LEED-AP-BD-C Exam Questions Get Updated [2026] with Correct Answers
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NEW QUESTION # 209
A commercial new construction project consists of mixed space usage. When deciding which LEED rating system to use, the LEED AP should follow which of the following rules?
- A. If a rating system is appropriate for less than 50% of the gross area of the LEED project space then the rating system must not be used
- B. If a rating system is appropriate for more than 50% of the gross floor area of LEED project space, then that rating system must be used
- C. If a rating system is appropriate for 40% to 60% of the gross floor area, the project team must independently assess their situation and decide which rating system is most applicable
- D. If a rating system is appropriate for 30% to 60% of the gross floor area, the project team must independently assess their situation and decide which rating system is most applicable
Answer: C
Explanation:
According to the LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, the 40/60 rule provides guidance for making a decision when several rating systems appear to be appropriate for a project. To use this rule, first assign a rating system to each square foot or square meter of the building, and then choose the most appropriate rating system based on the resulting percentages. The entire gross floor area of a LEED project must be certified under a single rating system and is subject to all prerequisites and attempted credits in that rating system, regardless of mixed construction or space usage type. If a rating system is appropriate for less than 40% of the gross floor area of a LEED project building or space, then that rating system should not be used. If a rating system is appropriate for more than 60% of the gross floor area of a LEED project building or space, then that rating system should be used. If an appropriate rating system falls between 40% and 60% of the gross floor area, project teams must independently assess their situation and decide which rating system is most applicable1. References: LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, LEED Rating System Selection Guidance1
NEW QUESTION # 210
Increasing which of the following variables will require an increase in the outdoor airflow rate under Indoor Environmental Quality Prerequisite, Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance?
- A. Supply air temperature set point
- B. System ventilation efficiency
- C. Number of occupants
- D. Supply air velocity
Answer: C
Explanation:
The outdoor airflow rate is the amount of outdoor air that is supplied to the building by the ventilation system to dilute indoor air pollutants and provide fresh air for the occupants. The outdoor airflow rate depends on the ventilation standard that the project follows, which can be either ASHRAE 62.1-2010 or CEN Standard EN 15251-20071. Both standards specify the minimum outdoor airflow rate per person and per unit area for different occupancy types and zones. Therefore, increasing the number of occupants will require an increase in the outdoor airflow rate to maintain the minimum ventilation level. The other variables, such as supply air velocity, system ventilation efficiency, and supply air temperature set point, do not directly affect the outdoor airflow rate, although they may influence the energy consumption and thermal comfort of the ventilation system.
Reference:
LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction v4
Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance
Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality - ASHRAE
Indoor environmental input parameters for design and assessment of ... - CEN
NEW QUESTION # 211
Which rating system is appropriate for a new mixed-use building with 300,000 ft2 (27 871 m2) of residential units, 150,000 ft2 (13 935 m2) hotel and 50,000 ft2 (4 645 m2) of retail space?
- A. Retail
- B. Core and Shell Development
- C. New Construction
- D. Hospitality
Answer: C
Explanation:
Explanation
New Construction is the appropriate rating system for a new mixed-use building with 300,000 ft2 (27 871 m2) of residential units, 150,000 ft2 (13 935 m2) hotel and 50,000 ft2 (4 645 m2) of retail space. According to the LEED rating system selection guidance1, the New Construction rating system applies to buildings that are being newly constructed or going through a major renovation, and that include any of the following use types:
office, retail, hospitality, education, residential, warehouse and distribution centers, or data centers2. The New Construction rating system can also be used for mixed-use buildings that have more than one use type3. Since the project involves new construction of a mixed-use building with residential, hospitality, and retail uses, the New Construction rating system is the most suitable option. The other rating systems are not applicable because they are either specific to one use type (Retail and Hospitality) or to buildings that are not complete at the time of certification (Core and Shell Development).
LEED rating system selection guidance | U.S. Green Building Council
LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide - U.S. Green Building Council LEED v4 Rating Systems | USGBC-LI
NEW QUESTION # 212
A building owner is considering the installation of a solar thermal panel on the roof of the building. The initial cost of the system is higher than a conventional natural gas system. Which of the following is true to make the renewable energy option economically feasible?
- A. Utility cost savings over the lifetime of the system must offset the higher initial cost
- B. Utility cost savings over the lifetime of the system must be lower than the higher initial cost of the system
- C. Higher initial cost must exceed the savings on the utility cost over the lifetime of the system
- D. Higher initial cost must exceed the cost of the utility over the lifetime of the system
Answer: A
Explanation:
The renewable energy option is economically feasible if the present value of the utility cost savings over the lifetime of the system is greater than or equal to the present value of the higher initial cost of the system. This means that the system will pay for itself and generate net savings in the long run. The utility cost savings depend on the amount of energy produced by the solar thermal panel, the price of natural gas, and the inflation rate. The higher initial cost depends on the size, type, and installation of the solar thermal panel.
NEW QUESTION # 213
When preparing the Sustainable Sites Prerequisite, Construction Activity Pollution Prevention, the ConstructionGeneral Permit must contain which of the following?
- A. Minimum standards for equipment exhaust
- B. Building orientation on the site
- C. Installation plan for perimeter control
- D. Waste Management Plan
Answer: C
Explanation:
Explanation
The Construction General Permit (CGP) for the Sustainable Sites Prerequisite, Construction Activity Pollution Prevention, must contain an installation plan for perimeter control.This is part of the Erosion and Sedimentation Control (ESC) Plan, which is designed to prevent loss of soil during construction by stormwater runoff and/or wind erosion, prevent sedimentation of storm sewer or receiving streams, and prevent polluting the air with dust and particulate matter1.
References:
* Sustainable Sites Prerequisites | GlobalSpec
NEW QUESTION # 214
A project's installed water fixtures do not exceed WaterSense maximum levels. Which compliance path should the LEED AP select under Water Efficiency Prerequisite, Indoor Water Use Reduction, and what type of documentation is required to demonstrate compliance with this path?
- A. Compliance Path 1: Prescriptive Achievement; indoor water use calculations
- B. Compliance Path 1: Prescriptive Achievement; product cutsheets
- C. Compliance Path 2: Usage-Based Calculation; prescriptive compliance confirmation
- D. Compliance Path 2: Usage-Based Calculation; appliance water calculations
Answer: B
Explanation:
Detailed
For Compliance Path 1: Prescriptive Achievement, project teams must demonstrate that installed fixtures meet WaterSense requirements. This is achieved through product cutsheets that verify maximum flow rates or flush volumes. LEED uses this documentation to ensure that water-efficient fixtures are installed and operational.
NEW QUESTION # 215
What credit rewards customers who change their normal consumption patterns in response to the varying price of energy over time?
- A. Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Green Power and Carbon Offsets
- B. Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Demand Response
- C. Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Building Level Energy Metering
- D. Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Advanced Energy Metering
Answer: B
Explanation:
The Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Demand Response rewards projects that participate in demand response programs that aim to reduce peak electricity demand and shift the load to off-peak periods. The LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction states that "the intent of this credit is to increase participation in demand response technologies and programs that make energy generation and distribution systems more efficient, increase grid reliability, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions"1. The project team must either implement a permanent demand response program or develop a plan to implement a program within a year of occupancy. The project team must also demonstrate that the building has the capability to reduce its peak electricity demand by at least 10% in response to demand response signals.
NEW QUESTION # 216
Which of the following documents contains the design team's interpretation of the Owner's Project Requirements?
- A. Basis of Design (BOD)
- B. Integrated Project Delivery report
- C. Simple Box Energy Model Analysis
- D. System's manual
Answer: A
Explanation:
The Basis of Design (BOD) is the document that contains the design team's interpretation of the Owner's Project Requirements (OPR). The BOD describes the proposed systems and how they will meet the OPR, as well as the assumptions and criteria used for the design. The BOD is a key document for the Integrative Process credit and the Enhanced Commissioning credit in LEED BD+C12. References: LEED BD+C Reference Guide, Integrative Process, page 301; LEED BD+C Reference Guide, Enhanced Commissioning, page 681
NEW QUESTION # 217
When planning a water-efficient landscape design, the designer should consider including
- A. native vegetation
- B. permeable pavement
- C. potable water
- D. sprinkler system
Answer: A
Explanation:
Explanation
The best answer is C. native vegetation. This is because:
*Native vegetation is adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, and therefore requires less water than non-native plants1.
*Native vegetation also supports local biodiversity, reduces erosion, and enhances the aesthetic value of the landscape2.
*Potable water is not a good option for water-efficient landscape design, as it is a scarce and valuable resource that should be conserved for human consumption and hygiene3.
*Sprinkler systems are not a good option for water-efficient landscape design, as they can waste a lot of water through evaporation, runoff, and overspray4. Drip irrigation or micro-sprinklers are more efficient methods of watering plants.
*Permeable pavement is not a good option for water-efficient landscape design, as it is not a plant-based element, but a hardscape feature that allows water to infiltrate into the ground. Permeable pavement can reduce stormwater runoff and pollution, but it does not directly contribute to water conservation in the landscape.
References: 1: Water Efficient Landscaping Ideas: 5 Water Wise Tips 2: [Native Plants for Water Conservation] 3: [Water Conservation | US EPA] 4: [Sprinkler Irrigation - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics]: [Drip Irrigation - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics] : [Permeable Pavement - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics] : [Permeable Pavement Benefits and Costs]
NEW QUESTION # 218
For Location and Transportation Credit, Access to Quality Transit, a project team preparing timetables and service-level documentation must ensure the materials include
- A. verification that a weighted daily average has been used for each qualifying route
- B. confirmation that each qualifying route features paired route service (service in opposite directions)
- C. confirmation that functional entries of the project are within 3/4 mi. (1.20 km) of the stop
- D. verification that a weighted building average has been used for each qualifying functional entry
Answer: A
Explanation:
This option requires the project team to calculate the weighted daily average of the number of trips per day for each qualifying route, using the formula provided in the LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide.
This option ensures that the transit service frequency is accurately represented and meets the minimum thresholds for weekday and weekend trips, as shown in Table 1 and Table 2 of the guide.
References: = [LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide], Access to Quality Transit.
NEW QUESTION # 219
The project landscape architect suggests reducing the area planned for surface parking and replacing it with additional vegetated space. What benefit would this strategy provide to the owner?
- A. Decreases the required amount of on-street parking that must be provided
- B. Increases the rainwater infiltration capacity
- C. Decreases the amount of bicycle parking that must be provided
- D. Increases the overall SR (solar reflectance) of the hardscape area
Answer: B
Explanation:
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
NEW QUESTION # 220
What nonroof measure contributes to the achievement of Sustainable Sites Credit, Heat Island Reduction, Option 1. Nonroof and Roof?
- A. Use a high reflectance roof finish
- B. Provide shade with structures covered by energy generation systems
- C. Locate a minimum of 75% of parking spaces under cover
- D. Install artificial turf
Answer: B
Explanation:
Detailed Explanation:
Providing shade with structures that incorporate energy generation systems (e.g., photovoltaic panels) not only reduces heat island effects but also supports renewable energy credits. LEED encourages such multi- functional strategies that address multiple sustainability objectives.
NEW QUESTION # 221
A developer is considering an urban infill site for a new commercial building rather than a rural greenfield site adjacent to a stream. Which of the following is an economic advantage of the infill site?
- A. Preserves habitat and natural resources
- B. Reduces potential damage to an existing stream
- C. Reduces need for new utility infrastructure
- D. Protects greenfields and farmland
Answer: C
Explanation:
An economic advantage of the infill site is that it reduces the need for new utility infrastructure. This is because the infill site is located within an existing urban area that already has access to water, sewer, electricity, and other utilities1. The developer can save on the costs of extending or installing new utility lines and services to the rural greenfield site, which may not have adequate or reliable utility infrastructure2. The other options are not economic advantages, but rather environmental benefits of the infill site. Protecting greenfields and farmland, preserving habitat and natural resources, and reducing potential damage to an existing stream are all positive outcomes of avoiding development on the rural greenfield site, but they do not directly translate into monetary savings for the developer3.
Reference:
* High-priority site, p. 1
* The Economics of Infill Development, p. 2
* LEED v4 for Building Design and Construction, p. 69
NEW QUESTION # 222
Which principal areas must the LEED AP focus on to attain the Integrative Process Credit, Integrative Process?
- A. Materials and resources
- B. Location and site selection
- C. Regional priority and innovation
- D. Energy and water related systems
Answer: D
Explanation:
Explanation
The Integrative Process credit, Integrative Process, requires the project team to conduct a preliminary analysis of the energy and water related systems during the pre-design phase, and use the results to inform the design and construction of the project. The analysis must include at least two potential strategies for each of the following areas: site conditions, massing and orientation, basic envelope attributes, lighting levels, thermal comfort ranges, plug and process load needs, programmatic and operational parameters, outdoor water use, and indoor water use. The project team must also document how the analysis informed the owner's project requirements, basis of design, and design documents.
References:
* LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, Integrative Process Credit: Integrative Process, page 811
* Integrative Process Worksheet2
NEW QUESTION # 223
At the time of registering a project in LEED Online, Regional Priority credits are determined based upon the project's
- A. ASHRAE 90.1 - 2010 climate zone
- B. Environmental Protection Agency Phase I Assessment
- C. longitude and latitude
- D. environmental zone
Answer: C
Explanation:
At the time of registering a project in LEED Online, Regional Priority credits are determined based on the project's longitude and latitude. Regional Priority credits are bonus points that reward projects for addressing the environmental, social, and public health issues that are most relevant to their location1. The project team must enter the project's address and confirm the precise location using the Google Maps interface in LEED Online2. The longitude and latitude coordinates are then used to identify the Regional Priority credits that are applicable to the project2. The project can earn up to four Regional Priority points by achieving the base credits that correspond to the Regional Priority credits1. Reference:
Regional priority credit lookup | U.S. Green Building Council
Regional Priority (RP) credits - U.S. Green Building Council
NEW QUESTION # 224
A design team is working on a new building project and is employing an integrated, whole-building approach.
The architects want to increase the size of a glazed opening on the south facing wall. Which team members are first affected by this change?
- A. Mechanical engineers
- B. Facility managers
- C. Landscape architects
- D. Civil engineers
Answer: A
Explanation:
According to the LEED v4: Building Design and Construction Guide, an integrated, whole-building approach is a process that requires collaboration and communication among all project team members and stakeholders throughout all phases of a project, from pre-design to occupancy and operations. The goal of this approach is to optimize the environmental and human health performance of a building as a whole, rather than focusing on individual components or systems1.
One of the benefits of an integrated, whole-building approach is that it allows the project team to identify and evaluate the interrelationships and trade-offs among various design strategies and decisions, and to optimize the synergies and minimize the conflicts among them1. For example, increasing the size of a glazed opening on the south facing wall may have implications for the daylighting, solar heat gain, thermal comfort, energy use, and mechanical system design of the building2. Therefore, the team members who are first affected by this change are the mechanical engineers, who are responsible for designing the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system of the building, and ensuring that it meets the thermal comfort and energy performance requirements of the project3. The mechanical engineers may need to adjust the size, type, and location of the HVAC equipment, ductwork, and controls, as well as perform energy modeling and analysis to evaluate the impact of the change on the building's energy consumption and emissions3. The mechanical engineers may also need to coordinate with the architects, lighting designers, and other team members to ensure that the change does not compromise the other design goals and criteria of the project3.
NEW QUESTION # 225
For schools intended for grades eight and below (or ages 14 and below), which of the following scenarios would demonstrate compliance with Location and Transportation Credit, Access to Quality Transit, Schools, Option 2. Pedestrian Access?
- A. 50% of the students live no more than a 3/4 mi. (1.20 km) walking distance from a functional entry of a school building
- B. 30% of the students live no more than a 3/4 mi. (1.20 km) walking distance from a functional entry of a school building
- C. 30% of the students live no more than a 1 1/2 mi. (2.40 km) walking distance from a functional entry of a school building
- D. 50% of the students live no more than a 1 1/2 mi. (2.40 km) walking distance from a functional entry of a school building
Answer: A
Explanation:
For schools intended for grades eight and below (or ages 14 and below), Option 2. Pedestrian Access requires that at least 50% of the students live no more than a 3/4 mi. (1.20 km) walking distance from a functional entry of a school building. This option aims to encourage schools to locate in areas where students can walk or bike to school, reducing vehicle trips and emissions, and promoting physical activity and health. Option 2 is available only for projects that do not meet the requirements of Option 1. Transit-Served Location, which requires access to quality transit service within a 1/4 mi. (400 m) walking distance for at least 50% of the students. References:
* Access to Quality Transit credit in LEED BD+C: Schools v4 - LEED v41
* LEED Certification- Requirements for LT CREDIT: ACCESS TO QUALITY TRANSIT2
* Understanding the LEED BD+C: Location and Transport credit3
NEW QUESTION # 226
Which of the following plumbing fixtures apply to the calculations in Water Efficiency Prerequisite, Indoor Water Use Reduction?
- A. Toilets, urinals, pre-rinse spray valves
- B. Urinals, showerheads, commercial kitchen filling operations faucets
- C. Toilets, private lavatory faucets, dishwashers
- D. Urinals, public lavatory faucets, kitchen sink faucets
Answer: D
Explanation:
According to theLEED V5: 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.Reference:LEED V5: Building Design + Construction Guide, Water Efficiency Prerequisite, Indoor Water Use Reduction, Requirements1
NEW QUESTION # 227
Plug-in task lighting will be utilized in a LEED project at all workstations. The task lighting is not included in the installed lighting power calculations for Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite, Minimum Energy Performance since
- A. it will be installed by the owner
- B. the lamp wattage has not been determined
- C. it is specifically exempted by ASHRAE
- D. it is being covered by Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Interior Lighting, Option 1. Lighting Control
Answer: A
Explanation:
Explanation
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
NEW QUESTION # 228
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