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

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 LEED, for maintaining continuous performance monitoring, the maximum length of time allowed for a gap before needing to restart the performance period is two full weeks. This requirement ensures that performance data is consistent and reliable, providing an accurate representation of the building's operational performance.

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 maximum number of points possible for the Exemplary Performance option of the Innovation Credit, Innovation in LEED AP O+M v4.1 is 2 points. This is part of the overall potential to earn up to 5 points in the Innovation category, which can include pilot credits, innovation credits, and exemplary performance credits.

References: The LEED credit library and other resources provide information on the point distribution for various credits within the LEED system, including the Innovation Credit, Innovation1.

For the Exemplary Performance option of the Innovation Credit, Innovation, the maximum number of points possible is two. This option is designed to recognize and incentivize projects that achieve performance levels significantly beyond the prerequisite standard or credit requirements in the LEED rating system.

The correct answer is A because installing an on-site photovoltaic array is a strategy that is allowed under Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Renewable Energy and Carbon Offsets, and will help a project achieve Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Optimize Energy Performance, as stated in the LEED v4.1 O+M Reference Guide1.An on-site photovoltaic array can generate renewable energy for the project and reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and energy costs1. The other options are incorrect because they either do not helpthe project achieve Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Optimize Energy Performance, or are not allowed by the credit requirements.

References: =

• LEED v4.1 O+M Reference Guide, page 145
• Guide to the LEED AP Operations and Maintenance (O+M) Exam, page 90
• LEED v4 AP O+M Mock Exam, page 87 =========================================

The Indoor Air Quality Building Education and Assessment Model (I-BEAM) is a comprehensive tool designed for use by building professionals and others interested in indoor air quality (IAQ) in commercial buildings. I-BEAM updates and expands EPA’s Building Air Quality guidance and is designed to be comprehensive state-of-the-art guidance for managing IAQ in commercial buildings1. This guidance was designed to be used by in-house staff to conduct a building investigation to identify indoor air problems and to enhance indoor air quality1.

References:

• LEED v4: Building Operations + Maintenance Guide

The Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Existing Building Commissioning - Analysis, Option 1 in LEED AP O+M V4.1 requires the commissioning of major energy-using systems1. In a district energy system that provides chilled and hot water to a building, the heat exchangers play a crucial role in transferring heat between the hot and chilled water circuits. Therefore, to meet the requirements of this credit, the heat exchangers must be commissioned to ensure they are operating efficiently and effectively1.

References: LEED AP O+M Exam, USGBC Guide, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Department of Energy.

 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.

When identifying regularly occupied spaces in a project, the LEED AP should consider the maximum number of intended occupants, whether standing or seated, in each space. This is important for ensuring consistency in floor area values across various credits, such as those related to indoor environmental quality or space utilization. The consideration of occupants helps in determining space functionality and occupancy patterns, which are critical for accurate LEED assessments.References:LEED AP Operations + Maintenance Reference Guide, Indoor Environmental Quality section.

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.

The Water Efficiency Prerequisite, Indoor Water Use Reduction, under LEED AP O+M V4.1, includes the reduction of water use in various indoor appliances. The appliances included in this prerequisite are those that contribute significantly to indoor water use. Among the options provided, residential clothes washers and dishwashers are included. These appliances use a significant amount of water and are therefore important targets for water use reduction1.

References:

• LEED v4 Indoor Water Use Reduction Calculator
• Indoor water use reduction | U.S. Green Building Council
• LEED v4 water efficiency credits: Do you know the new standards?
• LEED QUALIFICATION GUIDE - v4 - Sloan

The correct answer is D because creating a comprehensive plan for meeting the contractual commitment during a demand response event is a requirement for Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Demand Response, as stated in the LEED v4.1 O+M Reference Guide1.The plan must include the roles and responsibilities of the building staff, the communication protocols, the load reduction strategies, and the measurement and verification methods1. The other options are incorrect because they are either not required or relevant for this credit.

References: =

• LEED v4.1 O+M Reference Guide, page 151
• Guide to the LEED AP Operations and Maintenance (O+M) Exam, page 91
• LEED v4 AP O+M Mock Exam, page 88 =========================================

The use of electric-powered equipment is a sustainable management method that can be included in a project’s site management policy. It helps reduce emissions and pollution associated with gasoline-powered equipment, aligning with LEED’s environmental goals.

References: The LEED v4.1 O+M Guide and Site Management policy template provide guidance on sustainable site management practices, including the use of electric-powered equipment to minimize environmental impact123.

In developing a site management policy, one effective management method is to use electric-powered equipment instead of gasoline-powered equipment. Electric equipment typically produces fewer emissions and is quieter, contributing to a reduction in air pollution and noise pollution on the site. This practice aligns with LEED's emphasis on reducing environmental impacts and improving the quality of the site and surrounding areas.

References:The use of electric-powered equipment as a preferred management method is consistent with the guidelines provided in the LEED AP Operations + Maintenance reference materials, particularly in the context of developing sustainable site management policies. These resources advocate for practices that minimize environmental impact and enhance sustainability.

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 =========================================

This answer is correct because it matches the requirement of the Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Optimize Energy Performance, which aims to reduce the environmental and economic impacts associated with excessive energy use. The credit requires projects todemonstrate an improvement in energy performance compared to a baseline building, using one of the three options available.For buildings eligible to receive an energy performance rating using the Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager tool, the option is to achieve a rating of at least 50, which corresponds to the median energy performance of similar buildings nationwide1. The other options are incorrect because they are either higher than the minimum rating or not applicable to this option.

References: =LEED v4.1 OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE - WAP Sustainability Consulting, page 32;LEED v4: Building Operations + Maintenance Guide | U.S. Green Building Council, page 32;ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager

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

Training building operations staff on operating schedules and requirements is appropriate when implementing changes in the sequence of operation for boilers. This ensures that the staff can effectively manage the new operating sequence to match heating demand, as identified by the ASHRAE Level 2 analysis.

References: The LEED v4.1 O+M reference guide suggests that training should focus on areas directly affected by implemented changes.Since the sequence of operation for boilers has been modified, staff training should cover the new operating schedules and requirements to ensure continued implementation of the change1.

After implementing changes in the sequence of operation for boilers based on an ASHRAE Level 2 analysis, an appropriate topic for training building operations staff is operating schedules and requirements. This training ensures that staff understand and can effectively implement the new operating procedures, maintaining the improved efficiency and performance of the boilers.

For compliance with the Sustainable Sites Credit, Site Management, when submetering of the irrigation system is not available or difficult to implement for an existing building, the recommended strategy is to use automated leak detection systems, such as those that use pressure sensors. The guidance for irrigation management under the LEED for Operations and Maintenance (O+M) rating system includes monitoring irrigation systems manually or with automated systems at least every two weeks during the operating season for appropriate water usage, system times, leaks, or breaks. Automated systems, particularly those employing pressure sensors, are effective in detecting leaks and irregularities in water use,thereby contributing to efficient water management and maintenance of the irrigation system.References:LEED v5 O+M: Existing Buildings beta version

There are synergies between the Materials and Resources Prerequisite, Facility Maintenance and Renovation Policy, and the Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Indoor Air Quality Management Program. Both focus on maintaining high environmental and health standards within the building, with the former emphasizing sustainable maintenance and renovation practices, and the latter concentrating on maintaining optimal indoor air quality through proper management and practices.

References:The interconnectedness of these prerequisites and credits is discussed in the LEED AP Operations + Maintenance documentation, highlighting how sustainable maintenance and renovation practices directly contribute to better indoor air quality, thereby supporting the objectives of the Indoor Air Quality Management Program.

The Indoor Environmental Quality Prerequisite, Green Cleaning Policy, requires a plan for hazardous spill cleanup. This prerequisite focuses on reducing the exposure of building occupants and maintenance personnel to potentially hazardous chemical, biological, and particulate contaminants, which adversely affect air quality, human health, building finishes, building systems, and the environment. A well-defined spill cleanup plan is crucial for maintaining a safe and healthy indoor environment.References:LEED AP Operations + Maintenance Reference Guide, Indoor Environmental Quality section.

The environmentally preferable purchasing policy (EPP) required in the Materials and Resources Prerequisite, Ongoing Purchasing and Waste Policy, should address the criteria in the Materials and Resource Credit: Purchasing - Facility Maintenance and Renovation. This policy ensures that the purchased products and materials for facility maintenance and renovation meet established environmental criteria, contributing to sustainable procurement practices in the building.References:LEED AP Operations + Maintenance Reference Guide, Materials and Resources section.

The Simple Payback Period is the time it takes for an investment to pay for itself through savings. To calculate the Simple Payback Period, divide the initial investment by the annual savings. In this case, $1,500.00 USD divided by $500.00 equals 3. To find the exact payback period, consider the rate of return. With a 33% rate of return, the actual savings per year would be $500.00 plus 33% of $500.00, which equals $665.00. Dividing the initial investment of $1,500.00 by $665.00 gives a payback period of approximately 2.26 years, which is closest to two years.

References:

• The concept of Simple Payback Period is a fundamental financial calculation discussed in the LEED AP O+M documentation. It is part of evaluating the cost-effectiveness of energy and water efficiency improvements, particularly under the Energyand Atmosphere and Water Efficiency categories. This metric is commonly used in sustainability projects to assess the viability of efficiency upgrades.

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.

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.

This strategy meets the requirement of the Sustainable Sites Credit, Rainwater Management, which aims to reduce runoff volume and improve water quality by replicating the natural hydrology and water balance of the site, based on historical conditions and undeveloped ecosystems in the region. The credit requires projects to retain the runoff from the developed site for at least the 80th percentile of rainfall events, using low-impact development and green infrastructure practices. Minimizing impervious cover reduces the amount of runoff generated and allows more infiltration and evapotranspiration of rainwater.

References: =LEED v4.1 OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE - WAP Sustainability Consulting, page 26;Achieving SSc Rainwater Management in LEED v4.1;Rainwater Management For LEED v4.1 Projects | Green CE

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.

 The LEED Interior Design and Construction: Commercial Interiors rating system is the most appropriate for this project. This rating system is designed for tenants leasing a portion of a larger building who want to design and construct their space to high performance standards1. The tenant’s project involves fitting out a new space in an existing building, with the majority (80%) of the space being used as office space. Although there are components of retail and data center use, these do not constitute the majority of the space use. Therefore, the Commercial Interiors rating system, which is intended for office spaces and other commercial spaces, would be the most applicable.

References:

• LEED v4: Building Operations + Maintenance Guide
• LEED rating system selection guidance
• Guide to the LEED AP Operations and Maintenance (O+M) Exam

Air conditioner condensate is considered a non-potable water source that can be used for cooling towers. This is because air conditioner condensate is essentially distilled water, which is produced as a by-product of the air conditioning process. It is free from most impurities found in other water sources, making it an ideal choice for use in cooling towers. Using this source not only conserves potable water but also reduces the load on municipal water supplies.

References: LEED v4: Building Operations + Maintenance Guide1, LEED AP with specialty | U.S. Green Building Council2, LEED v4.1 Fact Sheet - BuildingGreen3, LEED v4.1 OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE - GreenCE4, Guide to the LEED AP Operations and Maintenance (O+M) Exam5.

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.

For the Location and Transportation Credit, Alternative Transportation, Option 1, all building visitors should be invited to participate in the transportation survey during the survey period. This requirement ensures that the survey data accurately reflects the transportation patterns of not only the regular building occupants but also the visitors, providing a comprehensive view of transportation choices associated with the building.References:LEED AP Operations + Maintenance Reference Guide, Location and Transportation section.

For the Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Daylight and Quality Views, Option 2. Quality Views, the scenario that contributes is having a view to the outdoors that provides a connection to the natural environment. An executive office with a view of a park meets this requirement by offering a direct line of sight to the outdoor environment, thus enhancing the occupants’ psychological and emotional well-being.

References: The LEED v4.1 O+M reference materials emphasize the importance of quality views to the outdoor environment for occupant comfort and well-being12.

In the scenario of achieving Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Daylight and Quality Views, Option 2 (Quality Views), an executive office with a view of a park contributes towards this credit. This option focuses on providing building occupants with a connection to the natural outdoor environment by means of quality views, which include views of natural settings like parks, gardens, or other scenic vistas.References:LEED AP Operations + Maintenance Reference Guide, Indoor Environmental Quality section.

LEED v4.1 O+M Reference Guide, p.1132: LEED v4 - U.S.Green Building Council(https://www.usgbc.org/guide/om) 3: What is Blowdown Loss in Cooling Towers?(https://deltacooling.com/resources/faqs/what-is-blowdown-loss-in-cooling-towers).

Cooling tower blowdown is a process used to manage water quality in cooling systems. It involves discharging a portion of the water from the system to control the concentration of dissolved solids and minerals, which accumulate due to the continuous evaporation of water. These dissolved solids can increase the water's conductivity, leading to scale formation, corrosion, and biofouling, all of which can significantly decrease the efficiency and lifespan of the cooling system. By performing blowdown, the system maintains the water quality within acceptable limits, ensuring optimal performance and energy efficiency of the cooling tower.

References:

• The need for cooling tower blowdown due to the accumulation of dissolved solids is discussed within the context of water management practices in cooling systems in the LEED AP O+M documentation. This process is crucial for maintaining system efficiency and is covered under the Water Efficiency category, emphasizing the importance of water management in achieving sustainable building operations.

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.

This answer is correct because these are the two factors that affect the heat island reduction potential of the materials. The SRI is a measure of how well a material reflects solar radiation and stays cool in the sun. The higher the SRI, the lower the surface temperature and the less heat absorbed by the material. The unbound percentage of the open-grid pavement system is the ratio of the area that is not covered by the paving material to the total area of the system. The higher the unbound percentage, the more permeable the system and the more water infiltration and evaporation, which also reduce the surface temperature. The vegetated roof system does not need to have a specific SRI value, as long as it uses native or adapted plant species that provide shade and evapotranspiration. The open-grid pavement system does not need to have a specific SRI value, as long as it has at least 50% unbound area.

References: =LEED v4.1 OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE - WAP Sustainability Consulting, page 26;SpecTopics: Heat Island Reduction Credit and LEED V4/V4.1 - Carlisle SynTec;LEED AP O+M - Heat Island Reduction - GBES

To promote both energy efficiency and thermal comfort in a building, instituting a flexible dress code that permits seasonally appropriate clothing is an effective strategy. This approach allows occupants to adjust their clothing to suit the indoor temperature, which can lead to more relaxed thermostat settings and reduced energy use for heating or cooling.References:LEED AP Operations + Maintenance Reference Guide, Indoor Environmental Quality section.

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.

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.

Demand response is a voluntary program that encourages building owners to reduce their electricity use during peak periods or shift it to off-peak times. The upgraded BAS can enable the building owner to participate in demand response programs by allowing programmable load control, which can adjust the operation of HVAC, lighting, and other systems based on the demand response signals. This can help reduce the stress on the grid, lower the electricity costs, and earn LEED points.

References:

• Part 2 of current page talks about the Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Demand Response1.
• Guide to the LEED AP Operations and Maintenance (O+M) Examby Michelle Cottrell, pages 97-98.

Projects not eligible for the ENERGY STAR rating must demonstrate an energy efficiency of at least 25% better than the national average for typical buildings of similar type based on energy source. This can be done by using the ENERGY STAR Target Finder tool or a custom approved by USGBC.

References: =LEED AP O+M Exam Guide, page 305; LEED v4.1 O+M Reference Guide, page 97.

For projects not eligible for the ENERGY STAR® rating, an alternative path to demonstrate compliance with the Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite, Minimum Energy Efficiency Performance, is to show that the building's energy efficiency is significantly higher than the baseline established for similar buildings. Demonstrating energy efficiency that is at least 25% better than the national average for comparable buildings, based on the type of energy used, provides a quantifiable metric that reflects the building's superior performance. This approach aligns with LEED's goal to encourage higher energy efficiency standards and reduce environmental impact through improved building performance.

References:

• This alternative compliance path for projects not eligible for ENERGY STAR® rating is outlined in the LEED for Building Operations and Maintenance reference guideunder the Energy and Atmosphere category. It provides a method for buildings to achieve the Minimum Energy Efficiency Performance prerequisite by exceeding the energy performance standards of similar buildings, promoting an advanced level of energy conservation in building operations as emphasized in LEED AP O+M training materials.

In the Materials and Resources (MR) section of LEED, furniture is included in credit calculations, particularly in credits related to sustainable purchasing and waste management. Furniture plays a significant role in the environmental impact of a building's interior due to its material content, durability, and potential for reuse or recycling. Including furniture in MR calculations encourages the selection of sustainable products and practices, such as purchasing reused or recycled furniture, and implementing take-back programs or recycling initiatives at the end of the furniture's life cycle.

References:This inclusion is outlined in the LEED AP Operations + Maintenance reference materials, where it details how furniture contributes to various MR credits, emphasizing the importance of sustainable purchasing decisions and waste management practices that encompass furniture.

To comply with the prerequisite, the project team must establish an ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager profile for the building and enter the required information, such as building type, size, occupancy, and energy use. The project team must also share the profile with USGBC and achieve a minimum score of 75 or demonstrate a 20% improvement in energy performance.

References:

• LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Operations and Maintenance, page 2111
• LEED AP O+M Exam Preparation Guide, page 672

The compliant value of green cleaning products and materials for LEED v4.1 O+M is calculated using the cost factor. This method allows for a consistent and monetary-based comparison of compliant products and materials.

References: The LEED v4 Green Cleaning Calculator provided by the U.S.Green Building Council is used to track and document purchases for LEED v4 O+M EQ Credits Green Cleaning - Products and Materials, which uses cost as the basis for calculations1.

 The LEED AP Operations + Maintenance (LEED AP O+M) V4.1 rewards customers who change their normal consumption patterns in response to the varying price of energy over time under the Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Demand Response. This credit encourages building owners and operators to participate in demand response programs which aim to shift the timing of energy use to off-peak periods when demand on the grid is lower. This helps to reduce the strain on the grid during peak demand periods, potentially avoiding the need for additional power plants.

References: LEED v4: Building Operations + Maintenance Guide, LEED AP with specialty, LEED certification for existing buildings and spaces, LEED AP O+M Exam, Building Operations & Maintenance - Canada Green Building Council (CAGBC)

For a mobile home, especially one built in a major city, the most appropriate LEED rating system to use would be LEED for Homes. This is because ASHRAE 90.1 and associated LEED rating systems typically exclude low-rise residential buildings, which include single-family houses, multifamily structures of three stories or fewer above grade, and manufactured houses (modular or mobile homes). Since the mobile home in question falls under the category of manufactured houses, it would be more fitting to pursue LEED for Homes certification, which is designed to cater to residential projects.References:Information derived from the ASHRAE 90.1-2013 User's Manual indicates the exclusion of low-rise residential buildings, including manufactured houses, from the standard's scope .

For the Materials and Resources Credit, Solid Waste Management - Ongoing, it is essential to accurately measure and document the amount of waste generated and diverted from landfills. This can be done by tracking the waste in terms of weight (pounds or kilograms) or volume (cubic yards or cubic meters). This method provides the most accurate accounting of waste management efforts and is a requirement for documenting performance for this credit. It allows for the calculation of diversion rates and effectiveness of waste reduction strategies.

References:

• The LEED for Building Operations and Maintenance Reference Guide details the requirements for waste tracking and documentation. This process is key to achieving the Solid Waste Management - Ongoing credit, which is aimed at reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills and incineration facilities, as emphasized in LEED AP O+M training materials.

The ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager is a tool that helps measure and track the energy and water use, waste and materials, and greenhouse gas emissions of buildings. One of its features is that it requires the calculation and input of site energy usage. This is essential for assessing the whole building energy performance and tracking changes in energy over time12.

References:

• ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager
• An Overview of Portfolio Manager - ENERGY STAR