Guide to the LEED AP Operations and Maintenance (O+M) Exam

Proven Strategies to Pass the LEED AP O+M Exam

Here is the ideal study guide for understanding and preparing for the LEED AP O+M exam. Written by an expert who is a LEED consultant and partner at Green Education Services a premier LEED exam preparation provider Guide to the LEED AP Operations and Maintenance (O+M) Exam engages readers by breaking down difficult concepts in sustainable design and engineering in a clearly organized, straightforward manner that helps streamline the learning process for those seeking participation in the operation and maintenance of existing buildings that implement green practices. Guide to the LEED AP Operations and Maintenance (O+M) Exam features:

A brief overview of the LEED Green Associate material included in the first portion of this LEED AP exam, along with specific O+M content

A collection of sample test questions and study tips to reinforce learned material

An accessible and stimulating approach that fosters quicker retention

A set of strategies for summarizing critical information and details more effectively

A wealth of material that includes drawings, charts, and diagrams to help understand concepts visually

A total of 128 sample flashcards that allow you to study on the go!

Covering the detailed concepts of the LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance green building rating system, this book is an all–inclusive resource for achieving successful results on the LEED AP O+M exam.

Green Education Services (greenedu.com) is a leading provider of green jobs training related to LEED, energy auditing, solar, and more for building developers, architects, engineers, interior designers, planners, commercial real estate brokers, and other construction industry professionals. A national member of USGBC and an approved AIA/CES provider, Green Education Services has helped thousands of professionals throughout the United States prepare for their credentialing exams.

Other Michelle Cottrell titles available from Wiley: Guide to the LEED Green Associate Exam, Guide to the LEED AP Building Design and Construction (BD+C) Exam, Guidebook to the LEED Certification Process: For LEED for New Construction, LEED for Core & Shell, and LEED for Commercial Interiors.

Acknowledgments ix

Introduction xi

PART I: RAMPING UP 1

CHAPTER 1 UNDERSTANDING THE CREDENTIALING PROCESS 3

The Tiers of the Credentialing Process 3

The First Tier of the Credentialing System: LEED Green Associate 3

The Second Tier of the Credentialing System: LEED Accredited Professional with Specialty 4

The Third Tier of the Credentialing System: LEED Fellow 4

The Application Process 4

Apply! 5

Register! 5

Schedule! 5

CHAPTER 2 SUSTAINABILITY AND LEED BASICS REVIEW 7

The Triple Bottom Line 8

Do Green Buildings Cost More? 9

USGBC and GBCI 10

CHAPTER 3 THE LEED FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS: OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE RATING SYSTEM 13

LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance (LEED EBOM) 13

Alterations and Additions 14

Categories of LEED 15

Prerequisites and Credits 15

Credit Weightings 17

The LEED Certifi cation Process 19

LEED–Online 20

Registration 20

Credit Submittal Templates 23

Credit Interpretation Requests and Rulings 23

Certifi cation Review 24

The EBOM Process 26

Policies 27

PART II: DIVING IN: THE STRATEGIES AND TECHNOLOGIES OF LEED EBOM 31

CHAPTER 4 SUSTAINABLE SITES 33

Site Design 34

Site Design in Relation to LEED Compliance 35

Site Management and Maintenance 46

Site Management and Maintenance in Relation to LEED Compliance 47

Transportation 49

Transportation in Relation to LEED Compliance 50

Stormwater Management 54

Stormwater Management in Relation to LEED Compliance 54

SS Study Worksheets 61

CHAPTER 5 WATER EFFICIENCY 79

Indoor Water Use 81

Indoor Water Use in Relation to LEED Compliance 82

Water Consumption Monitoring 88

Water Consumption Monitoring in Relation to LEED Compliance 88

Outdoor Water Use for Irrigation 90

Outdoor Water Use in Relation to LEED Compliance 90

Process Water 96

Process Water Use in Relation to LEED Compliance 97

WE Study Worksheets 101

CHAPTER 6 ENERGY AND ATMOSPHERE 109

Monitoring and Improving Building Energy Performance 110

Monitoring and Improving Building Energy Performance in Relation to LEED Compliance 117

Eliminating Chlorofl uorocarbons 125

Eliminating Chlorofluorocarbons in Relation to LEED Compliance 125

Renewable Energy 127

EA Study Worksheets 133

CHAPTER 7 MATERIALS AND RESOURCES 153

Facilities Alterations and Additions 155

Sustainable Purchasing 155

Sustainable Purchasing in Relation to LEED Compliance 159

Calculating Compliance for MR Credits 1, 2, and 3 162

Solid Waste Management 167

Solid Waste Management in Relation to LEED Compliance 168

MR Study Worksheets 174

CHAPTER 8 INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY 197

Indoor Air Quality Management 199

IAQ Management Strategies in Relation to LEED Compliance 200

Occupant Comfort 208

Occupant Comfort in Relation to LEED Compliance 209

Green Cleaning 215

Green Cleaning in Relation to LEED Compliance 215

EQ Study Worksheets 223

CHAPTER 9 INNOVATION IN OPERATIONS AND REGIONAL PRIORITY 255

Innovation in Operations 255

IO Credit 1: Innovation or Exemplary Performance 255

IO Credit 2: LEED Accredited Professional 258

IO Credit 3: Documenting Sustainable Building Cost 258

Regional Priority 259

IO Study Worksheets 263

PART III: STUDY TIPS AND APPENDICES 269

CHAPTER 10 STUDY TIPS 271

Preparing for the LEED AP O+M Exam: Week Eight 271

Practice Exam Approach 272

The Testing Center Environment 273

Exam Structure 273

When at the Testing Center 274

Exam Scoring 275

After the Exam 275

APPENDICES 277

A Sample LEED EBOM Scorecard 277

B Minimum Program Requirements (MPRs) for the EBOM Rating System 278

C Main Category Summaries 280

D Related Prerequisites and Credits for EBOM 282

E Exemplary Performance for LEED EBOM 284

F Referenced Standards of LEED EBOM 286

G Answers to Quiz Questions 289

H Abbreviations and Acronyms 300

I Sample Credit 304

CREDITS 305

INDEX 309

SAMPLE FLASHCARDS.

Michelle Cottrell, LEED AP, is Vice President and Director of Education at Green Education Services, where she is responsible for curriculum and course development. She is also the founding principal of Design Management Services, a LEED consulting firm that supports project teams through the certification process from design through construction. A LEED Accredited Professional, Cottrell has more than ten years of experience specializing in commercial projects as a sustainable design and LEED consultant.