LEED Indoor Environmental Quality 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: For the LEED Daylight credit, which compliance approach allows project teams to use computer simulation to predict spatial daylight autonomy?
- Illuminance-based simulation using LEED-approved software (Correct answer)
- Manual calculation using the lumen method only
- On-site measurement with a calibrated light meter only
- Architectural section drawings showing window-to-wall ratios
Correct answer: Illuminance-based simulation using LEED-approved software
LEED allows the use of computer simulation software to model spatial daylight autonomy (sDA) and annual sunlight exposure (ASE) as a compliance path for the Daylight credit.
Question 2: What is the primary intent of the LEED Quality Views credit?
- To ensure adequate artificial lighting levels in all workspaces
- To give building occupants a direct line of sight to the outdoors through vision glazing (Correct answer)
- To maximize solar heat gain through south-facing glazing
- To reduce exterior light pollution to the surrounding community
Correct answer: To give building occupants a direct line of sight to the outdoors through vision glazing
The Quality Views credit aims to give occupants a connection to the outdoor environment through direct line-of-sight views to the outdoors via vision glazing.
Question 3: Under LEED Enhanced IAQ Strategies, what is the purpose of a permanent entryway system at all public building entrances?
- To reduce air infiltration and prevent drafts
- To capture dirt, dust, and pollutants before they enter occupied spaces (Correct answer)
- To create an air curtain that blocks outdoor contaminants
- To provide a weather-protected transition zone for visitors
Correct answer: To capture dirt, dust, and pollutants before they enter occupied spaces
Permanent entryway systems such as grilles, grates, or walk-off mats capture dirt and contaminants tracked in on footwear, preventing them from spreading into occupied areas.
Question 4: The LEED Acoustic Performance credit for schools evaluates which two primary acoustic metrics in classrooms?
- Background noise levels and reverberation time (Correct answer)
- Visual comfort and glare reduction
- Thermal comfort and relative humidity
- Carbon dioxide levels and outdoor air flow rates
Correct answer: Background noise levels and reverberation time
For classrooms, LEED Acoustic Performance evaluates maximum background noise levels (in dBC or dBA) and reverberation time to ensure speech intelligibility for students.
Question 5: Which LEED Indoor Environmental Quality prerequisite requires project teams to demonstrate that mechanically ventilated spaces meet minimum outdoor air delivery rates?
- Environmental Tobacco Smoke Control
- Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance (Correct answer)
- Enhanced IAQ Strategies
- Construction IAQ Management Plan
Correct answer: Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance
The Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance prerequisite requires all mechanically ventilated spaces to meet the ventilation rates prescribed in ASHRAE 62.1.
Question 6: For air returning from occupied spaces, LEED's Enhanced IAQ Strategies credit requires air filters with a minimum efficiency rating of:
- MERV 6
- MERV 13 (Correct answer)
- MERV 8
- MERV 20
Correct answer: MERV 13
LEED Enhanced IAQ Strategies requires MERV 13 filters for air returning from occupied spaces, which captures fine particles including dust, pollen, mold spores, and some bacteria.
Question 7: The LEED Indoor Air Quality Assessment credit can be achieved through which two compliance paths?
- Flush-out or air testing (Correct answer)
- Visual inspection or occupant survey
- Commissioning or energy modeling
- Daylight simulation or thermal imaging
Correct answer: Flush-out or air testing
The IAQ Assessment credit offers two paths: a flush-out of the building with large volumes of outdoor air, or air testing to verify that contaminant concentrations meet maximum thresholds.
LEED Indoor Environmental Quality 2
For the LEED Daylight credit, which compliance approach allows project teams to use computer simulation to predict spatial daylight autonomy?