LEED-Green-Associate

The LEED Green Associate exam covers a broad range of topics related to green building. While the specific weighting of topics can change slightly from exam to exam, the main points generally revolve around these core areas:

I. LEED Rating Systems:

• Understanding the LEED framework: This includes the different LEED rating systems (Building Design and Construction, Interior Design and Construction, Building Operations and Maintenance, Homes, Neighborhood Development, etc.), their application and purpose. You need to understand the overall structure and how they work.
• Credit categories and prerequisites: Familiarity with the major credit categories within each rating system (e.g., Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy and Atmosphere, Materials and Resources, Indoor Environmental Quality, Innovation) and the purpose of prerequisites (mandatory requirements). You don't need to memorize every single credit but must comprehend their general intent and how they contribute to green building principles.
• Project phases and their relationship to LEED: Understanding the different phases of a project (design, construction, operation) and how LEED applies to each.

II. Green Building Principles & Practices:

• Sustainable Sites: Strategies for minimizing the impact on the environment, including site selection, development density, brownfield redevelopment, light pollution, and preservation of natural habitats.
• Water Efficiency: Reducing water consumption through efficient fixtures, rainwater harvesting, and greywater reuse.
• Energy and Atmosphere: Reducing energy consumption through design, efficient equipment, renewable energy sources, and operational strategies.
• Materials and Resources: Sustainable material selection, construction waste management, and material reuse and recycling.
• Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ): Improving indoor air quality, thermal comfort, daylighting, acoustics, and occupant health and wellbeing.
• Innovation: Understanding how innovative strategies contribute to environmental performance beyond the standard LEED credits.

III. LEED Process and Administration:

• LEED registration and certification process: Understanding the steps involved in registering a project for LEED certification, submitting documentation, and achieving certification.
• LEED project teams and roles: Knowing the different roles and responsibilities of professionals involved in a LEED project.
• LEED documentation and submittals: Understanding the types of documentation required to demonstrate compliance with LEED requirements.

IV. Building Science & Technology:

• While not exhaustive, a foundational understanding of building science principles underlying many LEED strategies is necessary. This includes things like:
  • Building envelope: Insulation, air sealing, windows, etc. and their impact on energy performance.
  • HVAC systems: Different types of systems and their efficiency.
  • Lighting: Types of lighting and their energy efficiency.

Key Exam Strategy: Focus on understanding the why behind the LEED requirements, not just memorizing specific credits. The exam tests your comprehension of the overall goals and principles of sustainable building. Using the LEED rating system reference guides and taking practice exams are crucial for success.