USGBC LEED-GA Online Practice Questions and Exam Preparation

USGBC LEED-GA Online Questions & Answers

• Question 211:

  A site that has been graded is commonly defined as

  A. a greenfield
  B. a brownfield
  C. previously developed
  D. previously undeveloped
  C. previously developed

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  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.

• Question 212:

  Which of the following can improve thermal comfort?

  A. High-VOC finishes
  B. Providing individual temperature controls
  C. Eliminating all occupant control
  D. Oversizing mechanical systems
  B. Providing individual temperature controls

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  Personal control improves comfort and is encouraged under the Thermal Comfort credit.

• Question 213:

  Which Of the following is an example Of Integrative process?

  A. Judicious use of recyclable materials during construction
  B. Rapid incorporation of design changes during construction
  C. Ongoing evaluation of feedback mechanisms during building operation
  D. Conscientious maintenance of building equipment during building operation
  C. Ongoing evaluation of feedback mechanisms during building operation

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  Integrative process is a collaborative approach that involves all project stakeholders in the design and decision-making process from the beginning to the end of a project. It aims to optimize the performance, environmental, social, and economic outcomes of a project by considering the interrelationships and synergies between various building and site systems. One of the key aspects of integrative process is to establish feedback loops that allow for continuous monitoring, evaluation, and improvement of the

  project performance during its operation. Therefore, option C is an example of integrative process, while the other options are not directly related to it..

  References: Integrative process | U.S. Green Building Council, section "Integrative Process";.Understanding Integrative Design in LEED v4, page 1;.LEED Integrative Process Credit Explained, section "INTEGRATIVE PROCESS V4 CREDIT OVERVIEW"

• Question 214:

  LEED stands for

  A. Leadership in Eco and Energy Design
  B. Leadership in Efficiency and Energy Design
  C. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
  D. Leadership in Environmental and Efficiency Design
  C. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design

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  LEED is an acronym for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, which is the most widely used green building rating system in the world. LEED provides a framework for creating healthy, efficient, and cost-saving buildings that have positive environmental and social impacts..LEED certification is a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement and leadership.

• Question 215:

  Which class of refrigerants contributes the most to ozone depletion potential (ODP)?

  A. Ammonia (NH3)
  B. Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)
  C. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
  D. Hydrochlorofluorocarbons {HCFCs}
  C. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

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  Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are the class of refrigerants that contribute the most to ozone depletion potential (ODP). Ozone depletion potential is a measure of how much a substance can damage the ozone layer in the stratosphere, which protects life on Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation. CFCs are synthetic chemicals that contain chlorine, fluorine, and carbon atoms. They were widely used as refrigerants, aerosol propellants, solvents, and foam blowing agents until they were phased out by the

  Montreal Protocol due to their high ODP. The LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook states that one of the strategies for achieving energy and atmosphere efficiency is to "eliminate chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in new building HVACandR systems" [1, p. 15]..

  References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, [Ozone Depletion Potential | U.S. Environmental Protection Agency]

• Question 216:

  Which of the following sites would maximize LEED points under Location and Transportation?

  A. Greenfield site in an urban area with substantial transit connectivity
  B. Infill site on the outskirts of a city with some transportation connectivity
  C. Greenfield site in a low-density area with some transportation connectivity
  D. Infill site within an existing neighborhood with substantial transit connectivity
  D. Infill site within an existing neighborhood with substantial transit connectivity

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  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]

• Question 217:

  What Indoor Environmental Quality prerequisite or credit is specific to LEED for Schools?

  A. Thermal Comfort
  B. Quality Views
  C. Daylight
  D. Minimum Acoustic Performance
  D. Minimum Acoustic Performance

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  The LEED for Schools rating system includes specific requirements not found in other BD+C categories:

  "Minimum Acoustical Performance ?Schools ONLY ?EQp3 + EQc9... This prerequisite is for school projects only to provide a quiet environment to facilitate the teacher-to-student and student-to-student communication."

  This makes "Minimum Acoustic Performance" a required prerequisite for schools.

• Question 218:

  What standard addresses Indoor Environmental Quality?

  A. ASHRAE 90.1
  B. ASHRAE 62.1
  C. Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct of 1992)
  D. The Montreal Protocol
  B. ASHRAE 62.1

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  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.

• Question 219:

  What is the scope of the LEED impact category component Protect Human Health from Direct Exposure to Negative Health Impacts?

  A. Building occupants during use and demolition phase of the building cycle, within the project boundary
  B. Occupants and construction crew during construction or renovation phase of the building cycle, within the project boundary
  C. Design and construction crew during the construction phase, within the project boundary and excluding its immediate surroundings
  D. Building occupants and design and construction crew during the construction phase and use phase ol the building cycle, within the project boundary and its immediate surroundings
  D. Building occupants and design and construction crew during the construction phase and use phase ol the building cycle, within the project boundary and its immediate surroundings

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  The scope of the LEED impact category component Protect Human Health from Direct Exposure to Negative Health Impacts is building occupants and design and construction crew during the construction phase and use phase of the building cycle, within the project boundary and its immediate surroundings. This component aims to reduce the exposure of people to harmful substances or conditions that may affect their health and well-being. This includes indoor air quality, thermal comfort, lighting quality,

  noise levels, water quality, and safety hazards. The component covers both the construction phase and the use phase of the building cycle, as both stages can pose potential health risks to people involved or affected by the project. The component also considers both the project boundary and its immediate surroundings, as some health impacts may extend beyond the site itself..

  References: LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, Introduction, page 9

• Question 220:

  During which stage of the conventional building process are each disciplined practitioner on project teams involved?

  A. Discovery phase
  B. post occupancy phase
  C. End of project discovery phase
  D. As required during design process
  D. As required during design process

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  The conventional building process stages can vary depending on the type, size, and complexity of the project, but a general overview can be found in.this article. According to the article, the stages are:

  Planning: This is the stage where the project idea is conceived, the feasibility and budget are assessed, the design and engineering are developed, the permits and approvals are obtained, and the contractors and subcontractors are hired. This stage involves various disciplined practitioners on project teams, such as architects, engineers, surveyors, estimators, project managers, and lawyers. Sitework and foundation: This is the stage where the project site is prepared, the utilities are connected, the

  excavation and grading are done, and the foundation is laid. This stage involves mainly civil engineers, site workers, foundation contractors, and building inspectors.

  Rough framing: This is the stage where the structural components of the building are erected, such as walls, floors, roofs, stairs, and windows. This stage involves mainly carpenters, framers, roofers, and window installers.

  Exterior construction: This is the stage where the exterior finishes of the building are applied, such as siding, brickwork, stucco, insulation, doors, and landscaping. This stage involves mainly exterior contractors, painters, landscapers, and door installers.

  MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing): This is the stage where the mechanical systems of the building are installed and tested, such as heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), plumbing, electrical wiring, lighting fixtures, fire alarms, and security systems. This stage involves mainly mechanical engineers, electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, and fire protection specialists. Finishes and fixtures: This is the final stage where the interior finishes of the building are applied, such as drywall, flooring,

  cabinets, countertops, appliances, furniture, and accessories. This stage involves mainly interior designers, drywallers, flooring installers, cabinet makers, countertop installers, appliance installers, and furniture movers. As you can see from this overview, each disciplined practitioner on project teams is involved in different stages of the conventional buildingprocess, depending on their expertise and role. However, they are also required to collaborate and coordinate with each other throughout the design

  process, which spans from the planning stage to the finishes and fixtures stage. The design process is an iterative and interactive process that involves creating, reviewing, and refining the design plans and specifications to meet the project goals and requirements1. Therefore, the answer is D. As required during design process.

  Building a House Step by Step: A Guide From Start to Finish

  What Is Disciplined Agile? - Project Management Institute