Discover the crucial first step for incorporating green building strategies in a commercial renovation project. Learn how setting project goals lays the foundation for a successful LEED-certified building renovation, as covered in the USGBC LEED Green Associate certification exam.
Table of Contents
Question
The Interior space of a six-story commercial building is being completely renovated. Which of the following actions should the design team conduct first in order to incorporate green building strategies?
A. Set project goals
B. Identify improvement opportunities
C. Benchmark performance of existing building
D. Measure performance and undergo third party verification
Answer
To incorporate green building strategies in the complete renovation of a six-story commercial building, the design team should first set project goals (Option A).
Explanation
Setting project goals is the action that the design team should conduct first in order to incorporate green building strategies in a six-story commercial building renovation project. Setting project goals is an important step in the integrative process that defines the vision and expectations for the project’s sustainability performance and guides the decision-making throughout the design and construction phases.
Setting project goals involves engaging key stakeholders, such as owners, users, designers, contractors, and operators, and identifying measurable objectives, targets, and metrics for various aspects of green building, such as energy efficiency, water conservation, material selection, indoor environmental quality, site selection, and transportation access. The LEED Green Associate Candidate Handbook states that one of the steps in the integrative process is to “establish sustainability goals early in project development”].
Setting project goals is the critical initial step in any green building project, including renovations. By establishing clear objectives early on, the design team can align their efforts and make informed decisions throughout the renovation process. These goals should be based on the project’s unique context, stakeholder requirements, and the desired level of LEED certification.
Some examples of project goals include:
- Achieving a specific LEED certification level (e.g., Silver, Gold, or Platinum)
- Reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions
- Improving indoor air quality and occupant comfort
- Minimizing water usage and promoting efficient water management
- Incorporating sustainable materials and reducing construction waste
Once the project goals are set, the design team can proceed with identifying improvement opportunities (Option B) specific to the existing building and benchmarking its current performance (Option C). These steps will help the team understand the building’s baseline conditions and potential areas for enhancement in line with the established goals.
Measuring performance and undergoing third-party verification (Option D) is typically done later in the project, after implementing the green building strategies, to assess the renovation’s success in meeting the set goals and achieving the targeted LEED certification level.
In summary, setting project goals is the crucial first step for the design team to effectively incorporate green building strategies in a commercial renovation project, as it provides a clear direction and framework for the entire process.
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.