LEED-AP-BD+C Sample Questions Answers

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

One of the requirements for attempting a pilot credit is to complete a feedback survey after submitting the project for review. The LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction states that "the project team must complete a feedback survey for each pilot credit attempted. The survey link is provided in the pilot credit language. The survey must be completed after the project has been submitted for review and before the project receives a final rating"1. The feedback survey is an important tool for USGBC to evaluate the effectiveness and applicability of the pilot credit, and to make improvements or modifications based on the project team’s experience.

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.

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.

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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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.

Interior paint must always be included in Materials and Resources credits. This is because interior paint is considered as a permanently installed product, which is defined by the LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction as "a product that is installed in a project permanently or semi-permanently, such that removal would require demolition or substantial renovation."1 Permanently installed products must be included in the calculations for the following Materials and Resources credits: Building Life-Cycle Impact Reduction, Building Product Disclosure and Optimization - Environmental Product Declarations, Building Product Disclosure and Optimization - Sourcing of Raw Materials, and Building Product Disclosure and Optimization - Material Ingredients.1 The other options are not always included in Materials and Resources credits. Faucets (option A) and fire suppression systems (option D) are considered as mechanical, electrical, and plumbing components, which are excluded from the scope of Materials and Resources credits unless they are specifically addressed by the credit requirements.1 Furniture (option B) is considered as a non-permanently installed product, which is optional to include in Materials and Resources credits, except for the Building Product Disclosure and Optimization - Material Ingredients credit, where furniture must be included if it is within the project scope.1 References: LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, p. 5791; LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, p. 5801; LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, p. 5811; LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, p. 5821; LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, p. 5831

According to the LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, the Location and Transportation Credit, Bicycle Facilities has two options: Option 1. Bicycle Network and Storage and Option 2. Reduced Parking Footprint. Option 1 requires the project to provide short-term bicycle storage for at least 2.5% of all peak visitors, and long-term bicycle storage for at least 5% of all regular building occupants. Short-term bicycle storage must be within 100 ft (30 m) walking distance of any main entrance, and long-term bicycle storage must be within 300 ft (90 m) walking or bicycling distance of any functional entry. Option 2 requires the project to provide short-term bicycle storage for at least 2.5% of all peak visitors, and long-term bicycle storage for at least 5% of all regular building occupants, and also reduce the total parking capacity by at least 20% from the base ratios. Both options can earn one point under this credit1.

If a commercial building is considered to have 100 peak visitors in a day, the minimum number of short-term bicycle storage spaces that must be provided to earn one point under Option 1 or Option 2 is 2.5% of 100, which is 2.5, rounded up to 3. However, the project must also provide long-term bicycle storage for at least 5% of all regular building occupants, which is not given in the question. Therefore, the correct answer is C, five, which is the minimum number of short-term bicycle storage spaces that must be provided to earn one point under Option 1 or Option 2, regardless of the number of regular building occupants. References: LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Location and Transportation Credit, Bicycle Facilities, Requirements1

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

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

The correct answer is A, site conditions. According to the LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, the Integrative Process Prerequisite, Integrative Project Planning and Design, requires the project team to perform a preliminary “simple box” energy modeling and analysis before the completion of schematic design. The purpose of this analysis is to evaluate the energy performance goals of the project and to identify and compare the energy-related design strategies. The analysis should include the following aspects1:

Site conditions, such as climate, solar orientation, shading, and natural ventilation potential

Massing and orientation, such as building shape, size, and orientation, and how they affect the heating and cooling loads, daylight availability, and passive design strategies

Basic envelope attributes, such as insulation levels, window-to-wall ratio, glazing properties, infiltration rates, and thermal bridging

Lighting levels, such as the target illumination levels, daylighting potential, and lighting power density

Plug and process loads, such as the equipment and appliances that consume electricity, and their schedules and controls

Programmatic and operational parameters, such as the occupancy, operating hours, and zoning of the building

Thermal comfort ranges, such as the acceptable temperature and humidity levels for the occupants

HVAC system selection, such as the type, efficiency, and control of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system

The other choices are not aspects that should be analyzed when pursuing an integrative design process focusing on energy-related systems, because:

Potable water availability is related to the water efficiency and water quality goals of the project, not the energy performance goals2.

Acoustic performance of the project is related to the indoor environmental quality and occupant comfort goals of the project, not the energy performance goals3.

Applicability of green vehicles to the project is related to the location and transportation and greenhouse gas emissions goals of the project, not the energy performance goals4.

According to the LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction1, the Integrative Process Prerequisite, Integrative Project Planning and Design, requires the project to assemble an integrated project team that includes at least four key project team members, in addition to the owner or owner’s representative. The key project team members are those who have the authority and responsibility to make design decisions and implement them during construction. The integrated project team should include professionals from different disciplines, such as architecture, engineering, landscape, interior design, construction, commissioning, operations, and maintenance. The integrated project team should collaborate throughout the project phases, from discovery to occupancy, to achieve the project goals and optimize the building performance.

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

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

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

This building classification requires the energy model to determine the predicted power usage effectiveness (PUE) for Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite, Minimum Energy Performance, because data centers have high energy intensity and cooling demand, and PUE is a metric that measures how efficiently a data center uses energy12.

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.

For the Sustainable Sites (SS) Prerequisite: Construction Activity Pollution Prevention, a compliant Erosion and Sedimentation Control (ESC) plan can be developed or modified during the design phase of LEED certification (B). This flexibility allows the project team to adjust the plan as needed to ensure proper site protection measures before and during construction. An ESC plan is essential to prevent soil erosion, waterway sedimentation, and airborne dust, aligning with LEED’s environmental protection standards.

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.

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.

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.

Detailed Explanation:

A CRI value of at least 85 is required to meet the Indoor Environmental Quality Credit for Interior Lighting. This ensures high-quality lighting that renders colors accurately, enhancing occupant comfort and visual experience. LEED emphasizes lighting design that supports functionality and wellbeing.

A pedestrian-oriented paving or turf area with physical site elements that accommodate outdoor social activities is necessary to satisfy the requirement for the outdoor space to be physically accessible when calculating the Sustainable Sites Credit, Open Space. This is because the outdoor space must be designed to encourage regular use by occupants and visitors1. A garden space dedicated to industrial food production for use by local communities may not be accessible to the building occupants and visitors2. A garden space with only one vegetation type and species during the summer for visual interest does not meet the requirement of having two or more types of vegetation or overhead vegetated canopy1. A dark paving area with site elements to encourage parking near wetlands or naturally designed ponds is not considered as pedestrian-oriented hardscape and may have negative impacts on the natural environment3.

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)

For major renovation and new construction projects, the required energy and water-related system analyses should be the same except for plug and process load needs. Plug and process loads are the electrical loads that are not related to lighting, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, such as computers, appliances, equipment, and machinery. Plug and process load needs may vary depending on the type and function of the building, and they can have a significant impact on the energy performance and demand of the building. Therefore, the project team should analyze the plug and process load needs for each project and design strategies to reduce or optimize them. The other factors, such as site conditions, massing and orientation, and building envelope performance, are common to both major renovation and new construction projects, and they should be analyzed in the same way for both types of projects.

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).

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)

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.

SRI generally decreases with age

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

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.

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

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 v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Federal Renewal Community sites are designated by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as areas that are eligible for tax incentives to encourage businesses to locate and hire residents within the community. These sites are considered High Priority Sites for project development, as they support the revitalization of economically distressed areas. The other federal agencies listed do not designate Federal Renewal Community sites. References: LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Location and Transportation Credit, High Priority Site, Requirements1; U.S. Internal Revenue Service, Renewal Communities2

Detailed Explanation:

Under Sensitive Land Protection, Option 2, projects on greenfield sites must avoid impacting sensitive land types, including prime farmland as defined by the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations or local equivalents outside the United States. LEED aims to preserve high-value agricultural land and other sensitive areas to minimize environmental disruption and promote sustainable development practices.

For LEED BD+C Location and Transportation (LT) Credit: Surrounding Density and Diverse Uses, Option 1: Surrounding Density, the project team must measure:

Residential density in dwelling units per acre (DU/acre) or dwelling units per hectare (DU/ha).

Non-residential density based on floor area ratio (FAR).

The density must be measured within a ¼-mile (0.40 km) radius of the project boundary.

This credit promotes high-density development and reduces urban sprawl, thereby improving access to amenities and public transportation.

(Source: Official LEED BD+C Reference Manual)

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 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)

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

Detailed Explanation:

For the Surrounding Density and Diverse Uses credit, LEED requires project teams to calculate residential and non-residential densities within a 1/4-mile (0.40 km) radius of the project boundary. This measurement ensures that projects are located in areas with sufficient infrastructure and services to reduce dependency on vehicles and promote walkability.

When calculating the reverberation time of a room, the operating sound level of the nearest HVAC equipment is the least relevant piece of information. The reverberation time is the time it takes for the sound to decay by 60 decibels after the source stops emitting sound. The reverberation time depends on the volume and the surface area of the room, as well as the sound absorption coefficients of the materials that cover the surfaces. The height and width of the room are needed to calculate the volume and the surface area. The noise reduction coefficient of the ceiling surface and the sound absorption coefficient of the floor surface are needed to calculate the total sound absorption of the room. The operating sound level of the nearest HVAC equipment is not relevant for calculating the reverberation time, but it may affect the background noise level and the speech intelligibility in the room.

Detailed Explanation:

To qualify as reused material under the Materials and Resources Credit, furniture must have been purchased at least two years prior to the project’s registration date. This ensures that the materials meet the definition of reuse, aligning with LEED's goal of reducing the demand for new materials and promoting the conservation of resources.

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 document that allows a LEED AP to register a project and sign the Certification Agreement is the Owner Confirmation of Agent Authority. This form is used to validate the Certification Agreement when it is signed by someone other than the owner, such as a LEED AP. It provides proof that the owner accepts the conditions in the Certification Agreement and authorizes the LEED AP to act as the owner’s agent for the purpose of LEED project certification1. The other choices are not relevant documents for this purpose. References: LEED Certification Agreement and other legal matters1

The credit that should be pursued when considering the regional context of frequent power supply grid fluctuations (brown-outs) is Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Demand Response. This credit encourages participation in demand response programs that reduce peak electricity demand and help stabilize the grid. It also provides an opportunity to earn regional priority points, which are bonus points for credits that address regional environmental issues. The other credits are not directly related to the regional context of brown-outs.

Smoking tobacco products must be prohibited within a building as a prerequisite to LEED certification, according to the Indoor Environmental Quality Prerequisite, Environmental Tobacco Smoke Control1. This prerequisite aims to prevent or minimize exposure of building occupants, indoor surfaces, and ventilation air distribution systems to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), which is a known human carcinogen and a source of indoor air pollution2. The prerequisite requires the project to meet one of the following options:

Option 1. No Smoking. Prohibit smoking in the building and within 25 feet (8 meters) of all entries, outdoor air intakes, and operable windows.

Option 2. Smoking Areas. Designate smoking areas outside the building and at least 25 feet (8 meters) from all entries, outdoor air intakes, and operable windows. If smoking areas are enclosed, they must be negatively pressurized and vented directly to the outdoors. Prohibit smoking in all common areas of residential buildings and provide signage to indicate smoking and nonsmoking areas.

The other activities, such as burning fossil fuels, preparing non-organic foods, and manufacturing toxic chemicals, are not explicitly prohibited by any LEED prerequisites, although they may have negative impacts on the environment, health, and energy performance of the building.

According to the LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, the Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite, Fundamental Commissioning and Verification, requires the project to hire a Commissioning Authority (CxA) to oversee the commissioning process for the mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and renewable energy systems and assemblies. The CxA must have documented commissioning authority experience in at least two building projects, and must not be an employee of the design or construction firms, although they may be contracted through them. The CxA must report the results, findings, and recommendations directly to the owner1.

One of the required responsibilities for the CxA to achieve the prerequisite is to verify installation and performance of the commissioned systems. This includes conducting site observations and spot-checking of equipment installation, performing functional performance testing of the systems, verifying system performance by reviewing testing and balancing reports, and preparing a summary commissioning report of the activities and results1.

The other choices are not required responsibilities for the CxA to achieve the prerequisite, but they are additional responsibilities for the CxA to achieve the Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Enhanced Commissioning, which goes beyond the prerequisite by including more systems, more verification activities, and more documentation. These additional responsibilities are2:

Verify that training requirements are completed. This includes reviewing training plans, agendas, and materials, and verifying that the training delivery and documentation are completed and consistent with the owner’s project requirements (OPR).

Develop systems manual for the commissioned systems. This includes compiling and reviewing the systems manual that provides the necessary information for operating and maintaining the commissioned systems.

Review contractor submittals for the commissioned systems. This includes reviewing the design intent and basis of design documentation, and providing feedback on the contractor submittals related to the commissioned systems, such as shop drawings, product data, and samples.

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.

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. ​

The best practice for using alternative water sources is to target the uses that require the least treatment first, such as irrigation, toilet flushing, and cooling tower makeup. This reduces the energy and cost associated with treating water to higher standards than necessary. Matching uses by location is not a requirement, nor is treating all alternative water sources to potable water standards. A project may use more than one alternative water source as long as they meet the applicable codes and standards. References: WE Credit Indoor Water Use Reduction, WE Credit Outdoor Water Use Reduction, WE Credit Cooling Tower Water Use1

According to the LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, the Location and Transportation Credit, Access to Quality Transit has two options: Option 1. Transit-Served Location and Option 2. Transit Service Quality. Option 1 can earn 1 to 4 points depending on the percentage of functional entries within walking distance of transit stops or stations. Option 2 can earn 1 point if the project meets the minimum weekday and weekend headways for bus, streetcar, or informal transit stops, or rail stations or ferry terminals. The maximum number of points a project can achieve under this credit is 4 points by meeting both options1. References: LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Location and Transportation Credit, Access to Quality Transit, Requirements1

Detailed Explanation:

Incorporating rooftop solar panels addresses glare concerns effectively by replacing reflective surfaces with photovoltaic modules while simultaneously supporting LEED credits for renewable energy production. This strategy avoids negative impacts on other credits, such as Heat Island Reduction or Energy Performance, and contributes positively to overall project sustainability.

According to the LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, Option 2 of the Sourcing of Raw Materials credit requires using products that meet at least one of the responsible extraction criteria for at least 25%, by cost, of the total value of permanently installed building products in the project1. Therefore, for a project with a material cost of $100,000, the minimum material value needed to achieve this option is 25% of $100,000, which is $25,000.

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.

A current facilities requirements and operations and maintenance plan must contain any changes in schedules or setpoints for different seasons, days of the week, and times of day. This is to ensure that the building systems are operating efficiently and according to the design intent. The other options are too limited or too specific and do not cover all the possible variations in schedules or setpoints.

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

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.

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

These factors are the major determinants of the total irrigation requirement for a landscaping design, because they affect the water demand and supply of the plants1. Plant species have different water needs and tolerances, rainfall provides natural water input, evapotranspiration rate measures the water loss from the soil and plant surfaces, site exposure influences the solar radiation and wind effects, and irrigation efficiency reflects the amount of water delivered to the plants compared to the amount of water applied2.

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

According to the LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, the bicycle network must connect to a rapid transit stop that is within 3 mi. (5 km) biking distance of the project boundary. This is one of the options to meet the requirement for Option 1: Bicycle Network and Storage. The other options are to connect to at least 10 diverse uses or to connect to a school or employment center that is within 3 mi. (5 km) biking distance of the project boundary. References: LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Location and Transportation Credit: Bicycle Facilities, Option 1: Bicycle Network and Storage1

The Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE) Tier 3A standard applies to water-efficient appliances, such as dishwashers, clothes washers, and commercial kitchen equipment. It is recognized in LEED BD+C for improving indoor water efficiency.

CEE Tier 3A focuses on high-efficiency appliances that meet stringent water and energy performance requirements.

These appliances contribute to Water Efficiency (WE) credits in LEED by reducing potable water consumption.

Other options are unrelated to standard appliances for indoor water reduction:

GreenSeal pertains to environmental product certifications, including low-VOC materials.

ASHRAE 62.1-2010 relates to ventilation and indoor air quality standards.

ISO 14044-2006 addresses life cycle assessment (LCA) methodologies.

(Source: Official LEED BD+C Reference Manual)

An accessible garden with native plants supports:

Sustainable Sites (SS) Credit: Open Space by providing outdoor access and promoting biodiversity.

Sustainable Sites (SS) Credit: Rainwater Management by improving stormwater infiltration and reducing runoff.

Other options are not directly related to native gardens.

(Source: Official LEED BD+C Reference Manual)

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

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.

According to the LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, the discovery phase of energy-related systems should identify ventilation rates, along with other factors such as building orientation, envelope attributes, lighting levels, plug and process loads, and programmatic and operational parameters1. These factors should be used to create a preliminary “simple box” energy model to evaluate the energy performance of the building and explore potential strategies to reduce energy use1. The other options are not relevant for the discovery phase of energy-related systems. Functional performance tests are part of the implementation phase1. Thermal comfort ranges are related to indoor environmental quality2. Transportation options are related to sustainable sites3. References: IP Credit Integrative Process, LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction4123

Detailed Explanation:

Preliminary energy modeling focuses on the building’s massing, orientation, thermal comfort ranges, and energy supply sources. Plug and process loads are typically omitted at this stage as they are highly variable and depend on specific occupant behavior and equipment usage. LEED focuses on the building’s core energy performance during preliminary analysis.

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

LEED v4 for Building Design and Construction, p. 361

LEED v4 for Building Design and Construction, p. 6012

ASHRAE 90.1-2010, Section 9.1.13

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.

The LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) plays a consultative role in helping the owner develop the Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR).

The OPR defines project goals, including energy efficiency, sustainability, and occupant comfort.

It is the owner’s responsibility to define the OPR, while the LEED AP provides guidance and technical expertise.

The design team and commissioning authority (CxA) reference the OPR throughout the project.

A LEED AP does not author, oversee, or publish the document, but ensures that LEED goals align with the project’s sustainability vision.

(Source: Official LEED BD+C Reference Manual)

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

To comply with LEED BD+C Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) Credit: Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies, Option 2, a project must implement at least two of the following enhanced air quality strategies:

Use of an outdoor airflow measurement device to monitor and measure at least 90% of the outdoor air intake flow to ensure proper ventilation.

Advanced filtration systems (such as CEN Class F7 or MERV 13 filters) for mechanically ventilated buildings.

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) monitoring in densely occupied spaces, with alerts for elevated CO₂ levels.

Entryway systems (such as walk-off mats) at all regularly used building entrances to reduce dirt and contaminants.

Option D correctly identifies outdoor airflow measurement as one of the acceptable strategies under Option 2.

(Source: Official LEED BD+C Reference Manual)

Installing a bioretention area is an example of a low-impact development (LID) practice that can reduce runoff volume and improve water quality by replicating the natural hydrology and water balance of the site. This approach will contribute to maintaining compliance with Sustainable Sites Credit, Rainwater Management, which requires designing the site to retain the runoff from the developed site for at least the 80th percentile of rainfall events1. References:

Credit: Rainwater management | U.S. Green Building Council

Achieving SSc Rainwater Management in LEED v4.1

Peak-hour is a term used to describe the time period when the traffic noise is highest, usually during morning and evening rush hours. Peak-hour noise level is measured by the equivalent continuous sound level (Leq), which is an energy-average of the noise level over a specified sample time. For minimum acoustic performance, LEED requires projects to implement acoustic treatment and other measures to minimize noise intrusion from exterior sources for high-noise sites (peak-hour Leq above 60 dBA during school hours).

The LEED Platinum certification requires the project to achieve exemplary performance in at least one credit that allows it, as specified in the LEED Reference Guide1. One of the credits that meets this criterion is the Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, which focuses on providing healthy and comfortable indoor environments for occupants. The credit has two options: Quality Views and Enhanced Commissioning. Quality Views requires the project to have windows that provide views of natural scenery or water bodies, which can enhance the well-being and satisfaction of occupants. Enhanced Commissioning requires the project to have a comprehensive commissioning plan that ensures all systems are properly installed, tested, and operated before occupancy. Both options can help reduce energy consumption, improve indoor air quality, and create a positive sensory experience for occupants.

Regional Priority (RP) credits are awarded based on local environmental concerns.

Projects must register for credits that align with local sustainability priorities.

Points are NOT automatic—projects must achieve the related credits.

(Source: Official LEED BD+C Reference Manual)

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.

Reducing the envelope load involves minimizing the heat that enters or escapes through a building’s envelope (walls, windows, roof, etc.). Summer solar shading is an effective strategy to block direct sunlight during warmer months, decreasing the cooling load on the HVAC system. This method helps reduce solar heat gain, which lowers energy usage for cooling. Other options like maximizing daylighting (B) increase natural light but may also increase heat gain, and decreasing the opaque wall area (C) can actually increase energy loss. Economizers (D) are HVAC strategies and don’t directly reduce the envelope load.

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 scope of analysis in Materials and Resources Credit, Building Life-Cycle Impact Reduction, Option 4. Whole-Building Life-Cycle Assessment is a cradle-to-grave assessment. This means that the life cycle assessment (LCA) covers all stages of the building’s life cycle, from the extraction of raw materials (cradle) to the disposal or reuse of the building components at the end of their service life (grave)1. The LCA must include the following life cycle stages: product stage, construction process stage, use stage, and end-of-life stage2. The LCA must also account for the environmental impacts of the building’s structure and enclosure, as well as any other building elements that are permanently attached to and share service systems with the building2. References:

Whole building life cycle assessment through LEED v4

Building life-cycle impact reduction | U.S. Green Building Council

For Energy and Atmosphere (EA) Credit: Advanced Energy Metering, any individual energy end uses that represent 10% or more of the total annual energy consumption must be metered (A). This credit promotes ongoing energy management and helps identify large energy-consuming systems for efficiency improvements. Metering data from major end uses can provide insights into energy patterns, facilitating targeted actions to reduce consumption.

Sustainable Sites (SS) Credit: Light Pollution Reduction addresses light trespass, glare, and skyglow, ensuring that a project:

Minimizes unnecessary outdoor lighting to prevent disruption to surrounding properties.

Uses full-cutoff fixtures to direct light downward and reduce nighttime skyglow.

Follows lighting zone guidelines based on project location.

This promotes dark-sky compliance and reduces light pollution, benefiting ecosystems and human health.

(Source: Official LEED BD+C Reference Manual)

Exemplary Performance is not available for Option 2 of Location and Transportation Credit, Surrounding Density and Diverse Uses. According to the LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, this credit has two options: Option 1. Surrounding Density (5 points) and Option 2. Diverse Uses (1 point). Exemplary Performance is only available for Option 1, and it requires achieving a surrounding density of at least 405,000 square feet per acre (100,000 square meters per hectare)1. Option 2 does not have any Exemplary Performance criteria, and it only requires locating the project within a 1/2-mile (800-meter) walking distance of at least seven diverse uses2. References:

Credit: Surrounding density and diverse uses | U.S. Green Building Council

Surrounding Density and Diverse Uses - LEED v4

Discovery

The discovery phase of the integrative process gives the team the greatest chance of success in meeting the project’s environmental goals cost-effectively. The discovery phase is the initial stage of the project, where the team establishes the vision, goals, and performance criteria, conducts a site assessment, identifies synergies and trade-offs among systems, and performs preliminary analysis and modeling of energy and water use1. By engaging in this phase early and iteratively, the team can explore various design options, identify potential savings and benefits, and optimize the project outcomes2.

The Location and Transportation (LT) Credit: Bicycle Facilities requires short-term bicycle storage to be within 100 feet (30 meters) of a main entrance to ensure convenient access for visitors or short-term users. This credit encourages alternative transportation methods by making bicycle storage easily accessible, thereby reducing vehicular dependency. Other locations like bicycle networks or shower rooms may be relevant for long-term storage or end-of-trip facilities but are not specifically mandated for short-term storage.

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

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.

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)

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.

LEED commissioning (Cx) requirements focus on ensuring energy and water-consuming systems operate as intended. The basic systems that require commissioning under LEED include Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, and Renewable Energy (A). These systems are crucial for a building's energy efficiency and operational performance. Structural and non-energy-consuming systems, such as structural or audiovisual elements, are typically outside the commissioning scope. Proper commissioning of these systems helps ensure sustainable building operations aligned with the owner’s project requirements.

Rainwater collected from the building roof would be the most appropriate nonpotable water source for use in a cooling tower. This is because rainwater is generally cleaner than other nonpotable sources and does not require extensive treatment before use. Additionally, using rainwater can help to reduce stormwater runoff, providing an additional environmental benefit.

According to the LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, the Carbon Dioxide Monitoring strategy requires CO2 monitors to be located in each densely occupied space, which is defined as a space with a design occupant density of 25 people or more per 1,000 square feet (93 square meters). This strategy is intended to provide feedback on ventilation system performance and indoor air quality12 References: 1: LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, Indoor Environmental Quality Credit: Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies, Option 2: Additional Enhanced IAQ Strategies, Strategy 3: Carbon Dioxide Monitoring, page 704. 2: LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, Glossary, page 1019.

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

This option requires the project to calculate the contributing value of the fixture by multiplying the cost of the fixture by the percentage of recycled content by weight1. Since the shades are 10% of the overall weight of the fixture and are 50% post-consumer recycled content, the contributing value of the fixture is:

$1,500 x 10% x 50% = $75

The correct answer is B. Provide for at least 10% of all regular building occupants, with no less than five storage spaces per building.

According to the LEED v4.1 Bicycle Storage Requirements1, commercial projects must provide long-term bicycle storage for at least 10% of all regular building occupants, with no less than five storage spaces per building. Long-term bicycle storage is defined as secure, enclosed, and weather-protected spaces that are intended for use by occupants who make regular trips to the project building. Examples of long-term bicycle storage include lockers, cages, rooms, or dedicated areas within buildings1. The purpose of this requirement is to encourage the use of bicycles as a sustainable mode of transportation and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuel consumption.

Incorporating precipitation sensors with smart irrigation controllers (C) maximizes irrigation efficiency by adjusting water usage according to real-time weather data and soil moisture levels, reducing unnecessary irrigation during rainfall. This LEED strategy helps conserve water and supports the Water Efficiency (WE) Credit: Outdoor Water Use Reduction. Fixed rates (A), timers (B), and overlapping sprinkler heads (D) do not optimize water based on environmental conditions, leading to possible water waste.

According to the LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, the owner or an owner’s representative must be a member of the integrated project team for the Integrative Process Prerequisite, Integrative Project Planning and Design. The owner or an owner’s representative is responsible for establishing the project’s vision, goals, budget, and schedule, as well as defining the owner’s project requirements (OPR) and participating in the design charrettes and reviews1. The owner or an owner’s representative also plays a key role in ensuring the continuity and alignment of the project’s performance and environmental objectives throughout all phases of the project1.

The other choices are not mandatory members of the integrated project team, although they may be involved in the integrative process depending on the project’s scope and needs. The general contractor is typically hired after the design phase and may not be involved in the predesign and schematic design analyses required by the prerequisite1. A LEED AP is a professional who has demonstrated knowledge and experience in applying the LEED rating system, but is not required to be part of the integrated project team, although it is recommended and rewarded by the LEED credit, Integrative Process1. The project’s mechanical engineer is one of the possible design consultants who may contribute to the integrative process, especially for the energy-related systems analysis, but is not required to be part of the integrated project team1.