LEED-AP-O+M LEED AP Operations + Maintenance (LEED AP O+M) Questions and Answers

ASHRAE 55-2010 is the standard applicable for compliance with the Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Thermal Comfort. This standard outlines the conditions for acceptable thermal environments and is used for the design, evaluation, and operation of buildings to meet thermal comfort requirements.

References: The LEED v4.1 O+M reference guide specifies that ASHRAE 55-2010 is the standard for thermal comfort, focusing on ensuring quality thermal environments conducive to occupants’ comfort and well-being1.

Innovation credits for exemplary performance in the LEED AP Operations + Maintenance (LEED AP O+M) V4.1 are awarded for achieving the next incremental threshold12. This means that projects must exceed the highest level of performance achievable in an existing LEED credit2. The goal is to encourage and recognize efforts that go beyond the existing requirements and thresholds set by the LEED rating system12.

References:

• LEED credit library | U.S. Green Building Council
• LEED v4: Building Operations + Maintenance Guide | U.S. Green Building Council
• NC-v4.1 INc1: Innovation | LEEDuser
• Guide to Exemplary Performance Credits in LEED-NC v4

The correct answer is A because zero occupants should be entered into Portfolio Manager for the vacant office space, as stated in the LEED v4.1 O+M Reference Guide1.Portfolio Manager is an online tool that allows projects to benchmark their energy and water performance and track their greenhouse gas emissions. The number of occupants entered into Portfolio Manager should reflect the actual occupancy of the building, not the potential occupancy. The other options are incorrect because they are arbitrary numbers that do not reflect the reality of the vacant office space.

References: =

• LEED v4.1 O+M Reference Guide, page 137
• Guide to the LEED AP Operations and Maintenance (O+M) Exam, page 88
• LEED v4 AP O+M Mock Exam, page 86 =========================================

Developing the LEED Scorecard is the process of selecting the credits and options that align with the project goals and are feasible for the project team to achieve. The LEED Scorecard is a tool that helps track the progress and performance of the project against the LEED rating system requirements. Discussing the project goals is an important step in developing the LEED Scorecard, as it helps the team prioritize the credits and options that bring the most value to the project owner, environment, and community.

References: =LEED v4.1 OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE - WAP Sustainability Consulting, page 17;LEED v4: Building Operations + Maintenance Guide | U.S. Green Building Council, page 17;LEED v4.1 O+M: Existing Buildings Scorecard, page 5

For an office building with few visitors, the project team must survey the occupants to determine their transportation modes to comply with the Location and Transportation Credit, Alternative Transportation. This action is essential to understand and improve the transportation patterns of the regular building users.

References: The LEED v4.1 O+M guide outlines the requirements for the Alternative Transportation credit, which includes conducting surveys to gather data on the transportation habits of building occupants12.

This includes waste from commerce, trade, office buildings, institutions and small businesses. The other options are incorrect because they are either too high or too low compared to the actual data.

References: =

• OECD Data: Municipal waste
• Guide to the LEED AP Operations and Maintenance (O+M) Exam, page 103
• LEED v4 AP O+M Mock Exam, page 83 =========================================

Commercial and institutional buildings are significant contributors to municipal waste generation. These buildings include offices, schools, retail stores, and healthcare facilities. Waste from these buildings comprises paper, cardboard, plastics, metals, glass, and organics, among other materials. The range of 35% to 45% accounts for the diverse activities within these buildings that generate waste, from daily operational waste to periodic large-scale waste from renovations and refurbishments. Waste management strategies in these buildings, such as recycling and composting programs, can significantly impact this percentage.References:LEED Reference Guide for Building Operations and Maintenance, U.S. Green Building Council.

Legionella outbreak is a significant public health risk that must be balanced with water efficiency and chemical usage in every water treatment program. Legionella bacteria can grow in water systems, particularly in warm, stagnant water. If not properly managed, it can lead to Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia. Therefore, while striving for water efficiency and minimizing chemical usage, it’s crucial to ensure that the conditions do not favor the growth of Legionella.

References: LEED AP Operations + Maintenance (LEED AP O+M) V4.1 by usgbc.org1.

The LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance (LEED EB: O&M) rating system includes a credit category called Materials and Resources (MR). Under this category, there is a credit called “Sustainable Purchasing – Ongoing Consumables” (MR Credit 1). This credit covers product purchases for the building and areas within the site manager’s control. One of the criteria for this credit is that food and beverages must be labeled USDA Organic1. Therefore, a USDA organic food product would qualify under this credit.

References:

• LEED Requirements: Meet the Prerequisites
• Policy 8-105 Sustainability Purchasing Policy
• EBOM-v4 MRc1: Purchasing - ongoing

If a manufacturer does not specify the calibration interval for utility meters used for benchmarking building energy performance, the assessment team may specify a reasonable calibration interval not to exceed three years. This calibration ensures the accuracy and reliability of the data collected for energy performance analysis.References:LEED v5 O+M: Existing Buildings beta version

Increasing the treatment levels of potable makeup water is an allowable method to increase cooling tower cycles of concentration. This is because treating the makeup water can help control the buildup of minerals and other impurities, allowing the system to operate more cycles before requiring blowdown.

References: The LEED v4.1 O+M reference guide and other LEED resources emphasize the importance of water treatment to manage cycles of concentration in cooling towers.Proper treatment helps maintain water quality and efficiency, which is crucial for achieving higher cycles of concentration without causing scale and corrosion problems1.

An ASHRAE Level 1 walkthrough analysis is a preliminary evaluation of a building's energy systems to identify obvious energy efficiency opportunities and potential areas for improvement. This type of analysis aligns with the Energy Efficiency Best Management Practices by establishing a baseline understanding of the building's energy use and identifying simple, low-cost measures to improve energy efficiency. It does not directly relate to building-level energy metering, refrigerant management, or the minimum energy performance standards, which are more technical and specific in nature.

To meet the requirements of the Sustainable Sites Credit, Site Development - Protect or Restore Habitat, a project can protect an offsite area of land that is equal in size to the building site area. This strategy is aimed at compensating for the potential habitat loss and ecological impact caused by the development of the building site. By protecting an equivalent offsite area, the project contributes to the conservation of biodiversity and supports ecological health beyond its immediate location.

References:

• LEED AP O+M Exam Guide, page 63
• Site Development - Protect or Restore Habitat, USGBC
• Site Development - Protect or Restore Habitat, LEEDuser

The Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite, Minimum Energy Performance requires 12 months of metered energy use data after occupancy. This duration is necessary to provide a comprehensive view of the building’s energy consumption patterns throughout the different seasons of the year.

References: The LEED v4.1 O+M reference guide specifies that a full year of energy data is needed to accurately assess a building’s performance for the Minimum Energy Performance prerequisite1234.

To fulfill the Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite, Minimum Energy Performance, LEED requires a building to demonstrate energy use through 12 months of metered energy datapost-occupancy. This duration ensures that a full annual cycle is considered, accounting for seasonal variations in energy consumption. The data collected over this period provides a comprehensive overview of the building's energy performance, enabling accurate benchmarking against LEED standards and identifying opportunities for energy efficiency improvements.

References:This requirement is specified in the LEED AP Operations + Maintenance reference guide, under the section detailing the Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite, Minimum Energy Performance. The guide explains the rationale behind the 12-month period and how it contributes to a reliable assessment of the building's energy use.

This answer is correct because it matches the requirement of the Materials and Resources Credit, Purchasing - Lamps, which aims to reduce the environmental and health impacts of mercury used in lamps.The credit requires projects to purchase lamps that have a mercury content of 80 picograms per lumen hour or less for at least 90% of the total number of lamps purchased during the performance period1. The other options are incorrect because they either have a higher mercury content threshold or a higher percentage of lamps to meet the threshold.

References: =LEED v4.1 OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE - WAP Sustainability Consulting, page 40;LEED v4: Building Operations + Maintenance Guide | U.S. Green Building Council, page 40.

High efficiency urinal flush valves are a cost-effective way to improve building performance. They use less water than standard urinal flush valves, which can lead to significant savings on water bills over time1. This is a direct improvement to the building’s performance as it reduces the building’s water consumption, which is a key aspect of building performance. Other options like installing a new high-efficiency chiller or purchasing renewable energy credits might have higher upfront costs or may not directly improve the building’s performance12.

References:

• Five strategies to improve energy performance in existing buildings
• 5 Common Design Questions for Balancing Sustainability and Cost

The strategies that are eligible for reducing landscape water demand in the Water Efficiency Credit, Outdoor Water Use Reduction, include selecting plant species that require less water and improving irrigation efficiency. These measures are part of a comprehensive approach to minimize water use in landscaping.

References: The LEED v4.1 O+M reference materials highlight the importance of plant species selection and irrigation system efficiency as primary strategies for achieving outdoor water use reduction1.

Reducing landscape water demand in the Water Efficiency Credit, Outdoor Water Use Reduction, can be achieved through strategic plant species selection and improving irrigation efficiency. Choosing native or adapted plants that require less water helps reduce the demand for irrigation. Simultaneously, employing efficient irrigation technologies and practices, such as drip irrigation or smart controllers, minimizes water waste. These strategies work together to significantly lower the amount of water needed for landscaping, contributing to water conservation and sustainability goals.

References:These strategies are discussed in the LEED AP Operations + Maintenance reference guide within the section on Water Efficiency Credit, Outdoor Water Use Reduction. The guide provides best practices for selecting plant species and irrigation methods that align with LEED's objectives for reducing water use in landscapes.

Toner cartridges are considered an ongoing purchase, as they are consumable items that are regularly replaced as part of the normal operation and maintenance of the building. The other options are not ongoing purchases, as they are durable goods that are not frequently replaced or disposed of.

References: =

• LEED v4.1 O+M Guide, page 48
• Solid waste management - ongoing, U.S. Green Building Council
• Guide to the LEED AP Operations and Maintenance (O+M) Exam, page 157

The building engineer is ideally positioned to serve as the Indoor Environmental Quality Manager for implementing the Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Indoor Environmental Quality Management Program. Their expertise in building systems and operations ensures that indoor environmental quality strategies are effectively integrated into the building's daily maintenance and operation procedures, enhancing the well-being of occupants.

References:The role and responsibilities of the Indoor Environmental Quality Manager in implementing the Indoor Environmental Quality Management Program are detailed in the LEED AP Operations + Maintenance reference materials. These resources underline the importance of having a dedicated professional, like a building engineer, oversee indoor environmental quality initiatives.

The use of the EUI tool in ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager helps to create an energy use breakdown by major system types or end uses.This is because EUI is a metric that expresses a building’s energy use as a function of its size or other characteristics, which can be used to identify and categorize major energy-consuming systems or end uses within the building1.

References:

• LEED v4: Building Operations + Maintenance Guide2
• v4.1 Instructions to share data from Energy Star Portfolio Manager3
• Portfolio Manager Technical Reference: U.S.National Energy Use Intensity1

A rainwater collection system can significantly reduce or completely eliminate the use of potable water for irrigation by collecting and storing rainwater for this purpose.

References: The LEED v4.1 O+M rating system encourages the use of alternative water sources, like collected rainwater, to reduce potable water consumption for irrigation, aligning with the goal of water efficiency in sustainable site management1234.

A rainwater collection system can significantly reduce or completely eliminate the amount of potable water used for irrigation. By collecting and storing rainwater, it provides a sustainable source of water for landscape irrigation, thereby reducing the dependency on potable water sources for this purpose.

For the Sustainable Sites Credit, Light Pollution Reduction, fixtures with a minimum of 1,500 lumens must be partially or fully shielded. This requirement helps to minimize light trespass and sky glow, contributing to the reduction of light pollution.

References: The LEED v4.1 O+M reference guide specifies the need for shielding on outdoor light fixtures to control light pollution.The threshold for lumens is set to ensure that lighting is designed to conserve the night sky1.

For the Sustainable Sites Credit, Light Pollution Reduction, outdoor light fixtures that directly emit light into the night sky and have a minimum lamp lumens exceeding 1,500 must be partially or fully shielded. This requirement is aimed at reducing light pollution by ensuring that outdoor lighting fixtures are designed and installed in a manner that minimizes sky glow and light trespass, thereby preserving the natural night environment.

The intent of the Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Enhanced Refrigeration Management, is to reduce ozone depletion in alignment with the Montreal Protocol while also minimizing both direct and indirect contributions to climate change. This credit focuses on the management of refrigerants used in HVAC systems, promoting the use of substances with lower global warming potentials and better refrigerant management practices to reduce environmental impacts.

References:The LEED AP Operations + Maintenance reference materials explain the significance of the Montreal Protocol in the context of refrigerant management and its role in mitigating climate change, underscoring the dual focus of this credit on both ozone protection and climate change mitigation.

Impervious surfaces exacerbate the environmental concern of contaminated runoff harming aquatic life. These surfaces prevent rainwater from soaking into the ground, leading to increased runoff that can carry pollutants into water bodies, negatively affecting aquatic ecosystems.

References: Impervious surfaces are known to alter natural hydrology, leading to increased runoff and potential contamination of water bodies, which can harm aquatic life123.

According to the Sustainable Sites Credit, Rainwater Management, the maximum time allowed to comply with a failed inspection is 60 days. This timeframe is given to the projectteam to address and rectify any issues found during an inspection related to rainwater management strategies implemented in the project. This requirement ensures timely resolution of problems to maintain the effectiveness of rainwater management practices.

The rated life of a lamp is required information for compliance with the Materials and Resources Credit, Purchasing - Lamps. This information ensures that the lamps purchased meet the longevity and performance criteria set by LEED standards.

References: The LEED v4.1 O+M guide and related materials emphasize the importance of selecting lamps with a long rated life to reduce the frequency of replacements, thereby minimizing waste and resource use123.

In densely populated rooms, CO2 monitors must be located a minimum of 4 feet (1.2 meters) above the floor. This is to ensure that the monitors are able to accurately measurethe CO2 levels in the breathing zone of the occupants, which can help in maintaining good indoor air quality.

References: LEED v4: Building Operations + Maintenance Guide, LEED certification for existing buildings and spaces.

In rooms that are densely populated, CO2 monitors must be located a minimum of 4 feet (1.2 meters) above the floor. This placement ensures that the monitors can accurately measure the concentration of CO2 in the breathing zone of the occupants, providing reliable data that can be used to assess and control indoor air quality. Proper placement of CO2 monitors is critical for effective ventilation and for maintaining a healthy indoor environment, especially in areas with high occupancy where CO2 levels can rise quickly and impact comfort and well-being.

The Indoor Environmental Quality Prerequisite for Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance has a minimum occupancy requirement to ensure that indoor air quality (IAQ) assessments accurately reflect the conditions experienced by building occupants. This prerequisite focuses on achieving acceptable IAQ within the building by meeting or exceeding local codes or ASHRAE standards, ensuring the health and well-being of the occupants.References:The LEED O+M Reference Guide's Indoor Environmental Quality section detailsthe requirements for maintaining minimum IAQ performance, including the importance of considering occupancy levels in IAQ assessments.

In determining the number of cooling tower cycles for the Water Efficiency Credit, Cooling Tower Water Use, the parameter that dictates the number of cycles is the one with the fewest calculated cycles of concentration without exceeding the maximum allowable level for that specific parameter. This approach ensures that the cooling tower operates efficiently while also protecting the system from scaling, corrosion, and biological growth by not exceeding the concentration limits of any one parameter.

References:The methodology for calculating cooling tower cycles of concentration is detailed in the LEED AP Operations + Maintenance reference guide, specifically within the section on Water Efficiency Credit, Cooling Tower Water Use. This section explains how to calculate the cycles of concentration based on multiple water quality parameters and emphasizes the importance of not exceeding the maximum allowable levels to ensure system efficiency and longevity.

This is the correct answer because LEED v4.1 O+M requires projects to provide storage locations for at least five of the following recyclable materials: mixed paper, corrugated cardboard, glass, plastics, metals, batteries, mercury-containing lamps, and electronic waste. Option D lists five of these materials, while the other options include materials that are not required by LEED, such as paint, wood pallets, or electronics.

References:

•LEED v4.1 O+M Reference Guide, p. 1211

•LEED v4.1 O+M Guide, p. 92

For a building that shares chilled water usage with other buildings on a campus, if the chilled water consumption is only measured at the campus level, additional meters would be required to comply with the Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite for Building-Level Energy Metering. Individual metering at the building level is necessary to accurately track and manage the building's specific energy consumption, enabling targeted energy efficiency measures and compliance with LEED requirements.References:The Energy and Atmosphere section of the LEED O+M Reference Guide outlines the requirements for building-level energy metering, including the need for individual metering of significant energy uses such as chilled water in shared systems.

The development of a five-year plan under the Sustainable Sites Credit, Site Improvement Plan, contributes to the achievement of Sustainable Sites Credit, Site Management, and Water Efficiency Credit, Outdoor Water Use Reduction. This plan is designed to guide site improvements that enhance sustainability and reduce water use over time.

References: The LEED v4.1 O+M Guide provides information on the Site Improvement Plan and its role in achieving sustainability goals related to site management and water efficiency123.

The development of a five-year plan under the Sustainable Sites Credit, Site Improvement Plan, contributes significantly to the achievement of Sustainable Sites Credit, Site Management, and Water Efficiency Credit, Outdoor Water Use Reduction. This plan involves strategies for site improvement that include managing the site in a sustainable manner and reducing outdoor water use through efficient landscaping and irrigation practices. The plan's long-term perspective ensures ongoing commitment to sustainability and water efficiency, which are key components of LEED certification.

References:This approach is supported by the LEED AP Operations + Maintenance reference guide, where the importance of a comprehensive site improvement plan is discussed. The guide outlines how such a plan integrates with other LEED credits, reinforcing the interconnectedness of various sustainability strategies within the LEED framework.

Explanation: To earn the exemplary performance point for the Indoor Water Use Reduction Credit, Option 2, a project must achieve a minimum of 30% water use reduction from the baseline.

References: This requirement is detailed in the LEED v4 O+M reference materials, which specify the thresholds for achieving points under the Indoor Water Use Reduction Credit1.

The actual diversion rate is calculated by dividing the total weight of the diverted waste by the total weight of the generated waste. In this case, the project generated 2,000 lbs. ofsteel, 900 lbs. of carpet, 1,100 lbs. of wood, and 1,500 lbs. of wallboard, making a total of 5,500 lbs. of waste. The project diverted 1,800 lbs. of steel, 900 lbs. of carpet, 1,000 lbs. of wood, and 250 lbs. of wallboard, making a total of 3,950 lbs. of waste. Therefore, the actual diversion rate achieved is approximately 71.8%.

References: LEED AP O+M Exam

1.Food waste must be diverted from disposal in landfills or incineration facilities by donating, composting, or anaerobic digestion1. The other options are incorrect because they are product recycling requirements that apply to all LEED AP O+M projects, not just Schools and Hospitality.

References: =

• LEED v4.1 O+M Reference Guide, page 223
• Guide to the LEED AP Operations and Maintenance (O+M) Exam, page 105
• LEED v4 AP O+M Mock Exam, page 82 =========================================
• Within the LEED AP Operations + Maintenance rating system, particularly for Schools and Hospitality projects, there is a heightened focus on sustainable waste management practices, including the recycling of specific products. One area of particular importance for these project types is the management of food waste due to the significant volumes generated and the opportunities for diversion from landfills through composting, donation, or other sustainable waste management practices.
• Recycling requirements for batteries and lamps, electric-powered equipment, and office equipment, appliances, and audiovisual equipment are generally applicable across various project types. However, the specific emphasis on food waste recycling in Schools and Hospitality projects aligns with the operational characteristics of these facilities, where food service and preparation are integral activities. By focusing on food waste recycling, these projects can significantly reduce their environmental impact, contribute to community well-being, and often achieve operational cost savings.
• References:The LEED v4 for Building Operations and Maintenance reference guide provides a detailed overview of the Materials and Resources credit category, which includes requirements for waste management. It outlines the specific emphasis on food waste management for Schools and Hospitality projects, recognizing the unique opportunities and challenges these project types face in achieving sustainable waste management practices.

The maximum distance for food or beverage raw materials to be harvested and produced for achieving the Materials and Resources Credit, Purchasing - Ongoing, is 100 miles (160 kilometers). This distance supports local economies and reduces the environmental impacts associated with transportation.

References: The LEED AP O+M Reference Guide outlines the criteria for sustainable purchasing, including the support of local food production within 100 miles of the project site1.

For the Materials and Resources Credit, Purchasing - Ongoing, food or beverage raw materials must be harvested and produced within a maximum distance of 100 miles (160 kilometers) from the project site. This criterion supports local agriculture and reduces the environmental impacts associated with transportation, contributing to a more sustainable supply chain.

References:This distance limitation is specified in the LEED AP Operations + Maintenance reference guide, particularly in the section on sustainable purchasing practices. The guide outlines how sourcing locally not only supports local economies but also minimizes carbon emissions related to transportation.

A pilot credit in LEED is a new, innovative point of credit that is being tested for its effectiveness and applicability. When a LEED AP identifies a pilot credit that is relevant to the project, it is documented as an Innovation credit in LEED Online. This allows the project to earn points for innovative strategies that are not specifically addressed in the LEED rating system.

References: LEED v4: Building Operations + Maintenance Guide, LEED AP with specialty, Building Operations & Maintenance - Canada Green Building Council (CAGBC)

 The LEED AP with a specialty credential signifies advanced knowledge in green building and a specific LEED rating system. This credential is required for a principal participant of a project to earn one point in the innovation credit. The specialty should be appropriate for the project, indicating that the professional has the necessary expertise to contribute to the LEED certification process of the project12.

References:

• LEED AP with specialty | U.S. Green Building Council
• LEED O+M Certification & Credentials | Existing Buildings | GBES

Earning an innovation credit in LEED requires demonstrating exceptional performance or innovative strategies. Having a principal participant who is a LEED AP with a specialty appropriate for the project shows advanced knowledge in green building practices tailored to the project's specific needs, contributing to innovative approaches and sustainability goals. This credential demonstrates the individual's commitment and expertise in LEED and sustainable building practices, aligning with the innovation credit's intent.References:The innovation credit's criteria are detailed in the LEED O+M Reference Guide, which emphasizes the value of specialized knowledge in advancing sustainability goals and innovative practices within the LEED framework.

Soil testing is an operational element that needs to be tracked only once during the performance period to meet the Sustainable Sites, Site Management Credit. This is because soil testing provides a snapshot of the soil’s condition, which is unlikely to change significantly over short periods.

References: The LEED v4.1 O+M guide indicates that certain site management practices, such as soil testing, do not require continuous monitoring but should be documented at least once during the performance period to ensure compliance with the credit requirements1.

Evapotranspiration data is used in the calculation of landscape water requirements, which is a key component of the Outdoor Water Use Reduction credit under the LEED AP Operations + Maintenance (LEED AP O+M) V4.1. This credit encourages strategies that reduce outdoor water use, and using evapotranspiration data can help to more accurately estimate the water needs of the landscape, thereby reducing unnecessary water use1.

References: LEED v4: Building Operations + Maintenance Guide

The WaterSense label, or a local equivalent, is required for all newly installed fittings and fixtures that are eligible for the label, as per the LEED v4 update. This label ensures that the fixtures used in a LEED building meet both water efficiency and high performance testing standards1. The WaterSense label is backed by independent, third-party certification and products bearing this label are verified to perform as well or better than their less efficient counterparts2. They are also certified to use at least 20 percent less water3.

References:

• The WaterSense Label | US EPA
• About WaterSense | US EPA
• LEED Qualification Guide | Sloan

The Optimize Energy Performance Credit under LEED AP O+M v4.1 allows ENERGY STAR® eligible buildings to earn between 1-20 points. The number of points awarded depends on the building’s ENERGY STAR® rating, which reflects its energy performance relative to similar buildings nationwide.

References: The LEED v4.1 O+M reference guide provides details on the Optimize Energy Performance Credit, including the point system based on the ENERGY STAR® rating1.

The Owner Project Requirements (OPR) is a document that details the ideas, concepts, and criteria determined by the owner to be important to the success of the project. It typically includes key functional and operational parameters such as occupied hours of a building, use by space type, required temperature settings, and lighting levels. The OPR is used as a guiding document throughout the design and construction process to ensure that the team is aligned with the owner’s vision and goals.

References: LEED v4: Building Operations + Maintenance Guide, Functional / Operational | WBDG - Whole Building Design Guide, Facilities Operations & Maintenance - An Overview - WBDG

The Owner Project Requirements (OPR) is a critical document that outlines the functional and operational objectives of a project, reflecting the owner's needs and expectations. This document serves as a foundation for the design team to develop the Basis of Design (BOD) and guides the project through its lifecycle, ensuring that the owner's operational needs, such as occupied hours, use by space type, required temperature settings, and lighting levels, are met. The OPR typically includes information on building occupancy schedules, space usage types, environmental conditions like temperature and lighting requirements, and other owner-driven criteria essential for the building's design and operation. By clearly defining these parameters upfront, the OPR ensures that the project team has a clear understanding of what is expected from the building's performance, facilitating a design that aligns with the owner's vision and operational needs.

References:Based on the LEED AP documents and resources, such as the ASHRAE 90.1-2013 User Manual, which provides guidelines for determining design and operational parameters like lighting wattage for various space types (ASHRAE 90.1-2013, Section 9.1.4) .

When retail project teams administer the supply chain survey to meet the requirements of the Materials and Resources, Ongoing Purchasing and Waste Policy, one of the key topics that needs to be addressed is environmental best practices for supply chain decisions. This involves assessing suppliers' environmental policies, practices, and impacts, with the aim of promoting sustainability throughout the supply chain. This approach encourages responsible sourcing, waste reduction, and the use of environmentally friendly materials.References:The Materials and Resources section of the LEED O+M Reference Guide includes guidelines for sustainable purchasing and waste policies, emphasizing the importance of considering environmental best practices in supply chain decisions.

This answer is correct because private use refers to lavatory faucets that are not for common use and are intended for the exclusive use of specific occupants.According to the LEED v4 Indoor Water Use Reduction Calculator1, private use applies to the following types of occupants: apartment residents, motel guests, nursing home residents, and dorm residents. The other options are incorrect because they either include common use lavatory faucets (such as prisoners, hospital staff, hotel guests, and fire-station staff) or do not include lavatory faucets at all (such as hospital inpatients and hotel staff).

References: =LEED v4 Indoor Water Use Reduction Calculator;LEED v4 water efficiency credits: Do you know the new standards?;LEED QUALIFICATION GUIDE - v4 - Sloan

According to the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning National Contractors Association (SMACNA) Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Guidelines for Occupied Buildings under Construction, the Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value (MERV) as determined by ASHRAE 52.2-2007 required for renovation activities is MERV 13. This requirement is in place to ensure that the air filtration systems used during renovation activities are capable of capturing fine particles, thus reducing the risk of indoor air quality issues. MERV 13 filters are efficient at capturing particles that are 0.3 to 1.0 micrometers in size, including dust, pollen, mold spores, bacteria, and any other airborne contaminants that might be present during construction activities.References:SMACNA IAQ Guidelines for Occupied Buildings Under Construction, 2nd Edition 2007; ASHRAE Standard 52.2-2007, "Method of Testing General Ventilation Air-Cleaning Devices for Removal Efficiency by Particle Size."

In a scenario where the existing HVAC system was not designed to accommodate the required filters for Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies, Option 2, Filtration, but is otherwise efficient and operating well, replacing the existing HVAC system with an air handler that can accommodate the filters is a strategy to achieve credit. This option allows for the integration of higher efficiency filters without compromising the performance of the HVAC system.