Which of the following is omitted from the assessment while performing preliminary energy modeling?
Answer : D
Detailed
Preliminary energy modeling focuses on the building's massing, orientation, thermal comfort ranges, and energy supply sources. Plug and process loads are typically omitted at this stage as they are highly variable and depend on specific occupant behavior and equipment usage. LEED focuses on the building's core energy performance during preliminary analysis.
Which of the following is an example of a diverse use as defined by Location and Transportation Credit, Surrounding Density and Diverse Uses?
Answer : C
Detailed
A public park qualifies as a diverse use under LEED because it is a publicly accessible facility that serves the community. LEED defines diverse uses as those that provide amenities, services, or public resources within walking distance, promoting walkable neighborhoods and reducing reliance on vehicles.
The project team is working to reduce the building's total energy costs in a cold climate. Which is the best strategy for the project team to consider?
Answer : A
Detailed
In a cold climate, additional envelope insulation is the most effective strategy for reducing energy costs. Improved insulation minimizes heat loss through the building envelope, reducing the demand for heating systems. This aligns with LEED's focus on enhancing energy efficiency and thermal performance in building design.
Which of the following credit options can a project team attempt if a local, national, or international organization indicates that the neighborhood site of the project has a significant cultural value?
Answer : B
Detailed
Projects located in areas with significant cultural value can attempt the Priority Designation option under LEED Location and Transportation credits. This designation rewards projects in high-priority locations, such as cultural heritage sites, promoting development that respects and preserves the historical and cultural significance of the area.
Which of the following Building Product Disclosure and Optimization credits under the Materials and Resources category would a project team achieve by using insulation material that is cradle-to-cradle V3 Gold certified?
Answer : B
Detailed
Cradle-to-cradle certification (Gold level) meets the requirements for Material Ingredient Optimization under Option 2. It demonstrates the product's compliance with advanced environmental standards, supporting the LEED focus on transparency and optimization of building materials to minimize their environmental and human health impacts.
What Color Rendering Index (CRI) value meets the requirements of Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Interior Lighting?
Answer : B
Detailed
A CRI value of at least 85 is required to meet the Indoor Environmental Quality Credit for Interior Lighting. This ensures high-quality lighting that renders colors accurately, enhancing occupant comfort and visual experience. LEED emphasizes lighting design that supports functionality and wellbeing.
A community center will be built on a plot in two phases. Phase 1 will include the building with a pool and gymnasium, while Phase 2 will include the outdoor grass soccer fields. For Phase 1 to achieve certification, where can the project set the LEED boundary?
Answer : D
Detailed
The LEED boundary for Phase 1 can include only the building site (Phase 1) but must commit to keeping the Phase 2 grounds undisturbed until the second phase begins. This approach aligns with LEED's requirement to define boundaries where work occurs and ensures environmental protection for future development areas.