LEED Green Associate Practice Test

Which outdoor air quality strategy aims to improve occupant comfort and health?

1. Reduce ventilation rates

2. Increase outdoor air ventilation rates by 30%

3. Use only natural lighting

4. Eliminate indoor plants

The correct answer is: Increase outdoor air ventilation rates by 30%

Increasing outdoor air ventilation rates by 30% is a strategy specifically designed to enhance indoor air quality, which directly contributes to occupant comfort and health. By introducing more outdoor air into the building, harmful pollutants, allergens, and other irritants that may accumulate indoors are diluted and removed. This practice not only helps in reducing concentrations of carbon dioxide and other volatile organic compounds but also supports improved overall air quality, which is crucial for the wellbeing of occupants. While options like reducing ventilation rates or eliminating indoor plants might seem practical in certain contexts, they can lead to poor air quality and discomfort, contradicting the goals of fostering a healthy indoor environment. Natural lighting can improve comfort, but it does not directly address air quality. Thus, increasing outdoor air ventilation is the most effective means to enhance the overall indoor environment and promote occupant health.