LEED Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design Exam Study Flashcard

Biophilic Design integrates natural elements into the built environment to enhance occupants' connection with nature. LEED credits may be awarded for incorporating elements such as natural light and plant life.

The Building Envelope includes the outer shell of a building, such as walls, roofs, and windows, that separates the indoor environment from the outdoor. LEED emphasizes efficient envelope design to improve energy performance.

Carbon Footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases emitted by a building or activity, typically measured in CO2 equivalents. LEED aims to reduce this footprint through energy efficiency and renewable energy use.

A Construction Indoor Air Quality Management Plan outlines procedures to maintain good air quality during construction, including managing dust and ventilation. LEED credits are awarded for implementing such plans.

Construction Waste Management involves diverting waste from landfills during the construction process through recycling, reusing, or donating materials. LEED credits are awarded for effective waste management practices.

A Green Roof is a rooftop covered with vegetation that helps with insulation, reduces stormwater runoff, and provides additional green space. LEED credits are awarded for incorporating green roofs into building design.

A High-Performance Building achieves superior performance in energy efficiency, water use, indoor environmental quality, and sustainability. LEED certification is a measure of such high performance.

Indoor Water Use Reduction aims to minimize the amount of water used within buildings by using efficient fixtures and systems. This helps conserve water resources and reduce utility costs.

A LEED AP is a professional credential that signifies expertise in the LEED rating system and a commitment to sustainable building practices. LEED APs are often involved in guiding projects through the LEED certification process.

Material Transparency involves providing clear information about the environmental impacts and contents of building materials. LEED encourages transparency to promote the use of healthier and more sustainable materials.

Post-Consumer Recycled Content refers to materials that have been recycled after consumer use. LEED credits are awarded for incorporating such materials in construction to reduce waste and environmental impact.

Renewable Energy comes from sources that are naturally replenished, such as solar, wind, or geothermal. LEED encourages the use of renewable energy to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Water-Saving Fixtures are plumbing fixtures that use less water than standard models, such as low-flow toilets and faucets. LEED credits are awarded for incorporating these fixtures to promote water conservation.

Sustainable Sites refers to strategies and practices aimed at minimizing the impact of the building on the land and ecosystem, such as managing site runoff and preserving natural habitats.

The CIR process allows project teams to seek clarification on LEED credits from the USGBC by submitting questions related to interpretation or application of the LEED criteria.

Energy Performance refers to the efficiency with which a building uses energy, measured against a baseline. LEED awards credits for exceeding baseline performance and implementing energy-saving measures.

LCA is a method for evaluating the environmental impacts of a product or building over its entire life cycle, from material extraction to disposal. In LEED, LCA helps in making informed decisions about materials and design.

The Material Red List is a list of substances that are harmful to human health and the environment. LEED encourages avoiding these materials in building design and construction.

Credit Weighting assigns different point values to LEED credits based on their importance in contributing to sustainability goals. Credits are weighted to reflect their impact on overall building performance.

This credit aims to protect or restore natural habitats by preserving green spaces or creating new ones. It helps maintain biodiversity and support ecological health around the building site.

Energy Modeling involves using computer simulations to predict a building's energy performance under various conditions. This helps in optimizing design decisions to improve energy efficiency and achieve LEED credits.

Alternative Transportation refers to methods of reducing reliance on single-occupancy vehicles, such as providing bike racks, promoting public transit, and designing for walkability. LEED credits are awarded for such measures.

Daylighting is the practice of using natural light to illuminate indoor spaces. LEED credits are awarded for optimizing daylighting to reduce reliance on artificial lighting and enhance occupant comfort.

Green Sealers are low-emission products used to protect and finish surfaces. LEED credits are awarded for using sealers that have lower environmental impacts and contribute to better indoor air quality.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions refer to gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming. LEED encourages strategies to reduce these emissions by improving energy efficiency and using renewable energy sources.

Health and Wellness focus on creating environments that promote the physical and mental well-being of occupants, including considerations for air quality, lighting, and ergonomic design. LEED credits address these aspects.

EPDs are documents that provide information on the environmental impacts of products throughout their lifecycle. LEED uses EPDs to assess and choose products with lower environmental impacts.

Green Cleaning practices involve using environmentally friendly cleaning products and methods that reduce pollutants and health hazards. These practices contribute to better indoor air quality and overall building sustainability.

Regional Materials are those extracted, harvested, or manufactured within a certain distance of the project site. LEED credits are awarded for using these materials to reduce transportation-related environmental impacts.

RECs represent proof that renewable energy has been generated. In LEED, purchasing RECs can help a project earn credits by demonstrating support for renewable energy generation.

Sustainable Design Principles involve strategies that reduce environmental impact through efficient use of resources, energy conservation, and waste reduction. These principles are core to achieving LEED certification.

Building Energy Optimization focuses on improving energy performance through strategies like efficient HVAC systems, advanced controls, and energy-saving technologies. LEED credits are awarded for optimizing energy use.

The Heat Island Effect occurs when urban areas become significantly warmer than their rural surroundings due to heat-absorbing materials. LEED mitigates this effect through reflective roofing materials and green roofs.

IEQ includes aspects such as air quality, lighting, acoustics, and thermal comfort, aiming to create a healthy and productive indoor environment for occupants.

Occupancy Monitoring involves using sensors or other technologies to track the presence of people in spaces, which can help control lighting, heating, and cooling more efficiently and reduce energy consumption.

Site Selection involves choosing a location that minimizes environmental impact, such as avoiding areas prone to flooding or valuable habitats. LEED encourages thoughtful site selection to support sustainability goals.

Sustainable Materials are those that have a reduced environmental impact, such as those that are recycled, rapidly renewable, or certified by sustainable forestry practices.

Water Efficiency focuses on reducing water usage in buildings through strategies like low-flow fixtures, drought-resistant landscaping, and water recycling systems.

Building Commissioning is a quality assurance process that ensures all building systems are designed, installed, and functioning as intended. It is important for verifying that a building meets performance criteria and LEED requirements.

Building Performance Monitoring involves tracking various building systems to ensure they operate efficiently. LEED encourages this practice to identify and address issues that impact sustainability and performance.

Energy Efficient Lighting refers to lighting systems that use less energy while providing adequate illumination. LEED recognizes such systems through credits for reducing energy consumption and improving efficiency.

Green Building Certification is a formal recognition that a building meets specific sustainability standards, such as those set by LEED. It signifies a commitment to environmental stewardship and performance.

Green Infrastructure involves using natural systems and processes to manage water, improve air quality, and enhance urban environments. LEED encourages the use of green infrastructure for its sustainability benefits.

Integrated Design is a collaborative approach to building design where all disciplines work together from the start to optimize building performance. This is crucial for achieving LEED credits effectively.

LEED for Homes is a rating system specifically designed for residential buildings, focusing on aspects like energy efficiency, water conservation, and indoor air quality, which are tailored to home environments.

Mechanical Ventilation involves using HVAC systems to provide fresh air and remove contaminants. LEED credits are awarded for designing systems that ensure adequate ventilation and improve indoor air quality.

Stormwater Management involves controlling runoff from precipitation to prevent flooding and water pollution. LEED emphasizes strategies to manage stormwater sustainably, such as permeable surfaces and retention systems.

Thermal Bridging occurs when heat flows through building materials with higher thermal conductivity, reducing insulation effectiveness. It can be minimized through proper insulation and detailing.

Thermal Comfort refers to maintaining indoor temperatures within a range that is comfortable for occupants. LEED addresses this through design strategies like efficient HVAC systems and proper insulation.

The Baseline is the reference point for energy consumption used to compare the performance of a building. It is typically defined by standard codes and guidelines against which energy savings are measured.

A Green Roof is a rooftop covered with vegetation that provides insulation, reduces stormwater runoff, and lowers urban heat island effects. LEED credits are awarded for incorporating green roofs in building design.

The Energy Star label indicates that a building or product meets energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA. In LEED, it is used as a benchmark for assessing and improving energy performance.

LEED EBOM focuses on the ongoing performance of existing buildings, addressing issues like energy and water use, indoor environmental quality, and sustainable maintenance practices.

LEED Online is a web-based platform that allows project teams to manage their LEED certification process, submit documentation, and track progress towards certification.

This credit aims to reduce heat islands by using reflective roofing materials, shade trees, and cool pavements to lower surface temperatures and mitigate urban heat effects.

This credit aims to reduce the impact of artificial light on the surrounding environment by using lighting fixtures that minimize light trespass and skyglow. It helps protect natural habitats and promote night-sky visibility.

The Sustainable Sites Credit category focuses on minimizing the environmental impact of development on ecosystems and water resources through site design and management practices.

On-Site Renewable Energy credits encourage the use of renewable energy systems installed on the building site, such as solar panels or wind turbines, to reduce dependency on non-renewable energy sources.

LEED aims to improve environmental performance by providing a framework for sustainable building practices that reduce energy consumption, water usage, and greenhouse gas emissions.

Regional Priority Credits address environmental issues that are unique to specific regions, allowing projects to earn extra points by focusing on local sustainability concerns.