Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) LEED-Green-Associate Syllabus Exam Questions Answers

Building Automation Systems (BAS) are essential tools for managing and optimizing the energy performance of a building. According to the LEED v4 BD+C Study Guide under EA Prerequisite: Minimum Energy Performance and EA Credit: Optimize Energy Performance, BAS are primarily used to:

“Control and monitor mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems, ensuring the building operates as designed and maintains operational efficiency over time.”

“BAS are also used to monitor energy and water use and track functional performance, identify faults, and support commissioning efforts.”

BAS continuously collect real-time data from HVAC systems, lighting, and other building services to monitor functional performance, making adjustments automatically to maintain efficiency and comfort. This supports LEED goals for reduced energy consumption, occupant comfort, and building longevity.

Options C and D (life-cycle assessments and energy simulations) are typically conducted before system implementation using design software, not by BAS. Option A (efficiencies of scale) refers more to economic/business strategy, not building automation.

Developing a construction purchasing policy is a strategy that promotes sustainable purchasing during construction. A construction purchasing policy is a document that outlines the criteria and requirements for selecting materials, products, and services that have lower environmental impacts and support human health during construction. A construction purchasing policy can address issues such as recycled content, regional materials, certified wood, low-emitting materials, rapidly renewable materials, durability, life cycle assessment, waste reduction, and indoor air quality. The other options are not strategies that promote sustainable purchasing during construction. Specifying green electronic equipment is relevant for operations purchasing, not construction purchasing. Reducing regional materials expense by 10% does not necessarily imply sustainable purchasing, as regional materials may have higher or lower environmental impacts depending on their source and transportation methods. Implementing an erosion and sedimentation plan is a strategy that protects water quality during construction, but does not address sustainable purchasing. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, page 24; USGBC, [Guide to LEED Certification: Commercial], page 12.

Commissioning (Cx) ensures that building systems meet the Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR) and function as intended. It is required under EA Prerequisite: Fundamental Commissioning.

“Commissioning verifies that the building’s energy-related systems are installed, calibrated, and perform according to the owner’s project requirements.”

— LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, EA Prerequisite: Fundamental Commissioning

The integrative process involves collaboration among all project team members, from initial planning through design and construction, to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of systems. This process allows for better coordination among disciplines, leading to more efficient use of resources, improved environmental performance, reduced project costs, and enhanced occupant satisfaction. References: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources