The Heat Island effect occurs when warm temperatures are experienced in urban areas compared to adjacent rural areas because of solar energy retention on constructed surfaces. Basically, all of that black asphalt and concrete on the ground makes areas a lot warmer. This credit reduces this effect. This credit also mentions the Solar Reflectance Index […]
Sustainable Sites 6.2 – Stormwater Design – Quality Control
Quality Control Intention: Limit the disruption of natural hydrology Increase on-site filtration Manage storm water runoff Eliminate sources of contaminants Reduce impervious cover Reduce/eliminate pollution Remove pollutants from storm water runoff Stormwater Design (for reduction of impervious surface) alternative surfaces: rain gardens, vegetated swales, rainwater recycling non-structural surfaces: vegetated roofs, pervious pavement, grid pavers Implementation: […]
Sustainable Sites 6.1 – Stormwater Design – Quantity Control
Quantity Control Intention: Limit the disruption of natural hydrology Increase on-site filtration Manage storm water runoff Eliminate sources of contaminants Reduce impervious cover Reduce/eliminate pollution Remove pollutants from storm water runoff Stormwater Design (for reduction of impervious surface) alternative surfaces: rain gardens, vegetated swales, rainwater recycling non-structural surfaces: vegetated roofs, pervious pavement, grid pavers Implementation: […]
Sustainable Sites 5.2 – Site Development – Maximize Open Space
Maximize Open Space Intention: A high open space to footprint ratio Promote biodiversity Implementation: Case 1: there IS a local code for open space restriction open space should exceed local code by 25% Case 2: there is NO code (campuses or military bases) open space is to be same size as building footprint Case 3: […]
Sustainable Sites 5.1 – Site Development – Protect or Restore Habitat
Protect or Restore Habitat Intention: Conserve existing natural areas Restore damaged areas Provide habitat space Promote biodiversity Implementation: greenfield sites : protect by limiting site disturbance beyond: 40 ft. of building perimeter 25 ft. of constructed areas 15 ft. of roadways 10 ft. of walkways 15 ft. of main utility trenches & 10ft. for utilities […]
Sustainable Sites 4.4 – Alternative Transportation – Parking Capacity
Parking Capacity Intention: Reduce Pollution from auto use Reduce land development from auto use Implementation: Option 1 (non-residential): do not exceed local parking requirements in proposed parking scheme provide carpool parking (for 0.05 total parking spaces) Option 2 (non-residential): for projects that provide parking for less than 5% of FTE building occupants: provide carpool parking […]
Sustainable Sites 4.2 – Alternative Transportation – Bicycle Storage & Changing Rooms
This is the first credit that deals with FTE (Full-Time Equivalent) occupants. The definition of FTE is a sort of calculation explained here: Calculate the full-time equivalent (FTE) building occupants based on a standard 8-hour occupancy period. An 8-hour occupant has an FTE value of 1.0, while a part-time occupant has an FTE value based […]
Sustainable Sites 4.3 – Alternative Transportation – Low Emitting and Fuel Efficient Vehicles
Low Emitting & Fuel Efficient Vehicles Intention: Reduce Pollution from auto use Reduce land development from auto use Implementation: Option 1: provide low emission cars (yes, provide cars to people), with preferred parking (0.03 FTE) Option 2: provide preferred parking for low emission cars (0.05 total parking spaces) Option 3: prodive charging station and refuel […]
Sustainable Sites 4.1 – Alternative Transportation – Public Transportation Access
Many LEED credits relate to each other. Some so much that LEED has combined them into a larger category name, with subcategories that highlight the differences between them. It actually helps with studying because it neatly organizes ideas and one can easily see how these credits all relate to each other. Sustainable sites credits 4.1-4.4 […]
Sustainable Sites 3 – Brownfield Redevelopment
Tidbit: this credit happens to be one of the most expensive to implement. Thusly there are many government incentives / tax breaks to help.Intention: Rehabilitate damaged sites (environmentally contaminated sites) Reduce pressure on undeveloped land Implementation: Rebuild on a contaminated site as documented by ASTM E1903-07 or local codes. Brownfield definition by the EPA. CERCLA […]
Study Guides
My recommendations for the most helpful study guides and audio books that you can find for every LEED rating system.
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Practice Exams
There are tons of practice exams available to help you study for your LEED exam. Here are the BEST practice exams you can find that I’ve personally used and recommend to anyone.
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Continuing Education (CE) Units
This 30 hour package includes everything you need to meet the GBCI Credential Maintenance requirements for LEED APs with Specialty.
Classes
Find out where LEED exam prep classes are being held in your local area. Training courses will help you get through the exam process quickly and easily.
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About Me
Hi! My name is Pat and I’m the guy behind GreenExamAcademy.com. I graduated with a B.A. in Architecture from the University of California Berkeley, and was working in an Architecture firm for the last few years in Southern California...