LEED Green Associate Exam Prep

Provided by:

O’Brien & Company

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Technical Assistance

Our LEED Study Session Instructors

Elizabeth PowersLEED AP BD+CPrincipalO’Brien & Company

Justus StewartENV-SP, LEED Green AssociateProject AssociateO’Brien & Company

Agenda

o Introduction(s)o LEED 101o Breako Quiz #1o Siteo Watero Exam Overviewo Quiz #2o Write Your Own Questiono Luncho Energyo Indoor Environmental

Quality

o Materials o Process Pt 1: Green

Building Valueo Process Exerciseo Breako Process Pt 2: Integrative

Processo Quiz #3o Exam Prepo Case Study Exerciseo Exam sign up demoo Closing Q&A

Our Teaching Philosophy

In this class that means….o Flash slideso Fill in the blanko Quizzeso Teach your neighboro Group exercises

Topic of the Day

LEED Green Associateo Primary LEED credentialo Broad knowledge of green building conceptso Overview of LEED Processo Required to earn LEED Accredited Professional with

specialty

Exam SpecificationsTask DomainsI. LEED Green Associate Tasks

Knowledge Domains

I. LEED Process

II. Integrative Strategies

III. Location and Transportation

IV. Sustainable Sites

V. Water Efficiency

VI. Energy and Atmosphere

VII. Materials and Resources

VIII. Indoor Environmental Quality

IX. Project Surroundings and Public Outreach

I. LEED ProcessII. Integrative StrategiesIII. Location and TransportationIV. Sustainable SitesV. Water EfficiencyVI. Energy and AtmosphereVII. Materials and ResourcesVIII.Indoor Environmental

QualityIX. Project Surroundings and

Public Outreach

SustainAbilities Scorecard

CPO Mgmt PracticesSiteWaterEnergy

Materials and ConstructionIndoor Environment

Beauty & InspirationCPO Mgmt Practices

Exam Referenceso Core Concepts Guideo Excerpt from BD+Co LEED Certification

Guideo Impact Categorieso LEEDv4 User Guideo LEED Certification Feeso Rating System

Selection Guidanceo LEED Interpretations

Learning ObjectivesPrepare participants for the LEED Green Associate Exam by providing:o Thorough overview of the content and key issueso Hands-on practice exams and quizzeso Information about exam process and structureo Recommendations on study approacheso Additional study resourceso Build capacity of participants to effectively apply the concepts tested

in the Green Associate exam in real world applications

SustainAbilities Scorecard

LEED 101

Task Domain: LEED Green Associate TasksKnowledge Domains: LEED Process, Integrative Strategies (LEED

Standards)

What does LEED Stand for?Leadership in Energy and

Environmental Design

Fill in the blank

People are _________________Buildings are _______________

AccreditedCertified

What is the US Green Building Council?

Developer of LEED

What does the Green Building Certification Institute do?

Certifies LEED Buildings

Accredits LEED Accredited Professionals

Does GBCI certify products?No!

After project completion and certification by GBCI

When can a project say it is LEED certified?

What are the two primary reference standards used by LEED to measure

percent improvement in energy efficiency in buildings?

ASHRAE 90.1Energy Star

Name three types of alternative transportation recognized by LEED

BusRail

Rapid Ride

What is an MPR?Minimum Program

Requirement

LEED for New Construction (NC)LEED for Operations + Maintenance

(O+M)LEED for Neighborhood

Development (ND)LEED for Homes

Name four LEED Rating Systems

Indicate if the following is valid for innovation credit:

One LEED AP with appropriate specialty on a Project Team

Yes

How do you determine which regional credits are available to your project?

Look up location by address on website

Indicate if the following is valid for innovation credit:

Green Housekeeping Program

Yes

Indicate if the following is valid for innovation credit:

20% On-site energy generation(10% is the highest threshold)

Yes

USGBC vs. GBCIU

S G

reen

Bui

ldin

g C

ounc

il

•Non-profit•Market Transformation Mission

•Developer of LEED (1998)

•Founded 1993G

reen

Bui

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g C

ertif

icat

ion

Inst

itute

•Non-profit•Third-party certifying organization recognizing excellence in green building

•ANSI and ISO•Founded 2008

What Should A LEED Building Accomplish?

LEED Family of Rating Systems

BD&C ID&C O&M

ND Homes

Multiple Certifications

Scale LifecycleCS

CI

ND

Homes

ND

NC

OM

Mixed Use

40% 60%Can’t You

DecideMust

LEED v4 Scorecard – New Construction

Categories

A Closer Look

A Closer Look

Prerequisites

Points

Credits

Levels of Certificationo LEED Certified: 40-49 Pointso LEED Silver: 50-59 Pointso LEED Gold: 60-79 Pointso LEED Platinum: 80+ Points

Certification Process

Certify

Review

Apply (Document)

Implement Project

Register Project

Confirm Eligibility

EligibilityMinimum Program Requirementso Must be in a permanent location on existing lando Must use reasonable LEED boundarieso Must comply with project size requirements

Eligibility - Prerequisiteso Rating System Prerequisiteso Vary by rating systemo Typical

• Construction Activity Pollution Prevention• Water use reduction• Commissioning• Minimum Energy Performance• Building metering• No CFCs• Storage and collection of recyclables• Minimum IAQ performance• No Smoking• Minimum acoustic performance

Key Concepts in Eligibility and Implementation

o LEED Campus Program for projects on shared site, allows for campus-wide credits or certification of groups of similar buildings. Do not have to use.Schools, hospitals, resorts with several physically distinct structures as defined by ENERGY STAR can do a single certification without using campus.

o Renovations and AdditionsRenovations use NC or CI depending on scope. In additions, energy systems must be separate or part of a central system outside of the project building or space.

Key Concepts in Eligibility and Implementation

o Incomplete spaces and Tenant Sales and Lease AgreementsRequired commitments from owners and tenants for spaces in the building not built out as part of the project. Allows for project to take credit for green features planned for the spaces.

Project 2 Project

3

Project 1

LEED CampusShared credits

Incomplete or tenant

space

LEED NC or CS Project

Project RegistrationRegister your project as early as possible:o +/- $1000o Discount for members

$1200 for Non-Memberso LEED Onlineo Website listing

BD&C ID&C O&M

ND Homes

LEED Online:

Project Implementation

Reference Guides and Rating Systems

LEED Credit Library

EPA Construction General Permit

Credit Format & Structure

10 Common Reference Standards

Standard Topic

1. ASHRAE 90.12. ASHRAE 62.13. ASHRAE 554. Energy Star5. Green-e6. EPACT 19927. SMACNA8. FSC9. SCAQMD10. WaterSense

Energy efficiencyVentilationComfortEnergy efficiencyRenewable powerWater efficiencyConstruction IAQ mgmtSustainable ForestryLow emitting materialsWater efficiency

Technical Supporto Review the credit Intent and Requirementso Consult the LEED Reference Guideo Check the Resources, Interpretations, and Forum in

the LEED Credit libraryo Ask a certification Questions form at

www.usgbc.org/contactuso Submit a Project-Specific

Credit Interpretation (CIR)• $220 • Registered projects only via

LEED Online

Technical Support - Liveo LEED Coach Personal guide assigned to each

project or LEED Account Managers assigned to organizations with lots of LEED projects

o LEED Proven Providers Service providers who administer LEED projects and consistent provide high quality documentation. Direct access to reviewers

o Request a call Any registered project can submit questions with supporting documentation and request a phone call

Types of Extra Credit – 10 points Innovationo Exemplary Performance Credits from your Rating

Systemo Sustainable Strategies not addressed in your Rating

Systemo LEED Pilot Creditso Innovation credit catalogo Credits from other rating systems

LEED AP (part of Innovation section)

Regional Priority Creditso 6 options per projecto Existing creditso Max of 4 points

5

4

1

Regional Credits Example

Demand responseRenewable energy productionBuilding product disclosure – EPDBuilding product disclosure – Raw materialsRainwater managementIndoor water use reduction

Renewable energy productionOptimize energy performanceBuilding life-cycle impact reductionConstruction and demolition waste managementOutdoor water use reductionIndoor water use reduction

SeattleWashington

Honolulu,Hawaii

Apply - Credit Forms

Apply - Uploadso Site plans, floor plans marked up for the applicable

LEED credit

o Calculators and forms provided in the “Resources” tab in the LEED Credit Library

o Professional calculations like energy model outputs

o Back up documentation like submittals – with relevant information marked

ReviewDesign Reviewo After 100% Construction Documents (CDs)o Anticipated achievemento Pendingo DeniedConstruction Reviewo After Substantial Completiono Credit Achievedo Credit Denied

Level of certification based on points achieved40 – Certified, 50 – Silver, 60 – Gold, 80 - Platinum

Appeal Processo $500 per credito $800 for complex

creditso Complete project

informationo Original & re-submittal

for credit

Use Policieso Before certification

“targeting XX level” or “is LEED registered”

o After certification• Use certification mark• “LEED XX”• “LEED XX certified

o LEED Green Associate (not GA)

o LEED AP BD+C, ID+C, O+M, ND, Homes

o USGBCo U.S. Green Building

Council

o Member logo not product endorsement

How does LEED evolve and change?

New versions Between versions

o Every 3 to 5 yearso Volunteer committees

and working groups contribute

o Comment periodso Member voting

o Pilot credits to test ideas

o LEED interpretationso Addenda and errata

LEED Rating System Timelines

v4

2009 (v3)

v2.2

v2.1

v2.0

v1.0 Pilot

1998 ’99 ’00 ’01 ’02 ’03 ’04 ’05 ’06 ’07 ’08 ’09 ’10 ’11 ’12 ’13 ’14 ’15 ’16 ’17 ’18 ’19 ’20 ’21

What else is out there?

Quiz

Task Domain: LEED Green Associate TasksKnowledge Domains: LEED Process, Integrative Strategies, Location

and Transportation, Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency

In the LEED rating system, the Energy Policy Act of 1992 relates to:

a) Building commissioningb) Optimize energy efficiencyc) Indoor water use efficiencyd) Minimum energy performance

Question 1

Question 2Which one of the following is correct to use in

marketing materials for a building under construction:

a) “…project is built to standards that would earn LEED Gold Certification.”

b) “…project is LEED Registered, targeting Platinum Certification, or at least 80 points out of 100.”

c) “…project will be LEED Gold Certified with at least 50 points out of 100.”

d) “…project is LEED Gold Registered, achieving at least 39 points out of 69.”

Question 3Which of the following would be considered a benefit

of increased use of public transportation (Choose two):

a) Reduced demand for fossil fuelsb) Increased stormwater management neededc) Reduced greenhouse gas emissionsd) More hardscape necessary to accommodate

increased traffic

Question 4A Brownfield is a piece of land that:

a) Should be protected as a sensitive area during construction

b) If used, promotes infill and reduces sprawlc) Has not been irrigated properlyd) Is contaminated beyond remediation

Question 5Which of the following combinations of fixtures

produces greywater:

a) Lavatories and showersb) Lavatories and showers and washing machinesc) Lavatories and urinalsd) Water closets

Question 6Which of the following does NOT help reduce heat

island effect:

a) Pervious asphaltb) Grasscretec) Standard concreted) Landscaping

Question 7The USGBC defines Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) as what?

a) A measure of how well a material reflects daylight into a space

b) A measure of how well a material rejects solar heatc) A measure of how much daylight is reflected off a

window as opposed to entering a spaced) A measure of the amount of illumination falling on a

surface

Question 8Which is not a potential strategy to help achieve

significant indoor water use reduction?

a) High-efficiency irrigationb) Rainwater collectionc) Waterless urinald) 1.4 gallon water closete) Low flow showerheads

Question 9How do you register a LEED project?

a) Call the USGBC Customer Serviceb) Fax GBCI the registration form that can be

downloaded from the USGBC web sitec) Call O’Brien & Companyd) Complete the on-line registration section of the

GBCI website

Question 10You believe that your project meets the requirement for a certain credit, but in a slightly different way than the Rating System describes. To receive clarification, you should do all of the following, except:

a) Review the Rating System to make sure the proposed strategy meets the stated Intent of the credit

b) Review the Reference Guide for information that may pertain

c) Submit a Credit Interpretation Requestd) Call USGBC

Site

Task Domain: LEED Green Associate TasksKnowledge Domains: Locations and Transportation, Sustainable Sites

Who cares?

Where to?

Who cares?o What are some benefits of building near existing

infrastructure?________________________________________________________, _____________________________________ & __________

o What are some ways to protect and restore natural systems when developing in existing areas?

Reduced impact for infrastructure (cost savings) access to alternative transportation

amenities

- Protect existing habitat- Clean up contaminate sites- Plant native and adaptive

species

- Create open space- Green stormwater

infrastructure- Minimize heat

islands

Brownfields

o This:

Pedestrian and Bike Accesso Allowing people to walk and bike safely to services

without being blocked. Providing nearby connections, bridges, trails, ramps

Pedestrian and Bike Accesso Not this

Where to?

Food, Glorious Food

X

TransportationFill in this list of strategies which reduce the impact of

transportation needs of a building and its occupants:

Access to ________ TransportationAccess to _________ Storage & ___________ RoomsPreferred Parking for _________ & __________Access to _____________ & _____________ VehiclesParking for ____________ & ____________ VehiclesReduced _________ Capacity____________ Membership and Parking

PublicBicycle Changing

VanpoolsCarpools

Low-emitting Fuel-efficient

Low-emitting Fuel-efficient

ParkingCar-share

Walk, Bike, Bus, &Trainso Distance people will usually walk for a train/subway?

½ mile

o Distance people will typically walk for a bus ride?¼ mile

o What amenities do bikers need that other commuters don’t?

Secure bike parking and showers (otherwise yuck!)

Better Parking/Drivingo “Preferred Parking”

• Carpool/Vanpool• Fuel-efficient vehicles

o Electric Car Charging Stations or ‘Liquid, gas, or battery facilities’

o Car share Programso Discounted parking

Site Assessmento Topographyo Hydrologyo Climateo Vegetationo Soilso Human use and impacts

Site Design & Management o How to improve access to

assets based on location or add more on site.

o Landscape design and practices to reduce impact and protect habitat (IPM, xeriscaping)

o Preventing light pollutiono Preserving open spaceo Protecting water bodieso Manage rainwatero Reduce heat islands

Rainwater Management o Minimize impervious areaso Control rainwatero Incorporate rainwater management

into site design

Heat IslandsHeat islands are……ideal places for spring break!!!…caused by absorption of heat by hardscapes, such as dark, nonreflective pavement and buildings.

Light, Reflective Dark, Absorbent

100 Solar Reflectivity Index (SRI) 0

Heat Island - RoofSystem Synergies with a Green Roof:o Reduce heat island effecto Manage stormwater quantity and qualityo Create open spaceo Create habitato Increase roof’s thermal insulation value

Heat IslandName at least three other strategies for reducing heat islands on roofs or ground level hardscape other than green roofs

1. Reducing the amount of paving/parking2. Putting at parking underground3. Shading hardscape with trees4. Open grid paving with vegetation5. Light colored paving6. Reflective roofing

Shortest Path AnalysisShortest distance to walkOr bike to destination

Parking CapacityAll off-street spaces available to users inside and outside LEED Boundary. Street parking doesn’t count.

BUG MethodBacklight-Uplight-Glare – a method to calculate light pollution

SRISolar reflective index measures a surfaces ability to reflect and remit heat. High good, low bad.

Common Terms and Concepts

Previously DevelopedAltered by paving, construction, and land use that would have

required permitting

Development FootprintTotal land area covered by impervious surfaces

DensityRatio of building coverage to parcel size. Floor Area Ratio (FAR),

Dwelling Units per Acre (DU/acre), etc.

Buildable LandArea of the site where construction can occur.

More Common Terms and Concepts

SustainAbilitiesWhat Site and Transportation practices in SustainAbilities are also part of the Green Associate Exam?

Locate on previously developed sitesReducing heat island effectReducing the amount of paving/parkingBicycle infrastructureEV infrastructure

Water

Task Domain: LEED Green Associate TasksKnowledge Domains: Water Efficiency

Who Cares?What are some impacts of water use?

What is LEED’s approach to conserving water?

o Depletes water supply

o Energy use o Chemical useo Greenhouse gases

Efficiency First

Alternative Sources

Reuse

Water Budgetingo How much rainfalls on the site?o How much water will be used?o How can that be reduced?o Where can water be reused?

Align the water quality with it’s definition:

____________: Wastewater from toilets and urinals.

____________: Untreated household waste water which has not come into contact with toilet waste.

____________: Meets or exceeds EPA’s drinking water quality standards and is approved for human consumption by state or local authorities.

Greywater

Blackwater

Potable

Types of Water

Reuse

Indoor Water Efficiency

IrrigationDesign for no irrigationo Xeriscapingo Consider establishment

periodUse reclaimed and recycled

water for irrigationo Reclaimed water = Treated

wastewatero Recycled water = Greywater

or rainwaterSubmetero Track use for irrigation

Measurement & Monitoring

o Track consumption trends

o Determine fixture performance

o Identify leaks

o EPACT 1992 Energy Policy Act of 1992, set efficiency standards for fixtures which are now code

o Energy Star and Water Sense EPA standards for energy and water efficiency in appliances

o Regular Building Occupants Full and part-time employees and volunteers in FTE

Full-Time Equivalents (FTE) =

Also includes residents, hotel guests, and inpatients

o VisitorsIntermittent users of buildings like shoppers and students, also known as “transients”

Total Staff Hours8

Common Terms and Concepts

More Common Terms and Conceptso Daily average = Average per day calculated on a

yearly basis.o Peak average = Highest occupancy in a 24-hour

day.o Example:

A café expects to serve an estimated 700 customers over the course of a day (daily average). Though, at noon, their busiest time, the café can only hold a maximum of 250 customers (daily peak).

What Water Efficiency practices in SustainAbilities are also part of the Green Associate Exam?

Rainwater for irrigation‘Green’ cooling tower designLow-flow fixturesWater reuse

SustainAbilities

Exam Overview

o Purpose and benefits of taking the examo Types of content and questions

References:LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbookwww.GBCI.org

In this section we’ll discuss:

Who is the Green Associate Exam For?o Individuals involved in

built environment non-technical fields of practice

o Green building design, construction, and operation professionals

“Provides employers, policymakers, and other stakeholders with assurances of an individual’s current level of competence and is a mark of the most qualified, educated, and influential green building professionals in the marketplace.”

o Strengthen your green building qualificationso Market your green building knowledge to potential

employers and clientso Contribute to your professional developmento Earn recognition with the nation’s predominant green

building professional credentialo Receive a Green Associate certificate and opt to be

list in GBCI’s online directoryo Prerequisite for taking a LEED Specialization exam

Benefits

o 2 hours• 2 hours, 20 minutes = total seat time• Begins with 10 minute tutorial and ends with 10 minute

satisfaction surveyo Computer-based examo 100 randomly-delivered, multiple-choice questionso Scaled scoring: 125 – 200, 170 is passingo Exam Fee: $200 for Members, $250 for Non-

Members

Exam Info

Examo Multiple Choiceo Some simple math – calculators are available on the

computero Can change answers and flag them for later reviewo Track incomplete answerso Double negativeso Tricky questions & “most correct answer” logico Story problems w/ multiple answerso Expect questions pertaining to:

• Refrigerants• Community connectivity• Construction waste management• Implementation

Exam SpecificationsTask DomainsI. LEED Green Associate Tasks

Knowledge Domains

I. LEED Process

II. Integrative Strategies

III. Location and Transportation

IV. Sustainable Sites

V. Water Efficiency

VI. Energy and Atmosphere

VII. Materials and Resources

VIII. Indoor Environmental Quality

IX. Project Surroundings and Public Outreach

Exam Referenceso Core Concepts Guideo Excerpt from BD+Co LEED Certification

Guideo Impact Categorieso LEEDv4 User Guideo LEED Certification Feeso Rating System

Selection Guidanceo LEED Interpretations

Question Typeso Recognize & recall

factual materialo Apply material to

scenarioso Analyze relationships

and interactions

Sample Question #1When applying for innovation credits, a project team :

a) Cannot submit any previously awarded innovation credit.

b) May receive credit for performance that doubles a credit requirement threshold.

c) May submit a product or strategy that is being used in an existing LEED® credit.

d) May receive a credit for each LEED Accredited Professional that is on the project team.

Sample Question #2A developer wants to make a profit by building a new

office that maximizes daylighting and views. What actions might the developer take to fulfill all parts of the triple bottom line?

a) Restore habitat onsite b) Purchase ergonomic furniture c) Pursue local grants and incentives d) Provide lighting controllability for occupants

Quiz

Task Domain: LEED Green Associate TasksKnowledge Domains: Energy Efficiency, Indoor Environmental Quality,

and Materials and Resources

Question 1The production of which refrigerant is banned, and

which other refrigerant is being phased out under the Montreal Protocol?

a) CO2; COb) CFC’s; HCFC’sc) CFC’s HFC’sd) IWS, GWB

Question 2Which one of the combinations of LEED Rating

Systems is not allowed for the same building or space?

a) LEED-ND + LEED for Homesb) LEED-CS + LEED-CIc) LEED O&M + LEED for Homesd) LEED-NC + LEED O&Me) LEED-ND + LEED-NC

Question 3To be awarded a point under the LEED Accredited

Professional credit:

a) At least one principal participant of the project team must be a LEED Accredited Professional (AP) with a specialty appropriate for the project.

b) At least one principal participant of the design team must be a LEED Accredited Professional (AP) with a specialty appropriate for the project.

c) All members of the project team must be a LEED Accredited Professional (AP)

Question 4For Construction Waste Management, calculations are

done by:

a) Weightb) Volumec) Weight or Volumed) Weight and Volume

Question 5Green Seal Standard GS -11 relates to:

a) Formaldehyde-free composite woodb) Low-emitting adhesivesc) Recycled content drywalld) Low-VOC, low-toxic paint and coatings

Question 6Proper ventilation rates to be applied to projects are

prescribed by which of the following standards?

a) IPMVP Option Bb) ASHRAE 90.1c) SCAQMD Rule 1113d) ASHRAE 62.1

Question 7Which of the following is an example of post-consumer

recycled material?

a) Composite board containing sawdust from lumber mill

b) Concrete that contains fly ash from a local coal powered energy plant

c) Carpet made from plastic water bottlesd) Salvaged barn beam

Question 8The effort to reduce global warming by the use of harmful

refrigerants involves understanding there is a trade-off, meaning:

a) The trade-off is between natural and man-made refrigerants. Natural refrigerants are CO2, NH3, and propane, and only those should be used.

b) The trade off is there is a treaty for reduction of ozone depletion, but not for global warming. The solution is to make a new international treaty that agrees global warming is a comparable threat to ozone depletion.

c) The trade off is that either way, the refrigerant will have a harmful impact to the environment. This is because some refrigerants have a higher ODP and a low GWP, while others have a higher GWP and lower ODP.

d) The trade-off is that refrigerants will either contribute to global warming or contribute to depleting the ozone layer unless EnergyStar equipment is used.

Question 9Green design involves addressing the regional

environmental context in which a project occurs. Which of the following is an example of a regional environmental issue?

a) Endangered speciesb) Green house gas emissionsc) Use of PCBsd) Commissioning

Question 10Which of the following types of power is NOT part of

renewable energy certificate programs:

a) Solar electricb) Windc) Biomassd) Low impact hydroe) Passive solar

o Based on the content we’ve reviewed so far, write at one possible exam question and four multiple choice answers.

Write Your Own Exam Questions - Exercise

Student Example Question

a) Fsdab) Fsdjk;ac) Fjsdka;d) Dfaklj;

Energy

Task Domain: LEED Green Associate TasksKnowledge Domains: Energy and Atmosphere

Who Cares?

Cars have long been blamed for global warming and thought of as the biggest culprit…Buildings are actually more harmful to the environment with their energy use than cars!

Buildings account for 40% of the energy used today, according to the UN Environmental Program

Buildings account for 40% of the energy used today, according to the UN Environmental Program

Weighting of the LEED v4 Impact Categories to account for differences in scale, scope, severity and relative contribution of the built environment to the impact

Who Cares?The Montreal Protocol was signed in 1987, signifying the intent by multiple world leaders to reduce the effects of global warming and the thinning ozone layer by eliminating the use of ozone depleting substances, such as harmful refrigerants or CFC’s.

Source: National Aeronautics Space Administration

Stratospheric ozone thinning over the Antarctic, September 2000

Energy Reduction in Buildings

Commissioning, Education

Alternative Energy

Efficient Systems

Envelope

Sizing, Massing and Orientation

Set Goals

Demand Response

Working fluids of a machine designed to pump heat from a lower to higher temperature.

List four key types of refrigerants:

o CFCso HCFCso HFCso Natural

Name an example of a natural refrigerant

Refrigerants

CO2, Ammonia, Propane

Align the refrigerant impact with it’s definition:

____________: ability to deplete the ozone through stratospheric chemical reaction

____________: ability to warm the atmosphere through absorption of the earth’s thermal emissions.

Refrigerants

Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP)

Global Warming Potential (GWP)

RefrigerantsList at least three strategies for reducing the impact of

refrigerants:

1. Buildings without cooling and refrigeration equipment2. Cooling without chemicals (evaporative)3. Geo-exchange systems4. Efficient systems5. District energy system6. Selecting refrigerants with low/zero ODP and low

GWP7. Maintenance8. Efficient Refrigerant charge equipment9. Long service life10. Alternative fire suppression systems (water)

RefrigerantsOptions for existing buildings and ongoing sustainable

operations:

o Phase out through retrofit or replacement – all CFC based systems

o Follow EPA guidelines for refrigerant management and equipment maintenance.

Green PowerWhich one does the USGBC consider green power?

On-site Renewable Energy Green Power

Green PowerGreen-e Certification:

o Run by Center for Resource Solutionso Voluntary verification program for RECso Renewable power onlyo No nuclear, large scale hydro REC – Renewable

Energy CertificateREC – Renewable Energy Certificate

Managing Building Performance

Commissioning & Retro-commissioning

Measurement & Monitoring

Benchmark

BaselineCommercial Building Energy

Consumption Survey (CBECS)or

ASHRAE 90.1 or

Home Energy Rating System

Ways to express design performance goals or understand actual performance

• ENERGY STAR• % improvement

over ASHRAE• HERS Score• Architecture

2030 District

Systems to track actual

performance

Analyze and verify against

benchmarks

Identify problems or opportunities

Make changes

and improvements

Establish building functions as

designed

Resetting the building and identifying

problems in systems

• Use data from M&M

• Occupant surveys

Common Terms and Concepts (Summary)o ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA 90.1 2010o ENERGY STARo CBECSo HERSo Demand Responseo Montreal Protocolo Global Warming Potentialo Ozone Depletion Potentialo Renewable Energyo Green Power

DaylightingEnergy efficient HVAC & lightingRenewable energy generation (on-site)Submetering / commissioning / monitoring

SustainAbilitiesWhat Energy & Atmosphere practices in SustainAbilities are also part of the Green Associate Exam?

Indoor Environmental Quality

Task Domain: LEED Green Associate TasksKnowledge Domains: Indoor Environmental Quality

Who Cares?o What are some key components of indoor

environmental quality___________, _______ , ________ _________ _________, &______

o What are some benefits of better IEQ?

Air quality lighting thermal comfort acoustics views

- Improved health - Better morale- Greater productivity

- Reduced turnover- Fewer sick days- Lower risk- Greater re-sale value

Who Cares?

Air Quality Contaminants

Protecting Air Quality

Lighting

Daylighting Control

Lighting

Daylighting and Glare Control

Exterior shading Automatic interior shades

Occupant comforto Acousticso Thermal comforto Personal controlo Viewso Post-occupancy

follow up

Types of Space

Occupied- IAQ, Thermal Comfort, Acoustics

Regularly Occupied- Lighting, Daylight, Views

Individual- Individual control light and thermal

Multi- Group control light

and thermal

Densely- Monitoring

Non regularly occupied-Eg: Break room, lobby,

bathroom

Non-occupied- Mechanical, Egress, Storage

Low VOC products and materialsGood acoustics (esp classrooms)Daylighting (again!) and viewsIndoor air quality protections (e.g. walk-off mats)

SustainAbilitiesWhat Indoor Environmental Quality practices in SustainAbilities are also part of the Green Associate Exam?

Materials

Task Domain: LEED Green Associate TasksKnowledge Domains: Materials and Resources

Who Cares?o The materials and resources category focuses on

minimizing the embodied energy and other impacts associated with the __________, __________, __________, ____________, and ________ of building materials.

o What are some key strategies to reducing the impacts of a product’s life cycle?- Manufacturer disclosure and transparency- Buy locally-Durable products-Reuse or recycling

extraction processingtransport maintenance disposal

Reuse

o The highest form of materials conservationo Reduces the need for new/virgin materialso Reduces landfill wasteo Cultural value, contextual relevancy o Includes:

• Whole building shell and structure• Furniture, fixtures, & equipment• Salvaged materials

Life Cycle Impactso Life Cycle Assessment (LCA):

Waste – During Construction o Create a Detailed Plano Enforce with subs through good communication and

signage

Waste - Operationso Solid Waste Management Policyo Waste Stream Audit/Monitor & Tracko Easy Access and Clear Signageo Recycling for Durable Goods

o Disclosure

o Optimization

Building Product Disclosure & Optimization

Product transparency

Product selection

Material sourceChemical contentCorporate sustainability reporting

Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)Sourcing of Raw MaterialsHealth Product Declaration (HPD)

Sourcing of Raw Materialso Extended producer responsibilityo Recycled contento FSC wood o Materials reuseo Bio based materials* o Local/Regional**

Types of Recycled Content

Recycled Content $ = Material Cost x (Post-Consumer RC% + ½ Pre-Consumer RC%)

*Exclusions: shipping, labor (installation), mechanical, electrical, plumbing and equipment

Harvested/Extracted vs. Manufactured

100 Miles

Environmental Product Declarations

o Material content o Recycled content o Service lifeo Global warming potentialo Water consumptiono Emissions to air and watero Waste generationo Ozone depletion potentialo Respiratory effects

Material Ingredientso HPDs – Product nutrition label;

identifies ingredients, compares against known hazard lists.

o C2C – Disclosure of proprietary info not required; five quality categories — material health, material reutilization, renewable energy and carbon management, water stewardship, and social fairness.

Purchasing Plans and Policieso Develop a green materials/products purchasing plan

• Vendor Practices• Third-party Certifications• Cleaning Products and

Equipment

Low-Emitting Materialso VOC and documented emissions testing:

• Paints & Coatings• Adhesives & Sealants• Flooring• Composite wood

(CARB and ULEF)• Insulation • Furniture

Common Terms and Conceptso Defining a “Product”

• Materials that create the building or are attached to it• Furniture can be included but is not required• Passive elements of mechanical, electrical, and

plumbing systems may be included:

o Special equipment (elevators, escalators, fire suppression, etc.) excluded from all materials credits.

PipingDuctsPipe/duct Insulation

Plumbing fixturesConduitLamp housings

Product Cost, Location, and Assemblieso Costs should include all taxes and expenses to

deliver the material to the site but excludes labor and equipment for required for installation after delivery.

o Actual vs. Default All materials being used on the project vs. 45% of total construction cost

o Local = 100 mile radius around project, measured “as the crow flies”.

Specify FSC wood productsSpecify non-toxic and low-VOC materialsSource local materialsNo added urea formaldehydeUse of 3rd-party standards (GreenGuard)

SustainAbilitiesWhat Materials and Resources practices in SustainAbilities are also part of the Green Associate Exam?

Integrative Process and the Context of Green Building

Task Domain: LEED Green Associate TasksKnowledge Domains: LEED Processes (Impact Categories),

Integrative Strategies (all), Project Surrounding and Public Outreach

Who Cares?

Green Building Builds Valueo Investors, such as insurance companieso Managing long-term costso Increasing NOIo To stay current with the marketo To get ahead of the marketo Resale/ROIo To get specific tenantso Missiono Near and long-term risk mitigationo Codes or incentives

Hard CostsLEED vs. Non-LEED

There is no significant difference in average cost of green buildings as compared to non-green buildings

Davis Langdon’s “Costs of Green Revisited” Study

Soft costsBy LEED Certification Level:

Source: Analyzing the Cost of Green – The American Chemistry Council

Improved performanceo New Buildings Institute study showed average EUI in

green buildings was 24% lower than typical buildings

o General Services Administration evaluation of federal green buildings:• 13% less maintenance costs• 26% less energy• 27% higher occupant satisfaction• 33% lower CO2 emissions

Role of Codes

Require green features or

certain performance

Limit innovation, require non-

green features

LEED Development Vision

PlatinumGoldSilverCertified

PlatinumGoldSilverCertified

PlatinumGoldSilverCertified

PlatinumGoldSilverCertified

Time

Envi

ronm

enta

l Im

pact

_

+Zero

Impact

Traditional Building CodesGreen Building

Codes

Current Day

Relationship of Rating Systems and Codes

Types of Codes that impact Green Buildingo SEPAo Land use

• Open space/Green space

• Parking requirements• View corridors/solar

accesso Street standardso Energy codeso Waste regulationso Ventilation/IAQ codeso Health dept regs

o EPACT 1992o Endangered species acto Contaminated site clean

up regso NPDES

Code ExerciseIdentify 3 green building strategies that code can help or hurt? How?

Bike storageParking capacityPedestrian accessStormwater managementWater reuseIrrigation efficiencies

o Energy efficiencyo Alternative energyo Performance

monitoringo Construction waste

managemento Building material

reuseo Smoking in buildingso Ventilation levelso Daylight controls

Client

Builder

Conventional Design Team

Architect

Client

Architect Builder

Permitting Jurisdictions

Integrated Project Team

End Goal Obscured

Setting the Course

Testing the Course

Verifying the Course

End Goal In View

Source: IDP Facilitation Resource Guide

Collaborative Meetings

Energy Modeling in IPTesting the courseo Life-cycle costingo Daylight modelingo Energy modeling

Shoe box Energy Model

Merrill Hall

Maximizepositive outcomes

“For sustainable strategies, the rule of thumb is the later you think of it, the more it will cost and the less benefit you’ll get.” – Kathleen O’Brien

IP Results

Process

Hold an Eco-Charrette

_________________________________________

_________________________________________

LEED Credit Item Cost Analysis

Design Credits Submittal to USGBC via LEED Online

_________________________________________

LEED Workshop

Evaluate which LEED Rating System applies

Submit Project Certification Application: Construction Submittal

Analysis, Measurement &Verification

Set Energy and Daylight Goals

Energy & Daylight Modeling

_______________________________________

Incorporate final Daylight and Energy strategies

_______________________________________

_______________________________________Occupancy Survey

Correct Daylight and Energy based on verification

Commissioning

Prepare a statement of the [project’s] life expectancy requirementsImplement integrated design processDisplay energy & water usage for users’ educationProvide an occupant user manualPerform a post-occupancy survey

SustainAbilitiesWhat Beauty/Inspiration and CPO Management practices in SustainAbilities are also part of the Green Associate Exam?

Quiz 3

Multiple Topics

Question 1A law firm occupying a 50-year-old building is

upgrading the mechanical systems to improve energy performance and implementing green procurement and operations policies. Which LEED rating system best applies to this project?

a) LEED CIb) LEED O+Mc) LEED CSd) LEED NCe) LEED ND

The key here is that the mechanical systems are being improved and the project is focusing on procurement and operations.

Question 2Project Registration does not provide:

a) Access to LEED Onlineb) Access to Credit Interpretationsc) LEED Letter Templates in Adobed) Access to the Reference Guide

Question 3Minimum Energy Performance requires the building

design to comply with which of the following standards? (Choose two)

a) ASHRAE 90.1b) ASHRAE 55c) ASHRAE 62d) Local Energy Codes, if they are stricter than

ASHRAE requirementse) ASHRAE 129

Question 4A new commercial building in downtown Seattle is

using a product with a high SRI as tested in accordance with ASTM E 1980. What environmental effect is this project helping to mitigate?

a) Indoor Water Reductionb) Stormwater Managementc) Heat Island Effectd) Locally Harvested Materials

Question 5Brownfield Redevelopment was designed to

rehabilitate damaged sites around the country. What reference standard classifies an area as a Brownfield? (Choose two)

a) ASTM E 1903-97b) ASTM 408c) Classification by a local, state, or federal

government agency d) Classification by the project owner or teame) Classification by the USGBC

Question 6In an office facility, the design includes a rainwater harvesting system

that collects 16,000 gallons of water annually. The rainwater is used for flushing water closets. What information is necessary to calculate the reduction in potable water demand on building sewage conveyance for achieving maximum indoor water use reduction? (Choose Three.)

a) Annual work days b) Number of FTE building occupants c) Flow rates of lavatoriesd) Total building volume of Process water generated. e) Total Daily Volume of wastewater generated

Question 7Greywater is defined as water from? (Choose three)

a) Showers b) Water Closets c) Lavatories d) Bathtubs

Question 8The focus of the Materials and Resources (MR) category is on:a) Encouraging project teams to look at the individual

characteristics of each product used on the project instead of using a holistic approach and a looking at a product’s life cycle

b) Educating project teams on how to use green building materials that meet strict new environmental product declarations

c) Minimizing the embodied energy and other impacts associated with the extraction, processing, transport, maintenance, and disposal of building materials

d) Reducing the availability of sustainable building materials such as products containing recycled content, low VOC’s, FSC certified wood, renewable resources, and regional materials

Question 9The following are all prerequisites for LEED certification

except:

a) Tenant Design and Construction Guidelines b) Environmental Tobacco Smoke Control c) Fundamental Refrigerant Management d) Storage and Collection of Recyclables

Question 10As defined by the USGBC, Green-e Energy:

a) Is a third-party rating system for renewable energy products

b) Generates both electrical power and thermal energy from a single fuel source

c) Is a coefficient used in calculating the landscape coefficient

d) Is an organization that provides off-site renewable energy

Question 11You are working on a project for a client who is interested in

achieving at least one Regional Priority credit. Where can you find the list of eligible credits for your region?

a) Send a written request to the USGBC b) In the reference guide c) On the USGBC website d) There is no list, you can choose whatever credit you

like

Question 12Providing a building operations manual for the future

tenants of a LEED Core & Shell project might:

a) Assist with attaining a LEED New Construction certification after build out

b) Assist with attaining a LEED Commercial Interiors certification after build out

c) Reduce construction waste d) Require a commissioning agent

Question 13The portion of the project site submitted for LEED

certification is:

a) Site boundary b) Property boundary c) LEED project boundary d) Open space area

Question 14Submittals required for LEED documentation may include

all of the following except:

a) The LEED Letter Template submitted by the responsible party

b) A complete set of construction documents c) Calculationsd) Additional narratives

Question 15The EPA has green building benchmarking program in

which building energy data is submitted and compiled to show where a building’s energy use stands relative to other buildings of similar types. This program is known as:

a) Energy Star Building Managerb) Building Benchmarks Rating Systemc) Proforma Building Benchmark Programd) Energy Star Portfolio Manager

Question 16Regional Priority credits are (Choose two):

a) New credits added to LEED 2009 to address different regional concerns

b) Determined by zip code c) The same as Exemplary Performance credits d) Only available in California

Question 17What must be done to protect indoor air quality during

construction of an occupied building? (select two)

a) Provide lighting control for individual occupantsb) Protect ductwork and ventilation to occupied spacesc) Provide designated parking spaces for construction

workersd) Seal off occupied areas of the building from the

constructione) Perform a full flush out every night

Question 18A measurement of how far a pedestrian and bicyclist would

travel from a point of origin to a destination, reflecting access to amenities, safety, convenience, and obstructions to movement is called:

a) Destination travel scoringb) Integrative travel mappingc) Shortest path analysisd) Straight-line radius pathe) Amenity travel mapping

Question 19The building product disclosure and optimization credits

share the intent to:

a) Encourage project teams to use local labor for productionb) Encourage the use of products and materials for which

life-cycle information is available and that have environmentally, economically, and socially preferable life-cycle impacts

c) Encourage the extraction of new raw materials outside of the US and increase the distance of impacts from the project site

d) To encourage the use of pre-industrial recycled content over the use of post-consumer content in products and materials

Question 20To be awarded points in the Innovation in Design category,

the proposed credit must demonstrate (Choose two):

a) Exceptional performance above the requirements set by the LEED Rating System

b) That at least three LEED AP’s were on the project teamc) That the project achieved net zero energyd) Innovative performance in green building categories not

specifically addressed in the LEED Rating System

Exam Prep

In this section we’ll…o Review how to registero Recommend study

approacheso Provide study tips and

advice

Exam Registration

o Step 1: www.usgbc.org – login and go the Credentials on the left of your profile to pay and get eligibility ID.

o Step 2: www.prometric.com/gbci - to schedule the exam

IMPORTANT TO NOTE! Your name in your USGBC account must match the

name on the identification you will show at the testing center

! You must have your Corporate ID # to get member pricing

! Changes or cancellations must be submitted prior to midnight three days before your exam

! DO NOT be late

! DO NOT forget your ID

Prometric Testing Centero Arrive 30 minutes in advanceo Nothing goes into the exam room

• Facilities have free lockers for personal itemso Must provide Photo IDo You will be provided materials for taking notes

• Paper and #2 pencil• Erasable whiteboard and pen

Skills TestedThings you need to know how to do with the

information you study:

o Recognize and recall factual materialo Apply material to scenarioso Analyze relationships and interactions

Study MethodsBig Picture vs. Detailed

Big Pictureo Limited knowledge and use for LEEDo Not a numbers person

Detailedo Build and use knowledge of LEEDo Like rules and numbers

The Plan1. Start with memorizing the basics2. Learn to apply knowledge to scenarios3. Analyze relationships, interactions4. Practice5. Get support6. Develop a test taking strategy7. Go for it

Basicso Review all Referenceso Look for definitions and

concepts list in Specifications

o Make flashcards, lists, diagrams

o Review notebook from training and study tools

LEED MatrixIf you choose the “LEED” approach, for each credit

know:o Intent Key Requirementso Reference Standardso Terms

ApplyNext – Case studieso Find case studies

• USGBC Project• High Performance Building database• Cascadia GBC

o Review descriptions and identify which principles in the “Specifications” list green features described contribute too.

o Look for synergies and relationships

Energy Efficiency

Building Reuse

Recycled Materials

ApplyLast, relationships1. Pick one concept in the specifications 2. Draw, write, diagram how it relates to at least two

others3. Repeat

Parking capacity Heat Islands Recycled Asphalt

Building Reuse Community Connectivity

Reused flooring

Practiceo Gather up practice examso Practice open book o Practice closed booko Practice with a time limito Practice online

Get SupportDon’t do it alone!o Study Groupso Online forums

Test Strategyo Morning vs. Afternoono Cram vs. Routine studyingo The brain dumpo Charge right through vs. Steady paceo Time checks regardlesso Answer every question

Tipso Eliminate obviously wrong

answerso ALWAYS choose the

BEST answer not necessarily the RIGHT answer

o Do a time check every 30 minutes

o Answer everything, no penalty for wrong answers

o Statistically the right answer is “B”… or was it “C”?

TipsKnow your refrigerants

Study Tools

After complete survey Online

o PDF of presentationo 100 question practice

examo LEED Matrixo Reference Standard

Flashcardso Acronym list

o GBCIo USGBC Exam Prep

materialso LEED User (from

BuildingGreen)o Green Building

Education Services

Life after the Examo You receive your score

immediatelyo Of course…you passed! o Begin using “LEED Green

Associate” title and logo immediately

o Receive e-mail from GBCI when your accreditation is posted to the website

o Certificate sent via mail 2-3 months later

o Two years to complete 15 hours of continuing education

o OR…don’t stop, proceed directly to registration for your LEED-AP technical exam

Young Green Champions 2013 Photograph: Ron Levine for the Guardian

Case Study Exercise

o Review handout with your partner(s)

o Identify 3 concepts we’ve discussed today that were implemented on this project

o Find one strategy that provides at least three different benefits

Thank You!

www.obrienandco.com206-621-8626