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 #161
A project design team for an elementary school project is attempting to achieve Innovation Credit, Innovation, Option 1. Innovation.
Which of the following strategies would qualify?
- A . Pilot Credit from LEED Pilot Credit Library
- B . Exemplary Performance in Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Optimize Energy Performance
- C . Create educational kiosks and posters around the school with picture of building systems’ sustainable features
- D . Implement a building as a learning lab curriculum that has been piloted in three other primary schools in the district
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
This strategy would qualify as an innovation credit because it is not addressed in the LEED green
building rating system, and it achieves significant, measurable environmental performance by educating the students and the community about the benefits of green building. The project team would need to identify the intent, requirements, submittals, and design approach of this strategy in the Basis of Design document1. This strategy is also listed as an example of innovation in the LEED Innovation Catalog2.
Reference: = NC-v4.1 INc1: Innovation | LEEDuser, LEED credit library | U.S. Green Building Council
C
Explanation:
This strategy would qualify as an innovation credit because it is not addressed in the LEED green
building rating system, and it achieves significant, measurable environmental performance by educating the students and the community about the benefits of green building. The project team would need to identify the intent, requirements, submittals, and design approach of this strategy in the Basis of Design document1. This strategy is also listed as an example of innovation in the LEED Innovation Catalog2.
Reference: = NC-v4.1 INc1: Innovation | LEEDuser, LEED credit library | U.S. Green Building Council
Question #162
In addition to Materials and Resources Credit, Building Life-Cycle Impact Reduction, Option 3. Building and Materials Reuse, salvaged materials contribute to the achievement of
- A . Materials and Resources Prerequisite, Storage and Collection of Recyclables
- B . Materials and Resources Credit, Building Product Disclosure and Optimization – Material Ingredients
- C . Materials and Resources Credit, Construction and Demolition Waste Management
- D . Materials and Resources Credit, Building Product Disclosure and Optimization – Environmental Product Declarations
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
. 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.
Reference: Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction v4 C Pages 263-2642 LEED Certification and Sustainable Construction Waste Management3
C
Explanation:
. 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.
Reference: Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction v4 C Pages 263-2642 LEED Certification and Sustainable Construction Waste Management3
Question #163
Which of the following plumbing fixtures apply to the calculations in Water Efficiency Prerequisite, Indoor Water Use Reduction?
- A . Toilets, urinals, pre-rinse spray valves
- B . Toilets, private lavatory faucets, dishwashers
- C . Urinals, public lavatory faucets, kitchen sink faucets
- D . Urinals, showerheads, commercial kitchen filling operations faucets
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
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.
Reference: LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Water Efficiency Prerequisite, Indoor Water Use Reduction, Requirements1
C
Explanation:
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.
Reference: LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Water Efficiency Prerequisite, Indoor Water Use Reduction, Requirements1
Question #164
Increasing which of the following variables will require an increase in the outdoor airflow rate under Indoor Environmental Quality Prerequisite, Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance?
- A . Supply air velocity
- B . Number of occupants
- C . System ventilation efficiency
- D . Supply air temperature set point
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
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.
Reference: 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
B
Explanation:
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.
Reference: 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
Question #165
In order for a product to contribute to Materials and Resources Credit, Building Product Disclosure and Optimization, Environmental Product Declarations, Option 1. Environmental Product Declaration, the product needs to be
- A . Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified
- B . cradle-to-cradle certified
- C . hird-party verified in a Corporate Sustainability Report (CSR)
- D . critically reviewed life-cycle assessment conforming to ISO 14044
Correct Answer: D
D
Explanation:
The correct answer is D. critically reviewed life-cycle assessment conforming to ISO 14044.
This is because:
• Option 1 of this credit requires the use of products that have environmental product declarations (EPDs), which are documents that provide information about the environmental impact of a product throughout its life cycle1.
• EPDs are based on life-cycle assessments (LCAs), which are systematic analyses of the environmental aspects and potential impacts of a product from raw material extraction to disposal2.
• LCAs must conform to the international standard ISO 14044, which specifies the principles and framework for conducting and reporting LCAs3. LCAs must also be critically reviewed by an independent panel of experts to ensure their validity and reliability4.
• The other options are not relevant for this credit. FSC certification is a label that indicates that a wood product comes from a well-managed forest5. Cradle-to-cradle certification is a label that indicates that a product is designed for circular economy, with minimal waste and toxicity. CSR is a report that discloses the social and environmental performance of a company.
Reference: 1: Building product disclosure and optimization – environmental product … 2: [Life Cycle Assessment – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics] 3: [ISO 14044:2006(en), Environmental management ― Life cycle …] 4: [Critical Review in LCA – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics] 5: [Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) | U.S. Green Building Council] : [Cradle to Cradle Certified™ Products Program] : [Corporate Sustainability Reporting – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics]
D
Explanation:
The correct answer is D. critically reviewed life-cycle assessment conforming to ISO 14044.
This is because:
• Option 1 of this credit requires the use of products that have environmental product declarations (EPDs), which are documents that provide information about the environmental impact of a product throughout its life cycle1.
• EPDs are based on life-cycle assessments (LCAs), which are systematic analyses of the environmental aspects and potential impacts of a product from raw material extraction to disposal2.
• LCAs must conform to the international standard ISO 14044, which specifies the principles and framework for conducting and reporting LCAs3. LCAs must also be critically reviewed by an independent panel of experts to ensure their validity and reliability4.
• The other options are not relevant for this credit. FSC certification is a label that indicates that a wood product comes from a well-managed forest5. Cradle-to-cradle certification is a label that indicates that a product is designed for circular economy, with minimal waste and toxicity. CSR is a report that discloses the social and environmental performance of a company.
Reference: 1: Building product disclosure and optimization – environmental product … 2: [Life Cycle Assessment – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics] 3: [ISO 14044:2006(en), Environmental management ― Life cycle …] 4: [Critical Review in LCA – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics] 5: [Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) | U.S. Green Building Council] : [Cradle to Cradle Certified™ Products Program] : [Corporate Sustainability Reporting – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics]
Question #166
Which principal areas must the LEED AP focus on to attain the Integrative Process Credit, Integrative Process?
- A . Materials and resources
- B . Location and site selection
- C . Regional priority and innovation
- D . Energy and water related systems
Correct Answer: D
D
Explanation:
The Integrative Process credit, Integrative Process, requires the project team to conduct a preliminary analysis of the energy and water related systems during the pre-design phase, and use the results to inform the design and construction of the project. The analysis must include at least two potential strategies for each of the following areas: site conditions, massing and orientation, basic envelope attributes, lighting levels, thermal comfort ranges, plug and process load needs, programmatic and operational parameters, outdoor water use, and indoor water use. The project team must also document how the analysis informed the owner’s project requirements, basis of design, and design documents.
Reference: LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, Integrative Process Credit: Integrative Process, page 811
Integrative Process Worksheet2
D
Explanation:
The Integrative Process credit, Integrative Process, requires the project team to conduct a preliminary analysis of the energy and water related systems during the pre-design phase, and use the results to inform the design and construction of the project. The analysis must include at least two potential strategies for each of the following areas: site conditions, massing and orientation, basic envelope attributes, lighting levels, thermal comfort ranges, plug and process load needs, programmatic and operational parameters, outdoor water use, and indoor water use. The project team must also document how the analysis informed the owner’s project requirements, basis of design, and design documents.
Reference: LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, Integrative Process Credit: Integrative Process, page 811
Integrative Process Worksheet2
Question #167
Which of the following is required when documenting a LEED Pilot credit?
- A . Compliance letter
- B . LEED AP approval
- C . Innovation narrative
- D . Pilot Credit registration
Correct Answer: D
D
Explanation:
Pilot Credit registration is required when documenting a LEED Pilot credit. This is to ensure that the project team has access to the latest pilot credit language and requirements, and that USGBC can track the usage and feedback of the pilot credits. The other options are not required for documenting a pilot credit, although they may be helpful or applicable for other credits.
Reference: LEED Pilot Credit Library, Getting Started, page 1.
D
Explanation:
Pilot Credit registration is required when documenting a LEED Pilot credit. This is to ensure that the project team has access to the latest pilot credit language and requirements, and that USGBC can track the usage and feedback of the pilot credits. The other options are not required for documenting a pilot credit, although they may be helpful or applicable for other credits.
Reference: LEED Pilot Credit Library, Getting Started, page 1.
Question #168
A LEED Building Design and Construction: Schools project pursuing Location and Transportation Credit, Green Vehicles elects to follow Option 2. Green Buses or School-Owned Vehicles.
What action must the project take to meet the Option 2 requirements?
- A . Install a preferred drop-off lane for buses meeting the emission requirements
- B . Provide calculations showing that the average fleet bus meets the emission requirements
- C . Inventory the school fleet to develop and create a plan for all buses to meet the emission requirements
- D . Document that all buses serving the project achieve a minimum green score of 30 on the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) annual vehicle rating guide
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
According to the LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Option 2 of the Location and Transportation Credit, Green Vehicles requires the project to inventory the school fleet to develop and create a plan for all buses to meet the emission requirements. The plan must include a timeline for implementation and a budget. The emission requirements are based on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards for heavy-duty vehicles1.
Reference: LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Location and Transportation Credit, Green Vehicles, Option 2: Green Buses or School-Owned Vehicles1
C
Explanation:
According to the LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Option 2 of the Location and Transportation Credit, Green Vehicles requires the project to inventory the school fleet to develop and create a plan for all buses to meet the emission requirements. The plan must include a timeline for implementation and a budget. The emission requirements are based on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards for heavy-duty vehicles1.
Reference: LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Location and Transportation Credit, Green Vehicles, Option 2: Green Buses or School-Owned Vehicles1
Question #169
Which of the following criteria does a project need to implement in order to qualify for Sustainable Sites Credit: Site Development – Protect or Restore Habitat, Option 1?
- A . Use of natural plants rated for their effect in reducing the heat island effect, while also restoring a minimum of 20% (including the building footprint) of all portions of the site identified as previously disturbed
- B . Use of only native or adapted vegetation, along with not restoring a minimum of 36% (including the building footprint) of all portions of the site identified as previously disturbed
- C . Use of native or adapted vegetation, restoring a minimum of 30% (including the building footprint) of all portions of the site identified as previously disturbed
- D . Use of natural vegetation and not artificial greenery, restoring a minimum of 25% (including the building footprint) of all portions of the site identified as previously disturbed
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
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.
C
Explanation:
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.
Question #170
Which of the following is an example of a nonroof measure for Sustainable Sites Credit, Heat Island Reduction?
- A . A playground with artificial turf
- B . A vegetated shading structure
- C . A shade structure with a three-year aged Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) value of 0.2
- D . A paving material with a three-year aged SRI value of 0.2
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
A vegetated shading structure is an example of a nonroof measure for Sustainable Sites Credit, Heat Island Reduction. The heat island effect is the phenomenon of urban areas having higher air temperatures than surrounding rural areas due to the absorption and emission of heat by human-made surfaces, such as buildings, roads, and pavements. The heat island effect can have negative impacts on the environment, human health, and energy consumption. One of the strategies to reduce the heat island effect is to use nonroof measures that provide shade, reflectivity, or evapotranspiration for at least 50% of the site hardscape, such as parking lots, walkways, plazas, and courtyards1. A vegetated shading structure is a type of nonroof measure that consists of a trellis or pergola that supports climbing plants or vines that provide shade and cooling for the underlying surface. A vegetated shading structure can also enhance the aesthetic and ecological value of the site2.
The other options are not examples of nonroof measures for Sustainable Sites Credit, Heat Island
Reduction. A playground with artificial turf is not a nonroof measure, but a roof measure, as it is
considered as part of the building envelope. Artificial turf is also not a compliant roof measure, as it
does not meet the minimum solar reflectance index (SRI) or vegetated roof requirements1. A shade
structure with a three-year aged SRI value of 0.2 is not a compliant nonroof measure, as it does not
meet the minimum SRI value of 29 for nonroof surfaces1. A paving material with a three-year aged
SRI value of 0.2 is also not a compliant nonroof measure, as it does not meet the minimum SRI value
of 29 for nonroof surfaces1.
Reference:
• LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, Sustainable Sites Credit: Heat Island Reduction, page 1281
• Heat Island Reduction | U.S. Green Building Council2
B
Explanation:
A vegetated shading structure is an example of a nonroof measure for Sustainable Sites Credit, Heat Island Reduction. The heat island effect is the phenomenon of urban areas having higher air temperatures than surrounding rural areas due to the absorption and emission of heat by human-made surfaces, such as buildings, roads, and pavements. The heat island effect can have negative impacts on the environment, human health, and energy consumption. One of the strategies to reduce the heat island effect is to use nonroof measures that provide shade, reflectivity, or evapotranspiration for at least 50% of the site hardscape, such as parking lots, walkways, plazas, and courtyards1. A vegetated shading structure is a type of nonroof measure that consists of a trellis or pergola that supports climbing plants or vines that provide shade and cooling for the underlying surface. A vegetated shading structure can also enhance the aesthetic and ecological value of the site2.
The other options are not examples of nonroof measures for Sustainable Sites Credit, Heat Island
Reduction. A playground with artificial turf is not a nonroof measure, but a roof measure, as it is
considered as part of the building envelope. Artificial turf is also not a compliant roof measure, as it
does not meet the minimum solar reflectance index (SRI) or vegetated roof requirements1. A shade
structure with a three-year aged SRI value of 0.2 is not a compliant nonroof measure, as it does not
meet the minimum SRI value of 29 for nonroof surfaces1. A paving material with a three-year aged
SRI value of 0.2 is also not a compliant nonroof measure, as it does not meet the minimum SRI value
of 29 for nonroof surfaces1.
Reference:
• LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, Sustainable Sites Credit: Heat Island Reduction, page 1281
• Heat Island Reduction | U.S. Green Building Council2