LEED-AP-O-M

The LEED AP O+M (Operations & Maintenance) exam focuses on the practical application of LEED principles in existing buildings. The main points covered can be categorized broadly:

I. Integrative Strategies & Project Planning:

• Understanding the LEED O+M rating system: Knowing the different levels (Certified, Silver, Gold, Platinum), point allocation, and prerequisites.
• Pre-assessment: Conducting a thorough building assessment to identify opportunities for improvement in energy, water, waste, and other areas.
• Creating a project team: Defining roles and responsibilities, securing stakeholder buy-in, and establishing communication channels.
• Developing a Green Building Management Plan (GBMP): A cornerstone of the process, this plan outlines strategies for implementing and maintaining green building practices.

II. Optimizing Building Operations & Maintenance:

• Energy and Atmosphere: This area constitutes a significant portion of the exam. Expect questions about:
  • Energy audits and retro-commissioning (RCx)
  • Metering and monitoring energy consumption
  • Implementing energy efficiency measures (lighting, HVAC, etc.)
  • Renewable energy sources
• Water Efficiency: Topics include:
  • Reducing water consumption through fixture upgrades and efficient irrigation
  • Water metering and monitoring
  • Water conservation strategies
• Materials and Resources:
  • Waste management and recycling programs
  • Sustainable procurement practices
  • Construction waste management
• Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ): This is another heavily weighted section, encompassing:
  • Indoor air quality management (IAQ)
  • Control of pollutants and contaminants
  • Thermal comfort strategies
  • Daylight and views
  • Acoustic performance
• Sustainable Sites: Focusing on:
  • Reduced heat island effect
  • Stormwater management
  • Transportation considerations (alternative transportation options, reduced vehicle trips)

III. LEED AP O+M Specific Knowledge:

• Understanding the differences between LEED New Construction and LEED O+M: While many principles overlap, there are significant differences in implementation and focus.
• Performance-based credits: Many LEED O+M credits require demonstrating measurable improvements in building performance over a baseline. Understanding how to track and verify this is crucial.
• Documentation and reporting: Thorough documentation of implemented strategies and performance is essential for LEED certification.

IV. Understanding the Context:

• Local regulations and codes: Knowing how local regulations affect LEED implementation.
• Building systems and technologies: A general understanding of building systems (HVAC, plumbing, electrical) is crucial to understand how different strategies are implemented.
• Life-cycle costing: Understanding the long-term cost benefits of implementing green building strategies.

In summary, the LEED AP O+M exam tests your practical knowledge of how to improve the environmental performance of existing buildings through sustainable operations and maintenance. It's less about the theoretical principles and more about applying them effectively in real-world scenarios. Make sure to thoroughly review the LEED O+M rating system and practice with sample questions and case studies.