USGBC LEED-GA Online Practice Questions and Exam Preparation

USGBC LEED-GA Online Questions & Answers

• Question 141:

  Disposal of solid waste generated from building construction and operations has a substantial effect on which greenhouse gas emission?

  A. Methane produced from landfill decay
  B. Hydrochloric acid produced from incineration
  C. Carbon monoxide produced from incineration
  D. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced from landfill decay
  A. Methane produced from landfill decay

  ---

  Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming and climate change..It is produced when organic waste decomposes anaerobically (without oxygen) in landfills1..Construction and demolition waste, which accounts for about a third of all solid waste generated in the world2, often contains a large amount of organic materials, such as wood, paper, and food waste1..Therefore, disposal of solid waste from building construction and operations in landfills has a substantial effect on methane emissions13..Incineration of solid waste also produces greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and hydrochloric acid, but at lower levels than landfilling45..Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are not greenhouse gases, but they can react with other pollutants to form ozone, which is a greenhouse gas and a health hazard4.

• Question 142:

  What is the primary purpose of using low cubicle partitions in office buildings?

  A. To reduce Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) levels
  B. To reduce CO# levels
  C. To increase the spread of daylight
  D. To increase thermal comfort
  C. To increase the spread of daylight

  ---

  Low cubicle partitions enhance the spread of daylight deeper into office spaces, improving natural lighting and reducing dependence on artificial lighting. This supports LEED credits under Indoor Environmental Quality, which aim to optimize daylight for better occupant health, productivity, and energy savings.

• Question 143:

  The design charrette team is pursuing LEED certification for a large commercial building with ample landscape area using native species and considering applicable credits. What combination of credits represents this synergy?

  A. Site Assessment and Outdoor Water Use Reduction
  B. Demand Response and Indoor Air Quality Assessment
  C. Heat Island Reduction and Thermal Comfort
  D. Advanced Energy Metering and Construction Indoor Air Quality Management Plan
  A. Site Assessment and Outdoor Water Use Reduction

  ---

  Native landscaping directly supports bothsite assessmentandoutdoor water use reductionby reducing irrigation needs and enhancing biodiversity:

  "Install native or adaptive landscaping to reduce or eliminate irrigation demands... Site assessment is one of the most important parts of the integrative process..."

  This synergy reflects environmental and water conservation priorities within the LEED rating system.

• Question 144:

  A developer has asked the building designer to incorporate a landscape irrigation system using the building's graywater in order to earn LEED points. Which is the most appropriate source of graywater for this use?

  A. Urinal
  B. Toilet
  C. Janitor sink
  D. Bathroom sink
  D. Bathroom sink

  ---

  Graywater refers to wastewater that is not heavily soiled, typically from bathroom sinks, showers, tubs, and washing machines. It does not include water from toilets (which is considered blackwater) or kitchen sinks (which can contain food waste). Graywater can be treated and reused for purposes like landscape irrigation, which can save water and earn LEED points..

  References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

• Question 145:

  According to systems thinking, climate change is an example of which of the following feedback loops?

  A. Stable
  B. Isolated
  C. Positive
  D. Balancing
  C. Positive

  ---

  According to systems thinking, climate change is an example of a positive feedback loop, which means that an initial change in one part of the system causes a chain ofevents that amplify the effects of the change. For example, as the Earth warms due to increased greenhouse gas emissions, ice sheets and glaciers melt, reducing the albedo (reflectivity) of the Earth's surface and allowing more solar radiation to be absorbed, which further increases the temperature and accelerates the melting process. This is one of several positive feedback loops that can accelerate climate change and make it harder to reverse. 15 Climate Feedback Loops and Examples - Earth How Systems Thinking Through Climate Change - 5 Positive Feedback Loops What are climate change feedback loops? - The Guardian

• Question 146:

  Which of the following plans is implemented after occupancy?

  A. Value Engineering
  B. Stormwater Pollution Prevention
  C. Green Cleaning
  D. Fundamental Commissioning (Cx)
  C. Green Cleaning

  ---

  LEED Operations and 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.

• Question 147:

  Which component directly reduces a building's Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions?

  A. High-efficiency HVAC
  B. Double-glazed windows
  C. Building Commissioning (Cx)
  D. Native plant landscaping
  A. High-efficiency HVAC

  ---

  A high-efficiency HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system can directly reduce a building's greenhouse gas emissions by using less energy than a standard system. Since most energy production involves the burning of fossil fuels, which releases greenhouse gases, using less energy results in fewer emissions..

  References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

• Question 148:

  Which of the following project characteristics demonstrate smart growth principles?

  A. The project is built on a former chemical landfill site
  B. The project consists of a sprawling new housing complex 5 mi. (8 km) from the nearest city
  C. The project consists of two adult care facilities, three senior center facilities and one nursing home
  D. The project protects open space and farmland by building housing and offering transportation choices near jobs, shops and schools
  D. The project protects open space and farmland by building housing and offering transportation choices near jobs, shops and schools

  ---

  Smart growth principles aim to create livable, walkable, and sustainable communities that reduce sprawl, preserve natural resources, and enhance quality of life. One of the principles is to foster distinctive, attractive communities with a strong sense of place by mixing land uses, providing a range of housing opportunities and choices, creating walkable neighborhoods, and encouraging community and stakeholder collaboration in development decisions. The project that protects open space and farmland by building housing and offering transportation choices near jobs, shops and schools exemplifies this principle..

  References: LEED v4 Green Associate Candidate Handbook, Smart Growth Principles

• Question 149:

  Which of the following is a design and planning strategy for reducing energy demand?

  A. Maximize thermal bridging
  B. Size the building appropriately
  C. Increase outdoor air ventilation
  D. Extend equipment warranty periods
  B. Size the building appropriately

  ---

  Sizing the building appropriately means designing the building to meet the needs and expectations of the occupants, without creating excess space that would require more energy to heat, cool, and light. This strategy reduces the energy demand of the building and also saves on construction costs and materials. LEED v4 for Building Design and Construction, p. 36 LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, p. 11

• Question 150:

  Which of the following interior items contributes to a comfortable acoustic environment?

  A. Soft surfaces
  B. Wood cabinets
  C. Hollow metal doors
  D. Glass cubicle partitions
  A. Soft surfaces

  ---

  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