Discover the key criteria for determining local materials in the LEED Green Associate certification exam. Learn how to identify the best option for gaining credits in Materials and Resources.
Table of Contents
Question
The general contractor for a project located in a dense urban area attempts to gain a credit in Materials and Resources. Which of the following is considered a local material?
A. Quarry tile that is extracted 370 mi (595 km) away and manufactured in a city 1.600 mi (2 575 km) away
B. Stone that is harvested and processed 80 mi (128.7 km) from the project site and purchased 75 mi. (121 km) away
C. Vinyl flooring manufactured 500 mi (805 km) away but is sold at a warehouse 2 mi (3.2 km) from the project site
D. Bamboo flooring that is harvested 2.350 mi. (3 782 km) away and manufactured 200 mi. (322 km) away from the project site
Answer
When attempting to gain a credit in Materials and Resources for a LEED project located in a dense urban area, it is essential to understand the criteria for determining local materials. The correct answer to the given question is option B: Stone that is harvested and processed 80 mi (128.7 km) from the project site and purchased 75 mi. (121 km) away.
Explanation
Stone that is harvested and processed 80 mi (128.7 km) from the project site and purchased 75 mi (121 km) away is considered a local material because it meets the criteria of being extracted, harvested, recovered, or manufactured within 100 mi (160 km) of the project site. Local materialscan help reduce environmental impacts associated with transportation, such as greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and energy consumption. Local materials can also support the local economy and community. LEED projects can earn credits for using local materials under the Materials and Resources category.
According to the LEED rating system, a material is considered local if it is extracted, harvested, or recovered, as well as manufactured, within a specific distance from the project site. For LEED v4 and v4.1, the distance threshold for local materials is 100 miles (160 kilometers) from the project site.
In the given options:
A. Quarry tile is extracted within the local range (370 mi / 595 km), but it is manufactured far beyond the 100-mile (160 km) limit, making it ineligible as a local material.
B. Stone is both harvested and processed within the 100-mile (160 km) radius, meeting the criteria for a local material. The purchase location does not affect its eligibility.
C. Vinyl flooring is sold near the project site, but it is manufactured 500 mi (805 km) away, exceeding the local material distance threshold.
D. Bamboo flooring is harvested and manufactured far beyond the 100-mile (160 km) limit, disqualifying it as a local material.
In summary, to determine a local material for LEED credits, focus on the extraction, harvesting, or recovery location, as well as the manufacturing site. The material must be sourced and manufactured within 100 miles (160 kilometers) of the project site to be considered local. In this case, only option B meets these criteria.
USGBC LEED Green Associate certification exam practice question and answer (Q&A) dump with detail explanation and reference available free, helpful to pass the USGBC LEED Green Associate exam and earn USGBC LEED Green Associate certification.