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

Placing grilles, grates or mats at all major entrances is an example of permanent entryway systems used to reduce dust, dirt and contaminants brought into a facility. Permanent entryway systems are designed to capture dirt and particulates from people’s shoes and prevent them from entering the indoor environment. This improves the indoor air quality and reduces the need for cleaning and maintenance. The LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook states that one of the strategies for achieving indoor environmental quality is to “use permanent entryway systems (grilles, grates, mats) to reduce particulate matter being brought into buildings at regular entryways” [1, p. 16]. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, [Indoor Environmental Quality | U.S. Green Building Council]

Potable water is water that is suitable for drinking. Potable water meets or exceeds the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) drinking water quality standards and is free of contaminants that are harmful to human health. The other options are not suitable for drinking. Graywater is wastewater from sinks, showers, and laundry that can be reused for non-potable purposes such as toilet flushing and irrigation. Greenwater is rainwater that is collected and stored for non-potable uses. Stormwater is runoff from precipitation that can carry pollutants and sediments into waterways. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, page 26; USGBC, [Water Efficiency], page 2.

An infill site within an existing neighborhood with substantial transit connectivity would maximize LEED points under Location and Transportation. An infill site is a site that has been previously developed or graded and is surrounded by existing development. An existing neighborhood is a geographic area with a variety of land uses, such as residential, commercial, educational, or recreational. Substantial transit connectivity means that the site has access to multiple modes of public transportation, such as buses, trains, light rail, or bicycles. The LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook states that one of the intents of the Location and Transportation category is to “encourage development within existing communities and public transit infrastructure” [1, p. 12]. References: [LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook], [Location and Transportation | U.S. Green Building Council]

The LEED Pilot Credit Library is a collection of new credits that are being tested for potential inclusion in future versions of LEED1. The purpose of the library is to allow projects to experiment with innovative strategies and provide feedback to USGBC on their effectiveness, feasibility, and market readiness2. The library also helps USGBC to respond to evolving environmental issues and stakeholder needs2.