Overview of USGBC and LEED Questions and
Correct Answers/ Latest Update / Already Graded
agent
Ans: Person (or entity) who is granted actual authority by the owner to register
the project and accept the certification agreement.
albedo
Ans: A metric to define the reflectivity of an object from darkest black to white
using a scale from 0 to 1.
certification level
Ans: A LEED designation based on point thresholds met, such as LEED®
Certified™, LEED Silver®, LEED Gold®, and LEED Platinum®.
certification process
Ans: A hierarchy of assigned tasks completed through LEED Online.
checklist
Ans: A single-page list containing the name of the rating system adaptation and a
series of categories that pertain to the site, transportation, water, energy,
materials, indoor air, and innovation of the project.
credit
Ans: A point or range of points given depending on its credit weighting.
credit interpretation request (CIR)
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Ans: A fee-based inquiry to the USGBC as to how to implement a strategy for a
certain prerequisite or credit.
Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI)
Ans: A third-party organization that provides independent oversight of
professional credentialing and project certification programs related to green
building.
impact categories
Ans: The environmental issues that LEED projects aim to address.
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design™ (LEED®)
Ans: The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) LEED green building program is
the preeminent program for the design, construction, maintenance, and operation
of high-performance green buildings.
LEED AP®
Ans: The advanced level of LEED credentials that requires an advanced
knowledge in green building as well as expertise in a particular LEED rating
system.
LEED for Building Design and Construction (BD+C)
Ans: Buildings that are new construction or major renovation.
LEED BD+C: New Construction and Major Renovations
Ans: A LEED rating system for new buildings and major renovations.
LEED BD+C: Core and Shell Development
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