LEED-AP-O+M LEED AP Operations + Maintenance (LEED AP O+M) Questions and Answers

The WaterSense label, or a local equivalent, is required for all newly installed fittings and fixtures that are eligible for the label, as per the LEED v4 update. This label ensures that the fixtures used in a LEED building meet both water efficiency and high performance testing standards1. The WaterSense label is backed by independent, third-party certification and products bearing this label are verified to perform as well or better than their less efficient counterparts2. They are also certified to use at least 20 percent less water3.

References:

• The WaterSense Label | US EPA
• About WaterSense | US EPA
• LEED Qualification Guide | Sloan

The Location and Transportation Credit for Alternative Transportation under the LEED AP Operations + Maintenance (LEED AP O+M) V4.1 encourages projects to implement strategies that promote the use of alternative transportation. Among the options provided, implementing an alternative transportation program and conducting a transportation survey is the strategy that allows the project to achieve maximum points. This strategy not only promotes the use of alternative transportation but also provides data that can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the program and make necessary adjustments.

References: LEED v4: Building Operations + Maintenance Guide, LEED AP with specialty

The LEED AP Operations + Maintenance (LEED AP O+M) V4.1 guidelines for the Location and Transportation Credit, Alternative Transportation, suggest conducting a survey to determine the transportation patterns of occupants of a typical office building. The survey should request data from a period of five days. This duration is considered sufficient to provide a representative sample of the typical commuting patterns and behaviors of the building occupants1.

References:

• Alternative transportation | U.S. Green Building Council

An integrative approach is most important for achieving economic and environmental performance in a LEED project. This strategy involves collaboration among all stakeholders from the project’s inception through its operation, ensuring that sustainability goals are woven into every aspect of the project.

References: The integrative process is a fundamental principle of LEED, emphasizing the importance of early and continuous collaboration for sustainable design and construction.It is highlighted in the LEED v4 guidelines as a key to achieving high performance in both economic and environmental aspects1234.

The most important strategy for achieving economic and environmental performance in a LEED project is to take an integrative approach. This approach involves collaborative, multidisciplinary teamwork from the project's inception through its operation. It emphasizes the importance of considering all aspects of building design, construction, and operation holistically to achieve sustainability goals effectively and efficiently.

Rainwater harvesting is a strategy that can be used to reduce indoor water use, which is a part of the Water Efficiency Credit under the LEED AP Operations + Maintenance (LEED AP O+M) V4.1. By collecting and using rainwater for non-potable uses such as toilet flushing or irrigation, buildings can significantly reduce their demand for municipally treated water. This aligns with the goals of the Indoor Water Use Reduction credit, which encourages the reduction of potable water usage inside the building1.

References: LEED v4: Building Operations + Maintenance Guide

Developing the LEED Scorecard is the process of selecting the credits and options that align with the project goals and are feasible for the project team to achieve. The LEED Scorecard is a tool that helps track the progress and performance of the project against the LEED rating system requirements. Discussing the project goals is an important step in developing the LEED Scorecard, as it helps the team prioritize the credits and options that bring the most value to the project owner, environment, and community.

References: =LEED v4.1 OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE - WAP Sustainability Consulting, page 17;LEED v4: Building Operations + Maintenance Guide | U.S. Green Building Council, page 17;LEED v4.1 O+M: Existing Buildings Scorecard, page 5

The correct answer is A because a table of lighting controls installed is the required documentation for Option 1.Lighting Controls in Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Interior Lighting, as stated in the LEED v4.1 O+M Reference Guide1.The table must include the type and location of each lighting control device, the controlled lighting power, and the percentage of lighting power controlled by each device1. The other options are incorrect because they are either not required or relevant for this option.

References: =

• LEED v4.1 O+M Reference Guide, page 251
• Guide to the LEED AP Operations and Maintenance (O+M) Exam, page 115
• LEED v4 AP O+M Mock Exam, page 84 =========================================

Compressed workweeks can help reduce pollution and land development effects from automobile use. This strategy involves working longer hours on fewer days, which reduces the number of commuting trips and thus the associated pollution and land development impacts. It’s one of the alternative transportation strategies recognized by the USGBC in the LEED AP O+M rating system1.

References: LEED AP Operations + Maintenance (LEED AP O+M) V4.1 by usgbc.org2.

The LEED applicant must exclude the purchases of the other tenants from the Materials and Resources credit calculations, because they have not provided purchasing data and are not participating in the LEED project. The LEED applicant can only include the purchases that are under their control and can be verified.

References:

• LEED AP O+M Exam Guide, page 94
• LEED v4.1 O+M Reference Guide, MRc1: Purchasing, page 163

The calculation used to achieve the Materials and Resources Credit, Purchasing - Ongoing, focuses on the cost of compliant furniture. This approach aligns with the intent of the credit, which is to encourage the purchase of sustainable and environmentally friendly products. By assessing the cost of compliant furniture, the credit incentivizes the selection of products that meet specific environmental criteria, thereby contributing to a more sustainable procurement practice.

The compliant value of green cleaning products and materials for LEED v4.1 O+M is calculated using the cost factor. This method allows for a consistent and monetary-based comparison of compliant products and materials.

References: The LEED v4 Green Cleaning Calculator provided by the U.S.Green Building Council is used to track and document purchases for LEED v4 O+M EQ Credits Green Cleaning - Products and Materials, which uses cost as the basis for calculations1.

Legionella outbreak is a significant public health risk that must be balanced with water efficiency and chemical usage in every water treatment program. Legionella bacteria can grow in water systems, particularly in warm, stagnant water. If not properly managed, it can lead to Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia. Therefore, while striving for water efficiency and minimizing chemical usage, it’s crucial to ensure that the conditions do not favor the growth of Legionella.

References: LEED AP Operations + Maintenance (LEED AP O+M) V4.1 by usgbc.org1.

This answer is correct because it matches the requirement of the Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Optimize Energy Performance, which aims to reduce the environmental and economic impacts associated with excessive energy use. The credit requires projects todemonstrate an improvement in energy performance compared to a baseline building, using one of the three options available.For buildings eligible to receive an energy performance rating using the Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager tool, the option is to achieve a rating of at least 50, which corresponds to the median energy performance of similar buildings nationwide1. The other options are incorrect because they are either higher than the minimum rating or not applicable to this option.

References: =LEED v4.1 OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE - WAP Sustainability Consulting, page 32;LEED v4: Building Operations + Maintenance Guide | U.S. Green Building Council, page 32;ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager

 The LEED Interior Design and Construction: Commercial Interiors rating system is the most appropriate for this project. This rating system is designed for tenants leasing a portion of a larger building who want to design and construct their space to high performance standards1. The tenant’s project involves fitting out a new space in an existing building, with the majority (80%) of the space being used as office space. Although there are components of retail and data center use, these do not constitute the majority of the space use. Therefore, the Commercial Interiors rating system, which is intended for office spaces and other commercial spaces, would be the most applicable.

References:

• LEED v4: Building Operations + Maintenance Guide
• LEED rating system selection guidance
• Guide to the LEED AP Operations and Maintenance (O+M) Exam

Recommending LED lamps in an environmentally preferable purchasing policy is beneficial because LED lamps contain no mercury. Unlike some other lighting options, such as compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) which can contain mercury, LEDs offer a safer alternative in terms of toxic substances. This makes LED lamps an environmentally friendly choice, reducing the risk of mercury pollution and facilitating easier, safer disposal or recycling of lamps at the end of their life cycle.

References:The LEED AP Operations + Maintenance documentation highlights the environmental and health benefits of selecting LED lighting, including the absence of mercury, which aligns with the goals of reducing hazardous substances in building environments.

The use of electric-powered equipment is a sustainable management method that can be included in a project’s site management policy. It helps reduce emissions and pollution associated with gasoline-powered equipment, aligning with LEED’s environmental goals.

References: The LEED v4.1 O+M Guide and Site Management policy template provide guidance on sustainable site management practices, including the use of electric-powered equipment to minimize environmental impact123.

In developing a site management policy, one effective management method is to use electric-powered equipment instead of gasoline-powered equipment. Electric equipment typically produces fewer emissions and is quieter, contributing to a reduction in air pollution and noise pollution on the site. This practice aligns with LEED's emphasis on reducing environmental impacts and improving the quality of the site and surrounding areas.

References:The use of electric-powered equipment as a preferred management method is consistent with the guidelines provided in the LEED AP Operations + Maintenance reference materials, particularly in the context of developing sustainable site management policies. These resources advocate for practices that minimize environmental impact and enhance sustainability.

The owner is the only person who is required to be listed on the LEED project registration page. The owner is the entity that has the authority to implement the LEED project and sign the certification agreement. The owner’s representative, who can be a LEED AP or another person authorized by the owner, can register the project on behalf of the owner, but must also upload a confirmation of agent authority form. The primary architect, the commissioning agent, and other project team members are not required to be listed on the registration page, but can be added later as team members in LEED Online.

References:

• Registering a project in LEED Online
• LEED AP O+M Candidate Handbook, page 7

The LEED AP Operations + Maintenance (LEED AP O+M) V4.1 focuses on improving the sustainability of existing buildings that are fully operational and have been occupied for at least a year12. Administering an alternative transportation survey is appropriate when the daily average or typical peak number of visitors is at least 50% of the regular building occupants. This is because the survey aims to understand and improve the transportation habits of a significant portion of the people interacting with the building, which includes both regular occupants and visitors. By focusing on this group, the LEED AP can identify opportunities to encourage alternative transportation modes, thereby reducing the building’s overall environmental impact.

References:

• LEED v4: Building Operations + Maintenance Guide | U.S. Green Building Council
• LEED AP with specialty | U.S. Green Building Council
• LEED certification for existing buildings and spaces
• LEED O+M Certification & Credentials | Existing Buildings | GBES

The Optimize Energy Performance Credit under LEED AP O+M v4.1 allows ENERGY STAR® eligible buildings to earn between 1-20 points. The number of points awarded depends on the building’s ENERGY STAR® rating, which reflects its energy performance relative to similar buildings nationwide.

References: The LEED v4.1 O+M reference guide provides details on the Optimize Energy Performance Credit, including the point system based on the ENERGY STAR® rating1.

Soil testing is an operational element that needs to be tracked only once during the performance period to meet the Sustainable Sites, Site Management Credit. This is because soil testing provides a snapshot of the soil’s condition, which is unlikely to change significantly over short periods.

References: The LEED v4.1 O+M guide indicates that certain site management practices, such as soil testing, do not require continuous monitoring but should be documented at least once during the performance period to ensure compliance with the credit requirements1.

Toner cartridges are considered an ongoing purchase, as they are consumable items that are regularly replaced as part of the normal operation and maintenance of the building. The other options are not ongoing purchases, as they are durable goods that are not frequently replaced or disposed of.

References: =

• LEED v4.1 O+M Guide, page 48
• Solid waste management - ongoing, U.S. Green Building Council
• Guide to the LEED AP Operations and Maintenance (O+M) Exam, page 157

Offering free coffee and snacks is an acceptable method to encourage participation in a transportation survey. This approach can increase the response rate by providing a small incentive for respondents to complete the survey.

References: The LEED v4.1 O+M reference materials suggest that providing incentives can be an effective way to increase survey participation rates.While the materials do not specify the exact nature of incentives, offering refreshments like coffee and snacks is a common practice1.

If a project team ends all their performance periods between August 1st and August 31st, the latest date they can submit for preliminary review is within 60 days of the end of their performance period. Therefore, the latest submission date would be October 30th, given the 60-day timeframe after the end of August.References:04 GA05 Guide to LEED Certification: Commercial and GA06 LEED Fee

In the Materials and Resources (MR) section of LEED, furniture is included in credit calculations, particularly in credits related to sustainable purchasing and waste management. Furniture plays a significant role in the environmental impact of a building's interior due to its material content, durability, and potential for reuse or recycling. Including furniture in MR calculations encourages the selection of sustainable products and practices, such as purchasing reused or recycled furniture, and implementing take-back programs or recycling initiatives at the end of the furniture's life cycle.

References:This inclusion is outlined in the LEED AP Operations + Maintenance reference materials, where it details how furniture contributes to various MR credits, emphasizing the importance of sustainable purchasing decisions and waste management practices that encompass furniture.

To meet the requirements of the Materials and Resources Prerequisite for Facility Maintenance and Renovation Policy, an organization must include provisions to protect indoor air quality during renovation activities. This includes implementing dust control measures, ensuring proper ventilation, and minimizing the release of pollutants. These requirements are essential for protecting the health and safety of building occupants during renovation projects.References:The Materials and Resources section of the LEED O+M Reference Guide discusses the components of a comprehensive Facility Maintenance and Renovation Policy, including the importance of safeguarding air quality during construction and renovation activities.

This answer is correct because it matches the requirement of the Materials and Resources Credit, Purchasing - Lamps, which aims to reduce the environmental and health impacts of mercury used in lamps.The credit requires projects to purchase lamps that have a mercury content of 80 picograms per lumen hour or less for at least 90% of the total number of lamps purchased during the performance period1. The other options are incorrect because they either have a higher mercury content threshold or a higher percentage of lamps to meet the threshold.

References: =LEED v4.1 OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE - WAP Sustainability Consulting, page 40;LEED v4: Building Operations + Maintenance Guide | U.S. Green Building Council, page 40.

The maximum distance for food or beverage raw materials to be harvested and produced for achieving the Materials and Resources Credit, Purchasing - Ongoing, is 100 miles (160 kilometers). This distance supports local economies and reduces the environmental impacts associated with transportation.

References: The LEED AP O+M Reference Guide outlines the criteria for sustainable purchasing, including the support of local food production within 100 miles of the project site1.

For the Materials and Resources Credit, Purchasing - Ongoing, food or beverage raw materials must be harvested and produced within a maximum distance of 100 miles (160 kilometers) from the project site. This criterion supports local agriculture and reduces the environmental impacts associated with transportation, contributing to a more sustainable supply chain.

References:This distance limitation is specified in the LEED AP Operations + Maintenance reference guide, particularly in the section on sustainable purchasing practices. The guide outlines how sourcing locally not only supports local economies but also minimizes carbon emissions related to transportation.

For projects seeking to comply with Option 1, Lighting Control of the Indoor Environmental Quality Credit for Interior Lighting, LEED guidelines specify that at least 70% of individual occupant spaces must have individual lighting controls. These controls allow occupants to adjust lighting to suit their task needs and preferences, contributing to energy savings and increased occupant comfort and productivity.

References:

• This requirement is outlined in the LEED for Building Operations and Maintenance (O+M) Reference Guide, under the Indoor Environmental Quality Credit for Interior Lighting. It is a well-known requirement discussed in LEED AP O+M training and resources, promoting energy efficiency and occupant comfort in the interior environment.

When the building type is not covered by the ENERGY STAR® rating tool, the energy baseline for Minimum Energy Performance can be determined using historical energy consumption data or a calibrated energy simulation. This approach allows for a tailored assessment of the building’s energy use that is specific to its actual performance.

References: The LEED v4.1 O+M reference materials provide guidance on establishing an energy baseline using historical data or energy simulation methods when ENERGY STAR® ratings are not applicable1234.

To increase the vegetated area of an existing urban site from 4% to equal or be greater than 5%, one effective strategy is to install a vegetated roof system. This approach not only increases the site's vegetated footprint but also provides additional benefits such as improved stormwater management, increased insulation, and reduction of the urban heat island effect. A vegetated roof system can be implemented on flat or slightly sloped roofs, making it a versatile option for urban environments where ground space may be limited. By converting unused roof space into green space, the project team can meet the goal of increasing the total vegetated area of the site.References:LEED Reference Guide for Green Building Design and Construction, U.S. Green Building Council.

The use of products with low emissions is a strategy that reduces the impact of materials used in building operation and maintenance on indoor air quality. These products, which include paints, adhesives, furniture, and flooring, emit fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other harmful substances into the indoor environment, thereby improving indoor air quality.

References: LEED v4: Building Operations + Maintenance Guide, LEED v4 | U.S. Green Building Council, Improving Indoor Air Quality | US EPA, Sustainable O&M Practices | WBDG - Whole Building Design Guide

The rated life of a lamp is required information for compliance with the Materials and Resources Credit, Purchasing - Lamps. This information ensures that the lamps purchased meet the longevity and performance criteria set by LEED standards.

References: The LEED v4.1 O+M guide and related materials emphasize the importance of selecting lamps with a long rated life to reduce the frequency of replacements, thereby minimizing waste and resource use123.

According to the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning National Contractors Association (SMACNA) Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Guidelines for Occupied Buildings under Construction, the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) as determined by ASHRAE 52.2-2007 required for renovation activities is MERV 13. This requirement is in place to ensure that the air filtration systems used during renovation activities are capable of capturing fine particles, thus reducing the risk of indoor air quality issues. MERV 13 filters are efficient at capturing particles that are 0.3 to 1.0 micrometers in size, including dust, pollen, mold spores, bacteria, and any other airborne contaminants that might be present during construction activities.References:SMACNA IAQ Guidelines for Occupied Buildings Under Construction, 2nd Edition 2007; ASHRAE Standard 52.2-2007, "Method of Testing General Ventilation Air-Cleaning Devices for Removal Efficiency by Particle Size."

Untreated stormwater, due to its potential contaminants, is not suitable for potable uses but can be effectively utilized for non-potable applications such as irrigation. It provides a viable alternative to using treated water for landscape irrigation, thereby conserving potable water resources. This use aligns with sustainable water management practices encouraged by LEED, which promote the reduction of potable water usage for landscape irrigation.

References:

• The LEED Reference Guide for Green Building Design and Construction and the LEED O+M Reference Guide both encourage the use of untreated stormwater for irrigation as part of an integrated water management approach. This conservation strategy is covered under the Water Efficiency category and is a common topic in LEED AP O+M training sessions.

When retail project teams administer the supply chain survey to meet the requirements of the Materials and Resources, Ongoing Purchasing and Waste Policy, one of the key topics that needs to be addressed is environmental best practices for supply chain decisions. This involves assessing suppliers' environmental policies, practices, and impacts, with the aim of promoting sustainability throughout the supply chain. This approach encourages responsible sourcing, waste reduction, and the use of environmentally friendly materials.References:The Materials and Resources section of the LEED O+M Reference Guide includes guidelines for sustainable purchasing and waste policies, emphasizing the importance of considering environmental best practices in supply chain decisions.

Evapotranspiration data is used in the calculation of landscape water requirements, which is a key component of the Outdoor Water Use Reduction credit under the LEED AP Operations + Maintenance (LEED AP O+M) V4.1. This credit encourages strategies that reduce outdoor water use, and using evapotranspiration data can help to more accurately estimate the water needs of the landscape, thereby reducing unnecessary water use1.

References: LEED v4: Building Operations + Maintenance Guide

Installing and maintaining a conductivity meter is a strategy that improves cooling tower water efficiency. Conductivity meters help optimize the cycles of concentration, reducing water and chemical use by accurately measuring the water’s mineral content.

References: The LEED v4.1 O+M reference materials recommend the use of conductivity meters as part of water efficiency best management practices for cooling towers1234.

LEED v4.1 O+M Reference Guide, page 101;LEED AP O+M Exam Guide, page 306.

The Commissioning (Cx) Plan is a foundational document that outlines the scope and activities of the commissioning process. At a minimum, the plan should include an overview of the Cx program, which details the objectives and goals, the roles and responsibilities of the project team members involved in the commissioning process, and the sequence and timing of process activities. This ensures that all stakeholders understand the commissioning process and are aligned with its implementation.

References:

• The requirements for the contents of a Commissioning Plan are detailed in the Energy and Atmosphere Credit for Existing Building Commissioning under the LEED for Building Operations and Maintenance (O+M) reference guide. It is also highlighted in the LEED AP O+M training materials that a comprehensive Cx Plan is integral to documenting the systematic process of ensuring building systems perform interactively and efficiently.

 According to the LEED AP Operations + Maintenance (LEED AP O+M) V4.1 guide, a project can earn up to four points for innovation. However, to earn all five points in the Innovation category, a project team must achieve at least one pilot credit, at least one innovation credit, and no more than two exemplary performance credits123.

References: = LEED v4: Building Operations + Maintenance Guide, LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Minimum Energy Performance Calculator - ASHRAE 90.1 - 2010, LEED v4 energy update – U.S. Green Building Council

Obtaining a response rate of 100% for the occupant comfort survey can qualify for an exemplary performance point under Innovation Credit, Innovation, Option 3. Additional Strategies in LEED. This high level of participation demonstrates exceptional commitment to occupant comfort and well-being, a key aspect of sustainable building design and operation.

The Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite, Minimum Energy Performance requires 12 months of metered energy use data after occupancy. This duration is necessary to provide a comprehensive view of the building’s energy consumption patterns throughout the different seasons of the year.

References: The LEED v4.1 O+M reference guide specifies that a full year of energy data is needed to accurately assess a building’s performance for the Minimum Energy Performance prerequisite1234.

To fulfill the Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite, Minimum Energy Performance, LEED requires a building to demonstrate energy use through 12 months of metered energy datapost-occupancy. This duration ensures that a full annual cycle is considered, accounting for seasonal variations in energy consumption. The data collected over this period provides a comprehensive overview of the building's energy performance, enabling accurate benchmarking against LEED standards and identifying opportunities for energy efficiency improvements.

References:This requirement is specified in the LEED AP Operations + Maintenance reference guide, under the section detailing the Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite, Minimum Energy Performance. The guide explains the rationale behind the 12-month period and how it contributes to a reliable assessment of the building's energy use.

The correct answer is C because the baseline water usage is 150% of the water use for a building with a certificate of occupancy dated 1993 or later, as stated in the LEED v4.1 O+M Reference Guide1.The baseline water usage is determined by calculating the estimated usage assuming Energy Policy Act-compliant fixtures2. The other options are incorrect because they either have the wrong percentage or the wrong year for the baseline water usage.

References: =

• LEED v4.1 O+M Reference Guide, page 97
• Guide to the LEED AP Operations and Maintenance (O+M) Exam, page 77
• LEED v4 AP O+M Mock Exam, page 90 =========================================

• Reducing lawn areas can significantly impact operational costs related to landscaping maintenance, irrigation, and the potential need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides. By minimizing lawn areas and potentially replacing them with native or adapted vegetation, the site improvement plan can contribute to lower operational costs, water conservation, and improved site sustainability.References:This strategy is supported by the Sustainable Sites category in the LEED O+M Reference Guide, which encourages practices that reduce the environmental impact of landscaping and site management.

For the Location and Transportation Credit, Alternative Transportation, Option 1, all building visitors should be invited to participate in the transportation survey during the survey period. This requirement ensures that the survey data accurately reflects the transportation patterns of not only the regular building occupants but also the visitors, providing a comprehensive view of transportation choices associated with the building.References:LEED AP Operations + Maintenance Reference Guide, Location and Transportation section.

To comply with the prerequisite, the project team must establish an ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager profile for the building and enter the required information, such as building type, size, occupancy, and energy use. The project team must also share the profile with USGBC and achieve a minimum score of 75 or demonstrate a 20% improvement in energy performance.

References:

• LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Operations and Maintenance, page 2111
• LEED AP O+M Exam Preparation Guide, page 672

The correct answer is B because the transportation surveys must be distributed across all tenants proportionately, according to their populations, as stated in the LEED v4.1 O+M Reference Guide1. This ensures that the survey results are representative of the actual transportation patterns of the building occupants and avoids sampling bias. The other options are incorrect because they either do not account for the population size of each tenant or are not relevant for the survey distribution.

References: =

• LEED v4.1 O+M Reference Guide, page 123
• Guide to the LEED AP Operations and Maintenance (O+M) Exam, page 83
• LEED v4 AP O+M Mock Exam, page 89 =========================================