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

LEED requires that at least 50% of a building’s annual electricity consumption be offset by green power or carbon offsets to achieve the Energy and Atmosphere Credit: Green Power and Carbon Offsets. For this building with a projected annual consumption of 2,200,435 kWh, half of this amount, 1,100,218 kWh, must be purchased from green sources to meet the credit requirements. This strategy helps mitigate carbon emissions by promoting the use of renewable energy.

A preliminary water budget analysis should be conducted before the completion of schematic design (B). Early analysis allows the design team to understand and integrate efficient water management practices into the building’s layout and system design. Conducting this analysis at an early stage helps inform sustainable water use strategies and enables more effective decision-making on fixtures, water conservation technologies, and landscape design. This proactive approach aligns with LEED’s emphasis on resource conservation in design.

Quality views are defined in LEED as those which consist of multiple elements of nature, weather, or movement that allow for a connection beyond the interior space. Views that allow a clear line of sight to the exterior via vision glazing, with a view factor of 3 or greater, qualify for this credit. Fixed glazing in common spaces can also contribute to this credit.

References: This information is a synthesis based on the criteria for 'Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Quality Views' from the LEED BD+C Reference Guide available on the USGBC website. For a detailed explanation, please refer to the specific credit requirements in the LEED BD+C Reference Guide.

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

References:

Light Pollution Reduction

Light Pollution Reduction: Sustainable Site Credit for LEED Existing Building O+M

[LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction v4], page 581

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

References:

LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide

Low-Emitting Materials | U.S. Green Building Council

For schools intended for grades eight and below (or ages 14 and below), Option 2. Pedestrian Access requires that at least 50% of the students live no more than a 3/4 mi. (1.20 km) walking distance from a functional entry of a school building. This option aims to encourage schools to locate in areas where students can walk or bike to school, reducing vehicle trips and emissions, and promoting physical activity and health. Option 2 is available only for projects that do not meet the requirements of Option 1. Transit-Served Location, which requires access to quality transit service within a 1/4 mi. (400 m) walking distance for at least 50% of the students. References:

Access to Quality Transit credit in LEED BD+C: Schools v4 - LEED v41

LEED Certification- Requirements for LT CREDIT: ACCESS TO QUALITY TRANSIT2

Understanding the LEED BD+C: Location and Transport credit3

The most likely group of documents to support both Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Thermal Comfort, and Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Interior Lighting, Option 1. Lighting Control is C, lighting plans, surveys of occupants, sequence of operations.

Lighting plans show the layout and type of lighting fixtures, as well as the lighting controls, such as dimmers, timers, occupancy sensors, or daylight sensors. Surveys of occupants provide feedback on the satisfaction and comfort level of the building users regarding the thermal and lighting conditions. Sequence of operations describes how the mechanical and lighting systems operate and respond to different scenarios, such as occupancy, temperature, or daylight levels.

These documents can demonstrate that the project meets the requirements for both credits, which are:

For Thermal Comfort, the project must design the HVAC systems and the building envelope to meet the requirements of ASHRAE Standard 55-2010, Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy, or a local equivalent, and provide individual thermal comfort controls for at least 50% of the individual occupant spaces, and group thermal comfort controls for all shared multi-occupant spaces1.

For Interior Lighting, Option 1. Lighting Control, the project must provide individual lighting controls that enable adjustments to suit individual task needs for at least 90% of the individual occupant spaces, and provide lighting system controls for all shared multi-occupant spaces that allow occupants to adjust the lighting to meet group needs and preferences2.

The other groups of documents are less likely to support both credits, because:

Architectural floor plans, mechanical plans, and lamp specifications do not show the lighting controls or the occupant feedback.

Photometric plans, mechanical schedules, and lamp specifications do not show the thermal comfort design or the occupant feedback.

Surveys of occupants, photometric plans, and mechanical schedules do not show the lighting controls or the thermal comfort design.

References: LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Thermal Comfort, Requirements1; LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Interior Lighting, Option 1. Lighting Control, Requirements2

The commissioning (Cx) agent must have completed the commissioning process activities for a minimum of two similar projects in order to meet the minimum qualifications for Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite, Fundamental Commissioning and Verification. This is stated in the LEED v4 Building Design + Construction Guide, under the section “Energy and Atmosphere Credits Overview”. The guide also provides examples of similar projects that can be used as references for commissioning.

References: [LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide], Fundamental commissioning and verification - U.S. Green Building Council, EA Energy & Atmosphere Overview - Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Fundamental Commissioning and Verification – Above Green, EAp1: Fundamental Commissioning and Verification – Above Green, LEED credit library | U.S. Green Building Council

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

References:

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

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.

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

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

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.

References: = [LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide], SSc6 step by step instructions - BuildingGreen.

New Construction is the appropriate rating system for a new mixed-use building with 300,000 ft2 (27 871 m2) of residential units, 150,000 ft2 (13 935 m2) hotel and 50,000 ft2 (4 645 m2) of retail space. According to the LEED rating system selection guidance1, the New Construction rating system applies to buildings that are being newly constructed or going through a major renovation, and that include any of the following use types: office, retail, hospitality, education, residential, warehouse and distribution centers, or data centers2. The New Construction rating system can also be used for mixed-use buildings that have more than one use type3. Since the project involves new construction of a mixed-use building with residential, hospitality, and retail uses, the New Construction rating system is the most suitable option. The other rating systems are not applicable because they are either specific to one use type (Retail and Hospitality) or to buildings that are not complete at the time of certification (Core and Shell Development). References:

LEED rating system selection guidance | U.S. Green Building Council

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

LEED v4 Rating Systems | USGBC-LI

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

References:

What is the Solar Reflectance Index? - Cool Roof Rating Council

Definitions and Terms | HEATISLAND

Natural daylighting can reduce the electricity use for artificial lighting, which is one of the major components of operational energy cost for buildings. By having the lights off or dimmed when sufficient daylight is available, the project can save energy and money. The other options are not necessarily true or relevant for natural daylighting. Heat gain and passive solar heating depend on the orientation, shading, and insulation of the windows, not just the amount of daylight. Reduction in lighting fixture use may reduce re-lamping, but that is not a significant factor in operational energy cost compared to electricity use. References: EA Credit Optimize Energy Performance, EQ Credit Daylight, LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction123

The Integrative Process credit requires the project teams to perform analyses for both energy- and water-related systems from the predesign phase to the design and construction phase. The project teams should also identify and use opportunities to achieve synergies across disciplines and building systems.

References:

•LEED Integrative Process Credit Explained - Projectific, Inc.

•CI-v4 IPc1: Integrative process | LEEDuser

•The Integrative Process in LEED V4 — ArchEcology

•New LEED Integrative Process Credit Encourages Design-Build

An economic advantage of the infill site is that it reduces the need for new utility infrastructure. This is because the infill site is located within an existing urban area that already has access to water, sewer, electricity, and other utilities1. The developer can save on the costs of extending or installing new utility lines and services to the rural greenfield site, which may not have adequate or reliable utility infrastructure2. The other options are not economic advantages, but rather environmental benefits of the infill site. Protecting greenfields and farmland, preserving habitat and natural resources, and reducing potential damage to an existing stream are all positive outcomes of avoiding development on the rural greenfield site, but they do not directly translate into monetary savings for the developer3.

References:

•High-priority site, p. 1

•The Economics of Infill Development, p. 2

•LEED v4 for Building Design and Construction, p. 69

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

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.

References: = LCA in LEED - Whole-building Life Cycle Assessment, Concrete and Embodied Carbon – Can we reduce carbon emissions and still use concrete?, Optimizing Slab Thickness for Energy Performance.

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

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

The reuse calculation for MR Credit Building Life-Cycle Impact Reduction includes the surface area of structural elements that are reused in place or salvaged and reinstalled, such as floor decking, columns, beams, and roof decking. Exterior glazing and plumbing fixtures are not considered structural elements and are not included in the reuse calculation. Asbestos insulation is a hazardous material that should be removed and disposed of properly, not reused. References: MR Credit Building Life-Cycle Impact Reduction, LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction123

Materials and Resources Credit, Construction and Demolition Waste Management

Salvaged materials are materials that have been recovered or diverted from the waste stream for reuse. They can contribute to the achievement of the Construction and Demolition Waste Management credit, which aims to reduce the amount of waste generated by construction and demolition activities and divert it from landfills and incinerators. By reusing salvaged materials, projects can reduce the demand for new materials, conserve natural resources, save energy, and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Salvaged materials can be counted as part of the total waste diverted from disposal, as long as they are not counted for the Building Life-Cycle Impact Reduction credit1.

References:

Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction v4 – Pages 263-2642

LEED Certification and Sustainable Construction Waste Management3

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

SRI generally decreases with age

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

References:

SpecTopics: Heat Island Reduction Credit and LEED V4/V4.1 - Carlisle SynTec1

Solar Reflectance Index Measurements - Surface Optics Corp.2

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.

References: = LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Air-purifying facade material.

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.

References: = LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Greywater Systems, Recycled content.

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).

References:

LEED BD+C: Schools v4 - LEED v4 Minimum acoustic performance

Schools-NC-v4 EQp3: Minimum acoustic performance | LEEDuser

Schools-NC-v4.1 EQp3: Minimum acoustic performance | LEEDuser

A charrette is a collaborative design process that involves multiple stakeholders, such as the owner, the design team, the community, and the users. By including the public in a charrette for a new school before the pre-design phase, potential partnerships with the community can be revealed. For example, the school might share facilities or resources with a nearby library, park, or community center. This can enhance the social and environmental benefits of the project, as well as reduce costs and increase efficiency. References: LEED BD+C Reference Guide, Introduction, page 171; LEED BD+C Reference Guide, Integrative Process, page 291

The basis of energy consumption in determining the percentage of green power or carbon offsets is the quantity of energy used by the project, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) or British thermal units (Btu). Green power is electricity generated from renewable sources, such as solar, wind, hydro, biomass, or geothermal. Carbon offsets are reductions or removals of greenhouse gas emissions from a project or activity that compensates for the emissions from another source. According to the LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction1, the Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Green Power and Carbon Offsets, requires the project to engage in a contract for qualified resources that meet the following requirements:

The contract term is at least five years.

The green power or carbon offsets are based on the quantity of energy consumed by the building.

The green power is Green-e Energy certified or the equivalent.

The carbon offsets are Green-e Climate certified, Verified Carbon Standard certified, Gold Standard certified, or the equivalent.

References:

LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction v4

Green Power and Carbon Offsets | U.S. Green Building Council

Green Power and Carbon Offsets - LEEDuser

Green Power and Carbon Offsets - LEED v4 for BD+C: New Construction …

The Construction General Permit (CGP) for the Sustainable Sites Prerequisite, Construction Activity Pollution Prevention, must contain an installation plan for perimeter control. This is part of the Erosion and Sedimentation Control (ESC) Plan, which is designed to prevent loss of soil during construction by stormwater runoff and/or wind erosion, prevent sedimentation of storm sewer or receiving streams, and prevent polluting the air with dust and particulate matter1.

References:

Sustainable Sites Prerequisites | GlobalSpec

The best answer is C. native vegetation. This is because:

•Native vegetation is adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, and therefore requires less water than non-native plants1.

•Native vegetation also supports local biodiversity, reduces erosion, and enhances the aesthetic value of the landscape2.

•Potable water is not a good option for water-efficient landscape design, as it is a scarce and valuable resource that should be conserved for human consumption and hygiene3.

•Sprinkler systems are not a good option for water-efficient landscape design, as they can waste a lot of water through evaporation, runoff, and overspray4. Drip irrigation or micro-sprinklers are more efficient methods of watering plants.

•Permeable pavement is not a good option for water-efficient landscape design, as it is not a plant-based element, but a hardscape feature that allows water to infiltrate into the ground. Permeable pavement can reduce stormwater runoff and pollution, but it does not directly contribute to water conservation in the landscape.

References: 1: Water Efficient Landscaping Ideas: 5 Water Wise Tips 2: [Native Plants for Water Conservation] 3: [Water Conservation | US EPA] 4: [Sprinkler Irrigation - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics] : [Drip Irrigation - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics] : [Permeable Pavement - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics] : [Permeable Pavement Benefits and Costs]

A vegetated roof primarily contributes to the Sustainable Sites (SS) Credit: Heat Island Reduction. Green roofs reduce the heat island effect by minimizing roof surface temperatures through vegetation, which absorbs less heat than conventional roofing materials. This helps lower building cooling costs and mitigates urban heat effects. Sensitive Land Protection (B) and Site Assessment (C) are unrelated to roof treatments, while Light Pollution Reduction (D) deals with exterior lighting strategies.

The intent of the Water Efficiency Prerequisite, Outdoor Water Use Reduction is to reduce outdoor water consumption by either eliminating the need for irrigation or reducing the irrigation demand by at least 30% from the baseline. This prerequisite requires project teams to evaluate the project’s outdoor water budget and irrigation water demand using the EPA WaterSense Water Budget Tool or a local equivalent. This will help project teams to estimate and optimize water use in landscape designs by selecting appropriate plant species and irrigation system efficiency.

References: = LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Outdoor Water Use Reduction Credits in LEED v4, Part Two: LEED v4 BD+C Outdoor Water Reduction and Related Credits

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

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.

References:

•LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, page 4271

•LEED v4 Credit Tutorials: Energy & Atmosphere (BD+C/ID+C), EA Credit Optimize Energy Performance2

•LEED v4 Credit Tutorials: Indoor Environmental Quality (BD+C/ID+C), EQ Credit Thermal Comfort2

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.

References:

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

•Sounds of Silence: Acoustic Performance in LEED v4.12

Food gardens may be included or excluded from the calculations for Water Efficiency Credit, Outdoor Water Use Reduction, as per the project team’s discretion. If included, food gardens must be calculated using 100% potable water. If excluded, food gardens must be irrigated with 100% captured rainwater, recycled graywater, or water treated and conveyed by a public agency specifically for nonpotable uses. References:

Outdoor Water Use Reduction credit in LEED BD+C: New Construction v4.1 - LEED v4.11

LEED v4 BD+C WE Guide2

The Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR) is the document that should be used to record the project goals to be used throughout the design of the project. The OPR is a written document that details the ideas, concepts, and criteria that are determined by the owner to be important to the success of the project1. The OPR is developed during the pre-design phase and is used as a basis for the design team to prepare the Basis of Design (BOD), which describes how the design of the building systems meets the OPR2. The OPR is also used to evaluate the design, construction, and commissioning of the project to ensure that the owner’s expectations are met3.

References:

•LEED v4 for Building Design and Construction, p. 63

•LEED v4 for Building Design and Construction, p. 64

•SECTION 018114 - SUSTAINABLE DESIGN REQUIREMENTS - LEED v4 BD+C, p. 5

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.

References:

•Rainwater Management, p. 1

•NC-v4 SSc4: Rainwater management, p. 2

•Indoor water use reduction, p. 1

•NC-v4 WEc3: Indoor water use reduction, p. 3

•[Water metering], p. 1

•[Outdoor water use reduction], p. 1

•[Indoor water use reduction], p. 2

A condenser water system with a cooling tower and condenser water pumps is classified as a system composed of discrete pieces of equipment that can be metered together for the purposes of Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Advanced Energy Metering. This is because the condenser water system is a single energy end use that serves a specific function and can be isolated from other systems1. HVAC air system, electrical lighting system, and water flow system are not considered as single energy end uses, but rather as multiple energy end uses that serve different functions and cannot be easily isolated2.

References:

•LEED v4 for Building Design and Construction, p. 415

•Advanced Energy Metering, p. 2

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.References: LEED AP Building Design + Construction (LEED AP BD+C) V4 resources 1

To achieve the maximum number of Energy and Atmosphere points, the project team must include an energy modeler and a commissioning agent. The energy modeler is responsible for performing the whole-building energy simulation that demonstrates the energy performance improvement over the baseline building, which is required for Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite 2 and Credit 11. The commissioning agent is responsible for verifying that the building’s energy systems are installed, calibrated, and perform according to the owner’s project requirements, basis of design, and construction documents, which is required for Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite 1 and Credit 31. The commissioning agent also ensures that the renewable energy systems are properly integrated and functioning2. The contractor and the construction manager are not directly involved in the energy modeling or commissioning process, although they must follow the design specifications and coordinate with the commissioning agent. The facilities manager is not required for achieving the Energy and Atmosphere points, although they may benefit from the training and documentation provided by the commissioning agent. References:

LEED v4 for Building Design and Construction, p. 361

Understanding Integrative Design in LEED v4, p. 92

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.

References: 1: Building Automation Systems - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics 2: Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics 3: How Programmable Logic Controllers Can Help You Save Money on Your Energy Bills 4: LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide - U.S. Green Building Council : How Building Automation Systems Can Help You Save Money on Your Energy Bills

Healthcare projects are required to consider the perimeter floor area instead of the regularly occupied floor area under the Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Daylight calculations. This is because healthcare projects have different daylighting needs and challenges than other project types, and the perimeter area is more likely to have access to natural light and views. The perimeter floor area is defined as the regularly occupied spaces within 15 feet (4.5 meters) of the exterior wall that meets the minimum glazing requirements. References:

LEED v4 for Building Design and Construction, p. 6021

LEED v4 for Building Design and Construction, p. 362

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.

References:

•Life Cycle Assessment of Buildings: Technical Guidance

•Life-cycle assessment - Wikipedia

•Conducting a Life Cycle Assessment - GSA Sustainable … - SFTool

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.

References:

[LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide]

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

Decreasing the amount of bicycle parking that must be provided, since there will be less demand for parking spaces for cyclists.

Increasing the overall SR (solar reflectance) of the hardscape area, which can reduce the cooling load and energy consumption of the building.

Decreasing the required amount of on-street parking that must be provided, since there will be less demand for parking spaces for cars.

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

References:

How Eliminating Parking Minimums Actually Makes Cities Better

Analyzing the benefits of reducing parking: improving public transportation to reduce parking demand and increase space for green infrastructure in Manhattan, Kansas

Benefits of Urban Vegetation and Green Spaces - BeautyHarmonyLife

Reduce Urban Heat Island Effect | Green Infrastructure | US EPA

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

References:

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

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

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

•Preventive Maintenance Plan - The Ridiculously Simple Guide

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).References: LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, Materials and Resources Category, MRc Furniture and Medical Furnishings, Option 1. Minimal Chemical Content, page 711.

The outdoor airflow rate is the amount of outdoor air that is supplied to the building by the ventilation system to dilute indoor air pollutants and provide fresh air for the occupants. The outdoor airflow rate depends on the ventilation standard that the project follows, which can be either ASHRAE 62.1-2010 or CEN Standard EN 15251-20071. Both standards specify the minimum outdoor airflow rate per person and per unit area for different occupancy types and zones. Therefore, increasing the number of occupants will require an increase in the outdoor airflow rate to maintain the minimum ventilation level. The other variables, such as supply air velocity, system ventilation efficiency, and supply air temperature set point, do not directly affect the outdoor airflow rate, although they may influence the energy consumption and thermal comfort of the ventilation system.

References:

LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction v4

Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance

Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality - ASHRAE

Indoor environmental input parameters for design and assessment of … - CEN

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.

References:

LEED Reference Guide v4

LEED Platinum Certification - LD Products

LEED Accreditation | LEED Certification & Credentials Overview - GBES

Install an on-site photovoltaic array

Installing an on-site photovoltaic array is a direct method to produce renewable energy on the project site, which can be used to achieve points under the Energy Atmosphere Credit for Renewable Energy Production. Additionally, it contributes to optimizing energy performance by generating clean electricity on-site and reducing the need for energy from non-renewable sources.

References: As per the LEED AP Building Design + Construction (LEED AP BD+C) V4 resources, the installation of on-site renewable energy systems like photovoltaic arrays is encouraged to reduce environmental impacts and improve a building’s energy performance. This aligns with the goals of both the Renewable Energy Production and Optimize Energy Performance credits under the LEED rating system. For more detailed information, you can refer to the web-based reference guide in the credit library at USGBC’s official website.

According to the LEED AP BD+C V4 reference guide for Healthcare, places of respite must be outdoors or located in interior spaces with views of nature, and have options for shade or indirect sun for a portion of seating spaces. The other options are either incorrect or not required by the credit. References: LEED AP BD+C V4 reference guide for Healthcare, Places of respite

Prefabrication is a source reduction strategy that can help eliminate waste produced by a project. It involves the production of components in a factory before being transported to the construction site for assembly. This method reduces waste as it allows for precise measurements and controlled conditions, minimizing the amount of excess material produced.

References: As per LEED AP Building Design + Construction (LEED AP BD+C) V4 resources1.

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

References:

LEED International | U.S. Green Building Council

Alternative Compliance Paths (ACPs) | U.S. Green Building Council

USGBC’s 2020 vision will use LEED to further global connectedness | U.S. Green Building Council

LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction v4

The make and model of fixtures is required in determining the baseline for the Water Efficiency Prerequisite, Indoor Water Use Reduction. This information is used to calculate the baseline water consumption of the building, which is then compared to the proposed water use to determine the percentage reduction.References: LEED AP Building Design + Construction (LEED AP BD+C) V4 resources 1

QUSTION NO: 147

In order to comply with Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies, Option 2. Additional Enhanced IAQ Strategies

A. all entrances to the building must have entryway systems 10 ft. (3 m) long in the direction of travel

B. CO2 monitors must be fitted in all densely occupied spaces and configured to provide an alert

C. all outdoor air supply systems must have an airflow measurement device that measures at least 90% of the airflow

D. all particle filters in the ventilation system must meet Comité Européen de Normalisation (CEN) standard Class F7 or better

Answer: D

To comply with the Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies, Option 2, all particle filters in the ventilation system must meet the Comité Européen de Normalisation (CEN) standard Class F7 or better. This requirement ensures that the air quality inside the building is maintained at a high standard, contributing to the health and well-being of the occupants.References: LEED AP Building Design + Construction (LEED AP BD+C) V4 resources 1

Massing and orientation are important factors that affect the energy performance of a building. Massing refers to the shape and size of the building, and orientation refers to the direction that the building faces. By rotating the building 90 degrees, the project team can evaluate how the change in orientation affects the energy loads of the building, such as heating, cooling, and lighting. For example, a building that faces south may receive more solar heat gain and daylight than a building that faces north, which may reduce the need for artificial lighting and heating, but increase the need for cooling and shading. The project team can use the results of the analysis to optimize the massing and orientation of the building to achieve the best energy performance.

References:

LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, Integrative Process Credit: Integrative Process, page 811

Integrative Process Worksheet2

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.

The Materials and Resources Credit, Building Product Disclosure and Optimization, Material Ingredients, Option 2. Material Ingredient Optimization & Innovation Credit, Innovation, Exemplary Performance can be achieved if the total cost of permanently installed products are 25% cradle-to-cradle V3 Gold and 25% GreenScreen List Translator. This is because these certifications indicate that the materials used in the project have been assessed for their environmental and health impacts, contributing to the achievement of these credits.References: LEED AP Building Design + Construction (LEED AP BD+C) V4 resources 1

To qualify for the Sustainable Sites (SS) Credit: Site Development - Protect or Restore Habitat, Option 1, a project must use native or adapted vegetation and restore at least 30% of the previously disturbed site area, including the building footprint (C). This requirement supports biodiversity by using plants suited to the local climate and ecosystem. Restoration of disturbed land helps improve ecological health and reduces dependency on irrigation, fertilizers, and other resources.

A compliant water meter is a device that measures and records the total potable water use of the building and associated grounds. According to the LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, a compliant water meter must meet the following requirements1:

•It must be permanently installed and measure the total water use of the building and grounds.

•It must have a remote communication capability or be readable from a location that is accessible to building management.

•It must have a data storage capability of at least 18 months, or be connected to a system that can store data for at least 18 months.

•It must have a resolution of 0.5 gallons (2 liters) or less, or the smallest unit of measure that is appropriate for the expected water use of the building.

References:

•LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, Water Efficiency Prerequisite: Building-Level Water Metering, page 3781

•Water metering | U.S. Green Building Council

To meet the Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) Prerequisite: Minimum Acoustic Performance for classrooms, sound pressure level measurements should be taken under conditions that reflect typical classroom use without occupants, ensuring accuracy in assessing HVAC background noise levels. Furnished, no occupants, HVAC operating at typical level (C) is the correct testing setup, as it accounts for sound absorption by furniture but excludes ambient noise from people. This setup provides a more accurate measure of the background noise levels produced by HVAC systems, ensuring compliance with acoustic performance requirements for optimal learning environments.

The correct answer is A. Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite, Minimum Energy Performance. This is because:

Increasing the window-to-wall ratio (WWR) would reduce the solar heat gain and the cooling load of the building, which are two of the main factors that affect the energy performance of a building12.

The WWR is defined as the ratio of the area of windows to the area of external walls in a building3. The higher the WWR, the more natural light and ventilation can be achieved, which can improve the indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and reduce the need for artificial lighting and mechanical systems4.

The LEED AP BD+C V4 credit for IEQ requires that buildings have a minimum WWR of 15% for south-facing walls and 20% for north-facing walls5. However, this minimum WWR may not be sufficient to achieve optimal IEQ in hot regions, where high solar radiation and humidity levels create high cooling demand6. Therefore, increasing the WWR beyond these minimum values can help achieve better IEQ by reducing both solar heat gain and cooling load.

The other prerequisites are not impacted by increasing the WWR. Building-level energy metering is a prerequisite that requires measuring and reporting energy use at individual building units or zones5. Fundamental refrigerant management is a prerequisite that requires ensuring proper handling, storage, use, recovery, and disposal of refrigerants used in cooling systems5. Fundamental commissioning and verification is a prerequisite that requires ensuring that all commissioning activities are documented and verified according to LEED standards5.

References: 1: Window-to-wall Ratio and Energy Efficiency: Finding the Perfect Fit 2: Impact of Window to Wall Ratio on Energy Loads in Hot Regions: A Study of Building Energy Performance 3: Determination of Optimum Window to External Wall Ratio for Offices in a Tropical Climate 4: Parametric Optimization of Window-to-Wall Ratio for Passive Buildings in Hot Regions 5: LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide - U.S. Green Building Council 6: Effect of building shape, orientation, window to wall ratios and zones on energy efficiency and thermal comfort of naturally ventilated houses in tropical climate

The Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite, Minimum Energy Performance, Option 2. Prescriptive Compliance: ASHRAE 50% Advanced Energy Design Guide allows projects to follow the recommendations of the ASHRAE 50% Advanced Energy Design Guides (AEDGs) for different building types and climate zones. The AEDGs provide design guidance for buildings that use 50% less energy than those built to the requirements of the ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1-2004 commercial code1. However, not all building types and sizes are covered by the AEDGs. According to the LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction2, the following building types and sizes are eligible for this option:

Small to Medium Office buildings up to 100,000 ft2 (9 290 m2)

Medium to Large Retail buildings up to 100,000 ft2 (9 290 m2)

K-12 School buildings up to 200,000 ft2 (18 580 m2)

Warehouse and Distribution Center buildings up to 500,000 ft2 (46 450 m2)

Therefore, among the given options, only the school project is eligible to pursue this option, as it falls within the size limit for the K-12 School AEDG3.

References:

LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction v4

Minimum Energy Performance - ASHRAE 90.1 - 2010

ASHRAE 50% Advanced Energy Design Guide for K-12 School Buildings

Advanced Energy Design Guides | Department of Energy

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.

According to the LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, the project must provide outdoor space that is at least 30% of the total site area (including the building footprint), of which at least 25% must be vegetated. In this case, the project must provide 0.3 x 240,000 ft2 = 72,000 ft2 (6 689 m2) of outdoor space, of which 0.25 x 72,000 ft2 = 18,000 ft2 (1 672 m2) must be vegetated. Therefore, option C is the correct answer. References: LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, p. 5411

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.

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.

References:

LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction v4

Sustainable Sites Credit, Site Assessment

Site Assessment - SITES

Site Assessment and Analysis - Whole Building Design Guide

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

LEED AP BD+C V4 Reference Guide, Chapter 5: Energy and Atmosphere, page 5-51

ENERGY STAR Building Upgrade Manual, Chapter 6: Lighting, page 6-22

Michaels Energy, Shell vs. Load Dominated Buildings

This option requires the project team to focus on reducing the water consumption of the school project, because it is located in a basin that depends on the seasonal snowmelt for its water supply1. Installing efficient plumbing fixtures, such as low-flow faucets, toilets, and showerheads, can help save water and reduce the demand on the local water resources2. This option can also help the project achieve the LEED credits for outdoor and indoor water use reduction3.

References: = LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Water-Efficient Plumbing Fixtures, Water Efficiency | U.S. Green Building Council.

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

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

LEED scorecard | U.S. Green Building Council

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

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

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

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

Water Efficiency Prerequisite: Indoor Water Use Reduction in LEED BD+C: New Construction v4.1 - LEED v4.11

What is the WaterSense Label and How Does it Apply?2

LEED QUALIFICATION GUIDE - v43

WaterSense Labeled Homes4

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

Using a non-native or non-adapted plant species on both the vegetated roof and ground level will impact the Sustainable Sites credit Site Development-Protect or Restore Habitat the most. This credit requires that at least 20% of the site area (excluding building footprint) or 5% of the site area (including building footprint) must be vegetated with native or adapted plants. Non-native or non-adapted plants do not qualify for this credit and may also have negative impacts on the local ecosystem and biodiversity. The other credits are not directly affected by the choice of plant species, although they may have other requirements related to vegetation, such as shading, reflectance, or lighting.References: LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, Sustainable Sites Category, SSc Site Development-Protect or Restore Habitat, page 648.

The first step in earning the Water Efficiency (WE) Credit: Cooling Tower Water Use is to identify the maximum number of cycles of concentration for the cooling tower or evaporative condenser. This step establishes a baseline for water quality and helps determine potential water savings through maximizing the number of cycles, which minimizes water and chemical usage in cooling systems. Subsequent steps may involve chemical analysis (D) or exploring alternative water sources, but setting the cycles is the initial requirement.