GreenStep LEEDv4 BD+C Study Guide 2018

LEED
V4 BUILDING DESIGN + CONSTRUCTION

EXAM STUDY GUIDE
WWW.GREENSTEPEDUCATION.COM
VALID THROUGH JUNE 2018
Copyright
Copyright © 2018 by GreenStep. All rights reserved. No part of this publicaQon may be reproduced or
transmiSed, in any form or by any means, electronic, photocopying, or otherwise, without the prior wriSen
consent of GreenStep.
Disclaimer
GreenStep is not affiliated with the US Green Building Council (USGBC) or the Green Building CerQficaQon InsQtute (GBCI).
GreenStep does not administer the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) RaQng Systems or credenQaling
program. LEED and the USGBC are registered trademarks of the USGBC. GreenStep does not claim any endorsement or
recommendaQon of its products or services by the USGBC or the GBCI. By accessing this study guide and related pracQce
exams, the user agrees to hold GreenStep harmless from any and all liability. This includes any loss or damages sustained in
connecQon with or arising out of the user's failure to pass the LEED exam.
Energy Star (ENERGY STAR) is a registered trademark of the U.S. Environmental ProtecQon Agency (EPA).
The mission of the Green Business CerQficaQon Inc. (GBCI) is to support a high level of competence in building methods for
environmental efficiency through the development and administraQon of a formal credenQaling program. GBCI has
adopted formal tesQng and disciplinary policies to arQculate standards of conduct for candidates seeking a credenQal
through GBCI, as well as those individuals seeking to maintain their credenQal. Among other criteria, GBCI requires that
candidates do not disclose examinaQon items, and that GBCI examinaQons may be taken only for the purpose of seeking
the relevant credenQal. Further, a GBCI credenQal holder may not take an examinaQon for renewal of a credenQal unless
the credenQal has expired. These policies help to safeguard quality and validity throughout the credenQaling process. It is
important for candidates for any of the GBCI Professional CredenQals to fully understand the requirements of GBCI’s tesQng
and disciplinary policies in order to ensure compliance. For more informaQon, please visit www.gbci.org.
B U I L D I N G D E S I G N + C O N S T R U C T I O N S T U D Y G U I D E 2 G R E E N S T E P
Table of Contents
How to Use this Study Guide 5
LEED AP Exam Structure 10
Background & Overview 14
Managing a LEED Project 20
IntegraQve Process 27
LocaQon and TransportaQon 30
Sustainable Sites - SS 39
Water Efficiency - WE 52
Energy & Atmosphere - EA 58
Materials & Resources - MR 71
Indoor Environmental Quality - EQ 84
InnovaQon - IN 98
Regional Priority 99
Summary of Most Commonly Tested Standards 100
AddiQonal Terms 101
Test Taking Strategies 106
LEED Exam F.A.Q. 107
Conclusion 109
What Makes This Study Guide Different
From our perspecQve, many of the exam prep resources currently on the market are borne from the idea that
quanQty is king. Their selling point is that if you simply take 700 pracQce quesQons, memorize 1,000 flash cards,
download their latest iPhone app (amer buying the new iPhone), and read through their “condensed” 250-page
study guide, you will eventually pass the LEED exam.
It is our experience that the large majority of parQcipants in our workshops are either full-Qme professionals,
students, or individuals acQvely looking for work. If you are like them, you have a limited amount of Qme,
energy, and brain power to devote to studying for the exam. You need something that is as condensed as
possible, while sQll covering all of the key informaQon you need to know as a LEED AP.
Our study guide and related materials were developed with the belief that quality is much more important than
quanQty when preparing for any exam. In the development of this study guide, our team scoured every possible
resource for potenQal exam quesQons, tested and passed the current version of the LEED BD+C exam, and
incorporated valuable feedback from industry professionals. The result is a comprehensive and concise study
guide that covers everything you need to know as a LEED AP BD+C – and nothing more. The feedback we’ve
received from the many students and professionals who have passed the LEED exam on their first try tells us
that our approach works.
Other Free Supplemental Resources

Unlike the Green Associate test, one nice thing about the LEEDv4 AP BD+C exam is that the majority of the
quesQons on the exam are derived from one document: the LEEDv4 BD+C Reference Guide. The challenge with
using the LEED BD+C Reference Guide as a study tool is that it contains over 600 pages and can cost more than
$200. There is an alternaQve document called the LEED for New ConstrucQon RaQng System. It is a free
download from the USGBC’s website that covers the most important informaQon within each credit (the
Requirements secQons), while leaving out many of the addiQonal credit specific details that are also covered on
the test. This raQng system document covers a porQon of the informaQon that is likely covered on the exam.
Any relevant LEED AP BD+C informaQon contained in the raQng system document (and the reference guide) has
already been included in our GreenStep Study Guide; therefore, you do not need to download the raQng system
document as a supplemental study tool for the exam. Nonetheless, if you’re interested in learning more about
the credits in the LEED for New ConstrucQon RaQng System (unrelated to specific exam quesQons), the raQng
system is a free resource that does a good job of expanding upon the exam-specific concepts covered here in
our study guide.
How to Use This Study Guide

All of the informaQon found in the following pages is both relevant and important to understanding concepts
you need to know as a LEED AP BD+C. Any content or informaQon not included in this study guide has been
intenQonally omiSed. Since the LEED AP exams are mulQple-choice tests, it’s criQcal to MEMORIZE the
informaQon in this study guide. To that end, we recommend that you make your own flash cards. The process
of wriQng down the informaQon in your own words is just as important as reviewing it over and over. Along
with the KEY EXAM CONCEPTS, there are helpful comments and study Qps included throughout the study
guide in italics. At the end of each secQon, we’ve included several Sample Ques.ons in italics to give you an idea
of how the quesQons from the preceding secQon might be worded. Be sure you’ve found the answer to each
Sample Ques.on before moving on to the next secQon.
How Does the LEEDv4 AP Exam Compare to the LEED Green Associate Exam?
If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve already passed the LEED Green Associate Exam (if you haven’t, we
highly recommending passing the Green Associate exam before you take the AP exam, rather than taking them
both together). While there is some overlap between the Green Associate and AP exams, the AP exam covers
significantly more detail with respect to the credit requirements in the LEED BD+C Reference Manual, including
synergies between credits. As such, if you’ve used our GreenStep LEED Green Associate Study Guide to prepare
for the Green Associate exam, you’ll noQce that our AP Study Guide covers the same credits, but in more detail.
The LEED AP exam is not necessarily that much harder to pass than the Green Associate exam, it just involves a
lot of memorizaQon.
How are LEED BD+C and LEED NC Different? Where do CS and Schools Fit In?
Prior to 2009, each LEED “RaQng System,” such as LEED for New ConstrucQon (NC), had its own “reference
guide” - a large 500-page book that provided detailed informaQon about every credit in the raQng system. For
people working on mulQple projects within several different LEED RaQng Systems, this made for a large
collecQon of very large books. In reality, there is a lot of cross-over between certain raQng systems, such as LEED
for New ConstrucQon (NC), LEED for Core & Shell (CS), and LEED for Schools. Since 80-90% of the informaQon in
these three raQng systems is the same, the USGBC created one comprehensive reference guide (Building Design
& ConstrucQon, also called BD+C) which encompasses all three raQng systems. The BD+C Exam was developed
enQrely from this BD+C Reference Guide and therefore includes quesQons that may relate to the NC, CS and
Schools RaQng Systems contained within.
UlQmately, apart from a few areas specific to Core & Shell or Schools, the large majority of the informaQon you
need to know as a LEED AP BD+C can be found within the framework of the LEED for New ConstrucQon RaQng
System. Our study guide reflects this fact and follows the framework of LEED NC while also including the most
important informaQon that relates to Core and Shell, and Schools.
PracSce QuesSons to Get You Started:
In addiQon to memorizing the specific informaQon within each credit, such as credit percentages, strategies and
key terms, you should also study where the informaQon fits within the context of the LEED for New ConstrucQon
RaQng System.
To clarify, it’s useful to illustrate the above explanaQon with several sample exam quesQons:
Q1. Which of the following sites would help earn points for Diverse Uses? (Choose 3)
a) Within ¼ mile of 2 or more bus staQons that serve both local and long-distance routes
b) Within ¼ mile of 2 or more train staQons that serve both local and long-distance routes
c) Within ¼ mile of a beauty salon
d) An empty parking lot located ¼ mile from a fire staQon
e) A site that is equipped with both bike racks and showers for the use of the public and community
f) A 7-story commercial office building that only includes office space, no ameniQes
The correct answers are . . . c, d and f). In order to answer a quesQon like this correctly, it’s important to
understand the structure of the Surrounding Density and Diverse Uses credit. To earn points for Diverse Uses,
the credit requirements state that there must be a certain number of basic services within ½ mile of the project.
The USGBC Reference Manual (and GreenStep’s Study Guide) list the 20+ basic service categories that may
apply, of which a Fire StaQon and Hair Care are included. Bus stops, train staQons and bike racks all earn points,
but under different credits, not under Surrounding Density and Diverse Uses. Why should a commercial office
qualify, even if it does not serve the surrounding community? A commercial office qualifies simply because it is
listed as one of the possible basic services.
Here’s another example:
Q2. Which of the following are required on all LEED projects?

a) Agreeing not to develop on wetlands or endangered species habitats
b) Reviewing contractor submiSals as part of the commissioning process
c) Recycling, reusing or diverQng 50% of construcQon waste
d) Using low VOC paints on the interior
e) ProhibiQng smoking in all areas of residenQal buildings
f) None of the above are required on LEED projects
g) All of the above are required on LEED projects
The correct answer is f) None of the above. Only the Prerequisites are required within LEED. The Credits are
opQonal. Answers a), b), c) and d) all relate to the requirements of different LEED credits, not prerequisites.
Answer e) has to do with a prerequisite relaQng to Environmental Tobacco Smoke Control, but “ProhibiQng
Smoking” is not a requirement of that prerequisite for residen.al projects. ResidenQal projects may allow
smoking in certain designated areas if specific guidelines are followed. Answers a) through e) are not required
on LEED projects so the answer is f) None of the above.
Not all quesQons require you to think in terms of the LEED credit structure, but it’s helpful to follow the LEED NC
structure nonetheless as we introduce the informaQon in this study guide. We’ve included a current LEED
Scorecard in the following pages in order to provide a good visual of the credit structure within the LEED NC
RaQng System.
Two more example quesQons that illustrate the wording style of different quesQons:
Q3: Which credits are affected by the LEED Site Boundary? (Choose 2)
a) SensiQve Land ProtecQon
b) High Priority Site
c) Surrounding Density and Diverse Uses
d) Protect or Restore Habitat
e) Light PolluQon ReducQon
Many quesQons on the exam test your knowledge of the credit requirements; however, very few quesQons ask
about the credit requirements directly. This is a perfect example. In order to answer this quesQon correctly, you
have to know the details contained within the requirements secQon for each of these credits. Only d) and e)
refer to the LEED Site Boundary. The other credits may take into consideraQon the surrounding area and/or the
locaQon of the site itself, but not necessarily the LEED Site Boundary. The USGBC refers to this type of quesQon
as a “synergy” quesQon because it involves mulQple credits; however, it is really tesQng you on the requirements
of each credit individually, as opposed to the relaQonship between credits. In general, the best way to prepare
for the “synergy” quesQons is to simply know the requirements of each individual credit really well. This way,
you have the knowledge required to make accurate evaluaQons and comparisons.
Q4: Which credits would be affected by moving the main entrance of the building? (Choose 2)
a) Access to Quality Transit
b) Bicycle FaciliQes
c) Light PolluQon ReducQon
d) Quality Views
e) Diverse Uses
f) AcousQc Performance
g) Environmental Tobacco Smoke Control
Here’s another example of a quesQon that tests your knowledge of the credit specifics, without asking about the
requirements of each credit directly. Many quesQons on the exam are similarly indirect, yet specific. If you’ve
memorized the important details for each of these credits, you would know that the answers are b) and e). The
distance for Diverse Uses is measured from the “main entrance.” While long term bike storage is based on the
distance to any “funcQonal entry,” short term bike storage is based on the distance to the main entrance, thus
Bicycle FaciliQes may also be affected. The distance for Access to Quality Transit is measured from a “funcQonal
entrance,” which may be different from the “main entrance.” Environmental Tobacco Smoke Control does not
disQnguish between main entrances and normal entrances. The remaining credits do not take the locaQon of
entrances directly into account.
QuesSons RelaSng to Project Experience
The LEEDv4 AP BD+C exam aSempts to test candidates on knowledge relaQng to LEED project experience.
Direct experience on a LEED project can be very helpful in answering many of the quesQons, and we encourage
LEED AP candidates to parQcipate in a LEED project whenever possible. In general, these “Project Experience”
related topics which are covered in our study guide will help prepare you for the exam:
LEED Pilot Credits LEED Online

Owners Project Requirements Minimum Program Requirements
Basis of Design LEED Site Boundary
LEED CerQficaQon Steps LEED Impact Categories
Synergies between credits LEED CerQficaQon Review Process
IntegraQve Process & IPD LEED Project RegistraQon
CIRs, LEED InterpretaQons and Addenda LEED Costs
LEED CharreSe & Kick-off process
LEED NC v4 Scorecard
LEED AP Exam Structure
Before you launch into studying, there a few things you should know about the format of the LEED AP BD+C
Exam:
• It is a computer-based exam comprised of 100 mulQple choice quesQons. There are no True/False quesQons
and no essay prompts (thank goodness).
• The test is based on a maximum score of 200 points. The minimum passing score is 170 points. The USGBC’s
scoring system is rather mysterious; it is unclear how many points each quesQon is worth.
• You have 2 hours to complete the exam. You can mark quesQons and return to them at the end if desired.
See the sample screenshot from the exam below:
(The answer to the quesQon above is a). Zero LEED APs are required on a project)
• You cannot bring anything into the exam room. You will be provided with scratch paper and pencils
as well as a calculator located on the computer screen.
• The test is generally offered Monday through Saturday at various Prometric locaQons. You’ll be
prompted to select the exam date and Qme as well as the Prometric tesQng locaQon of your
preference during the exam applicaQon process.
• Approximately 5% of the quesQons involve calculaQons of varying degrees of difficulty. Sample

calculaQon quesQons have been included in our GreenStep PracQce Exams.
• You find out your exam score immediately upon finishing. The USGBC only reveals your final score,
not how many quesQons you answered correctly. See the sample screenshot below:
• For more informaQon on the exam structure, download the free LEED AP BD+C Candidate Handbook from
www.usgbc.org.
Applying for the Exam
To apply for the exam, go to www.usgbc.org and follow the steps below:
• Log in to your account using your email address and USGBC password.
• Scroll down and click on the link “Register for a credenQal exam.”
Study Tips
For tests that require memorizaQon such as the LEED AP with Specialty exams, people generally retain
informaQon more effecQvely by establishing a regular but more intense study schedule over a shorter period of
Qme, rather than an intermiSent schedule drawn out over several months. Since everyone is different, there’s
no universal rule as to the number of hours you should study. In general however, we recommend at least 10-12
hours a week for 3 consecuQve weeks to allow yourself Qme to memorize all of the informaQon in this study
guide and take all of our pracQce exams. The following is a general step-by-step guide to preparing for the exam
using the GreenStep Study Guide and pracQce exams, as well as the other free supplemental resources
menQoned previously:
1. If you haven’t already done so, we recommend passing the LEED Green Associate exam first before
preparing to take the LEED AP Exam. In order to be eligible to become a LEED AP, the USGBC requires that
you pass the LEED Green Associate test. For informaQon on our LEED Green Associate Study Guide &
PracQce Exams, please visit our website: www.greenstepeducaQon.com.
2. Read through this GreenStep LEEDv4 AP BD+C Study Guide, secQon by secQon. Read it again, but this Qme,
focus on memorizing the informaQon. Make flashcards if necessary. Keep in mind that this study guide
covers everything you need to know to pass the exam, and is the only necessary study material (in addiQon
to our pracQce exams).
3. Take each of GreenStep’s-full length LEED AP BD+C Exams at least twice. Review them thoroughly to
understand why each answer is (in)correct. You can purchase our LEED AP BD+C PracQce Exams through a
link on our website: www.greenstepeducaQon.com.
4. Repeat steps 3 and 4 unQl you’ve commiSed the key informaQon to memory and you’re scoring 100% on all
pracQce exams.
5. Review our secQon on “Test Taking Strategies” once more.
6. Go pass the exam with confidence.
7. Once you pass, send us an email via our contact page so we can congratulate you and conQnue to track our
success rate: www.greenstepeducaQon.com/contact.php.
NOTE: As you’ll noQce, there is a lot of informaQon to memorize for each credit listed in our GreenStep Study
Guide. People ask us fairly omen if they have to memorize everything in this study guide to pass the exam. The
answer is “no” . . . you only have to memorize 90% of it (if that helps). The minimum passing score is 170, which
equates to a score of about 80-85% on the exam. Focus on studying the most important informaQon for each
credit: the requirements, strategies, key credit informaQon, definiQons, etc. Don’t worry if you don’t have every
last number and credit percentage commiSed to memory by the Qme you take the exam. While you should
study all of the credit-specific details contained in our study guide, less than 1/4 of the informaQon you need to
know as a LEED AP BD+C involves specific numbers/credit percentages. Our aim was to make this study guide as
comprehensive, yet condensed as possible. UlQmately, all informaQon was included in this study guide for a
reason and is something that you should review for the exam.
AddiSonal QuesSons & Answers
To help address addiQonal quesQons you may have, we’ve included an “FAQ SecQon” at the end of the study
guide.
Now that we’ve reviewed the basics, it’s Qme to get started. As you read through this study guide, remember
that every detail has been included for a reason. If it is in this study guide, then it’s something that you should
know for the exam.
READY . . . SET . . . MEMORIZE!
Background & Overview
Overview of LEED and the USGBC
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is a voluntary, consensus driven, internaQonally
recognized green building cerQficaQon system providing third-party verificaQon that a building or community
was designed and built using strategies aimed at improving energy savings, water efficiency, CO2 emissions
reducQon, improved indoor environmental quality and resource stewardship.
Developed by the nonprofit U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), LEED is intended to provide building owners
and operators with a consistent framework for idenQfying and implemenQng pracQcal and measurable green
building design, construcQon, operaQons and maintenance strategies. The USGBC’s vision is that “Buildings and
communiQes will regenerate and sustain the health and vitality of all life within a generaQon.” The USGBC is
responsible for conQnually advancing the LEED RaQng System.
The hallmark of LEED is that it is an open and transparent process wherein the technical criteria proposed by
USGBC members is publicly reviewed for approval by thousands of member organizaQons.
The nonprofit Green Building CerSficaSon InsStute (GBCI) was established by the USGBC to provide a series of
exams to allow individuals to become accredited for their knowledge of the LEED RaQng System. This is
recognized through either the LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) or LEED Green Associate designaQon. The
GBCI also provides third-party review of documentaQon for all projects pursuing LEED.
Strategic Goals of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)

• Sustainable CiQes and CommuniQes: Catalyze and lead the building sector’s acQve parQcipaQon in the
movement to achieve sustainable ciQes and communiQes.
• Climate and Natural Resources: Lead the dramaQc reducQon and eventual eliminaQon of building construcQon
and operaQons’ contribuQon to climate change and natural resource depleQon.
• Green Building Marketplace: Accelerate green building demand, delivery, and accessibility.
• Public Policy: Advocate for effecQve and comprehensive green building policy and codes at all levels of
government.
• InternaQonal: Advance green building around the world by developing cerQficaQon capacity, sharing
knowledge, and advancing effecQve green building pracQces and policies.
In the current version of LEED there are 100 possible base points typically distributed across six major credit
categories:
• LocaQon and TransportaQon • Energy and Atmosphere

• Sustainable Sites • Materials and Resources
• Water Efficiency • Indoor Environmental Quality
In addiQon to the six major credit categories, there are a two other categories worth a total of 10 points:
InnovaQon in Design and Regional Priority. In total, 110 points are possible in each LEED RaQng System.
LEED Point AllocaSon & Impact Categories
Buildings can qualify for four levels of cerQficaQon based on the following point thresholds:
• Cer.fied: 40–49 points

• Silver: 50–59 points
• Gold: 60–79 points
• Pla.num: 80 points and above
In addiQon to achieving a set number of points, all projects must achieve every prerequisite within each secQon,
regardless of the raQng system or desired cerQficaQon level.
The goal of the LEED credit system is to allocate points for various green building strategies "based on the
potenQal environmental impacts and human benefits of each LEED credit." The USGBC relies on the
environmental impact categories of the United States Environmental ProtecQon Agency's Tools for the
ReducQon and Assessment of Chemical and Other Environmental Impacts (TRACI) to weight each credit.
The Impact Categories used to determine LEED point allocaQon include:

1. Reverse ContribuQons to Global Climate Change
2. Enhance Individual Human Health and Well-Being
3. Protect and Restore Water Resources
4. Protect, Enhance and Restore BioDiversity and Ecosystems
5. Promote Sustainable and RegeneraQve Material Resources Cycles
6. Build a Greener Economy
7. Enhance Social Equity, Environmental JusQce, and Community Quality of Life
Prerequisites
Basic prerequisites for parQcipaQng in LEED include compliance with all environmental laws and regulaQons,
minimum occupancy, building permanence, site boundaries and area-to-site raQos, and obligatory five-year
sharing of whole building energy and water use data from the start of occupancy (for new construcQon) or date
of cerQficaQon (for exisQng buildings). In order to pursue LEED cerQficaQon, projects must always comply with all
LEED prerequisites. They are mandatory.
The LEED CerSficaSon Process
LEED cerQficaQon is obtained amer submi~ng an applicaQon that documents a project’s compliance with the
requirements of LEED prerequisites and credits within the raQng system, and paying the relaQvely small
registraQon and cerQficaQon fees. For many LEED credits and prerequisites, buildings applying for cerQficaQon
are compared with a theoreQcal baseline defined by a set of standards.
CerQficaQon is granted solely by the Green Building CerQficaQon InsQtute (GBCI), which is responsible for the
third party verificaQon of project compliance with LEED requirements.
Basic LEED Terminology

• LEED stands for Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design
• People are LEED accredited and buildings are LEED cer.fied
• Products cannot be LEED cerQfied, they simply help achieve various credits
LEED Credit Structure

Each LEED credit and prerequisite in any one of the LEED raQng systems includes both an intent and a set of
requirements outlining what must be accomplished in order to achieve a certain number of points.
Sample reference guide page:
The reference guide also includes the 13 addiQonal secQons listed for each credit (see below).
1. Benefits & Issues to Consider 8. Examples

2. Related Credits 9. Exemplary Performance
3. Summary of Reference Standards 10. Regional VariaQons
4. ImplementaQon 11. O & M ConsideraQons
5. Timeline & Team 12. Resources
6. CalculaQons 13. DefiniQons
7. DocumentaQon Guidance
The LEED reference guides and raQng system documents are not required study resources for the LEED AP exam.
They are useful as project resources.
LEED credits are worth various points depending on the LEED raQng system. Prerequisites are required and
therefore do not contribute to the point total. LEED AP candidates do not need to study the possible points per
credit since they vary across the different LEED RaQng Systems.
LEED RaSng Systems

LEED has evolved since its original incepQon to more accurately represent and incorporate emerging green
building technologies and adapt to different project types. Today, LEED consists of a suite of almost a dozen
different raQng systems for the design, construcQon and operaQon of buildings, homes and neighborhoods.
Examples of LEED raQng systems:
• LEED for New ConstrucQon • LEED for Retail: Commercial Interiors

• LEED for Core & Shell • LEED for ExisQng Buildings:
• LEED for Schools OperaQons & Maintenance
• LEED for Retail: New ConstrucQon • LEED for Neighborhood
and Major RenovaQons Development
• LEED for Healthcare • LEED for Homes
• LEED for Commercial Interiors
LEED for Building Design & ConstrucSon
Includes LEED for New ConstrucQon, Core & Shell and Schools
LEED for New ConstrucSon (LEED NC)
Applies to the following:
• New Commercial Buildings including:

• Retail
• Office
• InsQtuQonal Buildings
• Hotels
• ExisQng buildings that include “significant envelope modificaQons and/or major HVAC
renovaQons”
LEED for Core & Shell
The LEED for Core & Shell RaQng System is typically used when the developer does not control the interior
porQon of the build-out. The scope of LEED for Core & Shell is limited to those elements of the project under
the direct control of the developer/owner. Depending on how the project is structured, this scope can range
greatly from project to project. For example, LEED for Core & Shell can be used for projects where the developer
controls the design and construcQon of the enQre Core and Shell (CS) base building (which may or may not
include Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) systems), but have no control over the design and
construcQon of the tenant fit-out. In projects that are designed and constructed to be parQally occupied by the
owner/developer, the owner/tenant may occupy no more than 50% of the building’s leasable space in order to
be eligible for LEED CS. Projects with greater than 50% of the building’s tenant space occupied by a tenant/
owner should uQlize LEED NC.
Core & Shell is the only system that allows for pre-cerSficaSon to help projects aSract tenants before the
compleQon of construcQon.
LEED for Schools
Most applicable to K-12 schools, but also appropriate for universiQes as well.
Campus Projects
There are two approaches to cerQfying mulQple buildings under the Campus Program:
• Group Approach - allows buildings that are substanQally similar and are in a single locaQon to cerQfy as one
project that shares a single cerQficaQon.
• Campus Approach - allows buildings that share a single locaQon and site aSributes to achieve separate LEED
cerQficaQon for each project on the master site.
The Volume Build and MulQple Building / Campus ApplicaQon Guide is available for projects within a campus
se~ng or for a group of similar buildings cerQfying as a set.
Minimum Program Requirements
In addiQon to the prerequisites, a LEED project must comply with each applicable Minimum Program
Requirement (MPR) listed below:
1. It must be in a permanent locaQon on exisQng land.

2. It must use reasonable LEED boundaries:
• Includes all conQguous land that is associated with the project and supports its typical operaQons
• Does not unreasonably exclude porQons of the building, space, or site to give the project an advantage
• Accurately communicates the scope of the project and disQnguishes it from any non-cerQfying space
3. It must comply with project size requirements (At least 1,000 sq m for BD+C projects)
LEED Site Boundary - AddiSonal Guidance

Non-conQguous parcels of land may be included within the LEED project boundary if the parcels are directly
associated with normal building operaQons of the LEED project and are accessible to the LEED project’s
occupants.
FaciliQes (such as parking lots, bicycle storage, shower/changing faciliQes, and/or on-site renewable energy) that
are outside of the LEED project boundary may be included in certain prerequisites and credits if they directly
serve the LEED project and are not double-counted for other LEED projects.
The LEED project should include the enQre building and complete scope of work.
Buildings or structures primarily dedicated to parking are not eligible for LEED cerQficaQon. Parking that serves
an eligible LEED project should be included in the cerQficaQon.
NOTES: The “Property Boundary” is the legal boundary between two pieces of property - this is different from
the LEED Site Boundary and the Development Footprint.
Two credits affected by the LEED Site Boundary include Protect or Restore Habitat and Light PolluQon ReducQon.
The LEED Site Boundary will in part determine the area beyond which development should be minimized for
Protect or Restore Habitat. Light PolluQon ReducQon requires that light spill be minimized beyond the LEED Site
Boundary.
Managing a LEED Project
Steps to LEED CerSficaSon
1. IniQal Discovery & Pre-Planning Phase (Research and Analysis)
2. Select LEED RaQng System
3. Check Minimum Program Requirements
4. Establish Project Goals / Owner’s Project Requirements (Budget, Schedule, Performance Targets, etc)
5. Define LEED Project Scope
6. Develop LEED Scorecard
7. Engage IteraQve Process - conQnually perform addiQonal research & analysis refining approach
8. Assign Roles and ResponsibiliQes
9. Develop Consistent & Accurate DocumentaQon
10.Perform Quality Assurance Review and Submit for CerQficaQon
Integrated Project Delivery

“Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) leverages early contribuQons of knowledge and experQse through the
uQlizaQon of new technologies, allowing all team members to beSer realize their highest potenQal while
expanding the value they provide throughout the project life cycle.”
The convenQonal process for a construcQon project involves the iniQal project conceptualizaQon, followed by
pre-design, design, bid, construcQon, and occupancy. An environmentally responsive design process is non-
linear and adds the elements of integrated building design, design and construcQon team collaboraQon, and the
development of environmental design guidelines. These new elements should be incorporated into the project
from the very beginning and carried throughout the project phases to the final occupancy of the building. The
Owner, Architect and Contractor play the largest roles in the IPD process. Engagement with all stakeholders
(those most affected by the project) is criQcal.
Benefits include streamlined communicaQon, cost control, reduced construcQon Qme, and ability to link
schedule, phasing & sequencing.
3 Main Phases of the IntegraQve Process

• Discovery (Pre-Design)
• Design and ConstrucQon (ImplementaQon)
• Occupancy, OperaQons and Performance Feedback
RELATED KEY TERMS:
Project Vision Statement: Serves to envision and describe the desired process and outcomes of the project at its
compleQon date
Triple Bodom Line: Refers to Profit, Planet & People. Also referred to as Economic, Environmental and Social
Responsibility
Life Cycle Analysis (LCA): A technique to assess environmental impacts associated with all the stages of a
product, process or service (i.e. from raw material extracQon through materials processing, manufacture,
distribuQon, use, repair and maintenance, and disposal or recycling). LEED encourages Life Cycle Analysis over
other methods due to its more holisQc approach.
Life Cycle CosSng (LCC): Similar to LCA, LCC is the evaluaQon of the total cost of a building or product over its
useful life, including iniQal maintenance, repair and replacement costs, and savings.
IteraSve Process: A tesQng process that repeats unQl errors no longer occur. Green building is omen an iteraQve
process as project teams seek to conQnually make improvements and opQmize performance.
Registering a LEED Project

Required InformaQon:
• Title
• Address & LocaQon
• AnQcipated ConstrucQon Start and End Dates
• RaQng System (Cannot be changed amer registraQon)
• Number of Projects to be Registered
• Gross Project Square Footage
• ConfidenQal? (Yes or No)
• Project Type (Hotel, Library, Restaurant, etc.)
• AnQcipated CerQficaQon Level
Project teams are encouraged to register their project as early as possible. While informaQon such as project
square footage and Qtle may change amer registraQon, the two items that cannot be changed amer registraQon
are the type of raQng system and the project zip code.
Sample ques.ons: What are benefits of the IPD process? What does “Triple BoFom Line” refer to? Which 3 team
members play the largest role in the IPD process? Define “Life Cycle Cost Analysis”? What is the minimum
number of occupants required to be eligible for LEED? What informa.on is needed when registering a LEED
project? What are the parameters of the LEED Site Boundary?
EvaluaSng LEED Costs
RegistraSon Costs
Projects are registered at www.usgbc.org/leedonline. RegistraQon costs are based on membership only:
• $1,200 for members
• $1,500 for non-members
CerSficaSon Costs
CerQficaQon fees are based on both membership and project size (square footage). They are not based on
cerQficaQon level, project budget or project locaQon.
Other Costs (to be explained in more detail later on)
• $220 for Credit InterpretaQon Requests
• $500 for Credit Appeals (amer the final review)
RELATED KEY TERMS:
Hard Cost: The purchase price of a hard asset such as land, building, inventory, equipment or machine.
Soe Cost: A construcQon industry term for an expense item that is not considered a direct construcQon cost.
Som costs include architects’ fees, engineering fees, project manager fees, other consultant fees, legal fees,
moving costs, and building permit and filing fees.
Managing LEED Online
LEED Online is the website used to manage a LEED project. This is where you complete LEED templates, submit
Credit InterpretaQon Requests and upload documentaQon for review.
The person who registers the project will be automaQcally assigned the role of Project Team Administrator. The
Project Team Administrator has full access to LEED Online and can invite team members to join the project and
assign them roles. The Project Team Manager also has full access to LEED Online.
The “LEED Scorecard” is the screenshot within LEED Online that lists each credit the project is aSempQng.
Within LEED Online, each credit has its own unique LEED template (LEED form) that must be completed and
signed using a digital signature (email address and password). Some of these credit templates have calculaQons
that are built into the LEED template. Many - but not all - credits also have documentaQon that must be
uploaded. A parQcipant’s digital signature “saves” template informaQon to LEED Online. Template informaQon
is not processed unQl the project is submiSed to the USGBC during the review process. All LEED sample credit
templates can be downloaded for free from www.usgbc.org by clicking on “LEED,” then “Resources.” The LEED
templates are for use on LEED projects and are not recommended study tools for the LEED AP exam.
KEY TERMS:
Project Administrator: This team member acts as a project manager, overseeing the LEED project as well as
which project team members are responsible for certain tasks, credits or prerequisites. The project
administrator plays a key quality role by checking that the LEED submission is complete and accurate before
submi~ng the project to the GBCI for review, and accepQng the review results once the review is complete.
Note: the individual who iniQally registers the project will automaQcally be granted the role of the project
administrator, but the owner may transfer this role to another team member at any Qme.
ConfirmaSon of Agent’s Authority: The LEED CerQficaQon Agreement must be signed by the project Owner. If
the LEED CerQficaQon Agreement will be signed by a party other than the project Owner, a Confirma.on of
Agent’s Authority Form must be completed and uploaded to LEED Online.
AddiSonal DocumentaSon
In addiQon to the documentaQon required for individual credits, there are 6 general items that must also be
uploaded to LEED Online prior to submi~ng for final cerQficaQon.
1. Project site plan
2. Building floor plans
3. ElevaQons
4. Project rendering (if available)
5. Short project descripQon
6. Photos of completed project
General summary informaQon must also be entered, such as project square footage, esQmated cost, etc.
Credit InterpretaSon Requests (CIRs)
CIRs are established for projects seeking technical and administraQve guidance on how LEED credits apply to
their projects.
• Each Credit InterpretaQon Request costs $220

• CIRs are typically specific to one project and may only reference one credit
• CIRs must be submiSed through LEED Online
• Only the inquiry may be submiSed. CIRs may not include plans, photos, leSers or other supporQng
documentaQon
• CIR text is limited to 600 words (or 5,000 characters)
• CIRs have been used to determine if unique, alternaQve strategies may warrant an InnovaQon in Design
credit. However, InnovaQon in Design strategies do not need to be approved via the CIR process in order to be
accepted.
• Credit InterpretaQon Requests are reviewed and ruled on by the Technical Advisory Group (TAG). The TAG is
a commiSee consisQng of industry experts who assist in interpreQng credits and developing technical
improvements to the LEED raQng system.
LEED InterpretaSons
LEED InterpretaQons are official answers to technical inquiries about implemenQng LEED on a project. They help
project teams understand how their projects can meet LEED requirements and provide clarity on exisQng
opQons. LEED InterpretaQons are all of the following:
• Precedent-seQng: All project teams are required to adhere to all LEED InterpretaQons posted before their
registraQon date. This also applies to other addenda.
• Published online: LEED InterpretaQons are published in a searchable database on www.usgbc.org.
• Subject to consensus-based review: LEED InterpretaQons undergo review by USGBC member-selected

volunteer LEED commiSees.
LEED InterpretaQons are similar to project CIRs. The difference is that LEED InterpretaQons, unlike project CIRs,
are precedent se~ng, meaning they are applied to all future LEED projects.
LEED Addenda
The USGBC may issue periodic addenda to the LEED raQng systems which may include both substanQal and non-
substanQve changes to language. These are meant to clarify, correct, interpret and provide alternaQve language
to aid in the implementaQon of LEED.
NOTE: LEED projects are required to comply with all applicable Addenda and LEED InterpretaQons that have
been issued prior to the date of their Project RegistraQon.
LEED Pilot Credit Library
The LEED Pilot Credit Library is a raQng system development tool established to encourage tesQng of proposed
and revised LEED prerequisite credit language, alternaQve compliance paths, and new and innovaQve green
building technologies and concepts. An effecQve infrastructure for the Pilot Credit Library facilitates refinement
of LEED credits and allows for the conQnuous improvement of LEED. The Pilot Credit Library facilitates the
introducQon of proposed prerequisites and credits to LEED. This process allows the USGBC to test proposed
prerequisites and credits, and receive market feedback and general comments on them. The LEED Steering
CommiSee (LSC), with recommendaQons from the Pilot Credit Library Working Group, will determine which
proposed prerequisites and credits - including versions of future LEED credits - must be pilot tested, and shall
approve final language before proposed credits or prerequisites are placed in the Pilot Credit Library.
The process for Pilot Credit proposals from LEED subcommiSees and working groups to progress through the
LEED Pilot Credit Library consists of the following steps:
• A proposed prerequisite, credit, substanQve revision or alternaQve compliance path to an exisQng credit is
suggested for inclusion in the Pilot Credit Library and submiSed to USGBC staff.
• USGBC staff brings proposals to Pilot Credit Library Working Group. The Working Group, in conjuncQon with
staff, will iniQate a review process for proposed prerequisites and credits that warrant further
consideraQon for inclusion in the Pilot Credit Library.
• The Pilot Credit Library Working Group will submit a recommendaQon on the proposed prerequisite or credit
to the LEED Steering CommiSee (LSC) for inclusion in the Pilot Credit Library.
• At the conclusion of the pilot, the appropriate LEED commiSees and subcommiSees will review the final
proposed prerequisite or credit.
• LSC will make a recommendaQon to approve or reject the pilot credit to enter (or conQnue through) the public
comment and ballot process.
NOTE: Projects may earn up to 4 InnovaQon points through Pilot Credits.
Submigng a Project for Review
1. Once all Templates are complete and the required documentaQon has been uploaded, the Project Team
Administrator submits the project to GBCI for iniQal review.
2. GBCI issues iniQal review comments within 25 business days and typically lists each credit as Achieved,
AnQcipated (Design Review only), Denied or pending ClarificaQon.
3. The project team has 25 business days to provide requested documentaQon and/or appeal ruling. IniQal
appeals are free.
4. GBCI then issues the final ruling. Projects may accept ruling or appeal credits ($500 per credit appeal on
average amer final review)
NOTE: A project has up to 2 years from the Qme of project compleQon to submit the project to the USGBC for
review.
Design Review vs ConstrucSon Review
The project team has the opQon of submi~ng all credits at the end of construcQon (Standard Review) or
spli~ng the project submiSal into the Design Phase Review and ConstrucQon Phase Review (Split Review).
Credits will not be officially awarded during the Design Review, but may be “AnQcipated” if the documentaQon is
completed and correct.
The main advantage to spli~ng the review into these two phases is that it allows the project team to receive
design review comments in Qme to make changes if necessary.
RevocaSon of LEED CerSficaSon
In rare situaQons, LEED cerQficaQon may be revoked. The GBCI has created the CerQficaQon Challenge Policy to
ensure that all LEED project submiSals and subsequent reviews by GBCI team members are done so with
integrity, accuracy and truthfulness. A cerQficaQon challenge may be iniQated by the GBCI or by any third party
within 18 months of a project’s cerQficaQon. In line with the policy, projects will need to retain all
documentaQon for 2 years amer receiving cerQficaQon, to ensure that this informaQon is available in case of a
challenge.
Sample Ques.ons: What purpose does a Confirma.on of Agent’s Authority Form serve? What are the steps for
developing a Pilot Credit? What is the rela.onship between the Addenda and the Project Registra.on date?
What are Cer.fica.on Fees based on? What is the advantage of a Split Review? What is the difference between
CIRs and LEED Interpreta.ons?
IntegraSve Process - IP
IP Prerequisite 1: IntegraSve Project Planning and Design (Healthcare Only)
Use cross-discipline design and decision making, beginning in the programming and pre-design phase. At a
minimum, ensure the following in the process:
• Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR) Document

Develop a health mission statement and incorporate it in the OPR. Address “triple boSom line” values:
economic, environmental, and social. Include goals and strategies to safeguard the health of building
occupants, the local community, and the global environment, while creaQng a high-performance healing
environment for the building’s paQents, caregivers, and staff.
• Preliminary RaQng Goals

Conduct a preliminary LEED meeQng with a minimum of four key project team members and the owner or
owner’s representaQve. Create a LEED acQon plan to determine which LEED cerQficaQon level to pursue,
select LEED credits to meet that level, and idenQfy responsible parQes for selected credits.
• Integrated Project Team

Include as many listed professionals as feasible (a minimum of four), in addiQon to the owner or owner’s
representaQve.
• Design CharreSe
Conduct a minimum four-hour, integrated design charreSe with the project team. The goal is to opQmize
the integraQon of green strategies across all aspects of building design, construcQon and operaQons,
drawing on the experQse of all parQcipants.
KEY TERMS:
Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR): A wriSen document, developed by the owner and reviewed by the
commissioning agent, that details the ideas, concepts and criteria that are determined by the owner to be
important to the success of the project.
Basis of Design: Typically developed by the design team in response to the Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR).
Includes design informaQon necessary to accomplish the owner’s project requirements, including system
descripQons, indoor environmental quality criteria, design assumpQons and references to applicable codes,
standards, regulaQons and guidelines.
Charrede: A meeQng in which all stakeholders in a project aSempt to establish project goals, resolve conflicts
and map soluQons.
IP Credit 1: Energy and Water-Related Systems

StarQng in pre-design and conQnuing throughout the design phases, idenQfy and use opportuniQes to achieve
synergies across disciplines and building systems. Use the analyses described below to inform the Owner’s
Project Requirements (OPR), Basis of Design (BOD), design documents, and construcQon documents.
Energy-Related Systems
Discovery: Perform a preliminary energy analysis before the compleQon of schemaQc design that explores how
to reduce energy in the building and accomplish related sustainability goals by quesQoning default assumpQons.
Assess at least two potenQal strategies associated within the following:
• Site Condi.ons – shading, exterior lighQng, hardscape, landscaping, and adjacent site condiQons
• Massing and orienta.on – massing and orientaQon affect HVAC sizing, energy consumpQon, lighQng, and
renewable energy opportuniQes
• Basic envelope aFributes - insulaQon values, window-to-wall raQos, glazing characterisQcs, shading, and
window operability
• Ligh.ng levels - interior surface reflectance values and lighQng levels in occupied spaces
• Thermal comfort ranges - thermal comfort range opQons
• Plug and process load needs – reducing plug and process loads through programmaQc soluQons such as
equipment and purchasing policies or layout opQons
• Programma.c and opera.onal parameters - mulQ-funcQoning spaces, operaQng schedules, space allotment
per person, teleworking, reducing building area, ongoing operaQons and maintenance issues
ImplementaQon: Document how the above analysis informed design and building form decisions in the
project’s OPR and BOD and the eventual design of the project, including the following, as applicable:
• Building and site program
• Building form and geometry
• Building envelope and façade treatments on different orientaQons
• EliminaQon and/or significant downsizing of building systems (i.e. HVAC, lighQng, controls, exterior
materials, interior finishes, funcQonal program elements)
• Other systems
Water-Related Systems
Discovery: Perform a preliminary water budget analysis before the compleQon of a schemaQc design that
explores how to reduce potable water loads and accomplish related sustainability goals. Assess and esQmate the
project’s potenQal non-potable water supply sources and water demand volumes, including the following:
• Indoor water demand – flow and flush fixture design case demand volumes, calculated in accordance with
WE Prerequisite Indoor Water-Use ReducQon
• Outdoor water demand – landscape irrigaQon design case demand volume calculated in accordance with WE
Credit Outdoor Water-Use ReducQon
• Process water demand – kitchen, laundry, cooling tower, and other equipment demand volumes, as
applicable
• Supply sources – all potenQal non-potable water supply source volumes, such as on-site rainwater and
greywater, municipally supplied non-potable water, and HVAC equipment condensate
ImplementaQon: Document how the above analysis informed building and site design decisions in the OPR and
BOD. Demonstrate how at least one on-site non-potable water supply source was used to reduce the burden on
municipal supply or wastewater treatment systems by contribuQng to at least two of the water demand
components listed above. Demonstrate how the analysis informed the design of the project, as applicable, for
the following:
• Plumbing systems
• Sewage conveyance and/or on-site treatment systems
• Rainwater quanQty and quality management systems
• Landscaping, irrigaQon, and site elements
• Roofing systems and/or building form and geometry
• Other systems
Sample Ques.ons: What does the discovery phase in the Integra.ve Process credit entail? What is the defini.on
of OPR, BOD and CharreFe, and which typically comes first? Which LEED system does the IP Prerequisite relate
to? Which water related systems must be addressed during the IP?
LocaSon & TransportaSon - LT
LT Credit 1: LEED for Neighborhood Development LocaQon
LT Credit 2: SensiQve Land ProtecQon
LT Credit 3: High-Priority Site
LT Credit 4: Surrounding Density and Diverse Uses
LT Credit 5: Access to Quality Transit
LT Credit 6: Bicycle FaciliQes
LT Credit 7: Reduced Parking Footprint
LT Credit 8: Green Vehicles
NOTE: For all Credits in this Study Guide, you do not need to memorize the number of points possible for each
op.on/credit.
LT Credit 1: LEED for Neighborhood Development LocaSon
**Projects aSempQng this credit are not eligible to earn points under other LocaQon and TransportaQon credits
because they already receive maximum points.**
Locate the project within the boundary of a development cerQfied under LEED for Neighborhood Development.
Projects may be awarded up to 20 points in the LT category based on the CerQficaQon Level achieved for the
previous LEED ND project.
LT Credit 2: SensiSve Land ProtecSon

OPTION 1 – Locate the development footprint on land that has been previously developed.
OPTION 2 – Locate the development footprint on land that has been previously developed or that does not meet
the following criteria for sensiQve land:
• Prime farmland
• Floodplains
• Habitat – Land idenQfied as habitat for threatened species
• Water bodies – Areas on or within 100 feet of a water body
• Wetlands – Areas on or within 50 feet of a wetland
Minor improvements within the wetland and water body

buffers may be undertaken to enhance appreciaQon of
them, provided such faciliQes are open to all building
users.
LT Credit 3: High-Priority Site
OPTION 1 – Historic District (1-2 points)
Locate the project on an infill locaQon in a Historic District.
OPTION 2 – Priority DesignaQon (1-2 points)
Locate the project on one of the following:

• Site listed by the EPA NaQonal PrioriQes List
• Federal Empowerment Zone site
• Federal Enterprise Community site
• Federal Renewal Community site
• Department of the Treasury’s Community Development Financial InsQtuQon’s Fund for Qualified Low-
Income CommuniQes
• Site in a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Qualified Census Tract (QCT) or Difficult
Development Area (DDA)
• Local equivalent program administered at the naQonal level for projects outside the U.S.
OPTION 3 – Brownfield RemediaQon (2-3 points)
Locate on a brownfield where soil or groundwater contaminaQon has been idenQfied, and where the local, state,
or naQonal authority (whichever has jurisdicQon) requires its remediaQon. Perform remediaQon to the
saQsfacQon of that authority.
Exemplary Performance: Pursue OpQon 2 or 3 in addiQon to OpQon 1.
LT Credit 4: Surrounding Density and Diverse Uses
OPTION 1 – Surrounding Density (2-3 points BD&C, Core and Shell 2-4points)
Locate on a site whose surrounding exisQng density within a ¼-mile (400-meter) radius of the project boundary
meets the values in Table 1. Use either the “separate residenQal and nonresidenQal densiQes” or the “combined
density” values.
Table 1a. Points for average density within 1/4 mile of project (imperial units)

DU = dwelling unit; FAR = floor-area raQo.
Schools only
Physical educaQon spaces that are part of the project site, such as playing fields and associated buildings used
during sporQng events only (i.e. concession stands) and playgrounds with play equipment, are excluded from the
development density calculaQons.
OPTION 2 – Diverse Uses (1-2 points)
Construct or renovate a building or a space within a building such that the building’s main entrance is within
a 1/2-mile walking distance of the main entrance of four to seven (1 point) or eight or more (2 points)
exisQng and publicly available diverse uses (listed below).
The following restricQons apply:
• A use counts as only one type (i.e. a retail store may be counted only once even if it sells products in several
categories).
• No more than two uses in each use type may be counted (i.e. if five restaurants are within walking distance,
only two may be counted).
• The counted uses must represent at least three of the five categories, exclusive of the building’s primary
use.
Use Types and Categories Categories:
Food retail
• Supermarket
• Grocery with produce secQon
Community-serving retail
• Convenience store
• Farmers market
• Hardware store
• Pharmacy
• Other retail
Services
• Bank
• Family entertainment venue (i.e. theater,
sports)
• Gym, health club, exercise studio
• Hair care
• Laundry, dry cleaner
• Restaurant, café, diner (excluding those with drive-thru service only)
Civic and community faciliQes

• Adult or senior care
• Child care
• Community or recreaQon center
• Cultural arts facility (museum, performing arts)
• EducaQon facility (i.e. K—12 school, university, etc)
• Government office that serves public on-site
• Medical clinic or office that treats paQents
• Place of worship
• Police or fire staQon
• Post office
• Public library
• Public park
• Social services center
Community anchor uses

• Commercial office
• Housing (100 or more dwelling units)
LT Credit 5: Access to Quality Transit

Locate any funcQonal entry of the project within a 1/4-mile
walking distance of exisQng or planned bus, streetcar, or
rideshare stops, or within a 1/2-mile walking distance of
exisQng or planned bus rapid transit stops, light or heavy rail
staQons, commuter rail staQons, or commuter ferry
terminals.
The transit service at those stops and staQons in aggregate

must meet the minimums listed in Tables 1 and 2. Planned
stops and staQons may count if they are sited, funded, and
under construcQon by the date of the cerQficate of
occupancy, and are complete within 24 months of that date.
Both weekday and weekend trip minimums must be met.
• Qualifying transit routes must have paired route

service (service in opposite direcQons).
• For each qualifying transit route, only trips in one

direcQon are counted towards the threshold.
• If a qualifying transit route has mulQple stops within

the required walking distance, only trips from one stop
are counted towards the threshold.
Table 1. Minimum daily transit service for projects with mulSple transit types
(bus, streetcar, rail, or ferry)
Table 2. Minimum daily transit service for projects with
commuter rail or ferry service only
Projects served by two or more transit routes such that no one route provides more than 60% of the
documented levels may earn one addiQonal point, up to the maximum number of points.
Exemplary Performance: Double the highest transit service point threshold (except for Schools projects using
OpQon 2).
NOTE: You do not need to memorize the number of weekday/weekend trips and corresponding points. The
charts have been included for reference, but are not covered on the exam.
LT Credit 6: Bicycle FaciliSes

Bicycle Network
Design or locate the project such that a funcQonal entry or bicycle storage is within a 200-yard walking distance
or bicycling distance from a bicycle network that connects to at least one of the following:
• At least 10 diverse uses (see Diverse Uses credit)
• A school or employment center, if the project total floor area is 50% or more residenQal; or
• A bus rapid transit stop, light or heavy rail staQon, commuter rail staQon, or ferry terminal.
All desQnaQons must be within a 3-mile bicycling distance of the project boundary.
Planned bicycle trails or lanes may be counted if they are fully funded by the date of the cerQficate of occupancy
and are scheduled for compleQon within one year of that date.
Bicycle Storage and Shower Rooms
CASE 1 - Commercial or InsQtuQonal Projects
Provide short-term bicycle storage for at least 2.5% of all peak visitors, but no fewer than four storage spaces
per building.
Provide long-term bicycle storage for at least 5% of all regular building
occupants, but no fewer than four storage spaces per building in addiQon to
the short-term bicycle storage spaces.
Provide at least one on-site shower with changing facility for the first 100
regular building occupants and one addiQonal shower for every 150 regular
building occupants thereamer.
CASE 2 - ResidenQal Projects
Provide short-term bicycle storage for at least 2.5% of all peak visitors but no fewer than four storage spaces per
building.
Provide long-term bicycle storage for at least 30% of all regular building occupants, but no less than one storage
space per residenQal unit.
CASE 3 - Mixed-Use Projects
Meet the Case 1 and Case 2 storage requirements for the nonresidenQal and residenQal porQons of the project,
respecQvely.
NOTES for All Projects:
Study the different distances for this credit below and where they apply:
• There should be a “bicycle network” within 200 yards of a funcQonal entry or the building bicycle storage.
• Short-term bicycle storage must be within a 100 ` walking distance of any main entrance.
• Long-term bicycle storage must be within a 100 ` walking distance of any func.onal entry.
Bicycle storage capacity may not be double-counted: storage that is fully allocated to the occupants of
nonproject faciliQes cannot also serve project occupants.
The term, Bicycle Network, refers to paths, trails, designated bike lanes and slow speed roadways.
LT Credit 7: Reduced Parking Footprint

Do not exceed the minimum local code requirements for parking capacity.
Provide parking capacity that is a percentage reducQon below the base raQos recommended by the Parking
Consultants Council, as shown in the InsQtute of TransportaQon Engineers’ TransportaQon Planning Handbook,
3rd ediQon (You do not need to study the handbook they reference here).
CASE 1 - Baseline LocaQon
Projects that have not earned points under LT Credit Surrounding Density and Diverse Uses or LT Credit Access
to Quality Transit must achieve a 20% reducQon from the base raQos.
CASE 2 - Dense and/or Transit-Served LocaQon
Projects earning 1 or more points under either LT Credit Surrounding Density and Diverse Uses or LT Credit
Access to Quality Transit must achieve a 40% reducQon from the base raQos.
Exemplary Performance:
• Case 1. Achieve a 60% parking reducQon from the base raQos.
• Case 2. Achieve a 80% parking reducQon from the base raQos.
NOTES For All Projects
The credit calculaQons must include all exisQng and new off-street parking spaces that are leased or owned by
the project, including parking that is outside the project boundary but is used by the project. On-street parking
in public rights-of-way is excluded from these calculaQons.
For projects that use pooled parking, calculate compliance using the project’s share of the pooled parking.
Provide preferred parking for carpools for 5% of the total parking spaces amer reducQons are made from the
base raQos. Preferred parking is not required if no off-street parking is provided.
Mixed-use projects should determine the percentage reducQon by first aggregaQng the parking amount of each
use (as specified by the base raQos) and then determining the percentage reducQon from the aggregated
parking amount.
Do not count parking spaces for fleet and inventory vehicles unless these vehicles are regularly used by
employees for commuQng as well as business purposes.
LT Credit 8: Green Vehicles

Designate 5% of all parking spaces used by the project as preferred parking for green vehicles. Clearly idenQfy
and enforce for sole use by green vehicles. Distribute preferred parking spaces proporQonately throughout the
various parking secQons (i.e. between short-term and long-term spaces).
Green vehicles must achieve a minimum green score of 45 on the

American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) annual
vehicle raQng guide (or local equivalent for projects outside the U.S.).
A discounted parking rate of at least 20% for green vehicles is an

acceptable subsQtute for preferred parking spaces. The discounted
rate must be publicly posted at the entrance of the parking area and
permanently available to every qualifying vehicle.
In addiQon to preferred parking for green vehicles, meet one of the

following two opQons for alternaQve-fuel fueling staQons.
OPTION 1 - Electric Vehicle Charging
Install electrical vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) in 2% of all parking spaces used by the project. Clearly idenQfy
and reserve these spaces for the sole use by plug-in electric vehicles. EVSE parking spaces must be provided in
addiQon to preferred parking spaces for green vehicles.
The EVSE must do the following:
• Provide a Level 2 charging capacity (208 – 240 volts) or greater.
• Comply with the relevant regional or local standard for electrical connectors, such as SAE Surface Vehicle
Recommended PracQce, SAE Electric Vehicle ConducQve Charge Coupler or the InternaQonal
Electrotechnical Commission for projects outside the U.S.
• Be networked or internet addressable and be capable of parQcipaQng in a demand-response program or

Qme-of-use pricing to encourage off-peak charging.
OPTION 2 - Liquid, Gas, or BaSery FaciliQes
Install liquid or gas alternaQve fuel fueling faciliQes or a baSery switching staQon
capable of refueling a number of vehicles per day equal to at least 2% of all parking
spaces.
LEED for Schools: Green buses

Develop and implement a plan for every bus serving the school to meet specific
emissions standards within seven years of the building cerQficate of occupancy.
Emission standards must be met for each bus and not by an average of the enQre fleet
serving the school.
Sample Ques.ons: Which two credits would be affected by moving the main entrance of the building? What are
the requirements regarding green buses for schools? Which services qualify as Diverse Uses? Which land is
defined as Sensi.ve Land? Which sites are considered High Priority? What are different strategies for mee.ng
the Green Vehicles credit?
Sustainable Sites - SS
SS Prerequisite 1: ConstrucQon AcQvity PolluQon PrevenQon
SS Prerequisite 2: Environmental Site Assessment
SS Credit 1: Site Assessment

SS Credit 2: Site Development - Protect or Restore Habitat
SS Credit 3: Open Space
SS Credit 4: Rainwater Management

SS Credit 5: Heat Island ReducQon
SS Credit 6: Light PolluQon ReducQon

SS Credit 7: Site Master Plan
SS Credit 8: Tenant Design and ConstrucQon Guidelines
SS Credit 9: Places of Respite

SS Credit 10: Direct Exterior Access
SS Credit 11: Joint Use of FaciliQes
SS Prerequisite 1: ConstrucSon AcSvity PolluSon PrevenSon
Implement an Erosion and SedimentaQon Control (ESC) Plan that
addresses the following:
• Soil loss during construcQon by stormwater runoff and/or wind erosion

• SedimentaQon of storm sewer or receiving streams
• Airborne dust generaQon
SS Prerequisite 2: Environmental Health Assessment (Schools & Healthcare)
Conduct a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment as described in ASTM

(or a local equivalent) to determine whether environmental
contaminaQon exists at the site. If contaminaQon is suspected, conduct a
Phase II Environmental Site Assessment.
If a site is contaminated, remediate the site to meet local, state, or

naQonal environmental protecQon agency region residenQal (unrestricted)
standards, whichever are most stringent.
As per the current ASTM standard, a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment

report is valid for a period of one year provided that the necessary updates are performed between six months
and one year. Amer one year, the Phase I Environmental Site Assessment report needs to redone.
SS Credit 1: Site Assessment
Complete and document a site survey or assessment that includes the following informaQon:
• Topography - Contour mapping, unique topographic features, slope stability risks.
• Hydrology - Flood hazard areas, delineated wetlands, lakes, streams, shorelines, rainwater collecQon and
reuse opportuniQes, TR-55 iniQal water storage capacity of the site (or local equivalent for projects outside
the U.S.).
• Climate - Solar exposure, heat island effect potenQal, seasonal sun angles, prevailing winds, monthly
precipitaQon and temperature ranges.
• Vegeta.on - Primary vegetaQon types, greenfield area, significant tree mapping, threatened or endangered
species, unique habitat, and invasive plant species.
• Soils - Natural Resources ConservaQon Service soils delineaQon, U.S. Department of Agriculture prime
farmland, healthy soils, previous development, disturbed soils (local equivalent standards may be used
for projects outside the U.S.).
• Human use - Views, adjacent transportaQon infrastructure, adjacent properQes, construcQon materials with
exisQng recycle or reuse potenQal.
• Human health effects - Proximity of vulnerable populaQons, adjacent physical acQvity opportuniQes,
proximity to major sources of air polluQon.
The survey or assessment should demonstrate the relaQonships between the site features and topics listed
above and how these features influenced the project design.
SS Credit 2: Site Development - Protect or Restore Habitat
Preserve and protect from all development and construcQon acQvity 40% of the greenfield area within the LEED
Site Boundary (if such areas exist).
AND
OPTION 1 - On-Site RestoraQon (2 points except Healthcare, 1 point Healthcare)
Using naQve or adapted vegetaQon, restore 30% (including the building footprint) of all porQons of the site
idenQfied as previously developed. Projects that achieve a density of 1.5 floor-area raQo may include vegetated
roof surfaces in this calculaQon if the plants are naQve or adapted, provide habitat, and promote biodiversity.
Restore all disturbed or compacted soils that will be revegetated within the project’s development footprint to
meet the following requirements:
• Soils (imported and in situ) must be reused for funcQons comparable to

their original funcQon.
• Imported topsoils or soil blends designed to serve as topsoil may not

include the following:
• Soils defined regionally by the Natural Resources ConservaQon

Service web soil survey (or local equivalent for projects outside
the U.S.) as prime farmland, unique farmland, or farmland of
statewide or local importance
OR
• Soils from other greenfield sites, unless those soils are a byproduct of a construcQon process.
• Restored soil must meet the criteria of reference soils in categories 1–3 and meet the criteria of either
category 4 or 5:
1. Organic maSer
2. CompacQon
3. InfiltraQon rates
4. Soil biological funcQon
5. Soil chemical characterisQcs
Project teams may exclude vegetated landscape areas that are constructed to accommodate rainwater
infiltraQon from the vegetaQon and soils requirements, provided all such rainwater infiltraQon areas are treated
consistently with SS Credit 4 Rainwater Management.
Schools only:
Dedicated athleQc fields that are solely for athleQc use are exempted from the soil restoraQon criteria. These
areas may not count toward the minimum required area.
OPTION 2 – Financial Support (1 point)
Provide financial support equivalent to at least $0.40 per square foot for the total site area (including the
building footprint).
Financial support must be provided to a naQonally or locally recognized land trust or conservaQon organizaQon
within the same EPA Level III ecoregion or the project’s state (or within 100 miles of the project). For U.S.
projects, the land trust must be accredited by the Land Trust Alliance.
• OpQon 1. Double the 30% restoraQon requirement (restore at least 60%).
• OpQon 2. Double the financial donaQon requirement (provide at least $0.80 per square foot or $8.00 per
square meter).
SS Credit 3: Open Space
Provide outdoor space greater than or equal to 30% of the total site area (including the building footprint). A
minimum of 25% of that outdoor space must be vegetated (turf grass does not count as vegetaQon) or have
overhead vegetated canopy.
The outdoor space must be physically accessible and be one or more of the following:
• A pedestrian-oriented paving or turf area with physical site
elements that accommodate outdoor social acQviQes.
• A recreaQon-oriented paving or turf area with physical site

elements that encourage physical acQvity.
• A garden space with a diversity of vegetaQon types and species that

provide opportuniQes for year-round visual interest.
• A garden space dedicated to community gardens or urban food

producQon.
• Preserved or created habitat that meets the criteria of SS Credit Site Development Protect or Restore
Habitat, and also includes elements of human interacQon.
For projects that achieve a density of 1.5 floor-area raQo (FAR), and are physically accessible, extensive or
intensive vegetated roofs can be applied towards the minimum 25% vegetaQon requirement, and qualifying
roof-based physically accessible paving areas can be applied towards credit compliance.
Wetlands or naturally designed ponds may count as open space if the side slope gradients average 1:4 (verQcal :
horizontal) or less and are vegetated.
For projects that are part of a mulQ-tenant complex only
Open space can be either adjacent to the building or at another locaQon in the site master plan. The open space
may be at another master plan development site as long as it is protected from development. If the open space
is not adjacent to the building, provide documentaQon showing that the requirements have been met and the
land is in a natural state or has been returned to a natural state and conserved for the life of the building.
Exemplary Performance: Double the amount of open space required
SS Credit 4: Rainwater Management
OPTION 1 - PercenQle of Rainfall Events
Path 1. 95th Percen.le (2 points except Healthcare, 1 point Healthcare)
In a manner best replicaQng natural site hydrology processes, manage on site

the runoff from the developed site for the 95th percenQle of regional or local
rainfall events using low-impact development (LID) and green infrastructure.
Use daily rainfall data and the methodology in the U.S. Environmental ProtecQon Agency (EPA) Technical
Guidance on ImplemenQng the Stormwater Runoff Requirements for Federal Projects to determine the 95th
percenQle amount.
OR
Path 2. 98th Percen.le (3 points except Healthcare, 2 points Healthcare)
Achieve Path 1 but for the 98th percenQle of regional or local rainfall
events, using low impact development and green infrastructure.
OR
Path 3. Zero Lot Line projects only – 85th Percen.le (3 points except
Healthcare, 2 points Healthcare)
The following requirement applies to zero lot line projects in urban areas with a minimum density of 1.5 floor to
area raQo (FAR). In a manner best replicaQng natural site hydrology processes, manage on site the runoff from
the developed site for the 85th percenQle of regional or local rainfall events, using low impact development and
green infrastructure.
OPTION 2 – Natural Land Cover CondiQons (3 points except Healthcare, 2 points Healthcare)
Manage on site the annual increase in runoff volume from the natural land cover condiQon to the post-
developed condiQon.
Projects that are part of a mulQ-tenant complex only
The credit requirements may be met using a coordinated approach affecQng the defined project site that is
within the master plan boundary. Distributed techniques based on a watershed approach are then required.
Exemplary Performance: Manage 100% of rainwater that falls within the project boundary.
SS Credit 5: Heat Island ReducSon
OPTION 1 - Nonroof and Roof (2 points except Healthcare, 1 point Healthcare)
Meet the following criterion:
Area%of% Area%of%High4 Area%of%

Nonroof% Reflectance% Vegetated%
Measures% Roof% Roof% Total%Site%
+% +% ≥% Paving%Area% +% Total%Roof%
Area%
0.5% 0.75% 0.75%
AlternaQvely, an SRI and SR weighted average approach may be used to calculate compliance.
Use any combinaQon of the following strategies:
Nonroof Measures
• Use the exisQng plant material or install plants that provide shade over paving areas (including playgrounds)
on the site within 10 years of planQng. Install vegetated planters. Plants must be in place at the Qme of
occupancy permit and cannot include arQficial turf.
• Provide shade with structures covered by energy generaQon systems, such as solar thermal collectors,
photovoltaics, and wind turbines.
• Provide shade with architectural devices or structures that have a three-year aged solar reflectance (SR)
value of at least 0.28. If three-year aged value informa.on is not available, use materials with an ini.al SR of
at least 0.33 at installa.on.
• Provide shade with vegetated structures.
• Use paving materials with a three-year aged solar reflectance (SR) value of at least 0.28. If three-year aged
value informaQon is not available, use materials with an iniQal SR of at least 0.33 at installaQon.
• Use an open-grid pavement system (at least 50% unbound).
High Reflectance Roof
Use roofing materials that have an SRI equal to or greater than the values in Table 1.
Meet the three-year aged SRI value. If three-year aged value informaQon is not
available, use materials that meet the iniQal SRI value.
Table 1. Minimum solar reflectance index value, by roof slope
Vegetated Roof
Install a Vegetated Roof.
OPTION 2 – Parking Under Cover (1 point)
Place a minimum of 75% of parking spaces under cover. Any roof used to shade
or cover parking must (1) have a three-year aged SRI of at least 32 (if three-year aged value informaQon is not
available, use materials with an iniQal SRI of at least 39 at installaQon), (2) be a vegetated roof, or (3) be covered
by energy generaQon systems, such as solar thermal collectors, photovoltaics, and wind turbines .
Exemplary Performance: Achieve both OpQons 1 and 2. Locate 100% of parking under cover.
KEY TERMS:
Heat Island: Thermal gradient differences between developed and undeveloped areas.
Heat Island Effect: Refers to the absorpQon of heat by hardscapes such as dark, non-reflecQve pavement and
buildings, and its radiaQon to surrounding areas.
Heat Island is addressed by two credits dealing with Roof and Non-Roof Surfaces.
Solar Reflectance Index (SRI): A surface material’s ability to reject solar heat (between 0 and 100). A
combinaQon of both EmiSance and Reflectance. The SRI of typical new grey concrete is approximately 35 > 29
(minimum non-roof).
Emissivity: The raQo of the radiaQon emiSed by a surface to the radiaQon emiSed by a black body at the same
temperature.
Thermal (Infrared) Emidance: A parameter between 0 and 1 that indicates a material’s ability to shed infrared
radiaQon (heat).
Solar Reflectance (Albedo): A surface material’s ability to reflect sunlight on a scale of 0 to 1.
SS Credit 6: Light PolluSon ReducSon
Meet uplight and light trespass requirements, using either the backlight-uplight-glare (BUG) method (OpQon 1)
or the calculaQon method (OpQon 2). Projects may use different opQons for uplight and light trespass.
Meet these requirements for all exterior luminaries located inside the project boundary (except those listed
under “ExempQons”), based on the following:
• The photometric characterisQcs of each luminaire when mounted in the same orientaQon, and Qlt as
specified in the project design.
AND
• The lighQng zone of the project property (at the Qme construcQon begins). Classify the project under one
lighQng zone using the lighQng zones definiQons provided in the IlluminaQng Engineering Society and
InternaQonal Dark Sky AssociaQon (IES/IDA) Model LighQng Ordinance (MLO) User Guide.
AddiQonally, meet the internally illuminated signage requirement.
Uplight
OPTION 1 - BUG RaQng Method
Do not exceed the following luminaire uplight raQngs, based on the specific light source installed in the
luminaire, as defined in the LEED BD+C Reference Guide (you do not need to memorize the table they reference
in the Reference Guide for the exam).
OPTION 2 – CalculaQon Method
Do not exceed the percentages of total lumens emiSed above horizontal as listed in the table in the LEED BD+C
Reference Manual (you do not need to memorize the table they reference for the exam).
AND
Light Trespass
OPTION 1 - BUG RaQng Method
Do not exceed the luminaire backlight and glare raQngs (based on the specific light source installed in the
luminaire), as defined in the Reference Manual, based on the mounQng locaQon and distance from the lighQng
boundary (You do not need to memorize the backlight and glare ra.ngs for this credit). The ligh.ng boundary is
typically the LEED Site Boundary.
Orient all luminaires less than two mounQng heights from the lighQng boundary such that the backlight points
toward the nearest lighQng boundary line. Building-mounted luminaires with the backlight oriented toward the
building are exempt from the backlight raQng requirement.
OPTION 2 – CalculaQon Method
Do not exceed the verQcal illuminances listed in the Reference Manual at the lighQng boundary (use the
definiQon of lighQng boundary in OpQon 1). CalculaQon points may be no more than 5 feet apart.
AND
Internally Illuminated Exterior Signage
Do not exceed a luminance of 200 cd/m2 (nits) during nigh~me hours and 2000 cd/m2 (nits) during dayQme
hours.
ExempQons from Uplight and Light Trespass Requirements
The following exterior lighQng is exempt from the requirements, provided it is controlled separately from the
nonexempt lighQng:
• Specialized signal, direcQonal, and marker lighQng for transportaQon
• LighQng that is used solely for façade and landscape lighQng in MLO lighQng zones 3 and 4, and is
automaQcally turned off from midnight unQl 6 a.m.
• LighQng for theatrical purposes for stage, film, and video performances
• Government-mandated roadway lighQng
• Hospital emergency departments, including associated helipads
• LighQng for the naQonal flag in MLO lighQng zones 2, 3, or 4
• Internally illuminated signage
KEY EQUATIONS:
Ligh.ng System Efficacy (Lumens per WaF or LPW) = System Lumen Output ÷ Input WaSage
Ligh.ng Power Density (LPD) (W/sq m.) = Total LighQng WaSage (W) ÷ Total Area (Square Feet)
SS Credit 7: Site Master Plan (Schools)

The project must achieve at least four of the following six credits, using the associated calculaQon methods. The
achieved credits must then be recalculated using the data from the master plan.
• LT Credit: High Priority Site

• SS Credit: Site Development—Protect or Restore Habitat
• SS Credit: Open Space
• SS Credit: Rainwater Management
• SS Credit: Heat Island ReducQon
• SS Credit: Light PolluQon ReducQon
A site master plan for the school must be developed in collaboraQon with school authoriQes. Previous
sustainable site design measures should be considered in all master-planning efforts so that exisQng
infrastructure is retained whenever possible. The master plan must therefore include current construcQon
acQvity plus future construcQon (within the building’s lifespan) that affects the site. The master plan
development footprint must also include parking, paving, and uQliQes.
Projects where no future development is planned are not eligible for this credit.
SS Credit 8: Tenant Design & ConstrucSon Guidelines (Core & Shell)
Publish for tenants an illustrated document with the following content, as applicable:
• A descripQon of the sustainable design and construcQon features incorporated in the core and shell project
and the project’s sustainability goals and objecQves, including those for tenant spaces.
• RecommendaQons, including examples, for sustainable strategies, products, materials, and services.
• InformaQon that enables a tenant to coordinate space design and construcQon with the building systems
when pursuing LEED v4 for Interior Design and ConstrucQon.
Provide the guidelines to all tenants before signing the lease.
SS Credit 9: Places of Respite (Healthcare)
Provide places of respite that are accessible to paQents and visitors, equal to 5% of the net usable program area
of the building.
Provide addiQonal dedicated places of respite for staff, equal to 2% of the net usable program area of the
building.
Places of respite must be outdoors, or be located in interior atria, greenhouses, solaria, or condiQoned spaces
with views to the outdoors.
Exemplary Performance: Demonstrate both of the following:

• Provide 10% of net usable program area as places of respite for paQents and visitors
• Provide 4% of the net usable program area as places of respite for staff
SS Credit 10: Direct Exterior Access (Healthcare)

Provide direct access to an exterior courtyard, terrace, garden, or balcony. The space must be at least 5 square
feet per paQent for 75% of all inpaQents and 75% of qualifying outpaQents whose clinical length of stay (LOS)
exceeds four hours.
SS Credit 11: Joint Use of FaciliSes (Schools)
OPTION 1 - Make Building Space Open to the General Public (1 point)
In collaboraQon with the school authoriQes, ensure that at least three of the following types of spaces in the
school are accessible to and available for shared use by the general public:
• Auditorium
• Gymnasium
• Cafeteria
• One or more classrooms
• Playing fields and stadiums
• Joint parking
OPTION 2 - Contract with Specific OrganizaQons to Share Building Space (1 point)
In collaboraQon with the school authoriQes, contract with community or other organizaQons to provide at least
two types of dedicated-use spaces in the building, such as the following:
• Commercial office
• Health clinic
• Community service centers (provided by state or local offices)
• Police office
• Library or media center
• Parking lot
• One or more commercial businesses
OPTION 3 - Use Shared Space Owned by Other OrganizaQons (1 point)
In collaboraQon with the school authoriQes, ensure that at least two of the following six types of spaces that are
owned by other organizaQons or agencies are accessible to students:
• Auditorium
• Gymnasium
• Cafeteria
• One or more classrooms
• Swimming pool
• Playing fields and stadiums
Provide direct pedestrian access to these spaces from the school. In addiQon, provide signed joint-use
agreements with the other organizaQons or agencies that sQpulate how these spaces will be shared.
Sample Ques.ons: What are the units of Ligh.ng Power Efficacy vs Ligh.ng Power Density? Which credits are
affected by the LEED Site Boundary? What does FAR refer to? Which spaces must be shared in joint use of
facili.es? Which credit has different requirements for zero lot line projects? What is the defini.on of Solar
Reflectance Index vs Solar Reflectance? Which credit accounts for food gardens? For how long is a Phase I
Assessment valid?
Water Efficiency - WE
WE Prerequisite 1: Outdoor Water Use ReducQon
WE Prerequisite 2: Indoor Water Use ReducQon
WE Prerequisite 3: Building-Level Water Metering
WE Credit 1: Outdoor Water Use ReducQon
WE Credit 2: Indoor Water Use ReducQon
WE Credit 3: Cooling Tower Water Use
WE Credit 4: Water Metering
WE Prerequisite 1: Outdoor Water Use ReducSon
Reduce outdoor water use through one of the following opQons.
NOTE: Nonvegetated surfaces, such as permeable or impermeable pavement, should be excluded from the
landscape area calculaQons. AthleQc fields and playgrounds (if vegetated), and food gardens may be included or
excluded at the project team’s discreQon.
OPTION 1 - No IrrigaQon Required
Show that the landscape does not require a permanent irrigaQon system beyond a maximum two-year
establishment period.
OPTION 2 - Reduced IrrigaQon
Reduce the project’s landscape water requirement by at least 30% from the calculated baseline for the site’s
peak watering month. ReducQons must be achieved through plant species selecQon and irrigaQon system
efficiency, as calculated by the Environmental ProtecQon Agency (EPA) WaterSense Water Budget Tool.
WE Prerequisite 2: Indoor Water Use ReducSon

Building Water Use
For the fixtures and fi~ngs listed in the table below, as applicable to the project scope, reduce aggregate water
consumpQon by 20% from the baseline. Base calculaQons on the volumes and flow rates shown in the table
below.
All newly installed toilets, urinals, private lavatory faucets, and shower heads that are eligible for labeling must
be WaterSense labeled (or a local equivalent for projects outside the U.S.).
Table 1. Baseline water consumpSon of fixtures and figngs
gpf = gallons per flush

gpm = gallons per minute
psi = pounds per square inch
Appliance and Process Water Use
Install appliances, equipment, and processes within the project scope that meet the requirements listed in the
tables below:
Table 2. Standards for appliances
Table 3. Standards for processes
NOTES: The LEED default calculaQons assume people go to the bathroom 3 Qmes in 1 working day. For
example, males would use a urinal twice and a toilet once.
In addiQon to the above, Healthcare, Retail, Hospitality, and Schools projects much also take into account the
water efficiency of these addiQonal fixtures: dishwashers, food steamers, and combo ovens.
KEY TERMS:
Blackwater: Refers to water from toilets and urinals unless otherwise defined by local code.
Greywater: Governed by the Uniform Plumbing Code, Appendix G. Greywater is untreated wastewater which
has not come into contact with toilet waste. Greywater includes water used from the following fixtures:
• Bathtubs
• Showers
• Bathroom sinks
• Laundry machines
Water from kitchen sinks and dishwashers is not considered greywater.
WaterSense is a U.S. Environmental ProtecQon Agency (EPA) program designed to encourage water efficiency in
the United States through the use of a special label on consumer products. WaterSense is not a regulatory
program, but rather a voluntary program developed by the U.S. Environmental ProtecQon Agency through a
public process. WaterSense covers the following products and services:
• Toilets
• Bathroom sink faucets (and accessories)
• Flushing urinals
• Single family new homes
• Shower heads
• IrrigaQon professionals who have undergone training by WaterSense
STANDARDS:
The following standards set the above baselines for each fixture: Energy Policy Act (EPA) of 1992, InternaQonal
Plumbing Code (IPC), and Uniform Plumbing Code.
NoQce that Indoor Water Efficiency is based off of Full Time Equivalents (FTE); therefore, you do not need to
know the number of fixtures (toilets, urinals, etc) to calculate water savings, just the number of people and the
types of fixtures.
WE Prerequisite 3: Building-Level Water Metering

Install permanent water meters that measure the total potable water use for the building and associated
grounds. Meter data must be compiled into monthly and annual summaries; meter readings can be manual or
automated.
Commit to sharing the resulQng whole-project water usage data with the USGBC for a five-year period beginning
on the date the project accepts LEED cerQficaQon or typical occupancy, whichever comes first.
This commitment must carry forward for five years or unQl the building changes ownership or lessee.
WE Credit 1: Outdoor Water Use ReducSon
Reduce outdoor water use through one of the following opQons:
OPTION 1 - No IrrigaQon Required (2 points except Healthcare, 1 point Healthcare)
Show that the landscape does not require a permanent irrigaQon system beyond a maximum two-year
establishment period.
OPTION 2 - Reduced IrrigaQon (1-2 points except Healthcare, 1 point Healthcare)
Reduce the project’s landscape water requirement (LWR) by at least 50% from the calculated baseline for the
site’s peak watering month. ReducQons must first be achieved through plant species selecQon and irrigaQon
system efficiency as calculated in the Environmental ProtecQon Agency (EPA) WaterSense Water Budget Tool.
AddiQonal reducQons beyond 30% may be achieved using any combinaQon of efficiency, alternaQve water
sources, and smart scheduling technologies.
Table 1. Points for reducing irrigaSon water
WE Credit 2: Indoor Water Use ReducSon

Further reduce fixture and fi~ng water use from the calculated baseline in WE Prerequisite Indoor Water Use
ReducQon. AddiQonal potable water savings can be earned above the prerequisite level using alternaQve water
sources. Include fixtures and fi~ngs necessary to meet the needs of the occupants. Some of these fi~ngs and
fixtures may be outside the tenant space (for Commercial Interiors) or project boundary (for New ConstrucQon).
Points are awarded according to Table 1:
Table 1. Points for reducing water use
Exemplary Performance: Achieve 55% water use reducQon.

WE Credit 3: Cooling Tower Water Use
For cooling towers and evaporaQve condensers, conduct a one-Qme potable water analysis, measuring at least
the five control parameters listed in Table 1 (You do not need to memorize the maximum levels listed in the
table).
Calculate the number of cooling tower cycles by dividing the maximum allowed concentraQon level of
each parameter by the actual concentraQon level of each parameter found in the potable makeup water.
Limit cooling tower cycles to avoid exceeding maximum values for any of these parameters.
WE Credit 4: Water Metering

Install permanent water meters for two or more of the following water subsystems, as applicable to the project:
• Irriga.on - Meter water systems serving at least 80% of the irrigated landscaped area. Landscape areas fully
covered with xeriscaping or naQve vegetaQon that require no rouQne irrigaQon may be excluded from the
calculaQon.
• Indoor plumbing fixtures and fiQngs - Meter water systems serving at least 80% of the indoor fixtures and
fi~ngs described in WE Prerequisite Indoor Water Use ReducQon, either directly or by deducQng all other
measured water use from the measured total water consumpQon of the building and grounds.
• Domes.c hot water - Meter water use of at least 80% of the installed domesQc hot water heaQng capacity
(including both tanks and on-demand heaters).
• Boiler with aggregate projected annual water use of 100,000 gallons or more, or boiler of more than 500,000
BTUH - A single makeup meter may record flows for mulQple boilers.
• Reclaimed water - Meter reclaimed water, regardless of rate. A reclaimed water system with a makeup
water connecQon must also be metered so that the true reclaimed water component can be determined.
• Other process water - Meter at least 80% of expected daily water consumpQon for process end uses, such as
humidificaQon systems, dishwashers, clothes washers, pools, and other subsystems using process water.
NOTE: In addiQon to the requirements above, Healthcare projects must install addiQonal water meters,
covering secQons such as purified water systems, food systems, and laboratories.
Sample Ques.ons: How does the LEED for Healthcare system differ from LEED NC with respect to the Water
Prerequisites and Credits? What are the indoor water usage baselines that projects should use for renova.ons of
exis.ng buildings? What are the baseline flush rates for toilets and urinals? Which fixtures are allowed for
greywater usage?
Energy and Atmosphere - EA
EA Prerequisite 1: Fundamental Commissioning & VerificaQon
EA Prerequisite 2: Minimum Energy Performance
EA Prerequisite 3: Building-Level Energy Metering
EA Prerequisite 4: Fundamental Refrigerant Management
EA Credit 1: Enhanced Commissioning
EA Credit 2: OpQmize Energy Performance
EA Credit 3: Advanced Energy Metering
EA Credit 4: Demand Response
EA Credit 5: Renewable Energy ProducQon
EA Credit 6: Enhanced Refrigerant Management
EA Credit 7: Green Power and Carbon Offsets
EA Prerequisite 1: Fundamental Commissioning & VerificaSon
Intent: To verify that the project’s energy-related systems are installed, calibrated and perform according to the
owner’s project requirements, basis of design and construcQon documents.
Benefits include reduced energy use, lower operaQng costs, reduced contractor call backs, beSer building
documentaQon, improved occupant producQvity and performance verificaQon.
Commissioned Systems must include the following:

• HeaQng, VenQlaQng, Air CondiQoning & RefrigeraQng (HVAC&R) systems
• LighQng and daylighQng controls
• DomesQc hot water systems
• Renewable energy systems (wind, solar etc.)
Commissioning Process Scope
Engage a Commissioning Authority to complete the following:

1. Review the OPR, BOD, and project design
2. Develop and implement a Cx plan
3. Confirm incorporaQon of Cx requirements into the construcQon documents
4. Develop construcQon checklists
5. Develop a system test procedure
6. Verify system test execuQon
7. Maintain an issues and benefits log throughout the Cx process
8. Prepare a final Cx process report
9. Document all findings and recommendaQons and report directly to the owner throughout the process
KEY TERMS:
Owner’s Project Requirements: A wriSen document, developed by the owner and reviewed by the
Basis of Design: Typically developed by the design team in response to the OPR. It includes design informaQon
necessary to accomplish the owner’s project requirements including system descripQons, indoor environmental
quality criteria, design assumpQons and references to applicable codes, standards, regulaQons and guidelines.
Retro-commissioning: A systemaQc process for idenQfying less-than-opQmal performance in a facility’s

equipment, lighQng and control systems, and making the necessary adjustments. It focuses on improving the
efficiency of systems that are already in place.
Commissioning Authority (also called Commissioning Agent, Cx)
By the end of the design development phase, engage a commissioning authority with the following
qualificaQons:
• The CxA must have documented commissioning process experience on at least two building projects with
a similar scope of work.
• The CxA may be a qualified employee of the owner, an independent consultant, or an employee of the
design or construcQon firm who is not part of the project’s design or construcQon team, or a disinterested
subcontractor of the design or construcQon team.
• For projects smaller than 20,000 sq m, the CxA may be a qualified member of the design or construcQon
team. In all cases, the CxA must report his or her findings directly to the owner.
Project teams that intend to pursue EA Credit Enhanced Commissioning should note a difference in the CxA
qualificaQons: for the credit, the CxA may not be an employee of the design or construcQon firm nor a
subcontractor to the construcQon firm.
Current FaciliQes Requirements and OperaQons and Maintenance Plan
Prepare and maintain a current faciliQes requirements and operaQons and maintenance plan that contains the
informaQon necessary to operate the building efficiently. The plan must include the following:
• A sequence of operaQons for the building
• The building occupancy schedule
• Equipment run-Qme schedules
• Set points for all HVAC equipment
• Set lighQng levels throughout the building
• Minimum outside air requirements
• Any changes in schedules or set-points for different seasons, days of the week, and Qmes of day
• A systems narraQve describing the mechanical and electrical systems and equipment
• A prevenQve maintenance plan for building equipment described in the systems narraQve
• A commissioning program that includes periodic commissioning requirements, ongoing commissioning
tasks, and conQnuous tasks for criQcal faciliQes
EA Prerequisite 2: Minimum Energy Performance

OPTION 1 - Whole-Building Energy SimulaQon
Demonstrate an improvement of 5% for new construcQon projects in the proposed building performance raQng
compared with the baseline building performance raQng. Calculate the baseline building performance according
to ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1, Appendix G, with errata (or a USGBC approved equivalent standard for
projects outside the U.S.), using a simulaQon model.
Projects must meet the minimum percentage savings before taking credit for renewable energy systems.
The proposed design must meet the following criteria:
• Compliance with the mandatory provisions of ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1, with errata (or a USGBC
approved equivalent standard for projects outside the U.S.).
• inclusion of all energy consumpQon and costs within and associated with the building project.
• Comparison against a baseline building that complies with Standard 90.1, Appendix G, with errata (or a
USGBC approved equivalent standard for projects outside the U.S.).
Document the energy modeling input assumpQons for unregulated loads. Unregulated loads should be modeled
accurately to reflect the actual expected energy consumpQon of the building.
If unregulated loads are not idenQcal for both the baseline and the proposed building performance raQng, and
the simulaQon program cannot accurately model the savings, follow the excepQonal calculaQon method (ANSI/
ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1).
Energy Modeling Inputs:

• Building Envelope Requirements
• HVAC Requirements
• Service Water HeaQng Requirements
• Power Requirements
• LighQng Requirements
• Other Equipment Requirements
ASHRAE Appendix G: A supplemental guide describing the Performance RaQng Method used by LEED for
evaluaQng high-performance buildings. The Performance RaQng Method requires that the calculaQons be based
on a reducQon in energy cost (measured in dollars), as opposed to energy usage (kWh or Therms).
NOTE: Data Centers have several addiQonal energy modeling parameters that are unique to these types of
projects. Data Centers must calculate the Power USlizaSon EffecSveness (PUE) value of the proposed design.
OPTION 2 - PrescripQve Compliance: ASHRAE 50% Advanced Energy Design Guide
Comply with the mandatory and prescripQve provisions of ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1, with errata (or a
Comply with the HVAC and service water heaQng requirements, including equipment efficiency, economizers,
venQlaQon, and ducts and dampers, in the Design Strategies and RecommendaQons by Climate Zone, for the
appropriate ASHRAE 50% Advanced Energy Design Guide and climate zone:
• ASHRAE 50% Advanced Energy Design Guide for Small to Medium Office Buildings, for office buildings
smaller than 100,000 square feet
• ASHRAE 50% Advanced Energy Design Guide for Medium to Large Box Retail Buildings, for retail buildings
with 20,000 to 100,000 square feet
• ASHRAE 50% Advanced Energy Design Guide for K–12 School Buildings
OR
• ASHRAE 50% Advanced Energy Design Guide for Large Hospitals over 100,000 square feet
OPTION 3 - PrescripQve Compliance: Advanced Buildings™ Core Performance™ Guide
Comply with the mandatory and prescripQve provisions of ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1, with errata (or
Comply with SecQon 1: Design Process Strategies, SecQon 2: Core Performance Requirements, and the following
three strategies from SecQon 3: Enhanced Performance Strategies, as applicable. Where standards conflict,
follow the more stringent of the two.
• 3.5 Supply Air Temperature Reset (VAV)
• 3.9 Premium Economizer Performance
• 3.10 Variable Speed Control
To be eligible for OpQon 3, the project must be less than 100,000 square feet.
NOTE: Healthcare, Warehouse or Laboratory projects are ineligible for OpQon 3.
EA Prerequisite 3: Building-Level Energy Metering

Install new or use exisQng building-level energy meters, or submeters that can be aggregated to provide
building-level data represenQng total building energy consumpQon (electricity, natural gas, chilled water, steam,
fuel oil, propane, biomass, etc). UQlity-owned meters capable of aggregaQng building-level resource use are
acceptable.
Commit to sharing the resulQng energy consumpQon data and electrical demand data (if metered) with the
USGBC for a five-year period beginning on the date the project accepts LEED cerQficaQon. At a minimum, energy
consumpQon must be tracked at one-month intervals.
This commitment must carry forward for five years or unQl the building changes ownership or lessee.
EA Prerequisite 4: Fundamental Refrigerant Management

Do not use chlorofluorocarbon-based (CFC) refrigerants in new heaQng, venQlaQng, air-condiQoning, and
refrigeraQon (HVAC&R) systems. When reusing exisQng HVAC&R equipment, complete a comprehensive CFC
phase-out conversion before project compleQon. Phase-out plans extending beyond the project
compleQon date will be considered on their merits.
ExisQng small HVAC&R units and other equipment, such as standard refrigerators, small water coolers, and any
other equipment that contains less than 0.5 pound of refrigerant, are exempt.
EA Credit 1: Enhanced Commissioning

Implement, or have in place a contract to implement, the following commissioning process acQviQes in addiQon
to those required under EA Prerequisite Fundamental Commissioning and VerificaQon:
Commissioning Authority
• The CxA must have documented commissioning

process experience on at least two building projects
with a similar scope of work. The experience must
extend from early design phase through at least 10
months of occupancy.
• The CxA may be a qualified employee of the owner, an

independent consultant, or a disinterested
subcontractor of the design team.
OPTION 1 - Enhanced Systems Commissioning (3-4 points)
Path 1: Enhanced Commissioning (3 points)
Complete the following commissioning process (CxP) acQviQes for mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and
renewable energy systems and assemblies as they relate to energy, water, indoor environmental quality, and
durability.
In addiQon to the requirements of fundamental commissioning, the commissioning authority must complete the
following:
• Review contractor submiSals.
• Verify inclusion of systems manual requirements in construcQon documents.

• Verify inclusion of operator and occupant training requirements in construcQon documents.
• Verify systems manual updates and delivery.

• Verify operator and occupant training delivery and effecQveness.
• Verify seasonal tesQng.
• Review building operaQons 10 months amer substanQal compleQon.

• Develop an ongoing commissioning plan.
Include all enhanced commissioning tasks in the OPR and BOD.
OR
Path 2: Enhanced and Monitoring-Based Commissioning (4 points)
Achieve Path 1.
AND
Develop monitoring-based procedures and idenQfy points to be measured and evaluated to assess performance
of energy and water-consuming systems.
Include the procedures and measurement points in the commissioning plan. Address the following:
• Roles and responsibiliQes
• Measurement requirements (meters, points, metering systems, data access)
• The points to be tracked, with frequency and duraQon for trend monitoring
• The limits of acceptable values for tracked points and metered values (where appropriate, predicQve
algorithms may be used to compare ideal values with actual values)
• The elements used to evaluate performance, including conflict between systems, out-of-sequence operaQon
of systems components, and energy and water usage profiles
• An acQon plan for idenQfying and correcQng operaQonal errors and deficiencies
• Training to prevent errors
• Planning for repairs needed to maintain performance
• The frequency of analyses in the first year of occupancy (at least quarterly)
Update the systems manual with any modificaQons or new se~ngs, and give the reason for any modificaQons
from the original design.
AND/OR
OPTION 2 - Envelope Commissioning (2 points)
Fulfill the requirements in EA Prerequisite Fundamental Commissioning and VerificaQon as they apply to the
building’s thermal envelope in addiQon to mechanical and electrical systems and assemblies.
Complete the following commissioning process (CxP) acQviQes for the building’s thermal envelope:
Commissioning authority must complete the following:
• Review contractor submiSals.

• Verify inclusion of systems manual requirements in construcQon documents.
• Verify inclusion of operator and occupant training requirements in construcQon documents.
• Verify systems manual updates and delivery.
• Verify operator and occupant training delivery and effecQveness.
• Verify seasonal tesQng.
• Review building operaQons 10 months amer substanQal compleQon.
• Develop an ongoing commissioning plan.
EA Credit 2: OpSmize Energy Performance
OPTION 1 - Whole-Building Energy SimulaQon (1–18 points except Schools and Healthcare, 1–16 points Schools,
1–20 points Healthcare)
Follow the energy modeling criteria in EA Prerequisite Minimum Energy Performance to demonstrate a
percentage improvement in the proposed building performance raQng compared with the baseline. Points are
awarded according to Table 1.
Table 1. Points for percentage improvement in energy performance
(You do not need to memorize the points and percentages in the above chart. They are shown for reference only)
OPTION 2 - PrescripQve Compliance: ASHRAE Advanced Energy Design Guide (1–6 points)
Implement and document compliance with the applicable recommendaQons and standards in Chapter 4, Design
Strategies and RecommendaQons by Climate Zone, for the appropriate ASHRAE 50% Advanced Energy Design
Guide and climate zone.
NOTE: The detailed requirements of OPTION 2 are not covered on the exam and are therefore not included
here.
Exemplary Performance (New ConstrucQon): Achieve at least 54% energy savings.
EA Credit 3: Advanced Energy Metering
Install advanced energy metering for the following:
• All whole-building energy sources used by the building.
AND
• Any individual energy end uses that represent 10% or more of the total annual consumpQon of the building.
The advanced energy metering must have the following characterisQcs:
• Meters must be permanently installed, record at

intervals of one hour or less, and transmit data to a
remote locaQon.
• Electricity meters must record both consumpQon and

demand. Whole-building electricity meters should
record the power factor, if appropriate.
• The data collecQon system must use a local area

network, building automaQon system, wireless
network, or comparable communicaQon
infrastructure.
• The system must be capable of storing all meter data

for at least 36 months.
• The data must be remotely accessible.
• All meters in the system must be capable of reporQng hourly, daily, monthly, and annual energy use.
EA Credit 4: Demand Response

Design building and equipment for parQcipaQon in demand response programs through load shedding or
shiming. On-site electricity generaQon does not meet the intent of this credit.
Case 1. Demand Response Program Available (2 points)
• ParQcipate in an exisQng demand response (DR) program and complete the following acQviQes. Design a
system with the capability for real-Qme, fully-automated DR based on external iniQaQon by a DR Program
Provider. Semi-automated DR may be uQlized in pracQce.
• Enroll in a minimum one-year DR contractual commitment with a qualified DR program provider, with the
intenQon of mulQ-year renewal, for at least 10% of the esQmated peak electricity demand. Peak demand is
determined under EA Prerequisite Minimum Energy Performance.
• Develop a comprehensive plan for meeQng the contractual commitment during a Demand Response
event.
• Include the DR processes in the scope of work for the commissioning authority, including parQcipaQon in at
least one full test of the DR plan.
Case 2. Demand Response Program Not Available (1 point)
Provide infrastructure to take advantage of future demand response programs or dynamic, real-Qme pricing
programs and complete the following acQviQes.
• Install interval recording meters with communicaQons and ability for the building automaQon system to
accept an external price or control signal.
• Develop a comprehensive plan for shedding at least 10% of building esQmated peak electricity demand.
Peak demand is determined under EA Prerequisite Minimum Energy Performance.
• Include the DR processes in the scope of work for the commissioning authority, including parQcipaQon in at
least one full test of the DR plan.
• Contact local uQlity representaQves to discuss parQcipaQon in future DR programs.
KEY TERM:
Brownout is an intenQonal or unintenQonal drop in voltage in an electrical power supply system. IntenQonal
brownouts are used for load reducQon in an emergency.
EA Credit 5: Renewable Energy ProducSon

Use renewable energy systems to offset building energy costs.
Use the building’s annual energy cost, calculated in EA Prerequisite Minimum Energy Performance, if OpQon 1
was pursued; otherwise, use the U.S. Department of Energy’s Commercial Buildings Energy ConsumpQon Survey
(CBECS) database to esQmate energy use and cost.
The use of solar gardens or community renewable energy systems is allowed if both of the following
requirements are met.
• The project owns the system or has signed a lease agreement for a period of at least 10 years.
• The system is located with the same uQlity service area as the facility claiming the use.
Points are awarded according to Table 1.
Table 1. Points for renewable energy
(You do not need to memorize the percentages shown in the chart above. The chart is included for reference)
The following are considered acceptable forms of renewable energy for LEED:
• Photovoltaics (Solar)
• Wind energy
• Solar thermal
• Geothermal heaQng & electric
• Low-impact hydro-electric
• Wave & Qdal energy
• Biofuels:
• Untreated wood waste including mill residue
• Agricultural crops or waste
• Animal & other organic waste
• Landfill gas
The following are not considered acceptable forms of renewable energy:

• Geo-exchange systems
• Passive solar
• Burning landfill trash
• Forestry biomass other than mill residue
• Wood coated with paints or plasQcs
Exemplary Performance: Renewable energy must account for 15% of total energy. For Core and Shell projects,
the threshold is 10%.
EA Credit 6: Enhanced Refrigerant Management
OPTION 1 - No Refrigerants or Low-Impact Refrigerants (1 point)
Do not use refrigerants, or use only refrigerants that have an ozone depleQon potenQal (ODP) of zero and a
global warming potenQal (GWP) of less than 50.
OR
OPTION 2 - CalculaQon of Refrigerant Impact (1 point)
Select refrigerants that are used in heaQng, venQlaQng, air-condiQoning, and refrigeraQon (HVAC&R) equipment
to minimize or eliminate the emission of compounds that contribute to ozone depleQon and climate change. The
combinaQon of all new and exisQng base building and tenant HVAC&R equipment that serve the project must
comply with the formula listed in the Reference Manual (You do not need to know this formula, therefore it is
not included) .
EA Credit 7: Green Power & Carbon Offsets
Engage in a contract that offsets at least 50% or 100% of the project’s energy from green power, carbon offsets,
or renewable energy cerQficates (RECs). The contract must be for a minimum of five years.
Green power and RECs must be Green-e Energy cerQfied or the equivalent. RECs can only be used to miQgate
the electricity usage.
Carbon offsets may be used to miQgate emissions from electricity and/or gas on a metric ton of carbon dioxide–
equivalent basis and must be Green-e Climate cerQfied, or the equivalent.
For U.S. projects, the offsets must be from greenhouse gas emissions reducQon projects within the U.S.
Determine the percentage of green power or offsets based on the quanQty of energy consumed, not the cost.
Points are awarded according to Table 1.
Table 1. Points for energy from green power or carbon offsets
Use the project’s annual energy consumpQon, calculated in EA Prerequisite Minimum Energy Performance, if
OpQon 1 was pursued; otherwise, use the U.S. Department of Energy’s Commercial Buildings Energy
ConsumpQon Survey (CBECS) database to esQmate energy use.
KEY TERMS:
Renewable Energy CerSficates are tradable commodiQes that represent one megawaS hour (MWh) of
renewable electricity generated and delivered somewhere on a power grid. Each MWh of clean renewable
electricity results in one less MWh of tradiQonal (dirty) power. RECs encourage the use of grid source,
renewable technologies on a net zero polluQon basis.
Sample Ques.ons: What are the specific differences between Fundamental Commissioning and Enhanced
Commissioning? What categories are inputed into the energy model? What counts as “renewable energy”?
How many MWh are equal to one REC? Which credit do Brownouts relate to? What is the purpose of a demand
response program?
Materials and Resources - MR
MR Prerequisite 1: Storage & CollecQon of Recyclables
MR Prerequisite 2: ConstrucQon & DemoliQon Waste Management Planning
MR Prerequisite 3: PBT Source ReducQon - Mercury
MR Credit 1: Building Life-Cycle Impact ReducQon
MR Credit 2: Building Product Disclosure & OpQmizaQon - Environmental Product DeclaraQons
MR Credit 3: Building Product Disclosure & OpQmizaQon - Sourcing of Raw Materials
MR Credit 4: Building Product Disclosure & OpQmizaQon - Material Ingredients
MR Credit 5: PBT Source ReducQon - Mercury
MR Credit 6: PBT Source ReducQon - Lead, Cadmium, and Copper
MR Credit 7: Furniture and Medical Furnishings
MR Credit 8: Design for Flexibility
MR Credit 9: ConstrucQon & DemoliQon Waste Management
MR Prerequisite 1: Storage & CollecSon of Recyclables
Projects must provide an area of the building to dedicate to recycling.
At a minimum, the following 5 items must be recycled:

• Paper
• Corrugated cardboard
• Glass
• PlasQcs
• Metals
In addiQon to the above materials, take appropriate measures for the safe disposal of two of the following:
• BaSeries
• Mercury-containing lamps
• Electronic waste
MR Prerequisite 2: ConstrucSon & DemoliSon Waste Management
Develop and implement a construcQon and demoliQon waste management plan that includes the following:
• Establishes waste diversion goals for the project by idenQfying at least five materials targeted for diversion.
• Specifies whether materials will be separated or commingled and describes the diversion strategies planned
for the project. Describes where the material will be taken and how the recycling facility will process the
material.
Provide a final report detailing all major waste streams generated, including disposal and diversion rates.
KEY TERMS:
AlternaSve daily cover (ADC) refers to material other than soil placed on the surface of the acQve face of a
municipal solid waste landfill at the end of each operaQng day to control vectors, fires, odors, blowing liSer, and
scavenging. ADC materials include processed green materials, sludge, ash and kiln residue, compost,
construcQon and demoliQon debris, and special foams and fabrics. ADC does not qualify as material diverted
from disposal. Land-clearing debris is not considered construcQon, demoliQon, or renovaQon waste that can
contribute to waste diversion.
Commingling is a strategy whereby recyclable items are sorted at the recycling facility rather than the job site.
MR Prerequisite 3: PBT Source ReducSon - Mercury (Healthcare)
As part of the project’s recycling collecQon system, idenQfy the following:
• Types of mercury-containing products and devices to be collected (such as certain types of lamps)
• Criteria governing how they are to be handled by a recycling program
• Disposal methods for captured mercury
MR Credit 1: Building Life-Cycle Impact ReducSon

Demonstrate reduced environmental effects during iniQal project decision-making by reusing exisQng building
resources or demonstraQng a reducQon in materials use through life-cycle assessment. Achieve one of the
following opQons.
OPTION 1 - Historic Building Reuse (5 points BD&C, 6 points Core and Shell)
Maintain the exisQng building structure, envelope, and interior nonstructural elements of a historic building or
contribuQng building in a historic district.
Any alteraQon (preservaQon, restoraQon, or rehabilitaQon) of a historic building or a contribuQng building in a

historic district on the project site must be done in accordance with local or naQonal standards for rehabilitaQon,
whichever are applicable.
OPTION 2. RenovaQon of Abandoned or Blighted Building
(5 points BD&C, 6 points Core and Shell)
Maintain at least 50%, by surface area, of the exisQng building structure,

enclosure, and interior structural elements for buildings that meet local criteria of
abandoned or are considered blight. Up to 25% of the building surface area may
be excluded from credit calculaQon because of deterioraQon or damage.
OPTION 3. Building and Material Reuse (2–4 points BD&C, 2-5 points Core and Shell)
Reuse or salvage building materials from off site or on site as a percentage of the surface area, as listed in Table
1. Include structural elements (i.e. floors, roof decking), enclosure materials (i.e. skin, framing), and permanently
installed interior elements (i.e. walls, doors, floor coverings, ceiling systems). Exclude from the calculaQon
window assemblies and any hazardous materials that are remediated as a part of the project.
• OpQons 1 & 2. Not available.
• OpQon 3. Reuse 95% of the building.
• OpQon 4. Achieve any improvement over the required credit thresholds in all six impact measures.
NOTE: Materials contribuQng toward this credit may not contribute toward MR Credit Material Disclosure and
OpQmizaQon.
Table 1. Points for reuse of building materials
OPTION 4. Whole-Building Life-Cycle Assessment (3 points)
For new construcQon, conduct a life-cycle assessment of the project’s structure and enclosure that
demonstrates a minimum of 10% reducQon, compared with a baseline building, in at least three of the six
impact categories listed below, one of which must be global warming potenQal.
The service life of the baseline and proposed buildings must be the same and at least 60 years to fully account
for maintenance and replacement. Use the same life-cycle assessment somware tools and data sets to evaluate
both the baseline building and the proposed building, and report all listed impact categories. Data sets must be
compliant with ISO 14044.
Select at least three of the following impact categories for reducQon:
• Global warming potenQal (greenhouse gases)
• DepleQon of the stratospheric ozone layer

• AcidificaQon of land and water sources
• EutrophicaQon, in kg nitrogen or kg phosphate

• FormaQon of tropospheric ozone
• DepleQon of nonrenewable energy resources
MR Credit 2: Building Product Disclosure & OpSmizaSon - Environmental Product

DeclaraSon
Achieve one or more of the opQons below, for a maximum of 2 points.
OPTION 1 - Environmental Product DeclaraQon (EPD) (1 point)
Use at least 20 different permanently installed products sourced from at least five different manufacturers that
meet one of the disclosure criteria below:
• Product-specific declaraQon:
• Products with a publicly available, criQcally reviewed life-cycle assessment conforming to ISO
14044 that have at least a cradle to gate scope are valued as one quarter (1/4) of a product for the
purposes of credit achievement calculaQon.
• Environmental Product DeclaraQons which conform to ISO 14025, 14040, 14044, and EN 15804 or ISO 21930
and have at least a cradle to gate scope:
• Industry-wide (generic) EPD - Products with third-party cerQficaQon (Type III) in which the
manufacturer is explicitly recognized as a parQcipant by the program operator, are valued as one half
(1/2) of a product for purposes of credit achievement calculaQon.
• Product-specific Type III EPD - Products with third-party cerQficaQon (Type III), including external
verificaQon in which the manufacturer is explicitly recognized as the parQcipant by the program
operator, are valued as one whole product for purposes of credit achievement calculaQon.
• USGBC approved program – Products that comply with other USGBC approved environmental product
declaraQon frameworks.
OPTION 2 - MulQ-ASribute OpQmizaQon (1 point)
Use products that comply with one of the criteria below for 50%, by cost, of the total value of permanently
installed products in the project. Products will be valued as below.
• Third party cerQfied products that demonstrate impact reducQon below industry average in at least three of
the following categories are valued at 100% of their cost for credit achievement calculaQons.
• Global warming potenQal (greenhouse gases)
• DepleQon of the stratospheric ozone layer
• AcidificaQon of land and water sources
• EutrophicaQon
• FormaQon of tropospheric ozone and depleQon of nonrenewable energy resources
• USGBC approved program - Products that comply with other USGBC approved mulQ-aSribute frameworks.
For credit achievement calculaQon, products sourced (extracted, manufactured, purchased) within 100 miles of
the project site are valued at 200% of their base contribuQng cost.
Structure and enclosure materials may not consQtute more than 30% of the value of compliant building
products.
• OpQon 1. Source at least 40 qualifying products from five manufacturers.
• OpQon 2. Purchase 75% by cost, of permanently installed building products that meet the required
aSributes.
KEY TERMS:
An Environmental Product DeclaraSon (EPD) is a verified document that reports environmental data of
products based on life cycle assessment (LCA) and other relevant informaQon and in accordance with the
internaQonal standard ISO 14025. Life-Cycle Analysis (LCA) allows third-party tesQng organizaQons to
determine the environmental consequences of a product, from the extracQon of raw materials and
transportaQon, to the manufacturing facility, manufacturing, delivery to the project, installaQon, useful life,
removal, and transportaQon to the landfill or recycling facility.
EPDs allow stakeholders to accurately assess the environmental impacts of the materials and equipment that go
into their buildings and are omen called the equivalent of nutriQon labels for the building industry. Typically, the
reports detail a product’s effect on global warming, ozone depleQon, water polluQon, ozone creaQon, and
greenhouse gases. A report may also include informaQon on human toxicity and corporate responsibility.
EPDs allow building professionals to cut through the “greenwashing” and provide them with a cerQfied tesQng
protocol and set of requirements for a product to be labeled “green.” These declaraQons also help consumers
make educated decisions about choices that affect their indoor environment.
MR Credit 3: Building Product Disclosure & OpSmizaSon - Sourcing of Raw Materials

OPTION 1 - Raw Material Source and ExtracQon ReporQng (1 point)
Use at least 20 different permanently installed products from at least five different manufacturers that have
publicly released a report from their raw material suppliers which include raw material supplier extracQon
locaQons as well as a commitment to reducing environmental harms from extracQon and/or manufacturing
processes.
• Products sourced from manufacturers with self-declared reports are valued as one half (1/2) of a product
for credit achievement.
• Third-party verified corporate sustainability reports (CSR) which include environmental impacts of extracQon
operaQons and acQviQes associated with the manufacturer’s product and the product’s supply chain, are
valued as one whole product for credit achievement calculaQon. Acceptable CSR frameworks include the
following:
• Global ReporQng IniQaQve (GRI) Sustainability Report
• OrganizaQon for Economic Co-operaQon and Development (OECD) Guidelines for MulQnaQonal
Enterprises
• U.N. Global Compact: CommunicaQon of Progress
• ISO 26000: 2010 Guidance on Social Responsibility
• USGBC approved program

OPTION 2 - Leadership ExtracQon PracQces (1 point)
Use products that meet at least one of the responsible extracQon criteria below for at least 25%, by cost, of the
total value of permanently installed building products in the project.
• Extended producer responsibility - Products purchased from a manufacturer that parQcipates in an extended
producer responsibility program or is directly responsible for extended producer responsibility.
• Bio-based materials - Bio-based products must meet the Sustainable Agriculture Network’s Sustainable
Agriculture Standard. Exclude hide products, such as leather and other animal skin material.
• Wood products - Wood products must be cerQfied by the Forest Stewardship Council or USGBC approved
equivalent.
• Materials reuse - Reuse includes salvaged, refurbished, or reused products.
• Recycled content - Recycled content is the sum of post-consumer recycled content plus one-half the pre-
consumer recycled content, based on cost.
For credit achievement calculaQon, products sourced (extracted, manufactured, purchased) within 100 miles of
the project site are valued at 200% of their base contribuQng cost.
products.
• OpQon 1. Source at least 40 products from five manufacturers.
• OpQon 2. Purchase 50%, by cost, of the total value of permanently installed building products that meet
the responsible extracQon criteria.
KEY TERMS:
Post-Consumer Recycled Content: The percentage of material in a product that was consumer waste. The
recycled material was generated by household, commercial, industrial, or insQtuQonal end users and can no
longer be used for its intended purpose. It includes returns of materials from the distribuQon chain. Examples
include construcQon and demoliQon debris, materials collected through recycling programs, discarded products
(i.e. furniture, cabinetry, decking), and landscaping waste (i.e. leaves, grass clippings, tree trimmings).
Pre-Consumer Recycled Content: The percentage of material in a product that was recycled from manufacturing
waste. Examples include planer shavings, sawdust, walnut shells, culls, trimmed materials, over-issue
publicaQons, and obsolete inventories. Excluded are rework, regrind, or scrap materials capable of being
reclaimed within the same process that generated them.
NOTE REGARDING FSC WOOD:
FSC Wood may be “Pure” or “Mixed,” but not “FSC Recycled.” A Chain of Custody CerQficate (COC) must be
assembled for all FSC products.
MR Credit 4: Building Product Disclosure & OpSmizaSon - Material Ingredients
OPTION 1 - Material Ingredient ReporQng (1 point)
Use at least 20 different permanently installed products from at least five different manufacturers that use any
of the following programs to demonstrate the chemical inventory of the product to at least 0.1% (1000 ppm).
• Manufacturer Inventory - The manufacturer has published complete content inventory for the product
following these guidelines:
- A publicly available inventory of all ingredients idenQfied by name and Chemical Abstract Service
RegistraQon Number (CASRN).
- Materials defined as trade secret or intellectual property may withhold the name and/or CASRN but
must disclose role, amount and GreenScreen benchmark, as defined in GreenScreen v1.2.
• Health Product Declara.on - The end use product has a published, complete Health Product DeclaraQon
with full disclosure of known hazards in compliance with the Health Product DeclaraQon Open Standard.
• Cradle to Cradle - The end use product has been cerQfied at the Cradle to Cradle v2 Basic level or Cradle to
Cradle v3 Bronze level.
AND/OR
OPTION 2 - Material Ingredient OpQmizaQon (1 point)
Use products that document their material ingredient opQmizaQon using the paths below for at least 25%, by
cost, of the total value of permanently installed products in the project.
• GreenScreen v1.2 Benchmark - Products that have fully inventoried chemical ingredients to 100 ppm that
have no Benchmark 1 hazards
• Cradle to Cradle Cer.fied - End use products are cerQfied Cradle to

Cradle.
• Interna.onal Alterna.ve Compliance Path – REACH Op.miza.on - End

use products and materials that do not contain substances that meet
REACH criteria for substances of very high concern.
AND/OR
OPTION 3 - Product Manufacturer Supply Chain OpQmizaQon (1 point)
Use building products for at least 25%, by cost, of the total value of permanently installed products in the
project that:
• Are sourced from product manufacturers who engage in validated and robust safety, health, hazard, and
risk programs which, at a minimum, document at least 99% (by weight) of the ingredients used to make the
building product or building material
AND
• Are sourced from product manufacturers with independent third party verificaQon of their supply chain
that, at a minimum, verifies that mulQple processes are in place to reduce the the impact of harmful
chemicals.
For credit achievement calculaQon of opQons 2 and 3, products sourced (extracted, manufactured, purchased)
within 100 miles of the project site are valued at 200% of their base contribuQng cost.
products.
• OpQon 1. Purchase at least 40 permanently installed building products that meet the credit criteria.
• OpQon 2. Purchase at least 50%, by cost, of permanently installed building products that meet the credit
criteria.
KEY TERMS:
Health Product DeclaraSons (HPD) provide a full disclosure of the potenQal chemicals of concern in products by
comparing product ingredients to a wide variety of “hazard” lists published by government authoriQes and
scienQfic associaQons.
Cradle to Cradle is an environmental approach to the design of products. It is a holisQc economic, industrial and
social framework that seeks to create systems that are not only efficient, but also essenQally waste free. The
model in its broadest sense is not limited to industrial design and manufacturing; it can be applied to many
aspects of human civilizaQon such as urban environments, buildings, economics and social systems.
MR Credit 5: PBT Source ReducSon - Mercury (Healthcare)
Specify and install fluorescent lamps with both low mercury content (MR Prerequisite PBT Source ReducQon—
Mercury) and long lamp life, as listed in the table in the Reference Manual (You do not need to study the table
referenced; therefore, it is not included here) .
MR Credit 6: PBT Source ReducSon - Lead, Cadmium, & Copper (Healthcare)
Specify subsQtutes for materials manufactured with lead and cadmium, as follows:
Lead
• For water intended for human consumpQon, specify and use solder and flux to connect plumbing pipe on
site that meets specific standards. The “lead free” label as defined by the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) )
does not provide adequate screening for the purposes of this credit because the SDWA defines “lead free”
as solders and flux containing 0.2% lead or less.
• For water intended for human consumpQon, specify and use pipes, pipe fi~ngs, plumbing fi~ngs, and
faucets that meet the California law AB1953.
• Specify and use lead-free roofing and flashing.
• Specify and use electrical wire and cable with low lead content.
• Specify no use of interior or exterior paints containing lead.

• For renovaQon projects, ensure the removal and appropriate disposal of disconnected wires with lead
stabilizers.
Cadmium
• Specify no use of interior or exterior paints containing intenQonally added cadmium.
Copper
• For copper pipe applicaQons, reduce or eliminate joint-related sources of copper corrosion:
- Use mechanically crimped copper joint systems
OR
- Specify that all solder joints comply with specific standards.
MR Credit 7: Furniture & Medical Furnishings (Healthcare)
Use at least 30% (1 point) or 40% (2 points), by cost, of all freestanding furniture and medical furnishings (i.e.
maSresses, foams, panel fabrics, cubicle curtains, window coverings, other texQles) that meet the criteria in one
of the following three opQons.
Include built-in casework and built-in millwork in the base building calculaQons, even if manufactured off site.
The dollar value of any individual product may be included in the total qualifying value if the product
meets the criteria.
OPTION 1 - Minimal Chemical Content
All components that consQtute at least 5%, by weight, of a furniture or medical furnishing assembly, including
texQles, finishes, and dyes, must contain less than 100 parts per million (ppm) of at least four of the five
following chemical groups:
• Urea formaldehyde
• Heavy metals, including mercury, cadmium, lead, and anQmony
• Hexavalent chromium in plated finishes
• Stain and nonsQck treatments derived from perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), including perfluorooctanoic
acid (PFOA)
• Added anQmicrobial treatments
AND/OR
OPTION 2 - TesQng and Modeling of Chemical Content
All components of a furniture or medical furnishing assembly, including texQles, finishes, and dyes, must contain
less than 100 parts per million (ppm) of at least two of the five chemicals or materials listed in OpQon 1.
New furniture or medical furnishing assemblies must be in accordance with ANSI/BIFMA Standards.
Salvaged and reused furniture more than one year old at the Qme of use is considered compliant, provided it
meets the requirements for any site-applied paints, coaQngs, adhesives, and sealants.
AND/OR
OPTION 3 - MulQ-ASribute Assessment of Products
Use products that meet at least one of the criteria below. Each product can receive credit for each criterion met.
The scope of any environmental product declaraQon (EPD) must be at least cradle to gate.
• Product-specific declara.on - Products with a publicly available, criQcally reviewed life-cycle assessment
conforming to ISO 14044.
• Environmental Product Declara.ons which conform to ISO 14025, 14040, 14044, and EN 15804 or ISO 21930
and have at least a cradle to gate scope.
• Materials reuse - Use salvaged, refurbished, or reused products.
• Recycled content - Use products with recycled content. Recycled content is the sum of post-consumer
recycled content plus one-half the pre-consumer recycled content.
• Extended producer responsibility - Products purchased from a manufacturer (producer) that parQcipates in
an extended producer responsibility program or is directly responsible for extended producer responsibility.
• Bio-based materials - Bio-based products must meet the Sustainable Agriculture Network’s
Sustainable Agriculture Standard. Exclude hide products, such as leather and other animal skin material.
• Wood products - Wood products must be cerQfied by the Forest Stewardship Council or USGBC approved
equivalent.
Exemplary Performance: Use at least 50%, by cost, of all freestanding furniture and medical furnishings that
meet the credit criteria.
MR Credit 8: Design for Flexibility (Healthcare)
Increase building flexibility and ease of adapQve use over the life of the structure by employing at least three of
the following strategies:
• Use intersQQal space. Design distribuQon zone uQlity systems and equipment including HVAC, plumbing,
electrical, informaQon technology, medical gases, and life safety systems to serve the occupied zones and
have the capacity to control mulQple zones in clinical spaces.
• Provide programmed som space, such as administraQon or storage, equal to at least 5% of departmental
gross area (DGA). Locate som space adjacent to clinical departments that anQcipate growth.
• Provide shell space equal to at least 5% of DGA. Locate it such that it can be occupied without displacing
occupied space.
• IdenQfy horizontal expansion capacity for diagnosQc and treatment or other clinical space equal to at least
30% of exisQng floor area (excluding inpaQent units) without demoliQon of occupied space. ReconfiguraQon
of addiQonal exisQng occupied space that has been constructed with demountable parQQon systems is
permiSed.
• Design for future verQcal expansion on at least 75% of the roof, ensuring that exisQng operaQons and service
systems can conQnue at or near capacity during the expansion.
• Designate space for future above-grade parking structures equal to 50% of exisQng on-grade parking
capacity, with direct access to the main hospital lobby or circulaQon. VerQcal transportaQon pathways that
lead directly to the main hospital lobby or circulaQon are acceptable.
• Use demountable parQQons for 50% of applicable areas.
• Use movable or modular casework for at least 50% of casework and custom millwork. Base the calculaQon
on the combined value of casework and millwork, as determined by the cost esQmator or contractor.
MR Credit 9: ConstrucSon & DemoliSon Waste Management
Recycle and/or salvage nonhazardous construcQon and demoliQon materials. CalculaQons can be by weight or
volume but must be consistent throughout.
Exclude excavated soil, land-clearing debris, and alternaQve daily cover (ADC).
OPTION 1 - Diversion (1–2 points)
Path 1. Divert 50% and Three Material Streams (1 point)
Divert at least 50% of the total construcQon and demoliQon material; diverted materials must include at least
three material streams.
OR
Path 2. Divert 75% and Four Material Streams (2 points)
Divert at least 75% of the total construcQon and demoliQon material; diverted materials must include at least
four material streams.
OR
OPTION 2 – ReducQon of Total Waste Material (2 points)
Do not generate more than 2.5 pounds of construcQon waste per square foot of the building’s floor area.
NOTE: There are 3 Acceptable Forms of Back-up DocumentaQon for Materials Credits:
1. SpecificaQon Sheets, Cut Sheets or Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). (The MSDS also provides instrucQons
on safe handling and disposal of potenQally harmful chemicals in a product.
2. Product Literature
3. LeSers from the manufacturer
Exemplary Performance: Achieve both OpQon 1 (either Path 1 or Path 2) and OpQon 2.
Sample Ques.ons: Which materials must the recycling area be designed to recycle? What are paths for
complying with Building Life Cycle Impact Reduc.on? What is the difference between an EPD and an HPD, and
which credits relate to each? What are examples of Leadership Extrac.on Prac.ces categories? Which credits
reference cradle to cradle? What is the defini.on of ADC? What are the 3 acceptable forms of materials back up
documenta.on?
Indoor Environmental Quality - EQ
EQ Prerequisite 1: Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance
EQ Prerequisite 2: Environmental Tobacco Smoke Control
EQ Prerequisite 3: Minimum AcousQc Performance
EQ Credit 1: Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies
EQ Credit 2: Low-Emi~ng Materials
EQ Credit 3: ConstrucQon Indoor Air Quality Management Plan
EQ Credit 4: Indoor Air Quality Assessment
EQ Credit 5: Thermal Comfort
EQ Credit 6: Interior LighQng
EQ Credit 7: Daylight
EQ Credit 8: Quality Views
EQ Credit 9: AcousQc Performance
EQ Prerequisite 1: Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance
Meet the requirements for both venQlaQon and monitoring.
VENTILATION
Mechanically Ven.lated Spaces
OPTION 1 - ASHRAE Standard 62.1
For mechanically venQlated spaces, meet the minimum requirements of

ASHRAE Standard 62.1, VenQlaQon for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality, or a
local equivalent, whichever is more stringent.
OPTION 2 - CEN Standards EN 15251–2007 and EN 13779
Projects outside the U.S. may instead meet the minimum outdoor air
requirements of Annex B of Comité Européen de NormalizaQon (CEN)
Standard EN 15251–2007, Indoor environmental input parameters for
design and assessment of energy performance of buildings addressing
indoor air quality, thermal environment, lighQng and acousQcs; and meet the requirements of CEN Standard EN
13779–2007, VenQlaQon for NonresidenQal Buildings.
Naturally Ven.lated Spaces
For naturally venQlated spaces, determine the minimum outdoor air opening and space configuraQon
requirements using the natural venQlaQon procedure from ASHRAE Standard 62.1 or a local equivalent,
whichever is more stringent.
MONITORING
Mechanically Ven.lated Spaces
For mechanically venQlated spaces (and for mixed-mode systems when the mechanical venQlaQon is acQvated),
monitor outdoor air intake flow as follows:
• For variable air volume systems, provide a direct outdoor airflow measurement device capable of measuring
the minimum outdoor air intake flow. This device must measure the minimum outdoor air intake flow with
an accuracy of +/–10% of the design minimum outdoor airflow rate, as defined by the venQlaQon
requirements above. An alarm must indicate when the outdoor airflow value varies beyond a normal range.
• For constant-volume systems, balance outdoor airflow to the design minimum outdoor airflow rate defined
by ASHRAE Standard 62.1–2010, or higher. Install a current transducer on the supply fan, an airflow switch,
or similar monitoring device.
Naturally Ven.lated Spaces
For naturally venQlated spaces, comply with at least one of the following strategies:
• Provide a direct exhaust airflow measurement device capable of measuring the exhaust airflow. This device
must measure the exhaust airflow with an accuracy of +/–10% of the design minimum exhaust airflow rate.
An alarm must indicate when airflow values vary outside normal parameters.
• Provide automaQc indicaQon devices on all natural venQlaQon openings intended to meet the minimum
opening requirements. An alarm must indicate when any one of the openings is closed during occupied
hours.
• Monitor carbon dioxide (CO2) concentraQons within each thermal zone. CO2 monitors must be between 3
and 6 feet above the floor and within the thermal zone.
EQ Prerequisite 2: Environmental Tobacco Smoke Control
Prohibit smoking inside the building.
Prohibit smoking outside the building except in designated smoking areas located at least 25 feet from all
entries, outdoor air intakes, and operable windows. Also prohibit smoking outside the property line in spaces
used for business purposes.
Signage must be posted within 10 feet of all building entrances indicaQng the no-smoking policy.
EQ Prerequisite 3: Minimum AcousSc Performance (Schools)

HVAC Background Noise
Achieve a maximum background noise level of 40 dBA from heaQng, venQlaQng, and air-condiQoning (HVAC)
systems in classrooms and other core learning spaces. Follow the recommended methodologies and best
pracQces for mechanical system noise control in the appropriate ANSI Standards.
Exterior Noise
For high-noise sites, implement acousQc treatment and other measures to minimize noise intrusion from
exterior sources and control sound transmission between classrooms and other core learning spaces.
ReverberaQon Time
Adhere to the following reverberaQon Qme requirements.
Classrooms and Core Learning Spaces < 20,000 Cubic Feet
Design classrooms and other core learning spaces to include sufficient sound-absorpQve finishes for compliance
with the reverberaQon Qme requirements specified in American NaQonal Standards InsQtute (ANSI) Standards.
OPTION 1
For each room, confirm that the total surface area of acousQc wall panels, ceiling finishes, and other
sound-absorbent finishes equals or exceeds the total ceiling area of the room (excluding lights, diffusers, and
grilles). Materials must have a Noise ReducQon Coefficient (NRC) of 0.70 or higher to be included in the
calculaQon.
OR
OPTION 2
Confirm through calculaQons described in ANSI Standards that rooms are designed to meet reverberaQon Qme
requirements as specified in that standard.
Classrooms and Core Learning Spaces ≥ 20,000 Cubic Feet (566 Cubic Meters)
Meet the recommended reverberaQon Qmes for classrooms and core learning spaces described in the NRC-
CNRC ConstrucQon Technology Update No. 51, AcousQcal Design of Rooms for Speech (2002), or a local
equivalent for projects outside the U.S.
Excep.ons: Excep.ons to the requirements because of a limited scope of work or to observe historic preserva.on
requirements will be considered.
EQ Credit 1: Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies
OPTION 1 - Enhanced IAQ Strategies (1 point)
Comply with the following requirements, as applicable.
Mechanically venQlated spaces:
A. Entryway systems
B. Interior cross-contaminaQon prevenQon
C. FiltraQon
Naturally venQlated spaces:

A. Entryway systems
B. Natural venQlaQon design calculaQons

Mixed-mode systems:
A. Entryway systems
B. Interior cross-contaminaQon prevenQon

C. FiltraQon
D. Natural venQlaQon design calculaQons

E.Mixed-mode design calculaQons
A. Entryway Systems
Install permanent entryway systems at least 10 feet long in the primary

direcQon of travel to capture dirt and parQculates entering the building at
regularly used exterior entrances. Acceptable entryway systems include
permanently installed grates, grilles, sloSed systems that allow for
cleaning underneath, rollout mats, and any other materials manufactured
as entryway systems with equivalent or beSer performance. Maintain all
on a weekly basis.
B. Interior Cross-Contamina.on Preven.on
Sufficiently exhaust each space where hazardous gases or chemicals may be present or used (i.e. garages,
housekeeping and laundry areas, copying and prinQng rooms), using the exhaust rates determined in EQ
Prerequisite Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance to create negaQve pressure with respect to adjacent
spaces when the doors to the room are closed. For each of these spaces, provide self-closing doors and deck-to-
deck parQQons or a hard-lid ceiling.
C. Filtra.on
Each venQlaQon system that supplies outdoor air to occupied spaces must have parQcle filters or air-cleaning
devices that meet one of the following filtraQon media requirements:
• Minimum efficiency reporQng value (MERV) of 13 or higher, in accordance with ASHRAE Standard 52.2.
OR
• Class F7 or higher as defined by CEN Standard EN 779–2002, ParQculate Air Filters for General VenQlaQon,
DeterminaQon of the FiltraQon Performance.
Replace all air filtraQon media amer compleQon of construcQon and before occupancy.
D. Natural Ven.la.on Design Calcula.ons
Demonstrate that the system design for occupied spaces employs the appropriate strategies in Chartered
InsQtuQon of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) ApplicaQons Manual for Natural VenQlaQon.
E. Mixed-Mode Design Calcula.ons
Demonstrate that the system design for occupied spaces complies with the CIBSE ApplicaQons Manual for Mixed
Mode VenQlaQon.
OPTION 2 - AddiQonal Enhanced IAQ Strategies (1 point BD&C and ID&C, 2 points Retail CI)
Comply with the following requirements, as applicable.
Mechanically venQlated spaces (select one):
A. Exterior contaminaQon prevenQon
B. Increased venQlaQon
C. Carbon dioxide monitoring
D. AddiQonal source control and monitoring

Naturally venQlated spaces (select one):
B. AddiQonal source control and monitoring

C. Natural venQlaQon room-by-room calculaQons
Mixed-mode systems (select one):

B. Increased venQlaQon
D. AddiQonal source control and monitoring

E.Natural venQlaQon room-by-room calculaQons
A. Exterior Contamina.on Preven.on
Design the project to minimize and control the entry of pollutants into the building. Ensure through the results
of computaQonal fluid dynamics modeling, Gaussian dispersion analyses, wind tunnel modeling, or tracer gas
modeling that outdoor air contaminant concentraQons at outdoor air intakes are below the thresholds listed in
the table in the LEED Reference Manual.
B. Increased Ven.la.on
Increase breathing zone outdoor air venQlaQon rates to all occupied spaces by at least 30% above the minimum
rates as determined in EQ Prerequisite Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance.
C. Carbon Dioxide Monitoring
Monitor CO2 concentraQons within all densely occupied spaces. CO2 monitors must be between 3 and 6 feet
above the floor. CO2 monitors must have an audible or visual indicator or alert the building automaQon system
if the sensed CO2 concentraQon exceeds the set point by more than 10%.
D. Addi.onal Source Control and Monitoring
For spaces where air contaminants are likely, evaluate potenQal sources of addiQonal air contaminants besides
CO2. Develop and implement a materials-handling plan to reduce the likelihood of contaminant release. Install
monitoring systems with sensors designed to detect the specific contaminants. An alarm must indicate any
unusual or unsafe condiQons.
E. Natural Ven.la.on Room-by-Room Calcula.ons
Follow CIBSE Design CalculaQons to predict the room-by-room airflows for natural venQlaQon.
Exemplary Performance: Achieve both OpQon 1 and OpQon 2 and incorporate an addiQonal OpQon 2 strategy.
EQ Credit 2: Low-Emigng Materials

This credit includes requirements for product manufacturing as well as project teams. It
covers VolaSle Organic Compound (VOC) emissions into indoor air and the VOC content of
materials, as well as the tesQng methods by which indoor VOC emissions are determined.
Different materials must meet different requirements to be considered compliant for this
credit. The building interior and exterior are organized in seven categories, each with
different thresholds of compliance.
The building interior is defined as everything within the waterproofing membrane.
OPTION 1 - Product Category CalculaQons
Achieve the threshold level of compliance with emissions and content standards for the number of product
categories listed in the table in the LEED Reference Manual (you do not need to memorize this table for the
exam; therefore it is not included here).
OPTION 2 - Budget CalculaQon Method

If some products in a category do not meet the criteria, project teams may use the budget calculaQon method.
The budget method organizes the building interior into six assemblies:
• Flooring
• Ceilings
• Walls
• Thermal and acousQc insulaQon
• Furniture
• Healthcare, Schools only: exterior applied products

If performing a VOC budget calculaQon, the informaQon needed is VOC content and volume applied.
Include furniture in the calculaQons if it is part of the scope of work. Walls, ceilings, and flooring are defined as
building interior products; each layer of the assembly, including paints, coaQngs, adhesives, and sealants, must
be evaluated for compliance. InsulaQon is tracked separately.
• OpQon 1. Earn all points and reach 100% of products.
• OpQon 2. Reach 100% of products.
EQ Credit 3: ConstrucSon Indoor Air Management Plan
Implement Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Management Plan throughout construcQon that addresses the following:
• During construcQon follow the Sheet Metal and Air CondiSoning NaSonal Contractors AssociaSon (SMACNA)
IAQ Guidelines for buildings under construcQon which address the following categories:
- HVAC ProtecQon
- Source Control
- Scheduling
- Pathway InterrupQon
- Housekeeping
- Protect absorpQve materials from moisture damage
• If permanently installed air handlers are used during construcQon, use filtraQon media
with a Minimum Efficiency ReporQng Value (MERV) of 8 as determined by ASHRAE 52.2 and replace all
filtraQon media immediately prior to occupancy.
• Prohibit the use of tobacco products inside the building and within 25 feet of the building entrance during
construcQon.
EQ Credit 4: Indoor Air Quality Assessment

Select one of the following two opQons, to be implemented amer construcQon ends and the building has been
completely cleaned. All interior finishes, such as millwork, doors, paint, carpet, acousQc Qles, and movable
furnishings (i.e. workstaQons, parQQons), must be installed, and major VOC punch list items must be finished.
The opQons cannot be combined.
OPTION 1 - Flush-Out (1 point)
Path 1. Before Occupancy
Install new filtraQon media and perform a building flush-out by supplying 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 relaQve humidity no higher than 60%.
OR
Path 2. During Occupancy
If occupancy is desired before the flush-out is completed, the space may be occupied only amer delivery of a
minimum of 3,500 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 relaQve humidity no higher than 60%..
Once the space is occupied, it must be venQlated at a minimum rate of 0.30 cubic feet per minute (cfm) per
square foot of outdoor air or the design minimum outdoor air rate determined in EQ Prerequisite Minimum
Indoor Air Quality Performance, whichever is greater.
During each day of the flush-out period, venQlaQon must begin at least three hours before occupancy and
conQnue during occupancy. These condiQons must be maintained unQl a total of 14,000 cubic feet per square
foot of outdoor air has been delivered to the space.
OPTION 2 - Air TesQng (2 points)
Amer construcQon ends and before occupancy, conduct baseline IAQ tesQng using protocols to demonstrate that
contaminants do not exceed the concentraQon levels listed in the LEED Reference Manual.
For each sampling point where the concentraQon exceeds the limit, take correcQve acQon and retest for the
noncompliant contaminants at the same sampling points. Repeat unQl all requirements are met.
EQ Credit 5: Thermal Comfort
Meet the requirements for both thermal comfort design and thermal comfort control.
Thermal Comfort Design
OPTION 1 - ASHRAE Standard 55-2010
Design heaQng, venQlaQng, and air-condiQoning (HVAC) systems and the building
envelope to meet the requirements of ASHRAE Standard 55, Thermal Comfort
CondiQons for Human Occupancy or a local equivalent.
OR
OPTION 2 - ISO and CEN Standards
Design HVAC systems and the building envelope to meet the requirements of the applicable standard:
• ISO 7730:2005, Ergonomics of the Thermal Environment
• CEN Standard EN 15251:2007, Indoor Environmental Input Parameters for Design and Assessment of Energy
Performance of Buildings
Thermal Comfort Control
Provide individual thermal comfort controls for at least 50% of

individual occupant spaces. Provide group thermal comfort
controls for all shared mulQ-occupant spaces.
Thermal comfort controls allow occupants, whether in individual

spaces or shared mulQ-occupant spaces, to adjust at least one of
the following in their local environment: air temperature, radiant
temperature, air speed, and humidity.
EQ Credit 6: Interior LighSng

Select one or both of the following two opQons:
OPTION 1 - LighQng Control (1 point)
For at least 90% of individual occupant spaces, provide individual lighQng controls that enable occupants to
adjust the lighQng to suit their individual tasks and preferences, with at least three lighQng levels or scenes (on,
off, midlevel).
For all shared mulQ-occupant spaces, meet all of the following requirements.
• Have in place mulQ-zone control systems that enable occupants to adjust the lighQng to meet group
needs and preferences, with at least three lighQng levels or scenes (on, off, midlevel).
• LighQng for any presentaQon or projecQon wall must be separately controlled.
• Switches or manual controls must be located in the same space as the controlled luminaires. A person
operaQng the controls must have a direct line of sight to the controlled luminaires.
AND/OR
OPTION 2 - LighQng Quality (1 point)
Choose four of the following strategies:
A) For all regularly occupied spaces, use light fixtures with a luminance of less than 2,500 cd/m2 between 45
and 90 degrees from nadir (with several excepQons).
B) For the enQre project, use light sources with a CRI of 80 or higher. ExcepQons include lamps or fixtures
specifically designed to provide colored lighQng for effect, site lighQng, or other special use.
C) For at least 75% of the total connected lighQng load, use light sources that have a rated life of at least
24,000 hours.
D) Use direct-only overhead lighQng for 25% or less of the total connected lighQng load for all regularly
occupied spaces.
E) For at least 90% of the regularly occupied floor area, meet or exceed the thresholds for area-weighted
average surface reflectance as listed in the Reference Manual (you do not need to know the percentages;
therefore, they are not listed here).
F) If furniture is included in the scope of work, select furniture finishes to meet or exceed the thresholds for
area-weighted average surface reflectance.
G) For at least 75% of the regularly occupied floor area, meet a raQo of average wall surface illuminance
(excluding fenestraQon) to average work plane illuminance that does not exceed 1:10.
H) For at least 75% of the regularly occupied floor area, meet a raQo of average ceiling illuminance (excluding
fenestraQon) to work surface illuminance that does not exceed 1:10.
EQ Credit 7: Daylight
Provide manual or automaQc (with manual override) glare-control devices for all regularly occupied spaces.
Select one of the following three opQons:
OPTION 1 - SimulaQon: SpaQal Daylight Autonomy and Annual Sunlight Exposure (2–3 points, 1-2 points
Healthcare)
Demonstrate through annual computer simulaQons that spaQal daylight autonomy of at least 55%, 75%, or
90% is achieved. Use regularly occupied floor area. Points are awarded according to the table in the Reference
Manual (you do not need to memorize this table for the exam; therefore, it is not included here).
AND
Demonstrate through annual computer simulaQons that annual sunlight

exposure of no more than 10% is achieved.
OR
OPTION 2 - SimulaQon: Illuminance CalculaQons (1–2 points)
Demonstrate through computer modeling that illuminance levels will be

between 300 lux and 3,000 lux for 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., both on a clear-sky
day at the equinox, for the floor area indicated in the table in the LEED
Reference Guide. Use regularly occupied floor area.
Calculate illuminance intensity for sun (direct component) and sky

(diffuse component) for clear-sky condiQons as follows:
• Use typical meteorological year data, or an equivalent, for the

nearest available weather staQon.
• Select one day within 15 days of September 21 and one day within 15 days of March 21 that represent the
clearest sky condiQon.
• Use the average of the hourly value for the two selected days.
Exclude blinds or shades from the model. Include any permanent interior obstrucQons. Moveable furniture and
parQQons may be excluded.
OR
OPTION 3 - Measurement (2-3 points, 1-2 points Healthcare)
Achieve illuminance levels between 300 lux and 3,000 lux for the floor area indicated in the table in the
Reference Manual. (You do not need to study the table referenced in this op.on)
EQ Credit 8: Quality Views
Achieve a direct line of sight to the outdoors via vision glazing for 75% of
all regularly occupied floor area.
AddiQonally, 75% of all regularly occupied floor area must have at least
two of the following four kinds of views:
• MulQple lines of sight to vision glazing in different direcQons at least

90 degrees apart
• Views that include at least two of the following: (1) flora, fauna, or
sky; (2) movement; and (3) objects at least 25 feet (7.5 meters) from
the exterior of the glazing
• Unobstructed views located within the distance of three Qmes the

head height of the vision glazing
• Views with a view factor of 3 or greater, as defined in “Windows and Offices: A Study of Office Worker
Performance and the Indoor Environment.”
Include in the calculaQons any permanent interior obstrucQons. Movable furniture and parQQons may be
excluded.
Views into interior atria may be used to meet up to 30% of the required area.
Exemplary Performance: Meet the requirements for 90% of all regularly occupied area.
EQ Credit 9: AcousSc Performance

For all occupied spaces, meet the following requirements, as applicable, for HVAC background noise, sound
isolaQon, reverberaQon Qme, and sound reinforcement and masking.
HVAC Background Noise
Achieve maximum background noise levels from heaQng, venQlaQng, and air condiQoning (HVAC) systems per
the appropriate ASHRAE Handbook. Calculate or measure sound levels.
Comply with design criteria for HVAC noise levels resulQng from the sound transmission paths listed in the
ASHRAE ApplicaQons Handbook or a local equivalent.
Sound Transmission
Meet the composite sound transmission class (STCC) raQngs listed in the table in the LEED Reference
Manual or local building code, whichever is more stringent.
ReverberaQon Time
Meet the reverberaQon Qme requirements listed in the table in the LEED Reference Manual (You do not need to
memorize the tables referenced for the exam; therefore, they are not included).
Sound Reinforcement and Masking Systems
Sound Reinforcement
For all large conference rooms and auditoriums seaQng more than 50 persons, evaluate whether sound
reinforcement and AV playback capabiliQes are needed.
If needed, the sound reinforcement systems must meet the following criteria:
• Achieve a speech transmission index (STI) of at least 0.60 or common intelligibility scale (CIS) raQng of at
least 0.77 at representaQve points within the area of coverage to provide acceptable intelligibility.
• Have a minimum sound level of 70 dBA.
• Maintain sound-level coverage within +/–3 dB at the 2000 Hz octave band throughout the space.
Masking Systems
For projects that use masking systems, the design levels must not exceed 48 dBA. Ensure that loudspeaker
coverage provides uniformity of +/–2 dBA and that speech spectra are effecQvely masked.
(For the above sound reinforcement and masking system requirements, you do not need to memorize the specific
numbers listed for STI, CIS, dBA, Hz, etc; they are included for reference, but not covered on the exam)
Sample Ques.ons: What does Mixed Mode refer to? Which EQ Prerequisite is unique to Schools? Which
strategies are addressed by Enhanced Indoor Air Quality? What can you do if some products do not meet the
VOC limits? What areas are addressed by SMACNA? What are a project’s op.ons if it cannot meet the ini.al
14,000 cu `/sq ` flush-out? What cons.tutes a Quality View according to LEED?
InnovaSon (IN)
IN Credit 1: InnovaSon - Pilot - Exemplary Performance
Project teams can use any combinaQon of InnovaQon, Pilot, and Exemplary Performance strategies.
InnovaQon (Up to 4 points. At least 1 IN point pursued must be through InnovaQon)
Achieve significant, measurable environmental performance using a strategy not addressed in the LEED green
building raQng system. IdenQfy the following:
• The intent of the proposed InnovaQon credit

• Proposed requirements for compliance
• Proposed submiSals to demonstrate compliance
• The design approach or strategies used to meet the requirements
AND/OR
Pilot (Up to 4 points. At least 1 IN point pursued must be via a Pilot Credit)
Achieve one pilot credit from USGBC’s LEED Pilot Credit Library
AND/OR
Exemplary Performance (Up to 2 points)
Achieve exemplary performance in an exisQng LEED v4 prerequisite or credit that allows exemplary
performance, as specified in the LEED Reference Guide, v4 ediQon. An exemplary performance point is typically
earned for achieving double the credit requirements or the next incremental percentage threshold. Unlike the
InnovaQon and Pilot Credit OpQons, projects are not required to achieve at least one of the InnovaQon points
through Exemplary Performance.
IN Credit 2: LEED Accredited Professional

At least one principal parQcipant of the project team must be a LEED Accredited Professional (AP) with a
specialty appropriate to the project.
Regional Priority
Earn up to four of the six Regional Priority credits. These credits have been idenQfied by the USGBC regional
councils and chapters as having addiQonal regional importance for the project’s region. A database of Regional
Priority credits and their geographic applicability is available on the USGBC website, www.usgbc.org.
One point is awarded for each Regional Priority credit achieved, up to a maximum of four.
Summary of Most Commonly Tested Standards
ASHRAE (American Society of HeaQng RefrigeraQng & Air CondiQoning Engineers):
ASHRAE 90.1 – Energy & LighQng
ASHRAE 62.1 – VenQlaQon
ASHRAE 55 – Thermal Comfort. The environmental factors addressed are temperature, thermal radiaQon,
humidity and air speed. The personal factors addressed are acQvity and clothing.
ASHRAE 52.2 – MERV FiltraQon / Air parQculates
ASHRAE 189.1 – A new, comprehensive standard related to the design of High-Performance Green Building
Except Low-Rise ResidenQal Buildings. It references all areas of the environment including: site
sustainability, water use efficiency, energy efficiency, indoor environmental quality, impact on atmosphere,
materials and resources.
SMACNA (Sheet Metal and Air CondiQoning Contractors NaQonal AssociaQon): Relates to maintaining good
indoor air quality during construcQon and demoliQon
GreenSeal: Relates to VOCs in paints and certain adhesives and sealants
Energy Star: Sets the benchmark for energy usage comparison for buildings as well as for equipment and
appliances.
Green Label Plus Program: Relates to low VOC carpets
Green Label Program: Relates to low VOC carpet cushions
GreenGuard: Relates to low VOC furniture
Energy Policy Act of 1992 & InternaSonal Plumbing Code: Set standards for flush and flow
fixture performance for indoor water fixtures
IESNA (IlluminaQng Engineering Society of North America): Governs light levels and lighQng
energy usage
Green-e: CerQfies Green Power, including Renewable Energy CerQficates
SCAQMD (South Coast Air Quality Management District): Relates to VOCs in adhesives &
sealants and certain paints
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC): CerQfies sustainably managed forests
AddiSonal Terms
Many of the quesQons on the LEED AP BD+C exam involve industry terms such as the ones included throughout
this study guide, as well as those listed below. It is important to have an understanding of each and every term
before taking the exam.
Ambient Temperature: The temperature of the surrounding air or other medium.
Authority Having JurisdicSon: The governmental agency which regulates the construcQon process. In most
cases, this is the municipality in which the building is located.
Basis of Design: Typically developed by the design team in response to the Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR).
Includes design informaQon necessary to accomplish the owner’s project requirements, including system
descripQons, indoor environmental quality criteria, design assumpQons and references to applicable codes,
standards, regulaQons and guidelines.
Bioswale: Bioswales are landscape elements designed to remove silt and polluQon from surface runoff water.
They consist of a swaled drainage course with gently sloped sides that’s filled with vegetaQon.
Blackwater: Wastewater from toilets and urinals. DefiniQons vary and may be different for state or local codes.
Brownout: An intenQonal or unintenQonal drop in voltage in an electrical power supply system. IntenQonal
brownouts are used for load reducQon in an emergency.
Building Envelope: The exterior surface of a building – the walls, windows, roof, and floor - otherwise referred
to as the building shell.
Chiller: A device that removes heat from a liquid, typically as part of a refrigeraQon system used to cool and
dehumidify buildings.
Closed System: A system which does not allow certain types of transfers in or out of the system. A system with
a closed loop is thought of as more sustainable than an open system. For example, plants growing in a field,
grow, produce oxygen, take in water, then die and decay, which helps them grow. Closed systems can be linked
so one system uses the byproducts of another.
Commissioning (Cx): The process of documenQng and verifying that a building and all of its systems and
assemblies are planned, designed, installed, tested, operated, and maintained to meet the owner’s project
requirements.
Demand Side Management (Similar to Demand ReducQon): The planning, implementaQon, and monitoring of
uQlity acQviQes designed to encourage consumers to modify paSerns of electricity usage, including the Qming
and level of electricity demand.
Densely Occupied Space: A space that has at least 25 people per 1,000 sq m (40 sq m or less per person).
Density: A raQo of building coverage to size for a given parcel of land. Density can be measured using floor to
area raQo (FAR), dwelling units per acre (DU/acre) or square feet of building area per acre of buildable land.
DetenSon Basin: A stormwater Best Management PracQce (BMP) designed to protect against flooding and,
in some cases, downstream erosion, by storing water for a limited period of a Qme. These basins are someQmes
called "dry ponds" if no permanent pool of water exists. Some detenQon ponds are also "wet ponds" in that they
are designed to permanently retain some volume of water at all Qmes.
Dry Well: An underground structure that collects runoff and distributes it over a large area, increasing
absorpQon and minimizing erosion.
Energy Management Systems: A control system capable of monitoring environmental and system loads, and
adjusQng HVAC operaQons accordingly in order to conserve energy while maintaining comfort.
ENERGY STAR ® RaSng: A joint program of the U.S. Environmental ProtecQon Agency and the U.S. Department
of Energy. For buildings, an ENERGY STAR score is a measure of a building’s energy performance compared with
that of similar buildings, as determined by the ENERGY STAR PorŠolio Manager. A score of 50 represents
average building performance. Buildings that score a 75 or greater may qualify for the ENERGY STAR label. The
ENERGY STAR program also applies to equipment and appliances such as fax machines, copiers, refrigerators,
etc.
Floor to Area RaSo (FAR): The raQo of the total floor area of buildings on a certain locaQon to the size of the
land of that locaQon. As a formula: Floor Area RaQo = Total covered area on all floors of all buildings on a certain
plot / Area of the plot. With respect to LEED, generally the greater the Floor to Area RaQo, the beSer, since it
typically corresponds with a more dense development. Also, building ‘up’ rather than ‘out’ may minimize the
land needed for the building footprint, leaving the possibility for more open space.
Gap Analysis: The comparison of actual performance with potenQal or desired performance. A LEED GAP
Analyses is the basis for making sustainable improvements to exisQng and/or new faciliQes - comparing current
condiQons to opQmal condiQons and using the “gap” between as a basis for making targeted improvements.
Glazing: Refers to glass paneling and/or windows.
Hard Cost: The purchase price of a hard asset, such as land, a building, inventory, equipment or a machine.
(LEED) Impact Categories: Impact Categories are used to determine LEED point allocaQon. LEED Impact
Categories include the following:
• Reverse ContribuQons to Global Climate Change

• Enhance Individual Human Health and Well-Being
• Protect and Restore Water Resources
• Protect, Enhance and Restore BioDiversity and Ecosystems
• Promote Sustainable and RegeneraQve Material Resources Cycles
• Build a Greener Economy
• Enhance Social Equity, Environmental JusQce, and Community Quality of Life
Integrated Design: A collaboraQve method for designing buildings which emphasizes the development of a
holisQc design. ConvenQonal building design usually involves a series of hand-offs from owner to architect and
from builder to occupant. In contrast, the integrated design process requires mulQdisciplinary collaboraQon,
including key stakeholders and design professionals from concepQon to compleQon. In addiQon to extensive
collaboraQon, integrated design involves a “whole building design” approach. A building is viewed as an
interdependent system, as opposed to an accumulaQon of its separate components (site, structure, systems and
use). Integrated design frequently begins with a charreSe or eco-charreSe, an intensive design workshop, in
which many stakeholders gather to set goals and idenQfy strategies for achieving the desired outcomes.
Integrated Project Delivery (IPD): A project delivery approach that integrates people, systems, business
structures and pracQces into a process that collaboraQvely harnesses the talents and insights of all parQcipants
to opQmize project results, increase value to the owner, reduce waste, and maximize efficiency through all
phases of design, fabricaQon, and construcQon. Integrated projects are uniquely disQnguished by highly effecQve
collaboraQon between the owner, the prime designer, and the prime constructor, commencing at an early
design stage and conQnuing through to project handover.
Leverage Point: The element in the system that has the largest effect on the whole system.
Life Cycle Analysis (LCA): A technique to assess environmental impacts associated with all the stages of a
product, process or service. (i.e. from raw material extracQon through materials processing, manufacture,
distribuQon, use, repair and maintenance, and disposal or recycling). I.e. from cradle to grave. LEED encourages
Life Cycle Analysis over other methods due to its more holisQc approach.
Life Cycle CosSng (LCC): Very similar to the term above, LCC is the evaluaQon of the total cost of a building or
product over its useful life, including iniQal, maintenance, repair and replacement costs as well as savings.
Load-Shieing: Strategies designed to shim energy usage from peak demand Qmes to off-peak Qmes.
Minimum Efficiency ReporSng Value (MERV): A raQng that indicates the efficiency of air filters in the
mechanical system. MERV raQngs range from 1 (very low efficiency) to 16 (very high efficiency). The standard
that references MERV raQngs is ASHRAE 55.
Mixed-Mode System: a hybrid approach to space condiQoning that uses a combinaQon of both natural
venQlaQon from operable windows and mechanical venQlaQon. It maximizes comfort while avoiding the
significant energy use and operaQng costs of year-round air condiQoning.
NegaSve Feedback Loop: A system wherein the output may signal the system to stop changing. For example, in
the case of a thermostat, the temperature feedback will tell the system to cut off at a certain point.
Open System: A system that constantly takes in items from outside the system, uses them, then releases them
as waste without a feedback loop. Open systems are generally considered less sustainable than closed systems.
Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR): A wriSen document, developed by the owner and reviewed by the
Passive Solar Design: In passive solar building design, windows, walls, and floors are made to collect, store, and
distribute solar energy in the form of heat in the winter (Passive Solar HeaQng) and reject solar heat in the
summer (Passive Solar Cooling). This is called "passive" solar design (or climaQc design) because, unlike
"acQve" (solar heaQng, photovoltaic, etc.) solar systems, passive solar systems do not involve the use of
mechanical or electrical devices, fans, pumps, etc. The goal to designing a cost-effecQve passive solar building is
to take advantage of the local climate. Elements to be considered include window placement, orientaQon, size
and glazing type, thermal insulaQon, thermal mass, and shading on warm days.
Phosphorous: A common consQtuent of agricultural ferQlizers, manure, and organic wastes in sewage and
industrial effluent. It is an essenQal element for plant life, but when there is too much of it in water, it can speed
up eutrophicaQon of rivers and lakes. Soil erosion is a major contributor of phosphorus to streams.
PosiSve Feedback Loop: A system wherein the output of a system is reapplied to the input. Examples include
populaQon growth and climate change.
Post-Consumer Recycled Content: The percentage of material in a product that was consumer waste. The
recycled material was generated by household, commercial, industrial, or insQtuQonal end users and can no
longer be used for its intended purpose. It includes returns of materials from the distribuQon chain. Examples
include construcQon and demoliQon debris, materials collected through recycling programs, discarded products
(i.e. furniture, cabinetry, decking), and landscaping waste (i.e. leaves, grass clippings, tree trimmings).
Potable Water: Water that meets or exceeds the EPA’s drinking water quality standards, and is approved for
human consumpQon by the state or local authoriQes having jurisdicQon. It may be supplied from wells or
municipal water systems.
Pre-Consumer Recycled Content: The percentage of material in a product that was recycled from manufacturing
waste. Pre-consumer content was formerly known as post-industrial content. Examples include planer shavings,
sawdust, walnut shells, culls, trimmed materials, over-issue publicaQons, and obsolete inventories. Excluded are
rework, regrind, or scrap materials capable of being reclaimed within the same process that generated them.
Process Water: Water used for industrial processes and building systems such as dishwashers, clothes washers,
ice machines, cooling towers, boilers and chillers.
RegeneraSve Design: An approach to design that describes processes that restore, renew or revitalize their
own sources of energy and materials, creaQng sustainable systems that integrate the needs of society with the
integrity of nature.
Smart Growth: An urban planning and transportaQon theory that concentrates growth in compact, mixed use,
walk-able urban centers to avoid sprawl.
Soe Cost: A construcQon industry term for an expense item that is not considered a direct construcQon cost.
Som costs include architects’ fees, engineering fees, project manager fees, other consultant fees, legal fees,
moving costs, furniture, signage, artwork, and building permit and filing fees.
Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC): A measure of how well a window blocks heat from the sun, expressed as a
fracQon of the heat from the sun that enters the window. A lower SHGB is generally preferable, parQcularly in
hot climates.
Solar Reflectance (Albedo): A surface material’s ability to reflect sunlight on a scale of 0 to 1.
Solar Reflectance Index (SRI): A surface material’s ability to reject solar heat (between 0 and 100). A
combinaQon of both EmiSance and Reflectance. The SRI of typical new grey concrete is approximately 35 > 29
(minimum non-roof).
Technical Advisory Group (TAG): A commiSee consisQng of industry experts who assist in interpreQng credits
and developing technical improvements to the LEED Green Building RaQng System.
Thermal (Infrared) Emidance: A parameter between 0 and 1 that indicates a material’s ability to shed infrared
radiaQon (heat).
Thermal Envelope: The thermal enclosure created by the building exterior and insulaQon.
Total Suspended Solids: ParQcles that are too small to be removed from stormwater via gravity seSling.
Suspended solid concentraQons are typically removed via filtraQon.
U-Value: A measure of thermal conducQvity (omen used for windows) that is the inverse of R-value. A lower U-
value means a more energy efficient window. It is also known as a U-factor.
Vehicle Miles Travelled: A measure of the transportaQon demand that esQmates the travel miles associated
with a project, most omen for single-passenger cars.
VolaSle Organic Compound (VOC): A carbon compound that parQcipates in atmospheric photochemical
reacQons (excluding carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, carbonic acid, metallic carbides and carbonates, and
ammonium carbonate). Such compounds vaporize (become a gas) at normal room temperatures.
WaterSense: A U.S. Environmental ProtecQon Agency (EPA) program designed to encourage water efficiency in
the United States through the use of a special label on consumer products. WaterSense is not a regulatory
program, but rather a voluntary program developed by the U.S. Environmental ProtecQon Agency through a
public process. WaterSense covers the following products/services:
• Toilets
• Bathroom sink faucets (and accessories)
• Flushing urinals
• Single family new homes
• Shower heads
• IrrigaQon professionals who have undergone training by WaterSense
Xeriscaping: A landscaping method that makes rouQne irrigaQon unnecessary through the use of drought-
tolerant plants, as well as soil amendments, such as compost and mulching, to reduce evaporaQon.
Test Taking Strategies
1. With the LEED exam, if you can’t find the correct answer(s), look for the best answer(s).
2. There’s no penalty for guessing, so make sure you don’t leave any quesQons unanswered.
3. Eliminate any incorrect answers before guessing.
4. Avoid spending too much Qme on confusing quesQons. Mark the quesQon and come back to it at the end.
5. Read each quesQon carefully, but don’t read into each quesQon. Avoid overanalyzing and/or making
unrealisQc assumpQons.
6. At the end of the test, review the summary to make sure you answered all of the quesQons.
7. Don’t eat a large meal beforehand.
8. Take breaks if needed.
LEED Exam F.A.Q.
Where do I go for informaSon on how to sign up for the exam, test taking procedures, and other general
exam informaSon?
Download the free LEED BD+C Candidate Handbook from www.usgbc.org.
What other LEED BD+C exam prep resources & pracSce exams do you recommend?
As menQoned in our introducQon, we emphasize quality over quanQty. Other than this comprehensive
GreenStep Study Guide and the GreenStep PracQce Exams, there are no other resources that we recommend.
Should I study the credit numbers (SSc2, MRc4.1, etc)?
No. You do not need to memorize the credit numbers. However, by the Qme you take the exam, you should
have studied the credits enough that you’re familiar with most of the credit numbers.
What informaSon within this study guide is relevant and important to study?
It was our intent for this study guide to be as relevant and concise as possible. As such, we recommend
thoroughly studying all of the material included in our study guide. If certain informaQon is not included, then
we do not consider it relevant becoming a LEED AP BD+C. This irrelevant informaQon includes charts and tables
in the Reference Manual that are (intenQonally) omiSed from our study guide.
Some of the credits listed in this study guide contain less informaSon than others. Why?
See above response.
Do I need to work on a LEED project in order to answer some of the quesSons?
Not necessarily. The concepts relaQng to LEED project experience are covered in the beginning secQon of this
study guide.
When and where is the exam offered?
The exam is offered year round through a third-party exam administering firm called Prometric. When you
begin the exam applicaQon process you will be directed to select the Prometric locaQon, and exam date and
Qme of your choice.
What are the conSnuing educaSon requirements for the LEED AP credenSals?
For the most up to date informaQon on ConQnuing EducaQon, please visit www.usgbc.org.
Conclusion
It is our hope that this concise and comprehensive exam preparaQon workbook has proven to be both
worthwhile and effecQve. In an effort to conQnuously improve upon our materials, please send any comments or
feedback to the contact page on our website www.greenstepeducaQon.com. We welcome your input. Thank
you for choosing GreenStep as your study resource and best of luck on the exam!
Good luck!

GreenStep LEEDv4 BD+C Study Guide 2018

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GreenStep LEEDv4 BD+C Study Guide 2018

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LEED

V4 BUILDING DESIGN + CONSTRUCTION

How to Use this Study Guide 5

LEED AP Exam Structure 10

Background & Overview 14

Managing a LEED Project 20

LocaQon and TransportaQon 30

Energy & Atmosphere - EA 58

Materials & Resources - MR 71

Indoor Environmental Quality - EQ 84

Summary of Most Commonly Tested Standards 100

AddiQonal Terms 101

Test Taking Strategies 106

LEED Exam F.A.Q. 107

Other Free Supplemental Resources

How to Use This Study Guide

Here’s another example:

Q2. Which of the following are required on all LEED projects?

QuesSons RelaSng to Project Experience

LEED Pilot Credits LEED Online

• Approximately 5% of the quesQons involve calculaQons of varying degrees of diﬃculty. Sample

Applying for the Exam

5. Review our secQon on “Test Taking Strategies” once more.

6. Go pass the exam with conﬁdence.

READY . . . SET . . . MEMORIZE!

Strategic Goals of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)

• LocaQon and TransportaQon • Energy and Atmosphere

LEED Point AllocaSon & Impact Categories

• Cer.ﬁed: 40–49 points

The Impact Categories used to determine LEED point allocaQon include:

The LEED CerSﬁcaSon Process

Basic LEED Terminology

LEED Credit Structure

Sample reference guide page:

1. Beneﬁts & Issues to Consider 8. Examples

LEED RaSng Systems

Examples of LEED raQng systems:

• LEED for New ConstrucQon • LEED for Retail: Commercial Interiors

LEED for New ConstrucSon (LEED NC)

Applies to the following:

• New Commercial Buildings including:

LEED for Core & Shell

LEED for Schools

1. It must be in a permanent locaQon on exisQng land.

LEED Site Boundary - AddiSonal Guidance

Integrated Project Delivery

3 Main Phases of the IntegraQve Process

Registering a LEED Project

• $1,200 for members

• $1,500 for non-members

Other Costs (to be explained in more detail later on)

• $220 for Credit InterpretaQon Requests

• $500 for Credit Appeals (amer the ﬁnal review)

RELATED KEY TERMS:

Managing LEED Online

Credit InterpretaSon Requests (CIRs)

• Each Credit InterpretaQon Request costs $220

• Published online: LEED InterpretaQons are published in a searchable database on www.usgbc.org.

• Subject to consensus-based review: LEED InterpretaQons undergo review by USGBC member-selected

LEED Pilot Credit Library

NOTE: Projects may earn up to 4 InnovaQon points through Pilot Credits.

Submigng a Project for Review

Design Review vs ConstrucSon Review

RevocaSon of LEED CerSﬁcaSon