LEED AP with Operations and Maintenance (O+M ) Practice Exam

Can a school project earn exemplary performance for SS credit - light pollution reduction by shielding all exterior fixtures?

1. Yes, if fixtures are properly shielded

2. No, emissions must be below a certain level

3. Yes, but only for fixtures below 10 ft

4. No, the vertical angle must be less than 80 degrees

The correct answer is: No, emissions must be below a certain level

Exemplary performance for the Sustainable Sites (SS) credit regarding light pollution reduction can often be achieved by demonstrating measures that exceed the basic requirements outlined in the LEED rating system. In this case, the correct understanding is that to earn exemplary performance, a project must minimize light pollution emissions to levels significantly lower than specified thresholds—these often involve adhering to quantitative thresholds regarding light levels and their impacts on the surrounding environment. While shielding exterior fixtures is an important step in controlling light pollution and is included in the standard credit requirements, the exemplary performance criteria typically cannot be satisfied solely through this measure. Additional calculations regarding the total light pollution emitted by the project are also required. Other considerations such as the vertical angle of light fixtures and their height may play a role in meeting specific criteria, but they do not directly establish a pathway for exemplary performance on their own without corresponding measures that demonstrate lower emission levels. Thus, the requirement to stay below a certain emission level is pivotal in determining eligibility for exemplary performance in light pollution reduction.