LEED PRACTISE EXAMS

INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

1- A business owner wants to have an open office plan in a tenant space. To increase daylighting
and optimize views, which of the following should the plan include?

A. Single-pane glazing
B. Low partitions
C. Task lighting
D.Solid doors
E. Vision panels

Notes:

A typical LEED synergy is daylighting and views. If more light is let in, most likely this is being
accomplished through the use of windows. Those same windows can be used to provide occupants
with views to the outside.

Low-cube partitions allow more people to have views.

Vision panels are interior windows placed in walls or doors allowing people to see through the
wall/door.
2- Including task lighting and increasing ventilation levels in a new building has what effect on
the triple bottom line?

A. Increased occupant performance

Strategies that improve employees' health and productivity over the long run have a large
return on investment. Studies show happier employees are more productive.
B. Decreased ozone depletion

Increasing ventilation may increase energy use. This doesn't mean the building would be any
hotter or cooler.
C. Lower first costs

First costs may be higher due to the increased sizing of the ventilation system.
D.Decreased maintenance

The maintenance would be unaffected.

 3- A healthcare project team in the pre-design phase is discussing ways to protect patient
privacy. Which of the following strategies would help achieve this goal?

A. Placing recovery rooms toward the core of the building

Room placement near the building core does not impact privacy.
B. Designing waiting areas with views to the outdoors

This does not address privacy.

C. Reducing the building's footprint

This is not correct.

D.Using sound isolation

Sound isolation is part of acoustic performance. In healthcare, patient privacy is important -

discussions between doctors and patients should be private. Sound isolation helps achieve
this.

4- To improve occupant satisfaction a project team conducts a survey of the occupants. Which of
the following are important IEQ topics to ask about in the survey?

A. Is the lighting adequate?

B. How are the acoustics?
C. How frequently does an individual take public transportation to work?
D.Are the bicycle racks conveniently located?
E. Are any areas are too hot or too cold?

Notes:

First note the survey is about IEQ. Any choice unrelated to that credit area can be eliminated.
5- The developer of a new restaurant wants to include a smoking room inside. Which of the
following statements is true about the project's ability to earn LEED certification?

A. The project could get an exception for ETS control.

B. The project is exempt from ETS control.
C. The project could earn LEED certification if appropriate signage is put up designating the
smoking area.
D.The project cannot earn LEED certification because it will not meet all the prerequisites.

No smoking is allowed to meet the LEED prerequisite.

6- A building in a warm climate will not have operable windows or natural ventilation due to a
limited number of days each year that these strategies would be beneficial. Which of the
following would help the project team give ventilation control to occupants?

A. Window blinds
 B. Adjustable air diffusers

Adjustable air diffusers help with ventilation control.

Thermostats help with temperature control. Thermostats can be provided for zones to help
refine the temperature for different areas.
C. Movable furniture
D.Adjustable height partitions

7- One side of a building is oriented toward the afternoon sun. Which of the following can give
occupants control over excessive brightness and glare?

A. Adjustable window shades

Window shades that occupants can adjust manually or automatically help reduce brightness
and glare.
B. Thermal comfort controls

Thermal comfort controls would not help with brightness or glare.

C. Individual task lighting

Task lighting is part of a good daylighting strategy. If individual occupants can control their
own lighting, it eliminates the need for overhead lighting of an entire area.
D.Operable windows

Operable windows help with natural ventilation.

8- When conducting a confidential occupant survey to rate the lighting, acoustics, temperature,
and cleanliness of a building, who is primarily responsible for reviewing the results and taking
any corrective action?

A. The architect(s)
B. The occupant(s)
C. The building owner(s)
D.The facility manager(s)

The facility manager is the primary person responsible for the survey and its follow-up
corrective action. That is not to say the other choices would not be involved - just to a
lesser degree.

9- A building owner has concerns about the costs of increasing the ventilation from the minimum
required for indoor air quality. Which of the following could help offset the operating costs?

A. Using demand control ventilation

Demand-control ventilation is based on monitoring spaces and only increasing the

ventilation when set points are reached. This is based on having CO2 sensors/monitors in
 the room. For example, if a room has five people in it and then ten more come in, the CO2
in the air would go up. The sensor would register this and increase the airflow. If the
ventilation is only increased as needed, the operating costs go down instead of the system
running at a maximum at all times.
B. Specifying low-emitting materials

The type of materials do not offset the operating costs.

C. Implementing a green-cleaning program

This is not correct.

D.Installing higher rated MERV filters

Better filters will not offset operating costs.

10- Which responsibilities would belong to the general contractor during construction to
improve indoor air quality?

A. Verifying construction waste is placed in the proper trash bins

B. Implementing a pest control management plan
C. Making sure someone is sweeping periodically to control dust
D.Overseeing the rainwater management plan
E. Capping the ducts to mechanical systems

Notes:

The general contractor has a role in indoor air quality during construction. They should:

Keep the site free of dust and dirt (inside)

Protect building materials from moisture damage (rain/snow) to prevent mold growth
Cap and seal mechanical ducts so dust does not enter the ventilation system
Prevent smoking in and around the building
11- Which of the following elements should be considered to facilitate communication in
school classrooms?

A. Air filters with high MERV ratings

Air filters with higher MERV ratings do a better job filtering out air contaminants. They do
not impact noise in the HVAC system.
B. Building geometry

The geometry of the space is critical to good acoustics. Consider a concert hall - are the
acoustics good or bad? Probably good because of the effort put into the geometry of the
space. There are designs that improve acoustics (like a concert hall) and designs that make
for poor acoustics (such as high ceilings in a classroom).
 C. Soft surfaces

Architectural finishes that include soft surfaces improve acoustics. Fabric-covered walls or
acoustic tiles are some examples.
D.Duct insulation

Air flowing through the HVAC system can make loud whistling and whooshing noises. Duct
insulation reduces the noise of the air flow.
E. Increased ventilation

Increasing the ventilation will improve indoor air quality.

Notes:

This question is asking about good acoustic design.

12- Which of the following does LEED require for good indoor air quality?

A. That low-emitting materials are specified

This is an optional credit.

B. That the building is kept clean during construction

This is an optional credit.

C. That smoking indoors is prohibited

This is a prerequisite and is required for LEED certification.

LEED requires a no-smoking policy for the building and around building entrances, operable
windows, and air intakes.
D.That a green cleaning policy is implemented

This is an optional credit.

13- A building design in a cool climate includes daylighting, natural ventilation, operable
windows, and individual lighting controls. What else can be included in the design to improve
occupant comfort and control?

A. Walk off mats in all emergency exits

Walk off mats at building entrances help keep dust and dirt out of the building for better
indoor air quality (IAQ).
B. Ergonomic desks

Ergonomic furniture and workstations are a way to improve occupant comfort.

C. Discounted transit passes

Discounted public transportation helps encourage alternative transportation

D.Bicycle racks near the building entrance

Bicycle racks help encourage alternative transportation

 14- A building owner wants to have improved IAQ after construction to improve occupant
health. Which of the following products would a project team need to verify have low-VOCs?

A. Acoustic insulation

Acoustic insulation can off-gas.

B. Ceiling paint

Paints and sealants should be checked to see if they are low-emitting.

C. Granite countertops

Granite is a naturally occurring material with low or no VOCs.

D.No smoking signs located outside the building

Exterior building products outside of the building envelope do not impact the indoor air
quality.
E. Computer workstations

Furniture and furnishings may be made of several components, including woods, glues,
paints, fabrics, and foam.

BIFMA is a standard that is used to rate the emissions of furniture and furnishings.
Notes:

VOCs are 'substances that vaporize at room temperature and can cause health problems. VOCs off-
gas from many materials, including adhesives, sealants, paints, carpets, and particle board.' - USGBC
15- Why would a project team use low-emitting materials?

A. These materials allow more daylight into the core of a building.

B. These materials protect the health of construction personnel and building occupants.

Low-emitting should bring low VOC to mind.

VOCs are 'substances that vaporize at room temperature and can cause health problems.
VOCs off-gas from many materials, including adhesives, sealants, paints, carpets, and
particle board.' - USGBC

While the smell may sometimes be good (New car smell is an example of a VOC) what is
inhaled is not actually good or healthy for individuals.

By eliminating/reducing VOCs and their off-gassing, the health of those working with the
materials and being around the materials is improved.
C. These materials provide soft surfaces to improve acoustics.
 D.These materials reduce the glare from interior finishes.

16- A company is designing an open office plan for seventy-five employees working in an
entire floor of a building. Daylighting will be used to provide natural light and reduce energy
costs. To ensure effective lighting quality for all of the occupants, the design should include
which of the following?

A. Light shelves
B. Reflective paint and surfaces
C. Automatic shades
D.Zoned daylighting controls

Because the plan is for an entire floor of a building, different areas of the project will receive
different levels of lighting throughout the day. To make sure all occupants have quality
lighting, a zoned system that adjusts lighting levels based on the quantity of daylight
coming in will work best.

People in darker areas would have more artificial light, while those in the sunnier areas
would have less.
17- The developer of a school project in a sunny region suggests using light shelves to
bring daylight into some of the classrooms. Which of the following issues would arise as a
result of this strategy?

A. Glare reduction

Anytime daylight is brought into the building, glare reduction needs to be considered, no
matter what method is used to bring in the daylight.
B. Reduction of low-emitting materials

This is not correct.

C. Interference with outside views

The height of the light shelves do not interfere with views

D.Decreased acoustic performance

A light shelf would not impact acoustics.

18- Why should a building have a green cleaning policy?

A. To decrease the time it takes to clean a building

Using green cleaning products does not reduce cleaning time.

B. To reduce the environmental effects of cleaning products
 A green cleaning policy is intended to reduce levels of chemical, biological, and particulate
contaminants that can compromise air quality, human health, building finishes, building
systems, and the environment.
C. To provide the janitorial staff with an opportunity to be part of the integrative design

The janitors may have valuable input to the cleaning, but the policy is not so they can be
included in the project team.
D.To reduce the costs of cleaning a building

Green cleaning products have comparable costs; they are not more expensive than non-
green alternatives.

19- During the integrative process a building owner decides to replace a low VOC ten-year
carpet tile with a less expensive and higher VOC twelve-year carpet tile. Which of the following
would be impacted by this change?

A. Raw material sourcing

Not enough information is provided about the carpets to know if raw material sourcing is an
issue.
B. Indoor air quality

The higher VOC carpet tile impacts indoor air quality.

C. Material reuse

Since the carpet is new, material reuse is not relevant.

D.Construction waste management

Construction waste management would not be impacted.

20- Which type of products would reduce the environmental effects of cleaning products?

A. Environmental Choice

Environmental Choice has many standards that apply to green cleaning products.
B. Green-e

Green-e is for RECs and carbon offsets.

C. CRI

The Carpet and Rug Institute has certifications for carpet, carpet pads, and carpet cleaning
equipment.
D.Green Label Plus

Green Label Plus indicates carpets have low VOC content.

21- In a naturally ventilated building, which of the following would provide occupants with
control over their temperature?

A. CO2 sensors
B. Operable windows

Operable windows allow users near those windows to control their environment.
C. Outdoor air monitors
D.A single-office thermostat

22- The practice of placing windows or other transparent media and reflective surfaces in
such a way that during the day natural light provides effective internal illumination is referred
to as:

A. Daylighting

This is the definition of daylighting.

B. Passive ventilation

See natural ventilation.

C. Natural ventilation

Natural (or passive) ventilation uses the natural forces of wind and buoyancy to deliver fresh
air into buildings through doors, windows, or other designed opening (chimneys).
D.Lighting power density

Lighting power density is the installed lighting power per unit area (the amount of electrical
power used to illuminate a space). It is usually expressed in Watts per unit of area.

Reducing the lighting power density for a project can reduce energy use.
23- What amount of time do people in the United States spend on average indoors?

A. 80%
B. 70%
C. 50%
D.90%

The importance of the Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) category is partly due to how
much time people spend indoors. How healthy the indoor environment is, such as air
quality, is related to human health.
E. 60%
24- Properly designed daylighting results in which of the following?

A. An increased lighting power density

Lighting power density is the installed lighting power per unit area. By adding more
daylighting, the lighting power density can be decreased (not increased). In simple terms - if
more daylight is added to a particular area, there is less of a need for electric light.
B. A decreased need for artificial lighting
C. The need to add operable windows

The two are exclusive of each other.

D.A decreased need for glare control

Glare and brightness need to be addressed when implementing daylighting. Glare can
increase as more sunlight is let into a space.

25- For which of the following reasons is it important to conduct occupant surveys?

A. Surveys reduce the ongoing waste stream.

Occupant behavior changes help reduce the ongoing waste stream.

B. Surveys identify areas that need improvement.

A survey will provide facility managers with information on areas of the building that may be
underperforming.
C. Surveys are required for ongoing commissioning.

Occupant surveys are not required for ongoing commissioning.

D.Surveys are a Minimum Program Requirement.

One of the goals of a survey is to improve acoustics, lighting, air quality, and overall
building cleanliness, all of which improve employee satisfaction.

26- A building owner and general contractor are creating a construction plan to improve the
air quality during the construction process. What should the plan address?

A. Conduct custodial training, use fans to blow out construction dust, orient the building
properly

Custodian training helps with green cleaning (after construction).

Using fans to blow out dust is not a recommended strategy.

Building orientation helps reduce energy demand.

B. Keep dust and dirt out of the building, protect materials from moisture damage, flush-out
the building before occupancy
 Housekeeping during the construction process keeps dust and dirt from collecting in the
building and it's installed systems.

Protecting materials from moisture damage can prevent rot and mold. Protecting equipment
from dust and dirt by capping cand covering intakes and openings protects the systems.

A flush-out runs the mechanical systems with 100% outside air to remove contaminants.
Flush-outs are usually done after construction is complete and prior occupants moving in.
C. Increase ventilation, calibrate sensors and monitors, conduct an occupant survey

These choices all improve occupant health after construction.

D.Use low VOC materials, monitor carbon dioxide, monitor outdoor airflow

These choices all improve occupant health after construction.

27- A project team is trying to maximize the number of points they can achieve for their
LEED project by identifying synergies. Which elements, when combined, would best achieve
this goal?

A. Operable windows
B. Occupancy sensors
C. Daylight sensors
D.CO2 sensors
E. Occupant lighting controls

Notes:

The big three when it comes to saving energy and optimizing lighting is daylighting combined with
occupancy sensors and individual occupant controls.

Daylighting, of course, reduces the energy required for lighting. By having daylighting sensors, the
interior lighting levels are adjusted automatically to further save energy by increasing artificial
lighting only in areas that need it. If a space is unoccupied, occupancy sensors can turn off artificial
lighting. Finally, individual task lighting lets each occupant turn on lights for their own comfort.
28- An owner has selected an office building site in a natural area. They want to provide
views to the outside to most people while also using daylighting to reduce energy demand.
Which strategy would achieve these goals?

A. Having adjustable window shades and operable windows

 The operable windows help with individual occupant comfort.

The adjustable shades help with glare control.

B. Installing an under floor air distribution system

This helps with thermal comfort.

C. Locating conference rooms and offices near the glazing

This design would block the daylight from interior workstations.

D.Installing cubicles with low partitions and placing conference rooms and offices in the core
of the building

Low partition cubes allow daylight to extend farther into the building.

Locating offices and rooms near a building's core prevents their walls from blocking views
and daylight.
29- When would a project team need to consider increasing the ventilation levels to improve
indoor air quality?

A. During building commissioning

B. After the occupants have moved in
C. Before the occupants move in
D.Pre-design

Increasing ventilation may require a bigger ventilation system. It may also consume more
energy to run the system. By the time the building is being constructed, these decisions can
be too late.

30- A government project with an open office plan will have partitioned cubes with frosted
glass above eye level position for privacy. This design choice would negatively impact which of
the following elements?

A. CO2 monitoring
B. Views to the outside

Frosted glass would block the views to the outside.

C. Individual thermal comfort
D.Individual occupant controls

31- Which design strategy allows occupants to actively participate in energy savings?

A. Smoking away from the building

B. Views to the outdoors
C. Task lighting
 This is the only choice that an occupant can actively do: turn on or off task lighting.

Lighting control for occupants helps them see better by controlling the lighting levels in
their area. LEED projects should provide individual occupant controls and group controls for
shared spaces (like a conference room).
D.Daylighting

32- Which of the following should a green cleaning policy include?

A. Measures to prevent against unwanted pests and the amount of waste to divert from the
waste stream

This is part of a waste-stream policy and integrated pest management (IPM).

B. A waste stream audit of recyclable materials and instructions for calibrating indoor air
quality sensors

This is part of a waste-stream policy and improving indoor air quality.

C. The replacement of Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) filters and the selection of
low VOC materials, furniture, and finishes
Replacing MERV filters is part of operations and maintenance to improve air quality.

Selection of low VOC materials, furniture, and finishes during the building process helps
improve indoor air quality of the occupants.
D.Standards for selecting products and technologies and certification of cleaning equipment

A green cleaning policy should include:

1. The standards used to select products and technologies such as Green Seal or California
Code of Regulations.
2. Certification of cleaning equipment from the carpet and rug institute.
33- Proper ventilation systems remove which of the following contaminants?

A. Material off-gassing
B. CFCs

CFCs are part of refrigerant management. Ventilation doesn't remove them.

C. Radon
D.CO2 concentrations
E. Phosphorus

Phosphorus is part of fertilization.

Notes:

There are many contaminants a ventilation system should remove. Radon, VOCs from material off-
gassing and CO2 levels are some of them.
 34- An effective thermal comfort strategy considers the six primary factors that affect
thermal comfort. A close collaboration between the owner, architect, and who else is critical to
achieving thermal comfort success?

A. Building code inspectors

B. Landscape designer
C. Engineer
D.Lighting designer

Notes:

Thermal comfort inside buildings has a great impact on people's satisfaction and their performance.

From ASHRAE 55, the six primary factors of thermal comfort are:

Surface temperature
Air temperature
Humidity
Air movement
Metebolic rate
Clothing

The owner, architect, and engineer must work closely together for a successfuly thermal comfort
design strategy for occupants.
35- Changing the building envelope from single-pane glazing to double-pane glazing
would result in which of the following?

A. Improved occupant controls

Operable windows helps with occupant control, not the type of glazing.
B. Increased daylighting

Daylighting would not be increased. It would be about the same.

C. Decreased energy demand

The design of the building envelope (including the glazing) impacts the energy demand of
the building. While more glazing (windows) increases daylighting, the heat gain from
allowing more light in may increase HVAC loads. Double-pane glazing is a better insulator
than single-pane glazing.
D.Increased energy efficiency

Energy efficiency is using less energy to accomplish the same amount of work.
 36- What can a project team do to reduce the need for pesticides?

A. Do not permit smoking around building entrances

This is related to ETS control.

B. Develop a coordinated program of nonchemical strategies

IPM begins with monitoring and baiting to reduce the need for chemical pesticides.
C. Use only native plants in the landscaping

Pests may live in areas with either native or non-native plants.

D.Install hardscapes around the entire building perimeter

This would not help, as bugs will traverse pavement.

Notes:

IPM is 'a method of pest management that protects human health and the surrounding environment
and improves economic returns through the most effective, least-risk option.' - USGBC
37- A project design with a focus on creating a healthy building includes materials with low
VOC emissions, grates used in the entryway, higher-rated MERV filters, and air intakes located
in an open-air parking garage. Which of these design strategies negatively impacts good
indoor-air quality?

A. The materials with low VOC emissions

Materials with low VOC emissions are preferable for good indoor air quality.
B. The grates used for the entryway

Grates are a good choice for capturing dirt from occupants entering the building.
C. The higher-rated MERV filters

Higher-rated MERV filters capture more air particulates.

D.The location of the air intakes

Air intakes should be located near fresh air sources and away from exhaust or smoking
areas.

38- When determining the ventilation levels of a space needed for good indoor air quality,
which of the following should the project team consider?

A. The number of occupants in the space

B. The activities performed in the space
C. The time of day the space will be used
D.The space's proximity to the exterior building envelope

Notes:
Proper ventilation takes into account how many people are in the space and what's happening in the
space. Ex: Will there be five people or fifty? Will they be sitting in office chairs or playing basketball?
39- A project team in a dry region is designing a project with an entryway that leads to a
downtown city block. The building owner wants to reduce dirt, dust, and contaminants tracked
into the building from people's shoes. Which of the following would be appropriate choices for
an entryway system that would improve indoor air quality?

A. Metal grills made of aluminum

B. Rubber mats manufactured overseas
C. Steel grates
D.Marble tile extracted and manufactured locally
E. Recycled wood flooring

Notes:

This question is asking about good indoor air quality. LEED entryways should be grills, grates, or mats
to help clean people's shoes off as they walk in. This keeps dust/dirt/contaminants out.

The answer choices mix in good and bad materials - those don't matter. What's being asked for is
only good indoor air quality.
40- A project team member is discussing adding soft surfaces to a perimeter room. What
would be the result of doing this?

A. Reduced contaminants
B. Improved daylighting
C. Improved acoustics

Acoustic surfaces such as soft surfaces, building geometry, and duct insulation all help
improve the acoustics of a space.
D.Reduced glare

41- A project administrator needs specific information on an interior paint used in a tenant
space. The information on the VOCs in the paint need to be uploaded into LEED Online. Where
would this information be found?

A. LEED Online materials database

LEED Online does not have a materials database.

B. MSDS

The project manufacturer will have a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) that lists the VOC
content of the paint.
 C. Local building code office

The local building code office does not keep this information on file.
D.USGBC materials database

USGBC does not have a materials database.

42- How can a project team in a hot climate reduce a building's energy use and increase
daylighting?

A. By installing glass over the entire exterior of the building

In a hot climate, putting glass all over the exterior increases energy use.
B. By siting the building in an area surrounded by other buildings that can provide shade

The shade reduces energy use, but it also reduces daylighting opportunities if the
surrounding buildings are blocking out the light.
C. By locating private offices along the perimeter of the building walls

Private offices, janitorial rooms, storage closets, etc. should be located near a building's
core (center). This maximizes daylighting by not having walls block out lighting.
D.By installing appropriately sized and located windows

Installing windows that are appropriate for the climate and that are strategically located is
the correct choice. This refers back to the integrative process and discussing the best
options.

43- Which strategy supports improved indoor air quality during operations and
maintenance?

A. Outlining green cleaning procedures and goals for custodians

Part of green cleaning involves including the custodians in the integrative process to get
their input and to work together to create goals and procedures for reducing indoor
contaminants from cleaning chemicals.
B. Flushing out the building before occupancy

A flush-out removes contaminants before occupants move in.

C. Using building materials with low life-cycle impacts

This is a design decision, not part of O+M.

D.Locating air intakes away from garage areas

This is a good design decision but not part of O+M.

Notes:

Note that the question asks 'during operations and maintenance.' Eliminate all choices related to
building design.
 44- In order for an occupant survey to improve the triple bottom line of a project, what
should occur after the survey results have been assessed?

A. The building systems manual should be updated to include the survey results.

Just storing the results doesn't accomplish anything.

B. Corrective action should be taken to address any problems.

Surveys should be followed with analysis and corrective action if necessary.

C. The survey results should be shared with USGBC.

This does not improve the triple bottom line.

D.The survey results should be uploaded to LEED online.

A credit might require this but this action does not improve the triple bottom line.
Notes:

In LEED, occupant surveys are required for some credits. However, merely doing a survey doesn't earn
the credit - action must be taken on the survey results. The facility manager is usually responsible for
performing corrective actions.

For example, if many occupants complain about an area being too hot or too cold, to improve the
occupants health and productivity (improve the triple bottom line) that area needs to have the
temperature adjusted.
45- A tenant of an office space wants an open office layout. What is one trade-off of this
decision?

A. The acoustics may be poor.

A trade-off with the open office layout is in a large, open space the acoustics are usually
poor.
B. The room will have decreased air quality.

An open office does not impact air quality.

C. The space will not be able to include task lighting.

Task lighting would be able to be included.

D.Daylighting will be harder to achieve.

Open office layouts improve daylighting options because there are less walls and daylight
can get further into the building if lower partition cubes are used.

46- For which of the following reasons is it important to provide individual lighting and
thermal comfort controls to building occupants?

A. Occupant controls help improve acoustics

 B. Occupant controls help improve productivity
C. Occupant controls help improve indoor air quality
D.Occupant controls help increase ventilation

47- What are the best design strategies for improving indoor air quality during operations
and maintenance of a building?

A. Increase the ventilation in the building

Additional outdoor air can be provided in the building. This is a common trade-off though -
when increasing the ventilation for a mechanical system the energy use of the building goes
up.

LEED BD+C projects can earn credit for increasing ventiliation. In milder climates increasing
ventiliation can still be accomplished with natural ventilation through proper design of air
flows through the building.
B. Use air filters with high Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) ratings

Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) ratings are a standard comparison of the
efficiency of an air filter. The MERV scale ranges from 1 (least efficient) to 16 (most
efficient), and measures a filter's ability remove particles from 3 to 10 microns in size. The
ratings were developed by ASHRAE.
C. Orient the building for optimal sun exposure

Building orientation can impact the particulates entering the building due to the direction
the wind blows. However it isn't as big of a factor as the air filters used.
D.Use natural refrigerants

The type of refrigerant does not directly impact the particulates in the air.
E. Use soft surfaces on the interiors

Soft surfaces are good for acoustic design, not air quality.

48- What product for an entryway system allows for good indoor air quality and is a good
material choice?

A. Low VOC rubber mat

LEED entryways should be grills, grates, or mats to help clean people's shoes off as they
walk in. This keeps dust/dirt/contaminants out.

The low VOC material is the best choice available.

B. Stone tiles extracted and manufactured locally

Stone is not a choice for an entryway in LEED.

C. Carpeted tile shipped from overseas
 Products shipped from overseas are not a good material choice
D.Wood flooring made in another country

Wood flooring in an entryway does not improve indoor air quality.

49- In which of the following ways does integrated pest management (IPM) help a building
owner save money?

A. Because over application can be avoided

B. Because only appropriate chemicals are used
C. Because pests are never present on the site
D.Because only beneficial insects that contribute to a healthy ecosystem are allowed to thrive
on the site.
Notes:

IPM is 'a method of pest management that protects human health and the surrounding environment
and improves economic returns through the most effective, least-risk option.' - USGBC

IPM can help by choosing the best ways to handle pests by first addressing underlying causes of the
problem rather than treating problems after they occur. An example would be taking steps to keep
pests out of the building envelope before they find a way in.

IPM avoids over application and only using appropriate chemicals to save on costs.
50- Designing a building with a natural ventilation system will impact what credit
categories?

A. Energy and Atmosphere

A natural ventilation system (aka passive ventilation) will reduce the energy demands of a
building. No mechanical cooling system will need to installed and run.
B. Indoor Environmental Quality

A natural ventilation system impacts the indoor air quality of a building. Indoor air quality is
part of this credit category.
C. Materials and Resources

No credits from this category are impacted by designing a building with natural ventilation.
D.Sustainable Sites

No credits from this category are impacted by designing a building with natural ventilation.

51- Which of the following would help increase the daylight brought into a space?

A. Low VOC interior walls, single-pane glazing, and reused furniture

 B. Ergonomic furniture, reused acoustic ceiling tiles, polished concrete flooring, and movable
partitions
C. Clerestory windows, light shelves, reflective paint, and skylights
D.Task lighting, occupancy sensors, window blinds, and operable windows

52- Where should smoking be prohibited for a project?

A. Operable windows
B. Walking trails
C. Garages
D.Building entrances
E. Air intakes

Notes:

LEED requires prohibiting smoking in all BD+C projects. Smoking should not occur around any
building opening that could allow the smoke to enter the building.
53- Which of the following preventive maintenance tasks would a facility manager routinely
perform to maintain indoor air quality?

A. Calibrating sensors

Checking the CO2 sensors and the outdoor airflow monitors are tasks the facility manager
could do periodically to make sure the system is functioning as designed.
B. Conducting a flush-out

A flush-out is done once prior to occupancy to remove construction contaminants from the
air.
C. Dusting all blinds with electrostatic cloths

Dusting is part of a cleaning program, not preventive maintenance.

D.Replacing air filters

Replacing air filters should be done as part of a routine preventive maintenance schedule.

54- A project owner wants to create a healthy work environment for employees. To help
ensure indoor air quality, which of the following should be monitored?

A. Daylighting levels

Daylight levels are unrelated to indoor air quality.

B. Submetering of the HVAC system

Submetering will show the energy use of the system, not if the system is keeping the air
clean.
C. Wind speed and direction

Projects don't measure wind speed and direction (unless it's an airport).
 D.Carbon-dioxide levels

Carbon-dioxide monitoring indicates the quality of the air in a space. If there is too much
CO2, the system can increase airflow to improve quality.
E. Outdoor airflow

Ventilation takes fresh outdoor air and pushes it inside. The monitors on the outside
measure how much air the system is moving to make sure it is adequate.

55- A developer for an office project is considering a natural ventilation system. Which of
the following will be the MOST important in determining if the system will be appropriate?

A. Whether or not the system can provide enough fresh air

The system first and foremost has to provide enough fresh air to meet the prerequisite of
LEED.

All the other choices may be important, which would be determined in the integrative
process.
B. Whether or not the system is quiet
C. Whether or not the system can be submetered
D.Whether or not the system can connect to a building automation system

56- A business owner is building an office in a city that has air quality issues during the
summer. The owner wants to hear recommendations for design decisions that improve indoor
air quality. Which of the following are strategies that would achieve the project goal?

A. Use materials with low VOC emissions

Low-emitting materials improve indoor air quality.

B. Use natural ventilation

Natural may be worse because the poor outside air would be coming into the building
unfiltered.
C. Install walk-off mats in the entryways

Walk-off mats help capture dust, dirt, and contaminants people could otherwise track into
the building.
D.Permit smoking around side entrances only

In LEED, smoking is not allowed at any of the building entrances.

E. Orient the building east to west

Building orientation helps with daylighting and harvesting free energy.

 57- Which factors affect an occupant's thermal comfort?

A. Temperature, humidity, and air movement

B. Acoustics, ergonomics, and views

These are all related to occupant comfort and control, but not thermal comfort.
C. VOC levels, glare, and acoustics

VOC levels are unrelated to thermal comfort.

Glare from too much daylight impacts visual comfort rather than thermal comfort.
D.Daylighting, air monitoring, and cleanliness

Cleanliness is not a thermal comfort factor.

Notes:

Temperature, humidity, and air movement impact a user's thermal comfort. By providing individual
temperature AND ventilation controls, these factors can be controlled by occupants.
58- A project team is beginning the integrative process late into the design-phase of a new
office building. At this point, which of the following could still be changed and would be a low-
cost solution for improving daylighting?

A. The orientation of the building

B. The colors of the surfaces
C. The types of furnishings
D.The window configuration
E. The number of glazing panes

Notes:

While all of the choices impact lighting, changing the types of furnishings and the colors of the
interior are inexpensive strategies to improve daylighting and reduce glare, both of which would
increase the quality of the indoor lighting. Late in the deisgn phase is generally too late to change the
orientation of the building.
59- A delivery of drywall arrived at a building site during a rain storm. Some of the drywall
was exposed to the rain. What should the general contractor do with the material?

A. Wait for it to dry out and then install it

B. Send it to the landfill
C. Install it anyway
D.Ask for replacement drywall from the seller

Notes:
What is this question really asking? A building material got wet, what does that impact? For good
indoor air quality, remember a general contractor is responsible for keeping building materials dry so
that no mold is introduced into the building.

Installing it or waiting for it to dry and then installing it are not good options (how could it be known
for certain that it's dry below the surface?).

Sending it to the landfill is not good for the environment.

The seller might replace it and send the damaged materials back to be ground up into new product
60- At which point during the project schedule would a flush-out occur?

A. Prior to occupants moving in

A flush-out runs the mechanical systems with 100% outside air to remove contaminants.
Flush-outs are usually done after construction is complete and prior occupants moving in.
B. Prior to the building water being turned on

A flush-out is unrelated to water.

C. After the building envelope is weather-tight

This is not correct.

D.After HVAC ducts have been sealed and protected

Since the flush-out uses the mechanical systems, the HVAC ducts need to be available and
not sealed.

61- When thinking about room layouts early in the design process, which of the following
should be considered?

A. Environmental tobacco smoke control

ETS control is considered in relation to the exterior of the building, not room layouts.
B. Acoustics

Acoustics are often overlooked, but they should be considered early in the design process
when designing room layouts in order to select a room design that aids this element.
C. Using materials with recycled content

Room layouts and material selection are unrelated.

D.Entryway systems

Entryway systems are part of the design of linking the outside to the inside of the building,
not room layouts.