team Member assigned to a given credit
d. The Project Team Administrator and the Project Team Member assigned to a
given credit
14) When local zoning does not define open space, how is it measured?
a. Area within the property boundary minus the development footprint

b. Total area within the property boundary
c. Total area planted with turfgrass
d. Total green roof area in a rural setting
15) Which of the following is true about exemplary performance credits (choose two)?
a. A project could show exemplary performance on each credit

b. Exemplary performance gives a project special certification consideration
c. Exemplary performance is considered meeting the next threshold in percentage
for existing LEED credits measured using percentages
d. Exemplary performance falls under the Innovation credit category

16) Which credit does not have the potential for exemplary performance?
a. Optimize Energy Performance

b. Heat Island Reduction
c. Access to Quality Transit
d. Light Pollution Reduction
17) Which one of the following is not an intent of the Location and Transportation
category?
a. Encourage compact development

b. Promote alternative transportation
c. Encourage development in new areas
d. Connect with existing amenities
18) Building Life-Cycle Impact Reduction - Building and Materials Reuse is calculated
by...
a. Weight
b. Cost
c. Volume
d. Surface Area
19) Which are the best ways to reduce potable water in irrigation (choose three)?
a. Reduce lawn (turfgrass)

b. Use irrigation wells
c. Plant or protect native or adapted plants
d. Install drip irrigation
20) What materials are required to be collected under MR Storage and Collection of
Recyclables?
a. Drywall
b. Clean Wood Waste
c. Plastic Bottles
d. Electronic Waste

21) What is true about RECs?
a. RECs directly reduce carbon dioxide in earth’s atmosphere

b. A project producing on-site renewable energy can sell RECs
c. RECs can be purchased through GBCI
d. Must be third party verified by GBCI
22) Which standard is used to set a baseline for energy performance in LEED v4?
a. ASHRAE 62.1-2007
b. ASHRAE 90.1-2004
c. Energy Policy Act of 1992
d. ASHRAE 90.1-2010
23) Which credit references the SMACNA guidelines?
a. Environmental Tobacco Smoke Control

b. Construction and Demolition Waste Management
c. Construction IAQ Management Plan
d. Storage and Collection of Recyclables
24) Planning for optimum daylighting can help in achieving which other credit?
a. Thermal Comfort
b. Acoustic Performance
c. Green Power and Carbon Offsets
d. Optimize Energy Performance
25) When a project is registered with GBCI, it is provided with the following (choose
two):
a. A GBCI representative contact with direct line

b. Listing on the GBCI website as a project registered for LEED
c. Access to LEED Online
d. A temporary plaque for the project until documentation is completed

26) When is it appropriate to use the language LEED certified?
a. When a project is designed for LEED Certification

b. When a project is awarded a LEED Rating: Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum
c. When a professional earns the LEED Green Associate credential
d. When the project’s complete LEED Submittal is under review by GBCI
27) Which of the following would be considered a candidate for Innovation (choose
two)?
a. Providing employee access to public transportation

b. Employee wellness program
c. Food waste composting
d. Using only no added urea-formaldehyde composite wood in the entire project
28) What international treaty was developed to protect the ozone layer by minimizing or
eliminating destructive activities?
a. Clean Air Act

b. Kyoto Protocol
c. Montreal Protocol
d. ISO 14001
29) Which of the following is required for LEED certification (choose two)?
a. A LEED AP
b. USGBC Membership
c. Reduction in water use by 20%
d. Elimination of CFC refrigerants
30)ASHRAE 55 is a reference standard for which of the following credits?
a. Interior Lighting
b. Quality ViewsThermal Comfort
c. Optimize Energy Performance
d. Renewable Energy Production
e. Fundamental Commissioning

31) For which credit might it be necessary and appropriate to use a default energy use/
square foot from the CBECS survey?
a. Optimize Energy Performance

b. Renewable Energy Production
c. Fundamental Commissioning
d. Interior Lighting
32) Which of the following is not true about an energy model?
a. It compares a building’s projected energy use to a given baseline

b. It is based on ASHRAE 62.1-2007
c. It allows for the addition/subtraction of energy efficiency features
d. It is best to introduce energy modeling in design development
33) Renewable Energy Production includes all but... (choose two):
a. Geothermal heat pumps on site

b. Steam from biomass on site
c. Wind turbine on site
d. Renewable energy credits
34) What type of water is included in the definition of graywater by the Uniform
Plumbing Code (choose two)?
a. Bath water
b. Kitchen sink water
c. Bathroom sink water
d. Dishwasher water
35) When should the GBCI LEED Certification fee be paid?
a. At the time of registration

b. At Project Team Administrator’s plaque acceptance
c. At the time the Project Team Administrator submits the construction submittal for
GBCI review
d. After the GBCI review, before comments can be viewed

36) Which credit relies on local/municipal zoning requirements to determine the
compliance option? (choose two)
a. Open Space
b. Site Development - Protect or Restore Habitat
c. Reduced Parking Footprint
d. Light Pollution Reduction
37) Which of the following is true about Green-e certification?
a. It verifies that products and materials are produced using fair trade principles
b. It indicates that the product is free of volatile organic compounds
c. It represents that energy is renewable and does not include large hydropower
d. It is a sister organization to the US Green Building Council
38) Interior paints and coatings applied on site must comply with what referenced
standard to be eligible for Low-Emitting Materials
a. South Coast Air Quality Management District Rule # 1113

b. CRI Green Label Plus
c. Green-e
d. General Emissions Evaluation
39) What is an example of a material which should be labeled free of added urea-
formaldehyde?
a. Purple plumbing adhesive on PVC pipes

b. Particleboard in furniture
c. Solid wood flooring
d. Steel door frames
40) A project has boulders on site that were uncovered during construction. They were
incorporated into landscape design and used for a decorative partition. What credit(s)
are the boulders eligible for?
a. Storage and Collection of Recyclables

b. Materials Reuse
c. Construction and Demolition Waste Management
d. Both Materials Reuse and Construction and DemolitionWaste Management

41) Which material(s) below could be referred to as pre-consumer recycled content?
(choose two)
a. Post industrial plastic in office chairs

b. Scrap generated by the manufacturing of tiles reworked into production
c. Beer bottles from a local nightclub melted into a glass countertop
d. Sawdust used in composite wood millwork
42) Which of the following is not true about the US Green Building Council:
a. It is member driven
b. It is a for profit organization
c. It is committee based
d. It is consensus focused
43) Which category is mostly focused on construction activities and input?
b. Water Efficiency
c. Energy and Atmosphere
d. Materials and Resources
44) Which of the following is true about LEED? (choose two)
a. It is the only rating system for green buildings

b. The credits are weighted for their impact on global warming
c. LEED only certifies new commercial buildings but the principles can be applied to
any type of construction
d. The LEED Rating System has been adopted internationally
45) Which activity is not included in the five SMACNA guidelines?
a. Use sweeping compound or wet mop to reduce dust

b. Keep liquid solvents and paints covered at all times as possible
c. Wear hard hats and protective eyewear
d. Schedule construction to minimize interruption to building occupants

46) How many base points are in the LEED v4 Rating System?
a. 69 points
b. 100 points, plus bonus points*
c. 110 points, plus bonus points
d. 100 points, including bonus points
47) What does the Location Value Factor refer to?
a. Value of the property on which the project is located

b. Products which are extracted, harvested and processed within 100 miles of the
site
c. Buildings Salvage Value
d. Total Lifecycle value
48) To be eligible for IN LEED Accredited Professional, which individual can be

considered?
a. The LEED Manager/LEED Administrator

b. The Plumbing Subcontractor
c. The Building Owner
d. All of the above
49) Which one of the following is not true regarding the LEED for Neighborhood
Development Credit?
a. Building can be located in a LEED Certified Project - Neighborhood Development

b. Building can be located in a LEED Certified Plan - Neighborhood Development
c. Building achieving this credit can also attempt the surrounding density and
diverse uses credit
d. Points vary depending upon the certification level of the Neighborhood
Development Project
50) What strategies should be considered as an approach to Wastewater Management

(choose two)?
a. Xeriscaping, water efficient landscaping

b. Composting Toilets
c. On site wastewater treatment
d. Divert wastewater to the storm drain

51) There are two levels of requirements (a Prerequisite and a Credit) in what area?
(Choose two)
a. WE: Indoor Water Use Reduction

b. MR: Storage & Collection of Recyclables
c. EQ: Controllability of System
d. EA: Building Systems Commissioning
52) What part of concrete is replaced with fly ash?
a. Gravel
b. Lime
c. Cement
d. Water
53) An economizer cycle in a HVAC system would likely contribute to which credit?
a. EQ Thermal Comfort
b. EQ Daylighting
c. EA Fundamental Refrigerant Management
d. EA Optimize Energy Performance
54) Which material should not be considered when determining the total VOC content
for the project?
a. Vinyl Flooring
b. Subfloor adhesive
c. Exterior rust paint
d. Recycled carpet
55) Establishing a baseline case is necessary to demonstrate compliance with the

requirements of which three credits? (Choose three)
a. WE Outdoor Water Use Reduction

b. EQ, Thermal Comfort
c. EA, Optimize Energy Performance
d. WE, Indoor Water Use Reduction

56) Which refrigerant is most damaging to the ozone layer?
a. HFCs
b. CFCs
c. HCFCs
d. Halon
57) Which of the following would qualify as a High Priority Site?
a. Prime Farmland
b. Project in a historic district
c. Wetland
d. Parkland
58) After a project is registered, the LEED Administrator configures a project by...
(choose three):
a. Inviting each team member to LEED Online

b. Assigning each team member a role on LEED Online
c. Uploading a copy of the preliminary project checklist
d. Officially attempt all credits on LEED Online that the project team marked as
“yes”
59) Which of the following is false about the LEED Scorecard?
a. It is referred to as a Project Checklist

b. It is available on the USGBC website and LEED online
c. A copy of the LEED Scorecard should be turned in with the LEED Submittal
d. It should be updated throughout design and construction phases of the project
60) Which of the following is not true regarding the Bicycle Facilities Credit?
a. Encourages physical activity

b. Requires a bicycle network connecting diverse uses or a bus / rail station
c. Requires short term bicycle storage for at least 15% of the visitors
d. Requires at least one shower with changing facility for the first 100 users

61) In what section of the Reference Guide will one find information about the regional
differences with a particular credit?
a. Requirement
b. Submittals
c. International Tips
d. Regional Priority
62) Which of the following activities shows a direct environmental improvement?
a. Purchasing Renewable Energy Credits (RECs)

b. Sourcing recycled content materials
c. Reducing stormwater runoff
d. Measuring energy use in the building
63) What is included in calculating landscape area?
a. Building footprint
b. Paved surfaces
c. Water bodies
d. Undeveloped area
64) Which value should be increased for LEED potential of glass?
a. U-value
b. Visual transmittance
c. Solar Heat Gain Coefficient
d. Emissivity
65) A parking lot with 50% or more pervious pavers may contribute to which of the
following credits depending on the soil type (choose two)?
a. SS Heat Island Reduction

b. SS Rainwater Management
c. SS Reduced Parking Footprint
d. SS Site Development - Protect or Restore Habitat

66) What is the best method of comparing the efficiency of HVAC systems?
a. SEER
b. EER
c. Kw/ton
d. COP
67) WE Outdoor Water Use Reduction requires a calculation with which method?
a. Water Sense Water Budget Tool

b. Water Sense Label
c. Landscape Calculator
d. Local Rainfall amount
68) Which of the following strategies can help achieve the Reduced Parking Footprint
Credit? (Choose 3)
a. Choosing a site with access to public transport

b. Providing Carpooling
c. Scheduling compressed work-week for the employees
d. Providing green vehicle charging points
69) To use the LEED New Construction Rating System, a project owner or tenant must
occupy at least ___ % of a building?
a. 40%
b. 75%
c. 50%
d. An owner or tenant must occupy 100% of a building
70) A building has large open offices, which combination of whole building strategies is
the best for achieving daylighting percentage (choose three)?
a. Glare control devices, such as blinds

b. Maximize floor plate
c. Increased daylight glazing
d. Increased vision glazing

71) What are the options with submitting a LEED project for GBCI review? (Choose 2)
a. Project team administrator can submit one credit at a time as the documentation
is complete
b. Project team administrator can submit the design documentation, then the
construction documentation
c. Project team administrator can submit the entire project: design and construction,
at the same time
d. Before submitting, it is recommended that the project team administrator contact
the project’s GBCI contact to verify compliance with the attempted credits
72) What are the benefits of a green roof (choose 2)?
a. Reduces fossil fuel dependency by producing clean power on-site

b. Indicates that a building is designed per LEED standards
c. Assists with Rainwater Management
d. Reduces the heat island effect
73) What is the definition of non-regularly occupied space (choose two)?
a. Conference room
b. Kitchen
c. Lobbies
d. Open office area
74) What credits require non-regularly occupied space to be defined? (Choose 2)
a. EQ Daylight
b. EQ Thermal Comfort
c. EQ Quality Views
d. EQ Optimize Energy Performance
75) To reduce the energy demand of a building, which of the following are possible
strategies (choose three)?
a. Shade outdoor condensers

b. Increase the U value of the windows
c. Specify a high SRI roofing material

d. Use daylight sensors
76) For EQ Thermal Comfort, which of the following is true:
a. Operable windows may be used as a thermal comfort control

b. One thermostat must be provided per building floor
c. Occupants must complete an anonymous survey regarding thermal comfort
satisfaction
d. Only applies to mechanically ventilated spaces
77) Why is a LEED AP helpful on a project (choose two)?
a. To streamline the application/certification process

b. To regularly communicate with the USGBC
c. To encourage project team integration
d. To bridge the gap between design and construction
78) What is different about LEED/green building as compared with conventional

building?
a. Greater construction costs

b. An integrated design process
c. Must go through a detailed documentation and certification
d. Construction equipment must be low emitting or use biofuels
79) Which credit would be applicable to a copy room with a dedicated exhaust, self
closing door, and deck to deck partitions?
a. EQ Low Emitting Materials

b. EQ Minimum Acoustic Performance
c. EQ Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies
d. EQ Thermal Comfort
80) Which is true about the environmental impact of buildings?
a. Buildings built today have a greater environmental impact than those built 20
years ago
b. Buildings consume more than 30% of total energy in US

c. Students in daylit schools are typically more distracted than those in conventional
schools
d. LEED Certified Buildings have a net positive environmental impact
81) For which project type is it necessary and appropriate to use default occupancy
counts?
a. New Construction, Schools

b. Core and Shell
c. Owner occupied major renovation
d. Commercial Interiors, Retail
82) Heat islands effects can be mitigated by... (choose two)
a. Reducing the amount of glazing relative to floor area

b. Replacing asphalt with gravel
c. Planting quick growing trees to shade parking areas
d. Encouraging bicycle use by occupants
83) What factors are considered in determining lifecycle cost (choose three)?
a. First costs (less resale investment)

b. LEED documentation cost
c. Maintenance and repair cost
d. Operational and replacement cost
84) What is appropriate activity to schedule at the beginning of a LEED project (choose
two)?
a. Calculate the time required to perform a building flush-out

b. Record the Owner’s Project Requirements
c. Select a commissioning agent
d. Draft a construction waste management plan
85) If wood paneling was installed on the interior walls in an existing building which was
undergoing a major renovation, and that wood paneling was removed and re-installed
as flooring in the entryway, which credit would this material be eligible to contribute to?
(Choose 2)

a. Building Product Disclosure and Optimization—Sourcing of Raw Materials
b. Construction and Demolition Waste Management Planning
c. Building Product Disclosure and Optimization—Environmental Product
Declarations.
d. Design for Flexibility
86) Which of the following strategies can help in reducing the peak demand of
electricity? (Choose 3)
a. Turning off decorative features

b. Rescheduling housekeeping activities from peak demand time
c. Increasing cooling set-points for a given period
d. Installing energy meters
87) A building has stainless steel water efficient flush and flow fixtures. How many
prerequisites/credits will these fixtures contribute to (including Exemplary
Performance)?
a. 1 Prerequisite/2 Credits in Water Efficiency

b. 0 Prerequisites/4 Credits in Water Efficiency
a. 1 Prerequisite/2 Credits in Water Efficiency
c. 1 Prerequisite/4 Credits in Water Efficiency and 3 Credits in Recycled Content
88) A building at a zoological park is pursuing LEED Certification. It features a rainwater

garden, biological wastewater treatment, and a green roof. Which credit(s) would you
expect the project to be eligible to achieve?
a. Rainwater Management
b. Outdoor water use Reduction
c. Heat Island Reduction
d. All of the above
89) Which of the following statements is true?
a. The LEED Green Associate credential is also called the LEED GA

b. Ten LEED APs with relevant speciality who work on a project are worth 1
Innovation point
c. A candidate must have worked on a LEED project to take the LEED AP exam
d. USGBC administers the LEED credentialing exams

90) Composting toilets contribute to how many prerequisites and credits in the Water
Efficiency credit category?
a. 1 prerequisite, 1 credit
b. 0 prerequisites, 2 credits
c. 1 prerequisite, 4 credits
d. 2 prerequisites, 3 credits
91) Which of the following credit categories focuses on hazardous airborne particles
and occupant health?
b. Indoor Environmental Quality
c. Materials and Resources
d. Energy and Atmosphere
92) What is the definition of lighting schedule, in the context of construction drawings?
a. Assembly of materials used in the lighting fixtures

b. The order and relative timeframe of lighting installation on site
c. The types and numbers of all lighting fixtures in the project*
d. The manufacturer names and contact information
93) A retail store has a 10,000 square foot manufacturing factory. For it to be
considered a densely occupied space, it needs to have more than ___ occupants.
a. 25
b. 50
c. 250
d. 500
e. 1000
94) A wooden door is taken from a barn and installed as a door on a new office space.
In terms of LEED, this material is considered...:
a. Recycled
b. Salvaged
c. Waste

d. Refurbished
95) The Uniform Plumbing Code... (Choose 2)
a. Determines which commissioning agents can commission the building’s water

cisterns
b. Created the WaterSense program
c. Governs graywater
d. Helps define the water use baseline for LEED
96) Which of the following are voluntary? (Choose 2)
a. Energy Policy Act of 1992

b. LEED certification
c. Zoning codes
d. Provincial laws
e. EPA’s ENERGY STAR
97) How many points is Water Efficiency Prerequisite, Indoor Water Use Reduction,
worth?
a. 0
b. 1
c. 2
a. 3
d. 4
98) Which of the following credit categories does not contain a prerequisite?
b. Regional Priority
c. Water Efficiency
d. Indoor Environmental Quality
99) Which LEED rating system has a unique pre-certification process?
a. LEED for Homes

b. Core and Shell
c. New Construction
d. Existing Buildings: Operations + Maintenance
100) Which type of LEED building cannot be re-certified under LEED Building
Operations + Maintenance - Existing Buildings?
a. Buildings that have already been certified under LEED Building Operations +
Maintenance - Existing Buildings for
b. LEED for New Construction, Platinum
c. LEED for Schools, Certified
d. Any LEED building can be re-certified under LEED Building Operations +
Maintenance - Existing Buildings

Answer Key
1. Answer B:
Developing on a brownfield would contribute to LT Credit High Priority Site

Reference: LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide SS c1: Site Selection Credit Requirements
2. Answer D:
Buildings must achieve at least 80 points to earn LEED Platinum.
3. Answer C:
Energy efficient technologies and (especially) on-site renewable energy production can
have high up-front costs, but they can also have the fastest payback because of high
energy prices.
4. Answer B:
Wood that is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council has a chain of custody
certificate. It is required for MR Credit Building Product Disclosure and Optimization—
Sourcing of Raw Materials. Reference: LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, Requirements
5. Answer B:
Biobased materials are commercial or industrial products (other than food or feed) that
are composed in whole, or in significant part, of biological products, renewable
agricultural materials (including plant, animal, and marine materials), or forestry
materials. For the purposes of LEED, this excludes leather and other animal hides.
6. Answer D:
Wet applied Liquid adhesives must meet the South Coast Air Quality Management
District (SCAQMD) requirements to be eligible for EQ Credit Low Emitting Materials.
Reference: LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, EQ c4.1 Low Emitting Materials,
Adhesives and Sealants, Requirements
7. Answer A, B, C:
According to GBCI, the MPRs serve the purpose of giving clear guidance to customers,
protecting the integrity of the LEED program, and reducing challenges that occur during
the LEED process. Reference: Minimum Program Requirements, GBCI Website
(www.gbci.org)

8. Answer C:
The minimum program requirements demand a reasonable LEED boundary with a

permanent building or space. Reference: Minimum Program Requirements, GBCI
Website (www.gbci.org)
9. Answer A, D:
Reference: LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, Glossary, soft costs

A hard cost is the purchase price of a hard asset that is a direct construction cost.
Examples include land, equipment, and building materials. A soft cost is an expense
that is not considered a direct construction cost, such as architect fees, engineering
fees and legal fees. In this case, project drawings and interest payments are soft costs.
10. Answer D:
Must have a gross floor area of at least 50% of gross land area within LEED boundary
is not an MPR. Reference: Minimum Program Requirements, GBCI Website
(www.gbci.org)
11. Answer B, C:
Answer: The USGBC logo may be used to indicate that a business is a member of
USGBC or that a building is LEED certified. It may not be used prior to actual
certification from GBCI. Reference: USGBC website: Logo Guidelines
12. Answer A, B, D:
Answer: Density can be calculated as Combined density: square footage/acre or as

separate residential (DU/acre) and non-residential densities (FAR). Reference: LEED v4
BD+C Reference Guide.
13. Answer D:
Answer: The Project Team Administrator and the Project Team Member assigned to a
given credit are able to upload supporting documentation for that credit on LEED
Online. Reference: LEED Online FAQs.
14. Answer A:

Answer: Open space is defined as the area within the property boundary but minus the
development footprint, according to LEED. Reference: LEED v4 BD+C Reference
Guide, Glossary, Open Space.
15. Answer C, D:
Answer: Exemplary performance credits are awarded to projects that go above and
beyond the credit threshold requirements and achieve the next level of performance.
Projects are awarded an extra point in Innovation for Exemplary Performance.
Reference: LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, Innovation
16. Answer D:
Answer: Light Pollution Reduction is not eligible for exemplary performance. Reference:
LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, Individual Credits, Exemplary Performance.
17. Answer C:
Answer: The Location and Transportation (LT) category promotes thoughtful decisions
about building location, with credits that encourage compact development, alternative
transportation, and connection with amenities.
18. Answer D:
Answer: Reused Building materials are calculated by surface area. Reference: LEED v4
BD+C Reference Guide, Building Life-Cycle Impact Reduction Credit
19. Answer A, C, D:
Answer: Irrigation wells do not save water, they just provide water for irrigation.
Reducing the lawn, planting native or adapted plants (that should survive with local
rainfall) and installing drip irrigation (waters directly at the roots) can reduce potable
water use for irrigation. Reference: LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, Outdoor Water
Use Reduction.
20. Answer C, D:
Answer: At a minimum, metals, paper, plastic, glass and cardboard must be recycled
forMR, Storage and Collection of Recyclables. Batteries, mercury-containing lamps,
and electronic waste also need to be collected for safe disposal. Reference: LEED v4
BD+C Reference Guide, MR Storage and Collection of Recyclables, Requirements.
21. Answer B:

GBCI does not sell or verify RECs. However, a project that produces on-site renewable
energy could sell renewable energy certificates, since they are producing that energy.
RECs indirectly reduce carbon dioxide by offsetting the emissions of traditional energy
sources. Reference: LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, Glossary, RECs.
22. Answer D:
Answer: ASHRAE 90.1-2010 is used to set a baseline for EA Minimum Energy

Performance. Reference: LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, EA Optimize Energy
Performance, Referenced Standards.
23. Answer C:
Answer: EQ Credit Construction IAQ Management Plan says that the indoor air quality
management plan must meet or exceed Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning National
Contractors Association (SMACNA) IAQ Guidelines for Occupied Buildings Under
Construction. Reference: LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, EQ c3.1 Construction IAQ
Management, During Construction, Implementation.
24. Answer D:
Answer: Planning to use daylight optimally will reduce the need for artificial lighting. This
reduces the energy demand of the building.
25. Answer B, C:
Answer: When a project is registered with GBCI, it is provided with access to LEED
online and is registered and listed on the GBCI website. However, project teams should
contact GBCI through LEED Online, not a direct line, and plaques are only given to
certified buildings. Reference: GBCI Website (www.gbci.org), project certification.
26. Answer B:
Answer: A building project is only called “LEED certified” when it has been awarded a
LEED rating by GBCI. Buildings, not people, can become certified. Reference: GBCI
Website (www.gbci.org), project certification.
27. Answer B, C:
Answer: Innovation credits apply to strategies not used in the rating systems, but can
have a significant, quantifiable environmental performance. Since employee wellness
programs and food waste composting are not addressed in the LEED rating systems,
they could potentially contribute to Innovation. The other choices are already

addressed in the rating systems. Reference: USGBC Website (www.usgbc.org),
Innovation Credit Catalog.
28. Answer C:
Answer: The Montreal Protocol called for a complete phase out of CFCs by 2010 and a
complete phase out of HCFCs by 2030. Reference: LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide,
EA Fundamental Refrigerant Management, Referenced Standard.
29. Answer C, D:
Both reduction in water use by 20% and elimination of CFC refrigerants are LEED
prerequisites, which are required for LEED certification. A LEED AP can contribute to
Innovation, which is optional but not required. USGBC membership can help reduce
GBCI fees, but is not required for certification. Reference: LEED Project Scorecard,
Prerequisites and Credits.
30. Answer B:
Answer: ASHRAE 55 refers to thermal comfort and is referenced in Thermal Comfort.

Reference: LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, Resources. ASHRAE 55: Thermal
Comfort for Human Occupancy.
31. Answer B:
Answer: Renewable Energy Production allows the project team to calculate the baseline
either the building’s annual energy use from EA Prerequisite Minimum Energy
Performance or from the Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Survey.
Reference: LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, Individual Credits, Calculations.
32. Answer B:
Answers: While the design of a building may be based on ASHRAE 62.1-2007, the
energy model is not based on the standard, only the actual anticipated or actual energy
use of the building. Reference: LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, EA c1 Optimize
Energy Performance, Energy Model.
33. Answer A, D:
Answer: According to LEED, the following are eligible for on-site renewable energy:
Photovoltaics, Solar Thermal, Wind Energy, Wave/Tidal Energy, Low Impact Hydro-
electric, Geothermal Heating and Electric, Some Biofuels (Agricultural crops or waste,
animal waste, landfill gas, and untreated wood waste/mill residue). Passive Solar, Geo-
exchange (Ground Source Heat Pumps), Combustion of Municipal Solid Waste (Landfill

Trash), Treated Wood, and Forestry Waste (other than mill residue) are not eligible.
Renewable energy credits count toward Green Power and Carbon Offsets, not
Renewable Energy Production. Reference: LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide,
Renewable Energy Production, Requirements
34. Answer A, C:
Answer: The Uniform Plumbing Code defines untreated wastewater as water that has
not come in contact with toilet waste. Includes used water from bathtubs, showers,
bathroom sinks, and laundry machines. Does NOT include water from kitchen sinks or
dishwashers. Reference: LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, Glossary, Graywater.
35. Answer C:
Answer: The LEED certification fee is paid when the Project Team Administrator submits
the construction submittal for GBCI review. Reference: GBCI Website (www.gbci.org)
Registration and Certification.
36. Answer A, C:
Answer: Municipal or local zoning laws may require a certain amount of parking, which
could hurt a project’s chance of earning Reduced Parking Footprint. The site’s zoning
may also limit the available open space for the project. Reference: LEED v4 BD+C
Reference Guide, Individual Credits, Requirements.
37. Answer C:
Answer: Green-e certification is used to represent valid sources of renewable energy

that can be purchased as green power. It is not a sister organization of USGBC.
Reference: LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, Renewable Energy Production.
38. Answer D:
Answer: LEED uses the General Emissions Evaluation for low emitting aerosol Interior
paints and coatings applied on site in EQ Credit Low Emitting Materials.
Reference: LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, EQ c4.2 Low Emitting Materials, Paints
and Coatings, Requirements, Referenced Standards.
39. Answer B:
Answer: Urea formaldehyde typically appears in adhesives and pressed-wood products.

These are found in furniture with veneer finishes or composite wood cores.

40. Answer B:
Answer: Diverting excavated land or soil does not count toward Construction Waste
Management. However, reusing the boulder on-site can be considered Materials
Reuse. Reference: LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, Individual Credits,
Implementation.
41. Answer A, D:
Answer: Pre-consumer recycled content is material diverted from the waste stream
during the manufacturing process. Examples include sawdust, walnut shells, fly ash,
over-issue publications, textile clippings and obsolete inventories. Reference: LEED v4
BD+C Reference Guide, Glossary, Pre-consumer content.
42. Answer B:
Answer: USGBC is a nonprofit organization that is member-driven, committee-based

and consensus-focused. Reference: LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, USGBC
Membership.
43. Answer D:
Answer: Materials and Resources focuses on construction waste management and the
materials that are “inputs” in the project. Reference: LEED Project Scorecard, LEED v4
BD+C Reference Guide.
44. Answer B, D:
Answer: The points allotted to credits in LEED are weighted based on their
environmental impact, and the rating systems have been used in 130 countries. There
are other rating systems for green buildings, such as Green Globes. LEED for Homes
specifically addresses residential, rather than commercial buildings. Reference: USGBC
website (www.usgbc.org), LEED FAQs, LEED v4 reweighting.
45. Answer C:
Answer: The SMACNA guidelines are for indoor air quality of buildings under
construction, which are meant to protect occupant health. It is meant to address the
indoor air quality of the building, not the safety of the workers, so it does not include
hard hat and protective eyewear requirements. Reference: EQ Construction Indoor Air
Quality Management Plan, SMACNA Guidelines, Referenced Standards.
46. Answer B:

The LEED v4 rating systems each have 100 base points, plus extra bonus points
available for Innovation and Regional Priority. Reference: LEED Project Scorecard.
47. Answer B:
Several credits in the MR section include a location valuation factor, which adds value to
locally produced products and materials. The intent is to incentivize the purchase of
products that support the local economy. Products and materials that are extracted,
manufactured, and purchased within 100 miles (160 kilometers) of the project are
valued at 200% of their cost (i.e., the valuation factor is 2). Reference: LEED v4 BD+C
Reference Guide.
48. Answer D:
A LEED AP can contribute an Innovation in Design point to the project if he or she is a

principal project participant and is included in the project registry, no matter what the
role. Reference: LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, IN LEED Accredited Professional.
49. Answer C:
Answer: Buildings achieving points for this credit cannot apply for any other credits in
Location and Transportation Category.
50. Answer B, C:
Answer: These credits suggest reducing wastewater generation through water

conserving fixtures or treating wastewater to tertiary standards. Composting toilets
contribute to reducing wastewater generation, while wastewater treatment meets the
other option for compliance. Reference: LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, Outdoor
Water Use Reduction and Indoor Water Use Reduction.
51. Answer A, D:
Answer: Indoor Water Use Reduction is both a prerequisite and a credit, and building
systems commissioning is both a prerequisite (“Fundamental Commissioning and
Verification”) and credit (“Enhanced Commissioning”). Reference: LEED Project
Scorecard.
52. Answer C:

Answer: Fly ash is a byproduct of coal combustion, and can be used as an alternative
for cement in concrete. Reference: LEED v3 BD+C Reference Guide, MR c4 Recycled
Content, Calculations.
53. Answer D:
Answer: An economizer, also known as a heat exchanger, can contribute to Optimize

Energy Performance because they make HVAC systems more efficient. The system
should contribute the same amount of thermal comfort and controllability, regardless of
whether the economizer is a part of it, because all it does is supply heating or cooling
more efficiently. Reference: LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, EA c1 Optimize Energy
Performance, Technologies and Strategies.
54. Answer C:
Reference: LEED v3 BD+C Reference Guide, EQ credits Only compounds used inside
the vapor barrier are assessed for VOC content.
55. Answer A, C, D:
Answer: These three credits require a percentage reduction below a baseline. Thermal
Comfort references a standard but does not need comparison with a baseline.
Reference: LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, Calculations.
56. Answer B:
CFCs are the most harmful to the ozone layer because they have the highest ozone
depletion potential (ODP). Reference: LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, EA Enhanced
Refrigerant Management.
Refrigerant Ozone Eﬀect Note
High ODP,
CFCs Do not use, most harmful
Med-High GWP
HCFCs Low ODP, Medium GWP Second worst
HFCs Zero ODP, Med-High (Highest) GWP Less harmful than CFC and HCFC

Refrigerant Ozone Eﬀect Note
Natural Refrigerants (Hydrocarbons - Examples: Water, CO2, Ammonia,

Zero ODP, Low-Zero GWP
HC) propane, butane, isopentane, etc.
Natural Ventilation Zero ODP/GWP Best but not always feasible
57. Answer B:
The High priority site credit encourages project location in areas with development
constraints but are preferred including infill location in a historic district. Other
mentioned options are sensitive sites and not preferred.
58. Answer A, B, D:
Answer: The LEED Administrator should invite team members and assign them roles on
LEED online. The checklist does not need to be uploaded to LEED Online, though it
should serve as a reference to the team for which credits they are attempting.
Reference: LEED Online (www.leedonline.com).
59. Answer C:
The LEED Scorecard helps the team keep track of the credits the project is attempting,
but does not need to be submitted to GBCI. Reference: LEED Process, Purpose of
LEED Scorecard.
60. Answer C:
Answer: Requires short term bicycle storage for at least 2.5% of all peak visitors.
61. Answer C:
Answer: The International Tips section of the Reference Guide contains information
about the regional differences of a particular credit. Reference: LEED v4 BD+C
Reference Guide, Individual Credit, International Tips.
62. Answer C:

Reducing stormwater runoff has a direct environmental improvement, because it
prevents water pollution. Purchasing RECs, using materials with recycled content, and
energy efficiency have indirect environmental improvements. Reference: Understanding
of environmental concerns.
63. Answer D:
Answer: Landscape area of the site is the total site area less the building footprint,
hardscape area, water bodies, etc. Reference: LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide,
Glossary, Landscape Area.
64. Answer B:
Answer: U-value, Solar Heat Gain Coefficient and Emissivity should be low from an
energy efficiency perspective. Visual transmittance (Tvis) should be high from a
daylighting perspective. Reference: LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, EA c1 Optimize
Energy Performance, Energy Modeling.
65. Answer A, B:
Answer: Pervious pavement can reduce heat island effect (by reducing the amount of
solar heat radiated) and control the amount of stormwater by allowing it to filter through
the ground. Reference: LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, Individual Credits Related
Credits Tips.
66. Answer A:
Answer: The efficiency of air conditioners is often rated by the Seasonal Energy
Efficiency Ratio (SEER). Reference: General Green Building Knowledge, Energy Star
Building Upgrade Manual.
67. Answer A:
Answer: The Credit requires calculating water use as a percentage of total irrigation
and peak-month irrigation demand using the WaterSense Water Budget Tool.
Reference: LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, WE Outdoor Water Use Reduction.
68. Answer A, B, C:
Providing green vehicle charging points does not directly reduce the number of vehicles
coming to the site, whereas the other three options support in reducing the number of
individual vehicles coming to the site.

69. Answer C:
The project owner or tenant must occupy at least 50% of the building to use the New
Construction Rating System. Reference: LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, Overview
and Process, xiii.
70. Answer A, C, D:
Minimizing the floorplate (making the building more rectangular than square) helps
increase daylighting. The intent is to align the east-west axis so that the southern sun
will penetrate deeper into the building, allowing for more daylight to occupied spaces.
Reference: LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, Daylighting and Quality Views.
71. Answer B, C:
Answer: The LEED Project Administrator can submit either one (1) Construction Phase
Review or two (2) separate Design and Construction Phase reviews to GBCI.
Certification is only awarded after Construction Phase (it can be “anticipated” after
Design Phase). Reference: GBCI website (www.gbci.org) Registration and Certification.
72. Answer C, D:
Answer: Green roofs reduce heat island affect and helps in Rainwater Management.
Green roofs do not produce clean power, and are not required for LEED certification
(nor exclusive to LEED buildings). Reference: LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide,
Individual Credits, Technologies and Strategies.
73. Answer B, C:
Kitchens and lobbies are considered non-regularly occupied spaces in commercial

buildings. Reference: LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, Glossary, non-regularly
occupied space.
74. Answer A, C:
Answer: Both Daylight and Views, must meet these percentage requirements for
regularly occupied spaces. Thermal Comfort is for individual and multi-occupant
spaces. Reference: LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, Individual Credits, Calculation.
75. Answer A, C, D:
Answer: U-value should be low from an energy efficiency perspective. High SRI roofs,
daylight sensors, and shading outdoor condensers can all save energy. Reference:
Energy Star, LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide EA Optimize Energy Performance.

76. Answer A:
Answer: Operable windows are included as a strategy for thermal comfort control. The
credit awards points based on percentage of controllability and not the number of
thermostats. It is applicable to both naturally and mechanically ventilated spaces.
Anonymous surveys are for Thermal Comfort-Verification. Reference: LEED v4 BD+C
Reference Guide, EQ Thermal Comfort Requirements.
77. Answer A, C:
Answer: The LEED AP can help to streamline the LEED application and certification
process and to encourage project team integration. LEED project participants do not
communicate with USGBC regularly, they work with GBCI through LEED Online. The
LEED AP does not bridge the gap between design and construction, that is the work of
the team during integrated project delivery. Reference: LEED v4 BD+C Reference
Guide, ID c2 LEED Accredited Professional.
78. Answer B:
Answer: According to LEED, green buildings are different from conventional buildings
because they use an integrated design process, which leads to a better functioning,
more sustainable building. They are not required to become certified, be low emitting or
use biofuels, and they do not necessarily cost more to build. Reference: Sustainable
Building Technical Manual Part II.
79. Answer C:
Answer: This copy room fulfills the requirements (dedicated exhaust and deck to deck
partitions) of the Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies Credit. Reference: LEED v4 BD
+C Reference Guide, Individual Credits, Requirements.
80. Answer B:
Answer: Buildings use more than 30% of the total energy in the U.S. LEED certified
buildings have a net neutral or negative environmental impact, and daylighting is shown
to improve occupant productivity. Buildings built today are typically more efficient and
better designed than those 20 years ago. Reference: LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide,
Environmental Impact of Buildings.
81. Answer B:

Answer: Core and Shell requires default occupancy counts. Reference: LEED v4 BD+C
Reference Guide, Appendix, Core and Shell Requirements.
82. Answer B, C:
Heat island effect can be mitigated by vegetation (such as trees), shading of areas that
absorb solar heat (such as parking lots), and hardscapes with high SRIs, like gravel
(instead of asphalt, which absorbs solar heat). Reference: LEED v4 BD+C Reference
Guide, SS c7.1 Heat Island Reduction.
83. Answer A, C, D:
LEED certification costs are not considered part of a building or product’s lifecycle.
Reference: LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, Glossary, Lifecycle Costs.
84. Answer B, C:
Answer: Choosing a commissioning agent (CxA) and determining the Owner’s Project
Requirements are important first steps because they will be engaged throughout design
and construction. Reference: LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, Individual Credits and
Sustainable Building Technical Manual USGBC References.
85. Answer A, B:
Answer: Since the paneling is diverted from becoming landfill waste, it can contribute to
Construction and Demolition Waste Management Planning. Since the material is
salvaged and reused, it contributes to Building Product Disclosure and Optimization—
Sourcing of Raw Materials:Material Reuse. Reference: LEED v4 BD+C Reference
Guide, Individual Credits.
86. Answer A, B, C:
Answer: Energy meters must be installed to measure the energy consumption but does
not directly reduce the peak demand as against the other three strategies.
87. Answer A:
Answer: Water efficient flush and flow fixtures could contribute to both Prerequisite and
Credits for Indoor Water Use Reduction and Innovative (Exemplary Performance).
Reference: LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide Water Use Reduction category, LEED
Project Scorecard.
88. Answer D:

Answer: Biological wastewater treatment contributes water for landscaping, a green roof
and rainwater garden both contribute to Rainwater Management, and possibly to
Outdoor water use Reduction Rain gardens retain moisture, making them more water
efficient. Reference: SS and WE Individual Credits.
89. Answer B:
Answer: USGBC asks that the LEED Green Associate not be referred to as “LEED GA”.
If one or more LEED AP is working on a LEED project, a maximum of one point is
added (regardless of the total number of APs). GBCI administers the LEED exams.
LEED Project Experience is gauged from within the LEED AP v4 exams themselves,
therefore to pass the LEED AP exam, project experience is strongly recommended by
USGBC, but is no longer a prerequisite.
90. Answer A:
Answer: Composting toilets contribute to Water Use Reduction, both the prerequisite
and credit.
91. Answer B:
Answer: Indoor Environmental Quality intends to improve occupant health and comfort
by removing indoor pollutants and toxins and improving daylighting and views.
92. Answer C:
Answer: The lighting schedule includes the types and numbers of all the lighting fixtures
on the project. Reference: General Construction Knowledge, Understanding of
Construction Drawings.
93. Answer C:
Answer: A densely occupied space, according to LEED, has more than 25 people per
1000 square feet. So, a 10,000 square foot space would be densely occupied with 250
people or more.
94. Answer B:
Answer: Salvaged materials are reused for their original purpose.
95. Answer C, D:

Answer: The Uniform Plumbing Code governs graywater and is one of the standards
that helps to define the baseline for water efficiency in LEED.
96. Answer B, E:
Answer: LEED and ENERGY STAR are voluntary programs. The ENERGY Policy Act,
zoning codes, and provincial laws are mandated by law.
97. Answer A:
Answer: All LEED prerequisites are worth zero points.
98. Answer B:
Answer: Regional Priority is an optional credit category that awards additional points for
compliance (rather than base points), so it does not contain prerequisites.
99. Answer B:
Answer: From USGBC’s website: “Once a project is registered as a LEED for Core &
Shell project, the project team may apply for pre-certification. LEED for Core & Shell
pre-certification is a formal recognition by the USGBC given to a candidate project for
which the developer/owner has established a goal to develop a LEED for Core & Shell
building. Once pre-certification is granted, the developer/owner can market the
building's proposed green features to potential tenants and financiers”.
100. Answer D:
All LEED buildings can be re-certified under LEED Building Operations + Maintenance -
Existing Buildings.

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All Rights Reserved

100 Question LEED Green Associate Practice Test!........................101

Important please read:

In 2013 it announced LEED Earth, a program in which it offered to refund the

As a purchaser of this guide, you may automatically create a detailed professional

3! © 2014 - 2018 Green Buildings Online Inc. All Rights Reserved

• Enhance human health and well-being

All new LEED professional credentialing exams cover

This guide includes the information you should know not

About the LEED Green Associate™ Credential

What You Need to Know

The LEED Green Associate credential demonstrates a general knowledge of USGBC’s

1. Communicate broad and basic green building concepts to team and/or

5! © 2014 - 2018 Green Buildings Online Inc. All Rights Reserved

1. LEED Process (16 questions)

LEED Process (16 questions)

• Organization fundamentals (e.g. role of USGBC/GBCI; mission/vision; non-profit)

Integrative Strategies (8 questions)

• Integrative process (e.g., early analysis of the interrelationships among systems;

Location and Transportation (7 questions)

• Site selection (e.g. targeting sites in previously developed and brownfields/high-

Sustainable Sites (7 questions)

• Site assessment (e.g., environmental assessment, human impact)

Water Efficiency (9 questions)

• Outdoor water use (e.g., use of graywater/rainwater in irrigation; use of native

Energy and Atmosphere (10 questions)

Materials and Resources (9 questions)

7! © 2014 - 2018 Green Buildings Online Inc. All Rights Reserved

Indoor Environmental Quality (8 questions)

Project Surroundings and Public Outreach (11 questions)

About the LEED AP with Specialty Credential

• LEED AP BD+C: Building Design + Construction (BD+C)

For taking the LEED AP exam experience working on a LEED-registered project, or

Taking Both Exams at Once

9! © 2014 - 2018 Green Buildings Online Inc. All Rights Reserved

This guide is divided into the following sections:

• LEED Background and Overview

In many LEED credit categories, “Exemplary Performance” opportunities may exist.

LEED Green Associate Exam and Strategy

The Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) administers building certification

• Buildings become LEED certified (people or products do not receive certification)

• USGBC’s mission: Voluntary, Consensus-Based, Market Driven Approach

LEED Rating Systems

LEED for Building Design + Construction (BD+C)

LEED for Interior Design + Construction (ID+C)

LEED for Building Operations + Maintenance (O+M)

LEED for Homes

LEED for Neighborhood Development

LEED for Building Design + Construction

• New Construction and Major Renovation: Addresses design and construction

• Retail. Addresses the unique needs of retailers—from banks, restaurants,

• Warehouses and Distribution Centers. For buildings used to store goods,

• Hospitality. Dedicated to hotels, motels, inns, or other businesses within the

LEED for Interior Design + Construction

• Commercial Interiors. For interior spaces dedicated to functions other than

• Hospitality. Designed for interior spaces dedicated to hotels, motels, inns, or

LEED for Building Operations + Maintenance

• Warehouses and Distribution Centers. Existing buildings used to store goods,

LEED for Homes

Construction and performance must be verified on-site by a Green Rater. Green

LEED for Neighborhood Development

Special LEED Programs

LEED Campus: A simpler, speedier process for organizations planning to certify