Pass the USGBC Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) LEED-AP-O+M Questions and answers with CertsForce

Retro-commissioning, re-commissioning, or on-going commissioning are quality assurance processes for existing buildings that aim to optimize performance and improve building operation. One of the essential goals of these processes is to identify opportunities for cost-effective reduction in energy consumption123. This involves verifying and documenting that the building and its systems and assemblies are operating efficiently and meet the current requirements of the building3.

References:

LEED v4: Building Operations + Maintenance Guide | U.S. Green Building Council

LEED v4.1 OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE - WAP Sustainability Consulting

Building Operations & Maintenance - Canada Green Building Council (CAGBC)

Guide to the LEED AP Operations and Maintenance (O+M) Exam

Technical Guidelines on Retro-commissioning

Existing Building Commissioning: Retro-commissioning and Re-commissioning with EAB

EC Re-Commissioning | NJ Green Building Manual

The Indoor Environmental Quality Credit for Thermal Comfort under the LEED AP Operations + Maintenance (LEED AP O+M) V4.1 requires continuous monitoring of certain parameters in occupied spaces. Among the options provided, air temperature and humidity are the parameters that need to be continuously monitored. These parameters are crucial in maintaining a comfortable thermal environment for building occupants.

References: LEED v4: Building Operations + Maintenance Guide, LEED AP with specialty

Demand response is a voluntary program that encourages building owners to reduce their electricity use during peak periods or shift it to off-peak times. The upgraded BAS can enable the building owner to participate in demand response programs by allowing programmable load control, which can adjust the operation of HVAC, lighting, and other systems based on the demand response signals. This can help reduce the stress on the grid, lower the electricity costs, and earn LEED points.

References:

Part 2 of current page talks about the Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Demand Response1.

Guide to the LEED AP Operations and Maintenance (O+M) Examby Michelle Cottrell, pages 97-98.

ASHRAE 55-2010 is the standard applicable for compliance with the Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Thermal Comfort. This standard outlines the conditions for acceptable thermal environments and is used for the design, evaluation, and operation of buildings to meet thermal comfort requirements.

References: The LEED v4.1 O+M reference guide specifies that ASHRAE 55-2010 is the standard for thermal comfort, focusing on ensuring quality thermal environments conducive to occupants’ comfort and well-being1.

The full value of the purchase can be claimed towards the credit because it meets the criteria for sustainable purchasing under LEED O+M v4.1. The produce is USDA Organic Certified and sourced from within 100 miles of the project, which qualifies for the local economy and environment category.

References: The LEED AP O+M Reference Guide provides detailed information on the requirements for the Materials and Resources Credit, Purchasing - Ongoing, including the emphasis on sustainable purchasing and supporting local economies12.

For the Materials and Resources Credit, Purchasing - Ongoing, the full value of $325.00 USD spent on USDA Organic Certified produce from a local farm (within 100 miles or 160 kilometers) can be claimed. This is because the LEED criteria for sustainable purchasing recognize and reward the procurement of local and organic food products to support sustainable agricultural practices and reduce transportation impacts. The entire amount spent on these products contributes towards the credit because it aligns with the goals of supporting local economies and reducing environmental impacts associated with long-distance food transportation.

References:The LEED AP Operations + Maintenance reference materials detail the criteria for sustainable purchasing, including the emphasis on local and organic food procurement. These guidelines specify how purchases like these contribute towards achieving the Materials and Resources Credit, Purchasing - Ongoing.

The Materials and Resources Prerequisite, Facility Maintenance and Renovations Policy under LEED AP O+M V4.1 covers the materials or products that are used in the maintenance and renovation of a facility. This includes replacement carpet tiles, which are often part of facility renovations. Other items like refrigerators and automated scrubbing machines are not typically covered under this policy as they are considered equipment rather than materials used in maintenance and renovations. Janitorial paper purchases could be covered under the policy if they are part of the facility’s maintenance operations.

References: Facility maintenance and renovation policy - U.S. Green Building Council, v4.1 MRp Facility Maintenance and Renovation Policy template, LEED v4.1 O+M MRp Facility Maintenance and Renovation Policy template, Materials strategies in LEED v4 - Built Environment Plus

The strategies that are eligible for reducing landscape water demand in the Water Efficiency Credit, Outdoor Water Use Reduction, include selecting plant species that require less water and improving irrigation efficiency. These measures are part of a comprehensive approach to minimize water use in landscaping.

References: The LEED v4.1 O+M reference materials highlight the importance of plant species selection and irrigation system efficiency as primary strategies for achieving outdoor water use reduction1.

Reducing landscape water demand in the Water Efficiency Credit, Outdoor Water Use Reduction, can be achieved through strategic plant species selection and improving irrigation efficiency. Choosing native or adapted plants that require less water helps reduce the demand for irrigation. Simultaneously, employing efficient irrigation technologies and practices, such as drip irrigation or smart controllers, minimizes water waste. These strategies work together to significantly lower the amount of water needed for landscaping, contributing to water conservation and sustainability goals.

References:These strategies are discussed in the LEED AP Operations + Maintenance reference guide within the section on Water Efficiency Credit, Outdoor Water Use Reduction. The guide provides best practices for selecting plant species and irrigation methods that align with LEED's objectives for reducing water use in landscapes.

An ASHRAE Level 1 walkthrough analysis is a preliminary evaluation of a building's energy systems to identify obvious energy efficiency opportunities and potential areas for improvement. This type of analysis aligns with the Energy Efficiency Best Management Practices by establishing a baseline understanding of the building's energy use and identifying simple, low-cost measures to improve energy efficiency. It does not directly relate to building-level energy metering, refrigerant management, or the minimum energy performance standards, which are more technical and specific in nature.

The correct answer is A because mulching is an environmentally friendly technology for controlling erosion, as stated in the web search results12. Mulching involves applying organic or inorganic materials on the soil surface to protect it from water and wind erosion.Mulching can also conserve soil moisture, moderate soil temperature, and enhance soil fertility2. The other options are incorrect because they either do not control erosion effectively or cause environmental harm.

References: =

Environment-Friendly Erosion and Dust Control Solutions | GRT, Environmentally friendly erosion and dust control solutions section

15 Wonderful Methods to Control Erosion | Earth Eclipse, Applying Mulches section =========================================

Mulching is an environmentally friendly technique used to control erosion by providing a protective layer on the soil surface. This layer helps to reduce the impact of raindrops on the soil, thereby decreasing the potential for soil erosion. Mulch can be made from a variety of organic materials, such as shredded bark, straw, or compost, which not only protect the soil from erosion but also add nutrients as they decompose, improve soil structure, and encourage healthy plant growth. Unlike impermeable solutions like asphalt or temporary solutions like tarpaulin, mulching integrates with the natural environment and supports sustainable land management practices.

When calculating the Water Efficiency Credit for Outdoor Water Use Reduction, the irrigation of athletic fields may be included or excluded based on the project's specific circumstances and goals. This flexibility allows projects to tailor their water efficiency strategies to their unique site conditions, uses, and priorities, ensuring that the approach to outdoor water use reduction is both practical and effective.References:The Water Efficiency section of the LEED O+M Reference Guide provides guidance on calculating outdoor water use, offering options for including or excluding certain areas like athletic fields to meet the project's needs.