LEED AP = Legacy AP

We all know there will be significant differences between LEED 2.2 and LEED 2009, but did you know that you can no longer call yourself a LEED AP after this summer? Starting this summer, there will be three types of LEED credentials:

Tier 1: LEED Green Associates
Tier 2: LEED AP+
Tier 3: LEED AP Fellow

And for those of us are currently LEED APs, we will have to change our title to Legacy APs!

Where to Find Information on the LEED Exam

The new USGBC website has moved to a new location managed by Green Building Certification Institute. In the new site, you can register for the LEED exam, find different study materials, and take a sample test! An excellent place to get started!

Green Building Certification Institute
LEED AP Exam Preparation

MR Credit 7: Certified Wood

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is a worldwide organization that promotes the responsible management of working forests through the development of standards, a certification system, and trademark recognition. FSC was established in response to reduce forest loss and forest degradation.

To get this point, at least 50% of all wood building components must be certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.

** Keep in mind products certified by FSC only means that they are harvested from responsibly managed forests. It does not ensure that these wood products are not treated with chemicals.

Tip #7: Case Study

Ok, you've read the LEED Reference V 2.2 book twice and you're still not sure if you can remember most of the information. Don't worry, most of us feel the same way. One good way to become more familiar with LEED points is to read through case studies.

Where to find them? Luckily, the Sidwell Friends Middle School has a website that goes through step by step the different "green" features in the building. Its nice illustrations and explanations will definitely help you remember those LEED points better!

Sidwell Friends Middle School Green Tour

The Solaire

LEED Rating: Gold [2004]

Location: New York, NY

Architect: Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects

* The first green residential tower in America.

Heat Island Effect

The term "heat island" refers to urban air and surface temperatures that are higher than nearby rural areas. Many U.S. cities and suburbs have air temperatures up to 10°F warmer than the surrounding natural land cover.

Heat islands form as cities replace natural land cover with pavement, buildings, and other infrastructure. These changes contribute to higher urban temperatures in a number of ways:

- Displacing trees and vegetation minimizes the natural cooling effects of shading and evaporation of water from soil and leaves.

- Tall buildings and narrow streets can heat air trapped between them and reduce air flow.

- Waste heat from vehicles, factories, and air conditioners may add warmth to their surroundings, further exacerbating the heat island effect.


SS Credit 7.1: Heat Island Effect – Non-Roof
SS Credit 7.2: Heat Island Effect - Roof

Linoleum vs. Vinyl

It is important not to confuse linoleum with vinyl flooring. The main difference between the two materials is that linoleum is made of linseed oil and is biodegradable. Vinyl on the other hand is a synthetic material that releases volatile organic compound.

Linoleum has gained popularity in the recent years due to concern over indoor air quality. When linoleum is installed with low-emission adhesives, it releases almost no harmful chemicals.

MR Credit 6: Rapidly Renewable Materials

Rapidly renewable materials and products are made from plants that are typically harvested within a ten-year cycle or shorter.

To obtain this point, 2.5% of the total value of all building materials and products used in the project based on cost must be rapidly renewable materials.

For the purpose of this test, you need to remember which materials are rapidly renewable. Typical examples of rapidly renewable material includes bamboo, wool, cotton insulation, agrifiber, linoleum, wheatboard, strawboard and cork.