USGBC Updated LEED-Green-Associate Exam Questions and Answers by arnie

The result of proper design and operation of buildings and neighborhoods is an increase in energy efficiency. Energy efficiency is the ratio of useful output to energy input for a system or process. Energy efficiency can be improved by using less energy to perform the same function or by using renewable or low-impact energy sources. Energy efficiency can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, energy costs, and dependence on fossil fuels1 . References: LEED v4 Green Associate Candidate Handbook1, EPA’s Energy Efficiency

According to the LeadingGreen LEED GA Study Guide:

“In LEED v4 for BD+C: New Construction, the Energy and Atmosphere category offers a maximum of 33 points.”

These points are awarded across various credits like Optimize Energy Performance, Demand Response, and Renewable Energy.

The methodology that is used to evaluate and study the economic performance of a building or system over its entire life is life cycle assessment (LCA). LCA is a technique that assesses the environmental aspects and potential impacts associated with a product, process, or service throughout its life cycle, from raw material extraction to end-of-life disposal or recycling7. LCA can also include an economic dimension by incorporating life cycle costing (LCC), whichestimates the total costs of ownership over the life cycle of a product or system8. By combining LCA and LCC, one can evaluate the environmental and economic performance of a building or system in a holistic way, taking into account both the initial investment costs and the long-term operational costs. This can help identify trade-offs and synergies between environmental and economic objectives, as well as opportunities for improving efficiency and reducing impacts9. References: Life-cycle assessment7; What is Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)?8; Life Cycle Costing in Construction Projects: A Case Study of a Municipal Building in Portugal9

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

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