Ace Your LEED-AP-ID+C Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Exam

Occupancy numbers are a critical factor in multiple LEED credits as they directly influence calculations related to the usage and efficiency of resources and amenities. For the Location and Transportation Credit, Access to Quality Transit, knowing the occupancy numbers helps in understanding the potential demand for public transit facilities. Similarly, for the Water Efficiency Credit, Indoor Water Use Reduction, occupancy numbers are essential for accurately calculating water use and setting reduction targets. Lastly, the Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Quality Views, considers the occupants' access to natural vistas, which is influenced by the number of people using the space. Consistent reporting of occupancy numbers ensures that the assessments for these credits are based on accurate and comparable data, reflecting the true usage patterns and needs of the building.References:

• LEED v4 for Building Design and Construction Reference Guide, particularly the sections on Location and Transportation Credit, Access to Quality Transit; Water Efficiency Credit, Indoor Water Use Reduction; and Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Quality Views

 To achieve the Materials and Resources Credit for Building Product Disclosure and Optimization - Material Ingredients, a product can demonstrate material ingredient optimization through the GreenScreen v1.2 Benchmark. This method involves a screening processto assess the hazards of chemicals used in products and aims to reduce the use of chemicals that are harmful to human health and the environment1.

References:

• LEED v4.1 reference guide for Interior Design and Construction, specifically the section on Building Product Disclosure and Optimization - Material Ingredients2.
• “ULTIMATE GUIDE TO LEED V4 & V4.1 MRc4 Option 2” by Green Badger, which details the requirements and strategies for achieving Material Ingredient Optimization in LEED v4.11.

In LEED, the Materials and Resources Credit, Building Product Disclosure and Optimization - Sourcing of Raw Materials, Option 2. Leadership Extraction Practices, encourages the use of materials sourced in a responsible manner. For the drywall in question, the value contributing to this credit can be calculated based on the percentages of recycled content and its proximity to the project site. The post-consumer recycled content (5% paper + 50% gypsum = 55% of the product) sourced from locations within the regional distance threshold (defined by LEED as within 100 miles or 160 kilometers) contributes to this credit. Therefore, 55% of the total materials cost, which is $10,000 USD, equates to $5,500 USD. This value represents the portion of the drywall cost that contributes to the credit, considering the leadership extraction practices for recycled content within a regional distance.References:

• LEED v4 for Building Design and Construction Reference Guide, specifically the section on Materials and Resources Credit, Building Product Disclosure and Optimization - Sourcing of Raw Materials, Option 2

The primary role of a LEED AP during the LEED certification process is to assist project team members in understanding the LEED rating system. A LEED AP possesses advanced knowledge in green building practices and expertise in a specific LEED rating system, which enables them to facilitate the project’s certification process by guiding the team through the requirements and credits of the LEED system1.

References:

• Information about the role of LEED AP can be found in the LEED professional credentials section on the U.S. Green Building Council website1.
• Additional details on the responsibilities and benefits of being a LEED AP are available in resources provided by the Green Building Certification Institute and other green building education platforms23.