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 #241
An HVAC system consists of an air handler supplying conditioned air (mixture of return air and outdoor air) to an office, corridor, conference room and lobby.
For Indoor Environmental Quality Prerequisite, Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance, the ventilation rate procedure calculations must be based upon what HVAC system configuration?
- A . Single-zone system
- B . Multiple-zone system
- C . Mixed-mode system
- D . 100% outdoor air system
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
A multiple-zone system is a system that has one or more air handlers supplying conditioned air to more than one zone. A zone is a space or group of spaces within a building with heating and cooling requirements that are sufficiently similar so that desired conditions (e.g., temperature) can be maintained throughout using a single controlling device. The ventilation rate procedure calculations must be based on the multiple-zone system configuration because the HVAC system in the question serves different zones with different ventilation requirements.
Reference: LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, p. 6881; ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2010, Section 6.2.52
B
Explanation:
A multiple-zone system is a system that has one or more air handlers supplying conditioned air to more than one zone. A zone is a space or group of spaces within a building with heating and cooling requirements that are sufficiently similar so that desired conditions (e.g., temperature) can be maintained throughout using a single controlling device. The ventilation rate procedure calculations must be based on the multiple-zone system configuration because the HVAC system in the question serves different zones with different ventilation requirements.
Reference: LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, p. 6881; ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2010, Section 6.2.52
Question #242
What requirement must be met when creating a Demand Response Program that satisfies Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Demand Response?
- A . Permanently reduce the energy consumption in the building by 5%
- B . Demonstrate submetering of the two highest electrical end uses
- C . Demonstrate a load shift reduction of 5% in the building
- D . Create a comprehensive plan for meeting a demand response event
Correct Answer: D
D
Explanation:
To achieve the Energy and Atmosphere (EA) Credit: Demand Response, a project must create a comprehensive plan for responding to a demand response event (D). This includes a strategy for reducing electrical load when a demand response event is triggered by the utility provider. The plan should outline actions for shifting or reducing energy use during peak demand times to support grid stability. Permanent reductions (A), submetering (B), and specific load shift reductions (C) are not required for this credit.
D
Explanation:
To achieve the Energy and Atmosphere (EA) Credit: Demand Response, a project must create a comprehensive plan for responding to a demand response event (D). This includes a strategy for reducing electrical load when a demand response event is triggered by the utility provider. The plan should outline actions for shifting or reducing energy use during peak demand times to support grid stability. Permanent reductions (A), submetering (B), and specific load shift reductions (C) are not required for this credit.
Question #243
A commercial new construction project consists of mixed space usage. When deciding which LEED rating system to use, the LEED AP should follow which of the following rules?
- A . If a rating system is appropriate for less than 50% of the gross area of the LEED project space then the rating system must not be used
- B . If a rating system is appropriate for more than 50% of the gross floor area of LEED project space, then that rating system must be used
- C . If a rating system is appropriate for 30% to 60% of the gross floor area, the project team must independently assess their situation and decide which rating system is most applicable
- D . If a rating system is appropriate for 40% to 60% of the gross floor area, the project team must independently assess their situation and decide which rating system is most applicable
Correct Answer: D
D
Explanation:
According to the LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, the 40/60 rule provides guidance for making a decision when several rating systems appear to be appropriate for a project. To use this rule, first assign a rating system to each square foot or square meter of the building, and then choose the most appropriate rating system based on the resulting percentages. The entire gross floor area of a LEED project must be certified under a single rating system and is subject to all prerequisites and attempted credits in that rating system, regardless of mixed construction or space usage type. If a rating system is appropriate for less than 40% of the gross floor area of a LEED project building or space, then that rating system should not be used. If a rating system is appropriate for more than 60% of the gross floor area of a LEED project building or space, then that rating system should be used. If an appropriate rating system falls between 40% and 60% of the gross floor area, project teams must independently assess their situation and decide which rating system is most applicable1.
Reference: LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, LEED Rating System Selection Guidance1
D
Explanation:
According to the LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, the 40/60 rule provides guidance for making a decision when several rating systems appear to be appropriate for a project. To use this rule, first assign a rating system to each square foot or square meter of the building, and then choose the most appropriate rating system based on the resulting percentages. The entire gross floor area of a LEED project must be certified under a single rating system and is subject to all prerequisites and attempted credits in that rating system, regardless of mixed construction or space usage type. If a rating system is appropriate for less than 40% of the gross floor area of a LEED project building or space, then that rating system should not be used. If a rating system is appropriate for more than 60% of the gross floor area of a LEED project building or space, then that rating system should be used. If an appropriate rating system falls between 40% and 60% of the gross floor area, project teams must independently assess their situation and decide which rating system is most applicable1.
Reference: LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, LEED Rating System Selection Guidance1
Question #244
A tenant of a new office building will require 100 workstations per floor. Each floor will have two bathroom facilities and one conference room.
How many lighting control devices with at least three lighting levels per floor are required to comply with Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Interior Lighting, Option 1. Lighting Control?
- A . 91 lighting control devices
- B . 93 lighting control devices
- C . 100 lighting control devices
- D . 103 lighting control devices
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
To comply with Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Interior Lighting, Option 1. Lighting Control, the tenant of a new office building will require 93 lighting control devices with at least three lighting levels per floor. This is because the credit requires that at least 90% of individual occupant spaces have lighting controls that enable occupants to adjust the lighting to suit their individual tasks and preferences1. The credit also requires that all shared multioccupant spaces have lighting controls that enable adjustments that meet the needs of the group1. According to the LEED BD+C Reference Guide, an individual occupant space is defined as an enclosed space or an open space that is occupied by one person and is at least 50 square feet (4.6 square meters) in area1. A shared multioccupant space is defined as an enclosed or open space that is occupied by more than one person and is at least 100 square feet (9.3 square meters) in area1.
Based on the given information, each workstation can be considered as an individual occupant space,
and each bathroom facility and conference room can be considered as a shared multioccupant space.
Therefore, the number of lighting control devices per floor can be calculated as follows:
For the 100 workstations, 90% of them need lighting controls, which is 90 workstations. Each workstation needs one lighting control device, so the total number of lighting control devices for the workstations is 90.
For the two bathroom facilities, each facility needs one lighting control device, so the total number of lighting control devices for the bathroom facilities is 2.
For the one conference room, one lighting control device is needed, so the total number of lighting control devices for the conference room is 1.
The total number of lighting control devices per floor is then 90 + 2 + 1 = 93.
Reference: Interior lighting
B
Explanation:
To comply with Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Interior Lighting, Option 1. Lighting Control, the tenant of a new office building will require 93 lighting control devices with at least three lighting levels per floor. This is because the credit requires that at least 90% of individual occupant spaces have lighting controls that enable occupants to adjust the lighting to suit their individual tasks and preferences1. The credit also requires that all shared multioccupant spaces have lighting controls that enable adjustments that meet the needs of the group1. According to the LEED BD+C Reference Guide, an individual occupant space is defined as an enclosed space or an open space that is occupied by one person and is at least 50 square feet (4.6 square meters) in area1. A shared multioccupant space is defined as an enclosed or open space that is occupied by more than one person and is at least 100 square feet (9.3 square meters) in area1.
Based on the given information, each workstation can be considered as an individual occupant space,
and each bathroom facility and conference room can be considered as a shared multioccupant space.
Therefore, the number of lighting control devices per floor can be calculated as follows:
For the 100 workstations, 90% of them need lighting controls, which is 90 workstations. Each workstation needs one lighting control device, so the total number of lighting control devices for the workstations is 90.
For the two bathroom facilities, each facility needs one lighting control device, so the total number of lighting control devices for the bathroom facilities is 2.
For the one conference room, one lighting control device is needed, so the total number of lighting control devices for the conference room is 1.
The total number of lighting control devices per floor is then 90 + 2 + 1 = 93.
Reference: Interior lighting
Question #245
An owner has insisted on using a non-native or non-adapted plant species on both the vegetated roof and ground level.
What Sustainable Sites credit will this decision impact the most?
- A . Site Development-Protect or Restore Habita
- B . Site Assessment
- C . Heat Island Reduction
- D . Light Pollution Reduction
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
Using a non-native or non-adapted plant species on both the vegetated roof and ground level will impact the Sustainable Sites credit Site Development-Protect or Restore Habitat the most. This credit requires that at least 20% of the site area (excluding building footprint) or 5% of the site area (including building footprint) must be vegetated with native or adapted plants. Non-native or non-adapted plants do not qualify for this credit and may also have negative impacts on the local ecosystem and biodiversity. The other credits are not directly affected by the choice of plant species, although they may have other requirements related to vegetation, such as shading, reflectance, or lighting.
Reference: LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, Sustainable Sites Category, SSc Site Development-Protect or Restore Habitat, page 648.
A
Explanation:
Using a non-native or non-adapted plant species on both the vegetated roof and ground level will impact the Sustainable Sites credit Site Development-Protect or Restore Habitat the most. This credit requires that at least 20% of the site area (excluding building footprint) or 5% of the site area (including building footprint) must be vegetated with native or adapted plants. Non-native or non-adapted plants do not qualify for this credit and may also have negative impacts on the local ecosystem and biodiversity. The other credits are not directly affected by the choice of plant species, although they may have other requirements related to vegetation, such as shading, reflectance, or lighting.
Reference: LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, Sustainable Sites Category, SSc Site Development-Protect or Restore Habitat, page 648.
Question #246
A building owner installs a building automation system (BAS) to allow programmable load control.
Which of the following credits can be pursued because of the installation?
- A . Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Demand Response
B Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Ongoing Commissioning - B . Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Enhanced Commissioning
- C . Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Enhanced Refrigerant Management
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
This is because:
A building automation system (BAS) is a system that controls and monitors various aspects of a building’s operation, such as lighting, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, security, fire alarm, and energy management1.
A BAS can allow programmable load control (PLC), which is the ability to adjust the power consumption of devices or equipment based on a schedule, a sensor, or an event2. PLC can help reduce the energy demand and cost of a building by optimizing the use of resources and avoiding unnecessary or wasteful consumption3.
The LEED AP BD+C V4 credit for Demand Response requires that buildings have a demand response program that can respond to changes in electricity prices or supply by reducing or shifting the demand for electricity4. A BAS can enable such a program by allowing PLC and other features that can modulate the power usage of devices or equipment in response to market signals or internal conditions.
Therefore, installing a BAS to allow PLC can help achieve the Energy and Atmosphere Credit for Demand Response by reducing the energy demand and cost of a building.
Reference: 1: Building Automation Systems – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics 2: Programmable
Logic Controllers (PLCs) – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics 3: How Programmable Logic Controllers
Can Help You Save Money on Your Energy Bills 4: LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide – U.S. Green Building Council: How Building Automation Systems Can Help You Save Money on Your Energy Bills
A
Explanation:
This is because:
A building automation system (BAS) is a system that controls and monitors various aspects of a building’s operation, such as lighting, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, security, fire alarm, and energy management1.
A BAS can allow programmable load control (PLC), which is the ability to adjust the power consumption of devices or equipment based on a schedule, a sensor, or an event2. PLC can help reduce the energy demand and cost of a building by optimizing the use of resources and avoiding unnecessary or wasteful consumption3.
The LEED AP BD+C V4 credit for Demand Response requires that buildings have a demand response program that can respond to changes in electricity prices or supply by reducing or shifting the demand for electricity4. A BAS can enable such a program by allowing PLC and other features that can modulate the power usage of devices or equipment in response to market signals or internal conditions.
Therefore, installing a BAS to allow PLC can help achieve the Energy and Atmosphere Credit for Demand Response by reducing the energy demand and cost of a building.
Reference: 1: Building Automation Systems – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics 2: Programmable
Logic Controllers (PLCs) – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics 3: How Programmable Logic Controllers
Can Help You Save Money on Your Energy Bills 4: LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide – U.S. Green Building Council: How Building Automation Systems Can Help You Save Money on Your Energy Bills
Question #247
A project team seeking certification for a new school is attempting to achieve Materials and Resources Credit, Construction and Demolition Waste Management, Option 2. Reduction of Total Waste Material.
What strategy can be taken to meet the requirements of this credit?
- A . Track waste materials per occupant
- B . Track waste materials used on site
- C . Document total waste by project cost
- D . Document total waste per building floor area
Correct Answer: D
D
Explanation:
The correct answer is
D. Document total waste per building floor area.
According to the LEED v4.1 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, Option 2 of the Construction and Demolition Waste Management credit requires projects to reduce the total construction waste generated by the project to less than 12.2 kilograms per square meter (2.5 pounds per square foot) of the building’s floor area1. This option rewards projects for implementing waste prevention strategies, such as designing for material optimization, prefabrication, modular construction, deconstruction, and reuse1. To meet the requirements of this option, projects must document the total weight or volume of all construction waste generated by the project, excluding land-clearing debris and excavated soil, and divide it by the building’s floor area1. Projects must also provide a narrative describing the waste prevention measures taken during design and construction1.
D
Explanation:
The correct answer is
D. Document total waste per building floor area.
According to the LEED v4.1 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, Option 2 of the Construction and Demolition Waste Management credit requires projects to reduce the total construction waste generated by the project to less than 12.2 kilograms per square meter (2.5 pounds per square foot) of the building’s floor area1. This option rewards projects for implementing waste prevention strategies, such as designing for material optimization, prefabrication, modular construction, deconstruction, and reuse1. To meet the requirements of this option, projects must document the total weight or volume of all construction waste generated by the project, excluding land-clearing debris and excavated soil, and divide it by the building’s floor area1. Projects must also provide a narrative describing the waste prevention measures taken during design and construction1.
Question #248
At the time of registering a project in LEED Online, Regional Priority credits are determined based upon the project’s
- A . environmental zone
- B . longitude and latitude
- C . ASHRAE 90.1 – 2010 climate zone
- D . Environmental Protection Agency Phase I Assessment
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
At the time of registering a project in LEED Online, Regional Priority credits are determined based on the project’s longitude and latitude. Regional Priority credits are bonus points that reward projects for addressing the environmental, social, and public health issues that are most relevant to their location1. The project team must enter the project’s address and confirm the precise location using the Google Maps interface in LEED Online2. The longitude and latitude coordinates are then used to identify the Regional Priority credits that are applicable to the project2. The project can earn up to four Regional Priority points by achieving the base credits that correspond to the Regional Priority credits1.
Reference: Regional priority credit lookup | U.S. Green Building Council Regional Priority (RP) credits C U.S. Green Building Council
B
Explanation:
At the time of registering a project in LEED Online, Regional Priority credits are determined based on the project’s longitude and latitude. Regional Priority credits are bonus points that reward projects for addressing the environmental, social, and public health issues that are most relevant to their location1. The project team must enter the project’s address and confirm the precise location using the Google Maps interface in LEED Online2. The longitude and latitude coordinates are then used to identify the Regional Priority credits that are applicable to the project2. The project can earn up to four Regional Priority points by achieving the base credits that correspond to the Regional Priority credits1.
Reference: Regional priority credit lookup | U.S. Green Building Council Regional Priority (RP) credits C U.S. Green Building Council
Question #249
A project team reviews office chairs with a Type III environmental product declaration (EPD) for the five different categories of environmental impact reduction.
Which of the following must the chairs demonstrate for product optimization?
- A . A reduction in at least two categories
- B . A reduction below the industry average in at least three categories
- C . A 5% reduction in all categories
- D . A 10% reduction in GHG emissions and a 10% reduction in at least two other categories
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
For the Materials and Resources (MR) Credit: Building Product Disclosure and Optimization – Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), products must demonstrate a reduction below the industry average in at least three categories (B) to qualify for product optimization. Type III EPDs provide verified environmental impact data across multiple categories (e.g., global warming potential, ozone depletion). LEED encourages using products that have a lower impact than the industry standard, specifically in three or more environmental impact categories, to promote sustainable material selection.
B
Explanation:
For the Materials and Resources (MR) Credit: Building Product Disclosure and Optimization – Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), products must demonstrate a reduction below the industry average in at least three categories (B) to qualify for product optimization. Type III EPDs provide verified environmental impact data across multiple categories (e.g., global warming potential, ozone depletion). LEED encourages using products that have a lower impact than the industry standard, specifically in three or more environmental impact categories, to promote sustainable material selection.
Question #250
Innovation credits for exemplary performance can be awarded for
- A . achieving one pilot credit
- B . achieving double the credit requirements
- C . demonstrating significant environmental benefits
- D . demonstrating a qualitative improvement in environmental performance
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
Exemplary performance credits are one of the options to earn innovation points under the LEED v4.1 rating system. They are typically awarded for achieving double the credit requirements or the next incremental percentage threshold of an existing LEED v4.1 prerequisite or credit that allows exemplary performance. For example, to earn an exemplary performance point for the Energy and Atmosphere credit Optimize Energy Performance, the project must demonstrate a percentage improvement in the proposed building performance rating compared to the baseline building performance rating per ASHRAE 90.1-2010 by at least 12 percentage points for new construction, or by at least 16 percentage points for major renovations.
Reference: = NC-v4.1 INc1: Innovation | LEEDuser, Guide to Exemplary Performance Credits in LEED-NC v4 | LEEDuser
B
Explanation:
Exemplary performance credits are one of the options to earn innovation points under the LEED v4.1 rating system. They are typically awarded for achieving double the credit requirements or the next incremental percentage threshold of an existing LEED v4.1 prerequisite or credit that allows exemplary performance. For example, to earn an exemplary performance point for the Energy and Atmosphere credit Optimize Energy Performance, the project must demonstrate a percentage improvement in the proposed building performance rating compared to the baseline building performance rating per ASHRAE 90.1-2010 by at least 12 percentage points for new construction, or by at least 16 percentage points for major renovations.
Reference: = NC-v4.1 INc1: Innovation | LEEDuser, Guide to Exemplary Performance Credits in LEED-NC v4 | LEEDuser