USGBC LEED AP BD+C Exam Questions

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161.

Which standards may be used to meet the minimum indoor air requirements for projects outside the United States instead of ASHRAE 62.1–2010?

  • EN 15251–2007 and EN 13779–2007

  • ASHRAE 90.1–2010

  • CIBSE AM10

  • ASTM E-1527 and E-1903

Correct answer: EN 15251–2007 and EN 13779–2007

EN 15251–2007 and EN 13779–2007 are the standards that LEED project teams outside the United States may use for EQ Prerequisite–Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance instead of ASHRAE 62.1–2010. 

ASHRAE 90.1–2010 provides requirements for energy-efficient design. CIBSE AM10 is for naturally ventilated spaces. ASTM E-1527 and E-1903 are used in SS Prerequisite–Environmental Site Assessment. 

162.

Which type of project is required to install water meters in five water systems in addition to the two required for WE Credit–Water Metering? 

  • Healthcare projects

  • School projects

  • Core and shell projects 

  • Hospitality projects

Correct answer: Healthcare projects 

In addition to installing permanent water meters for at least two of the approved subsystems, healthcare projects that want to earn WE Credit–Water Metering are required to install water meters in five other water systems. 

School, core and shell, and hospitality projects are not required to install these additional meters. 

163.

A new construction project that includes an amphitheater building is being constructed and certified for LEED. Amphitheaters cause light pollution; knowing this, which of the following is true regarding this project and SS Credit–Light Pollution Reduction? 

  • All of the lighting used for theatrical purposes is exempt from Uplight and Light Trespass requirements

  • This project is ineligible to earn points in SS Credit–Light Pollution Reduction

  • This project could earn points in SS Credit–Light Pollution Reduction if it is located in MLO lighting zones 2, 3, or 4

  • This project could earn points in SS Credit–Light Pollution Reduction but must use Option 2 

Correct answer: All of the lighting used for theatrical purposes is exempt from Uplight and Light Trespass requirements

When it comes to exterior lighting requirements for SS Credit–Light Pollution Reduction, there are exemptions, such as lighting used for theatrical purposes, lighting for hospital emergency departments, and government-mandated roadway lighting. These exemptions must be controlled separately from the lighting that is not exempt. 

The options for SS Credit–Light Pollution Reduction are open to all projects; there are no qualifications the projects must meet to be eligible for either of the options. This project may use Option 2 but is not required to. This project is still eligible for points in SS Credit–Light Pollution Reduction and doesn't have to be in a certain lighting zone to earn points. The lighting zones help identify goals for projects to meet. 

164.

Which of the following is required for all projects regardless of their ventilation type for Option 1 of EQ Credit–Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies? 

  • Entryway systems 

  • Filtration

  • Natural ventilation design calculations

  • Interior cross-contamination prevention

Correct answer: Entryway systems 

For Option 1 of EQ Credit–Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies, all three types of ventilation systems must comply with entryway system requirements. 

Filtration requirements apply only to mixed-mode and mechanically ventilated systems. The natural ventilation design calculations requirement applies only to mixed-mode and natural ventilation systems. Interior cross-contamination prevention requirements apply only to mechanical and mixed-mode systems. 

165.

A project has been built within 100 feet of a natural lake. Which of the following is not one of the approved minor improvements? 

  • A 15-foot-wide impervious bike path

  • Grade changes that provide public access

  • Removal of trees that are under 40% condition rating

  • The addition of a small garden shed

Correct answer: A 15-foot-wide impervious bike path

Bike and walking paths must be no more than 12 feet wide, and only 8 feet may be impervious, so this path does not count as a minor improvement. 

Grade changes that provide public access, removal of trees that are under 40% condition rating, and the addition of a small garden shed all count as minor improvements. 

166.

To achieve WE Credit–Water Metering, project teams must do which of the following? 

  • Install permanent water meters for two or more of the acceptable water subsystems

  • Commit to sharing metering data with the USGBC for five years

  • Install permanent water meters to measure the total potable water usage for the project

  • Perform a one-time potable water analysis on all cooling towers

Correct answer: Install permanent water meters for two or more of the acceptable water subsystems

Projects must choose to meter at least two of the following water subsystems: irrigation, indoor plumbing fixtures and fittings, domestic hot water, boiler with aggregate projected annual water use of at least 100,000 gallons (378,500 liters) or more than 500,000 BtuH (150 kW), reclaimed water, and/or other process water. 

Sharing metering data with the USGBC for five years and metering all potable water for the project are requirements for WE Prerequisite–Building-Level Water Metering. Performing a one-time potable water assessment for cooling towers is a requirement for WE Credit–Cooling Tower Water Use. 

167.

A team is starting a new construction project and is having a hard time choosing a rating system. Their project's gross floor area is 35% retail and 65% office space. Which of the following rating systems should they use? 

  •  LEED BD+C: New Construction and Major Renovation

  •  LEED BD+C: Retail

  •  LEED BD+C: Core and Shell Development 

  •  LEED BD+C: Office Space Development 

Correct answer: LEED BD+C: New Construction and Major Renovation

Because their project is a new construction project and the retail space makes up only 35% of the gross floor area while 65% is office space, LEED BD+C: New Construction and Major Renovation is the best choice. 

The retail gross floor area is not a high enough percentage to use LEED BD+C: Retail. This is not a core and shell project. LEED BD+C: Office Space Development does not exist. 

168.

If a project team was working on reducing their landscape water requirement by 35% from their calculated baseline, which of the following would they most likely be trying to achieve? 

  • WE Prerequisite–Outdoor Water Use Reduction 

  • WE Credit–Outdoor Water Use Reduction 

  • WE Prerequisite–Indoor Water Use Reduction 

  • WE Credit–Water Metering

Correct answer: WE Prerequisite–Outdoor Water Use Reduction 

Option 2: Reduced Irrigation of WE Prerequisite–Outdoor Water Use Reduction requires projects to reduce their landscape water requirement by at least 30%. Reducing this project's outdoor water use by 35% would more than fulfill this requirement. 

WE Prerequisite–Indoor Water Use Reduction requires only a 20% reduction in water usage and covers only indoor water consumption, not landscape water use. WE Credit–Outdoor Water Use Reduction requires at least a 50% reduction from the baseline, so a project would not be attempting this credit by reducing their water use by only 35%. The intent and requirements of WE Credit–Water Metering are concerned with metering water systems, not with reducing water usage. 

169.

A team is looking for a site according to their project goals. Before they decide, they should consider all of the following except: 

  • Lighting levels 

  • Transportation

  • Occupant and community well-being

  • Building site attributes 

Correct answer: Lighting levels 

Lighting levels is one of the options that projects can choose to assess in their simple box energy model analysis. The minimum site considerations include building site attributes, transportation, and occupant and community well-being.  

170.

Where should signage indicating the no-smoking policy be posted?

  • Within 10 feet (3 meters) of all building entrances

  • At all designated smoking areas

  • At operable windows

  • At outdoor air intakes

Correct answer: Within 10 feet (3 meters) of all building entrances

EQ Prerequisite–Environmental Tobacco Smoke Control requires projects with a no-smoking policy to post no-smoking sings within 10 feet (3 meters) of all building entrances. 

If a project has designated smoking areas, it would not make sense to post no-smoking signs in those areas. Windows and outdoor air intakes may not be the most visible locations.

171.

A project team has decided to build within a LEED Neighborhood Development. The neighborhood was built under the LEED ND Pilot version and certified under the Stage 1 LEED for Neighborhood Development Pre-reviewed Plan. Which of the following is true? 

  • This project is not eligible to earn points in LT Credit–LEED for Neighborhood Development Location

  • This project is eligible to earn points in LT Credit–LEED for Neighborhood Development Location

  • This project is not eligible to earn points from any other LT credit

  • This project is not eligible to earn points in LT Credit–LEED for Neighborhood Development Location and cannot earn points from any other LT credit

Correct answer: This project is not eligible to earn points in LT Credit–LEED for Neighborhood Development Location

Not all LEED ND sites are eligible for points in LT Credit–LEED for Neighborhood Development Location. The LEED ND Pilot version Stage 1 LEED for Neighborhood Development Pre-reviewed Plan is one of the ineligible versions. 

Since the project has not earned LT Credit–LEED for Neighborhood Development Location, they may be eligible to earn points in the rest of the LT credits. 

172.

A core and shell project has reused 25% of the building's surface area. How many points has this project earned in Option 3: Building and Material Reuse for MR Credit–Building Life-Cycle Impact Reduction?

  • Two

  • Three

  • Four

  • Five

Correct answer: Two 

Reusing 25% of the surface area would earn a project two points regardless of the type of project, and reusing 50% would earn three points. Reusing 75% of the building's surface area would earn all BD+C projects except core and shell four points and would earn a core and shell project five points. 

173.

Your project team is working to achieve Option 2 of LT Credit–Sensitive Land Protection. Which of the following locations would meet the criteria for this credit? 

  • A site that is within 100 feet of a wetland

  • A site that is defined by the US Code of Federal Regulations as prime farmland

  • A site that has a 3% chance of flooding in any given year

  • A site that is within 50 feet of a river

Correct answer: A site that is within 100 feet of a wetland

A site that is within 100 feet of a wetland would meet the criteria for Option 2 of LT Credit–Sensitive Land Protection because the minimum distance an eligible site can be from a wetland is on the wetland or within 50 feet. 

A site that is defined by the US Code of Federal Regulations as prime farmland, a site that has a 3% chance of flooding in any given year, and a site that is within 50 feet of a river would not meet the criteria for Option 2 of LT Credit–Sensitive Land Protection. 

174.

What is the required improvement percentage for new construction projects in EA Prerequisite–Minimum Energy Performance? 

  • 5%

  • 2%

  • 10%

  • 3%

Correct answer: 5% 

New construction projects must demonstrate a 5% improvement in energy performance for EA Prerequisite–Minimum Energy Performance. 

Core and shell projects must demonstrate a 2% improvement in energy performance and major renovations must demonstrate a 3% improvement in energy performance for EA Prerequisite–Minimum Energy Performance. Projects are not required to demonstrate a 10% improvement in energy performance for this prerequisite.

175.

Which of the following is true regarding site assessment and remediation according to SS Prerequisite–Environmental Site Assessment? 

  • Remediation is required only if the Phase II site assessment confirms contamination on the site

  • If a Phase I assessment determines that a site may be contaminated, projects can choose to perform a Phase II or move directly to remediation

  • A Phase II assessment can be done instead of a Phase I for this credit

  • Remediation is required at some level regardless of the results of the site assessments

Correct answer: Remediation is required only if the Phase II site assessment confirms contamination on the site

For SS Prerequisite–Environmental Site Assessment, a Phase I site assessment is required. If the Phase I assessment concludes that contamination is suspected, a Phase II is required. If the Phase II confirms the existence of contamination on the site, remediation is required. 

A Phase I assessment looks at the history of the site, so the results would not be detailed enough to move directly to remediation; a Phase II is necessary to know what to remediate and how. For this credit, a Phase I is required for schools and healthcare projects, and there is not an option to skip the Phase I and go directly to the Phase II. However, if projects wish to do a Phase II regardless of the results of the Phase I results, they can. Remediation isn't always necessary; it depends on the condition of the site, which is why it is necessary to do a site assessment. 

176.

A project includes multiple buildings that are all using different LEED rating systems on the same site and are owned by the same entity. Which of the following should they do to become certified? 

  • Use the Campus Approach

  • Find one rating system that works for all the buildings

  • Use the Group Approach

  • Certify each building individually

Correct answer: Use the Campus Approach

The Campus Approach streamlines the certification process for projects that have multiple buildings under the same owner but require different rating systems.

They should not use the Group Approach or find one rating system for all buildings. They could certify each building one at a time, but the Campus Approach would streamline this process.

177.

A project team is preparing the Water Budget Tool report as part of their required documentation for the Water Efficiency category. Which of the following prerequisites/credits requires this documentation? 

  • WE Prerequisite–Outdoor Water Use Reduction, Option 2: Reduced Irrigation 

  • WE Prerequisite–Building-Level Water Metering

  • WE Credit–Outdoor Water Use Reduction, Option 1: No Irrigation Required 

  • WE Credit–Cooling Tower Water Use 

Correct answer: WE Prerequisite–Outdoor Water Use Reduction, Option 2: Reduced Irrigation 

Project teams that choose Option 2 of WE Prerequisite–Outdoor Water Use Reduction must use the EPA WaterSense Water Budget Tool. Therefore, the required documentation includes the report from the Water Budget Tool. 

WE Credit–Cooling Tower Water Use documentation requires, at the minimum, the potable water analysis results, the potable water analysis narrative, and the cycles of concentration calculations. WE Credit–Outdoor Water Use Reduction, Option 1: No Irrigation Required requires the alternative water source and controls calculations for documenting this credit. Documentation for WE Prerequisite–Building-Level Water Metering requires a meter declaration and a sharing commitment. 

178.

Which of the following tools should be used to calculate project teams' outdoor water use reduction for Option 2 of WE Prerequisite–Outdoor Water Use Reduction?

  • EPA WaterSense Water Budget Tool 

  • EPA Energy Star 

  • GreenScreen v1.2

  • CBECS 

Correct answer: EPA WaterSense Water Budget Tool 

Project teams hoping to achieve Option 2: Reduced Irrigation of WE Prerequisite–Outdoor Water Use Reduction should use the EPA WaterSense Water Budget Tool to calculate the required 30% reduction from the baseline. 

EPA Energy Star is used in WE Prerequisite–Indoor Water Use Reduction and in WE Credit–Indoor Water Use Reduction to calculate the baselines. GreenScreen v1.2 is a tool used in the Materials and Resources credit category to compare the chemical hazard assessments between products. The US Department of Energy's Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Survey (CBECS) is used in the Energy and Atmosphere category to estimate energy use. 

179.

Which of the following must a project team demonstrate to have contributed to reducing the burden on municipal supply or wastewater treatment systems? 

  • On-site nonpotable water supply source 

  • HVAC equipment condensate

  • Graywater

  • Municipally supplied nonpotable water 

Correct answer: On-site nonpotable water supply source 

As part of the implementation phase of the IP Credit–Integrative Process's Water-Related Systems section, project teams must demonstrate how at least one on-site nonpotable water supply source was used to reduce the burden on municipal supply or wastewater treatment systems. 

180.

Your project team has signed up for a one-year DR program for 5% of their peak electricity demand. Which of the following is true?

  • This program would not qualify the project team to achieve points in EA Credit–Demand Response

  • This program would qualify the project team to achieve two points in EA Credit–Demand Response

  • This program would qualify the project team to achieve one point in EA Credit–Demand Response

  • This program would qualify the project team to achieve three points in EA Credit–Demand Response

Correct answer: This program would not qualify the project team to achieve points in EA Credit–Demand Response

To achieve the two possible points in EA Credit–Demand Response, projects must sign up for at least one-year programs for 10% or more of their peak electricity demand. This program would not qualify the project team to achieve any points in that credit.