LEED-AP-BD+C Practice Exam Questions with Answers LEED AP Building Design + Construction (LEED AP BD+C) Certification

According to the LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, the Carbon Dioxide Monitoring strategy requires CO2 monitors to be located in each densely occupied space, which is defined as a space with a design occupant density of 25 people or more per 1,000 square feet (93 square meters).This strategy is intended to provide feedback on ventilation system performance and indoor air quality12References:1: LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, Indoor Environmental Quality Credit: Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies, Option 2: Additional Enhanced IAQ Strategies, Strategy 3: Carbon Dioxide Monitoring, page 704.2: LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, Glossary, page 1019.

This option requires the project to provide safe collection, storage, and disposal for electronic waste, such as computers, monitors, printers, and batteries, because it contains hazardous materials that can harm human health and the environment if not handled properly1. Electronic waste can be recycled or reused by certified e-waste recyclers or manufacturers2.

References: = [LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide], Recycled content.

The best design approach for the office building is D. Recover waste energy through exhaust air energy recovery systems. This is because:

• Installing glazing with a higher solar heat gain factor would increase the cooling load and energy consumption of the building, especially in an extremely humid climate where heat gain is high1.
• Installing photovoltaic panels on the sides of the building would generate electricity from solar radiation, but it would not reduce the cooling load or energy consumption of the building, unless the electricity is used to power a heat pump or other cooling device2.
• Increasing outdoor air intake quantities during summer months would provide more fresh air to dilute the indoor pollutants and improve the indoor air quality, but it would not reduce the cooling load or energy consumption of the building, unless it is combined with a ventilation system that recovers waste energy from the exhaust air stream34.

An exhaust air energy recovery system (ERV) is a type of mechanical ventilation that uses a heat exchanger to transfer heat between two streams of air: one that enters the building and one that exits. The ERV pre-cools and dehumidifies the incoming ventilation air bysending the rejected heat into the exhaust airstream to cool the condenser coil at a lower temperature. This reduces both the cooling load and energy consumption of the building, as well as improving its indoor humidity levels34. An ERV can also provide some fresh outdoor air to meet ASHRAE Standard 62 ventilation rates5.

Therefore, an ERV is a more efficient and effective design approach than glazing, photovoltaic panels, or increased outdoor air intake quantities for reducing the annual energy cost for operating an office building in an extremely humid climate and shaded by very large adjacent buildings on all four sides.

References: 1: LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide - U.S. Green Building Council 2: LEED AP BD+C Exam | U.S. Green Building Council 3: Energy Recovery Systems - Nortek Air Solutions 4: Energy Recovery Ventilators - Greenheck 5: Mechanical Ventilation Types: Exhaust, Supply, Balanced & Energy Recovery

USGBC’s vision for using LEED internationally is to promote green building practices that are globally applicable, locally relevant, and culturally sensitive1. To achieve this vision, USGBC provides opportunities for alternative compliance paths (ACPs) that meet the unique needs of a particular region, such as climate, codes, standards, market conditions, and priorities2. ACPs are modifications or additions to existing LEED credits or prerequisites that recognize regional differences and allow for more flexibility and applicability of LEED3. ACPs are developed by USGBC in collaboration with local green building councils, experts, and stakeholders, and are reviewed and approved by the LEED Steering Committee3. ACPs are available for various regions and countries, such as China, India, Brazil, Europe, and Canada2.

References:

• LEED International | U.S. Green Building Council
• Alternative Compliance Paths (ACPs) | U.S. Green Building Council
• USGBC’s 2020 vision will use LEED to further global connectedness | U.S. Green Building Council
• LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction v4

According to the LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, the Water Efficiency Prerequisite, Outdoor Water Use Reduction, Option 2. Reduced Irrigation, requires that a project’s landscape water requirement be reduced by at least 30% from the calculated baseline for the project site’s peak watering month. The baseline is determined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) WaterSense Water Budget Tool, or a local equivalent for projects outside the U.S.The reduction must be achieved through plantspecies selection and irrigation system efficiency1.References: LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Water Efficiency Prerequisite, Outdoor Water Use Reduction, Option 2.Reduced Irrigation, Requirements1

A preventive maintenance plan is a document that outlines the procedures and schedules for maintaining the building systems and equipment. It helps to ensure that the systems and equipment are operating efficiently and effectively, and that they meet the design intent and performance goals. A preventive maintenance plan can also help to reduce the risk of failures, breakdowns, and repairs, and extend the service life of the systems and equipment. A preventive maintenance plan is especially important for improving the indoor environmental quality, as it can prevent issues such as poor ventilation, air leaks, moisture problems, mold growth, and indoor air pollution. Therefore, the project team should provide the facility manager with a preventive maintenance plan for the building, along with the necessary training and resources to implement it.

References:

•LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, Indoor Environmental Quality Credit: Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies, page 6951

•LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, Indoor Environmental Quality Credit: Thermal Comfort, page 7041

•LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, Indoor Environmental Quality Credit: Acoustic Performance, page 7101

•Preventive Maintenance Plan - The Ridiculously Simple Guide

This option requires the project to increase the breathing zone outdoor airflow by at least 20% above the minimum rates required by ASHRAE 62.1-2010. Therefore, the minimum design zone outdoor airflow is 0.120 CFM/ft2 x 1.2 = 0.144 CFM/ft2.

References: = [LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide], [Indoor Environmental Quality Credit: Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies], [ASHRAE 62.1-2010 User’s Manual].

The Water Efficiency Credit, Indoor Water Use Reduction aims to reduce indoor water consumption by installing water-efficient fixtures and fittings, such as faucets, showerheads, toilets, and urinals1. A commercial dishwasher that is ENERGY STAR® labeled or performance equivalent would help reduce the water use for dishwashing, which is one of the process water uses included in the credit calculation2. A standard garbage disposal would not reduce water use, but rather increase it. An electronic submeter at the domestic water supply pipe to the building would help measure and monitor water use, but not directly reduce it. An open-loop HVAC system that discharges potable cooling water to a nearby lake would waste a lot of water and potentially harm the environment.

References:

• Indoor Water Use Reduction
• “Maximizing Water Efficiency in Commercial Buildings: Understanding LEED BD+C Water Efficiency Credits”

Increase the number of skylights

Skylights are openings in the roof or ceiling that allow natural light to enter the building. They can improve daylighting by providing more uniform and diffuse illumination, reducing the need for artificial lighting, and enhancing the visual comfort and well-being of occupants. Skylights can also reduce cooling loads by minimizing solar heat gain through the roof. However, skylights must be designed carefully to avoid glare, overheating, and heat loss issues.

References:

• Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction v4 – Pages 279-2801
• Daylighting | WBDG - Whole Building Design Guide1

According to the LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, the Sustainable Sites Credit, Open Space requires the project to provide outdoor space greater than or equal to 30% of the total site area (including building footprint). At least 25% of that outdoor space must be vegetated, have overhead vegetated canopy, or be a water body. Option A does not qualify as outdoor space, Option B is not vegetated or a water body, and Option C only applies to projects with a FAR of less than 1.0. Option D meets the requirements for both outdoor space and vegetation, and also contributes to the protection or restoration of habitat1. References: LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Sustainable Sites Credit, Open Space, Requirements1

The Materials and Resources Credit, Building Life-Cycle Impact Reduction, rewards projects that reuse existing building structures and envelopes, or salvage materials from off-site or on-site sources. According to the LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, the project team must calculate the percentage of building being reused by dividing the area of the existing building structure and envelope that is reused by the total area of the completed building structure and envelope1. However, the project team must exclude from the calculation any hazardous materials that are remediated as a part of the project, such as asbestos, lead, mold, or PCBs1. Therefore, the asbestos containing materials found on the perimeter walls will be excluded from the calculation, regardless of the volume.

References:

•LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, Materials and Resources Credit: Building Life-Cycle Impact Reduction, page 5451

•Building life-cycle impact reduction | U.S. Green Building Council2

Furniture is the only type of product that needs to be evaluated for both VOC content and VOC emissions in the LEED BD+C Low-Emitting Materials credit.Flooring, composite wood, and wet applied products only need to meet the VOC content requirements, while other types of products, such as ceilings, walls, thermal and acoustic insulation, and exterior applied products, only need to meet the VOC emissions requirements1.

References:

• LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide
• Low-Emitting Materials | U.S. Green Building Council

The Materials and Resources Credit, Building Product Disclosure and Optimization - Sourcing of Raw Materials rewards projects that use materials that have optimized extraction processes by limiting or eliminating the extraction of new resources, the reuse of materials or the use of recycled materials1. According to the LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction2, the credit has two options: Option 1. Raw Material Source and Extraction Reporting and Option 2. Leadership Extraction Practices. Option 1 requires the project to use at least 20 permanently installed products from at least five different manufacturers that have publicly released a report from their raw material suppliers which include extraction locations, a commitment to long-term ecologically responsible land use, a commitment to reducing environmental harms from extraction and/or manufacturing processes, and a commitment to meeting applicable standards or programs voluntarily that address responsible sourcing criteria2. Option 2 requires the project to use products that meet at least one of the responsible sourcing criteria below for at least 25%, by cost, of the total value of permanently installed building products in the project:

• Extended producer responsibility. Products purchased from a manufacturer (producer) that participates in an extended producer responsibility program or is directly responsible for extended producer responsibility.
• Bio-based materials. Bio-based products must meet the Sustainable Agriculture Network’s Sustainable Agriculture Standard. Bio-based raw materials must be tested using ASTM Test Method D6866 and be legally harvested, as defined by the exporting and receiving country. Exclude hide products, such as leather and other animal skin material.
• Wood products. Wood products must be certified by the Forest Stewardship Council or USGBC-approved equivalent.
• Materials reuse. Reused products must include salvaged, refurbished, or reused products.
• Recycled content. Recycled content is the sum of postconsumer recycled content plus one-half the preconsumer recycled content, based on cost. Products meeting recycled content criteria are valued at 100% of their cost for the purposes of credit achievement calculation.
• USGBC approved program. Other USGBC approved programs meeting leadership extraction criteria.

Therefore, among the given options, only Option A is relevant to the use of reused/salvaged materials or recycled content, as they can contribute to the materials reuse or recycled content criteria under Option 2. Option B is a prerequisite that requires the project to develop and implement a construction and demolition waste management plan that identifies the materials to be diverted from disposal and whether the materials will be sorted on-site or co-mingled2. Option C is a credit that requires the project to use at least 20 different permanently installed products from at least five different manufacturers that use any of the following programs to demonstrate the chemical inventory of the product to at least 0.1% (1000 ppm):

• Health Product Declaration. The end use product has a published, complete Health Product Declaration with full disclosure of known hazards in compliance with the Health Product Declaration Open Standard.
• Cradle to Cradle. The end use product has been certified at the Cradle to Cradle v2 Basic level or Cradle to Cradle v3 Bronze level.
• REACH Optimization. The end use product is compliant with REACH Optimization criteria.
• GreenScreen v1.2 Benchmark. The product’s chemical ingredients are inventoried using the GreenScreen v1.2 Benchmark.
• Declare. The Declare product label must indicate that all ingredients have been disclosed down to 1000 ppm.

Option D is a credit that requires the project to use at least 20 different permanently installed products that have environmental product declarations. The products must be sourced from at least five different manufacturers. The environmental product declarations must conform to ISO 14025, 14040, 14044, and EN 15804 or ISO 21930 and have at least a cradle-to-gate scope2.

References:

• LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction v4
• Recycled content | U.S. Green Building Council
• CS-v4.1 MRc3: Sourcing of Raw Materials | LEEDuser
• How to choose the right materials for a LEED project? - GBCE

Energy efficiency goals and training requirements are required to be present in the Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR) when applying the Integrative Process to a Building Design and Construction project.According to the LEED v4 BD+C ReferenceGuide, the OPR is a document that details the ideas, concepts, and criteria that are determined by the owner to be important to the success of the project1.The OPR must include, among other things, the following information related to energy efficiency1:

• The owner’s energy performance goals and expectations
• The owner’s requirements for energy metering and monitoring
• The owner’s requirements for energy modeling and analysis
• The owner’s requirements for commissioning and verification
• The owner’s requirements for training and documentation

The other options are not required to be present in the OPR, as they are either related to other aspects of the project, such as codes and standards, interior finishes, or project team members, or they are not relevant to the Integrative Process, which focuses on early analysis of energy, water, and site systems2.References: LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, Integrative Process Category, IPc Integrative Process, page 632.

According to the LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, the Water Efficiency Prerequisite, Indoor Water Use Reduction requires the project to reduce the aggregate water consumption from plumbing fixtures and fittings by at least 20% from the baseline. The baseline water consumption is determined by the Energy Policy Act of 1992 and subsequent rulings by the Department of Energy, or a local equivalent for projects outside the U.S.The plumbing fixtures and fittings that apply to the calculations are toilets, urinals, lavatory faucets (both private and public), showerheads, and kitchen sink faucets1.Pre-rinse spray valves, dishwashers, and commercial kitchen filling operations faucets are not included in the calculations, as they are considered process water uses1.Therefore, the correct answer is C, urinals, public lavatory faucets, kitchen sink faucets.References: LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Water Efficiency Prerequisite, Indoor Water Use Reduction, Requirements1

A multiple-zone system is a system that has one or more air handlers supplying conditioned air to more than one zone. A zone is a space or group of spaces within a building with heating and cooling requirements that are sufficiently similar so that desired conditions (e.g., temperature) can be maintained throughout using a single controlling device. The ventilation rate procedure calculations must be based on the multiple-zone system configuration because the HVAC system in the question serves different zones with different ventilation requirements.References: LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, p.6881; ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2010, Section 6.2.52

SRI generally decreases with age

The Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) is a measure of the ability of a surface to reflect solar heat, as shown by a small temperature rise. It is calculated using the values of solar reflectance and thermal emittance of the surface. The higher the SRI, the lower the heat island effect. However, SRI generally decreases with age due to factors such as weathering, dirt accumulation, and biological growth. Therefore, the Sustainable Sites Credit, Heat Island Reduction takes into account both new and three-year aged SRI values for roofing material to ensure that the material maintains a high level of reflectance over time.

References:

• SpecTopics: Heat Island Reduction Credit and LEED V4/V4.1 - Carlisle SynTec1
• Solar Reflectance Index Measurements - Surface Optics Corp.2

The Materials and Resources Credit, Construction and Demolition Waste Management aims to reduce the amount of construction and demolition waste disposed of in landfills and incineration facilities by recovering, reusing, and recycling materials. According to the LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, one of the options to achieve this credit is to divert at least 50% of the total construction and demolition material from disposal and recycle or salvage at least three material streams1. Therefore, salvaging and recycling 50% of the existing materials (based on volume) generated during site demolition for three material streams would contribute to earning this credit. The other options are not related to this credit, but to other credits or prerequisites, such as Sustainable Sites Prerequisite: Construction Activity Pollution Prevention1, Materials and Resources Prerequisite: Storage and Collection of Recyclables1, and Materials and Resources Credit: Building Product Disclosure and Optimization - Sourcing of Raw Materials1.

References:

•LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, Materials and Resources Credit: Construction and Demolition Waste Management, page 5481

•LEED v4 Construction and Demolition Waste

The Whole Building Simulation option is used to meet the Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite, Minimum Energy Performance for a hospital project.This option involves creating a detailed computer model of the building to simulate its energy performance and identify opportunities for improvement.References: LEED AP Building Design + Construction (LEED AP BD+C) V4 resources1

The correct answer is D. critically reviewed life-cycle assessment conforming to ISO 14044. This is because:

•Option 1 of this credit requires the use of products that have environmental product declarations (EPDs), which are documents that provide information about the environmental impact of a product throughout its life cycle1.

•EPDs are based on life-cycle assessments (LCAs), which are systematic analyses of the environmental aspects and potential impacts of a product from raw material extraction to disposal2.

•LCAs must conform to the international standard ISO 14044, which specifies the principles and framework for conducting and reporting LCAs3. LCAs must also be critically reviewed by an independent panel of experts to ensure their validity and reliability4.

•The other options are not relevant for this credit. FSC certification is a label that indicates that a wood product comes from a well-managed forest5. Cradle-to-cradle certification is a label that indicates that a product is designed for circular economy, with minimal waste and toxicity. CSR is a report that discloses the social and environmental performance of a company.

References: 1: Building product disclosure and optimization - environmental product … 2: [Life Cycle Assessment - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics] 3: [ISO 14044:2006(en), Environmental management — Life cycle …] 4: [Critical Review in LCA - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics] 5: [Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) | U.S. Green Building Council] : [Cradle to Cradle Certified™ Products Program] : [Corporate Sustainability Reporting - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics]

According to the LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, the Thermal Comfort credit requires providing individual comfort controls for at least 50% of individual occupant spaces, and group controls for 100% of shared multioccupant spaces1. Individual comfort controls allow occupants to adjust one or more of the following: air temperature, air speed, radiant temperature, or humidity. Group controls are shared by two or more occupants within a thermal zone.The credit aims to promote occupants’ productivity, comfort, and well-being by providing quality thermal comfort.References: EQ Credit Thermal Comfort, LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction123

The heat island effect is the phenomenon of urban areas having higher air temperatures than surrounding rural areas due to the absorption and emission of heat by human-made surfaces, such as buildings, roads, and pavements. The heat island effect can have negative impacts on theenvironment, human health, and energy consumption. One of the strategies to reduce the heat island effect is to use highly reflective paving materials that have a high solar reflectance index (SRI), which measures the ability of a surface to reflect solar radiation and stay cool. However, over time, the paving materials can accumulate dirt and dust, which can lower their reflectance and increase their heat absorption. Therefore, a facility manager cleaning highly reflective paving material is reducing the heat island effect by restoring the reflectance and cooling potential of the surface12.

References:

•Heat Island Reduction | U.S. Green Building Council1

•SpecTopics: Heat Island Reduction Credit and LEED V4/V4.1 - Carlisle SynTec

According to the LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction1, the Location and Transportation Credit, Bicycle Facilities, requires the project to provide short-term and long-term bicycle storage and a functional entry or bicycle storage within 200 yards of a bicycle network. The bicycle network is defined as any one of the following:

• Off-street bicycle paths or on-street bicycle lanes that are physically marked and separated from motor traffic
• Streets designed for a target speed of 25 mph (40 km/h) or less, with traffic calming features such as curb extensions, speed humps, raised crossings, narrowed traffic lanes, median islands, tight corner radii, roundabouts, or landscaping
• Streets with a legal speed limit of 25 mph (40 km/h) or less that connect to a larger bicycle network

Therefore, among the given options, only slow speed roadways can define a bicycle network, as they can provide a safer and more comfortable environment for cyclists. One-way streets, bike share, and traffic lights are not sufficient to define a bicycle network, as they do not necessarily indicate the presence of bicycle paths, lanes, or low-speed streets.

References:

• LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction v4
• Bicycle facilities | U.S. Green Building Council
• CI-v4.1 LTc4: Bicycle facilities | LEEDuser
• Understanding bikeability: a methodology to assess urban networks
• Bicycle Network | Making bike riding easier for everyone

The Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Interior Lighting, requires the project team to provide individual occupant lighting control for at least 90% of the individual occupant spaces, or at least 50% of the shared multi-occupant spaces. The lighting control must enable occupants to adjust the lighting to suit their individual tasks and preferences, and must have at least three lighting levels, excluding off1. Therefore, a three level (on, 25%, off) lighting control meets the requirements of this credit, while a two level (on, off) lighting control does not. A three level (on, 50%, off) or a three level (on, 75%, off) lighting control may also meet the requirements, depending on the lighting power density and the daylight availability in the space2.

References:

•LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, Indoor Environmental Quality Credit: Interior Lighting, page 7071

•Interior lighting | U.S. Green Building Council3

This option requires the project team to use the same building operating schedule and occupancy hours for both the baseline building and the proposed building in the whole building simulation model1. This option ensures that the energy savings are calculated based on the same level of building activity and occupancy, which are major factors that affect the energy performance of a building2.

References: = LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, [Whole Building Energy Simulation - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics].

Installing a vegetative roofing system is the best option to address the potential glare resulting from a project’s highly reflective roof. A vegetative roofing system, also known as a green roof, is a roof that is partially or completely covered with vegetation and a growing medium, planted over a waterproofing membrane. A vegetative roofing system can reduce the reflectivity of the roof surface and mitigate the glare impact on the surrounding environment. It can also provide other benefits, such as reducing heat island effects, improving stormwater management, enhancing biodiversity, and increasing roof insulation. Therefore, option A is the correct answer. The other options are not as effective or desirable as installing a vegetative roofing system. Changing the design to reduce the amount of roofing area (option B) may not be feasible or desirable, as it may compromise the project’s program or performance. Changing the roofing material to a dark material to eliminate the issue (option C) may reduce the glare, but it will also increasethe heat absorption and emission of the roof, contributing to heat island effects and increasing cooling loads. Increasing the parapet height (option D) may block some of the glare, but it will also increase the material and construction costs, and it may not be sufficient to prevent glare from all angles.For more information on vegetative roofing systems and their benefits, you can refer to the LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction1or the Green Roofs for Healthy Cities website2.

According to the LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, the calculations for Quality Views must include the following variables: window size and configuration, glazing factor, window head height, distance of the window from the floor, permanent interior obstructions, and exterior obstructions. Ceiling heights, building furniture, and movable partitions are not required to be included in the calculations.

References:

• LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, Indoor Environmental Quality Credit: Quality Views, page 7061
• Daylight and Quality Views

The evapotranspiration rate is the amount of water loss in a vegetated surface in units of water depth, such as millimeters or inches. It is a measure of the water demand of the plants and the climate conditions. It is used to calculate the baseline water use for irrigation in the Outdoor Water Use Reduction credit.

References:

•LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, page 5381

•Outdoor Water Use Reduction Credits in LEED v4 - HydroPoint2

The Integrative Process credit under the LEED BD+C v4 rating system encourages the coordination of all the project team members, starting from the predesign phase, to discover unique opportunities for project design, enhanced building performance, and green features. The three phases within the Integrative Process Credit are:

• Discovery phase: This involves investigating at least two energy-related and several water-related sustainable design strategies prior to the end of schematic design1.
• Design and Construction (implementation) phase: This requires the project teams to turn their findings into reality2.
• Occupance, Operations, and Performance Feedback phase: This phase involves the evaluation of the implemented strategies and their effectiveness3.

References:

• LEED Integrative Process Credit Explained - Projectific, Inc.
• LEED AP BD+C v4 - Integrative Process Flashcards | Quizlet
• Achieving the LEED v4 Integrative Process Credit - SketchUp

Adding a concrete walkway will increase the site’s impervious cover, which is the percentage of the site area that does not allow water to infiltrate into the ground1. Impervious cover can affect the site’s stormwater management, heat island effect, and habitat quality.The project team should consider using permeable paving materials, vegetated roofs, or rain gardens to reduce the impervious cover and mitigate its impacts2. The other options are not directly impacted by adding a concrete walkway.Project density calculations are based on the floor area ratio and the number of occupants, not the site features3.Erosion and sediment control plan during construction is required for any site disturbance, regardless of the type of material used4.Air quality as a result of off gassing that occurs as concrete cures is not a significant issue for outdoor applications, and can be minimized by using low-emitting concrete products5.

According to the LEED minimum program requirements, the LEED project must include a minimum of 1000 square feet (93 square meters) of gross floor area for the LEED BD+C and LEED O+M rating systems1.

References:

• LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide
• LEED minimum program requirements

The Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies aims to establish better quality indoor air for the building occupants that promotes their comfort and well-being1. This credit requires the project team to implement several strategies to reduce the exposure of occupants and HVAC systems to environmental tobacco smoke, airborne contaminants, and chemicals1. One of the strategies is to design and construct all interior partitions to full height (deck-to-deck) or provide a hard-lid ceiling for spaces where hazardous gases or chemicals may be present or used2. This strategy helps prevent the migration of contaminants from one space to another through the plenum3. A copy room is an example of such a space, as it may contain printers, copiers, toners, and solvents that can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particulate matter (PM) into the air4. Therefore, the project team can achieve Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies by providing a hard-lid ceiling for the copy room.

References:

• Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies
• Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies - Canada Green Building Council
• [LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction v4], page 631
• Copy Rooms: A Source of Indoor Air Pollution

According to the LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, the project team must conduct a waste stream audit to identify the top five recyclable waste streams generated by the building and its occupants. The audit must cover a representative time period of a minimum of 24 hours, and must account for variations in the type and quantity of waste generated by different building uses andoperations. The project team must then provide dedicated areas for the collection and storage of these materials for recycling. The project team must also provide dedicated areas for the collection and storage of batteries, mercury-containing lamps, and electronic waste, or demonstrate that a local program is in place to properly dispose of these materials.

References:

• LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, Materials and Resources Prerequisite: Storage and Collection of Recyclables, page 5441
• LEED v4 Credit Tutorials: Materials & Resources (BD+C/ID+C), Prerequisite: Storage and Collection of Recyclables2

Discussing the project goals to help identify the credits and options that the team should attempt is an example of developing the LEED Scorecard.The LEED Scorecard is a tool that shows the potential points that a project can achieve under each credit category of the LEED rating system1.Developing the LEED Scorecard involves selecting the mostappropriate credits and options based on the project’s goals, location, budget, and design2.The scorecard helps the project team track their progress and prioritize their actions throughout the design and construction process1.References:

• LEED scorecard | U.S. Green Building Council
• LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide - U.S. Green Building Council

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

Large commercial buildings are most often dominated by internal loads, which are the heat gains or losses from people, equipment, lighting, and other sources inside the building. Internal loads can affect the heating and cooling loads and the energy consumption of the building. Therefore, reducing internal loads can improve the building’s energy efficiency and performance. References:

• LEED AP BD+C V4 Reference Guide, Chapter 5: Energy and Atmosphere, page 5-51
• ENERGY STAR Building Upgrade Manual, Chapter 6: Lighting, page 6-22
• Michaels Energy, Shell vs. Load Dominated Buildings

Tidal-based electrical production is eligible for the Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Renewable Energy Production. This credit rewards projects that use renewable energy systems to offset building energy cost.According to the LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, renewable energy systems are defined as “those that use resources that are naturally replenished within a 100-year or shorter cycle and that are greenhouse gas neutral on an annual basis”1. Tidal-based electrical production meets this definition, as it uses the kinetic energy of the tides to generate electricity without emitting greenhouse gases. The other options are not eligible for this credit, as ground-source heat pumps are not considered renewable energy systems, municipal solid waste combustion is not greenhouse gas neutral, and passive solar and daylighting strategies do not offset building energy cost.References: LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, Energy and Atmosphere Category, EAc Renewable Energy Production, page 572.

The minimum scope of analysis for a product-specific declaration is cradle-to-gate, which means from raw material extraction to the factory gate. This option requires the use of at least 20 different permanently installed products sourced from at least five different manufacturers that have product-specific declarations.

References:

•LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, page 5441

•LEED v4.1 BD+C MRc2 Building Product Disclosure and Optimization (BDPO) EPD credit2

For the building to receive one point for Location and Transportation Credit, Green Vehicles, the rate for green vehicles must be 80% less than the regular parking rate.Therefore, if the discounted parking rate is $450 per month, the rate for green vehicles must be $90 per month (20% of $450).References: LEED AP Building Design + Construction (LEED AP BD+C) V4 resources1

According to the Integrative Process Credit, Integrative Process, the goal-setting workshop should identify targeted LEED credits. This is because the goal-setting workshop is a meeting that involves the project owner and key project team members to establish the project’s sustainability goals, design objectives, and performance targets. One of the outcomes of the workshop is to identify the LEED credits that are relevant and achievable for the project, based on the project scope, budget, schedule, and site conditions. Therefore, option B is the correct answer. The other options are not the objectives of the goal-setting workshop. Potential project sites (option A) are usually determined before the goal-setting workshop, as they affect the project’s feasibility and design. Expected water demand (option C) and expected energy demand (option D) are not identified in the goal-setting workshop, but rather in the preliminary water budget and the preliminary energy modeling, which are part of the analysis phase that follows the goal-setting workshop.For more information on the Integrative Process Credit, Integrative Process, you can refer to the LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction1or the Projectific blog post on LEED Integrative Process Credit Explained2.

ASHRAE 90.1-2010 is the reference standard used to determine compliance with the Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite, Minimum Energy Performance when the whole building energy modeling option is used.This prerequisite requires demonstrating a 5% improvement in the proposed building performance rating compared to the baseline building performance rating per ASHRAE 90.1-2010, Appendix G1.The baseline building performance rating is based on a building design that meets the minimum requirements of ASHRAE 90.1-20102.References:

• Prerequisite: Minimum energy performance | U.S. Green Building Council
• Minimum Energy Performance - ASHRAE 90.1 - 2010

In determining the LEED project boundaries, the LEED AP may include non-contiguous parcels of land if the parcels directly support or are associated with normal building operations and are accessible to the project’s occupants. This is according to the Minimum Program Requirements (MPRs) for LEED v4.1, which state that non-contiguous parcels of land may be included within the LEED project boundary if they meet these criteria1. Facilities such as parking lots, bicycle storage, shower/changing facilities, and/or on-site renewable energy that are outside of the LEED project boundary may also be included in certain prerequisites and credits if they directly serve the LEED project and are not double-counted for other LEED projects1. The other options are not valid reasons to include non-contiguous parcels of land within the LEED project boundary. Temporary uses such as parking or staging that are owned and managed by a third party do not directly support or are associated with normal building operations of the LEED project1. Existing public preservation easements or resource protection areas that are directly adjacent to the LEED project boundary are not considered as part of the LEED project boundary, unless they are owned by the project owner or the project team has permission to use them2. Land trusts or conservation organizations for which the LEED project provides financial support are not considered as part of the LEED project boundary, unless they are located within the same EPA Level III ecoregion as the project site3.

References:

•Minimum Program Requirements (MPRs) - U.S. Green Building Council

•NC-v4.1 MPR2: Must use reasonable LEED boundaries | LEEDuser

•Site development - protect or restore habitat, p. 2

This rating system is suitable for projects where the developer controls the design and construction of the entire core and shell base building, but has no control over the design and construction of the tenant fit-out. Since the building will have a data center and retail stores in the future, but these are not the primary function of the entire building, LEED BD+C: Core & Shell is more appropriate than LEED BD+C: Data Centers or LEED BD+C: Retail.

References: = LEED rating system selection guidance, LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide

The WaterSense label or local equivalent requirement in Water Efficiency Prerequisite, Indoor Water Use Reduction ensures that eligible newly installed plumbing fixtures will be both water efficient and high performing. The WaterSense label is a voluntary program by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that identifies and promotes water-efficient products that meet EPA’s specifications for water efficiency and performance. The label applies to tank-type toilets, water-using urinals, private lavatory faucets, and showerheads. For projects outside the U.S., local equivalents may be used if they meet the same criteria as WaterSense or are listed on the USGBC website. The label does not imply that the fixtures are LEED compliant, comply with mandatory federal government regulations, or comply with all international plumbing system requirements.References:

• Water Efficiency Prerequisite: Indoor Water Use Reduction in LEED BD+C: New Construction v4.1 - LEED v4.11
• What is the WaterSense Label and How Does it Apply?2
• LEED QUALIFICATION GUIDE - v43
• WaterSense Labeled Homes4

The Acoustic Performance credit under the LEED BD+C: Healthcare rating system addresses the acoustic environment in healthcare spaces. It requires strategies that reduce noise levels, control background noise, and provide sound privacy. The documents that would best inform this decision are:

• Airport flyover maps: These can help determine the level of external noise intrusion into the building, which can affect the acoustic environment.
• Mechanical plans: These can provide information about the location and type of mechanical equipment, which can be a source of internal noise.
• Wall sections: These can provide information about the construction of the walls, including materials and assemblies, which can affect sound transmission between spaces1.

References:

• Acoustic performance | U.S. Green Building Council

An energy meter must be installed for hot water at the main service point for the project to meet the requirements for Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite, Building-Level Energy Metering.According to the LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, this prerequisite requires that “all energy sources used by the building must be metered or submetered”1. The hot water from the central utility plant is an energy source used by the building, even if it is not directly paid by the office. Therefore, it must be metered at the point where it enters the building. The other options are incorrect because natural gas is not an energy source used by the building in this case, and the flat fee or the ownership of the energy source do not exempt the project from the metering requirement.References: LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, Energy and Atmosphere Category, EAp Building-Level Energy Metering, page 569.

Plug-in task lighting is considered as furniture and is not included in the installed lighting power calculations for Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite, Minimum Energy Performance. It is also not required to comply with the lighting control requirements of ASHRAE 90.1-2010. However, it can be used to satisfy the individual control requirement of Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Interior Lighting, Option 1.References:

• LEED v4 for Building Design and Construction, p.361
• LEED v4 for Building Design and Construction, p.6012
• ASHRAE 90.1-2010, Section 9.1.13

The Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) is a measure of the roof’s ability to reject solar heat, as shown by a small temperature rise. It is defined so that a standard black (reflectance 0.05, emittance 0.90) is 0 and a standard white (reflectance 0.80, emittance 0.90) is 100. SRI is calculated using the roof surface’s Solar Reflectance (SR) and Thermal Emittance (TE). SR is the fraction of solar energy that is reflected by the roof, and TE is the relative ability of the roof surface to radiate heat. Therefore, SRI includes the measure of a material’s ability to reflect solar radiation, but not its ability to absorb or emit thermal radiation.

References:

• What is the Solar Reflectance Index? - Cool Roof Rating Council
• Definitions and Terms | HEATISLAND

The only stage of LEED for Neighborhood Development certification that is eligible for points under Building Design and Construction: New Construction, Location and Transportation Credit, LEED for Neighborhood Development Location, is LEED for Neighborhood Development Pilot, Stage 3 LEED for Neighborhood Development Certified Project.This is because the credit requires that the project be located within the boundary of a development that has achieved certification under LEED for Neighborhood Development (either Stage 2 or Stage 3 under the Pilot or 2009 rating systems, or Certified Plan or Certified Project under the LEED v4 rating system)1The other stages listed in the question are either conditional approvals or pre-reviews that do not guarantee certification23References:1: LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, Location and Transportation Credit: LEED for Neighborhood Development Location, page 460.2: LEED for Neighborhood Development Location – Above Green33: LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide - U.S.Green Building Council1

The bonus location valuation factor in several Materials and Resources credits under LEED AP BD+C V4 is intended to incentivize the purchase of products that support the local economy.Products extracted, manufactured, and produced within 100 miles (161 km) of the project are valued at 200% of their cost within the calculations1.This adds value to locally produced products and materials2.

References:

• LEED Quiz 8: Ch. 9 Materials & Resources Flashcards | Quizlet
• LEED 2009 vs. LEED v4: Regional Materials - LaForce, LLC

Reducing the area planned for surface parking and replacing it with additional vegetated space can provide several benefits to the owner, such as:

• Decreasing the amount of bicycle parking that must be provided, since there will be less demand for parking spaces for cyclists.
• Increasing the overall SR (solar reflectance) of the hardscape area, which can reduce the cooling load and energy consumption of the building.
• Decreasing the required amount of on-street parking that must be provided, since there will be less demand for parking spaces for cars.

However, one of the most significant benefits of this strategy is increasing the rainwater infiltration capacity, which can improve the water quality and quantity in the stormwater system. According to a study by Biondolilo1, integrating green space into parking lots can decrease stormwater runoff, mitigate the heat island effect, store carbon, improve air quality and may have social benefits as well. The study estimated that converting 30% of Manhattan’s parking into green space would decrease runoff and pollutants from parking lots1. Therefore, this strategy can help reduce water demand and environmental impact in arid climates.

References:

• How Eliminating Parking Minimums Actually Makes Cities Better
• Analyzing the benefits of reducing parking: improving public transportation to reduce parking demand and increase space for green infrastructure in Manhattan, Kansas
• Benefits of Urban Vegetation and Green Spaces - BeautyHarmonyLife
• Reduce Urban Heat Island Effect | Green Infrastructure | US EPA

The Sustainable Sites Credit, Light Pollution Reduction aims to minimize the adverse effects of artificial lighting on the night sky, human health, and wildlife1. However, the credit does not apply to lighting that is required for safety, security, or emergency purposes2. According to the LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, lighting for theatrical performances is considered an emergency purpose and is exempt from the credit requirements3. Therefore, the LEED AP should inform the owner that the LED fixture is exempt from Sustainable Sites Credit, Light Pollution Reduction and does not need to be modified or compared to an alternative. Enclosing the performance areas would not reduce light pollution, but rather increase energy consumption and affect the outdoor experience. Calculating the return on investment over the 20-year life of the project is irrelevant to the credit and would not help achieve it.

References:

• Light Pollution Reduction
• Light Pollution Reduction: Sustainable Site Credit for LEED Existing Building O+M
• [LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction v4], page 581

This option applies to projects that renovate an existing building that meets the definition of abandoned or blighted, and use new materials for at least 50% of the surface area. The project meets these criteria, as the warehouse is an existing building that is presumably abandoned or blighted, and the new construction will use new materials for 40% of the interior and some of the exterior. References: LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Materials and Resources Credit, Building Life-Cycle Impact Reduction, Option 4: Renovation of Abandoned or Blighted Building

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This option allows the project team to evaluate the impact of different window-to-wall ratios on the energy performance of the building, and to optimize the design accordingly. A simple box energy model is a preliminary analysis tool that can be used to compare different design alternatives and inform decision making in the early stages of the project12.

References: = [LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide], LEED v4 for Building Design and Construction: Energy and Atmosphere, The impacts of window to wall ratio and window orientation on building energy consumption and CO2 emissions under climate change. Message has links.

Data centers are buildings that house computer systems and associated components, such as servers, storage devices, and network equipment. They typically operate 24/7 and do not have regular commuting patterns of occupants. Therefore, they can exclude weekend transit service from the transit service level calculations for the Location and Transportation Credit, Access to Quality Transit12. This credit aims to encourage development in locations that are served by high-quality transit, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions, transportation costs, and automobile dependence.

References: = LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, NC-v4.1 LTc5: Access to quality transit | LEEDuser

The assembly U-value of a building envelope component is the overall rate of heat transfer through that component, taking into account the different materials and layers that make up the component. For example, the assembly U-value of a wall would include the effects of the insulation, framing, sheathing, cladding, air films, etc. The assembly U-value is different from the material U-value, which is the rate of heat transfer through a single material. For example, the material U-value of steel is much higher than the material U-value of glass, but the assembly U-value of a steel-framed window may be lower than the assembly U-value of a glass curtain wall, depending on the other factors involved.

References: = [LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide], Minimum Energy Performance Calculator - ASHRAE 90.1 - 2010, A Quick and Easy Guide to U-Values - First In Architecture.

Private lavatory faucets are eligible for a WaterSense label, provided they meet EPA’s specifications for water efficiency and performance, and are backed by independent, third-party certification. Tankless toilets, waterless urinals, and public lavatory faucets are not eligible for a WaterSense label because they are not included in the product categories that WaterSense covers. WaterSense currently labels products in the following categories: tank-type toilets, water-using urinals, private lavatory faucets, showerheads, irrigation controllers, spray sprinkler bodies, and pre-rinse spray valves.References:

• WaterSense Products | US EPA1
• The WaterSense Label | US EPA2
• Water Sense Labeling | LEEDuser3
• Labeled Faucet Questions | WaterSense | US EPA4
• What is the WaterSense Label and How Does it Apply?5

The Materials and Resources Credit, Building Product Disclosure and Optimization, Material Ingredients, Option 2. Material Ingredient Optimization & Innovation Credit, Innovation, Exemplary Performance can be achieved if the total cost of permanently installed products are 25% cradle-to-cradle V3 Gold and 25% GreenScreen List Translator.This is because these certifications indicate that the materials used in the project have been assessed for their environmental and health impacts, contributing to the achievement of these credits.References: LEED AP Building Design + Construction (LEED AP BD+C) V4 resources1

For the Materials and Resources Credit, Building Life-Cycle Impact Reduction, Option 2.Renovation of Abandoned or Blighted Buildings, up to 25% of the building surface area may be excluded from the credit calculation due to deterioration or damage1.

References:

• LEED Certification- Requirements for Material & Resource Credit: Building Life-Cycle Impact Reduction - Firstgreen Consulting Pvt Ltd

Achievement of the Location and Transportation Credit, Surrounding Density and Diverse Uses may be affected by the move of the main entrance to the opposite side of the building. This is because the credit requires that the project be located within a minimum density area and within walking distance of diverse uses1. The walking distance is measured from a main functional entry of the project building to the diverse use entry1. If the main functional entry is moved, the distance to the diverse uses may change and affect the credit achievement. The other credits are not affected by the move of the main entrance, as they are based on the location of the project site, not the building entry. The Location and Transportation Credit, High-Priority Site rewards projects that are located on sites that are previously developed, infill, or adjacent to existing development2. The Location and Transportation Credit, Sensitive Land Protection rewards projects that are located on sites that do not contain sensitive land features such as prime farmland, wetlands, or habitats3. The Location and Transportation Credit, LEED for Neighborhood Development Location rewards projects that are located within the boundary of a LEED for Neighborhood Development certified plan4.

References:

•Surrounding density and diverse uses, p. 1

•High-priority site, p. 1

•Sensitive land protection, p. 1

•LEED for neighborhood development location, p. 1

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

The Minimum Program Requirements (MPRs) for LEED certification are:

• MPR 1: Must be in a permanent location on existing land
• MPR 2: Must use reasonable LEED boundaries
• MPR 3: Must comply with project size requirements

Option A does not meet MPR 1 because it is located on a previously undeveloped site, which is not considered existing land. Option B does not meet MPR 3 because it is a parking garage, which is excluded from LEED certification unless it is part of a larger project. Option C does not meet MPR 1 because it is a mobile clinic, which is not considered permanent. Option D meets all the MPRs because it is a permanent building on existing land, it has reasonable LEED boundaries, and it meets the minimum gross floor area of 1,000 ft2 (93 m2) for BD+C projects.

References:

• LEED minimum program requirements
• Minimum Program Requirements (MPRs)
• What do the LEED Minimum Program Requirements Really Mean?

This option requires the project to classify wood derived fuel as a recycled material that contributes towards the credit, because it is a waste material that is converted into a useful energy source1. Wood derived fuel can be used for heating, electricity generation, or co-firing with other fuels2. According to the LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, recycled materials are those that have been reprocessed or remanufactured from recovered materials3.

References: = LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Wood Derived Fuels - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics, Wood-Derived Fuels | Energy and the Environment | US EPA.