USGBC LEED AP BD+C Practice Exams
Last updated on Oct 23,2026- Exam Code: LEED AP BD+C
- Exam Name: LEED AP Building Design + Construction
- Certification Provider: USGBC
- Latest update: Oct 23,2026
Question #91
During a design charrette, community neighbors raise a concern about potential glare resulting from a project’s highly reflective roof.
Which option should the LEED AP recommend to best address these concerns?
- A . Install a vegetative roofing system
- B . Change the design to reduce the amount of roofing area
- C . Change the roofing material to a dark material to eliminate the issue
- D . Increase the parapet height
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
Installing a vegetative roofing system is the best option to address the potential glare resulting from a project’s highly reflective roof. A vegetative roofing system, also known as a green roof, is a roof that is partially or completely covered with vegetation and a growing medium, planted over a waterproofing membrane. A vegetative roofing system can reduce the reflectivity of the roof surface and mitigate the glare impact on the surrounding environment. It can also provide other benefits, such as reducing heat island effects, improving stormwater management, enhancing biodiversity, and increasing roof insulation. Therefore, option A is the correct answer. The other options are not as effective or desirable as installing a vegetative roofing system. Changing the design to reduce the amount of roofing area (option B) may not be feasible or desirable, as it may compromise the project’s program or performance. Changing the roofing material to a dark material to eliminate the issue (option C) may reduce the glare, but it will also increase the heat absorption and emission of the roof, contributing to heat island effects and increasing cooling loads. Increasing the parapet height (option D) may block some of the glare, but it will also increase the material and construction costs, and it may not be sufficient to prevent glare from all angles. For more information on vegetative roofing systems and their benefits, you can refer to the LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction1 or the Green Roofs for Healthy Cities website2.
A
Explanation:
Installing a vegetative roofing system is the best option to address the potential glare resulting from a project’s highly reflective roof. A vegetative roofing system, also known as a green roof, is a roof that is partially or completely covered with vegetation and a growing medium, planted over a waterproofing membrane. A vegetative roofing system can reduce the reflectivity of the roof surface and mitigate the glare impact on the surrounding environment. It can also provide other benefits, such as reducing heat island effects, improving stormwater management, enhancing biodiversity, and increasing roof insulation. Therefore, option A is the correct answer. The other options are not as effective or desirable as installing a vegetative roofing system. Changing the design to reduce the amount of roofing area (option B) may not be feasible or desirable, as it may compromise the project’s program or performance. Changing the roofing material to a dark material to eliminate the issue (option C) may reduce the glare, but it will also increase the heat absorption and emission of the roof, contributing to heat island effects and increasing cooling loads. Increasing the parapet height (option D) may block some of the glare, but it will also increase the material and construction costs, and it may not be sufficient to prevent glare from all angles. For more information on vegetative roofing systems and their benefits, you can refer to the LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction1 or the Green Roofs for Healthy Cities website2.
Question #92
The Required Breathing Zone Outdoor Airflow Vbz for a new banking facility is 0.120 CFM/ft2 (0.6 L/s/m2).
If the team decides to attempt Increased Ventilation under Option 2 in the Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies, what is the minimum Design Zone Outdoor Airflow?
- A . 0.144 CFM/ft2 (0.73 (L/s)/m2)
- B . 0.156 CFM/ft2 (0.79 (L/s)/m2)
- C . 0.168 CFM/ft2 (0.85 (L/s)/m2)
- D . 0.30 CFM/ft2 (1.5 (L/s)/m2)
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
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.
Reference: = [LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide], [Indoor Environmental Quality Credit:
Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies], [ASHRAE 62.1-2010 User’s Manual].
A
Explanation:
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.
Reference: = [LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide], [Indoor Environmental Quality Credit:
Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies], [ASHRAE 62.1-2010 User’s Manual].
Question #93
What aspects of each space should the LEED consultant consider to identify the regularly occupied spaces on a project to ensure that floor area values are utilized consistently across credits?
- A . Rate of outdoor air provided per person
- B . Fire ratings of installed wall and ceiling assemblies
- C . Average number of occupants standing or seated
- D . Typical duration of occupancy in each space per day
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
. Average number of occupants standing or seated
To identify the regularly occupied spaces on a project, the LEED consultant should consider the average number of occupants standing or seated in each space, as this is the criterion used by the LEED Reference Guide for Green Building Design and Construction, 20091. Regularly occupied spaces are defined as areas where workers are seated or standing as they work (or perform regular tasks) inside a building2. The typical duration of occupancy in each space per day is not necessarily relevant, as some spaces may be used intermittently but still qualify as regularly occupied2. The rate of outdoor air provided per person and the fire ratings of installed wall and ceiling assemblies are not related to the definition of regularly occupied spaces, but rather to other credits such as Indoor Environmental Quality or Fire and Life Safety.
C
Explanation:
. Average number of occupants standing or seated
To identify the regularly occupied spaces on a project, the LEED consultant should consider the average number of occupants standing or seated in each space, as this is the criterion used by the LEED Reference Guide for Green Building Design and Construction, 20091. Regularly occupied spaces are defined as areas where workers are seated or standing as they work (or perform regular tasks) inside a building2. The typical duration of occupancy in each space per day is not necessarily relevant, as some spaces may be used intermittently but still qualify as regularly occupied2. The rate of outdoor air provided per person and the fire ratings of installed wall and ceiling assemblies are not related to the definition of regularly occupied spaces, but rather to other credits such as Indoor Environmental Quality or Fire and Life Safety.
Question #94
A request to change the lighting fixtures in a conference room is made by a tenant.
Which of the following credit scorecard changes will be directly and indirectly impacted by the change in lighting fixtures?
- A . Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Interior Lighting and Sustainable Sites Credit, Light Pollution Reduction
- B . Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Optimize Energy Performance and Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Interior Lighting
- C . Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Advanced Energy Metering and Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Daylight
- D . Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Thermal Comfort and Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
Changing lighting fixtures in a conference room can affect multiple LEED credits. For LEED AP ID+C certification, the Energy and Atmosphere (EA) Credit: Optimize Energy Performance and the Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) Credit: Interior Lighting are directly impacted, as updated lighting can improve energy efficiency and provide better control over light quality. Improved fixtures may optimize energy use, helping to achieve credits in energy performance. Additionally, achieving better interior lighting quality can positively influence occupant well-being.
B
Explanation:
Changing lighting fixtures in a conference room can affect multiple LEED credits. For LEED AP ID+C certification, the Energy and Atmosphere (EA) Credit: Optimize Energy Performance and the Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) Credit: Interior Lighting are directly impacted, as updated lighting can improve energy efficiency and provide better control over light quality. Improved fixtures may optimize energy use, helping to achieve credits in energy performance. Additionally, achieving better interior lighting quality can positively influence occupant well-being.
Question #95
Which of the following are the major factors determining the total irrigation requirement for a particular landscaping design?
- A . Planting density, soil conditions, irrigation efficiency and rainfall
- B . Relative humidity, site exposure, plant species and planting density
- C . Plant species, rainfall, evapotranspiration rate, site exposure and irrigation efficiency
- D . Plant species, rainwater tank size, evapotranspiration rate, site exposure and irrigation efficiency
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
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.
Reference: = [LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide], Landscape Water Requirement Calculators, Landscape Irrigation Design Manual.
C
Explanation:
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.
Reference: = [LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide], Landscape Water Requirement Calculators, Landscape Irrigation Design Manual.
Question #96
A LEED AP is evaluating whether Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Acoustic Performance is feasible for a LEED AP Building Design and Construction: Healthcare project.
Which of the following groups of documents would best inform this decision?
- A . Airport flyover maps, mechanical plans, wall sections
- B . Patient records, wall sections, ceiling panel cut sheets
- C . Occupancy statistics, patient records, MRI machine specifications
- D . MRI machine specifications, mechanical plans, occupancy statistics
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
The Acoustic Performance credit under the LEED BD+C: Healthcare rating system addresses the acoustic environment in healthcare spaces. It requires strategies that reduce noise levels, control background noise, and provide sound privacy.
The documents that would best inform this decision are:
Airport flyover maps: These can help determine the level of external noise intrusion into the building, which can affect the acoustic environment.
Mechanical plans: These can provide information about the location and type of mechanical equipment, which can be a source of internal noise.
Wall sections: These can provide information about the construction of the walls, including materials and assemblies, which can affect sound transmission between spaces1.
Reference: Acoustic performance | U.S. Green Building Council
A
Explanation:
The Acoustic Performance credit under the LEED BD+C: Healthcare rating system addresses the acoustic environment in healthcare spaces. It requires strategies that reduce noise levels, control background noise, and provide sound privacy.
The documents that would best inform this decision are:
Airport flyover maps: These can help determine the level of external noise intrusion into the building, which can affect the acoustic environment.
Mechanical plans: These can provide information about the location and type of mechanical equipment, which can be a source of internal noise.
Wall sections: These can provide information about the construction of the walls, including materials and assemblies, which can affect sound transmission between spaces1.
Reference: Acoustic performance | U.S. Green Building Council
Question #97
What LEED Building Design and Construction rating system mandates a preliminary LEED meeting with the principal members of the project team to create a LEED action plan that includes the anticipated certification tier, targeted credits and parties responsible for each credit?
- A . Healthcare
- B . Schools
- C . Data centers
- D . Hospitality
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
Data centers is the only LEED BD+C rating system that mandates a preliminary LEED meeting with the principal members of the project team to create a LEED action plan that includes the anticipated certification tier, targeted credits and parties responsible for each credit. This is because data centers have unique design and operational characteristics that require a more integrative and customized approach to achieve LEED certification. The preliminary LEED meeting is intended to facilitate early goal setting, alignment, and communication among the project team members12.
Reference: LEED BD+C Reference Guide, Data Centers, page 91; LEED v4.1 BD+C: Data Centers
C
Explanation:
Data centers is the only LEED BD+C rating system that mandates a preliminary LEED meeting with the principal members of the project team to create a LEED action plan that includes the anticipated certification tier, targeted credits and parties responsible for each credit. This is because data centers have unique design and operational characteristics that require a more integrative and customized approach to achieve LEED certification. The preliminary LEED meeting is intended to facilitate early goal setting, alignment, and communication among the project team members12.
Reference: LEED BD+C Reference Guide, Data Centers, page 91; LEED v4.1 BD+C: Data Centers
Question #98
Which of the following groups of documents is most likely to support both Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Thermal Comfort, and Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Interior Lighting, Option 1. Lighting Control?
- A . Architectural floor plans, mechanical plans, lighting plans
- B . Photometric plans, mechanical schedules, lamp specifications
- C . Lighting plans, surveys of occupants, sequence of operations
- D . Surveys of occupants, photometric plans, mechanical schedules
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
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.
Reference: 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
C
Explanation:
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.
Reference: 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
Question #99
Which of the following prerequisites or credits are affected by using plug-in devices when attempting to achieve Indoor Environmental Quality Credit. Thermal Comfort?
- A . Energy and Atmosphere Credit. Demand Response
- B . Energy and Atmosphere Credit. Advanced Energy Metering
- C . Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite. Minimum Energy Performance
- D . Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite. Building Level Energy Metering
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
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.
Reference: LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite:
Minimum Energy Performance, page 2591
LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, Indoor Environmental Quality Credit:
Thermal Comfort, page 7041
C
Explanation:
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.
Reference: LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite:
Minimum Energy Performance, page 2591
LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, Indoor Environmental Quality Credit:
Thermal Comfort, page 7041
Question #100
Which federal agency designates Federal Renewal Community sites, which can be considered High Priority Sites for project development?
- A . U.S. Internal Revenue Service
- B . U.S. Department of Agriculture
- C . U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- D . U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
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.
Reference: LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Location and Transportation Credit, High Priority Site, Requirements1; U.S. Internal Revenue Service, Renewal Communities2
A
Explanation:
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.
Reference: LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Location and Transportation Credit, High Priority Site, Requirements1; U.S. Internal Revenue Service, Renewal Communities2