LEED-Green-Associate LEED Green Associate GAFRE Exam (LEED GA) Questions and Answers

Including subsidies for carpools is a strategy that can increase the number of points the project receives for Location and Transportation credits. This is because it reduces the demand for single-occupancy vehicle trips and parking spaces, which in turn reduces greenhouse gas emissions, traffic congestion, and land consumption12. The project can earn up to 15 points for the Transportation Demand Management credit by providing various incentives and programs to encourage alternative modes of transportation, such as carpooling, public transit, biking, or walking12.

The increase in air temperature in a developed area resulting from the dark surfaces of roadways, parking lots, and tarred rooftops is known as heat island effect. Heat island effect is a phenomenon whereby urban areas experience higher temperatures than rural areas due to the absorption and re-emission of solar heat by man-made surfaces. Heat island effect can have negative impacts on human health, energy consumption, air quality, and climate change. Some strategies to reduce heat island effect include increasing vegetation cover, using reflective or green roofs, using cool or permeable pavements, and enhancing natural ventilation.

ASHRAE 62.1 is the standard for ventilation and acceptable indoor air quality in commercial and institutional buildings. It specifies the minimum ventilation rates and other measures to provide good indoor air quality for occupants. LEED v4 references ASHRAE 62.1 as a prerequisite for the Indoor Environmental Quality credit category.

ASHRAE 62.1 from the LEED v4 Green Associate Candidate Handbook, page 18.

Enhance Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) from the WBDG website, section on Adequate Ventilation and Exhaust.

Installing a bioswale is a design technique that should be used to help prevent stormwater damage to the building and surrounding site. A bioswale is a vegetated channel that conveys stormwater runoff while filtering pollutants, reducing peak flow rates, increasing infiltration, and providing habitat. A bioswale can help prevent stormwater damage by reducing erosion, flooding, sedimentation, and contamination of waterways. The other options are not design techniques that should be used to help prevent stormwater damage to the building and surrounding site. Directing runoff into a stream is a design technique that can cause stormwater damage by increasing the volume and velocity of water entering the stream, resulting in erosion, flooding, sedimentation, and contamination of the stream. Paving the site with high Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) material is a design technique that can reduce the heat island effect by reflecting more solar radiation than conventional paving materials, but it does not prevent stormwater damage as it does not reduce runoff or improve water quality. Paving the site with impervious material is a design technique that can cause stormwater damage by preventing infiltration and increasing runoff, resulting in erosion, flooding, sedimentation, and contamination of waterways. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, page 32; USGBC [Sustainable Sites], page 4-5.

receptacle load is the electrical load that is connected to the building’s electrical system through receptacles (also known as outlets or sockets). Receptacle load includes both regulated and non-regulated loads, such as computers, printers, monitors, lamps, refrigerators, microwaves, coffee makers, etc. Receptacle load does not include hard-wiredequipment, such as lighting fixtures, HVAC systems, or elevators12.

Receptacle load is one of the major components of plug and process loads (PPLs), which consume about 47% of primary energy in U.S. commercial buildings2. Reducing receptacle load can help improve building energy efficiency and achieve LEED certification. One of the strategies to reduce receptacle load is to use automatic receptacle controls, which are devices that turn off or reduce power to receptacles when they are not in use. Automatic receptacle controls are required by ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1-2019: Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings, as well as NIH DRM 10.5.313.

Composting toilets operate without water, making them ideal for reducing potable water consumption. LEED promotes such innovative technologies for achieving water efficiency credits​​.

One of the requirements for the Sustainable Sites Credit: Rainwater Management is that projects must use Green Infrastructure (GI) and Low Impact Development (LID) techniques within the LEED project boundary. GI and LID are design approaches that mimic natural hydrologic processes to manage stormwater runoff at its source. GI and LID techniques include strategies such as rain gardens, bioswales, permeable pavements, green roofs, rain barrels, cisterns, and vegetated buffers. The other options are not requirements for the Sustainable Sites Credit: Rainwater Management. Maximizing open space within the LEED project boundary is a requirement for the Sustainable Sites Credit: Open Space. Calculating the total rainwater runoff for 75th percentile rainfall events is a requirement for the Sustainable Sites Credit: Site Assessment. Using a combination of both structural and non-structural measures to manage a 90th percentile rainfall event is an option for meeting Option 1 of the Sustainable Sites Credit: Rainwater Management. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, page 27; USGBC, [Sustainable Sites], page 4-5.

LEED for Building Operations and Maintenance (O+M) is the rating system that applies to existing buildings and interior spaces that have been fully operational and occupied for at least one year1. It focuses on performance-oriented sustainable strategies and outcomes, such as energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, indoor environmental quality, and transportation2. LEED O+M can help existing buildings reduce their environmental impacts and improve their operations1.

 2 LEED rating system | U.S. Green Building Council1 LEED for Existing Buildings (LEED-EB) | Harvard Energy & Facilities.

The protection and restoration of natural vegetation, wetland areas and bodies of water through building footprint consolidation helps to preserve open space and sensitive areas, which are important for maintaining biodiversity, ecosystem services, and human well-being. Building footprint consolidation refers to the strategy of minimizing the area of land that is occupied by a building and its associated infrastructure, such as roads, parking lots, and utilities. By reducing the building footprint, project teams can avoid or minimize the impacts of development on natural habitats, wetlands, and water bodies, which often provide critical functions such aswater quality improvement, flood control, wildlife habitat, and recreation. LEED v4.1 recognizes and rewards this strategy in the Sensitive Land Protection credit1, which aims to conserve existing natural areas and restore damaged areas to provide habitat and promote biodiversity2. References: LEED Link: Sensitive Land Protection, section “LEED v4.1 BD+C: Sensitive Land Protection”; Sensitive Land Protection | U.S. Green Building Council, section “Intent”

LEED Building Design and Construction: Homes is the rating system that applies to single-family homes, low-rise multi-family homes, and mid-rise multi-family homes1. It includes the ability to reduce point thresholds for LEED certification levels based on building size, as smaller homes tend to have lower environmental impacts than larger homes2. The point thresholds are determined by the size of the house compared to the number of bedrooms1.

 2 LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Homes, p. 171 The LEED rating system - Ecohome.

Conducting an occupant comfort survey with all building occupants is an effective way to identify occupant comfort issues in a space based on LEED best practices. An occupantcomfort survey is a tool that collects feedback from building occupants about their satisfaction with various aspects of their indoor environment, such as thermal comfort, lighting quality, acoustic quality, air quality, ergonomics, and aesthetics. An occupant comfort survey can help identify areas of improvement and potential solutions for enhancing occupant comfort and well-being. The other options are not effective ways to identify occupant comfort issues in a space based on LEED best practices. Installing energy meters in the building is a strategy that measures energy performance, but does not directly address occupant comfort. Discussing potential issues with building owner is a subjective and limited way of gathering information, as the building owner may not represent the views and experiences of all building occupants. Waiting for occupants to alert facilities management team of issues is a passive and reactive way of addressing occupant comfort, as some occupants may not voice their concerns or may have already suffered from discomfort. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, page 25; USGBC, [Guide to LEED Certification: Commercial], page 13.

Regional priority credits are bonus points that are awarded to projects that achieve credits that address geographically specific environmental, social equity and public health priorities. These credits are not new LEED credits, but instead are existing credits that USGBC regional councils and chapters have designated as being particularly important for their areas. The goal of regional priority credits is to incentivize project teams to address the most critical and relevant environmental issues in their regions, such as water scarcity, air quality, habitat loss, or social equity12. Regional priority credits are based on the project’s geolocation (latitude and longitude coordinates), which can be entered and confirmed during project registration in LEED Online2. Each project can earn up to four regional priority bonus points, one for each regional priority credit achieved3.

ASHRAE 189.1 is a standard for the design of high-performance green buildings that covers various aspects of sustainability, energy efficiency, water efficiency, indoor environmental quality, and more. It is an alternate compliance path for the IGCC, which is a model code that contains minimum requirements for green building design and construction. In jurisdictions that adopt the IGCC, a builder has the option to design and construct a building in accordance with the provisions of ASHRAE 189.1 rather than those of the IGCC123.

ASHRAE Standard 189.1-2014: Standard for the Design of High-Performance Green Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings (ASHRAE 189.1) | US EPA Smart Growth1

ASHRAE Standard 189.1-2014 - Trane Heating & Air Conditioning2

IgCC and ASHRAE Standard 189.1 Technical Provisions3

The LEED minimum program requirements state that for LEED BD+C and LEED O+M rating systems, the LEED project must include a minimum of 1000 ft2 (93 m2) of gross floor area1.

LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide

LEED minimum program requirements

LEED For Building Design And Construction (LEED BD+C) Rating Systems In Details

An occupant survey is the most efficient way for building users to rate the heating and air-conditioning and other aspects of work spaces. An occupant survey is a tool that collects feedback from building occupants about their satisfaction with various aspects of their indoor environment, such as thermal comfort, lighting quality, acoustic quality, air quality, and spatial layout. An occupant survey can help identify areas for improvement, monitor performance, evaluate design strategies, and inform future decisions. The LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook states that one of the strategies for achieving indoor environmental quality is to “conduct occupant surveys on thermal comfort” [1, p. 16]. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, [Occupant Surveys | Center for the Built Environment]

Potable water is water that is suitable for drinking. Potable water meets or exceeds the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) drinking water quality standards and is free of contaminants that are harmful to human health. The other options are not suitable for drinking. Graywater is wastewater from sinks, showers, and laundry that can be reused for non-potable purposes such as toilet flushing and irrigation. Greenwater is rainwater that is collected and stored for non-potable uses. Stormwater is runoff from precipitation that can carry pollutants and sediments into waterways. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, page 26; USGBC, [Water Efficiency], page 2.

Quality transit in LEED refers to public transportation modes that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide access to diverse destinations. Bicycles are considered a type of quality transit in LEED, as they meet the criteria of being low-emitting, fuel-efficient, and having a high ridership capacity. Taxis, motorcycles, and single passenger cars are not considered quality transit in LEED, as they have higher emissions, lower fuel efficiency, and lower ridership capacity than bicycles.

The project boundary is the area within which the project team has authority to implement the LEED requirements. It is important to clearly identify the project boundary to define the limits of site disturbance, which can affect the environmental performance of the project. For example, limiting site disturbance can help reduce soil erosion, protect natural habitats, and conserve water resources. The project boundary also determines the scope of the site assessment and the applicability of some credits. References: LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, Introduction, page 13

Soft surfaces contribute to a comfortable acoustic environment by absorbing sound waves and reducing noise levels. This can include items such as carpets, upholstered furniture, and acoustic ceiling tiles. In contrast, hard surfaces (like wood cabinets, hollow metal doors, or glass partitions)can reflect sound waves and increase noise levels. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

The footprint of a building is the area of ground that it covers, defined by its perimeter. It’s essentially the shape that results when you trace around the outer walls of a building plan. This term is used in architecture and urban planning to describe the space that a building occupies on a site. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

One of the things that LEED promotes by encouraging compact development is walkability. Compact development is a form of urban planning that aims to reduce sprawland make more efficient use of land and resources by increasing density, diversity, and connectivity of land uses5. Compact development can enhance walkability by creating mixed-use neighborhoods that provide a variety of destinations within walking distance, such as shops, services, workplaces, schools, parks, and transit stops. Walkability can offer multiple benefits for the environment, health, economy, and social equity. For example, walkability can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution byreplacing car trips with walking or transit; improve physical and mental health by increasing physical activity and reducing stress; support local businesses and generate tax revenues by increasing foot traffic and property values; and foster social cohesion and civic engagement by creating vibrant public spaces and enhancing accessibility for all6. References: Compact urban development6; LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, Location and Transportation, page 15

process water is water that is used for specific processes in industries, businesses, or buildings. Process water can include water used for cooling, heating, washing, rinsing, sterilizing, humidifying, or other purposes. Process water can also include water used for building systems, such as cooling towers, boilers, chillers, or irrigation123.

Process water is different from domestic water, which is water used for human consumption or hygiene, such as drinking, cooking, bathing, or flushing toilets. Process water is also different from wastewater, which is water that has been contaminated by human or industrial activities and requires treatment before being discharged or reused24.

Process water is an important aspect of water efficiency in LEED certification. LEED v4.1 offers credits for optimizing process water use by reducing the demand or increasing the use of alternative sources of water, such as rainwater, graywater, or reclaimed water

A brownfield site is appropriate for development of LEED projects because it is a site that has been previously used for industrial or commercial purposes and may be contaminated by pollutants or hazardous substances. Developing a brownfield site can help reduce environmental impacts, such as soil erosion, habitat loss, and water consumption, by reusingexisting infrastructure and restoring degraded land. LEED projects can earn credits for developing on brownfield sites under the Sustainable Sites category. References: LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, Sustainable Sites, page 35; Best Management Practice #14: Alternative Water Sources1

One of the causes of surface water degradation is the expansion of impervious surfaces. Impervious surfaces are those that do not allow water to infiltrate into the soil, such as roads, parking lots, rooftops, and sidewalks. Impervious surfaces increase the amount and speed of stormwater runoff, which can carry pollutants, sediments, nutrients, and pathogens into surface water bodies such as streams, rivers, lakes, and oceans. Impervious surfaces also reduce groundwater recharge, lower base flow in streams, increase flooding and erosion, alter streammorphology and habitat, and affect water temperature and dissolved oxygen levels2. Therefore, impervious surfaces can have significant negative impacts on the quality and quantity of surface water resources. References: Surface Water as a cause of land degradation from dryland salinity3; What is Water Pollution?4

The environmental harm associated with transportation is reduced when purchasing and installing locally sourced, environmentally preferable products. Locally sourced products are products that are extracted, harvested, recovered, or manufactured within a certain distance from the project site. Environmentally preferable products are products that have reduced environmental impacts compared to similar products in terms of energy use, water use, materials use, waste generation, emissions, toxicity, and durability. Purchasing and installing locally sourced, environmentally preferable products reduces the amount of fuel consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and road congestion associated with transporting products over long distances. The LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook states that one of the strategies for achieving materials and resources efficiency is to “use local or regional materials (extracted, processed and manufactured within 100 miles)” [1, p. 15]. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, [Environmentally Preferable Purchasing | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency]

The USGBC administers the LEED credentialing programs, which include the LEED Green Associate and the LEED AP with specialty credentials. The USGBC does not administer the LEED exams, the LEED rating systems development, or the LEED project certification.

The LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook states that “The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) administers the LEED credentialing programs related to green building practice” 1, page 3.

The same handbook also states that “The Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) administers the LEED professional credential exams” 1, page 3.

The LEED AP with Specialty Candidate Handbook states that “The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is responsible for the development of the LEED rating systems” 2, page 3.

The same handbook also states that “The Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) administers project certification for all commercial and institutional projects pursuing LEED certification under any of the current rating systems” 2, page 3.

Graywater includes wastewater from lavatory faucets, whereas blackwater includes wastewater from toilets and urinals. This describes the difference between graywater and blackwater according to LEED. Graywater is wastewater that has been used for non-potable purposes, such as washing hands or dishes, but does not contain human or animal waste. Blackwater is wastewater that has been contaminated with human or animal waste from toilets or urinals. Graywater can be reused for certain purposes after minimal treatment, such as irrigation or toilet flushing, whereas blackwater requires more advanced treatment before reuse or disposal. The LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook states that one of the strategies for achieving water efficiency is to “use non-potable water (graywater) for sewage conveyance” [1, p. 14]. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, [Graywater vs Blackwater | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency]

Access to quality transit is one of the criteria for the LEED v4 Location and Transportation category, which aims to reduce the environmental and human health impacts of transportation and promote sustainable site selection. By developing an urban site that is well-served by public transportation, the building owner can reduce the reliance on private vehicles, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and encourage alternative modes of travel123.

LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide1, page 25

LEED v4 Credit Tutorials: Location & Transportation (BD+C/ID+C)2

LEED v4 Q+A: Location and Transportation3

The Materials and Resources Credit category calculation addresses the permanently installed building products that are part of the building’s structure, enclosure, and interior elements. These include framing, flooring, insulation, windows, doors, interior walls, ceilings, and finishes. Process equipment, elevators, furniture, and formwork for concrete are not included in the calculation . References: LEED v4 Green Associate Candidate Handbook, LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide

This scenario would potentially help a project earn the most LEED points because it aligns with the goals and criteria of the LEED v4 Location and Transportation category,which aims to reduce the environmental and human health impacts of transportation and promote sustainable site selection1. By renovating a large building in a diverse, walkable business district and central transit connectivity, the project can:

Preserve existing buildings and reduce the demand for new construction materials and land development2

Enhance the livability, vitality, and diversity of the urban area and support mixed-use development3

Provide access to quality transit options and reduce the reliance on private vehicles, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and encourage alternative modes of travel4

Support walkability and connectivity to various amenities and services within walking distance5

Avoid locating on sensitive lands or prime farmland that could support open space, habitat, or agriculture

These strategies can help the project earn points for various credits under theLocation and Transportation category, such as LEED for Neighborhood Development Location, Surrounding Density and Diverse Uses, Access to Quality Transit, Bicycle Facilities, Reduced Parking Footprint, High Priority Site and Equitable Development1.

Harvesting rainwater reduces reliance on potable water for non-potable uses like irrigation and flushing. LEED supports this approach under Water Efficiency credits for reducing potable water consumption​​.

The LEED credit weightings are based on the impact categories defined and established by the USGBC, which is the organization that developed and administers the LEED rating system. The impact categories are aligned with the USGBC’s mission and vision of transforming the built environment to enhance environmental and human health. The impact categories are also informed by the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Tools for the Reduction and Assessment of Chemical and Other Environmental Impacts (TRACI) methodology, which provides a framework for assessing environmental impacts across different categories. References: LEED Link: Impact categories, section “LEED v4 impact categories”; LEED v4 Impact Category and Point Allocation Process Overview, page 1; LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, page 14

Installing new flush valves or flow restrictors is a low-cost strategy to improve water efficiency. These devices reduce the amount of water used in each flush or flow, leading to significant water savings over time. Other strategies like installing subsurface cisterns to collect stormwater, using only compostable toilets throughout the facility, or incorporating an on-site blackwater treatment system can also improve water efficiency, but they typically involve higher upfront costs. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

LEED prerequisites are the minimum requirements that a project must meet in order to be eligible for LEED certification. Prerequisites are mandatory for all projects and cannot be substituted or waived. If a project does not meet a prerequisite in one credit category, it does not qualify for certification, regardless of how many points it earns in other categories123.

A project that does not meet a prerequisite in one credit category does not forfeit all points in the same credit category, as points are awarded for meeting optional credits, not prerequisites. A project cannot file a CIR (Credit Interpretation Request) to seek clarification or exception for a prerequisite, as CIRs are only applicable for credits. A projectcannot substitute a prerequisite from an alternative rating system, as prerequisites are specific to each rating system and reflect the minimum standards for that system

Offering financial incentives is a strategy that can be used to address transportation in operation and maintenance under the Location and Transportation (LT) category. The LT category addresses the location and accessibility of a project site, as well as its impacts on transportation, land use, and community connectivity. One of the credits in this category is LTCredit: Alternative Transportation - Transportation Demand Management, which rewards projects that implement programs or policies that reduce single-occupancy vehicle trips and encourage alternative transportation modes, such as public transit, carpooling, biking, or walking. Offering financial incentives is one example of such a program or policy, which can provide benefits or rewards for the employees or tenants who use alternative transportation modes, such as subsidies, vouchers, discounts, prizes, recognition, or preferential parking1 . References: LEED v4 Green AssociateCandidate Handbook1, LEED v4 O+M Reference Guide

Setting project goals is the action that the design team should conduct first in order to incorporate green building strategies in a six-story commercial building renovation project. Setting project goals is an important step in the integrative process that defines the vision and expectations for the project’s sustainability performance and guides the decision-making throughout the design and construction phases. Setting project goals involves engaging key stakeholders, such as owners, users, designers, contractors, and operators, and identifying measurable objectives, targets, and metrics for various aspects of green building, such as energy efficiency, water conservation, material selection, indoor environmental quality, site selection, and transportation access. The LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook states that one of the steps in the integrative process is to “establish sustainability goals early in project development” [1, p. 12]. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, [Integrative Process | U.S. Green Building Council]

A vegetated roof, also known as a green roof, is a roof that is partially or completely covered with vegetation and a growing medium, such as soil or compost. A vegetated roof can help reduce the heat island effect and manage rainwater runoff by providing the following benefits12:

It reduces the surface temperature of the roof by reflecting solar radiation and cooling the air through evapotranspiration, which is the process of plants releasing water vapor from their leaves. This can lower the ambient temperature of the surrounding area and improve thermal comfort for occupants and pedestrians.

It reduces the amount and speed of stormwater runoff by retaining and filtering rainwater in the vegetation and growing medium. This can prevent flooding, erosion, and pollution of downstream water bodies, as well as reduce the demand for potable water for irrigation or other purposes.

It enhances the biodiversity and habitat of the urban environment by providing a space for plants, animals, insects, and microorganisms to thrive. This can improve the ecological health and resilience of the ecosystem and provide aesthetic and recreational benefits for humans.

Other strategies that can contribute to reducing the heat island effect and managing rainwater runoff are:

White cement roof pavers: These are tiles made of concrete that have a high solar reflectance index (SRI), which measures how well a surface reflects solar radiation. White cement roof pavers can help reduce the surface temperature of the roof by reflecting more solar radiation than darker or less reflective materials. However, they do not provide any benefits for stormwater management, as they are impervious surfaces that do not retain or filter rainwater34.

A rainwater collection system: This is a system that captures and stores rainwater from roofs or other surfaces for reuse. A rainwater collection system can help reduce stormwater runoff by diverting rainwater from landfills or incinerators to other destinations, such as irrigation, toilet flushing, or cooling. However, it does not provide any benefits for reducing the heat island effect, as it does not affect the surface temperature of the roof or the surrounding air5 .

Shading structures that include photovoltaic panels: These are structures that provide shade for roofs or other surfaces by blocking direct sunlight. Shading structures that include photovoltaic panels can help reduce the heat island effect by lowering the surface temperature of the roof or the shaded area. They can also help generate renewable energy from solar power, which can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and energy costs. However, they do not provide any benefits for stormwater management, as they do not retain or filter rainwater .

According to the LEED v4 Glossary of Terms1, a site that has been graded is commonly defined as previously developed, which means "land that has been altered by paving, construction, and/or land use that would typically have required regulatory permitting to have been initiated (alterations may exist now or in the past)"1. A greenfield is "a site not previously developed or graded that could support open space, habitat, or agriculture"1. A brownfield is "a property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant"1. A previously undeveloped site is "a site that has never been built on or graded for development"2.

A charrette is a collaborative workshop that brings together various stakeholders and experts to address a particular design issue, such as sustainability, security, or accessibility. A charrette should take place at the beginning of the project, when the project goals, scope, and budget are being defined, and when the most impact can be made with the least cost. A charrette can help establish a shared vision, identify potential challenges and opportunities, and generate innovative and integrated solutions.

 A Handbook for Planning and Conducting Charrettes for High-Performance Projects, page 1-2; LEED v4 Green Associate Candidate Handbook, page 12.

ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager is an online tool developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that allows building owners and managers to measure and track the energy and water performance of their buildings, as well as benchmark their buildings against similar buildings nationwide. The tool uses a 1-100 ENERGY STAR score to rate the energy efficiency of a building relative to its peers, where a score of 50 represents medianperformance and a score of 75 or higher indicates top performance1 . References: LEED v4 Green Associate Candidate Handbook1, ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager

LEED uses specific ASHRAE standards for energy and indoor air quality:

“ASHRAE 90.1-2010 is used for Minimum Energy Performance...”

“ASHRAE 62.1-2010 is used for Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance...”

SMACNA is related to construction air quality, not performance standards.

Good site design benefits a project in which of the following ways: makes occupants comfortable by providing green spaces. Green spaces are areas of vegetation that improve the quality of life for building occupants and visitors by providing natural views, fresh air, shade, noise reduction, and recreational opportunities. They also reduce heat island effect, improve stormwater management, and sequester carbon dioxide. The LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook states that one of the intents of the Sustainable Sites category is to “enhance occupant comfort by providing green spaces” [1, p. 13]. References: [LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook], [Green Spaces | U.S. Department of Energy]

The Integrative Process Credit in LEED v4 requires the project team to implement an integrative process that enables themto discover unique opportunities for enhancing project performance and environmental benefits1. The project team should identify and use opportunities to achieve synergies across disciplines and building systems2.

References := Integrative process | U.S. Green Building Council, LEED Integrative Process Credit Explained - Projectific, Inc.

Adaptive reuse focuses on repurposing existing materials or elements to reduce construction waste and resource use. Reusing wood floors as wall panels exemplifies this principle, aligning with LEED credits under Materials and Resources​​.

According to the Indoor Environmental Quality credit category of LEED, mechanical and electrical rooms are considered unoccupied spaces. These spaces are typically not intended for human occupancy, except for maintenance or operational purposes, and therefore do not require the same level of environmental control (such as ventilation or temperature control) as occupied spaces. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

A 100% vegetated roof coverage best addresses both heat island effect and rainwater runoff from the roof only. A vegetated roof, also known as a green roof, is a layer of living plants thatcovers the roof surface. A vegetated roof reduces the heat island effect by providing shade, evapotranspiration, and insulation, lowering the roof temperature and the surrounding air temperature. A vegetated roof also reduces rainwater runoff by retaining and absorbing precipitation, decreasing the volume and peak flow of stormwater leaving the roof. The other options are not as effective as a 100% vegetated roof coverage in addressing both heat island effect and rainwater runoff from the roof only. A 100% high-albedo roof reflects more solar radiation than a conventional roof, reducing the heat island effect, but it does not reduce rainwater runoff. A 20% high-albedo and 80% conventional roof has a lower reflectance than a 100% high-albedo roof, resulting in a higher heat island effect, and it does not reduce rainwater runoff either. A 50% standing seam copper and 50% vegetated roof has a lower vegetated area than a 100% vegetated roof, resulting in less shade, evapotranspiration, insulation, retention, and absorption, leading to a higher heat island effect and more rainwater runoff. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, page 27; USGBC, [Sustainable Sites], page 3.

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is a third-party verification organization that certifies forest products that are sourced from responsibly managed forests that meet environmental, social, and economic standards12. FSC-certified wood products are considered environmentally preferable products under the LEED v4 Materials and Resources category, as they reduce the negative impacts of deforestation, habitat loss, and biodiversity loss34.

What is FSC? | FSC International1

Forest Stewardship Council - Wikipedia2

LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide - U.S. Green Building Council3

Credit’s Supporting LEED’s Materials and Resources Category | Legrand4

One type of construction pollution that can be reduced by prevention activities is airborne dust generation. Airborne dust can be generated by various construction activities, such as excavation, demolition, grading, hauling, and vehicle traffic. Airborne dust can have negative impacts on the air quality, human health, and climate. Airborne dust can contribute to respiratory problems, allergies, asthma, and eye irritation for workersand nearby residents. Airborne dust can also reduce the visibility, increase the risk of accidents, and damage the equipment and materials. Airborne dust can also affect the climate by absorbing or reflecting solar radiation, altering the cloud formation and precipitation patterns, and influencing the carbon cycle1.

Some of the prevention activities that can reduce airborne dust generation during construction are12:

Covering or wetting the exposed soil and stockpiles

Using water sprays or misters to suppress the dust

Installing wind fences or barriers around the site

Applying mulch, straw, or vegetation to stabilize the soil

Sweeping or vacuuming the paved areas and roads

Limiting the speed and frequency of vehicles

Using low-emission or electric vehicles and equipment

Implementing a dust control plan and monitoring the dust levels

An exemplary performance point is earned if the project achieves a performance level that is significantly higher than the credit requirements, as specified in the LEED Reference Guide1. The incremental performance threshold varies depending on the credit and is typically double the credit requirements or the next percentage threshold2.

 1 NC-v4.1 INc1: Innovation | LEEDuser2 What Is Exemplary Performance In LEED? | LEED Blog - Projectific, Inc.

LEED Interior Design and Construction (ID+C) is a rating system that applies to projects that are a complete interior fit-out or renovation1. Data centers are one of the project types that can use this rating system, as they have specific requirements for energy efficiency, cooling, and reliability2.

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LEED rating system

LEED rating system selection

LEED Rating Systems Overview

LEED MPRs state:

“Must be in a permanent location on existing land… Must use reasonable LEED boundaries… Must comply with project size requirements: BD+C and O+M: minimum 1,000 sq ft…”

Only option B satisfies all these conditions.

Occupancy sensors are devices that detect the presence or absence of people in a space and automatically turn the lights on or off accordingly. By installing occupancy sensors for the building’s lighting system, projects can achieve two benefits: improving the indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and reducing the energy consumption. Occupancy sensors can enhance the IEQ by providing lighting control for individual spaces, allowing occupants to adjust the light levels to their preferences and needs. Occupancy sensors can also save energy by avoiding unnecessary lighting when spaces are unoccupied, thus lowering the electricity demand and greenhouse gas emissions. References: LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, p. 507 1; LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Operations and Maintenance, p. 241 1

Strategically locating functional and decorative hardscape on a project site can reduce the amount of on-site impervious area. Impervious surfaces are surfaces that do not allow water to infiltrate into the ground (e.g., concrete or asphalt). By reducing these surfaces, we can increase water infiltration, which helps recharge groundwater supplies and reduces stormwater runoff that can lead to erosion and water pollution. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

An integrative design process is a collaborative and holistic approach that involves the project team and stakeholders from the early stages of the project to identify the project goals, analyze the site and climate conditions, explore multiple design options, and optimize the performance and cost-effectiveness of the project. By applying an integrative design process, a LEED project can achieve higherlevels of sustainability and efficiency, as well as reduce the risks of errors, delays, and change orders12. References: LEED v4 Green Associate Candidate Handbook1, LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide2

The best way to prevent a building’s indoor pollutant(s) is to eliminate or control pollutants at the source. Indoor pollutants are substances or particles that can adversely affect the indoor air quality (IAQ) of a building and the health, comfort, and productivity of the occupants. Indoor pollutants can originate from various sources, such as building materials, furnishings, cleaning products, combustion appliances, outdoor air, or occupant activities. Eliminating or controlling pollutants at the source can prevent them from entering or spreading in the indoor environment, which can reduce the exposure and risk for the occupants. Some examples of source control strategies are: using low-emitting materials, installing local exhaust ventilation, sealingcombustion appliances, implementing green cleaning practices, and prohibiting smoking13. References: LEED v4 Green Associate Candidate Handbook1, EPA’s Indoor Air Quality3

Social responsibility is one of the factors that contribute to the triple bottom line. The triple bottom line is a framework that measures the performance of an organization or a project based on three dimensions: environmental, social, and economic. Social responsibility refers to the ethical obligation of an organization or a project to consider the impacts of its decisions and actions on society and stakeholders, such as employees, customers, communities, and future generations. The other options are not factors that contribute to the triple bottom line. Global security is a broad concept that encompasses various aspects of international relations, such as peace, human rights, justice, and cooperation. Project balance sheet is a financial statement that summarizes the assets, liabilities, and equity of a project at a given point in time. Green metrics and verification are tools and methods that quantify and validate the environmental performance of a project or a product. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, page 31; USGBC [LEED v4 Impact Category: Triple Bottom Line], page 1.

Designers and builders can construct a green building that uses significantly less water than a conventional building by incorporating native plant landscapes. Native plant landscapes are plants that are adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, and require little or no irrigation, fertilization, or pesticides. They also provide habitat for wildlife, reduce stormwater runoff, and enhance the aesthetic value of the site. The LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook states that one of the intents of the Sustainable Sites category is to “conserve water by using native or adapted plants” [1, p. 13]. References: [LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook], [Native Plants | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency]

The credit templates are the online forms that document the achievement of the LEED credits for a project pursuing LEED certification. The credit templates are completed and signed by the specified team member who is responsible for the credit, such as the architect, engineer, contractor, or owner. The teammember must provide the required information, calculations, narratives, and supporting documentation for each credit13. References: LEED v4 Green Associate Candidate Handbook1, LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide3

According to LEED guidelines:

“Integrated Project Delivery phases: Pre-Design, Design, Bidding, Commissioning, Occupancy”

Commissioning aligns with these project phases for quality assurance and system verification.

Biomass is a renewable energy source that can be used to produce electricity from organic plant and waste material. It is considered green power by the U.S. EPA because it provides environmental benefits and reduces greenhouse gas emissions12.

This formula is used to calculate the percentage of restoration area for the LEED v4 credit SSc2: Protect or Restore Habitat1. The restoration area is the portion of the site that is restored with native or adapted vegetation, and the total previously disturbed site area is the area that was altered by human activity before the project2.

References := NC-v4.1 SSc2: Protect or Restore Habitat | LEEDuser, LEED CERTIFICATION- REQUIREMENTS FOR SS CREDIT: PROTECT OR RESTORE …

ASHRAE 90.1-2010, Appendix G is the referenced standard for defining the baseline building performance for energy simulation modeling in LEED v4 for Building Design and Construction. The baseline building is a hypothetical building that represents the minimum energy performance required by ASHRAE 90.1-2010, which is a standard for energy efficiency in buildings. The baseline building is used as a benchmark to compare the proposed design of the project and to calculate the percentage of energy cost savings achieved by the project. The baseline building performance is evaluated by following the procedures and assumptions specified in Appendix G of ASHRAE 90.1-2010, such as building envelope, lighting, HVAC systems, service water heating, and renewable energy.

The other options are not relevant to the question, as they are standards for different aspects of green building, such as thermal comfort (ASHRAE 55-2010), air filtration (ASHRAE 52.2-2007), and ventilation (ASHRAE 62.1-2010).

The USGBC member logo may be displayed by an organization that is a member of the USGBC. Membership in the USGBC is organizational, not individual, so the logo represents the organization’s commitment to sustainability and green building practices. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

Installing a solar photovoltaic system can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from a building. Solar panels generate electricity from sunlight, a renewable resource, instead of burning fossil fuels that release carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. While solar panels do require an upfront investment, they can also result in lower energy bills over time. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

Tiered demand pricing is part of a Demand Response (DR) strategy where buildings respond to utility pricing signals by reducing or shifting energy use during peak periods. LEED encourages DR-ready infrastructure to reduce grid stress.

“Demand Response strategies include pricing structures like tiered or time-of-use pricing to encourage load reduction.”

In commercial office buildings, space heating and cooling typically represent the largest portion of energy consumption, particularly when mechanical HVAC systems are in use. LEED v4 emphasizes targeting the most energy-intensive systems first for optimization.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) and referenced in LEED study materials:

“Space heating, ventilation, and cooling together account for more than 40% of total energy use in commercial buildings.”

LEED’s EA Credit: Optimize Energy Performance encourages strategies like high-efficiency HVAC systems, building envelope improvements, and passive design to reduce this load.

While refrigeration and office equipment do use energy, their share in typical office buildings is comparatively small. Refrigeration is more significant in retail or food service projects.

A. Refrigeration – Low energy share in offices

B. Ventilation – Important, but typically paired with heating/cooling

C. Office equipment – Minor energy load due to efficiency standards (e.g., ENERGY STAR)

D. Space heating – Primary energy consumer in offices, especially in colder climates

Therefore, Option D offers the greatest reduction potential in a typical commercial office scenario.

Pre-consumer recycled content refers to waste material that is diverted from the waste stream during the manufacturing process. This can include scraps or trimmings that are collected and returned to the manufacturing process. It does not include rework, regrind, or scrap materials capable of being reclaimed within the same process that generated them. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

The result of proper design and operation of buildings and neighborhoods is an increase in energy efficiency. Energy efficiency is the ratio of useful output to energy input for a system or process. Energy efficiency can be improved by using less energy to perform the same function or by using renewable or low-impact energy sources. Energy efficiency can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, energy costs, and dependence on fossil fuels1 . References: LEED v4 Green Associate Candidate Handbook1, EPA’s Energy Efficiency

An alternative commuting incentive program is a strategy that can be used to encourage alternative transportation methods, such as public transit, carpooling, biking, or walking. An alternative commuting incentive program can provide benefits or rewards for the employees or tenants who use alternative transportation modes, such as subsidies, vouchers, discounts, prizes, recognition, or preferential parking. This strategy can help to achieve LEED Location and Transportation Credit: Alternative Transportation1 . References: LEED v4 Green Associate Candidate Handbook1, LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide

The project team’s strategy of using low-flow toilet fixtures and integrating non-potable water strategies for the building interior falls under the Water Efficiency category. The Water Efficiency category addresses the conservation and management of water resources in buildings and landscapes. Using low-flow toilet fixtures reduces the amount of potable waterused for flushing toilets, saving water and energy. Integrating non-potable water strategies for the building interior involves using alternative sources of water, such as rainwater, graywater, or reclaimed water, for non-potable purposes such as toilet flushing or irrigation, reducing the demand for potable water and wastewater generation. The other options are not categories that this strategy falls under. Innovation is a category that recognizes exemplary performance, innovative strategies, or pilot credits that are not covered by existing LEED credits. Sustainable Sites is a category that addresses the selection, development, and maintenance of project sites in ways that minimize environmental impacts and enhance human health and well-being. Optimized Process Water Use is not a LEED category or credit. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, page 31; USGBC [Water Efficiency], page 1-2.

A life-cycle assessment (LCA) is a strategy that can help an owner of newly acquired land design a building that uses materials that have minimal impact on the environment. An LCA is a method that evaluates the environmental impacts of a product or material over its entire life cycle, from extraction to disposal. An LCA can measure the impacts on various categories, such as energy use, water use, greenhouse gas emissions, resource depletion, and waste generation. An LCA can help compare different products or materials based on theirenvironmental performance and select the ones that have the lowest impact13. References: LEED v4 Green Associate Candidate Handbook1, EPA’s Life CycleAssessment3

Non-potable water is water that is not suitable for human consumption, but can be used for other purposes that do not require potable quality water. Non-potable water sources include rainwater, reclaimed/recycled water and greywater. Greywater is wastewater from sinks, showers, bathtubs, washing machines and dishwashers that can be reused for applications such as toilet flushing, irrigation and cooling tower make-up water12. Using non-potable water can reduce the demand for potable water and contribute to LEED water efficiency credits34.

References :=

SRI Calculator | LEEDuser

What Is Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) of Materials?

Water Efficiency and LEED Certification | Contractor

Water Balance Analysis - ASHRAE

What is LEED? | Net Zero Water Inc. - Net Zero Water

Open grid pavement, also known as permeable pavement, allows water to drain through it, reducing runoff and recharging groundwater supplies. It also tends to be lighter in color than traditional asphalt, which means it absorbs less heat from sunlight. This helps to reduce the urban heat island effect, which is a phenomenon where urban areas are significantly warmer than their rural surroundings due to human activities. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

Graywater refers to relatively clean wastewater from domestic activities such as washing dishes, laundry, and bathing. Water from lavatory faucets falls into this category. Graywater can be treated and reused for non-potable purposes such as toilet flushing or irrigation, which can help conserve water. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

Green Cleaning is a plan that is implemented after occupancy to ensure that the building is maintained in a way that reduces the environmental and health impacts of cleaning products, equipment, and practices. Green Cleaning is part of the LEED v4 Operations and Maintenance rating system, and it includes credits for purchasing sustainable cleaning products and materials, using green cleaning equipment, implementing an indoor integrated pest management program, and developing a green cleaning policy1.

LEED v4: Operations and Maintenance Guide1, pages 36-41

Carbon offsets are used to balance emissions by reducing or sequestering equivalent amounts of CO₂ elsewhere. LEED supports using carbon offsets to meet energy and atmosphere goals​​.

The reclaimed wood doors can be used to meet the Materials Reuse credit under the Building Product Disclosure and Optimization category in LEED v4. This credit rewards projects for reusing materials that have been recovered from existing buildings or products, and reduces the demand for virgin materials and the associated environmental impacts. The credit does not have any distance requirements for the source of the reused materials, unlike the Recycled Content and Regional Materials credits.

LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide1, page 36

LEED v4 and Low Carbon Building Materials2, page 19

 Flush out process is performed to remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the indoor air after construction or renovation12. VOCs are chemicals that can evaporate at room temperature and cause health problems, such as headaches, nausea, and irritation3. Flush out process involves supplying 100% outdoor air to the building for a certain period of time or until a certain amount of air changes are achieved12.

Flush-out documentation | LEEDuser1

Building flushout - option 2 | LEEDuser2

Volatile Organic Compounds’ Impact on Indoor Air Quality | Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) | US EPA3

Resource depletion is a major environmental concern related to energy use. The extraction and use of non-renewable energy resources (such as fossil fuels) can lead to their depletion over time. This is why strategies that reduce energy use or utilize renewable energy sources are important in green building practices. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

A project can earn up to four maximum points under the Regional Priority credit. The Regional Priority credit is a bonus credit that rewards projects for addressing environmental issues that are of regional importance. The USGBC regional councils and chapters have identified six environmental issues for each zip code in the United States, and projects can earn one point for each issue they address, up to a maximum of four points. The other options are not correct. One, two, or three points are possible, but not the maximum number of points under the Regional Priority credit. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, page 30; USGBC, [Regional Priority], page 1.

LEED Operations & Maintenance focuses on:

“Green Cleaning – the use of environmentally preferred cleaning practices and materials after occupancy…”

It’s a post-occupancy strategy to maintain indoor environmental quality.

A site map is required to show the locations of community resources within the specified radius to meet Location and Transportation credits. It visually demonstrates compliance with LEED requirements for access to diverse uses​​.

Blackwater is wastewater that contains fecal matter and pathogens, such as from toilets. Greywater is wastewater that is less contaminated, such as from showers, sinks, and washing machines1. However, the classification of kitchen sink wastewater may vary depending on local codes and regulations. Some states and authorities consider kitchen sink wastewater as blackwater because it may contain food waste and germs123. Others consider it as greywater if it meets certain quality standards and is used for beneficial purposes, such as irrigation or toilet flushing45. A CIR (Credit Interpretation Request) is a process to seek clarification on a specific credit or prerequisite in a LEED rating system, but it does not change the definition of blackwater or greywater.

Greywater Reuse | WaterSense | US EPA4

Greywater - California Department of Water Resources5

What Is Greywater? What Is Blackwater? | HomeServe USA1

Grey Water / Reclaimed Water | University of Maryland Extension2

What is meant by the terms Gray water and black water3

Credit Interpretation Requests (CIRs) | U.S. Green Building Council

Using graywater for hand washing is a strategy for reducing indoor water use, as it can save potable water that would otherwise be used for this purpose. Graywater is the wastewater that is generated from activities such as bathing, laundry, and dishwashing, which can be treated and reused for non-potable applications, such as toilet flushing, irrigation, and hand washing. Using graywater for hand washing can reduce the indoor water use by up to 40%, according to a study by the Pacific Institute1. LEED v4 recognizes and rewards this strategy in the Indoor Water Use Reduction credit2, which aims to reduce the potable water consumption of a building by at least 25% compared to a baseline3. The other options are not directly related to reducing indoor water use, as they involve different types of measures or systems that are not relevant for saving potable water.

The Solar Reflective Index (SRI) is a measure of how well a material reflects solar radiation and releases absorbed heat. It is used to evaluate the performance of cool roofs, which can reduce the heat island effect by lowering the surface temperature of buildings and urban areas.

References :=

SRI Calculator | LEEDuser

What Is Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) of Materials?

Picking A Cool Roof:SRI Index Is Key - Roofing Coverage - Facilitiesnet

Solar Reflectivity ® & Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) by Color

LEED CANADA SOLAR REFLECTANCE AND EMISSIVITY - Vicwest

Strategies for improving building occupants’ comfort and control may consist of installing operable windows, giving occupants lighting control and providing ergonomic furniture. These strategies can enhance the indoor environmental quality (IEQ) of a building, which is the physical and psychological conditions of the indoor spaces that affect the health, comfort, and productivity of the occupants. Installing operable windows can allow occupants to adjust the natural ventilation, temperature, and fresh air intake of their spaces. Giving occupants lighting control can allow them to adjust the artificial lighting levels, color, and direction of their spaces. Providing ergonomic furniture can support the physical comfort, posture, and well-being of the occupants12. References: LEED v4 Green Associate Candidate Handbook1, LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide2

LEED rating systems are designed with 100 base points for core credits, six bonus points for Innovation, and four bonus points for Regional Priority credits. This structure allows projects to achieve a total of 110 points, reflecting LEED’s flexibility and comprehensive approach​​.

An owner who wants to update the interior materials of the office while promoting a healthier indoor work environment using LEED strategies can specify low-emitting materials as one of the strategies to achieve this goal. Low-emitting materials are materials that have low or no emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or other pollutants into the indoor air. VOCsare organic chemicals that can evaporate or vaporize at room temperature and can adversely affect the indoor air quality (IAQ) of a building and the health, comfort, and productivity of the occupants. Some sources of VOCs in buildings are paints, coatings, adhesives, sealants, flooring, furniture, and cleaning products. Specifying low-emitting materials can reduce the exposure and risk of VOCs for the occupants and improve IAQ12. References: LEED v4 Green Associate Candidate Handbook1, LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide2

Credit Interpretation Requests (CIRs) are a formal process for clarifying technical questions about LEED credits. Project teams submit CIRs through LEED Online to receive guidance on specific credit requirements. CIRs apply to the project in question and cannot be transferred to other projects. They are essential tools for resolving ambiguities in achieving LEED certification​​.

The Materials and Resources (MR) category focuses on reducing the environmental, economic, and social impacts of building materials from extraction to disposal12. It encourages the use of materials that have lower embodied energy, less waste, more recycled content, and better life-cycle performance12.

LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide - U.S. Green Building Council1

Credit’s Supporting LEED’s Materials and Resources Category | Legrand2

One of the values and benefits of building green is that it will enhance the health of the building occupants. Building green is a process that incorporates environmental considerations into every stage of a building’s life cycle, from design to construction to operation to end-of-life. Building green can improve the indoor environmental quality (IEQ) of a building, which is the physical and psychological conditions of the indoor spaces that affect the health, comfort, and productivity of the occupants. Building green can enhance IEQ by using low-emitting materials, providing adequate ventilation, controlling temperature and humidity, optimizing daylighting and lighting quality, reducing noise levels, and promoting occupant well-being12. References: LEED v4 Green Associate Candidate Handbook1, LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide2

Regenerative design is a type of design that goes beyond sustainability and aims to restore or enhance the natural systems that support life. Regenerative design projects not only minimize their environmental impact, but also contribute positively to the environment and society. An example of regenerative design is a building that generates electricity from renewable sources, such as solar panels or wind turbines, and sends the excess electricity to the grid, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions and supporting the transition to a clean energy economy.

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are a type of compound that was widely used in the 20th century in various applications, including as a refrigerant in air conditioning systems such as centrifugal chillers. CFCs are known to deplete the ozone layer when released into the atmosphere, and their use has been phased out in many countries under the Montreal Protocol. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

The Guide specifies:

“Use nonpotable water for irrigation such as captured rainwater, graywater or municipally reclaimed wastewater…”

Potable water use is discouraged, and blackwater cannot be used unless treated.

The water use reduction for a project is determined by finding the difference between the baseline conditions and the calculated installed case. The baseline conditions are the water use of the project if it were designed to meet the minimum requirements of the Energy Policy Act of 1992 or a local equivalent, whichever is more stringent. The calculated installed case is the water use of the project based on the actual fixtures and fittings installed or specified. The water use reduction is calculated as a percentage of savings from the baseline conditions. The LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook states that one of the strategies for achieving water efficiency is to “calculate water use reduction by comparing a building project’s water use with the water use baseline calculated for the building after meeting the Energy Policy Act of 1992 fixture performance requirements” [1, p. 14]. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, [Water Use Reduction | U.S. Green Building Council]

ASHRAE 55 defines thermal comfort by outlining acceptable indoor conditions for temperature, humidity, and air movement. This standard is essential for meeting LEED Indoor Environmental Quality requirements​​.

An infill site within an existing neighborhood with substantial transit connectivity would maximize LEED points under Location and Transportation. An infill site is a site that has been previously developed or graded and is surrounded by existing development. An existing neighborhood is a geographic area with a variety of land uses, such as residential, commercial, educational, or recreational. Substantial transit connectivity means that the site has access to multiple modes of public transportation, such as buses, trains, light rail, or bicycles. The LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook states that one of the intents of the Location and Transportation category is to “encourage development within existing communities and public transit infrastructure” [1, p. 12]. References: [LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook], [Location and Transportation | U.S. Green Building Council]

Integrative design is the term that encourages team members to collaborate throughout the process of design and construction to create synergistic solutions. Integrative design is an approach that considers the interrelationships among various building systems, environmental factors, and occupant needs, and seeks to optimize the performance, cost, and environmental benefits of the project. The LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook states that one of the intents of the Integrative Process category is to “support high-performance, cost-effective project outcomes through an early analysis of the interrelationships among systems” [1, p. 12]. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, [Integrative Design Process | Whole Building Design Guide]