LEED AP Building Design and Construction (BD+C) Practice Exam

What is a key element in calculating the metabolic rate as a comfort factor?

1. Physical activity level

2. Clothing material

3. Room temperature

4. Ventilation rate

The correct answer is: Physical activity level

In the context of calculating metabolic rate as a comfort factor, the physical activity level is indeed a key element. Metabolic rate refers to the rate at which the body expends energy or burns calories, which varies significantly depending on a person's level of physical activity. When individuals engage in different levels of activity—ranging from sedentary to vigorous—the energy they require changes. This shifting energy demand influences comfort levels in relation to environmental variables, such as temperature and ventilation. For instance, a person performing strenuous exercise will generate more body heat compared to someone at rest, which must be considered when assessing thermal comfort in built environments. The other factors—clothing material, room temperature, and ventilation rate—are also important in the broader context of comfort and environmental design, but they do not directly determine the metabolic rate. Clothing material can influence comfort by affecting insulation and moisture transport, room temperature impacts overall comfort levels, and ventilation rate impacts air quality and thermal comfort; however, they do not directly alter the metabolic rate itself, which is primarily influenced by how active an individual is. Therefore, physical activity level is central to understanding metabolic rate within the context of comfort.