LEED-AP-O+M Sample Questions Answers

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.

Soil testing is an operational element that needs to be tracked only once during the performance period to meet the Sustainable Sites, Site Management Credit. This is because soil testing provides a snapshot of the soil’s condition, which is unlikely to change significantly over short periods.

References: The LEED v4.1 O+M guide indicates that certain site management practices, such as soil testing, do not require continuous monitoring but should be documented at least once during the performance period to ensure compliance with the credit requirements1.

For the Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Daylight and Quality Views, Option 2. Quality Views, the scenario that contributes is having a view to the outdoors that provides a connection to the natural environment. An executive office with a view of a park meets this requirement by offering a direct line of sight to the outdoor environment, thus enhancing the occupants’ psychological and emotional well-being.

References: The LEED v4.1 O+M reference materials emphasize the importance of quality views to the outdoor environment for occupant comfort and well-being12.

In the scenario of achieving Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Daylight and Quality Views, Option 2 (Quality Views), an executive office with a view of a park contributes towards this credit. This option focuses on providing building occupants with a connection to the natural outdoor environment by means of quality views, which include views of natural settings like parks, gardens, or other scenic vistas.References:LEED AP Operations + Maintenance Reference Guide, Indoor Environmental Quality section.

The correct answer is B because the transportation surveys must be distributed across all tenants proportionately, according to their populations, as stated in the LEED v4.1 O+M Reference Guide1. This ensures that the survey results are representative of the actual transportation patterns of the building occupants and avoids sampling bias. The other options are incorrect because they either do not account for the population size of each tenant or are not relevant for the survey distribution.

References: =

• LEED v4.1 O+M Reference Guide, page 123
• Guide to the LEED AP Operations and Maintenance (O+M) Exam, page 83
• LEED v4 AP O+M Mock Exam, page 89 =========================================

When adding a new space within a facility to the ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager, the required information includes the space floor area and hours of operation1. The tool helps building owners and tenants measure and track energy, water use, and waste, all in a secure online environment1. It is important to note that to receive an ENERGY STAR score in Portfolio Manager, you must enter 12 full calendar months of energy data for all energy types, in addition to complete data on property use details such as hours of operation and workers2.

References:

• LEED AP Operations + Maintenance (LEED AP O+M) V4.1 by usgbc.org3
• How to Enter and Manage Tenant Spaces in ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager1
• ENERGY STAR Score2

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

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 use of products with low emissions is a strategy that reduces the impact of materials used in building operation and maintenance on indoor air quality. These products, which include paints, adhesives, furniture, and flooring, emit fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other harmful substances into the indoor environment, thereby improving indoor air quality.

References: LEED v4: Building Operations + Maintenance Guide, LEED v4 | U.S. Green Building Council, Improving Indoor Air Quality | US EPA, Sustainable O&M Practices | WBDG - Whole Building Design Guide

This answer is correct because it matches the requirement of the Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Optimize Energy Performance, which aims to reduce the environmental and economic impacts associated with excessive energy use. The credit requires projects todemonstrate an improvement in energy performance compared to a baseline building, using one of the three options available.For buildings eligible to receive an energy performance rating using the Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager tool, the option is to achieve a rating of at least 50, which corresponds to the median energy performance of similar buildings nationwide1. The other options are incorrect because they are either higher than the minimum rating or not applicable to this option.

References: =LEED v4.1 OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE - WAP Sustainability Consulting, page 32;LEED v4: Building Operations + Maintenance Guide | U.S. Green Building Council, page 32;ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager

Compressed workweeks can help reduce pollution and land development effects from automobile use. This strategy involves working longer hours on fewer days, which reduces the number of commuting trips and thus the associated pollution and land development impacts. It’s one of the alternative transportation strategies recognized by the USGBC in the LEED AP O+M rating system1.

References: LEED AP Operations + Maintenance (LEED AP O+M) V4.1 by usgbc.org2.

This strategy meets the requirement of the Sustainable Sites Credit, Rainwater Management, which aims to reduce runoff volume and improve water quality by replicating the natural hydrology and water balance of the site, based on historical conditions and undeveloped ecosystems in the region. The credit requires projects to retain the runoff from the developed site for at least the 80th percentile of rainfall events, using low-impact development and green infrastructure practices. Minimizing impervious cover reduces the amount of runoff generated and allows more infiltration and evapotranspiration of rainwater.

References: =LEED v4.1 OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE - WAP Sustainability Consulting, page 26;Achieving SSc Rainwater Management in LEED v4.1;Rainwater Management For LEED v4.1 Projects | Green CE

Offering free coffee and snacks is an acceptable method to encourage participation in a transportation survey. This approach can increase the response rate by providing a small incentive for respondents to complete the survey.

References: The LEED v4.1 O+M reference materials suggest that providing incentives can be an effective way to increase survey participation rates.While the materials do not specify the exact nature of incentives, offering refreshments like coffee and snacks is a common practice1.

Impervious surfaces exacerbate the environmental concern of contaminated runoff harming aquatic life. These surfaces prevent rainwater from soaking into the ground, leading to increased runoff that can carry pollutants into water bodies, negatively affecting aquatic ecosystems.

References: Impervious surfaces are known to alter natural hydrology, leading to increased runoff and potential contamination of water bodies, which can harm aquatic life123.

 The LEED Interior Design and Construction: Commercial Interiors rating system is the most appropriate for this project. This rating system is designed for tenants leasing a portion of a larger building who want to design and construct their space to high performance standards1. The tenant’s project involves fitting out a new space in an existing building, with the majority (80%) of the space being used as office space. Although there are components of retail and data center use, these do not constitute the majority of the space use. Therefore, the Commercial Interiors rating system, which is intended for office spaces and other commercial spaces, would be the most applicable.

References:

• LEED v4: Building Operations + Maintenance Guide
• LEED rating system selection guidance
• Guide to the LEED AP Operations and Maintenance (O+M) Exam

For compliance with the Sustainable Sites Credit, Site Management, when submetering of the irrigation system is not available or difficult to implement for an existing building, the recommended strategy is to use automated leak detection systems, such as those that use pressure sensors. The guidance for irrigation management under the LEED for Operations and Maintenance (O+M) rating system includes monitoring irrigation systems manually or with automated systems at least every two weeks during the operating season for appropriate water usage, system times, leaks, or breaks. Automated systems, particularly those employing pressure sensors, are effective in detecting leaks and irregularities in water use,thereby contributing to efficient water management and maintenance of the irrigation system.References:LEED v5 O+M: Existing Buildings beta version

For existing buildings pursuing LEED certification, the establishment period requirements include having a Site Management Policy. This policy is crucial for outlining the practices that will maintain the site sustainability over time.

References: The LEED v4.1 O+M guide and additional resources emphasize the importance of a Site Management Policy as part of the establishment period requirements to ensure ongoing sustainability and compliance with LEED standards1.

Using on-site captured rainwater and municipally treated wastewater for both flush fixtures and irrigation can be applied towards the credits for both Indoor Water Use Reduction and Outdoor Water Use Reduction in LEED. These alternative water sources contribute to the overall water efficiency of the project by reducing the reliance on potable water sources for indoor and outdoor uses.

The decision to replace Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) and Hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) refrigerants with alternative refrigerants is not straightforward and involves tradeoffs. While alternative refrigerants like HFCs were commercialized in the 1990s as a replacement for CFCs and HCFCs, they have a strong heat-trapping effect that contributes to global warming1. Therefore, while they solve one problem (ozone layer depletion), they create another (global warming). This means that while they are alternatives, they may increase energy use and greenhouse gas emissions1.

References:

• What will replace climate warming HFCs in refrigerators and air conditioners?
• HCFC and CFC phase out
• What Are HFCs, and How Are They Being Regulated?
• Freon One Shot™ C (R-422C) Refrigerant
• Refrigerant Table: Explanation and Glossary of Terms - HRAI

In the Materials and Resources (MR) section of LEED, furniture is included in credit calculations, particularly in credits related to sustainable purchasing and waste management. Furniture plays a significant role in the environmental impact of a building's interior due to its material content, durability, and potential for reuse or recycling. Including furniture in MR calculations encourages the selection of sustainable products and practices, such as purchasing reused or recycled furniture, and implementing take-back programs or recycling initiatives at the end of the furniture's life cycle.

References:This inclusion is outlined in the LEED AP Operations + Maintenance reference materials, where it details how furniture contributes to various MR credits, emphasizing the importance of sustainable purchasing decisions and waste management practices that encompass furniture.

The correct answer is A because zero occupants should be entered into Portfolio Manager for the vacant office space, as stated in the LEED v4.1 O+M Reference Guide1.Portfolio Manager is an online tool that allows projects to benchmark their energy and water performance and track their greenhouse gas emissions. The number of occupants entered into Portfolio Manager should reflect the actual occupancy of the building, not the potential occupancy. The other options are incorrect because they are arbitrary numbers that do not reflect the reality of the vacant office space.

References: =

• LEED v4.1 O+M Reference Guide, page 137
• Guide to the LEED AP Operations and Maintenance (O+M) Exam, page 88
• LEED v4 AP O+M Mock Exam, page 86 =========================================

Recommending LED lamps in an environmentally preferable purchasing policy is beneficial because LED lamps contain no mercury. Unlike some other lighting options, such as compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) which can contain mercury, LEDs offer a safer alternative in terms of toxic substances. This makes LED lamps an environmentally friendly choice, reducing the risk of mercury pollution and facilitating easier, safer disposal or recycling of lamps at the end of their life cycle.

References:The LEED AP Operations + Maintenance documentation highlights the environmental and health benefits of selecting LED lighting, including the absence of mercury, which aligns with the goals of reducing hazardous substances in building environments.

The building engineer is ideally positioned to serve as the Indoor Environmental Quality Manager for implementing the Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Indoor Environmental Quality Management Program. Their expertise in building systems and operations ensures that indoor environmental quality strategies are effectively integrated into the building's daily maintenance and operation procedures, enhancing the well-being of occupants.

References:The role and responsibilities of the Indoor Environmental Quality Manager in implementing the Indoor Environmental Quality Management Program are detailed in the LEED AP Operations + Maintenance reference materials. These resources underline the importance of having a dedicated professional, like a building engineer, oversee indoor environmental quality initiatives.

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 Sustainable Sites Credit, Site Management in LEED AP Operations + Maintenance (LEED AP O+M) V4.1 includes the requirement of instituting a policy to prevent erosion and sedimentation and restore any eroding soils. This is part of the broader strategy to manage the site in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner.

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

The maximum allowed performance period for LEED O+M re-certification is five years from the date that GBCI initially certified the building. This means that the project team must submit the re-certification application within five years of the initial certification date, or the certification will expire. The performance period is the time frame during which the project team collects and tracks data to demonstrate compliance with the LEED O+M requirements.

References:

• Maintaining certification – U.S. Green Building Council
• Getting started with your recertification - U.S. Green Building Council
• LEED Recertification Process Made Easy - Cadmus

For the Materials and Resources Credit, Solid Waste Management - Ongoing, it is essential to accurately measure and document the amount of waste generated and diverted from landfills. This can be done by tracking the waste in terms of weight (pounds or kilograms) or volume (cubic yards or cubic meters). This method provides the most accurate accounting of waste management efforts and is a requirement for documenting performance for this credit. It allows for the calculation of diversion rates and effectiveness of waste reduction strategies.

References:

• The LEED for Building Operations and Maintenance Reference Guide details the requirements for waste tracking and documentation. This process is key to achieving the Solid Waste Management - Ongoing credit, which is aimed at reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills and incineration facilities, as emphasized in LEED AP O+M training materials.

The correct answer is D because creating a comprehensive plan for meeting the contractual commitment during a demand response event is a requirement for Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Demand Response, as stated in the LEED v4.1 O+M Reference Guide1.The plan must include the roles and responsibilities of the building staff, the communication protocols, the load reduction strategies, and the measurement and verification methods1. The other options are incorrect because they are either not required or relevant for this credit.

References: =

• LEED v4.1 O+M Reference Guide, page 151
• Guide to the LEED AP Operations and Maintenance (O+M) Exam, page 91
• LEED v4 AP O+M Mock Exam, page 88 =========================================

To increase the vegetated area of an existing urban site from 4% to equal or be greater than 5%, one effective strategy is to install a vegetated roof system. This approach not only increases the site's vegetated footprint but also provides additional benefits such as improved stormwater management, increased insulation, and reduction of the urban heat island effect. A vegetated roof system can be implemented on flat or slightly sloped roofs, making it a versatile option for urban environments where ground space may be limited. By converting unused roof space into green space, the project team can meet the goal of increasing the total vegetated area of the site.References:LEED Reference Guide for Green Building Design and Construction, U.S. Green Building Council.

The view factor is the percentage of the floor area that has a direct line of sight to the perimeter vision glazing. According to the LEED Reference Guide for Building Operations and Maintenance, the view factor for the diagram below is 2, which means that 75% or more of the floor area has a direct line of sight to the perimeter vision glazing.

References: = LEED Reference Guide for Building Operations and Maintenance, v4 Edition, Indoor Environmental Quality, Daylight and Quality Views, page 5811

This answer is correct because these are the two factors that affect the heat island reduction potential of the materials. The SRI is a measure of how well a material reflects solar radiation and stays cool in the sun. The higher the SRI, the lower the surface temperature and the less heat absorbed by the material. The unbound percentage of the open-grid pavement system is the ratio of the area that is not covered by the paving material to the total area of the system. The higher the unbound percentage, the more permeable the system and the more water infiltration and evaporation, which also reduce the surface temperature. The vegetated roof system does not need to have a specific SRI value, as long as it uses native or adapted plant species that provide shade and evapotranspiration. The open-grid pavement system does not need to have a specific SRI value, as long as it has at least 50% unbound area.

References: =LEED v4.1 OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE - WAP Sustainability Consulting, page 26;SpecTopics: Heat Island Reduction Credit and LEED V4/V4.1 - Carlisle SynTec;LEED AP O+M - Heat Island Reduction - GBES

The intent of the Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Enhanced Refrigeration Management, is to reduce ozone depletion in alignment with the Montreal Protocol while also minimizing both direct and indirect contributions to climate change. This credit focuses on the management of refrigerants used in HVAC systems, promoting the use of substances with lower global warming potentials and better refrigerant management practices to reduce environmental impacts.

References:The LEED AP Operations + Maintenance reference materials explain the significance of the Montreal Protocol in the context of refrigerant management and its role in mitigating climate change, underscoring the dual focus of this credit on both ozone protection and climate change mitigation.

An integrative approach is most important for achieving economic and environmental performance in a LEED project. This strategy involves collaboration among all stakeholders from the project’s inception through its operation, ensuring that sustainability goals are woven into every aspect of the project.

References: The integrative process is a fundamental principle of LEED, emphasizing the importance of early and continuous collaboration for sustainable design and construction.It is highlighted in the LEED v4 guidelines as a key to achieving high performance in both economic and environmental aspects1234.

The most important strategy for achieving economic and environmental performance in a LEED project is to take an integrative approach. This approach involves collaborative, multidisciplinary teamwork from the project's inception through its operation. It emphasizes the importance of considering all aspects of building design, construction, and operation holistically to achieve sustainability goals effectively and efficiently.

The maximum number of points possible for the Exemplary Performance option of the Innovation Credit, Innovation in LEED AP O+M v4.1 is 2 points. This is part of the overall potential to earn up to 5 points in the Innovation category, which can include pilot credits, innovation credits, and exemplary performance credits.

References: The LEED credit library and other resources provide information on the point distribution for various credits within the LEED system, including the Innovation Credit, Innovation1.

For the Exemplary Performance option of the Innovation Credit, Innovation, the maximum number of points possible is two. This option is designed to recognize and incentivize projects that achieve performance levels significantly beyond the prerequisite standard or credit requirements in the LEED rating system.

The use of electric-powered equipment is a sustainable management method that can be included in a project’s site management policy. It helps reduce emissions and pollution associated with gasoline-powered equipment, aligning with LEED’s environmental goals.

References: The LEED v4.1 O+M Guide and Site Management policy template provide guidance on sustainable site management practices, including the use of electric-powered equipment to minimize environmental impact123.

In developing a site management policy, one effective management method is to use electric-powered equipment instead of gasoline-powered equipment. Electric equipment typically produces fewer emissions and is quieter, contributing to a reduction in air pollution and noise pollution on the site. This practice aligns with LEED's emphasis on reducing environmental impacts and improving the quality of the site and surrounding areas.

References:The use of electric-powered equipment as a preferred management method is consistent with the guidelines provided in the LEED AP Operations + Maintenance reference materials, particularly in the context of developing sustainable site management policies. These resources advocate for practices that minimize environmental impact and enhance sustainability.

In determining the number of cooling tower cycles for the Water Efficiency Credit, Cooling Tower Water Use, the parameter that dictates the number of cycles is the one with the fewest calculated cycles of concentration without exceeding the maximum allowable level for that specific parameter. This approach ensures that the cooling tower operates efficiently while also protecting the system from scaling, corrosion, and biological growth by not exceeding the concentration limits of any one parameter.

References:The methodology for calculating cooling tower cycles of concentration is detailed in the LEED AP Operations + Maintenance reference guide, specifically within the section on Water Efficiency Credit, Cooling Tower Water Use. This section explains how to calculate the cycles of concentration based on multiple water quality parameters and emphasizes the importance of not exceeding the maximum allowable levels to ensure system efficiency and longevity.

The LEED AP Operations + Maintenance (LEED AP O+M) V4.1 guide specifies that for the Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite, Minimum Energy Performance, the allowed maximum tenant space exclusion is 10% of the gross floor area. This means that when calculating energy performance, up to 10% of the total floor area of the building can be excluded. This could be due to various reasons such as spaces being unoccupied or not in use.

References: = LEED v4: Building Operations + Maintenance Guide, LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Minimum Energy Performance Calculator - ASHRAE 90.1 - 2010, LEED v4 energy update – U.S. Green Building Council

The Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite, Minimum Energy Performance, allows for certain exclusions to accommodate diverse building types and uses. One such provision permits the exclusion of up to 10% of the gross floor area (GFA) from the energy performance calculations. This allowance is designed to provide flexibility for spaces that may not be fully occupied or operational during the performance period, such as tenant spaces undergoing renovation or spaces with atypical energy usage. By excluding a limited portion of the GFA, the prerequisite acknowledges the variability in building occupancy and use, ensuring that the energy performance assessment is both fair and representative of the building's typical operations.

References:

• The allowance for excluding up to 10% of the gross floor area from the energy performance calculations is detailed in the LEED for Building Operations and Maintenance reference guide, specifically under the Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite, Minimum Energy Performance. This guideline is part of the LEED AP O+M trainingmaterials, which emphasize the importance of accommodating diverse building uses and occupancy levels in the pursuit of sustainable building operations.

For the Materials and Resources Credit, Purchasing - Facility Maintenance and Renovations, there is no specified minimum amount of renovation or new construction work required. The project team determines what qualifies for this credit based on the scope of their project.

References: The LEED v4.1 O+M reference guide does not specify a minimum renovation requirement for this credit, allowing the project team to define the scope of work that meets the intent of the credit1.

 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.

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 LEED applicant must exclude the purchases of the other tenants from the Materials and Resources credit calculations, because they have not provided purchasing data and are not participating in the LEED project. The LEED applicant can only include the purchases that are under their control and can be verified.

References:

• LEED AP O+M Exam Guide, page 94
• LEED v4.1 O+M Reference Guide, MRc1: Purchasing, page 163

The correct answer is D because maintenance equipment is not a topic that is required to be addressed in the Site Improvement Plan for the Sustainable Sites Credit, as stated in the LEED v4.1 O+M Reference Guide1.The Site Improvement Plan must include topics such as soils, hydrology, vegetation, and site management, and describe the existing conditions, goals, strategies, and performance metrics for each topic1. The other options are incorrect because they are topics that are required to be addressed in the Site Improvement Plan.

References: =

• LEED v4.1 O+M Reference Guide, page 115
• Guide to the LEED AP Operations and Maintenance (O+M) Exam, page 80
• LEED v4 AP O+M Mock Exam, page 86 =========================================

In order to comply with the Sustainable Sites Credit, Site Improvement Plan, addressing the topics of soils, hydrology, and vegetation is essential. These elements are crucial for ensuring sustainable site management, enhancing site ecology, managing stormwater, and promoting biodiversity. However, the topic of maintenance equipment, while important for operational considerations, is not directly necessary for compliance with this specific credit. The focus of the Site Improvement Plan is on the physical and ecological aspects of the site rather than the equipment used for site maintenance.References:LEED v4 for Building Design and Construction Guide, U.S. Green BuildingCouncil.

Toner cartridges are considered an ongoing purchase, as they are consumable items that are regularly replaced as part of the normal operation and maintenance of the building. The other options are not ongoing purchases, as they are durable goods that are not frequently replaced or disposed of.

References: =

• LEED v4.1 O+M Guide, page 48
• Solid waste management - ongoing, U.S. Green Building Council
• Guide to the LEED AP Operations and Maintenance (O+M) Exam, page 157

In relation to the baseline water usage for buildings with respect to their certificate of occupancy dates, for buildings dated 1995 or later, the baseline is set at 120% of the water use that would result if all fixtures met the code requirements. This guideline is part of the LEED Operations and Maintenance Rating System's approach to evaluating water use in buildings and setting a baseline for comparison and improvement.References:LEED v5 O+M: Existing Buildings beta version

Outlet powered task lighting under the Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Interior Lighting, contributes towards compliance for individual occupant spaces. This is because task lighting allows individual occupants to control their own lighting levels, which can improve comfort and productivity.

References: LEED v4: Building Operations + Maintenance Guide1, LEED certification for existing buildings and spaces2.

According to the LEED v4: Building Operations + Maintenance Guide, for the Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Advanced Energy Metering, individual end uses that represent at least 10% of the total annual consumption of the building minus plug load use are required to be metered1.

References:

• LEED v4: Building Operations + Maintenance Guide
• LEED AP with specialty | U.S. Green Building Council
• Maintaining certification – U.S. Green Building Council
• LEED Reference Guide for Building Operations and Maintenance
• LEED AP O+M Exam Prep Courses - ZackAcademy.com

To promote both energy efficiency and thermal comfort in a building, instituting a flexible dress code that permits seasonally appropriate clothing is an effective strategy. This approach allows occupants to adjust their clothing to suit the indoor temperature, which can lead to more relaxed thermostat settings and reduced energy use for heating or cooling.References:LEED AP Operations + Maintenance Reference Guide, Indoor Environmental Quality section.