About
the Chapter
Chapter Policies
Contact Info
Northern Colorado Branch
Southern Colorado Branch
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Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about the LEED Study Guide:
Are the Existing Buildings and Commercial Interiors tracks covered in the study guide?
The New Construction guide focuses mainly on NC but does cover EB and CI.
I have an old study guide, is there a way to find out what has been updated without buying a new one?
Yes, you can find the updates by downloading the errata sheet. New content is included in the errata sheet locating on the Study Guide homepage.
What is in the study guide?
You can download the table of contents.
How many pages is the study guide?
The study guide with practice exam is 91 pages (front and back).
Is the study guide all I need to prepare for the LEED AP exam?
No. The study guide is best used in connection with the reference guide available at http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=75
How many questions are on the practice exam?
There are 80 questions on the practice exam, complete with an answer key, and a number of short quizzes in each section.
Can I just order the practice exam separately from the study guide?
No, we only provide the exam in the context of the study guide.
Can we post the PDF of the study guide on the internet so our company employees can access it?
No. The PDF is protected and copyrighted content. We allow one printing per customer and unlimited views on one machine.
Where does my money go when I buy the study guide?
Study guide sales support the operation of the Colorado chapter of USGBC, a non-profit organization.
Do you have LEED flash cards?
No. LEED-NC flashcards are available for purchase from the Cascadia Chapter website. http://www.cascadiagbc.org/resources/leedap-study-materials
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Questions about LEED:
What is LEED?
The LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System™ is a voluntary, consensus-based standard to support and certify successful green building design, construction, and operations. LEED is transforming the marketplace by providing a nationally recognized certification system to promote integrated, whole-building design practices in the building industry. The LEED Green Building Rating System™ encourages and accelerates global adoption of sustainable green building and development practices through the creation and implementation of universally understood and accepted tools and performance criteria.
What types of buildings can use LEED?
LEED certification is available for all building types including new construction and major renovation, existing buildings, commercial interiors, core & shell, schools and homes. LEED systems for neighborhood development and retail are currently in pilot test and a rating system for healthcare is currently under development and will begin pilot testing in 2008. To date, the LEED system covers over 3 billion square feet of construction space.
How does LEED work?
LEED is a point based system where projects earn LEED points for satisfying specific green building criteria. Within each of the six LEED credit categories, projects must satisfy particular prerequisites and earn points. The six categories include Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy & Atmosphere, Materials & Resources, Indoor Environmental Quality and Innovation in Design (projects can earn ID points for green building innovations). The number of points the project earns determines the level of LEED Certification the project receives. LEED certification is available in four progressive levels: Certified, Silver, Gold and Platinum.
Can products be certified under LEED?
No, LEED applies to green building projects.
Individual products can contribute to
points under the rating system; LEED criteria
are performance-based. In attempting to meet
these requirements, LEED practitioners identify
products that have desired
attributes. However, some LEED criteria do
require specific product data as a part of
a successful submittal.
How much does it cost to register a project?
The registration fee for a project is $450 for USGBC members and $600 for nonmembers.
What is the average LEED certification fee?
LEED certification fees vary by project size but the average certification cost is $2000.
Does green building cost more?
No, green buildings do not have to cost a
penny more. LEED certified projects to date
demonstrate that you can achieve LEED certification
and reap its many benefits with a
common-sense approach to design with no additional
dollars. Depending on your
green building strategy and the level of certification
your project is targeting, there may
be mid- and long-term ROI associated with
additional green features that merits an
investment in first costs.
What are the benefits of LEED certification?
LEED certification is third-party validation of a building’s performance. LEED certified projects blend environmental, economic, and occupant-oriented performance. They cost less to operate and maintain; are energy- and water-efficient; have higher lease up rates than conventional buildings in their markets; are healthier and safer for occupants; and are a physical demonstration of the values of the organizations that own and occupy them. Visit https://www.usgbc.org for more details. |
Questions about USGBC Colorado Chapter:
How do I join USGBC Colorado?
USGBC Chapters across the country provide on-the-ground resources and education for green building practitioners. Meet green building experts in your area, help accelerate the adoption of green building at the local level, and tour green building projects by joining your local chapter. Visit the Colorado Chapter's Membership page to learn more.
Membership applications for the USGBC Colorado Chapter are currently provided through the USGBC national website. You can fill out and submit your application electronically by visiting the Chapters section online and then selecting "Join a Chapter"
How much does it cost to join USGBC Colorado?
$65 Associate Membership
Open to all individuals not currently employed by an organization that is a member of National
$50 Full Chapter Membership
For individuals belonging to an organization which is a national member of the USGBC.
Don't know whether your company is a USGBC national member? Find out
$25 Emerging Green Builder
This local chapter membership category is reserved exclusively for fulltime students
Do I have to be a LEED accredited professional to be a member of USGBC Colorado?
No. Members come from a variety of professional backgrounds. We welcome all levels of experience and interests in green building.
Can you recommend a LEED consultant?
USGBC Colorado does not endorse any particular
LEED consulting firms. You can view sustainability consulting firms
in the area that are USGBC Colorado members by visiting our Membership Directory and selecting "sustainability consultants"
What is the difference between chapter membership and national membership?
Individuals join their local Chapter. Membership
in the Colorado Chapter allows any individual,
regardless of whether or not his or her
company is a member, to participate in the
chapter and take advantage of local chapter
benefits. Companies and organizations join
USGBC national , permitting all full-time
employees of member companies to participate
in USGBC activities on a national basis
and enjoy all the benefits accorded to National
members. These company's employees also receive
a discount on their Chapter Membership.
What benefits come with being a member of my local chapter?
Discounts on Chapter Events, discounts on National Events, vote in Chapter elections, ability to serve on Chapter Committees, access to Chapter Resources.
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Questions about purchasing, downloading, accessing your PDF Study Guide:
I purchased the PDF, downloaded LockLizard Software and License Key but cannot find my PDF.
If you have yet to download the PDF, go to www.usgbccolorado.org and click on our online store. Go to “My Account,” sign in and view your purchase. Scroll to the bottom of the screen and download the PDF. Once downloaded and saved to your computer, you have unlimited views on one computer.
If you have downloaded the PDF, it may have been automatically saved to your C:/ drive.The file will be named “LEEDStudyGuide.pdc
When I try to download my License Key, a message box appears that says I am out of licenses.
Log out of the store, go to www.usgbccolorado.org and click on our online store. Go to “My Account,” sign in and view your purchase. Scroll to the bottom of the screen and try to download the license key again.
I printed out the first part of my PDF and when I returned to the document to print out the rest of it, it says I have no more printing licenses.
You only have ONE opportunity to print your document. You MUST print it out in full the first time. You have to read your study guide from your computer, purchase a new PDF, or purchase a hardcopy study guide to be shipped to you.
I purchased a PDF on my office computer but I want to view it on my home computer.
As long as you have NOT DOWNLOADED the PDF to your office computer, you can still view it on your home computer. Go to www.usgbccolorado.org and click on our online store. Go to “My Account,” sign in and view your purchase. Scroll to the bottom of the screen and follow steps 1, 2, and 3. You will need to download the LockLizard software and License key again in order to view your PDF.
You can only view the PDF on ONE computer. If you downloaded the PDF to the wrong computer, we recommend that you print the entire document out and take it home with you.
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Questions about how to become a LEED Accredited Professional:
What is a LEED Accredited Professional and how do I become one? View the step by step process:
LEED Professional Accreditation distinguishes building professionals with the knowledge and skills to successfully steward the LEED certification process. LEED Accredited Professionals (LEED APs) have demonstrated a thorough understanding of green building practices and principles and the LEED Rating System. More than 43,000 people have earned the credential since the Professional Accreditation program was launched in 2001.
In 2008, administration of the Professional Accreditation program transitioned to the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI). The Green Building Certification Institute, established with the support of the U.S. Green Building Council, handles exam development and delivery to allow for objective, balanced management of the credentialing program.
LEED Accredited Professionals are experienced building industry practitioners who have demonstrated their knowledge of integrated design and their capacity to facilitate the LEED certification process. To become an Accredited Professional you must take the exam. The exam tests an individual’s understanding of green building practices and principles, and familiarity with LEED requirements, resources, and processes. See http://www.gbci.org for more information.
Which LEED exam track (NC, EB, or CI) should I take?
The nature of your work in the building industry should decide which test you take. If you primarily work on new construction projects, then you should take the New Construction version. If you primarily work on building operation and maintenance, then the Existing Building version is the more logical one for you. If you focus on commercial interior design, then Commercial Interiors is the most appropriate option. One should know that, regardless of which version of the test you take, the credential as a LEED Accredited Professional is all the same. You need not take more than one exam to become LEED AP.
What LEED AP workshops does USGBC offer?
USGBC offers a variety of LEED training workshops and online educational webinars including a basic introduction, technical reviews, and advanced application oriented sessions. Workshops are available nationally in conjunction with local chapters, at industry tradeshows, and at Greenbuild. Private workshops can also be scheduled for your company. Upcoming LEED workshops and more details are posted on National’s website: http://www.usgbc.org/Workshops/Workshoplist.aspx?CMSPageID=289
I want to host a private LEED workshop at my company. How do I do this?
Private workshops are an exclusive benefit for USGBC members and are available for groups of 20 or more. Choose from any of our full-day or half-day sessions. USGBC also offers private workshops for students-only groups at colleges and universities.
Visit: http://www.usgbc.org/DisplayPage.aspx?CMSPageID=283 to learn more. |
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