In LEED sustainable construction, what is the primary benefit of using locally sourced materials?
Correct Answer
B) Reduced transportation-related environmental impacts
The primary LEED benefit of locally sourced materials is the reduction in transportation-related environmental impacts, including reduced fuel consumption and emissions from shipping materials over long distances.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) prioritizes environmental sustainability above all other considerations. The primary benefit of using locally sourced materials in LEED is the significant reduction in transportation-related environmental impacts, including decreased fuel consumption, lower carbon emissions, and reduced air pollution from long-distance shipping. This directly supports LEED's core mission of minimizing the environmental footprint of construction projects.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: Lower material costs due to reduced shipping
While lower material costs may occur as a secondary benefit, LEED's primary focus is environmental impact reduction, not cost savings. The LEED rating system specifically credits projects for environmental benefits rather than economic ones.
Option C: Better quality control from nearby suppliers
Better quality control is not a primary LEED consideration and is not specifically addressed in LEED's local materials credit. LEED focuses on environmental benefits rather than quality control improvements.
Option D: Faster delivery times for project scheduling
Faster delivery times benefit project scheduling but do not address LEED's core environmental objectives. LEED credits are awarded based on environmental impact reduction, not construction efficiency improvements.
Memory Technique
Think 'LEED = Less Environmental Damage' - local materials mean less transportation = less fuel = less environmental damage
Reference Hint
Florida Building Code Energy Conservation, Chapter 13 - Green Building Standards, or LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction
More Contract Admin Questions
A project experiences a 30-day delay due to unusually severe weather. The contract includes a liquidated damages clause of $1,000 per day for delays. If the weather delay is excusable but not compensable, what liquidated damages apply?
A commercial project requires a total of 12 inspections. The building department charges $85 per inspection for the first 5 inspections, $65 for inspections 6-10, and $45 for any additional inspections. What is the total inspection fee?
What document must be posted at the job site before a Certificate of Occupancy can be issued for a commercial building?
A mixed-use development requires a variance for reduced setbacks. The property is located within 500 feet of a hospital. What additional consideration must be addressed?
A LEED project requires tracking of regional materials. Materials are considered regional if they are extracted, harvested, or recovered, as well as manufactured within what distance of the project site?
People Also Study
Business & Financial Management
120 questions · 70% to pass
Project Management
60 questions · 70% to pass
Previous Question
During bid evaluation, a general contractor receives subcontractor bids of $45,000, $52,000, $48,000, and $71,000 for the same scope. What should be the contractor's primary concern?
Next Question
During a rough electrical inspection, the inspector finds several code violations. The contractor fixes the violations and wants to schedule a re-inspection. How soon can the re-inspection typically be scheduled?