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Each question shows the correct answer and an explanation of why it is right
In which of the following common building applications are chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) found?
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are a type of compound that was widely used in the 20th century in various applications, including as a refrigerant in air conditioning systems such as centrifugal chillers. CFCs are known to deplete the ozone layer when released into the atmosphere, and their use has been phased out in many countries under the Montreal Protocol.Reference: LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook, U.S. Green Building Council resources
Where could a project be located to purchase Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs)?
Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) are tradable, non-tangible energy commodities that represent the environmental attributes of one megawatt-hour of electricity generated from renewable sources, such as wind, solar, hydro, or biomass1.RECs can be purchased by anyone, regardless of their location or utility provider, to support the development of renewable energy and reduce their carbon footprint2.RECs can also help projects earn points for the LEED v4 Innovation credit for Green Power and Carbon Offsets,which requires the purchase of at least 50% of the total building energy use from renewable sources or offsets for a minimum of five years3.
Using Renewable Energy for LEED Certification
Renewable Energy Certificates For Green Building Explained
LEED v4, Renewable Energy, and Carbon Offsets
How can inclusive design principles contribute to a LEED project's success in enhancing accessibility for all users?
Designing spaces that accommodate mobility aids is the best answer because inclusive design focuses on making the built environment usable by people with different physical abilities, ages, and needs. In a LEED project, this supports the broader sustainability goals of social equity, occupant well-being, and community quality of life. Accessible entrances, adequate turning radii, ramps, elevators, clear circulation paths, appropriate door widths, and accessible restrooms help ensure that all users can safely and comfortably use the building. Option A may support organizational equity, but it is not a building-design accessibility strategy. Option B improves energy performance and indoor comfort but does not directly address physical accessibility. Option D is incorrect because reducing accessible routes would create barriers and conflict with inclusive design principles.
Which of the following tools should be used to identify indoor environmental issues and prepare a corrective action plan to make necessary changes?
Occupant surveys are tools that can be used to identify indoor environmental issues and prepare a corrective action plan to make necessary changes. Occupant surveys are questionnaires that collect feedback from the building users about their satisfaction, comfort, health, and productivity in relation to the indoor environmental quality (IEQ) factors, such as thermal comfort, indoor air quality, lighting quality, acoustic quality, and occupant control. Occupant surveys can help to identify the sources and causes of IEQ problems, as well as the potential solutions and improvements.Occupant surveys are also required for some LEED credits, such as IEQc7.2 Thermal Comfort, Verification1, which requires a corrective action plan if more than 20% of the occupants are dissatisfied with the thermal conditions in the space2. The other options are not directly related to identifying indoor environmental issues and preparing a corrective action plan, as they involve different types of tools or metrics that are not relevant for measuring occupant satisfaction and comfort.
A new office building project is aiming for LEED certification. The project team wants to ensure that the building accommodates diverse occupant needs and promotes a healthy social environment. Which design strategy should the project team implement to fulfill universal accessibility requirements and align with LEED concepts and requirements?
Installing doors that open with a hand wave is the best answer because it supports universal accessibility by reducing physical barriers for people with different mobility, strength, or dexterity needs. LEED supports broader sustainability outcomes, including health, equity, accessibility, and quality of life. Touchless or automatic door operation can improve access for wheelchair users, people carrying materials, older adults, and users who cannot easily operate conventional handles. Fixed-height workstations are less inclusive than adjustable workstations because they do not accommodate different body types or mobility needs. Outdoor social spaces can support well-being, but they do not directly fulfill universal accessibility requirements. Reducing accessible entrances is incorrect because it creates barriers and undermines inclusive design. Accessibility should be integrated early into project planning and design.
Which industry benchmarking tool is used for measuring ongoing energy performance?
ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager is an online tool developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that allows building owners and managers to measure and track the energy and water performance of their buildings, as well as benchmark their buildings against similar buildings nationwide.The tool uses a 1-100 ENERGY STAR score to rate the energy efficiency of a building relative to its peers, where a score of 50 represents medianperformance and a score of 75 or higher indicates top performance1.Reference: LEED v4 Green Associate Candidate Handbook1, ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager
Exam domains verified against: Official US Green Building Council LEED-Green-Associate exam guide, last checked October 2026.
Covers USGBC and GBCI organizational fundamentals, LEED rating system structure and scope, and the development and certification process. Assesses knowledge of credit and impact categories, certification levels, and other rating systems.
Evaluates knowledge of the integrative process in sustainable design with emphasis on early analysis and systems thinking. Assesses the roles of project team members and the standards that support LEED.
Sample question from this domain above: Q2
Focuses on site selection emphasizing previously developed sites and high-priority areas. Covers alternative transportation options, infrastructure, design, and reducing parking footprints.
Sample question from this domain above: Q3
Covers site assessment, design, and development including pollution prevention, habitat conservation, and rainwater management. Targets professionals prioritizing sustainability in site development.
Examines outdoor and indoor water use focusing on efficient irrigation practices, low-flow fixtures, and water-efficient appliances. Includes water performance management for facility and water conservation professionals.
Assesses knowledge of building loads, energy efficiency, renewable energy practices, and energy performance management. Includes environmental concerns such as greenhouse gases and ozone depletion.
Covers material reuse, life-cycle impacts, waste management, and purchasing policies. Evaluates understanding of building product declarations and environmentally preferable purchasing practices.
Focuses on indoor air quality, lighting, sound, and occupant comfort. Tests knowledge of ventilation, tobacco smoke control, green cleaning, and acoustic design.
Assesses understanding of the environmental impacts of buildings, sustainable design values, and regional design practices. Includes the relationship between LEED and building codes.
Common questions about the exam itself
