USGBC LEED-AP-BD+C LEED AP Building Design + Construction (LEED AP BD+C) Exam Practice Test

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.

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.

The Indoor Air Quality Assessment credit under LEED v4.1 BD+C rating system (Building Design and Construction) seeks to establish better quality indoor air in the building after construction and during occupancy. The credit provides two options for compliance, which cannot be combined1. Therefore, Indoor Environmental Quality test results would be required for credit compliance.

Building Product Disclosure and Optimization is based on market transparency, which means providing information about the environmental and social impacts of the products and materials used in the building. The LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction states that "the intent of this credit category is to encourage the use of products and materials for which life-cycle information is available and that have environmentally, economically, and socially preferable life-cycle impacts"1. By disclosing the information about the product ingredients, environmental product declarations, sourcing of raw materials, and material ingredients optimization, the project team can make informed decisions and support the development of a more sustainable market.

The Location and Transportation Credit, Green Vehicles aims to reduce transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions by promoting the use of low-emitting, fuel-efficient, and alternative-fuel vehicles1. One of the requirements for this credit is to provide preferred parking for green vehicles for 5% of the total vehicle parking capacity of the project1. Preferred parking is defined as parking that is clearly marked and located in the most convenient spaces available to the driver or nearest to the main entrance of the project2. In addition to providing preferred parking, the project may also offer one or more incentives to encourage the use of green vehicles, such as a discounted parking rate, free parking passes, or rebates for parking fees3. The question asks what incentive may be provided to meet the requirements and highlight the project sustainable vehicle strategy. The correct answer is C. A permanent discounted parking rate of at least 20% for all green vehicles, because this incentive meets the minimum threshold of 20% discount suggested by the LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction3, and it also demonstrates the project’s commitment to supporting green vehicles in the long term. The other options are either not sufficient or not relevant for this credit. Option A. Three years of free parking for green vehicles is not sufficient because it is not permanent and may not be attractive enough for drivers to switch to green vehicles. Option B. Preferred parking decals for 5% of occupants utilizing carpool vehicles is not relevant because it does not address green vehicles, but rather carpool vehicles, which are covered by a different credit (Location and Transportation Credit, Reduced Parking Footprint)4. Option D. An annual maintenance voucher for at least 5% of occupants driving green vehicles is not sufficient because it is not directly related to parking and may not be a significant incentive for drivers.

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.

Detailed Explanation:

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.

Under LEED BD+C Energy and Atmosphere (EA) Credit: Renewable Energy Production, renewable biofuels must be sustainably sourced and not contaminated.

Non-mill residue forestry biomass waste qualifies as renewable biofuel because it consists of untreated wood residues from sustainable forestry operations.

Municipal solid waste is not considered renewable due to its mixed content.

Wood coated with paints, plastics, or resins is not renewable as it contains harmful chemicals.

Animal waste is not explicitly recognized by LEED as a renewable fuel.

(Source: Official LEED BD+C Reference Manual)

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) (D) are chemicals often found in building materials, such as paints, adhesives, and finishes, and are associated with health risks, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and certain cancers. VOCs release harmful gases that contribute to indoor air pollution, and LEED encourages using low-VOC materials to protect occupant health. PVCs (B) and CFCs (C) are harmful to the environment but are not directly linked to these health conditions.

An intensive vegetated roof is a roof that has a thick layer of soil and plants that provide shade, evapotranspiration, and stormwater management. It can reduce the heat island effect by lowering the surface and air temperature of the roof and the surrounding area. Artificial turf grass does not reduce the heat island effect because it is not a living plant and does not provide cooling benefits. A steep sloped roof with initial SRI of 35 does not meet the minimum requirement of 39 for Option 1 or 32 for Option 2 of the Heat Island Reduction credit. A low sloped roof with initial SRI of 64 exceeds the minimum requirement of 82 for Option 1 or 64 for Option 2, but it is not the best option among the choices because it only reflects solar radiation and does not provide other benefits such as shading, evapotranspiration, and stormwater management. References:

Heat Island Reduction credit in LEED BD+C: New Construction v4.1 - LEED v4.11

SpecTopics: Heat Island Reduction Credit and LEED® V4/V4.12

LEED Principle: Urban Heat Island Mitigation and Roofing3

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.

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.

Light Emitting Diode (LED) is an energy efficient lamp type that is free from mercury. Mercury is a toxic metal that can pose health and environmental risks when released from broken or discarded lamps. LED lamps do not contain mercury or other hazardous substances, and they also have longer lifespans and lower energy consumption than other lamp types12. References: No mercury Lights | LEEDuser; LED Lighting

A benefit of earning Regional Priority credits is that the LEED project can achieve more sustainable outcomes by recognizing the issues that are a priority in the project’s location. Regional Priority credits are not new LEED credits, but instead are existing credits that USGBC regional councils and chapters have designated as being particularly important for their areas1. The incentive to achieve the credits is in the form of a bonus point. If an RP base credit is earned, then a bonus point is awarded to the project’s total points1. This way, the project can address the geographically specific environmental, social equity and public health priorities of its location2. References:

Regional priority credit lookup | U.S. Green Building Council

Regional Priority (RP) credits – U.S. Green Building Council

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.

The average flush rate for a dual flush toilet is calculated by weighting the high and low flush rates according to the frequency of use. According to the LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction1, the frequency of use for male and female occupants is assumed to be as follows:

Male full flush: 1 time per day

Female full flush: 1 time per day

Male low flush: 2 times per day

Female low flush: 2 times per day

Therefore, the average flush rate for a dual flush toilet with a high flush rate of 1.6 gpf (6 lpf) and a low flush rate of 1.05 gpf (4 lpf) is:

6(1×1.6)+(1×1.6)+(2×1.05)+(2×1.05)​=1.19 gpf(4.5 lpf)

According to the LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, the location of CO2 sensors in naturally ventilated spaces to comply with the Indoor Environmental Quality Prerequisite, Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance is between 3 ft. and 6 ft. (1 m and 2 m) above the floor. This is one of the requirements for Option 2. Naturally Ventilated Spaces, which applies to projects that rely on natural ventilation for all or part of the occupied spaces. The CO2 sensors must be located in each zone with natural ventilation openings, and must be capable of generating an alarm when the CO2 concentration exceeds the design value1.

The other choices are not correct, because:

At least 6 ft. (2 m) above the floor is the location of CO2 sensors in mechanically ventilated spaces, not naturally ventilated spaces1.

At least 3 ft. (1 m) away from windows is a general guideline for locating CO2 sensors, but it does not specify the height above the floor2.

On the ceiling 3 ft. (1 m) away from adjacent walls is not a recommended location for CO2 sensors, as it may not reflect the actual CO2 concentration at the breathing zone of the occupants2.

Using plug-in devices can affect the energy performance of the building, which is one of the criteria for achieving Indoor Environmental Quality Credit. Thermal Comfort. The LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction states that "the project team must demonstrate that the proposed design meets the minimum energy performance requirements of ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2010, Appendix G, with errata"1. Plug-in devices are considered as part of the process loads in the energy model, and they can increase the energy consumption and demand of the building. Therefore, the project team must account for the plug-in devices in the energy model and ensure that the proposed design meets or exceeds the baseline performance rating.

For LEED BD+C Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) Credit: Enhanced Air Quality Strategies, specific spaces that contain hazardous or odorous materials must be properly separated and ventilated to prevent contamination.

Chemical storage rooms require:

Deck-to-deck partitions (or hard ceilings) to contain contaminants.

Self-closing doors to reduce air transfer.

Dedicated exhaust systems to remove pollutants.

Data closets (Option A), conference rooms (Option B), and open offices (Option D) do not contain hazardous materials, so these ventilation strategies are not required.

Chemical storage areas require these measures to ensure air quality and occupant safety.

(Source: Official LEED BD+C Reference Manual)

According to the LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, lead, mercury, copper and cadmium are examples of persistent bioaccumulative toxins (PBTs) that should be limited in building products. PBTs are substances that remain in the environment for long periods of time, accumulate in living organisms, and pose health risks to humans and wildlife. One of the prerequisites for the Materials and Resources Credit, Building Product Disclosure and Optimization - Material Ingredients, is to reduce the use of products that contain PBTs above certain thresholds1. References: LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Materials and Resources Credit, Building Product Disclosure and Optimization - Material Ingredients, Option 3: Product Manufacturer Supply Chain Optimization1

A simple box energy analysis, also known as a "mass model" analysis, is performed during the early design phases, typically before the completion of the schematic design. This assessment involves creating a simplified model of the proposed building to evaluate its potential energy performance. The goal is to explore various design options and strategies that can reduce energy consumption, such as building orientation, envelope characteristics, and massing. Conducting this analysis early allows the design team to make informed decisions that enhance energy efficiency from the outset. ​

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.

Green Infrastructure (GI) and Low-Impact Development (LID) rainwater management strategies improve upon the conventional approach for rainwater management by replicating a site’s natural hydrology. GI and LID are design approaches that use various practices to mimic the natural water cycle and reduce the negative impacts of development on the environment. They aim to preserve, restore, or create natural features that can capture, infiltrate, evaporate, or reuse rainwater on site, rather than conveying it to a centralized stormwater system. By doing so, they can reduce runoff volume and peak flow, improve water quality, enhance groundwater recharge, increase biodiversity, and create more attractive and resilient landscapes. Therefore, option A is the correct answer. The other options are not true for GI and LID strategies. Discharging rainwater at a faster rate (option B) would increase the risk of flooding, erosion, and pollution downstream. Increasing a site’s impervious surface (option C) would reduce the infiltration and evaporation of rainwater and increase runoff and heat island effects. Providing a greater volume of rainwater detention (option D) would not necessarily improve the site’s hydrology, as detention is only a temporary storage of rainwater that does not address the runoff quality or quantity issues. For more information on GI and LID rainwater management strategies, you can refer to the LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction1 or the Green CE course on Rainwater Management for LEED v4.1 Projects2.

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. References:

Regional priority credit lookup | U.S. Green Building Council

Regional Priority (RP) credits – U.S. Green Building Council

The credit may be achieved by using nonroof measures only, such as shading, paving, and vegetation, to reduce the heat island effect on the site. The credit does not require a highly reflective roof for all projects, but allows for flexibility and trade-offs depending on the climate and design conditions. The project can use the Heat Island Reduction 1 to demonstrate compliance with the credit requirements. The credit is feasible and applicable for this project, and does not need an alternative compliance path. References: SS Credit Heat Island Reduction, LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction234

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.

The referenced standard for Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) Prerequisite: Minimum Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Performance in LEED AP ID+C projects is ASHRAE 62.1 - 2010. ASHRAE 62.1 specifies ventilation rates and air quality requirements for acceptable indoor air quality in commercial buildings, establishing the minimum standards needed to maintain health and comfort. ASHRAE 62.2 (A) is relevant to low-rise residential buildings, ASHRAE 90.1 (B) covers energy standards, and ASHRAE 55 (C) relates to thermal comfort rather than air quality.

The Sustainable Sites (SS) Credit: Rainwater Management (A) would be affected by the slope analysis results. Slopes, especially those near water bodies, can significantly impact stormwater runoff volume and patterns. Managing runoff in sloped areas is crucial to minimize erosion, reduce pollutants, and protect nearby water bodies. This credit aims to reduce runoff volume and improve water quality by implementing effective rainwater management strategies based on site conditions. Other credits, like Environmental Site Assessment (B) or Sensitive Land Protection (C), don’t focus on runoff management.

The surrounding residential density is calculated by dividing the total number of dwelling units by the total residential land area. In this case, it would be 780 dwelling units divided by 60% of 130 acres, which equals approximately 13 dwelling units per acre (or 32 dwelling units per hectare).

The nonresidential density, or Floor Area Ratio (FAR), is calculated by dividing the total nonresidential building floor area by the total nonresidential land area. In this case, it would be 1,600,000 ft² divided by 40% of 130 acres, which equals a FAR of approximately 0.47.

These calculations are used when attempting to achieve the Location and Transportation Credit, Surrounding Density and Diverse Uses, under the LEED AP BD+C V4 rating system.

Detailed Explanation:

ASHRAE 90.1-2010 Appendix G is the reference standard used for energy modeling in LEED projects. It establishes guidelines for baseline building performance and energy simulation comparisons, allowing project teams to demonstrate energy performance improvements relative to code-minimum buildings.

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.

LEED BD+C Location and Transportation (LT) Credit: High Priority Site encourages development in locations with existing infrastructure to promote sustainable land use.

Option 1: Historic District applies to projects located in designated historic districts where at least 75% of land within ½ mile (0.80 km) is previously developed.

Brownfields (Option C) and Federal Renewal Communities (Option D) are separate site categories that fall under different High Priority Site options.

The ¾ mile (1.20 km) radius in Option A is incorrect, as LEED specifically sets the requirement at ½ mile (0.80 km).

To earn this credit under Option 1, a project in a historic district must demonstrate that the surrounding land is predominantly redeveloped.

(Source: Official LEED BD+C Reference Manual)

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.

A rainwater harvesting system on site could be recognized in the Sustainable Sites Credit, Rainwater Management and the Water Efficiency Credit, Indoor Water Use Reduction. The Sustainable Sites Credit, Rainwater Management rewards projects that reduce runoff volume and improve water quality by replicating the natural hydrology and water balance of the site1. A rainwater harvesting system can help achieve this by capturing and reusing rainwater on site2. The Water Efficiency Credit, Indoor Water Use Reduction rewards projects that reduce indoor water consumption by installing water-efficient fixtures and fittings3. A rainwater harvesting system can help achieve this by providing an alternative source of water for non-potable uses such as toilet flushing and irrigation4.

The other options are not correct. The Water Efficiency Credit, Water Metering does not recognize rainwater harvesting systems, but rather requires projects to install permanent water meters that measure the total potable water use for the building and grounds. The Water Efficiency Prerequisite, Outdoor Water Use Reduction does not recognize rainwater harvesting systems, but rather requires projects to reduce outdoor water consumption by using plant species that are native or adapted to the region and by using irrigation systems that are efficient and properly controlled. The Water Efficiency Prerequisite, Indoor Water Use Reduction does not recognize rainwater harvesting systems, but rather requires projects to reduce indoor water consumption by 20% from the baseline by installing water-efficient fixtures and fittings.

In LEED-certified projects, residential buildings (D) are the exception to the rule prohibiting smoking inside buildings. For residential projects, the standard is modified to require designated smoking areas with special ventilation or separation rather than a complete ban, as smoking regulations in residential settings often involve tenant rights and are treated differently than commercial or institutional buildings. LEED requires that precautions be taken to control environmental tobacco smoke migration in multifamily residential projects to protect air quality in common areas.

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 Reference Guide, 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 project 1. The OPR must include, among other things, the following information related to energy efficiency 1:

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 systems 2.

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 increase the 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 Construction1 or the Green Roofs for Healthy Cities website2.

When design changes occur during construction that impact energy efficiency measures, it is imperative to update the energy model to reflect these modifications. The LEED BD+C process requires that the energy model accurately represents the final design to ensure that the projected energy performance aligns with actual outcomes. Therefore, the project team must incorporate the changes into their energy model and assess the effect on the Optimize Energy Performance credit. This approach ensures that the project remains compliant with LEED requirements and that any potential impacts on energy performance are properly evaluated.

The rating system that is being used if all of the credits below have been submitted towards certification is Building Design and Construction: Hospitality. This is because the Location and Transportation Credit, Reduced Parking Footprint and the Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Acoustic Performance are only available for the Hospitality rating system among the four options. The other two credits are common for all the rating systems. References: LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, p. 301; LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, p. 401; LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, p. 411; LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, p. 421

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.

This factor is included in the lamp lumen uplight calculation, because it represents the amount of light that is emitted downward by the fixture, which does not contribute to light pollution1. The lamp lumen uplight calculation is used to determine the percentage of total luminaire lumens emitted above horizontal, which must not exceed the maximum allowed values for each lighting zone2.

Selecting a high-reflectance interior paint that meets the SCAQMD Rule 1113 can help contribute towards two credits: Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Low-Emitting Materials and Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Interior Lighting. The first credit requires that interior paints and coatings comply with the VOC content limits specified by the SCAQMD Rule 1113 or equivalent standards to reduce indoor air contaminants that are odorous, irritating, and/or harmful to the comfort and well-being of installers and occupants1 The second credit aims to provide high-quality lighting that supports visual acuity and occupant comfort, and that responds to the needs of the space and its users. One of the strategies to achieve this credit is to use light-colored finishes with a minimum reflectance of 0.7 for ceilings, 0.5 for walls, and 0.2 for floors to increase the effectiveness of daylighting and electric lighting systems2 References: 1: LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, Indoor Environmental Quality Credit: Low-Emitting Materials, page 692. 2: LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, Indoor Environmental Quality Credit: Interior Lighting, page 715.

Contractor

The contractor is the project team member who should be integrated early into the design phase to assist with earning the Materials and Resources Prerequisite, Construction and Demolition Waste Management Planning. The contractor is responsible for implementing the waste management plan, which includes estimating the types and quantities of waste materials, identifying the diversion strategies, selecting the waste haulers and recyclers, tracking and documenting the waste diversion performance, and training the subcontractors and workers. The contractor can provide valuable input on how to reduce, reuse, and recycle the construction and demolition waste, as well as identify potential challenges and opportunities for achieving the prerequisite requirements.

According to the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and U.S. Department of Energy, buildings account for approximately 40% of total energy consumption in the United States.

This includes electricity, heating, and cooling loads across residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.

Buildings are the largest energy consumers, surpassing transportation and industry sectors.

LEED emphasizes energy efficiency to help reduce this 40% energy demand.

Buildings account for 40% of all energy consumption, making Option C the correct answer.

(Source: Official LEED BD+C Reference Manual)

This is the requirement for the Indoor Environmental Quality prerequisite Environmental Tobacco Smoke Control, which applies to all LEED BD+C rating systems. The intent is to prevent or minimize exposure of building occupants, indoor surfaces, and ventilation air distribution systems to environmental tobacco smoke. The no-smoking signage must explicitly state the 25 ft. (8 m) limit and communicate the no-smoking policy to occupants.

Makeup water meters, conductivity controllers and overflow alarms

According to the Water Efficiency Prerequisite for Indoor Water Use Reduction, cooling towers and evaporative condensers must be equipped with makeup water meters, conductivity controllers and overflow alarms to reduce water consumption and prevent water waste. These devices help monitor and control the water quality, flow rate and level of the cooling system, and alert the operators of any malfunctions or leaks.

The distance between the project site and the manufacturing location is determined by the straight line distance. This is because the LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction states that the distance should be measured as the crow flies1. The straight line distance is the shortest distance between two points on a plane, regardless of the mode of transportation or the road conditions. The image that you sent shows the straight line distance between the project site and the manufacturing location as the line segment AB.

Conducting a site analysis is a method to assess the regional context of a building’s design for sustainability. A site analysis involves collecting and evaluating information about the site’s location, climate, ecology, history, culture, infrastructure, regulations, and stakeholders. This can help identify the opportunities and constraints for the project, as well as the potential impacts and benefits for the environment and the community. A site analysis can inform the design decisions regarding site selection, site development, water management, energy efficiency, material selection, indoor environmental quality, and innovation12. References: LEED BD+C Reference Guide, Integrative Process, page 281; Site Analysis for Construction

Decreasing lighting power is a strategy that can be used to reduce the internal load of a building. Internal load is the amount of heat generated within a building by its occupants, equipment, and lighting1. Reducing lighting power can lower the internal heat gain and thus decrease the cooling demand and energy consumption of the building2. Other strategies to reduce internal load include using energy-efficient appliances, natural ventilation, daylighting, occupancy sensors, and shading devices3. References:

8.1: Internal Loads - Engineering LibreTexts

Chapter 3: Design Loads for Residential Buildings - HUD User

Internal Heat Gain - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics

To achieve the Sustainable Sites Credit, Light Pollution Reduction, Option 1. BUG Rating Method, projects must demonstrate that all luminaires meet acceptable fixture ratings for the project’s Model Lighting Ordnance (MLO) lighting zone. The MLO lighting zone is determined by the site-specific characteristics and the definitions provided in the IES/IDA MLO User Guide1. The fixture ratings are based on the backlight-uplight-glare (BUG) system, which measures the amount of light emitted in different directions by a luminaire, as defined in IES TM-15-11, Addendum A2. The maximum allowable ratings for each lighting zone are given in Table 1 of the credit language3. References: IES/IDA MLO User Guide; IES TM-15-11, Addendum A; Light pollution reduction

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.

This option requires the project to classify water from toilets as blackwater, not graywater, because it contains human waste and pathogens that pose a health risk1. Graywater is defined as wastewater that contains fewer contaminants than blackwater, such as water from showers, sinks, and washing machines2. Graywater can be reused for non-potable purposes, such as irrigation and toilet flushing, after appropriate treatment3.

the local equivalent standard is more stringent than ASTM E1527-05

According to the LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, a Phase I ESA is required for all projects, except for those located on previously developed land that has not been used for industrial, commercial, or agricultural purposes. The Phase I ESA must follow the ASTM E1527-05 standard or a local equivalent. However, if the local equivalent is more stringent than the ASTM standard, then the project must comply with the local equivalent. Therefore, if the new building project is located in a jurisdiction that has a more rigorous standard for Phase I ESA than ASTM E1527-05, then it must complete a new Phase I ESA, regardless of the previous ESA done for the certified facility.

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.

The LEED BD+C Location and Transportation (LT) Credit: Access to Quality Transit requires that a project be located near public transit options that meet ridership frequency requirements.

For bus stops, the project must be within ½ mile (0.8 km) walking distance of at least one qualifying bus route with two stops.

For rail, ferry, or streetcar stops, the project must be within ¼ mile (0.4 km) walking distance.

Planned transit must be both funded and scheduled for completion within the project’s timeline.

Only Option B meets LEED’s public transit access criteria.

(Source: Official LEED BD+C Reference Manual)

ASHRAE 62.1-2010 is the standard that an engineer should use when establishing minimum ventilation rates for a new mechanically ventilated space to earn Indoor Environmental Quality, Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance. This is the standard referenced by the LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide for this prerequisite. Local building code, International Mechanical Code 2012, and the ventilation code requiring the greatest volume of outside air are not acceptable alternatives for this prerequisite.

A flexible dress code that permits seasonally appropriate clothing can promote both energy efficiency and thermal comfort in a building. This is because it allows occupants to adjust their clothing to the indoor and outdoor temperature variations, reducing the need for excessive heating or cooling. It also enhances the occupants’ satisfaction and productivity by allowing them to choose comfortable clothing. Surveying occupants about their comfort can help identify and address thermal comfort issues, but it does not necessarily improve energy efficiency. Providing individual space heaters can increase energy consumption and create thermal discomfort for other occupants. Turning off the lights after cleaning can save some energy, but it does not affect thermal comfort.

The percentage of recycled content contributing to the credit is calculated based on the value of the recycled content relative to the total construction cost. The combined value of recycled content here is $1 million (post-consumer) + $1 million (pre-consumer) = $2 million. The percentage is then calculated as:

2,000,00010,000,000×100=20%\frac{2,000,000}{10,000,000} \times 100 = 20\%10,000,0002,000,000​×100=20%

Therefore, the recycled content accounts for 20% of the total material value for the project, contributing to the Materials and Resources Credit: Building Product Disclosure and Optimization - Sourcing of Raw Materials.

ENERGY STAR® (C) provides tools recognized by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) that assist with energy management strategies, benchmarking, and procurement guidelines. ENERGY STAR offers resources for energy performance benchmarking, operational efficiency, and product standards, which help project managers optimize energy use in line with LEED requirements. Green Seal (A) and SCAQMD (B) focus on materials and emissions, while SMACNA (D) provides guidelines for air quality management.

For the Water Efficiency (WE) Prerequisite: Indoor Water Use Reduction, the kitchen sink is included in fixture calculations as it directly consumes water. The dishwasher must meet ENERGY STAR® standards or equivalent performance requirements to ensure water efficiency, though it is not included in the fixture calculations. The coffee machine, as a minor appliance with minimal water use, is not included in this prerequisite (B). This approach aligns with LEED’s focus on larger water-consuming fixtures while ensuring energy and water-efficient appliances where relevant.

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 plant species selection and irrigation system efficiency1. References: LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Water Efficiency Prerequisite, Outdoor Water Use Reduction, Option 2. Reduced Irrigation, Requirements1

The correct answer is C, the Cx agent for the project must conduct or oversee the Cx of the PV system. According to the LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, the Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite, Fundamental Commissioning and Verification, requires that all energy-related systems, including renewable energy systems such as PV, be commissioned by an independent commissioning agent (CxA) or a qualified member of the project team who reports to the owner. The CxA or the qualified team member must perform or oversee all commissioning activities, including developing a commissioning plan, reviewing design documents and submittals, verifying installation and performance, and preparing a commissioning report12 References: 1: LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite: Fundamental Commissioning and Verification, page 562. 2: LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, Glossary, page 1020.

This strategy could be submitted to earn an Innovation in Design credit because it addresses a green building topic not covered by any existing LEED credit. The air-purifying facade material is a novel and sustainable feature that can reduce the environmental impact of the building by removing pollutants from the air and improving the outdoor air quality1.

The document that details ideas, concepts, and criteria that are essential for a building's success is the Owner's Project Requirements (OPR). The OPR outlines the goals, expectations, and criteria from the owner’s perspective, setting a foundational vision for the project. It is used in LEED AP ID+C certification as a guideline for aligning design and construction decisions with the owner's objectives. The Basis of Design (BOD) then takes the OPR’s high-level goals and translates them into technical requirements. Both documents support integrated project delivery by helping ensure design aligns with the owner's goals, but the OPR specifically details what the owner considers essential.

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.

This alternative analysis can help the team check the impact of reducing the amount of concrete used in the building, which can affect several impact categories, such as global warming potential (GWP), acidification, and eutrophication1. Concrete is a material with high embodied energy and carbon emissions, and reducing its use can lower the environmental impact of the building2. Optimizing the slab depth can also improve the thermal performance and daylighting of the building, which can reduce the operational energy use and demand3.

The system boundary that a building life cycle analysis must be defined to account for is the cradle-to-grave stage, which includes the production, construction, use, and end-of-life stages of the building. This stage covers all the inputs and outputs of the building system, such as materials, energy, water, emissions, waste, and maintenance.

For LEED BD+C Materials and Resources (MR) Credit: Building Product Disclosure and Optimization – Sourcing of Raw Materials, Option 2, a product contributes based on its cost and sustainability attributes.

Given the bamboo entrance doors are Rainforest Alliance certified, and the glass inserts contain 100% pre-consumer recycled content, these materials qualify under the Leadership Extraction Practices.

The total material cost per door is $200.

The glass inserts ($150) are 100% pre-consumer recycled and count fully.

The bamboo ($50) also qualifies due to its sustainability certification.

Since only the glass contributes to the calculation, the total value contributing to the credit is $100 per door, or $100.00 total for both doors.

(Source: Official LEED BD+C Reference Manual)

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).

A vegetated shading structure is an example of a nonroof measure for Sustainable Sites Credit, Heat Island Reduction. 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 the environment, human health, and energy consumption. One of the strategies to reduce the heat island effect is to use nonroof measures that provide shade, reflectivity, or evapotranspiration for at least 50% of the site hardscape, such as parking lots, walkways, plazas, and courtyards1. A vegetated shading structure is a type of nonroof measure that consists of a trellis or pergola that supports climbing plants or vines that provide shade and cooling for the underlying surface. A vegetated shading structure can also enhance the aesthetic and ecological value of the site2.

The other options are not examples of nonroof measures for Sustainable Sites Credit, Heat Island Reduction. A playground with artificial turf is not a nonroof measure, but a roof measure, as it is considered as part of the building envelope. Artificial turf is also not a compliant roof measure, as it does not meet the minimum solar reflectance index (SRI) or vegetated roof requirements1. A shade structure with a three-year aged SRI value of 0.2 is not a compliant nonroof measure, as it does not meet the minimum SRI value of 29 for nonroof surfaces1. A paving material with a three-year aged SRI value of 0.2 is also not a compliant nonroof measure, as it does not meet the minimum SRI value of 29 for nonroof surfaces1.

Detailed Explanation:

Projects located in areas with significant cultural value can attempt the Priority Designation option under LEED Location and Transportation credits. This designation rewards projects in high-priority locations, such as cultural heritage sites, promoting development that respects and preserves the historical and cultural significance of the area.

Detailed Explanation:

The combination of alternative water sources (e.g., captured rainwater or reclaimed water) and smart scheduling technology (e.g., weather-based irrigation controllers) is an effective strategy for reducing outdoor water use. These measures exceed the prerequisite requirements and optimize water efficiency by tailoring irrigation to actual landscape needs.

Detailed Explanation:

To gain formal pre-approval for a strategy previously awarded as an Innovation credit, the project team must submit a Credit Interpretation Request (CIR) to the Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI). This allows GBCI to evaluate whether the strategy meets the intent of LEED Innovation credits for the specific project context.

This method is recommended when the project occupancy is not known, because it provides the default occupant density values for various space types, such as offices, classrooms, retail, and restaurants1. These values are based on the typical or average occupancy of similar spaces, and can be used to estimate the ventilation requirements and energy performance of the project2.

The metal base, 20% of product by weight, which do not contain heavy metals and is not plated with hexavalent chromium, contributes toward Materials and Resources Credit, Furniture and Medical Furnishings. This is because it meets the criteria of Option 1: Minimal Chemical Content, which requires that all components that constitute at least 5%, by weight, of a furniture or medical furnishing assembly must contain less than 100 ppm of at least four of the five chemical groups listed in the option. The other portions of the product either do not meet the 5% weight threshold (wheels), or contain chemicals that are restricted by Option 1 (fabric, armrests).

Detailed Explanation:

The energy-related systems analysis must align with the requirements of the Minimum Energy Performance prerequisite. This prerequisite ensures that energy systems are modeled to optimize performance and meet baseline criteria outlined in ASHRAE 90.1-2010 (or applicable standard). Including all system loads and occupants provides a comprehensive understanding of energy demands.

Xeriscaping is a landscaping method that reduces water demand by using plants that are adapted to dry climates, mulching the soil to retain moisture, and minimizing the amount of lawn and other turf areas. Xeriscaping can help save water, money, and energy, as well as improve the health of the soil and the environment.

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.

According to the LEED Campus Guidance, the campus approach allows projects that share a single location and site attributes to achieve separate LEED certification for each project, building space, or group on the master site. The campus approach can be used for certain credits that are influenced by the site conditions and infrastructure, such as Sustainable Sites credits. The LEED Campus Guidance provides a list of eligible credits for the campus approach, which includes the following Sustainable Sites credits1:

•Site Assessment

•Site Development - Protect or Restore Habitat

•Open Space

•Rainwater Management

•Heat Island Reduction

•Light Pollution Reduction

Therefore, Heat Island Reduction, Light Pollution Reduction, and Rainwater Management are Sustainable Sites credits that are eligible to be used as a campus approach. Places of Respite, Site Master Plan, and Direct Exterior Access are not Sustainable Sites credits, but other credits or prerequisites that are not eligible for the campus approach1.

The Sustainable Sites Credit, Site Assessment requires the project to conduct and document a site inventory and analysis that evaluates the existing conditions and features of the site, such as topography, hydrology, human use, climate, vegetation, soils, and human health effects1. The purpose of the site assessment is to inform the design and development of the site in a way that protects, restores, and enhances the environmental quality and performance of the site1. The site assessment should include the following elements:

Topography: The shape and elevation of the land surface, including slopes, drainage patterns, and erosion potential.

Hydrology: The movement, distribution, and quality of water on the site, including surface water, groundwater, precipitation, and runoff.

Human use: The current and planned use of the site and its surroundings, including zoning, land use, transportation, utilities, and cultural resources.

Climate: The long-term weather patterns and conditions of the site, including temperature, humidity, wind, solar radiation, and precipitation.

Vegetation: The types, distribution, and condition of plants on the site, including native, invasive, and endangered species, and their ecological functions and values.

Soils: The physical, chemical, and biological properties of the soil on the site, including texture, structure, organic matter, pH, fertility, and contamination.

Human health effects: The potential impacts of the site conditions and features on the health and well-being of the occupants and the surrounding community, such as noise, air quality, water quality, and exposure to hazardous substances.

Coordinating open space features early during the site planning phase is a viable strategy for optimizing open space under Sustainable Sites Credit, Open Space. This can help to preserve natural habitats, reduce heat island effects, and enhance human health and well-being. The credit requires that the project provide outdoor space that is at least 30% of the total site area, and that at least 25% of that outdoor space meets certain criteria for vegetated, pervious, or shaded areas. References:

LEED credit library: This is the USGBC’s comprehensive listing of all the LEED credits available in pursuing certification for your project. The credit library contains the requirements and guidance for each credit, as well as the web-based reference guide for the Building Design and Construction rating system.

Open Space: This is the specific credit page for the Open Space credit under the Sustainable Sites category. It provides the intent, requirements, and strategies for achieving the credit, as well as the number of points available and the applicable project types.

Step by Step Approach to Comply with the Open Space Credit in LEED v4: This is a blog post that explains the steps and calculations involved in complying with the Open Space credit. It also provides some examples and tips for optimizing open space design.

Revise the documentation and resubmit the form

If a project receives a review comment and technical advice on a prerequisite, it means that the documentation submitted was incomplete, inaccurate, or unclear, and that the project team needs to address the issues raised by the reviewer and provide additional information or clarification. The project team should revise the documentation and resubmit the form as part of the final review to demonstrate compliance with the prerequisite requirements. Abandoning meeting this prerequisite is not an option, as prerequisites are mandatory for LEED certification. Submitting an appeal to Green Business Certification Inc. is only applicable if the project team disagrees with the reviewer’s decision or interpretation, and has additional evidence or arguments to support their claim. Asking the General Contractor to be more aggressive with recycling goals is not relevant to this prerequisite, as it does not address the documentation issue.

Regular building occupants are individuals who consistently use the building. According to LEED, this includes:

Staff (employees working full-time or part-time)

Primary and secondary students (school occupants)

Higher education students (university students who regularly attend)

Residents (permanent occupants of a residential building)

Retail customers, visitors, and periodic volunteers are considered transient occupants and are not classified as regular occupants.

(Source: Official LEED BD+C Reference Manual)

According to the LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide1, Option 2 of the Surrounding Density and Diverse Uses credit requires the project to be within walking distance of at least 10 diverse uses. The guide also states that “walking distance is defined as the distance that a pedestrian must travel between origins and destinations without obstruction, in a safe and comfortable environment on a continuous network of sidewalks, all weather-surface footpaths, crosswalks, or equivalent pedestrian facilities.” Therefore, the documentation must include walking routes from the project to each use to demonstrate that the distance requirement is met. References:

LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide

CI-v4.1 LTc2: Surrounding density and diverse uses | LEEDuser

While increased ventilation improves indoor air quality, it can also lead to higher energy consumption, impacting LEED BD+C Energy and Atmosphere (EA) Credit: Optimize Energy Performance.

More ventilation requires more heating/cooling energy, which can increase energy use and reduce overall energy efficiency.

This can lower the points earned for energy optimization, since LEED rewards projects that minimize energy consumption.

Other credits (Options A, B, and D) are not directly affected by increased ventilation rates.

Energy performance is negatively impacted when additional ventilation leads to increased HVAC energy demand.

(Source: Official LEED BD+C Reference Manual)

According to the LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, Option 1 of the Site Development - Protect or Restore Habitat credit requires restoring 25% of the site area (including the building footprint) with native or adapted vegetation1. To achieve exemplary performance, the project must double the credit requirements and restore 50% of the site area2. In this case, the site area is 100,000 ft2 (9 290 m2), so the project must restore 50,000 ft2 (4 645 m2) with vegetation. The project already has 35,000 ft2 (3 250 m2) of native vegetated open space, so it needs to add another 15,000 ft2 (1 395 m2) of vegetation. Since the on-grade surface is fully occupied by the building footprint and the asphalt parking, the only option is to incorporate a vegetated roof. Therefore, the design team will have to incorporate a native and/or adapted vegetated roof with a minimum area of 15,000 ft2 (1 395 m2). References: SS Credit Site Development - Protect or Restore Habitat, LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction13

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.

To comply with Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Interior Lighting, Option 1. Lighting Control, the tenant of a new office building will require 93 lighting control devices with at least three lighting levels per floor. This is because the credit requires that at least 90% of individual occupant spaces have lighting controls that enable occupants to adjust the lighting to suit their individual tasks and preferences1. The credit also requires that all shared multioccupant spaces have lighting controls that enable adjustments that meet the needs of the group1. According to the LEED BD+C Reference Guide, an individual occupant space is defined as an enclosed space or an open space that is occupied by one person and is at least 50 square feet (4.6 square meters) in area1. A shared multioccupant space is defined as an enclosed or open space that is occupied by more than one person and is at least 100 square feet (9.3 square meters) in area1.

Based on the given information, each workstation can be considered as an individual occupant space, and each bathroom facility and conference room can be considered as a shared multioccupant space. Therefore, the number of lighting control devices per floor can be calculated as follows:

For the 100 workstations, 90% of them need lighting controls, which is 90 workstations. Each workstation needs one lighting control device, so the total number of lighting control devices for the workstations is 90.

For the two bathroom facilities, each facility needs one lighting control device, so the total number of lighting control devices for the bathroom facilities is 2.

For the one conference room, one lighting control device is needed, so the total number of lighting control devices for the conference room is 1.

The total number of lighting control devices per floor is then 90 + 2 + 1 = 93.

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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For Location and Transportation (LT) Credit: High Priority Site, Option 1: Historic District, the project team must confirm that at least 75% of land areas within 1/2 mile (0.80 km) are previously developed (B). This demonstrates that the project site is part of an infill area, supporting LEED’s goal to revitalize and use previously developed urban spaces while protecting undeveloped land. Options like Federal Renewal Community status (C) or brownfield designation (D) apply to different site categories.

The Basis of Design (BOD) is a document that describes the design intent and performance criteria for a project. It must include the environmental, energy efficiency and sustainability goals that the project team has established, as well as the strategies and systems to achieve them. The BOD is part of the Integrative Process credit, which aims to foster collaboration and holistic thinking among the project stakeholders from the pre-design phase to the occupancy phase.

Detailed Explanation:

Under the BUG Rating Method, all luminaires must meet acceptable fixture ratings (Backlight, Uplight, and Glare ratings) for the project's Model Lighting Ordinance (MLO) lighting zone. This ensures compliance with LEED's Light Pollution Reduction credit by limiting light trespass, reducing glare, and preserving night sky quality.

To be eligible for LEED certification, a project must:

Be a permanent structure on existing land (floating structures like houseboats do not qualify).

Have a defined site boundary (mobile homes do not meet this requirement unless they are permanently installed).

Have a minimum floor area of 250 square feet (23.2 m²) (so a 900 ft² office qualifies).

Prefabricated buildings (Option A) may qualify if they are permanently installed.

Houseboats (Option C) and mobile homes (Option D) are not eligible unless permanently located.

The new office building (Option B) meets all LEED requirements and is the correct answer.

(Source: Official LEED BD+C Reference Manual)

This is because:

A building automation system (BAS) is a system that controls and monitors various aspects of a building’s operation, such as lighting, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, security, fire alarm, and energy management1.

A BAS can allow programmable load control (PLC), which is the ability to adjust the power consumption of devices or equipment based on a schedule, a sensor, or an event2. PLC can help reduce the energy demand and cost of a building by optimizing the use of resources and avoiding unnecessary or wasteful consumption3.

The LEED AP BD+C V4 credit for Demand Response requires that buildings have a demand response program that can respond to changes in electricity prices or supply by reducing or shifting the demand for electricity4. A BAS can enable such a program by allowing PLC and other features that can modulate the power usage of devices or equipment in response to market signals or internal conditions.

Therefore, installing a BAS to allow PLC can help achieve the Energy and Atmosphere Credit for Demand Response by reducing the energy demand and cost of a building.

The answer is C. A high evapotranspiration rate will result in a higher demand for potable water use in irrigation. Evapotranspiration is the process by which water is transferred from the land to the atmosphere by evaporation from the soil and other surfaces and by transpiration from plants. The higher the evapotranspiration rate, the more water is lost from the soil and plants, and the more irrigation is needed to replenish the moisture. The other options will not increase the demand for potable water use in irrigation. A sparsely planted area will have less vegetation and less transpiration, reducing the water demand. A drip irrigation system will deliver water directly to the plant roots, minimizing evaporation and runoff, and saving water. A rainwater harvesting system will collect and store rainwater for irrigation, reducing the reliance on potable water sources. For more information on outdoor water use reduction and irrigation efficiency, you can refer to the LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction1 or the WaterSense Water Budget Tool2.

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.

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.

Detailed Explanation:

Regional Priority credits address environmental issues specific to a project’s geographic location. These credits encourage project teams to focus on local priorities, such as water conservation in arid regions or stormwater management in flood-prone areas, making sustainability efforts more context-sensitive.

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

During preliminary energy analysis, massing and orientation are energy reduction strategies that can best help in reducing the energy load in the new building construction project. Massing and orientation refer to the shape, size, and direction of the building, which affect the amount of solar heat gain, daylight, and natural ventilation that the building receives. By analyzing the massing and orientation of the building, the project team can optimize the design to minimize the heating, cooling, and lighting energy demand, and enhance the thermal comfort and indoor environmental quality of the building. The LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction states that "the project team should use the results of the analysis to inform the owner’s project requirements, basis of design, and design documents"1. The other options, such as green roof, site conditions, and programmatic and operational parameters, are not energy reduction strategies, but factors that influence the energy performance and demand of the building.