LEED-AP-O+M LEED AP Operations + Maintenance (LEED AP O+M) Questions and Answers

The calculation used to achieve the Materials and Resources Credit, Purchasing - Ongoing, focuses on the cost of compliant furniture. This approach aligns with the intent of the credit, which is to encourage the purchase of sustainable and environmentally friendly products. By assessing the cost of compliant furniture, the credit incentivizes the selection of products that meet specific environmental criteria, thereby contributing to a more sustainable procurement practice.

According to the Sustainable Sites Credit, Rainwater Management, the maximum time allowed to comply with a failed inspection is 60 days. This timeframe is given to the projectteam to address and rectify any issues found during an inspection related to rainwater management strategies implemented in the project. This requirement ensures timely resolution of problems to maintain the effectiveness of rainwater management practices.

The correct answer is A because installing an on-site photovoltaic array is a strategy that is allowed under Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Renewable Energy and Carbon Offsets, and will help a project achieve Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Optimize Energy Performance, as stated in the LEED v4.1 O+M Reference Guide1.An on-site photovoltaic array can generate renewable energy for the project and reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and energy costs1. The other options are incorrect because they either do not helpthe project achieve Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Optimize Energy Performance, or are not allowed by the credit requirements.

References: =

• LEED v4.1 O+M Reference Guide, page 145
• Guide to the LEED AP Operations and Maintenance (O+M) Exam, page 90
• LEED v4 AP O+M Mock Exam, page 87 =========================================

Soil testing is an operational element that needs to be tracked only once during the performance period to meet the Sustainable Sites, Site Management Credit. This is because soil testing provides a snapshot of the soil’s condition, which is unlikely to change significantly over short periods.

References: The LEED v4.1 O+M guide indicates that certain site management practices, such as soil testing, do not require continuous monitoring but should be documented at least once during the performance period to ensure compliance with the credit requirements1.

Impervious surfaces exacerbate the environmental concern of contaminated runoff harming aquatic life. These surfaces prevent rainwater from soaking into the ground, leading to increased runoff that can carry pollutants into water bodies, negatively affecting aquatic ecosystems.

References: Impervious surfaces are known to alter natural hydrology, leading to increased runoff and potential contamination of water bodies, which can harm aquatic life123.

CFC-11 was phased out due to the Montreal Protocol because it is a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) that contributes to ozone depletion. The protocol aimed to phase out substances with high ozone-depleting potential (ODP).

References: The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer is a global agreement that regulates the production and consumption of nearly 100 man-made chemicals referred to as ozone-depleting substances (ODS), including CFCs1.

The Optimize Energy Performance Credit under LEED AP O+M v4.1 allows ENERGY STAR® eligible buildings to earn between 1-20 points. The number of points awarded depends on the building’s ENERGY STAR® rating, which reflects its energy performance relative to similar buildings nationwide.

References: The LEED v4.1 O+M reference guide provides details on the Optimize Energy Performance Credit, including the point system based on the ENERGY STAR® rating1.

The LEED AP O+M V4.1 requires that an Indoor Environmental Quality policy for facility maintenance and renovation activities must adhere to the control measures outlined by SMACNA. These guidelines are designed to protect the indoor environmental quality during construction and renovation projects.

References: The LEED v4.1 O+M reference guide specifies the adoption of SMACNA’s guidelines for maintaining indoor environmental quality during facility maintenance and renovations123.

The LEED AP O+M Reference Guide states that “If a meter fails during the performanceperiod, the project team must extend the performance period to obtain the required three months of data.” Therefore, the best advice is to extend the performance period to gain the full three months of weekly water meter readings.

References:

• LEED AP O+M Reference Guide, Water Efficiency Credit, Water Metering, page 114
• LEED QUALIFICATION GUIDE - v4 - Sloan, page 2
• Building-Level Water Metering and Water Metering | LEEDuser

To comply with the prerequisite, the project team must establish an ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager profile for the building and enter the required information, such as building type, size, occupancy, and energy use. The project team must also share the profile with USGBC and achieve a minimum score of 75 or demonstrate a 20% improvement in energy performance.

References:

• LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Operations and Maintenance, page 2111
• LEED AP O+M Exam Preparation Guide, page 672

Compressed workweeks can help reduce pollution and land development effects from automobile use. This strategy involves working longer hours on fewer days, which reduces the number of commuting trips and thus the associated pollution and land development impacts. It’s one of the alternative transportation strategies recognized by the USGBC in the LEED AP O+M rating system1.

References: LEED AP Operations + Maintenance (LEED AP O+M) V4.1 by usgbc.org2.

In the Materials and Resources (MR) section of LEED, furniture is included in credit calculations, particularly in credits related to sustainable purchasing and waste management. Furniture plays a significant role in the environmental impact of a building's interior due to its material content, durability, and potential for reuse or recycling. Including furniture in MR calculations encourages the selection of sustainable products and practices, such as purchasing reused or recycled furniture, and implementing take-back programs or recycling initiatives at the end of the furniture's life cycle.

References:This inclusion is outlined in the LEED AP Operations + Maintenance reference materials, where it details how furniture contributes to various MR credits, emphasizing the importance of sustainable purchasing decisions and waste management practices that encompass furniture.

Increasing the treatment levels of potable makeup water is an allowable method to increase cooling tower cycles of concentration. This is because treating the makeup water can help control the buildup of minerals and other impurities, allowing the system to operate more cycles before requiring blowdown.

References: The LEED v4.1 O+M reference guide and other LEED resources emphasize the importance of water treatment to manage cycles of concentration in cooling towers.Proper treatment helps maintain water quality and efficiency, which is crucial for achieving higher cycles of concentration without causing scale and corrosion problems1.

The Sustainable Sites Credit, Site Management in LEED AP Operations + Maintenance (LEED AP O+M) V4.1 includes the requirement of instituting a policy to prevent erosion and sedimentation and restore any eroding soils. This is part of the broader strategy to manage the site in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner.

References: LEED v4: Building Operations + Maintenance Guide, LEED AP with specialty

The LEED applicant must exclude the purchases of the other tenants from the Materials and Resources credit calculations, because they have not provided purchasing data and are not participating in the LEED project. The LEED applicant can only include the purchases that are under their control and can be verified.

References:

• LEED AP O+M Exam Guide, page 94
• LEED v4.1 O+M Reference Guide, MRc1: Purchasing, page 163

The full value of the purchase can be claimed towards the credit because it meets the criteria for sustainable purchasing under LEED O+M v4.1. The produce is USDA Organic Certified and sourced from within 100 miles of the project, which qualifies for the local economy and environment category.

References: The LEED AP O+M Reference Guide provides detailed information on the requirements for the Materials and Resources Credit, Purchasing - Ongoing, including the emphasis on sustainable purchasing and supporting local economies12.

For the Materials and Resources Credit, Purchasing - Ongoing, the full value of $325.00 USD spent on USDA Organic Certified produce from a local farm (within 100 miles or 160 kilometers) can be claimed. This is because the LEED criteria for sustainable purchasing recognize and reward the procurement of local and organic food products to support sustainable agricultural practices and reduce transportation impacts. The entire amount spent on these products contributes towards the credit because it aligns with the goals of supporting local economies and reducing environmental impacts associated with long-distance food transportation.

References:The LEED AP Operations + Maintenance reference materials detail the criteria for sustainable purchasing, including the emphasis on local and organic food procurement. These guidelines specify how purchases like these contribute towards achieving the Materials and Resources Credit, Purchasing - Ongoing.

In relation to the baseline water usage for buildings with respect to their certificate of occupancy dates, for buildings dated 1995 or later, the baseline is set at 120% of the water use that would result if all fixtures met the code requirements. This guideline is part of the LEED Operations and Maintenance Rating System's approach to evaluating water use in buildings and setting a baseline for comparison and improvement.References:LEED v5 O+M: Existing Buildings beta version

The correct answer is D because maintenance equipment is not a topic that is required to be addressed in the Site Improvement Plan for the Sustainable Sites Credit, as stated in the LEED v4.1 O+M Reference Guide1.The Site Improvement Plan must include topics such as soils, hydrology, vegetation, and site management, and describe the existing conditions, goals, strategies, and performance metrics for each topic1. The other options are incorrect because they are topics that are required to be addressed in the Site Improvement Plan.

References: =

• LEED v4.1 O+M Reference Guide, page 115
• Guide to the LEED AP Operations and Maintenance (O+M) Exam, page 80
• LEED v4 AP O+M Mock Exam, page 86 =========================================

In order to comply with the Sustainable Sites Credit, Site Improvement Plan, addressing the topics of soils, hydrology, and vegetation is essential. These elements are crucial for ensuring sustainable site management, enhancing site ecology, managing stormwater, and promoting biodiversity. However, the topic of maintenance equipment, while important for operational considerations, is not directly necessary for compliance with this specific credit. The focus of the Site Improvement Plan is on the physical and ecological aspects of the site rather than the equipment used for site maintenance.References:LEED v4 for Building Design and Construction Guide, U.S. Green BuildingCouncil.

Recommending LED lamps in an environmentally preferable purchasing policy is beneficial because LED lamps contain no mercury. Unlike some other lighting options, such as compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) which can contain mercury, LEDs offer a safer alternative in terms of toxic substances. This makes LED lamps an environmentally friendly choice, reducing the risk of mercury pollution and facilitating easier, safer disposal or recycling of lamps at the end of their life cycle.

References:The LEED AP Operations + Maintenance documentation highlights the environmental and health benefits of selecting LED lighting, including the absence of mercury, which aligns with the goals of reducing hazardous substances in building environments.

According to the LEED v4: Building Operations + Maintenance Guide, for the Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Advanced Energy Metering, individual end uses that represent at least 10% of the total annual consumption of the building minus plug load use are required to be metered1.

References:

• LEED v4: Building Operations + Maintenance Guide
• LEED AP with specialty | U.S. Green Building Council
• Maintaining certification – U.S. Green Building Council
• LEED Reference Guide for Building Operations and Maintenance
• LEED AP O+M Exam Prep Courses - ZackAcademy.com

Low impact development (LID) rainwater management programs are designed to manage stormwater close to its source by mimicking a site’s pre-development hydrology through the use of design techniques that infiltrate, filter, store, evaporate, and detain runoff close to its source. Treatment and potential reuse of rainfall on-site is a key result of such programs, aiming to reduce runoff volume and improve water quality.

References: The LEED v4.1 O+M reference materials discuss the integration of green infrastructure and low-impact development strategies with the Rainwater Management Credit, which includes on-site treatment and reuse of rainwater1234.

The building engineer is ideally positioned to serve as the Indoor Environmental Quality Manager for implementing the Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Indoor Environmental Quality Management Program. Their expertise in building systems and operations ensures that indoor environmental quality strategies are effectively integrated into the building's daily maintenance and operation procedures, enhancing the well-being of occupants.

References:The role and responsibilities of the Indoor Environmental Quality Manager in implementing the Indoor Environmental Quality Management Program are detailed in the LEED AP Operations + Maintenance reference materials. These resources underline the importance of having a dedicated professional, like a building engineer, oversee indoor environmental quality initiatives.

The WaterSense label, or a local equivalent, is required for all newly installed fittings and fixtures that are eligible for the label, as per the LEED v4 update. This label ensures that the fixtures used in a LEED building meet both water efficiency and high performance testing standards1. The WaterSense label is backed by independent, third-party certification and products bearing this label are verified to perform as well or better than their less efficient counterparts2. They are also certified to use at least 20 percent less water3.

References:

• The WaterSense Label | US EPA
• About WaterSense | US EPA
• LEED Qualification Guide | Sloan

To achieve the Water Metering Credit, the project must track all water meters on a weekly basis and share this data with the USGBC for a duration of five years starting from the date the project receives LEED certification.

References: The LEED v4.1 O+M guide specifies that for the Water Metering Credit, meter readings must be documented weekly and submitted to USGBC for a five-year period post-certification12.

To achieve the Water Metering Credit, it's necessary for all water meters to be monitored on a weekly basis, with the data being shared with the USGBC for a duration of five years starting from when the project officially accepts its LEED certification. This rigorous monitoring ensures that the project maintains a high level of water efficiency and accountability post-certification, contributing to sustainable water management practices.

References:This requirement is outlined in the LEED AP Operations + Maintenance reference materials, specifically within the section detailing the Water Metering Credit. These documents emphasize the importance of consistent and transparent water usage monitoring as part of sustainable building operations.

Rainwater harvesting is a strategy that can be used to reduce indoor water use, which is a part of the Water Efficiency Credit under the LEED AP Operations + Maintenance (LEED AP O+M) V4.1. By collecting and using rainwater for non-potable uses such as toilet flushing or irrigation, buildings can significantly reduce their demand for municipally treated water. This aligns with the goals of the Indoor Water Use Reduction credit, which encourages the reduction of potable water usage inside the building1.

References: LEED v4: Building Operations + Maintenance Guide

Installing and maintaining a conductivity meter is a strategy that improves cooling tower water efficiency. Conductivity meters help optimize the cycles of concentration, reducing water and chemical use by accurately measuring the water’s mineral content.

References: The LEED v4.1 O+M reference materials recommend the use of conductivity meters as part of water efficiency best management practices for cooling towers1234.

ASHRAE 55-2010 is the standard applicable for compliance with the Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Thermal Comfort. This standard outlines the conditions for acceptable thermal environments and is used for the design, evaluation, and operation of buildings to meet thermal comfort requirements.

References: The LEED v4.1 O+M reference guide specifies that ASHRAE 55-2010 is the standard for thermal comfort, focusing on ensuring quality thermal environments conducive to occupants’ comfort and well-being1.

The correct answer is D because the historical baseline must be the average of the most recent three consecutive years of energy data available prior to the performance period1. Since the performance period calendar year is 2022, the most recent three consecutive years of energy data available are 2017, 2018 and 2019. The other options are incorrect because they either include years that are not consecutive or not prior to the performance period.

References: =

• LEED v4.1 O+M Reference Guide, page 139
• Guide to the LEED AP Operations and Maintenance (O+M) Exam, page 89
• LEED v4 AP O+M Mock Exam, page 85 =========================================

When a project is ineligible for an ENERGY STAR® Rating and opts to document Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite, Minimum Energy Performance by benchmarking against historical data, the selected baseline must be representative of the building's typical performance. The average of calendar years 2017, 2018, and 2019 serves as a relevant baseline because it provides recent, consecutive annual data that reflects the building's energy performance before any significant changes or improvements made for LEED certification. This approach ensures that the performance period (in this case, the calendar year 2022) is compared against a stable and accurate representation of the building's typical energy use, allowing for a meaningful assessment of energy performance improvements.References:LEED v4 for Building Operations and Maintenance Guide, U.S. Green Building Council.

The use of products with low emissions is a strategy that reduces the impact of materials used in building operation and maintenance on indoor air quality. These products, which include paints, adhesives, furniture, and flooring, emit fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other harmful substances into the indoor environment, thereby improving indoor air quality.

References: LEED v4: Building Operations + Maintenance Guide, LEED v4 | U.S. Green Building Council, Improving Indoor Air Quality | US EPA, Sustainable O&M Practices | WBDG - Whole Building Design Guide

The use of electric-powered equipment is a sustainable management method that can be included in a project’s site management policy. It helps reduce emissions and pollution associated with gasoline-powered equipment, aligning with LEED’s environmental goals.

References: The LEED v4.1 O+M Guide and Site Management policy template provide guidance on sustainable site management practices, including the use of electric-powered equipment to minimize environmental impact123.

In developing a site management policy, one effective management method is to use electric-powered equipment instead of gasoline-powered equipment. Electric equipment typically produces fewer emissions and is quieter, contributing to a reduction in air pollution and noise pollution on the site. This practice aligns with LEED's emphasis on reducing environmental impacts and improving the quality of the site and surrounding areas.

References:The use of electric-powered equipment as a preferred management method is consistent with the guidelines provided in the LEED AP Operations + Maintenance reference materials, particularly in the context of developing sustainable site management policies. These resources advocate for practices that minimize environmental impact and enhance sustainability.

The Indoor Environmental Quality Prerequisite for Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance has a minimum occupancy requirement to ensure that indoor air quality (IAQ) assessments accurately reflect the conditions experienced by building occupants. This prerequisite focuses on achieving acceptable IAQ within the building by meeting or exceeding local codes or ASHRAE standards, ensuring the health and well-being of the occupants.References:The LEED O+M Reference Guide's Indoor Environmental Quality section detailsthe requirements for maintaining minimum IAQ performance, including the importance of considering occupancy levels in IAQ assessments.

Telecommuting is considered an alternative commuting method that reduces the number of commuting trips, thus contributing to the Location and Transportation Credit, Alternative Transportation. It aligns with LEED’s goal to decrease transportation-related emissions by reducing the need for physical travel.

References: The LEED AP O+M Reference Guide details the inclusion of telecommuting as a viable alternative commuting method that can be accounted for in the Alternative Transportation credit1.

In calculating the Location and Transportation Credit, Alternative Transportation, trips avoided due to telecommuting can be included as an alternative commuting method. Telecommuting reduces the need for physical travel to the workplace, thereby decreasing the environmental impacts associated with transportation, such as greenhouse gas emissions and fuel consumption. This method aligns with the goals of LEED to promote sustainable transportation options and reduce the carbon footprint of commuting.

References:The inclusion of telecommuting as a viable alternative commuting method is outlined in the LEED AP Operations + Maintenance reference materials, particularly in the section on Location and Transportation Credit, Alternative Transportation. These guidelines emphasize the importance of reducing transportation-related impacts through alternative commuting strategies.

1.Food waste must be diverted from disposal in landfills or incineration facilities by donating, composting, or anaerobic digestion1. The other options are incorrect because they are product recycling requirements that apply to all LEED AP O+M projects, not just Schools and Hospitality.

References: =

• LEED v4.1 O+M Reference Guide, page 223
• Guide to the LEED AP Operations and Maintenance (O+M) Exam, page 105
• LEED v4 AP O+M Mock Exam, page 82 =========================================
• Within the LEED AP Operations + Maintenance rating system, particularly for Schools and Hospitality projects, there is a heightened focus on sustainable waste management practices, including the recycling of specific products. One area of particular importance for these project types is the management of food waste due to the significant volumes generated and the opportunities for diversion from landfills through composting, donation, or other sustainable waste management practices.
• Recycling requirements for batteries and lamps, electric-powered equipment, and office equipment, appliances, and audiovisual equipment are generally applicable across various project types. However, the specific emphasis on food waste recycling in Schools and Hospitality projects aligns with the operational characteristics of these facilities, where food service and preparation are integral activities. By focusing on food waste recycling, these projects can significantly reduce their environmental impact, contribute to community well-being, and often achieve operational cost savings.
• References:The LEED v4 for Building Operations and Maintenance reference guide provides a detailed overview of the Materials and Resources credit category, which includes requirements for waste management. It outlines the specific emphasis on food waste management for Schools and Hospitality projects, recognizing the unique opportunities and challenges these project types face in achieving sustainable waste management practices.

Obtaining a response rate of 100% for the occupant comfort survey can qualify for an exemplary performance point under Innovation Credit, Innovation, Option 3. Additional Strategies in LEED. This high level of participation demonstrates exceptional commitment to occupant comfort and well-being, a key aspect of sustainable building design and operation.

The correct answer is A because a table of lighting controls installed is the required documentation for Option 1.Lighting Controls in Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Interior Lighting, as stated in the LEED v4.1 O+M Reference Guide1.The table must include the type and location of each lighting control device, the controlled lighting power, and the percentage of lighting power controlled by each device1. The other options are incorrect because they are either not required or relevant for this option.

References: =

• LEED v4.1 O+M Reference Guide, page 251
• Guide to the LEED AP Operations and Maintenance (O+M) Exam, page 115
• LEED v4 AP O+M Mock Exam, page 84 =========================================

 The Indoor Environmental Quality Prerequisite under LEED AP O+M V4.1 emphasizes the importance of a Green Cleaning Policy. This policy is designed to protect the health and comfort of building occupants, enhance productivity, decrease absenteeism, improve a building’s value, and reduce liability for building designers and owners1. One of the key aspects of this policy is the proper handling of cleaning chemicals to limit opportunities for accidental spills and leaks1. This is crucial in maintaining a high-quality indoor environment and ensuring the safety and well-being of all building occupants1.

References:

• Indoor environmental quality and LEED v4 – LEED Points

The LEED AP O+M V4.1 requires a survey of building occupants regarding transportation patterns to be conducted at a minimum every five years. This is to ensure that the data on alternative transportation usage remains current and accurate for the Location and Transportation Credit, Alternative Transportation, Option 1.

References: The information is based on the LEED v4.1 O+M documentation and guidelines which outline the frequency of surveys related to transportation patterns12.

the mercury content of the new T8 lamps remained the same; however, the average life of the bulb increasedJust Short Explanation: The decrease in the average picogram per lumen hour indicates an improvement in the environmental impact of the lamps. This can happen if the mercury content remains constant while the lifespan of the lamps increases, resulting in less mercury used over time per unit of light produced.

References: The information about T8 lamps indicates that newer models are designed to be energy-efficient with a longer lifespan while maintaining a low mercury content, which would contribute to a lower picogram per lumen hour ratio12.

For a building that shares chilled water usage with other buildings on a campus, if the chilled water consumption is only measured at the campus level, additional meters would be required to comply with the Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite for Building-Level Energy Metering. Individual metering at the building level is necessary to accurately track and manage the building's specific energy consumption, enabling targeted energy efficiency measures and compliance with LEED requirements.References:The Energy and Atmosphere section of the LEED O+M Reference Guide outlines the requirements for building-level energy metering, including the need for individual metering of significant energy uses such as chilled water in shared systems.

The Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Existing Building Commissioning - Analysis, Option 1 in LEED AP O+M V4.1 requires the commissioning of major energy-using systems1. In a district energy system that provides chilled and hot water to a building, the heat exchangers play a crucial role in transferring heat between the hot and chilled water circuits. Therefore, to meet the requirements of this credit, the heat exchangers must be commissioned to ensure they are operating efficiently and effectively1.

References: LEED AP O+M Exam, USGBC Guide, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Department of Energy.

The Materials and Resources Prerequisite, Facility Maintenance and Renovations Policy under LEED AP O+M V4.1 covers the materials or products that are used in the maintenance and renovation of a facility. This includes replacement carpet tiles, which are often part of facility renovations. Other items like refrigerators and automated scrubbing machines are not typically covered under this policy as they are considered equipment rather than materials used in maintenance and renovations. Janitorial paper purchases could be covered under the policy if they are part of the facility’s maintenance operations.

References: Facility maintenance and renovation policy - U.S. Green Building Council, v4.1 MRp Facility Maintenance and Renovation Policy template, LEED v4.1 O+M MRp Facility Maintenance and Renovation Policy template, Materials strategies in LEED v4 - Built Environment Plus

To meet the requirements of the Sustainable Sites Credit, Site Development - Protect or Restore Habitat, a project can protect an offsite area of land that is equal in size to the building site area. This strategy is aimed at compensating for the potential habitat loss and ecological impact caused by the development of the building site. By protecting an equivalent offsite area, the project contributes to the conservation of biodiversity and supports ecological health beyond its immediate location.

References:

• LEED AP O+M Exam Guide, page 63
• Site Development - Protect or Restore Habitat, USGBC
• Site Development - Protect or Restore Habitat, LEEDuser

For the Materials and Resources Credit, Solid Waste Management - Ongoing, it is essential to accurately measure and document the amount of waste generated and diverted from landfills. This can be done by tracking the waste in terms of weight (pounds or kilograms) or volume (cubic yards or cubic meters). This method provides the most accurate accounting of waste management efforts and is a requirement for documenting performance for this credit. It allows for the calculation of diversion rates and effectiveness of waste reduction strategies.

References:

• The LEED for Building Operations and Maintenance Reference Guide details the requirements for waste tracking and documentation. This process is key to achieving the Solid Waste Management - Ongoing credit, which is aimed at reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills and incineration facilities, as emphasized in LEED AP O+M training materials.

The correct answer is A because mulching is an environmentally friendly technology for controlling erosion, as stated in the web search results12. Mulching involves applying organic or inorganic materials on the soil surface to protect it from water and wind erosion.Mulching can also conserve soil moisture, moderate soil temperature, and enhance soil fertility2. The other options are incorrect because they either do not control erosion effectively or cause environmental harm.

References: =

• Environment-Friendly Erosion and Dust Control Solutions | GRT, Environmentally friendly erosion and dust control solutions section
• 15 Wonderful Methods to Control Erosion | Earth Eclipse, Applying Mulches section =========================================

Mulching is an environmentally friendly technique used to control erosion by providing a protective layer on the soil surface. This layer helps to reduce the impact of raindrops on the soil, thereby decreasing the potential for soil erosion. Mulch can be made from a variety of organic materials, such as shredded bark, straw, or compost, which not only protect the soil from erosion but also add nutrients as they decompose, improve soil structure, and encourage healthy plant growth. Unlike impermeable solutions like asphalt or temporary solutions like tarpaulin, mulching integrates with the natural environment and supports sustainable land management practices.

The Indoor Air Quality Building Education and Assessment Model (I-BEAM) is a comprehensive tool designed for use by building professionals and others interested in indoor air quality (IAQ) in commercial buildings. I-BEAM updates and expands EPA’s Building Air Quality guidance and is designed to be comprehensive state-of-the-art guidance for managing IAQ in commercial buildings1. This guidance was designed to be used by in-house staff to conduct a building investigation to identify indoor air problems and to enhance indoor air quality1.

References:

• LEED v4: Building Operations + Maintenance Guide

When retail project teams administer the supply chain survey to meet the requirements of the Materials and Resources, Ongoing Purchasing and Waste Policy, one of the key topics that needs to be addressed is environmental best practices for supply chain decisions. This involves assessing suppliers' environmental policies, practices, and impacts, with the aim of promoting sustainability throughout the supply chain. This approach encourages responsible sourcing, waste reduction, and the use of environmentally friendly materials.References:The Materials and Resources section of the LEED O+M Reference Guide includes guidelines for sustainable purchasing and waste policies, emphasizing the importance of considering environmental best practices in supply chain decisions.