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

For a flat roof excluding mechanical equipment, photovoltaic panels, and skylights, what qualifies for an Innovation in Operations point for Heat Island Reduction: Roof?

1. 50% of the roof area is covered by vegetation

2. 95% of the roof area is a green roof system

3. 75% of the roof area is equipped with renewable materials

4. The roof area has no shading elements

The correct answer is: 95% of the roof area is a green roof system

Opting for a green roof system can significantly contribute to mitigating the heat island effect, which is a key focus of the Innovation in Operations point for Heat Island Reduction: Roof. A green roof, particularly one that covers a substantial percentage of a flat roof, provides multiple benefits. Primarily, the vegetative cover of a green roof helps lower surface temperatures by increasing evapotranspiration and providing shade, which can drastically reduce heat absorption compared to traditional roofing materials. When 95% of the roof area is a green roof system, it indicates a substantial commitment to sustainable practices, promoting biodiversity, enhancing stormwater management, and improving air quality as well. This high level of coverage demonstrates a significant impact on heat island reduction and aligns directly with the intent of the Innovation in Operations point. In contrast, while covering 50% of the roof area with vegetation can also offer heat reduction benefits, it may not reach the same level of efficacy as a green roof covering 95% of the area. Renewable materials do not directly contribute to the vegetative cooling effects necessary for heat island reduction, and the absence of shading elements is not beneficial in the same manner, as effective coverings aid in minimizing heat reflection and absorption. Thus, a comprehensive green roof system presents the