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 #121
Which of the following Materials and Resources credits or prerequisites is reviewed under the design phase documentation submission?
- A . PBT Source Reduction – Lead, Cadmium, and Copper
- B . PBT Source Reduction – Mercury
- C . Building Product Disclosure and Optimization – Environmental Product Declarations
- D . Building Product Disclosure and Optimization – Sourcing of Raw Materials
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
During the design phase documentation submission, the Materials and Resources (MR) Credit: Building Product Disclosure and Optimization – Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) is reviewed. This credit encourages project teams to select products from manufacturers who provide transparency about their products’ environmental impacts. EPDs are often part of the design documentation, as they influence material selection and project sustainability goals. Other PBT source reduction credits or raw material sourcing credits are typically more relevant in later phases, as they may involve construction processes and materials procurement rather than initial design specifications.
C
Explanation:
During the design phase documentation submission, the Materials and Resources (MR) Credit: Building Product Disclosure and Optimization – Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) is reviewed. This credit encourages project teams to select products from manufacturers who provide transparency about their products’ environmental impacts. EPDs are often part of the design documentation, as they influence material selection and project sustainability goals. Other PBT source reduction credits or raw material sourcing credits are typically more relevant in later phases, as they may involve construction processes and materials procurement rather than initial design specifications.
Question #122
Which of the following is true regarding LEED Pilot Credits?
- A . Pilot Credits are not specific to the rating systems
- B . Pilot Credits can be attempted in the design review stage only
- C . A registered Pilot Credit must be replaced on the LEED project’s scorecard if that pilot credit is removed from the Pilot Credit Library
- D . Pilot Credit feedback surveys must be completed
Correct Answer: D
D
Explanation:
One of the requirements for attempting a pilot credit is to complete a feedback survey after submitting the project for review. The LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction states that "the project team must complete a feedback survey for each pilot credit attempted. The survey link is provided in the pilot credit language. The survey must be completed after the project has been submitted for review and before the project receives a final rating"1. The feedback survey is an important tool for USGBC to evaluate the effectiveness and applicability of the pilot credit, and to make improvements or modifications based on the project team’s experience.
Reference:
• LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, Innovation Credit: Pilot, page 7571
• Pilot credits and pilot alternative compliance paths (ACPs)2
D
Explanation:
One of the requirements for attempting a pilot credit is to complete a feedback survey after submitting the project for review. The LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction states that "the project team must complete a feedback survey for each pilot credit attempted. The survey link is provided in the pilot credit language. The survey must be completed after the project has been submitted for review and before the project receives a final rating"1. The feedback survey is an important tool for USGBC to evaluate the effectiveness and applicability of the pilot credit, and to make improvements or modifications based on the project team’s experience.
Reference:
• LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, Innovation Credit: Pilot, page 7571
• Pilot credits and pilot alternative compliance paths (ACPs)2
Question #123
A decorative overhead light fixture is specified for a project that costs $1,500 USD and uses recycled water bottles as part of the diffuser shade. The shades are 10% of the overall weight of the fixture and are 50% post-consumer recycled content. Assuming no other portions of the fixture meet sustainability criteria, what would the contributing value of the fixture be?
- A . $75
- B . $150
- C . $750
- D . $1,500
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
This option requires the project to calculate the contributing value of the fixture by multiplying the cost of the fixture by the percentage of recycled content by weight1. Since the shades are 10% of the overall weight of the fixture and are 50% post-consumer recycled content, the contributing value of the fixture is:
$1,500 x 10% x 50% = $75
Reference: = LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Recycled content | U.S. Green Building Council.
A
Explanation:
This option requires the project to calculate the contributing value of the fixture by multiplying the cost of the fixture by the percentage of recycled content by weight1. Since the shades are 10% of the overall weight of the fixture and are 50% post-consumer recycled content, the contributing value of the fixture is:
$1,500 x 10% x 50% = $75
Reference: = LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Recycled content | U.S. Green Building Council.
Question #124
In pursuit of the Materials and Resources Credit, Building Disclosure and Optimization – Sourcing of Raw Materials, Option 2. Leadership Extraction Practices, which of the following statements is true related to products purchased for temporary use (formwork, bracing and scaffolding) on the project?
- A . Temporary wood products cannot be included in the calculations
- B . If any temporary wood materials are included in the calculation, all wood materials must be included in the calculation
- C . Only Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified wood materials are included in the calculation; non-certified wood materials contribute to other credits
- D . FSC-certified wood materials purchased for more than one project can be applied to other projects seeking LEED Certification
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
Temporary wood products cannot be included in the calculations for the Materials and Resources Credit, Building Disclosure and Optimization – Sourcing of Raw Materials, Option 2. Leadership Extraction Practices. This is because the credit only applies to permanently installed building products, not to products purchased for temporary use on the project1. The other options are false. If any temporary wood materials are included in the calculation, they must be excluded from the total value of permanently installed building products1. Non-certified wood materials do not contribute to other credits, unless they meet other criteria such as recycled content or regional materials2. FSC-certified wood materials purchased for more than one project cannot be applied to other projects seeking LEED certification, unless they are reused or salvaged materials3.
Reference:
• Building product disclosure and optimization – sourcing of raw materials, p. 2
• LEED v4 for Building Design and Construction, p. 323
• NC-v4 MRc3: Building product disclosure and optimization – sourcing of raw materials, p. 3
A
Explanation:
Temporary wood products cannot be included in the calculations for the Materials and Resources Credit, Building Disclosure and Optimization – Sourcing of Raw Materials, Option 2. Leadership Extraction Practices. This is because the credit only applies to permanently installed building products, not to products purchased for temporary use on the project1. The other options are false. If any temporary wood materials are included in the calculation, they must be excluded from the total value of permanently installed building products1. Non-certified wood materials do not contribute to other credits, unless they meet other criteria such as recycled content or regional materials2. FSC-certified wood materials purchased for more than one project cannot be applied to other projects seeking LEED certification, unless they are reused or salvaged materials3.
Reference:
• Building product disclosure and optimization – sourcing of raw materials, p. 2
• LEED v4 for Building Design and Construction, p. 323
• NC-v4 MRc3: Building product disclosure and optimization – sourcing of raw materials, p. 3
Question #125
U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)’s vision for using LEED internationally includes
- A . allowing more stringent credit requirements for countries outside of the U.S. so that all projects can achieve LEED
- B . creating multiple LEED rating systems for different countries
- C . modifying U.S. reference standards, such as ASHRAE 90.1, to be more appropriate for regions outside the U.S.
- D . providing opportunities for alternative compliance paths that meet the unique needs of a particular region
Correct Answer: D
D
Explanation:
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.
Reference: 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
D
Explanation:
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.
Reference: 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
Question #126
Location and Transportation Credit, Reduced Parking Footprint calculations must include
- A . motorbike spaces
- B . on-street parking in public rights-of-way
- C . parking within 1/4 mi. (0.40 km) radius of the project boundary
- D . parking outside the project boundary but used by the project
Correct Answer: D
D
Explanation:
This option requires the project to include all parking spaces that are outside the project boundary but are used by the project occupants, visitors, or customers in the calculations for the reduced parking footprint credit1. This option ensures that the project accounts for the total parking demand and supply associated with the project, regardless of the location of the parking spaces2.
Reference: = [LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide], NC-v4 LTc7: Reduced parking footprint | LEEDuser.
D
Explanation:
This option requires the project to include all parking spaces that are outside the project boundary but are used by the project occupants, visitors, or customers in the calculations for the reduced parking footprint credit1. This option ensures that the project accounts for the total parking demand and supply associated with the project, regardless of the location of the parking spaces2.
Reference: = [LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide], NC-v4 LTc7: Reduced parking footprint | LEEDuser.
Question #127
A project’s total site area is 240,000 ft2 (22 297 m2) and the building footprint is 40,000 ft2 (3 716 m2).
How much outdoor space and vegetated space must it provide to earn Sustainable Sites Credit, Open Space?
- A . 60,000 ft2 (5 574 m2) of outdoor space of which 15,000 ft2 (1 394 m2) must be vegetated
- B . 60,000 ft2 (5 574 m2) of outdoor space of which 50,000 ft2 (4 645 m2) must be vegetated
- C . 72,000 ft2 (6 689 m2) of outdoor space of which 18,000 ft2 (1 672 m2) must be vegetated
- D . 72,000 ft2 (6 689 m2) of outdoor space of which 60,000 ft2 (5 574 m2) must be vegetated
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
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.
Reference: LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, p. 5411
C
Explanation:
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.
Reference: LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, p. 5411
Question #128
Which of the following are control measures recommended by the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning National Contractors Association (SMACNA) for the Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Construction Indoor Air Quality Management Plan?
- A . Source control
- B . Material selection
- C . Contractor training
- D . Pre-construction meeting
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
Source control is one of the control measures recommended by the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning National Contractors Association (SMACNA) for the Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Construction Indoor Air Quality Management Plan. Source control means minimizing the generation and emission of indoor air pollutants from the construction activities and materials.
Some examples of source control are1:
• Using low-emitting adhesives, sealants, paints, coatings, and flooring systems that comply with the VOC limits of the applicable LEED credit.
• Storing absorptive materials in a protected area and covering them with plastic sheeting to prevent moisture and mold growth.
• Scheduling the installation of finish materials after the completion of wet and dusty work, such as concrete pouring, drywall sanding, and painting.
• Isolating work areas where high levels of contaminants are generated or used, such as welding, cutting, grinding, and solvent cleaning, and providing adequate ventilation and exhaust.
• Prohibiting smoking, eating, and drinking in the work areas, and providing designated areas for these activities.
Reference: • Construction indoor air quality management plan | U.S. Green Building Council1
A
Explanation:
Source control is one of the control measures recommended by the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning National Contractors Association (SMACNA) for the Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Construction Indoor Air Quality Management Plan. Source control means minimizing the generation and emission of indoor air pollutants from the construction activities and materials.
Some examples of source control are1:
• Using low-emitting adhesives, sealants, paints, coatings, and flooring systems that comply with the VOC limits of the applicable LEED credit.
• Storing absorptive materials in a protected area and covering them with plastic sheeting to prevent moisture and mold growth.
• Scheduling the installation of finish materials after the completion of wet and dusty work, such as concrete pouring, drywall sanding, and painting.
• Isolating work areas where high levels of contaminants are generated or used, such as welding, cutting, grinding, and solvent cleaning, and providing adequate ventilation and exhaust.
• Prohibiting smoking, eating, and drinking in the work areas, and providing designated areas for these activities.
Reference: • Construction indoor air quality management plan | U.S. Green Building Council1
Question #129
A newly constructed school has installed solar thermal systems and wind turbines on site.
To achieve the maximum number of Energy and Atmosphere points, which team members must be included?
- A . Energy Modeler and Contractor
- B . Construction Manager and Energy Modeler
- C . Energy Modeler and Commissioning (Cx) Agent
- D . Commissioning (Cx) Agent and Facilities Manager
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
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.
Reference: LEED v4 for Building Design and Construction, p. 361
Understanding Integrative Design in LEED v4, p. 92
C
Explanation:
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.
Reference: LEED v4 for Building Design and Construction, p. 361
Understanding Integrative Design in LEED v4, p. 92
Question #130
During a review of the HVAC equipment submittal, the Commissioning Authority (CxA) determined that the contractor substituted a higher efficiency piece of equipment.
Which of the following is the priority for the CxA to consider?
- A . Energy meter location
- B . Equipment Maintenance Plan
- C . Owner’s Project Requirements
- D . Coordination of other contractors
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
The Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR) is a document that defines the goals, expectations, and performance criteria of the project, as established by the owner or the owner’s representative1. The OPR is one of the key deliverables of the commissioning process and serves as the basis for the design, construction, and operation of the building systems. Therefore, the priority for the Commissioning Authority (CxA) to consider when the contractor substitutes a higher efficiency piece of equipment is whether the substitution meets or exceeds the OPR. The CxA should verify that the new equipment is compatible with the OPR and does not compromise the performance, functionality, or reliability of the system. The CxA should also communicate the substitution to the owner and the design team and document the change in the commissioning plan and report.
Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction v4 The Role of a Commissioning Agent (CxA) – cxplanner.com Commissioning Authority | WBDG – Whole Building Design Guide General Commissioning Requirements – Northwestern University
C
Explanation:
The Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR) is a document that defines the goals, expectations, and performance criteria of the project, as established by the owner or the owner’s representative1. The OPR is one of the key deliverables of the commissioning process and serves as the basis for the design, construction, and operation of the building systems. Therefore, the priority for the Commissioning Authority (CxA) to consider when the contractor substitutes a higher efficiency piece of equipment is whether the substitution meets or exceeds the OPR. The CxA should verify that the new equipment is compatible with the OPR and does not compromise the performance, functionality, or reliability of the system. The CxA should also communicate the substitution to the owner and the design team and document the change in the commissioning plan and report.
Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction v4 The Role of a Commissioning Agent (CxA) – cxplanner.com Commissioning Authority | WBDG – Whole Building Design Guide General Commissioning Requirements – Northwestern University