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

An ASHRAE Level 2 audit focuses on a detailed analysis of the building's energy systems and their operation against predefined sequences of operation to identify energy conservation opportunities. It includes a thorough review of building energy use and a site survey to identify potential energy-saving measures. Commissioning of an existing building, on the other hand, is a more comprehensive process that involves verifying and documenting that all of the building's systems perform interactively according to the owner's current operational needs and the building's design intent. It often includes system testing, calibration, and adjustments to ensure optimal performance.References:The distinction between an ASHRAE Level 2 audit and commissioning is detailed in the Energy and Atmosphere section of the LEED O+M Reference Guide, emphasizing the different objectives and scope of these activities.

For an office building with few visitors, the project team must survey the occupants to determine their transportation modes to comply with the Location and Transportation Credit, Alternative Transportation. This action is essential to understand and improve the transportation patterns of the regular building users.

References: The LEED v4.1 O+M guide outlines the requirements for the Alternative Transportation credit, which includes conducting surveys to gather data on the transportation habits of building occupants12.

For a mobile home, especially one built in a major city, the most appropriate LEED rating system to use would be LEED for Homes. This is because ASHRAE 90.1 and associated LEED rating systems typically exclude low-rise residential buildings, which include single-family houses, multifamily structures of three stories or fewer above grade, and manufactured houses (modular or mobile homes). Since the mobile home in question falls under the category of manufactured houses, it would be more fitting to pursue LEED for Homes certification, which is designed to cater to residential projects.References:Information derived from the ASHRAE 90.1-2013 User's Manual indicates the exclusion of low-rise residential buildings, including manufactured houses, from the standard's scope .

When the building type is not covered by the ENERGY STAR® rating tool, the energy baseline for Minimum Energy Performance can be determined using historical energy consumption data or a calibrated energy simulation. This approach allows for a tailored assessment of the building’s energy use that is specific to its actual performance.

References: The LEED v4.1 O+M reference materials provide guidance on establishing an energy baseline using historical data or energy simulation methods when ENERGY STAR® ratings are not applicable1234.

 The maximum number of points that can be achieved by exemplary performance in the Innovation Category is two. Exemplary performance credits are a part of the Innovation in Design category and are awarded for achieving double the credit requirements or the next incremental percentage threshold1. However, it’s important to note that while there are multiple strategies for earning innovation points, there are limits to how many points can be earned for each type of strategy2.

References: Understanding Innovation in Design & Exemplary Performance Credits in LEED, Guide to Exemplary Performance Credits in LEED-NC v4, I’m confused about how many points I can earn for each strategy, NC-v4.1 INc1: Innovation | LEEDuser.

In the LEED AP Operations + Maintenance rating system, the Innovation category allows projects to earn points for employing innovative strategies that demonstrate quantifiable environmental benefits beyond what is covered by the standard LEED credits. Projects can earn points in this category through innovative performance strategies, LEED Pilot Credits, or by having a LEED Accredited Professional on the team.

Exemplary performance refers to achieving performance that significantly exceeds the requirements of existing LEED credits. However, within the Innovation category, there is a limit to the number of points that can be achieved through exemplary performance. Specifically, a project can earn a maximum of two points for exemplary performance under theInnovation category. This encourages projects to explore a range of innovative strategies while also maintaining a balanced approach to sustainability across all categories.

References:The LEED v4 for Building Operations and Maintenance reference guide provides detailed information on the Innovation category, including the criteria for earning points through innovative strategies, the use of Pilot Credits, and the role of a LEED Accredited Professional. It also specifies the limit on points achievable through exemplary performance, reinforcing the comprehensive approach to sustainability encouraged by the LEED rating system.

According to the LEED v4.1 Building Operations + Maintenance Guide, for a campus project using a Group Approach to comply with the Water Efficiency Prerequisite, Building-Level Water Metering, it is necessary to meter water use for all buildings aggregately with a single meter and also meter outdoor water use for the associated grounds1.

References: LEED v4.1 Building Operations + Maintenance Guide1

When documenting a LEED Pilot Credit, it is required to provide an innovation narrative. This narrative should include the intent of the proposed innovation strategy, the proposed requirements for compliance, the proposed submittals to demonstrate compliance, and the design approach or strategies used to meet the requirements. The innovation narrative is a critical element that clearly communicates the innovative aspects of the project, how they comply with LEED requirements, and the specific strategies implemented to achieve the pilot credit.References:LEED v5 O+M: Existing Buildings beta version

Buildings account for 40% of total energy use in the U.S., according to the U.S.Environmental Protection Agency1.This is consistent with the global estimate by the International Energy Agency, which states that buildings and construction sector accounted for 36% of final energy use in 20182.

References: =LEED AP O+M Exam Guide, page 305;LEED v4.1 O+M Reference Guide, page 97.

Buildings are one of the primary consumers of energy worldwide, and they account for a significant percentage of total energy use. The correct percentage is 40%, which encompasses energy used for heating, cooling, lighting, and operating buildings. This figure reflects the extensive impact that building design, construction, and operations have on energy consumption and the potential for energy savings in this sector.

References:

The figure that buildings account for 40% of total energy use is a commonly cited statistic in the field of sustainability and is mentioned in LEED training materials and documentation. It is a crucial factor that drives the Energy and Atmosphere (EA) category within the LEED rating systems, pushing for strategies that reduce energy consumption and improve building energy performance.

The Indoor Environmental Quality Prerequisite for Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance has a minimum occupancy requirement to ensure that indoor air quality (IAQ) assessments accurately reflect the conditions experienced by building occupants. This prerequisite focuses on achieving acceptable IAQ within the building by meeting or exceeding local codes or ASHRAE standards, ensuring the health and well-being of the occupants.References:The LEED O+M Reference Guide's Indoor Environmental Quality section detailsthe requirements for maintaining minimum IAQ performance, including the importance of considering occupancy levels in IAQ assessments.

Low Impact Development (LID) practices manage stormwater by using natural or man-made systems to filter and recharge stormwater into the ground12. A rain garden is an example of a LID technique for rainwater management3. It is a planted depression that allows rainwater runoff from impervious urban areas, like roofs, driveways, walkways, parking lots, and compacted lawn areas, to be absorbed. This reduces rain runoff by allowing stormwater to soak into the ground (as opposed to flowing into storm drains and surface waters which causes erosion, water pollution, flooding, and diminished groundwater).

References:

Low Impact Development (LID) Practices: A Review on Recent Developments, Challenges and Prospects | Water, Air, & Soil Pollution

Enhancing stormwater management with low impact development (LID): a review of the rain barrel, bioretention, and permeable pavement applicability in Indonesia | Water Science & Technology | IWA Publishing

Managing Rainwater with Low-Impact Development (LID) for LEED Credits