ARE Sustainable Design and Environmental Systems

Question 1

Which LEED certification level requires a minimum of 80 points out of 110 possible?

Accepted Answer

Platinum

Answer

LEED Platinum requires 80 or more points, making it the highest certification level in the LEED rating system.

Question 2

Which passive solar design strategy involves using heavy materials such as concrete or masonry to absorb, store, and slowly release heat?

Accepted Answer

Thermal mass

Answer

Thermal mass materials absorb heat during the day and release it at night, moderating interior temperature swings and reducing heating loads.

Question 3

For optimal passive solar heating in the Northern Hemisphere, a building's primary glazing should be oriented toward which direction?

Accepted Answer

South

Answer

South-facing glazing maximizes winter sun exposure in the Northern Hemisphere while allowing horizontal overhangs to provide summer shading.

Question 4

ASHRAE 90.1 is primarily referenced in building design for which purpose?

Accepted Answer

Minimum energy efficiency requirements for commercial buildings

Answer

ASHRAE 90.1 establishes minimum energy efficiency requirements for commercial buildings and is widely adopted by energy codes such as IECC.

Question 5

Which program administered by the EPA uses Energy Use Intensity (EUI) as a key metric to benchmark commercial building energy performance?

Accepted Answer

ENERGY STAR

Answer

ENERGY STAR uses EUI—measured in kBtu per square foot per year—to compare a building's energy consumption against similar building types nationally.

ARE - Architect Registration Examination Practice Test