The project team for a bank project located in a mall is wondering whether they can earn Location and Transportation Credit Surrounding Density and Diverse Uses, Option 2. Diverse Uses.
When evaluating a map of nearby diverse uses, which of the following would you recommend to be entered in the calculation?
- A . Health club, Laundromat, Post office, Restaurant
- B . Hair salon, Movie Theater, Pharmacy, Restaurant
- C . Clothing store, Commercial office, Eye doctor, Supermarket
- D . Convenience store, Furniture store, Hardware store, Pharmacy
C
Explanation:
To earn the LEED Location and Transportation Credit for Surrounding Density and Diverse Uses, Option 2, the project’s main entrance must be within a half-mile walking distance of at least seven different publicly accessible uses. The uses must be from separate categories as defined by LEED1. The options provided in answer C represent four distinct categories: retail (clothing store), business (commercial office), health (eye doctor), and food (supermarket), making it the most suitable choice for the calculation.
Reference: This information aligns with the guidelines provided in the LEED v4 for Interior Design and Construction reference guide, specifically under the Location and Transportation Credit: Surrounding Density and Diverse Uses1.
In the pre-design phase, a plumbing engineer identified that the low-flow fixtures which met the Owner’s requirements could achieve total reductions in indoor water usage of 39%.
Which strategies should be assessed to meet the Owner’s Project Requirements goals of 45% reduction?
- A . Switching from municipally supplied potable water to potable well water on-site
- B . Reducing irrigation needs by planting native species and drought-tolerant species
- C . Reducing potable water supply by limiting occupant access to drinking fountains and public restrooms
- D . Reducing process water demand by assessing kitchen and laundry equipment selection and operational. schedules
D
Explanation:
To achieve the Owner’s Project Requirements of a 45% reduction in indoor water usage, the strategy should focus on reducing process water demand. This can be done by evaluating the efficiency of kitchen and laundry equipment and optimizing their operational schedules to minimize water use. This approach targets water-intensive processes within the building, offering a significant opportunity for water savings.
Reference: The LEED v4 Reference Guide for Interior Design and Construction outlines strategies for reducing water use, which includes optimizing process water use as a means to achieve water efficiency within a building12.
Which project team members should be present at a goal setting workshop when using an Integrative Process project approach?
- A . Only the design team members
- B . Owner, designer, and contractor
- C . All principal project team members
- D . Project team members with LEED® Credentials
C
Explanation:
In an Integrative Process project approach, it is essential for all principal project team members to be present at a goal-setting workshop. This includes not just the design team, but also the owner, contractor, and other key stakeholders. The integrative process is collaborative and requires the input and expertise of all principal team members to set goals that are informed by each discipline’s perspective, ensuring a holistic approach to the project1.
Reference: LEED v4: Interior Design + Construction Guide2
Understanding Integrative Design in LEEDv41
For the achievement of Materials and Resources Credit, Interiors Life Cycle Impact Reduction, Option 1. Interior Reuse, how are hazardous materials accounted for in the calculation?
- A . Included in the numerator only
- B . Included in the denominator only
- C . Included in both the numerator and denominator
- D . Excluded from both the numerator and denominator
D
Explanation:
For the LEED AP ID+C V4 Materials and Resources Credit, under Interiors Life Cycle Impact Reduction, Option 1: Interior Reuse, hazardous materials that are remediated as part of the project must be excluded from the calculation. This ensures that the assessment of reused materials does not inadvertently promote the retention of hazardous substances in the interior space.
Reference: The information is based on the guidelines provided by the U.S. Green Building Council, specifically for the LEED v4 Interior Design and Construction rating system, which outlines the exclusion of hazardous materials from life cycle impact calculations1.
Which of the following would contribute to the Location and Transportation Credit, Surrounding Density and Diverse Uses, Option 2. Diverse Uses?
- A . An existing bus stop located 1/4 mi. (0.40 km) away from the LEED project’s main entrance
- B . An existing restaurant that is 3/4 mi. (1.20 km) away from the LEED project’s main entrance
- C . An existing fast-food restaurant with no drive-in service located 1/8 mi. (0.20 km) away from the LEED project’s main entrance
- D . A planned school that will be occupied within 18 months of the date of the LEED project’s initial certificate of occupancy and is located 1/4 mi. (0.40 km) away from the LEED project’s main entrance
C
Explanation:
Option 2 of the Location and Transportation Credit, Surrounding Density and Diverse Uses, requires that the project’s main entrance be within a 1/2-mile walking distance of at least seven operational and publicly accessible uses. The existing fast-food restaurant without a drive-in service, being only 1/8 mi. away, meets the criteria for proximity and is considered a diverse use under this credit1.
Reference: LEED v4 for Interior Design and Construction (ID+C): Reference Guide2.
LEED Credit Library: Surrounding Density and Diverse Uses3.
Firstgreen Consulting: LEED Certification- Requirements for LT Credit: Surrounding Density and Diverse Uses1.
The project material costs for Building Product Disclosure and Optimization cost-based credits are
- A . actual costs, furniture included
- B . default costs, 30% of total construction cost
- C . actual costs, furniture optional
- D . default costs, 40% of total construction cost
C
Explanation:
The costs considered for Building Product Disclosure and Optimization (BPDO) cost-based credits should reflect the actual costs of the materials used in the project. Furniture is considered optional for these calculations. This approach allows for flexibility in reporting and aligns with the intent of the BPDO credits to encourage the use of sustainable materials.
Reference: The information is based on the guidelines provided by the U.S. Green Building Council for LEED v4 ID+C MR Credits Building Product Disclosure and Optimization1234.
Best practices recommend that the LEED AP confirm that minimum program requirements have been met
- A . as part of the discovery phase
- B . as part of the final certification submittal
- C . after the design phase but before construction
- D . after the Commissioning (Cx) review but before design phase submittal
A
Explanation:
Best practices for ensuring that minimum program requirements (MPRs) for LEED certification are met involve confirming these requirements early in the project lifecycle. Specifically, this confirmation should occur during the discovery phase, which is the initial stage of a project. The discovery phase involves beginning initial research and analysis, and when sufficient information has been gathered, a goal-setting workshop is held to discuss findings. Part of these findings should include checking that the project complies with the MPRs for the applicable LEED rating system. Confirming MPRs during this early phase helps in setting a clear direction for the project and ensures that all subsequent work is aligned with LEED’s fundamental requirements, facilitating a smoother certification process.
Reference: Excerpt from the document outlining the process and importance of checking minimum program requirements as part of the project’s initial stages, specifically during the discovery phase.
What should a team focus on first to significantly improve energy performance or achieve the lowest possible operation cost?
- A . Choosing energy efficient systems
- B . Conducting a simple box energy model
- C . Implementing passive design strategies
- D . Performing commissioning of energy systems
C
Explanation:
Implementing passive design strategies should be the primary focus as they utilize the climate to maintain a comfortable temperature range in the building, reducing the reliance on mechanical heating and cooling systems. This approach can significantly improve energy performance and reduce operational costs by maximizing natural heating, cooling, and daylighting before considering mechanical or electrical systems.
Reference: The LEED v4 Reference Guide for Interior Design and Construction emphasizes the importance of passive design strategies within the integrative process for optimizing energy performance1. Additionally, the LEED v4 energy update reflects a focus on increased energy efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions reductions, which can be effectively addressed through passive design23.
A project is pursuing Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Interior Lighting, Option 1. Lighting Control.
Which lighting control could the design team specify to meet the credit requirements for open-office workstations?
- A . Standard on-off switches at each workstation
- B . Plug-in task light at each workstation that allow for on, off and a 50% light level
- C . Overhead lighting for the open-office space with fully automatic dimming via daylight sensors for the space
- D . Overhead lighting for the open-office space with controls that allow for on, off and a 50% light level for the space
D
Explanation:
To meet the requirements for Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Interior Lighting, Option 1, the design team should specify lighting controls that enable adjustments to suit individual tasks and preferences. This includes providing controls that allow for on, off, and at least one intermediate light level, such as 50%. Overhead lighting with these controls for the open-office space would meet this criterion.
Reference: The LEED reference guide for Interior Design and Construction provides detailed information on the requirements for lighting controls under the Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Interior Lighting, Option 1. Specifically, it states that for at least 90% of individual occupant spaces, there must be individual lighting controls that enable occupants to adjust the lighting to suit their tasks and preferences, with at least three lighting levels or scenes (on, off, midlevel) 1.
A tenant moving into an existing building will need to install new HVAC, power, lighting systems and other equipment.
Which of the following resources would help the tenant meet the requirements of Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Optimize Energy Performance?
- A . Green Seal Standard 11
- B . ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2010
- C . ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2010
- D . South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD)
C
Explanation:
The ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2010 is the benchmark for energy efficiency in building design, providing minimum requirements for the energy-efficient design of buildings except low-rise residential buildings. It is directly referenced in LEED v4 for the Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Optimize Energy Performance, as it sets the baseline for energy performance.
Reference: The LEED v4 Reference Guide for Interior Design and Construction specifically mentions ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2010 as a key standard for establishing the baseline for the Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Optimize Energy Performance12.
A project has access to two alternative water sources.
How should they determine which source to use where?
- A . A project may not use two alternative water sources
- B . Target the uses that require the least treatment first, such as toilet flushing or irrigation
- C . Match uses by location: indoor sources to indoor uses, outdoor sources to outdoor uses
- D . All sources should be treated to potable water standards and used to supplement the municipal supply
B
Explanation:
When a project has access to two alternative water sources, the strategy is to use the source that requires the least amount of treatment for applications where water quality is less critical. This approach is efficient and sustainable as it reduces the need for extensive treatment processes. For instance, using untreated rainwater for irrigation or treated greywater for toilet flushing makes practical and environmental sense1.
Reference: LEED v4: Interior Design + Construction Guide2
LEED v4 water efficiency credits and standards3
Source reduction appears at the top of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) hierarchy because it
- A . reduces environmental impacts by reusing existing materials
- B . reduces environmental impacts associated with material containing high levels of toxic chemicals
- C . reduces environmental impacts throughout the material’s life cycle by specifying recycled content in the material selected
- D . reduces environmental impacts throughout the material’s life cycle, from the supply chain and use to recycling and waste disposal
D
Explanation:
According to the EPA’s hierarchy, source reduction is prioritized because it addresses the environmental impacts of materials across their entire life cycle. This includes the extraction of raw materials, manufacturing, distribution, usage, and end-of-life management, including recycling and disposal. By reducing the amount of material used, source reduction minimizes the environmental footprint throughout the entire process.
Reference: The explanation aligns with the principles outlined in the EPA’s waste management hierarchy, which emphasizes the importance of source reduction as the most preferred approach to managing materials and waste streams12. This is also consistent with the sustainable materials management strategies detailed in the LEED v4 Reference Guide for Interior Design and Construction3.
An owner has expressed concerns to the LEED AP about the costs associated with the integrative process.
How can the LEED AP relieve the owner’s concerns?
- A . The LEED AP should explain to the owner that since the integrative process is not a prerequisite, it can be dropped from the project thus cutting back project costs
- B . The LEED AP should explain that while the first costs and the design fees will be higher due to the integrative
process, the operational savings will make up for the extra costs - C . The LEED AP should explain that the integrative process can easily be postponed and reconsidered until after
the design for the construction phase, when it will most likely save costs for the project - D . The LEED AP should explain that the integrative process reduces costs by avoiding delays associated with design changes during the construction document phase and reducing change orders during construction
D
Explanation:
The integrative process is a strategy that can lead to both immediate and long-term cost savings. By engaging in early analysis of the interrelationships among systems, the project team can identify unique opportunities and challenges. This early engagement helps to optimize the design, which can reduce the time and cost associated with making design changes later in the project and minimize the need for change orders during construction1.
Reference: Understanding Integrative Design in LEEDv4 – BuildingGreen1.
LEED v4 for Interior Design and Construction (ID+C): Reference Guide2.
New LEED Integrative Process Credit Encourages Design-Build3.
To satisfy the Increased Ventilation strategy in the Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies, the breathing zone rates of outdoor air ventilation to all occupied spaces must be increased above the minimum rates required in ASHRAE 62.1-2010 by at least what percentage?
- A . 10%
- B . 20%
- C . 30%
- D . 50%
C
Explanation:
To meet the Increased Ventilation strategy under the Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies credit, the breathing zone outdoor air ventilation rates must be increased by at least 30% above the minimum rates required by ASHRAE 62.1-2010. This increase is intended to improve indoor air quality and promote a healthier indoor environment.
Reference: The LEED v4 reference guide for Interior Design and Construction includes this requirement as part of the strategies to enhance indoor air quality12.
Which of the following phases should be included in the Integrative Process Credit, Integrative Process in order to comply with the intent of this credit?
- A . Discovery; design and construction; occupancy; operations and feedback
- B . Discovery and design; construction and occupancy; post occupancy and operations
- C . Pre-design and design; construction and occupancy; post occupancy and operations
- D . Pre-design and design; construction and pre-occupancy; post occupancy and operations
A
Explanation:
The Integrative Process Credit under LEED AP Interior Design + Construction V4 emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach that includes various phases of a project. The correct phases that should be included to comply with the intent of this credit are Discovery, Design and Construction, Occupancy, Operations, and Feedback. This approach ensures that sustainable strategies are integrated from the earliest stages of the project and continue through to post-occupancy to maximize performance and sustainability.
Reference: The LEED v4 Reference Guide for Interior Design and Construction provides detailed guidance on the Integrative Process Credit, highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach that spans the entire project timeline12.
A tenant implements the following strategies to reduce the amount of water used.
Which strategy is applicable to the Water Efficiency Credit, Indoor Water Use Reduction for LEED Interior Design and Construction: Commercial Interiors?
- A . Composting toilet
- B . Low-flow irrigation system
- C . Commercial clothes washer
- D . Roof runoff for chiller make-up water
A
Explanation:
The composting toilet is applicable to the Water Efficiency Credit, Indoor Water Use Reduction for LEED Interior Design and Construction: Commercial Interiors because it significantly reduces the amount of water used for conventional flushing toilets. By composting human waste, this system eliminates the need for water in the disposal process, contributing to indoor water use reduction.
Reference: The LEED v4 Reference Guide for Interior Design and Construction includes the composting toilet as a strategy for reducing water use within the indoor environment1. The LEED v4 Indoor Water Use Reduction Calculator also provides a framework for calculating water savings, where the use of composting toilets can contribute to achieving the prerequisite and credit requirements for water use reduction1.
Which of the following must be considered in order to meet Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite, Fundamental Refrigerant Management if the tenant requires 24-hour cooling in a server room?
- A . Base-building chiller specifications
- B . CFC-free refrigerants in tenant cooling units
- C . Temperature monitoring of building cooling water
- D . ENERGY STAR® compliant cooling units with low CFCs
B
Explanation:
A tenant with 1,000 employees wishes to pursue LEED Interior Design and Construction Certification for their space in which they will be the sole tenant.
Which of the following building attributes will help the tenant achieve points in the Location and Transportation category?
- A . A car sharing program
- B . 60 bike racks and seven shower/changing rooms
- C . Electric car charging stations in the parking garage
- D . A bus line with 30 daily rides with a bus stop within 1/2 mi. (0.80 km) of the building entrance
B
Explanation:
To comply with the Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite, Fundamental Refrigerant Management, especially for a server room that requires 24-hour cooling, it’s essential to use refrigerants that have no ozone depletion potential and low global warming potential. CFC-free refrigerants in tenant cooling units are necessary to meet this prerequisite, as they minimize the environmental impact of the refrigerants used.
Reference: The LEED reference guide for Interior Design and Construction outlines the requirements for the Fundamental Refrigerant Management prerequisite. It specifies that projects must not use CFC-based refrigerants or must plan to phase out such refrigerants in favor of alternatives with lower environmental impact12.
If the client has purchased green power that is not Green-e certified, then the project team should
- A . accept not earning Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Green Power
- B . provide documentation as to how the green power is equivalent to Green-e certified
- C . apply for an Innovation Credit and explain the situation in a narrative
- D . apply the percentage to Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Renewable Energy Generation
B
Explanation:
When green power is not Green-e certified, the project team can still pursue the Energy and Atmosphere Credit for Green Power by demonstrating that the purchased green power meets equivalent standards. This involves providing documentation that verifies the green power’s quality and production process align with the criteria set by Green-e certification.
Reference: The LEED v4 Reference Guide for Interior Design and Construction includes provisions for using green power that is not Green-e certified, as long as the project team can substantiate its equivalence. This can be done through third-party verification and ensuring that the energy source meets the requirements for renewable resources detailed in the current version of the Green-e standard123.
Discussing the project goals to help identify the credits and options that the team should attempt is an example of
- A . documenting LEED credits
- B . creating the Basis of Design
- C . developing the LEED Scorecard
- D . implementing the Commissioning Plan
C
Explanation:
The process of discussing project goals to identify the credits and options that the team should attempt aligns with the development of the LEED Scorecard. The LEED Scorecard is a tool used to track the credits pursued and points earned by a project, guiding the team in selecting the most appropriate and beneficial credits to achieve their sustainability objectives1.
Reference: LEED v4: Interior Design + Construction Guide2
LEED scorecard overview and resources1
Which material would have the largest contribution to Materials and Resources Credit, Building Product Disclosure and Optimization- Sourcing of Raw Materials, Option 2. Leadership Extraction Practices?
- A . 75% Rainforest Alliance Certified flooring with a total cost of $3,000 USD
- B . 10% Rainforest Alliance Certified furniture with a total cost of $30,000 USD
- C . 50% Rainforest Alliance Certified wood veneer with a total cost of $5,000 USD
- D . 100% Rainforest Alliance Certified wheatboard with a total cost of $2,000 USD
B
Explanation:
In the context of LEED AP ID+C V4, for the Building Product Disclosure and Optimization – Sourcing of Raw Materials, Option 2: Leadership Extraction Practices, the contribution is calculated based on the cost of the product and the percentage of certification. The furniture option, despite having a lower percentage of certification, has the highest total cost, which results in the largest contribution by cost to the credit.
Reference: This approach is consistent with the LEED v4 guidelines for Interior Design and Construction, which prioritize the economic value of materials when calculating contributions to credits1. The Rainforest Alliance Certification is recognized as a leadership extraction practice, and the contribution is calculated based on the total cost of the product and the percentage of the product that is certified1.
A project team is pursuing certification for a medical clinic with 150 full time employees and 250 peak visitors. The project team is considering the Location and Transportation Credit for Bicycle Facilities. Providing which of the following is a minimum requirement to earn the credit?
- A . A bicycle maintenance program for employees
- B . At least one on-site shower and changing facility for employees
- C . Seven short-term bicycle storage spaces within 50 ft. (15 m) of the project’s main entrance
- D . Six long-term bicycle parking spaces within 50 ft. (15 m) of the project’s main entrance
B
Explanation:
For the LEED Location and Transportation Credit for Bicycle Facilities, providing at least one on-site shower and changing facility for employees is a minimum requirement to earn the credit. This is to encourage cycling as a mode of transportation by offering amenities that support cyclists1.
Reference: LEED v4 for Interior Design and Construction (ID+C): Reference Guide2.
LEED Credit Library: Bicycle Facilities1.
LEED Certification- Requirements for LT Credit: Bicycle Facilities3.
A project has performed an energy model which has resulted in the following energy end use consumption:
To meet the requirements for Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Advanced Energy Metering, Option 2. Advanced Metering, energy meters must be installed for energy end uses in
- A . space cooling, interior fans and receptacles
- B . interior lighting, space heating, space cooling and interior fans
- C . interior lighting, space heating, space cooling, interior fans and receptacles
- D . exterior lighting, interior lighting, space heating, space cooling, interior fans, service water heating and receptacles
C
Explanation:
The LEED v4 criteria for the Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Advanced Energy Metering, Option 2 requires advanced energy metering for all whole-building energy sources as well as for any individual energy end uses that account for 10% or more of the total annual consumption of the building. From the provided energy end-use consumption data, it is clear that space cooling, interior fans, and receptacles each represent more than 10% of the total energy consumption. Additionally, interior lighting and space heating together also account for a significant portion of the energy consumption. Hence, to meet the credit requirements, advanced metering must be installed for all these categories, aligning with option C.
Reference: Guidance from the LEED study guide explaining the requirements for advanced energy metering under the Energy and Atmosphere Credit, particularly for end uses that comprise 10% or more of total consumption.
A luxury hotel project is one point away from attaining LEED Platinum certification. The LEED AP is recommending that the team pursue Innovation Credit, Innovation, Option 3. Additional Strategies.
Which of the following credits would be applicable?
- A . Regional Priority Credit, Optimize Energy Performance
- B . Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Quality Views, Exemplary Performance
- C . Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Acoustic Performance, Exemplary Performance
- D . Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Enhanced Commissioning, Exemplary Performance
C
Explanation:
Innovation Credit, Innovation, Option 3: Additional Strategies allows for the pursuit of exemplary performance in an existing LEED v4 prerequisite or credit that allows for such performance. In this case, achieving exemplary performance in the Indoor Environmental Quality Credit for Acoustic Performance can provide the additional point needed for LEED Platinum certification. This would involve surpassing the standard requirements for acoustic performance, thereby contributing to a superior indoor environment1.
Reference: LEED v4 Reference Guide for Interior Design and Construction2.
LEED credit library for Innovation strategies3.
LEEDuser’s guide on NC-v4.1 INc1: Innovation1.
A project team wants to achieve Materials and Resources Credit, Building Product Disclosure and Optimization – Material Ingredients.
By what means can a product demonstrate their material ingredient optimization?
- A . Green Seal
- B . Manufacturer Inventory
- C . GreenScreen v1.2 Benchmark
- D . Chemical Abstract Service Registration Number (CASRN)
C
Explanation:
To achieve the Materials and Resources Credit for Building Product Disclosure and Optimization – Material Ingredients, a product can demonstrate material ingredient optimization through the GreenScreen v1.2 Benchmark. This method involves a screening process to assess the hazards of chemicals used in products and aims to reduce the use of chemicals that are harmful to human health and the environment1.
Reference: LEED v4.1 reference guide for Interior Design and Construction, specifically the section on Building Product Disclosure and Optimization – Material Ingredients2.
“ULTIMATE GUIDE TO LEED V4 & V4.1 MRc4 Option 2” by Green Badger, which details the requirements and strategies for achieving Material Ingredient Optimization in LEED v4.11.
A renovation project includes both a new kitchen sink and shower and an existing lavatory and water closet within the LEED project boundary.
How would the project perform the Water Efficiency Credit, Indoor Water Use Reduction calculations?
- A . Include only the newly installed fixtures and exclude the existing fixtures
- B . Include only the existing fixtures and exclude the newly installed fixtures
- C . Include all fixtures (new and existing); the baseline for the existing fixtures would be the flush/flow rates of the existing fixtures prior to retrofit
- D . Include all fixtures (new and existing); the baseline for the existing fixtures would be the same baseline flush/flow rates used for the new fixtures
D
Explanation:
For the Water Efficiency Credit, Indoor Water Use Reduction calculations, all fixtures within the LEED project boundary must be included, both new and existing. The baseline for the existing fixtures should be the same as the baseline flush/flow rates used for the new fixtures. This approach ensures a consistent and fair comparison between the current and proposed water use.
Reference: LEED v4 ID+C Reference Guide1
Indoor Water Use Reduction Calculator instructions2
LEED v4 water efficiency credit requirements3.
A project team chooses to pursue the Integrative Process Credit.
Which of the following credits can be affected by early planning? (Choose One Answer only)
- A . Location and Transportation Credit, Access to Quality Transit
- B . Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Green Power and Carbon Offsets
- C . Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Indoor Air Quality Assessment
- D . Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Advance Energy Metering
C
Explanation:
The Integrative Process Credit encourages early planning and integration of various building systems to enhance project performance and environmental benefits. By focusing on early energy- and water-related research and analysis, this credit can influence several aspects of building design, including the Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Indoor Air Quality Assessment. This is because early planning can help identify strategies for improving indoor air quality, such as material selection and HVAC design, which are integral to achieving this credit1.
Reference: LEED v4: Interior Design + Construction Guide1.
Understanding Integrative Design in LEEDv42.
The Integrative Process Credit promotes an early planning phase where the project team collaborates and uses cross-discipline knowledge to optimize the project’s design and performance. Energy and water systems are often focal points during this phase. While the early planning process can influence various aspects of project design and execution, among the given options, the Indoor Environmental Quality Credit for Indoor Air Quality Assessment is most likely to be affected. This credit involves examining various strategies to improve indoor air quality, such as material selection, HVAC design, and contaminant control, which can be significantly enhanced through early integrated planning and consideration of interconnected systems.
Reference: Detailed insight into the Integrative Process within LEED, highlighting the importance of early planning and its impact on building performance, particularly in relation to energy and water systems which can affect indoor air quality measures.
Which of the following information is needed to document the non-structural elements that will be reused from the existing space in a LEED AP Interior Design and Construction project?
- A . Elevations and space plans
- B . A tracking spreadsheet and cut sheets
- C . Cut sheets and drawings indicating elements to be reused
- D . Drawings indicating elements to be reused and a tracking spreadsheet
D
Explanation:
To document the non-structural elements that will be reused in a LEED AP Interior Design and Construction project, it is necessary to have drawings that indicate the elements to be reused. These drawings provide a visual representation of what is being kept from the existing space. Additionally, a tracking spreadsheet is essential for documenting the details of these elements, including their condition, location, and any other relevant information that supports the reuse strategy.
Reference: The information aligns with the LEED v4.1 requirements for Interiors Life-Cycle Impact Reduction, where documentation of reused non-structural elements is part of the credit achievement process1.
When developing the overall energy strategy of the project, which credit should the client consider to work synergistically with the Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Enhanced Commissioning, on an ongoing basis?
- A . Advanced Energy Metering
- B . Renewable Energy Production
- C . Green Power and Carbon Offsets
- D . Enhanced Refrigerant Management
A
Explanation:
Advanced Energy Metering is the credit that works synergistically with the Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Enhanced Commissioning. This is because Advanced Energy Metering involves the implementation of submetering systems that provide data on the building’s energy use. This data is crucial for the ongoing commissioning process to ensure that the building’s systems are operating as intended over time. The data helps in identifying opportunities for energy savings and ensures that energy conservation measures continue to perform optimally12.
Reference: LEED v4 for Building Design and Construction Guide3.
LEED Credit Library – Energy and Atmosphere4.
Advanced Energy Metering Credit Information1.
A tenant is soliciting proposals for a Commissioning (Cx) agent for Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Enhanced Commissioning.
Which qualification must the agent meet?
- A . Subcontractor of construction manager
- B . Not an employee of the project design firm
- C . Member of the Building Cx Association
- D . Commissioning Authority (CxA) with experience in at least one prior project
B
Explanation:
The Commissioning (Cx) agent for Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Enhanced Commissioning, must be independent of the project’s design and construction management to avoid conflicts of interest. This ensures that the Cx agent can objectively assess the project’s performance and adherence to design intentions.
Reference: The LEED v4 reference guide for Interior Design and Construction specifies that the Cx agent should not be an employee of the design firm to maintain independence1. Additionally, the LEED AP with Specialty Candidate Handbook outlines the importance of the Cx agent’s independence in the commissioning process2.
Which of the following appliances are included in Water Efficiency Prerequisite, Indoor Water Use Reduction?
- A . Commercial dishwashers and coffee makers
- B . Residential clothes washers and dishwashers
- C . Residential dishwashers and drinking fountains
- D . Commercial clothes washers and coffee makers
B
Explanation:
The Water Efficiency Prerequisite for Indoor Water Use Reduction in LEED AP ID+C V4 focuses on reducing the aggregate indoor water consumption by 20 percent from the baseline. This includes water usage by appliances such as residential clothes washers and dishwashers, which are common contributors to indoor water use.
Reference: The LEED v4 Indoor Water Use Reduction Calculator provides guidance on the baseline water consumption for various fittings and fixtures, including residential appliances1. Additionally, the LEED v4: Interior Design + Construction Guide outlines the requirements for achieving the prerequisite, emphasizing the reduction of indoor water use through efficient appliances2.
In the Water Efficiency Prerequisite for Indoor Water Use Reduction, the focus is on reducing potable
water usage through efficient fixtures and appliances. The eligible appliances that fall under this prerequisite are residential clothes washers and dishwashers, as they are commonly used appliances within buildings and contribute to indoor water use. These appliances must meet certain efficiency standards, such as being ENERGY STAR certified or equivalent, which ensure they use less water than conventional models.
Reference: Specification of appliances under the Water Efficiency Prerequisite for Indoor Water Use Reduction, which includes standards and requirements for residential clothes washers and dishwashers, among other appliances.
In a goal-setting workshop, a decision is made to place circulation at the exterior of the office perimeter next to the window wall.
Which of the following is an example of integrated decision-making?
- A . Installing blinds to increase occupant comfort
- B . Darkening the color of the carpet along the perimeter to aid way-finding
- C . Lowering the heating set-point in the circulation space to conserve energy
- D . Issuing user guidelines which limit the height of occupant additions to cubicles along the perimeter
A
Explanation:
Integrated decision-making involves the collaborative effort of various stakeholders in a project, from its conception through completion, to ensure the building’s design serves its intended purpose effectively. In the context of placing circulation near the office perimeter next to the window wall, integrated decision-making would mean making design choices that enhance the building’s performance and occupant comfort. Option A, installing blinds to increase occupant comfort, would address issues such as glare and thermal gains from the sun, which directly impact the occupants’ comfort and the building’s heating and cooling loads. This decision would emerge from the iterative process of identifying the unique needs and challenges of the project and making early design decisions that benefit the project both in execution and operation.
Reference: Insights into the integrative process and the importance of collaborative decision-making in LEED projects, emphasizing the impact of early design decisions on building performance and stakeholder value
A proposed LEED project will be located within the boundary of a development that has been successfully certified at the Silver level under LEED for Neighborhood Development. The project will earn 10 points from the Location and Transportation Credit, LEED for Neighborhood Development Location.
How many additional credit points are available to the project team under the Location and Transportation category?
- A . Zero additional points are available under the Location and Transportation category
- B . Two additional points are available only in Location and Transportation Reduced Parking Footprint
- C . Eight additional points are available under the Location and Transportation category
- D . 18 additional points are available under the Location and Transportation category
C
Explanation:
A LEED project located within a LEED for Neighborhood Development (LEED-ND) certified boundary is eligible for points under the Location and Transportation Credit, LEED for Neighborhood Development Location. If the development is certified at the Silver level, the project automatically earns 10 points. In addition to these points, the project can earn up to 8 more points in the Location and Transportation category for implementing strategies such as reducing parking footprint, promoting alternative transportation, and connecting with amenities1.
Reference: LEED v4.1 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, which includes details on the Location and Transportation category1.
LEED v4.1 credit library, which outlines the potential points available under various credits within the Location and Transportation category2.
Which of the following would achieve an exemplary performance credit?
- A . Conducting two goal setting workshops
- B . Demonstrating a 55% potable water savings
- C . Achieving an 80% parking capacity reduction
- D . Signing a one-year contract for renewable energy
B
Explanation:
Exemplary performance in LEED is typically achieved by significantly exceeding the requirements for a credit. In the case of water savings, exemplary performance can be achieved by demonstrating a level of water savings that is substantially higher than the standard requirement. A 55% potable water savings would represent a significant reduction in water use and could qualify for an exemplary performance credit under the LEED v4 ID+C rating system.
Reference: LEED v4 ID+C Reference Guide1
LEED v4 water efficiency exemplary performance thresholds2.
According to the Integrative Process Credit, Integrative Process the discovery phase of site selection for an existing building should identify
- A . lighting levels
- B . operational schedules
- C . transportation options
- D . thermal comfort ranges
C
Explanation:
The discovery phase of the Integrative Process Credit involves a comprehensive analysis of various aspects of site selection for an existing building. This phase is crucial for identifying opportunities and challenges that can influence the project’s sustainability goals. Among the options provided, transportation options are a key factor that can be affected by early planning. Identifying transportation options helps in understanding the accessibility of the site and its impact on the project’s sustainability, particularly in terms of reducing the carbon footprint associated with commuting1.
Reference: LEED v4: Interior Design + Construction Guide1.
Understanding Integrative Design in LEEDv42.