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

Which of the following is a strategy for complying with the requirements of Heat Island Reduction Non-Roof?

1. Install reflective roofing materials

2. Provide shade with solar panels

3. Increase vegetation around the building

4. Use darker materials to absorb heat

The correct answer is: Provide shade with solar panels

Providing shade with solar panels is a valid strategy for complying with the Heat Island Reduction Non-Roof requirements. This approach helps to reduce the heat absorption in outdoor areas, thereby mitigating the heat island effect. Solar panels not only generate renewable energy but also create shade over spaces that would otherwise be exposed to direct sunlight, cooling the surrounding environment and potentially improving comfort levels for building occupants and visitors. In the context of heat island reduction strategies, the shading effect created by solar panels can significantly lower surface temperatures, making this approach effective in urban areas where heat islands are commonly found. Additionally, this dual benefit of generating renewable energy while providing shade is an attractive feature for many building owners and operators looking to advance sustainable practices. Other strategies typically associated with heat island reduction may not align with the Non-Roof requirements. For instance, reflective roofing materials are relevant to roof-related heat island mitigation strategies rather than non-roof solutions. Increasing vegetation can also be effective but requires careful planning and may not directly relate to the installation of solar panels as a solution. Darker materials, on the other hand, would typically not contribute positively to heat island reduction, as they tend to absorb and retain heat rather than alleviate it.