USGBC LEED-AP-O+M Online Practice Questions and Exam Preparation

USGBC LEED-AP-O+M Online Questions & Answers

• Question 1:

  What public health risk must be balanced with water efficiency and chemical usage in every water treatment program?

  A. Botulism
  B. Mold growth
  C. Iron poisoning
  D. Legionella outbreak
  D. Legionella outbreak

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  explanation:

  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.

• Question 2:

  A management method that could be included in a project's site management policy is the use of

  A. high-decibel equipment instead of low-decibel equipment
  B. electric-powered equipment instead of gasoline-powered equipment
  C. mechanical equipment instead of non-powered manual methods
  D. exterior maintenance beyond the minimum levels required to maintain site safety
  B. electric-powered equipment instead of gasoline-powered equipment

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  explanation:

  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.

  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.

• Question 3:

  What must the project team do regardless of building type for Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite, Minimum Energy Performance?

  A. Compile meter data into daily and weekly summaries
  B. Use Labs21 Energy Benchmarking tool to calculate minimum energy performance
  C. Establish an ENERGY STAR?Portfolio Manager profile
  D. Benchmark building site energy data of at least three similar buildings
  C. Establish an ENERGY STAR?Portfolio Manager profile

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  explanation:

  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

• Question 4:

  A building owner upgrades the building automation system (BAS) to allow programmable load control. Which of the following credits can be pursued because of the upgrade?

  A. Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Demand Response
  B. Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Ongoing Commissioning
  C. Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Advanced Energy Metering
  D. Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Existing Building Commissioning ?Implementation
  A. Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Demand Response

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  explanation:

  Demand response is a voluntary program that encourages building owners to reduce their electricity use during peak periods or shift it to off-peak times. The upgraded BAS can enable the building owner to participate in demand response programs by allowing programmable load control, which can adjust the operation of HVAC, lighting, and other systems based on the demand response signals. This can help reduce the stress on the grid, lower the electricity costs, and earn LEED points.

  References:

  Part 2 of current page talks about the Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Demand Response1.

  Guide to the LEED AP Operations and Maintenance (O+M) Examby Michelle Cottrell, pages 97-98.

• Question 5:

  When a building owner is deciding whether to execute an ASHRAE Level 2 audit or commissioning for Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Existing Building Commissioning -Analysis, which of the following statements most appropriately explains the difference between an ASHRAE Level 2 audit and commissioning of an existing building?

  A. An ASHRAE Level 2 audit is required for newer buildings while commissioning is required for buildings in operation for more than five years
  B. An ASHRAE Level 2 audit requires development of an energy use breakdown based on sub-metering while commissioning requires development of an energy use breakdown based on energy modeling
  C. An ASHRAE Level 2 audit involves testing the operation of the systems against the sequences of operation while commissioning involves determining that the system operation meets the owner's current facility requirements
  D. An ASHRAE Level 2 audit focuses on finding major upgrades to the building envelope or me-chanical, electrical, or controls systems while commissioning focuses on controls, proper sys-tem operations, and efficiency improvements
  C. An ASHRAE Level 2 audit involves testing the operation of the systems against the sequences of operation while commissioning involves determining that the system operation meets the owner's current facility requirements

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  explanation:

  An ASHRAE Level 2 audit focuses on a detailed analysis of the building's energy systems and their operation against predefined sequences of operation to identify energy conservation opportunities. It includes a thorough review of building energy use and a site survey to identify potential energy-saving measures. Commissioning of an existing building, on the other hand, is a more comprehensive process that involves verifying and documenting that all of the building's systems perform interactively according to the owner's current operational needs and the building's design intent. It often includes system testing, calibration, and adjustments to ensure optimal performance.

  References:The distinction between an ASHRAE Level 2 audit and commissioning is detailed in the Energy and Atmosphere section of the LEED O+M Reference Guide, emphasizing the different objectives and scope of these activities.

• Question 6:

  Instituting a policy to prevent erosion and sedimentation and restore any eroding soils is a requirement of which credit or prerequisite?

  A. Water Efficiency Prerequiste, Outdoor Water Use Reduction
  B. Sustainable Sites Credit, Rainwater Management
  C. Indoor Environmental Quality Prerequisite, Green Cleaning Policy
  D. Sustainable Sites Credit, Site Management
  D. Sustainable Sites Credit, Site Management

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  explanation:

  The Sustainable Sites Credit, Site Management in LEED AP Operations + Maintenance (LEED AP O+M) V4.1 includes the requirement of instituting a policy to prevent erosion and sedimentation and restore any eroding soils. This is part of the broader strategy to manage the site in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner.

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

• Question 7:

  The LEED AP has identified a pilot credit that is relevant to the project. This would be documented in LEED Online as a(n)

  A. Regional Priority credit
  B. Innovation credit
  C. Exemplary Performance for a related credit
  D. Special Circumstances within a related credit
  B. Innovation credit

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  explanation:

  A pilot credit in LEED is a new, innovative point of credit that is being tested for its effectiveness and applicability. When a LEED AP identifies a pilot credit that is relevant to the project, it is documented as an Innovation credit in LEED Online. This allows the project to earn points for innovative strategies that are not specifically addressed in the LEED rating system.

  References: LEED v4: Building Operations + Maintenance Guide, LEED AP with specialty, Building Operations and Maintenance - Canada Green Building Council (CAGBC)

• Question 8:

  For Materials and Resources Credit, Purchasing - Lamps, the threshold for mercury-containing lamps is

  A. 80 picograms per lumen hour for 90% of lamps
  B. 90 picograms per lumen hour for 90% of lamps
  C. 70 picograms per lumen hour for all mercury-containing lamps
  D. 80 picograms per lumen hour for all mercury-containing lamps
  A. 80 picograms per lumen hour for 90% of lamps

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  explanation:

  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.

• Question 9:

  An organization pursuing LEED O+M certification for their headquarters has a renovation policy that includes strict requirements around the selection of building products and requires contractors working in the building to develop a plan for the diversion of waste produced during renovation projects. What must the organization add to their renovation policy to meet the requirements of Materials and Resources Prerequisite, Facility Maintenance and Renovation Policy?

  A. Requirements around the selection of low-emitting materials for renovation projects
  B. Requirements for contractors to safeguard air quality during renovation
  C. Requirements for the salvage and reuse of furniture within the building
  D. Requirements for contractors to perform construction activity pollution prevention
  B. Requirements for contractors to safeguard air quality during renovation

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  explanation:

  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.

• Question 10:

  Which of the following strategies will qualify for an exemplary performance point under Innovation Credit, Innovation, Option 3. Additional Strategies?

  A. Meet at least 10% of total energy with on-site renewable energy
  B. Reduce outdoor water use by 60%
  C. Document an alternative transport
  D. Obtain a response rate for the occupant comfort survey of 100%
  D. Obtain a response rate for the occupant comfort survey of 100%

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  explanation:

  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.