USGBC LEED AP BD+C Practice Exams
Last updated on Oct 24,2026- Exam Code: LEED AP BD+C
- Exam Name: LEED AP Building Design + Construction
- Certification Provider: USGBC
- Latest update: Oct 24,2026
Question #101
A project is designed to remodel an existing warehouse into multi-family housing. The exterior facade of the warehouse will remain, but 40% of the interior will be demolished and replaced for interior new construction. New materials will be used for the new construction.
To achieve points in the Materials and Resources Credit, Building Life-Cycle Impact Reduction, which credit path option would apply?
- A . Historic Building Reuse
- B . Building and Material Reuse
- C . Whole-Building Life-Cycle Assessment
- D . Renovation of Abandoned or Blighted Building
Correct Answer: D
D
Explanation:
This option applies to projects that renovate an existing building that meets the definition of abandoned or blighted, and use new materials for at least 50% of the surface area. The project meets these criteria, as the warehouse is an existing building that is presumably abandoned or blighted, and the new construction will use new materials for 40% of the interior and some of the exterior.
Reference: LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Materials and Resources Credit, Building Life-Cycle Impact Reduction, Option 4: Renovation of Abandoned or Blighted Building ——
D
Explanation:
This option applies to projects that renovate an existing building that meets the definition of abandoned or blighted, and use new materials for at least 50% of the surface area. The project meets these criteria, as the warehouse is an existing building that is presumably abandoned or blighted, and the new construction will use new materials for 40% of the interior and some of the exterior.
Reference: LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Materials and Resources Credit, Building Life-Cycle Impact Reduction, Option 4: Renovation of Abandoned or Blighted Building ——
Question #102
A core and shell project is located in a dense urban area that is known to have frequent fluctuations in the power supply grid (brown-outs). The project team is seeking LEED Platinum certification.
Which credit should be pursued when considering the regional context?
- A . Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Demand Response
- B . Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Advanced Energy Metering
- C . Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Green Power and Carbon Offset
- D . Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Enhanced Refrigerant Management
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
The credit that should be pursued when considering the regional context of frequent power supply grid fluctuations (brown-outs) is Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Demand Response. This credit encourages participation in demand response programs that reduce peak electricity demand and help stabilize the grid. It also provides an opportunity to earn regional priority points, which are bonus points for credits that address regional environmental issues. The other credits are not directly related to the regional context of brown-outs.
Reference:
• LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, page 4151
• Demand response | U.S. Green Building Council2
• Regional Priority (RP) credits C U.S. Green Building Council3
A
Explanation:
The credit that should be pursued when considering the regional context of frequent power supply grid fluctuations (brown-outs) is Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Demand Response. This credit encourages participation in demand response programs that reduce peak electricity demand and help stabilize the grid. It also provides an opportunity to earn regional priority points, which are bonus points for credits that address regional environmental issues. The other credits are not directly related to the regional context of brown-outs.
Reference:
• LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, page 4151
• Demand response | U.S. Green Building Council2
• Regional Priority (RP) credits C U.S. Green Building Council3
Question #103
Which of the following is required to earn Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Renewable Energy Production if using a Solar Photovoltaic System?
- A . Carbon offsets
- B . Daylighting strategies
- C . Passive solar strategies
- D . Produced electricity consumed on-site
Correct Answer: D
D
Explanation:
The Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Renewable Energy Production rewards projects that use renewable energy systems to offset building energy costs1. According to the LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction2, the credit has two options: Option 1. On-Site Renewable Energy and Option 2. Off-Site Renewable Energy. Option 1 requires the project to use renewable energy systems that are located on the project site and that produce electricity or thermal energy for the project. The amount of renewable energy production is calculated based on the percentage of the annual energy cost that is offset by the renewable energy systems. Option 2 requires the project to use renewable energy systems that are located off the project site and that are owned by the project or have a long-term contract with the project. The amount of renewable energy production is calculated based on the percentage of the annual energy use that is offset by the renewable energy systems.
Therefore, among the given options, only Option D is relevant to the credit requirements, as it implies that the solar photovoltaic system is located on the project site and that the produced electricity is consumed by the project. The other options, such as carbon offsets, daylighting strategies, and passive solar strategies, are not directly related to the credit requirements, although they may have other benefits for the project.
Reference: Renewable Energy Production | U.S. Green Building Council LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction v4 Solar Photovoltaic Technology Basics | Department of Energy Photovoltaic system – Wikipedia
D
Explanation:
The Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Renewable Energy Production rewards projects that use renewable energy systems to offset building energy costs1. According to the LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction2, the credit has two options: Option 1. On-Site Renewable Energy and Option 2. Off-Site Renewable Energy. Option 1 requires the project to use renewable energy systems that are located on the project site and that produce electricity or thermal energy for the project. The amount of renewable energy production is calculated based on the percentage of the annual energy cost that is offset by the renewable energy systems. Option 2 requires the project to use renewable energy systems that are located off the project site and that are owned by the project or have a long-term contract with the project. The amount of renewable energy production is calculated based on the percentage of the annual energy use that is offset by the renewable energy systems.
Therefore, among the given options, only Option D is relevant to the credit requirements, as it implies that the solar photovoltaic system is located on the project site and that the produced electricity is consumed by the project. The other options, such as carbon offsets, daylighting strategies, and passive solar strategies, are not directly related to the credit requirements, although they may have other benefits for the project.
Reference: Renewable Energy Production | U.S. Green Building Council LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction v4 Solar Photovoltaic Technology Basics | Department of Energy Photovoltaic system – Wikipedia
Question #104
The LEED AP has identified a pilot credit that is relevant to the project. This would be documented in LEED Online as a(n)
- A . Exemplary Performance for a related credit
- B . Special Circumstances within a related credit
- C . Regional Priority Credit
- D . Innovation Credit
Correct Answer: D
D
Explanation:
A pilot credit identified by the LEED AP that is relevant to the project would be documented in LEED Online as an Innovation Credit. Pilot credits are proposed credits that are used to test and evaluate a strategy before they can be considered for incorporation into the LEED consensus process for approval by USGBC membership1. All other LEED v4 and v4.1 projects may register for pilot credits and pilot ACPs in LEED Online1.
Reference: Pilot credits and pilot alternative compliance paths (ACPs)
D
Explanation:
A pilot credit identified by the LEED AP that is relevant to the project would be documented in LEED Online as an Innovation Credit. Pilot credits are proposed credits that are used to test and evaluate a strategy before they can be considered for incorporation into the LEED consensus process for approval by USGBC membership1. All other LEED v4 and v4.1 projects may register for pilot credits and pilot ACPs in LEED Online1.
Reference: Pilot credits and pilot alternative compliance paths (ACPs)
Question #105
What is the maximum number of points a project pursuing LEED for New Construction can achieve under Location and Transportation Credit, Access to Quality Transit?
- A . Two points
- B . Three points
- C . Four points
- D . Five points
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
According to the LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, the Location and Transportation Credit, Access to Quality Transit has two options: Option 1. Transit-Served Location and Option 2. Transit Service Quality. Option 1 can earn 1 to 4 points depending on the percentage of functional entries within walking distance of transit stops or stations. Option 2 can earn 1 point if the project meets the minimum weekday and weekend headways for bus, streetcar, or informal transit stops, or rail stations or ferry terminals. The maximum number of points a project can achieve under this credit is 4 points by meeting both options1.
Reference: LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Location and Transportation Credit, Access to Quality Transit, Requirements1
C
Explanation:
According to the LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, the Location and Transportation Credit, Access to Quality Transit has two options: Option 1. Transit-Served Location and Option 2. Transit Service Quality. Option 1 can earn 1 to 4 points depending on the percentage of functional entries within walking distance of transit stops or stations. Option 2 can earn 1 point if the project meets the minimum weekday and weekend headways for bus, streetcar, or informal transit stops, or rail stations or ferry terminals. The maximum number of points a project can achieve under this credit is 4 points by meeting both options1.
Reference: LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Location and Transportation Credit, Access to Quality Transit, Requirements1
Question #106
The WaterSense label or local equivalent requirement in Water Efficiency Prerequisite, Indoor Water Use Reduction ensures that eligible newly installed plumbing fixtures will
- A . be advertised as LEED compliant
- B . be both water efficient and high performing
- C . comply with mandatory federal government regulations
- D . comply with all international plumbing system requirements
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
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.
Reference: 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
B
Explanation:
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.
Reference: 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
Question #107
Under Energy and Atmosphere Credit: Optimize Energy Performance, Option 1: Whole-Building Energy Simulation, how can the energy cost savings be accurately determined?
- A . Compare the current model with comparable models to determine the peak energy cost savings while applying any savings from on-site non-renewable energy systems after minimum compliance has been demonstrated
- B . Compare the proposed model with the baseline model to determine the anticipated energy cost savings while applying any savings from on-site renewable energy systems after minimum compliance has been demonstrated
- C . Compare the current model with similar building baseline models to determine the anticipated peak energy cost usage while applying any savings from on-site renewable energy systems after the maximum compliance has been achieved
- D . Compare the proposed model with the baseline model within the Basis of Design (BOD) to determine the anticipated energy cost savings while applying any savings to government paybacks for on-site renewable energy systems after maximum compliance has been demonstrated
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
For the Energy and Atmosphere (EA) Credit: Optimize Energy Performance, Option 1, energy cost savings are determined by comparing the proposed model with a baseline model (B). This comparison calculates anticipated energy cost reductions. LEED requires that any on-site renewable energy systems are applied to the model after demonstrating compliance, further supporting sustainability goals. Using a baseline comparison method ensures a fair and standardized approach for energy performance assessments.
B
Explanation:
For the Energy and Atmosphere (EA) Credit: Optimize Energy Performance, Option 1, energy cost savings are determined by comparing the proposed model with a baseline model (B). This comparison calculates anticipated energy cost reductions. LEED requires that any on-site renewable energy systems are applied to the model after demonstrating compliance, further supporting sustainability goals. Using a baseline comparison method ensures a fair and standardized approach for energy performance assessments.
Question #108
For Location and Transportation Credit, Access to Quality Transit, a project team preparing timetables and service-level documentation must ensure the materials include
- A . verification that a weighted daily average has been used for each qualifying route
- B . confirmation that functional entries of the project are within 3/4 mi. (1.20 km) of the stop
- C . verification that a weighted building average has been used for each qualifying functional entry
- D . confirmation that each qualifying route features paired route service (service in opposite directions)
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
This option requires the project team to calculate the weighted daily average of the number of trips per day for each qualifying route, using the formula provided in the LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide. This option ensures that the transit service frequency is accurately represented and meets the minimum thresholds for weekday and weekend trips, as shown in Table 1 and Table 2 of the guide.
Reference: = [LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide], Access to Quality Transit.
A
Explanation:
This option requires the project team to calculate the weighted daily average of the number of trips per day for each qualifying route, using the formula provided in the LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide. This option ensures that the transit service frequency is accurately represented and meets the minimum thresholds for weekday and weekend trips, as shown in Table 1 and Table 2 of the guide.
Reference: = [LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide], Access to Quality Transit.
Question #109
What percentage of a building’s surface area may be excluded from the calculation for Materials and Resources Credit, Building Life-Cycle Impact Reduction, Option 2. Renovation of Abandoned or Blighted Buildings because of deterioration or damage when maintaining existing building structure, enclosure and interior structural elements?
- A . 5%
- B . 10%
- C . 25%
- D . 50%
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
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.
Reference: LEED Certification- Requirements for Material & Resource Credit: Building Life-Cycle Impact Reduction – Firstgreen Consulting Pvt Ltd
C
Explanation:
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.
Reference: LEED Certification- Requirements for Material & Resource Credit: Building Life-Cycle Impact Reduction – Firstgreen Consulting Pvt Ltd
Question #110
When a project team sustainably develops a project site, the design should
- A . increase water runoff
- B . maximize construction pollution
- C . remediate sites already in decline
- D . replace natural water flow patterns
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
. remediate sites already in decline
When a project team sustainably develops a project site, the design should aim to remediate sites already in decline, such as brownfields, degraded lands, or abandoned properties. By doing so, the project can restore the environmental quality, ecological functions, and social value of the site, as well as reduce the pressure on undeveloped lands and natural habitats. LEED offers credits for projects that choose to locate on and remediate sites already in decline, such as the Sustainable Sites Credit, Site Assessment and the Sustainable Sites Credit, Brownfields Remediation1.
C
Explanation:
. remediate sites already in decline
When a project team sustainably develops a project site, the design should aim to remediate sites already in decline, such as brownfields, degraded lands, or abandoned properties. By doing so, the project can restore the environmental quality, ecological functions, and social value of the site, as well as reduce the pressure on undeveloped lands and natural habitats. LEED offers credits for projects that choose to locate on and remediate sites already in decline, such as the Sustainable Sites Credit, Site Assessment and the Sustainable Sites Credit, Brownfields Remediation1.