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 #221
Which of the following transit modes is considered to be walkable if it is within 1/2 mile (0.8 km) of the functional entry of a project?
- A . Taxi stand
- B . Ferry terminal
- C . Local bus stop
- D . Streetcar stop
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
For Location and Transportation (LT) Credits: Access to Quality Transit, a local bus stop (C) within 1/2 mile (0.8 km) from a building’s entrance qualifies as walkable transit. LEED defines walkable transit as options within reasonable distance for daily commuting, including bus stops, light rail stations, and streetcars. Taxi stands (A) aren’t considered reliable public transit under LEED, and while streetcars (D) are valid, ferry terminals (B) are only acceptable within a 1-mile range.
C
Explanation:
For Location and Transportation (LT) Credits: Access to Quality Transit, a local bus stop (C) within 1/2 mile (0.8 km) from a building’s entrance qualifies as walkable transit. LEED defines walkable transit as options within reasonable distance for daily commuting, including bus stops, light rail stations, and streetcars. Taxi stands (A) aren’t considered reliable public transit under LEED, and while streetcars (D) are valid, ferry terminals (B) are only acceptable within a 1-mile range.
Question #222
Which item is included in the reuse calculation for Materials and Resources Credit, Building Life-Cycle Impact Reduction?
- A . Floor decking
- B . Asbestos insulation
- C . Exterior glazing
- D . Plumbing fixtures
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
The reuse calculation for MR Credit Building Life-Cycle Impact Reduction includes the surface area of structural elements that are reused in place or salvaged and reinstalled, such as floor decking, columns, beams, and roof decking. Exterior glazing and plumbing fixtures are not considered structural elements and are not included in the reuse calculation. Asbestos insulation is a hazardous material that should be removed and disposed of properly, not reused.
Reference: MR Credit Building Life-Cycle Impact Reduction, LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction123
A
Explanation:
The reuse calculation for MR Credit Building Life-Cycle Impact Reduction includes the surface area of structural elements that are reused in place or salvaged and reinstalled, such as floor decking, columns, beams, and roof decking. Exterior glazing and plumbing fixtures are not considered structural elements and are not included in the reuse calculation. Asbestos insulation is a hazardous material that should be removed and disposed of properly, not reused.
Reference: MR Credit Building Life-Cycle Impact Reduction, LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction123
Question #223
The results of a building energy model show that a building will consume 2,200,435 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year (building is served solely by electricity). The building owner wants to achieve Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Green Power and Carbon Offsets.
What is the minimum amount of green energy required to be purchased on an annual basis?
- A . 770,152 kWh
- B . 2,200,435 kWh
- C . 550,109 kWh
- D . 1,100,218 kWh
Correct Answer: D
D
Explanation:
LEED requires that at least 50% of a building’s annual electricity consumption be offset by green power or carbon offsets to achieve the Energy and Atmosphere Credit: Green Power and Carbon Offsets. For this building with a projected annual consumption of 2,200,435 kWh, half of this amount, 1,100,218 kWh, must be purchased from green sources to meet the credit requirements. This strategy helps mitigate carbon emissions by promoting the use of renewable energy.
D
Explanation:
LEED requires that at least 50% of a building’s annual electricity consumption be offset by green power or carbon offsets to achieve the Energy and Atmosphere Credit: Green Power and Carbon Offsets. For this building with a projected annual consumption of 2,200,435 kWh, half of this amount, 1,100,218 kWh, must be purchased from green sources to meet the credit requirements. This strategy helps mitigate carbon emissions by promoting the use of renewable energy.
Question #224
A design team is pursuing Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Indoor Air Quality Assessment. The building is 1,000 ft2 (93 m2) and has a 10 ft. (3 m) ceiling height.
In order to earn the credit, what is the required volume of supply air for the entire building flush-out?
- A . 3,500,000 ft3 (99 108 m3)
- B . 10,000,000 ft3 (283 168 m3)
- C . 14,000,000 ft3 (396 435 m3)
- D . 35,000,000 ft3 (991 089 m3)
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
According to the LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction1, the Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Indoor Air Quality Assessment, Option 1. Flush-Out requires the project to perform a building flush-out by supplying a total air volume of 14,000 cubic feet of outdoor air per square foot of gross floor area while maintaining an internal temperature of at least 60°F and no higher than 80°F and relative humidity no higher than 60%. The gross floor area of the building is 1,000 ft2 and the ceiling height is 10 ft, so the required volume of supply air for the entire building flush-out is:
14,000 ft3/sf x 1,000 sf = 14,000,000 ft3
Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction v4
C
Explanation:
According to the LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction1, the Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Indoor Air Quality Assessment, Option 1. Flush-Out requires the project to perform a building flush-out by supplying a total air volume of 14,000 cubic feet of outdoor air per square foot of gross floor area while maintaining an internal temperature of at least 60°F and no higher than 80°F and relative humidity no higher than 60%. The gross floor area of the building is 1,000 ft2 and the ceiling height is 10 ft, so the required volume of supply air for the entire building flush-out is:
14,000 ft3/sf x 1,000 sf = 14,000,000 ft3
Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction v4
Question #225
Plug-in task lighting will be utilized in a LEED project at all workstations. The task lighting is not included in the installed lighting power calculations for Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite, Minimum Energy Performance since
- A . it is being covered by Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Interior Lighting, Option 1. Lighting Control
- B . it is specifically exempted by ASHRAE
- C . it will be installed by the owner
- D . the lamp wattage has not been determined
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
Plug-in task lighting is considered as furniture and is not included in the installed lighting power calculations for Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite, Minimum Energy Performance. It is also not required to comply with the lighting control requirements of ASHRAE 90.1-2010. However, it can be used to satisfy the individual control requirement of Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Interior Lighting, Option 1.
Reference: LEED v4 for Building Design and Construction, p. 361
LEED v4 for Building Design and Construction, p. 6012
ASHRAE 90.1-2010, Section 9.1.13
C
Explanation:
Plug-in task lighting is considered as furniture and is not included in the installed lighting power calculations for Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite, Minimum Energy Performance. It is also not required to comply with the lighting control requirements of ASHRAE 90.1-2010. However, it can be used to satisfy the individual control requirement of Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Interior Lighting, Option 1.
Reference: LEED v4 for Building Design and Construction, p. 361
LEED v4 for Building Design and Construction, p. 6012
ASHRAE 90.1-2010, Section 9.1.13
Question #226
Which of the following strategies can be used to achieve a point in Innovation Credit, Innovation, Option 1.Innovation?
- A . Achieve 60% reduction in outdoor water use
- B . Implement an employee engagement and education plan
- C . Use on site renewable energy for 8% of the total energy needs
- D . Purchase green power for 100% of the total project energy use
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
Option 1 of the Innovation credit under LEED v4.1 BD+C rating system (Building Design and Construction) allows for achieving significant, measurable environmental performance using a strategy not addressed in the LEED green building rating system1. Implementing an employee engagement and education plan could be a unique strategy that promotes sustainability and environmental stewardship, which is not specifically addressed in the LEED rating system.
Reference: LEED (BD+C)- Innovation Credit: Innovation Option 1
B
Explanation:
Option 1 of the Innovation credit under LEED v4.1 BD+C rating system (Building Design and Construction) allows for achieving significant, measurable environmental performance using a strategy not addressed in the LEED green building rating system1. Implementing an employee engagement and education plan could be a unique strategy that promotes sustainability and environmental stewardship, which is not specifically addressed in the LEED rating system.
Reference: LEED (BD+C)- Innovation Credit: Innovation Option 1
Question #227
A project elects to pursue Location and Transportation Credit, Surrounding Density and Diverse Uses, Option 2. Diverse Uses because of the project’s location in an amenity-rich area. The project features 18 uses overall, including at least four uses in three of the five use type categories.
What threshold must the project surpass in order to demonstrate exemplary performance for Option 2?
- A . Exemplary Performance is not available for Option 2
- B . 15 uses, including two uses in each of the five categories
- C . 15 uses, including at least one Food Retail and one Community Anchor use
- D . 18 uses, including uses in at least four of the five use type categories
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
Exemplary Performance is not available for Option 2 of Location and Transportation Credit, Surrounding Density and Diverse Uses. According to the LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, this credit has two options: Option 1. Surrounding Density (5 points) and Option 2. Diverse Uses (1 point). Exemplary Performance is only available for Option 1, and it requires achieving a surrounding density of at least 405,000 square feet per acre (100,000 square meters per hectare)1. Option 2 does not have any Exemplary Performance criteria, and it only requires locating the project within a 1/2-mile
(800-meter) walking distance of at least seven diverse uses2.
Reference: Credit: Surrounding density and diverse uses | U.S. Green Building Council Surrounding Density and Diverse Uses – LEED v4
A
Explanation:
Exemplary Performance is not available for Option 2 of Location and Transportation Credit, Surrounding Density and Diverse Uses. According to the LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, this credit has two options: Option 1. Surrounding Density (5 points) and Option 2. Diverse Uses (1 point). Exemplary Performance is only available for Option 1, and it requires achieving a surrounding density of at least 405,000 square feet per acre (100,000 square meters per hectare)1. Option 2 does not have any Exemplary Performance criteria, and it only requires locating the project within a 1/2-mile
(800-meter) walking distance of at least seven diverse uses2.
Reference: Credit: Surrounding density and diverse uses | U.S. Green Building Council Surrounding Density and Diverse Uses – LEED v4
Question #228
What is the first step to earn the Water Efficiency Credit, Cooling Tower Water Use?
- A . Select air-conditioner condensate for cooling
- B . Calculate cycles of concentration
- C . Identify the maximum number of cycles for the cooling tower or evaporative condenser
- D . Engage a water treatment professional to perform a chemical analysis
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
The first step in earning the Water Efficiency (WE) Credit: Cooling Tower Water Use is to identify the maximum number of cycles of concentration for the cooling tower or evaporative condenser. This step establishes a baseline for water quality and helps determine potential water savings through maximizing the number of cycles, which minimizes water and chemical usage in cooling systems. Subsequent steps may involve chemical analysis (D) or exploring alternative water sources, but setting the cycles is the initial requirement.
C
Explanation:
The first step in earning the Water Efficiency (WE) Credit: Cooling Tower Water Use is to identify the maximum number of cycles of concentration for the cooling tower or evaporative condenser. This step establishes a baseline for water quality and helps determine potential water savings through maximizing the number of cycles, which minimizes water and chemical usage in cooling systems. Subsequent steps may involve chemical analysis (D) or exploring alternative water sources, but setting the cycles is the initial requirement.
Question #229
The total land area within a 1/4 mi. (0.40 km) radius of a project boundary consists of 130 acres (53 hectares) and has a residential to nonresidential ratio of 60:40. Within this same total land area, there are 780 dwelling units and 1,600,000 ft2 (148 645 m2) of nonresidential building space.
Given these parameters, what are the surrounding residential and nonresidential densities when attempting to achieve Location and Transportation Credit, Surrounding Density and Diverse Uses?
- A . 10 dwelling units per acre (24 dwelling units per hectare) and a Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 0.47
- B . 10 dwelling units per acre (24 dwelling units per hectare) and a FAR of 0.70
- C . 13 dwelling units per acre (32 dwelling units per hectare) and a FAR of 0.47
- D . 15 dwelling units per acre (36 dwelling units per hectare) and a FAR of 0.70
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
The surrounding residential density is calculated by dividing the total number of dwelling units by the total residential land area. In this case, it would be 780 dwelling units divided by 60% of 130 acres, which equals approximately 13 dwelling units per acre (or 32 dwelling units per hectare). The nonresidential density, or Floor Area Ratio (FAR), is calculated by dividing the total nonresidential building floor area by the total nonresidential land area. In this case, it would be 1,600,000 ft² divided by 40% of 130 acres, which equals a FAR of approximately 0.47.
These calculations are used when attempting to achieve the Location and Transportation Credit, Surrounding Density and Diverse Uses, under the LEED AP BD+C V4 rating system.
Reference: [LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide]
C
Explanation:
The surrounding residential density is calculated by dividing the total number of dwelling units by the total residential land area. In this case, it would be 780 dwelling units divided by 60% of 130 acres, which equals approximately 13 dwelling units per acre (or 32 dwelling units per hectare). The nonresidential density, or Floor Area Ratio (FAR), is calculated by dividing the total nonresidential building floor area by the total nonresidential land area. In this case, it would be 1,600,000 ft² divided by 40% of 130 acres, which equals a FAR of approximately 0.47.
These calculations are used when attempting to achieve the Location and Transportation Credit, Surrounding Density and Diverse Uses, under the LEED AP BD+C V4 rating system.
Reference: [LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide]
Question #230
A facility manager cleaning highly reflective paving material is
- A . unnecessarily wasting water
- B . reducing the heat island effect
- C . increasing the heat island effect
- D . lowering the Solar Reflectance Index (SRI)
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
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 highly reflective paving materials that have a high solar reflectance index (SRI), which measures the ability of a surface to reflect solar radiation and stay cool. However, over time, the paving materials can accumulate dirt and dust, which can lower their reflectance and increase their heat absorption. Therefore, a facility manager cleaning highly reflective paving material is reducing the heat island effect by restoring the reflectance and cooling potential of the surface12.
Reference:
• Heat Island Reduction | U.S. Green Building Council1
• SpecTopics: Heat Island Reduction Credit and LEED V4/V4.1 – Carlisle SynTec
B
Explanation:
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 highly reflective paving materials that have a high solar reflectance index (SRI), which measures the ability of a surface to reflect solar radiation and stay cool. However, over time, the paving materials can accumulate dirt and dust, which can lower their reflectance and increase their heat absorption. Therefore, a facility manager cleaning highly reflective paving material is reducing the heat island effect by restoring the reflectance and cooling potential of the surface12.
Reference:
• Heat Island Reduction | U.S. Green Building Council1
• SpecTopics: Heat Island Reduction Credit and LEED V4/V4.1 – Carlisle SynTec