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

The triple bottom line is a business concept that states firms should commit to measuring their social and environmental impact—in addition to their financial performance—rather than solely focusing on generating profit, or the standard “bottom line”1. The triple bottom line can be broken down into “three P’s”: profit, people, and the planet2. Firms can use these categories to conceptualize their environmental responsibility and determine any negative social impacts to which they might be contributing1.

Triple bottom line

Graywater refers to wastewater that is not heavily soiled, typically from bathroom sinks, showers, tubs, and washing machines. It does not include water from toilets (which is considered blackwater) or kitchen sinks (which can contain food waste). Graywater can be treated and reused for purposes like landscape irrigation, which can save water and earn LEED points. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources

The LEED rating system is designed to address the most important environmental impacts and human benefits of green building. The impact categories are based on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s TRACI method (Tool for the Reduction and Assessment of Chemical and Other Environmental Impacts), which evaluates the potential environmental effects of a product or process over its life cycle. The impact categories are: reverse contribution to global climate change; enhance individual human health and well-being; protect and restore water resources; protect, enhance and restore biodiversity and ecosystem services; promote sustainable and regenerative material cycles; build a greener economy; enhance social equity, environmental justice, community health and quality of life. Among these categories, reducing contribution to climate change and enhancing human health and well-being have been identified as the most important ones for a LEED project to accomplish. References: LEED v4 Green Associate Candidate Handbook, LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide

A flush-out is a process that is conducted prior to building occupancy and removes indoor airborne contaminants by thoroughly exhausting old air and replacing it with fresh outdoor air. A flush-out is one of the options for achieving the LEED Indoor Air Quality Assessment credit, which aims to reduce indoor air quality problems resulting from construction or renovation and promote the comfort and well-being of occupants1. A flush-out requires that the building be supplied with a total air volume of 14,000 cubic feet of outdoor air per square foot of gross floor area while maintaining an internal temperature of at least 60°F and no higher than 80°F and relative humidity no higher than 60%. The flush-out can be done before or during occupancy, but the latter option requires a minimum ventilation rate and duration2. A flush-out can help to remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulate matter (PM), and other pollutants that may be emitted from construction materials, finishes, furnishings, and equipment3.