Explanation
Peak-hour is a term used to describe the time period when the traffic noise is highest, usually during morning and evening rush hours. Peak-hour noise level is measured by the equivalent continuous sound level (Leq), which is an energy-average of the noise level over a specified sample time. For minimum acoustic performance, LEED requires projects to implement acoustic treatment and other measures to minimize noise intrusion from exterior sources for high-noise sites (peak-hour Leq above 60 dBA during school hours).
References:
* LEED BD+C: Schools v4 - LEED v4 Minimum acoustic performance
* Schools-NC-v4 EQp3: Minimum acoustic performance | LEEDuser
* Schools-NC-v4.1 EQp3: Minimum acoustic performance | LEEDuser

Explanation
According to the LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, the discovery phase of energy-related systems should identify ventilation rates, along withother factors such as building orientation, envelope attributes, lighting levels, plug and process loads, and programmatic and operational parameters1.These factors should be used to create a preliminary "simple box" energy model to evaluate the energy performance of the building and explore potential strategies to reduce energy use1. The other options are not relevant for the discovery phase of energy-related systems.Functional performance tests are part of the implementation phase1.Thermal comfort ranges are related to indoor environmental quality2.Transportation options are related to sustainable sites3.References: IP Credit Integrative Process, LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction4123

Explanation
The intent of the Sustainable Sites Prerequisite. Construction Activity Pollution Prevention is to reduce pollution from construction activities by controlling soil erosion, waterway sedimentation and airborne dust generation. The LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction states that "construction activities can have significant negative impacts on the environment, both at the project site and beyond.
Erosion and sedimentation can degrade water quality, damage aquatic habitats, and increase flooding risks.
Airborne dust can affect air quality, human health, and visibility. Construction vehicles and equipment can generate noise, traffic, and greenhouse gas emissions"1. The project teammust implement an erosion and sedimentation control (ESC) plan that conforms to the 2012 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Construction General Permit or local equivalent, whichever is more stringent. The ESC plan must cover all construction activity on the project site, including clearing, grading, excavating, and demolition.
References:
* LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, Sustainable Sites Prerequisite:
Construction Activity Pollution Prevention, page 1151
* Construction activity pollution prevention | U.S. Green Building Council

Explanation
To achieve the maximum number of Energy and Atmosphere points, the project team must include an energy modeler and a commissioning agent. The energy modeler is responsible for performing the whole-building energy simulation that demonstrates the energy performance improvement over the baseline building, which is required for Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite 2 and Credit 11. The commissioning agent is responsible for verifying that the building's energy systems are installed, calibrated, and perform according to the owner's project requirements, basis of design, and construction documents, which is required for Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite 1 and Credit 31. The commissioning agent also ensures that the renewable energy systems are properly integrated and functioning2. The contractor and the construction manager are not directly involved in the energy modeling or commissioning process, although they must follow the design specifications and coordinate with the commissioning agent. The facilities manager is not required for achieving the Energy and Atmosphere points, although they may benefit from the training and documentation provided by the commissioning agent.
LEED v4 for Building Design and Construction, p. 361
Understanding Integrative Design in LEED v4, p. 92

Explanation
The Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite, Minimum Energy Performance, Option 2. Prescriptive Compliance:
ASHRAE 50% Advanced Energy Design Guide allows projects to follow the recommendations of the ASHRAE 50% Advanced Energy Design Guides (AEDGs) for different building types and climate zones. The AEDGs provide design guidance for buildings that use 50% less energy than those built to the requirements of the ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1-2004 commercial code1. However, not all building types and sizes are covered by the AEDGs. According to the LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction2, the following building types and sizes are eligible for this option:
* Small to Medium Office buildings up to 100,000 ft2 (9 290 m2)
* Medium to Large Retail buildings up to 100,000 ft2 (9 290 m2)
* K-12 School buildings up to 200,000 ft2 (18 580 m2)
* Warehouse and Distribution Center buildings up to 500,000 ft2 (46 450 m2) Therefore, among the given options, only the school project is eligible to pursue this option, as it falls within the size limit for the K-12 School AEDG3.
References:
* LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction v4
* Minimum Energy Performance - ASHRAE 90.1 - 2010
* ASHRAE 50% Advanced Energy Design Guide for K-12 School Buildings
* Advanced Energy Design Guides | Department of Energy