US Green Building Council LEED Green Associate Exam Practice Test

Answer : B

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are compounds that have a high vapor pressure and low water solubility, and are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids1.VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects2.Concentrations of many VOCs are consistently higher indoors (up to ten times higher) than outdoors2.VOCs are emitted by a wide array of products, such as paints, solvents, cleaners, fuels, pesticides, building materials, office equipment, etc2.Breathing VOCs can irritate the eyes, nose and throat, can cause difficulty breathing and nausea, and can damage the central nervous system and other organs3.Some VOCs can cause cancer3. Therefore, VOCs negatively impact the quality of indoor air, which is option B.

Answer : D

ASHRAE 90.1-2010, Appendix G is the referenced standard for defining the baseline building performance for energy simulation modeling in LEED v4 for Building Design and Construction. The baseline building is a hypothetical building that represents the minimum energy performance required by ASHRAE 90.1-2010, which is a standard for energy efficiency in buildings. The baseline building is used as a benchmark to compare the proposed design of the project and to calculate the percentage of energy cost savings achieved by the project. The baseline building performance is evaluated by following the procedures and assumptions specified in Appendix G of ASHRAE 90.1-2010, such as building envelope, lighting, HVAC systems, service water heating, and renewable energy.

The other options are not relevant to the question, as they are standards for different aspects of green building, such as thermal comfort (ASHRAE 55-2010), air filtration (ASHRAE 52.2-2007), and ventilation (ASHRAE 62.1-2010).

Answer : A

Water Efficiency is the only credit category that does not have a prerequisite in LEED v4 for Building Design and Construction. Prerequisites are the minimum requirements that all projects must meet to be eligible for LEED certification. They are mandatory and non-weighted, meaning they do not contribute to the project's score. The other credit categories have at least one prerequisite each, as shown in the table below:

Answer : B

Stone that is harvested and processed 80 mi (128.7 km) from the project site and purchased 75 mi (121 km) away is considered a local material because it meets the criteria of being extracted, harvested, recovered, or manufactured within 100 mi (160 km) of the project site. Local materials can help reduce environmental impacts associated with transportation, such as greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and energy consumption. Local materials can also support the local economy and community.LEED projects can earn credits for using local materials under the Materials and Resources category.Reference:Local Materials in India3; LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, Materials and Resources, page 65

Answer : A

Rainwater is considered an alternative water source because it is a sustainable source of water that is not supplied from fresh surface water or groundwater. Rainwater can be harvested from roofs or other surfaces and stored for later use. Rainwater can offset the demand for freshwater and reduce the pressure on water resources. Rainwater can be used for various purposes, such as irrigation, toilet flushing, cooling, and cleaning.LEED projects can earn credits for using alternative water sources under the Water Efficiency category.Reference:Best Management Practice #14: Alternative Water Sources1; LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, Water Efficiency, page 51

Answer : C

Climate change is weighted the most in the LEED rating systems because it is considered the most urgent and significant environmental challenge facing humanity. Climate change is caused by the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, which trap heat and alter the global climate patterns. Climate change can have severe consequences for human health, biodiversity, water resources, food security, and social equity. LEED projects can help mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions from building operations and materials, as well as enhancing resilience and adaptation to climate impacts.The LEED impact categories and point allocation process assigns 35% of the total points to climate change.Reference:LEED v4 Impact Category and Point Allocation Process Overview2; LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, Introduction, page 9

Answer : C

A brownfield site is appropriate for development of LEED projects because it is a site that has been previously used for industrial or commercial purposes and may be contaminated by pollutants or hazardous substances. Developing a brownfield site can help reduce environmental impacts, such as soil erosion, habitat loss, and water consumption, by reusing existing infrastructure and restoring degraded land.LEED projects can earn credits for developing on brownfield sites under the Sustainable Sites category.Reference:LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, Sustainable Sites, page 35; Best Management Practice #14: Alternative Water Sources1