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 #131
A new five-story building with a 30,000 ft2 (2 800 m2) footprint is being designed on a previously disturbed100,000 ft2 (9 290 m2) site. The remaining on-grade surface will be 35,000 ft2 (3 250 m2) of asphalt parking, and 35,000 ft2 (3 250 m2) of native vegetated open space. To achieve a point for exemplary performance under Option 1 of Sustainable Sites Credit, Site Development – Protect or Restore Habitat, the design team will have to incorporate a native and/or adapted vegetated roof with a minimum area of
- A . 12,500 ft2 (1 160 m2)
- B . 15,000 ft2 (1 400 m2)
- C . 25,000 ft2 (2 300 m2)
- D . 35,000 ft2 (3 250 m2)
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
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).
Reference: SS Credit Site Development – Protect or Restore Habitat, LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction13
C
Explanation:
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).
Reference: SS Credit Site Development – Protect or Restore Habitat, LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction13
Question #132
A project has a potable water source as well as two alternative water sources.
Which of the following statements is applicable for a project using two alternative water sources?
- A . A project may not use two alternative water sources
- B . Target the uses that require the least treatment first
- C . Match uses by location: indoor sources to indoor uses, outdoor sources to outdoor uses
- D . All alternative water sources should be treated to potable water standards
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
The best practice for using alternative water sources is to target the uses that require the least treatment first, such as irrigation, toilet flushing, and cooling tower makeup. This reduces the energy and cost associated with treating water to higher standards than necessary. Matching uses by location is not a requirement, nor is treating all alternative water sources to potable water standards. A project may use more than one alternative water source as long as they meet the applicable codes and standards.
Reference: WE Credit Indoor Water Use Reduction, WE Credit Outdoor Water Use Reduction, WE Credit Cooling Tower Water Use1
B
Explanation:
The best practice for using alternative water sources is to target the uses that require the least treatment first, such as irrigation, toilet flushing, and cooling tower makeup. This reduces the energy and cost associated with treating water to higher standards than necessary. Matching uses by location is not a requirement, nor is treating all alternative water sources to potable water standards. A project may use more than one alternative water source as long as they meet the applicable codes and standards.
Reference: WE Credit Indoor Water Use Reduction, WE Credit Outdoor Water Use Reduction, WE Credit Cooling Tower Water Use1
Question #133
When using the Integrative Process, what is the best way for the LEED AP to assess the impact of indoor and outdoor water consumption in a Building Design and Construction project?
- A . Perform a preliminary water budget analysis before the completion of schematic design
- B . Install permanent metering on both the water sources and the waste water leaving the site
- C . At the completion of schematic design, count the fixtures and apply the maximum flow rate
- D . Estimate consumption by using 20 gal. per day (76 I per day) for each Full Time Equivalent (FTE) scheduled to occupy the building
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
When using the Integrative Process, the best way for the LEED AP to assess the impact of indoor and outdoor water consumption in a Building Design and Construction project is to perform a preliminary water budget analysis before the completion of schematic design. This analysis should include the following steps1:
Identify the project’s water sources and uses, such as potable water, reclaimed water, rainwater, graywater, blackwater, irrigation, cooling towers, etc.
Estimate the baseline water consumption for each use based on the applicable codes, standards, and benchmarks.
Identify potential water conservation strategies that can reduce the demand or increase the supply of water, such as low-flow fixtures, native landscaping, rainwater harvesting, graywater reuse, etc. Evaluate the feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and environmental benefits of each strategy using a life-cycle approach.
Select the most appropriate strategies and document how they inform the design decisions and meet the project goals.
Compare the projected water consumption with the baseline and calculate the percentage reduction.
Performing a preliminary water budget analysis before the completion of schematic design allows the LEED AP to identify opportunities for water efficiency and innovation early in the design process. It also helps to optimize the integration of water systems with other building and site systems, such as energy, materials, indoor environmental quality, etc. Moreover, it supports the achievement of other LEED credits related to water efficiency, such as WE Prerequisite 1: Outdoor Water Use Reduction, WE Prerequisite 2: Indoor Water Use Reduction, WE Credit 1: Outdoor Water Use Reduction, WE Credit 2: Indoor Water Use Reduction, WE Credit 3: Cooling Tower Water Use2.
Reference: Understanding Integrative Design in LEED v41
LEED v4 for Building Design and Construction2
A
Explanation:
When using the Integrative Process, the best way for the LEED AP to assess the impact of indoor and outdoor water consumption in a Building Design and Construction project is to perform a preliminary water budget analysis before the completion of schematic design. This analysis should include the following steps1:
Identify the project’s water sources and uses, such as potable water, reclaimed water, rainwater, graywater, blackwater, irrigation, cooling towers, etc.
Estimate the baseline water consumption for each use based on the applicable codes, standards, and benchmarks.
Identify potential water conservation strategies that can reduce the demand or increase the supply of water, such as low-flow fixtures, native landscaping, rainwater harvesting, graywater reuse, etc. Evaluate the feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and environmental benefits of each strategy using a life-cycle approach.
Select the most appropriate strategies and document how they inform the design decisions and meet the project goals.
Compare the projected water consumption with the baseline and calculate the percentage reduction.
Performing a preliminary water budget analysis before the completion of schematic design allows the LEED AP to identify opportunities for water efficiency and innovation early in the design process. It also helps to optimize the integration of water systems with other building and site systems, such as energy, materials, indoor environmental quality, etc. Moreover, it supports the achievement of other LEED credits related to water efficiency, such as WE Prerequisite 1: Outdoor Water Use Reduction, WE Prerequisite 2: Indoor Water Use Reduction, WE Credit 1: Outdoor Water Use Reduction, WE Credit 2: Indoor Water Use Reduction, WE Credit 3: Cooling Tower Water Use2.
Reference: Understanding Integrative Design in LEED v41
LEED v4 for Building Design and Construction2
Question #134
What reference standard is used to determine compliance with the Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite, Minimum Energy Performance when the whole building energy modeling option is used?
- A . ASHRAE 55-2010
- B . ASHRAE 90.1-2007
- C . ASHRAE 90.1-2010
- D . ASHRAE 62.1-2010
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
ASHRAE 90.1-2010 is the reference standard used to determine compliance with the Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite, Minimum Energy Performance when the whole building energy modeling option is used. This prerequisite requires demonstrating a 5% improvement in the proposed building performance rating compared to the baseline building performance rating per ASHRAE 90.1-2010, Appendix G1. The baseline building performance rating is based on a building design that meets the minimum requirements of ASHRAE 90.1-20102.
Reference: Prerequisite: Minimum energy performance | U.S. Green Building Council Minimum Energy Performance – ASHRAE 90.1 – 2010
C
Explanation:
ASHRAE 90.1-2010 is the reference standard used to determine compliance with the Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite, Minimum Energy Performance when the whole building energy modeling option is used. This prerequisite requires demonstrating a 5% improvement in the proposed building performance rating compared to the baseline building performance rating per ASHRAE 90.1-2010, Appendix G1. The baseline building performance rating is based on a building design that meets the minimum requirements of ASHRAE 90.1-20102.
Reference: Prerequisite: Minimum energy performance | U.S. Green Building Council Minimum Energy Performance – ASHRAE 90.1 – 2010
Question #135
A Healthcare Project is constructing a new building adjacent to an existing LEED Certified hospital facility. The new building’s location is on the same hospital campus as the certified facility. The entire hospital campus was analyzed with an Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) as part of the certified facility’s project scope. The new building project needs to complete a new Phase I ESA if
- A . the Phase II ESA uncovers suspected contamination
- B . contamination was identified by the certified facility
- C . the certified facility’s Phase I ESA is older than 180 days
- D . the local equivalent standard is more stringent than ASTM E1527-05
Correct Answer: D
D
Explanation:
. the local equivalent standard is more stringent than ASTM E1527-05
According to the LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, a Phase I ESA is required for all projects, except for those located on previously developed land that has not been used for industrial, commercial, or agricultural purposes. The Phase I ESA must follow the ASTM E1527-05 standard or a local equivalent. However, if the local equivalent is more stringent than the ASTM standard, then the project must comply with the local equivalent. Therefore, if the new building project is located in a jurisdiction that has a more rigorous standard for Phase I ESA than ASTM E1527-05, then it must complete a new Phase I ESA, regardless of the previous ESA done for the certified facility.
Reference: Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction v4 C Pages 81-821 LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide – U.S. Green Building Council2
D
Explanation:
. the local equivalent standard is more stringent than ASTM E1527-05
According to the LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, a Phase I ESA is required for all projects, except for those located on previously developed land that has not been used for industrial, commercial, or agricultural purposes. The Phase I ESA must follow the ASTM E1527-05 standard or a local equivalent. However, if the local equivalent is more stringent than the ASTM standard, then the project must comply with the local equivalent. Therefore, if the new building project is located in a jurisdiction that has a more rigorous standard for Phase I ESA than ASTM E1527-05, then it must complete a new Phase I ESA, regardless of the previous ESA done for the certified facility.
Reference: Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction v4 C Pages 81-821 LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide – U.S. Green Building Council2
Question #136
In Sustainable Sites Credit, Light Pollution Reduction, which factor is included in the lamp lumen uplight calculation?
- A . Total fixture power
- B . Site area of the project
- C . Quantity of installed luminaires
- D . Total fixture lumens below 90 degrees
Correct Answer: D
D
Explanation:
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.
Reference: = [LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide], SSc6 step by step instructions – BuildingGreen.
D
Explanation:
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.
Reference: = [LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide], SSc6 step by step instructions – BuildingGreen.
Question #137
A project team is deciding on the impact of a proposed concrete walkway.
Which of the following will be impacted as a result of adding the walkway?
- A . Site’s impervious cover
- B . Project density calculations
- C . Erosion and sediment control plan during construction
- D . Air quality as a result of off gassing that occurs as concrete cures
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
Adding a concrete walkway will increase the site’s impervious cover, which is the percentage of the site area that does not allow water to infiltrate into the ground1. Impervious cover can affect the site’s stormwater management, heat island effect, and habitat quality. The project team should consider using permeable paving materials, vegetated roofs, or rain gardens to reduce the impervious cover and mitigate its impacts2. The other options are not directly impacted by adding a concrete walkway. Project density calculations are based on the floor area ratio and the number of occupants, not the site features3. Erosion and sediment control plan during construction is required for any site disturbance, regardless of the type of material used4. Air quality as a result of off gassing that occurs as concrete cures is not a significant issue for outdoor applications, and can be minimized by using low-emitting concrete products5.
A
Explanation:
Adding a concrete walkway will increase the site’s impervious cover, which is the percentage of the site area that does not allow water to infiltrate into the ground1. Impervious cover can affect the site’s stormwater management, heat island effect, and habitat quality. The project team should consider using permeable paving materials, vegetated roofs, or rain gardens to reduce the impervious cover and mitigate its impacts2. The other options are not directly impacted by adding a concrete walkway. Project density calculations are based on the floor area ratio and the number of occupants, not the site features3. Erosion and sediment control plan during construction is required for any site disturbance, regardless of the type of material used4. Air quality as a result of off gassing that occurs as concrete cures is not a significant issue for outdoor applications, and can be minimized by using low-emitting concrete products5.
Question #138
The project team has decided to substitute the flooring in the school gym with natural rubber flooring that has met the Sustainable Agriculture Standard. The cost of the substituted flooring is $80,000. The project will achieve
- A . Materials and Resources Credit, Building Product Disclosure and Optimization – Sourcing of Raw Materials, Option 2. Leadership Extraction Practices
- B . Materials and Resources Credit, Building Product Disclosure and Optimization – Sourcing of Raw Materials, Option 1. Raw Material Source and Extraction Reporting
- C . Materials and Resources Credit, Building Product Disclosure and Optimization Environmental Product
Declarations, Option 1. Environmental Product Declarations - D . Materials and Resources Credit, Construction and Demolition Waste Management, Option 1. Diversion
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
. Materials and Resources Credit, Building Product Disclosure and Optimization – Sourcing of Raw Materials, Option 2. Leadership Extraction Practices
Natural rubber flooring is a bio-based material that can contribute to the achievement of Option 2 of the Sourcing of Raw Materials credit, which requires using products that meet at least one of the responsible extraction criteria for at least 25%, by cost, of the total value of permanently installed building products in the project1. By meeting the Sustainable Agriculture Standard (SAN), the natural rubber flooring demonstrates that it has been produced in a way that conserves biodiversity, protects natural resources, and enhances social and economic well-being2. Therefore, the cost of the substituted flooring ($80,000) can be counted towards the credit threshold.
Reference: Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction v4 C Pages 263-2641 Sustainable Agriculture Standard | Rainforest Alliance3
A
Explanation:
. Materials and Resources Credit, Building Product Disclosure and Optimization – Sourcing of Raw Materials, Option 2. Leadership Extraction Practices
Natural rubber flooring is a bio-based material that can contribute to the achievement of Option 2 of the Sourcing of Raw Materials credit, which requires using products that meet at least one of the responsible extraction criteria for at least 25%, by cost, of the total value of permanently installed building products in the project1. By meeting the Sustainable Agriculture Standard (SAN), the natural rubber flooring demonstrates that it has been produced in a way that conserves biodiversity, protects natural resources, and enhances social and economic well-being2. Therefore, the cost of the substituted flooring ($80,000) can be counted towards the credit threshold.
Reference: Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction v4 C Pages 263-2641 Sustainable Agriculture Standard | Rainforest Alliance3
Question #139
A new commercial building is being designed to use small capacity air handling units.
To meet the requirements of the Carbon Dioxide Monitoring strategy in the Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Enhanced Indoor Environmental Quality Strategies, where would CO2 monitors need to be located?
- A . In each occupied space
- B . In each densely occupied space
- C . In each occupied space and outdoors
- D . In each occupied space over 500 ft2 (46 m2)
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
According to the LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, the Carbon Dioxide Monitoring strategy requires CO2 monitors to be located in each densely occupied space, which is defined as a space with a design occupant density of 25 people or more per 1,000 square feet (93 square meters). This strategy is intended to provide feedback on ventilation system performance and indoor air quality12
Reference: 1: LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, Indoor Environmental Quality Credit: Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies, Option 2: Additional Enhanced IAQ Strategies, Strategy 3: Carbon Dioxide Monitoring, page 704. 2: LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, Glossary, page 1019.
B
Explanation:
According to the LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, the Carbon Dioxide Monitoring strategy requires CO2 monitors to be located in each densely occupied space, which is defined as a space with a design occupant density of 25 people or more per 1,000 square feet (93 square meters). This strategy is intended to provide feedback on ventilation system performance and indoor air quality12
Reference: 1: LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, Indoor Environmental Quality Credit: Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies, Option 2: Additional Enhanced IAQ Strategies, Strategy 3: Carbon Dioxide Monitoring, page 704. 2: LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, Glossary, page 1019.
Question #140
For a task chair purchased for a healthcare facility, which portion of the product contributes toward Materials and Resources Credit, Furniture and Medical Furnishings?
- A . Wheels, 4% of product by weight, that do not contain lead, mercury, cadmium or antimony
- B . Fabric, 5% of product by weight, with stain resistant treatment containing Perfluorinated Compounds (PFCs)
- C . Metal base, 20% of product by weight, which do not contain heavy metals and is not plated with hexavalent chromium
- D . Plastic armrests, 30% of product by weight, with added antimicrobial treatment
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
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).
Reference: LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, Materials and Resources Category, MRc Furniture and Medical Furnishings, Option 1. Minimal Chemical Content, page 711.
C
Explanation:
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).
Reference: LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, Materials and Resources Category, MRc Furniture and Medical Furnishings, Option 1. Minimal Chemical Content, page 711.