Learn about using grilles, grates and mats as permanent entryway systems to reduce contaminants and earn LEED credits. Detailed explanation for the LEED Green Associate Exam.
Table of Contents
Question
Which strategy is an example of permanent entryway systems used to reduce dust, dirt and contaminants brought into a facility?
A. Providing sensors at all entrances
B. Conducting a thermal comfort survey
C. Installing outdoor air monitoring equipment
D. Placing grilles, grates or mats at all major entrances
Answer
D. Placing grilles, grates or mats at all major entrances
Explanation
Permanent entryway systems are designed to capture dirt and particulates entering the building at regularly used exterior entrances. They can be grilles, grates, mats or other materials that are at least 10 feet long in the primary direction of travel. They can improve indoor air quality, reduce maintenance costs and enhance floor appearance.
Placing grilles, grates or mats at all major building entrances is a strategy used as a permanent entryway system to reduce the amount of dust, dirt, pollen and other contaminants that get tracked into the building. As people enter the building, these systems scrape debris off shoes and capture it, preventing it from being brought inside.
This aligns with the intent of the LEED Indoor Environmental Quality credit for Indoor Air Quality Assessment, which rewards the use of permanent entryway systems as a best practice for controlling indoor air contaminants. The grilles, grates and mats should be installed on the interior and exterior of entrances that see high foot traffic.
The other options listed are not examples of permanent entryway systems:
- Providing sensors at entrances could be used for occupancy detection but does not capture contaminants
- A thermal comfort survey assesses occupant satisfaction with temperature but is unrelated to entryways
- Outdoor air monitoring measures outdoor pollution levels but does not prevent contaminants at entrances
So in summary, placing grilles, grates or floor mats at major entrances is the best example given of a permanent entryway system that helps minimize indoor contaminants and contributes to earning LEED credits. The key is that it physically captures debris at the entrance before it enters the building.
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.