LEED Green Associate Practice Test

Which of the following defines rapidly renewable materials?

1. Materials that last for over 50 years

2. Materials that can be grown, harvested, and manufactured in under ten years

3. Materials designed for recycling after initial use

4. Materials sourced from non-renewable resources

The correct answer is: Materials that can be grown, harvested, and manufactured in under ten years

The correct definition of rapidly renewable materials is indeed that they can be grown, harvested, and manufactured in under ten years. This characteristic makes them a sustainable choice as they can replenish more quickly than conventional materials, which often take decades or even centuries to regenerate. Rapidly renewable materials can include products made from plants like bamboo, cork, and certain types of grasses that have short growth cycles. Options that focus on materials lasting for over 50 years or being sourced from non-renewable resources do not align with the concept of rapid renewal, as durability and non-renewability inherently conflict with the principles of sustainability and responsible resource management. Similarly, while materials designed for recycling are important in sustainable practices, they do not fit the specific definition of rapidly renewable, which emphasizes the time frame for growth and harvest. Thus, the focus on a time span of under ten years is what correctly identifies rapidly renewable materials.