USGBC LEED-Green-Associate - LEED Green Associate GAFRE Exam (LEED GA)

Pre-consumer recycled content refers to waste material that is diverted from the waste stream during the manufacturing process. This can include scraps or trimmings that are collected and returned to the manufacturing process. It does not include rework, regrind, or scrap materials capable of being reclaimed within the same process that generated them. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

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.

Energy use intensity (EUI) is a measure of energy use per unit of floor space. It is calculated by dividing the total energy consumed by the building in one year (measured in kilowatt-hours or kilo-British Thermal Units) by the total gross floor area of the building (measured in square feet or square meters). EUI is a useful metric for comparing the energy performance of different buildings or benchmarking against national averages. EUI can vary depending on building type, climate, occupancy, and other factors. Generally, a lower EUI indicates better energy efficiency and lower environmental impact. References: What is Energy Use Intensity (EUI)?2; Energy Use Intensity (EUI)3

The LEED Fellow is a distinction awarded by GBCI for LEED APs who have made significant contributions to the field of green building and sustainability at a regional, national or global level. The LEED Fellow designation recognizes exceptional contributions to green building and significant professional achievement within the rapidly growing community of LEED Professionals. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

A site with minimal hardscape (such as concrete, asphalt, or other impervious surfaces) that has a large permeable surface (such as soil, grass, or other vegetation) results in reduced rainwater runoff. This is because permeable surfaces allow rainwater to infiltrate into the ground, replenishing the groundwater and reducing the amount of water that flows over the surface and carries pollutants into storm drains and waterways. Reducing rainwater runoff is one of the goals of the LEED v4 Location and Transportation category, which offers credits for using strategies such as green roofs, permeable paving, rain gardens, and vegetated swales

Implementing a stormwater pollution prevention plan during construction can help projects meet on-site sustainability goals. This plan outlines measures to control runoff and prevent soil erosion, which can carry pollutants into nearby water bodies. By managing stormwater on-site, projects can protect local water quality while also recharging groundwater supplies. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

LEED BD+C: Multifamily Midrise is the appropriate rating system for residential buildings that are four to eight stories above grade1. Since the project scope includes 60% of the gross floor area, it meets the minimum program requirement of having at least 40%of the gross floor area certified2. The other rating systems are not suitable for this project because they either apply to different building types or heights23.

LEED rating system selection guidance | U.S. Green Building Council2

LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide - U.S. Green Building Council3

LEED v4 Rating Systems | USGBC-LI1

A project can earn up to four maximum points under the Regional Priority credit. The Regional Priority credit is a bonus credit that rewards projects for addressing environmental issues that are of regional importance. The USGBC regional councils and chapters have identified six environmental issues for each zip code in the United States, and projects can earn one point for each issue they address, up to a maximum of four points. The other options are not correct. One, two, or three points are possible, but not the maximum number of points under the Regional Priority credit. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, page 30; USGBC, [Regional Priority], page 1.

receptacle load is the electrical load that is connected to the building’s electrical system through receptacles (also known as outlets or sockets). Receptacle load includes both regulated and non-regulated loads, such as computers, printers, monitors, lamps, refrigerators, microwaves, coffee makers, etc. Receptacle load does not include hard-wiredequipment, such as lighting fixtures, HVAC systems, or elevators12.

Receptacle load is one of the major components of plug and process loads (PPLs), which consume about 47% of primary energy in U.S. commercial buildings2. Reducing receptacle load can help improve building energy efficiency and achieve LEED certification. One of the strategies to reduce receptacle load is to use automatic receptacle controls, which are devices that turn off or reduce power to receptacles when they are not in use. Automatic receptacle controls are required by ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1-2019: Energy Standard for Buildings Except Low-Rise Residential Buildings, as well as NIH DRM 10.5.313.

LEED Thermal Comfort credit requires:

“Comfort Control – defined as the ability to adjust air / radiant temperature, air velocity or humidity… Ensure 50% of individual occupant space have thermal comfort controls.”

Ventilation control combined with adjustable temperature directly supports occupant comfort as per ASHRAE 55-2010.