Pearson LEED-AP-BD+C New Attempt

According to the LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, the document that allows a LEED AP to register a project and sign the Certification Agreement is the Owner Confirmation of Agent Authority. This form is used to validate the Certification Agreement when it is signed by someone other than the owner, such as a LEED AP. It provides proof that the owner accepts the conditions in the Certification Agreement and authorizes the LEED AP to act as the owner’s agent for the purpose of LEED project certification1. The other choices are not relevant documents for this purpose. References: LEED Certification Agreement and other legal matters1

Under LEED BD+C Sustainable Sites (SS) Credit: Joint Use of Facilities, Option 1, a project can earn points by making certain building spaces available to the general public.

Spaces must be accessible outside of school hours for community use.

Auditoriums, gymnasiums, and meeting rooms are commonly shared spaces that support community engagement.

Locker rooms (Option A) and health clinics (Option C) may be restricted to specific users.

The principal's office (Option B) is a private administrative space, not suitable for public use.

An auditorium qualifies as a shared-use space that aligns with LEED requirements.

(Source: Official LEED BD+C Reference Manual)

Using economizer strategies (A) can offset the additional energy required to increase ventilation. Economizers allow the HVAC system to bring in cooler outdoor air when conditions permit, thus reducing mechanical cooling needs. This method aligns with LEED’s goals for energy efficiency while maintaining indoor air quality. High MERV filters (B) may increase energy usage due to airflow resistance, and reducing duct size (D) can limit airflow efficiency, counteracting ventilation improvements.

The Sustainable Sites Credit, Light Pollution Reduction aims to minimize the adverse effects of artificial lighting on the night sky, human health, and wildlife1. However, the credit does not apply to lighting that is required for safety, security, or emergency purposes2. According to the LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, lighting for theatrical performances is considered an emergency purpose and is exempt from the credit requirements3. Therefore, the LEED AP should inform the owner that the LED fixture is exempt from Sustainable Sites Credit, Light Pollution Reduction and does not need to be modified or compared to an alternative. Enclosing the performance areas would not reduce light pollution, but rather increase energy consumption and affect the outdoor experience. Calculating the return on investment over the 20-year life of the project is irrelevant to the credit and would not help achieve it.