1 | Page
Overview of USGBC and LEED Principles
Questions and Correct Answers/ Latest Update /
Already Graded
USGBC
Ans: A nonprofit organization made up of member organizations, chapters, and
credentialed professionals that was formed to promote sustainability within the
built environment.
LEED
Ans: Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, the world's most widely
used green building rating system.
Impervious
Ans: Water is unable to penetrate this surface, like asphalt, concrete & metal.
Bioswale
Ans: Landscape feature similar to rain gardens that collect polluted storm water
runoff, soak it into the ground, and filter out pollution.
Renewable Energy
Ans: Involves a system that generates clean electricity, like solar photovoltaic
panels that convert the sun's energy into electricity.
Photovoltaic
Ans: The production of electric current at the junction of two substances
exposed to light- 'photovoltaic cells'.
Xeriscaping
© 2025/ 2026 | ® All rights reserved
, 2 | Page
Ans: Using drought-tolerant plants, material and rocks to use less water in
landscaping.
Demand Response
Ans: Strategies that encourage electric customers to reduce their usage during
peak demand times.
Potable
Ans: Safe water to drink.
Non-potable
Ans: Water unsuitable to drink, but fine to put on your yard.
Submeter
Ans: A device that is put on irrigation systems to track water consumption and
identify leaks.
TAG
Ans: A committee formed by members of the USGBC to make consensus-
based decisions and to recommend technical solutions to rating system
development and maintenance issues, based on expertise.
LEED certification
Ans: A globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement that can be used
for all building types and phases.
LEED Green Associate exam prep resources
© 2025/ 2026 | ® All rights reserved
Overview of USGBC and LEED Principles
Questions and Correct Answers/ Latest Update /
Already Graded
USGBC
Ans: A nonprofit organization made up of member organizations, chapters, and
credentialed professionals that was formed to promote sustainability within the
built environment.
LEED
Ans: Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, the world's most widely
used green building rating system.
Impervious
Ans: Water is unable to penetrate this surface, like asphalt, concrete & metal.
Bioswale
Ans: Landscape feature similar to rain gardens that collect polluted storm water
runoff, soak it into the ground, and filter out pollution.
Renewable Energy
Ans: Involves a system that generates clean electricity, like solar photovoltaic
panels that convert the sun's energy into electricity.
Photovoltaic
Ans: The production of electric current at the junction of two substances
exposed to light- 'photovoltaic cells'.
Xeriscaping
© 2025/ 2026 | ® All rights reserved
, 2 | Page
Ans: Using drought-tolerant plants, material and rocks to use less water in
landscaping.
Demand Response
Ans: Strategies that encourage electric customers to reduce their usage during
peak demand times.
Potable
Ans: Safe water to drink.
Non-potable
Ans: Water unsuitable to drink, but fine to put on your yard.
Submeter
Ans: A device that is put on irrigation systems to track water consumption and
identify leaks.
TAG
Ans: A committee formed by members of the USGBC to make consensus-
based decisions and to recommend technical solutions to rating system
development and maintenance issues, based on expertise.
LEED certification
Ans: A globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement that can be used
for all building types and phases.
LEED Green Associate exam prep resources
© 2025/ 2026 | ® All rights reserved
