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 #251
For minimum acoustic performance, peak-hour is defined as M
- A . lowest noise level over a specified sample time
- B . highest noise level over various periods of time
- C . an energy-average of the noise level over a specified sample time
- D . an energy-average of noise level divided by total sample time and area of the space
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
Peak-hour is a term used to describe the time period when the traffic noise is highest, usually during morning and evening rush hours. Peak-hour noise level is measured by the equivalent continuous sound level (Leq), which is an energy-average of the noise level over a specified sample time. For minimum acoustic performance, LEED requires projects to implement acoustic treatment and other measures to minimize noise intrusion from exterior sources for high-noise sites (peak-hour Leq above 60 dBA during school hours).
Reference: LEED BD+C: Schools v4 – LEED v4 Minimum acoustic performance
Schools-NC-v4 EQp3: Minimum acoustic performance | LEEDuser
Schools-NC-v4.1 EQp3: Minimum acoustic performance | LEEDuser
B
Explanation:
Peak-hour is a term used to describe the time period when the traffic noise is highest, usually during morning and evening rush hours. Peak-hour noise level is measured by the equivalent continuous sound level (Leq), which is an energy-average of the noise level over a specified sample time. For minimum acoustic performance, LEED requires projects to implement acoustic treatment and other measures to minimize noise intrusion from exterior sources for high-noise sites (peak-hour Leq above 60 dBA during school hours).
Reference: LEED BD+C: Schools v4 – LEED v4 Minimum acoustic performance
Schools-NC-v4 EQp3: Minimum acoustic performance | LEEDuser
Schools-NC-v4.1 EQp3: Minimum acoustic performance | LEEDuser
Question #252
In the step-by-step guidance for Location and Transportation Credit, Bicycle Facilities, which of the following requirements can define a bicycle network?
- A . One-way streets
- B . Bike share
- C . Slow speed roadways
- D . Traffic lights
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
According to the LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction1, the Location and Transportation Credit, Bicycle Facilities, requires the project to provide short-term and long-term bicycle storage and a functional entry or bicycle storage within 200 yards of a bicycle network.
The bicycle network is defined as any one of the following:
Off-street bicycle paths or on-street bicycle lanes that are physically marked and separated from motor traffic
Streets designed for a target speed of 25 mph (40 km/h) or less, with traffic calming features such as curb extensions, speed humps, raised crossings, narrowed traffic lanes, median islands, tight corner radii, roundabouts, or landscaping
Streets with a legal speed limit of 25 mph (40 km/h) or less that connect to a larger bicycle network Therefore, among the given options, only slow speed roadways can define a bicycle network, as they can provide a safer and more comfortable environment for cyclists. One-way streets, bike share, and traffic lights are not sufficient to define a bicycle network, as they do not necessarily indicate the presence of bicycle paths, lanes, or low-speed streets.
Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction v4 Bicycle facilities | U.S. Green Building Council CI-v4.1 LTc4: Bicycle facilities | LEEDuser
Understanding bikeability: a methodology to assess urban networks Bicycle Network | Making bike riding easier for everyone
C
Explanation:
According to the LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction1, the Location and Transportation Credit, Bicycle Facilities, requires the project to provide short-term and long-term bicycle storage and a functional entry or bicycle storage within 200 yards of a bicycle network.
The bicycle network is defined as any one of the following:
Off-street bicycle paths or on-street bicycle lanes that are physically marked and separated from motor traffic
Streets designed for a target speed of 25 mph (40 km/h) or less, with traffic calming features such as curb extensions, speed humps, raised crossings, narrowed traffic lanes, median islands, tight corner radii, roundabouts, or landscaping
Streets with a legal speed limit of 25 mph (40 km/h) or less that connect to a larger bicycle network Therefore, among the given options, only slow speed roadways can define a bicycle network, as they can provide a safer and more comfortable environment for cyclists. One-way streets, bike share, and traffic lights are not sufficient to define a bicycle network, as they do not necessarily indicate the presence of bicycle paths, lanes, or low-speed streets.
Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction v4 Bicycle facilities | U.S. Green Building Council CI-v4.1 LTc4: Bicycle facilities | LEEDuser
Understanding bikeability: a methodology to assess urban networks Bicycle Network | Making bike riding easier for everyone
Question #253
How can a building owner promote both energy efficiency and thermal comfort in a building?
- A . Survey occupants about their comfort on a regular basis
- B . Provide occupants with individual space heaters in the winter
- C . Ask the cleaning contractor to turn off all of the lights after cleaning
- D . Institute a flexible dress code that permits seasonally appropriate clothing
Correct Answer: D
D
Explanation:
A flexible dress code that permits seasonally appropriate clothing can promote both energy efficiency and thermal comfort in a building. This is because it allows occupants to adjust their clothing to the indoor and outdoor temperature variations, reducing the need for excessive heating or cooling. It also enhances the occupants’ satisfaction and productivity by allowing them to choose comfortable clothing. Surveying occupants about their comfort can help identify and address thermal comfort issues, but it does not necessarily improve energy efficiency. Providing individual space heaters can increase energy consumption and create thermal discomfort for other occupants. Turning off the lights after cleaning can save some energy, but it does not affect thermal comfort.
Reference:
• LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, page 4271
• LEED v4 Credit Tutorials: Energy & Atmosphere (BD+C/ID+C), EA Credit Optimize Energy Performance2
• LEED v4 Credit Tutorials: Indoor Environmental Quality (BD+C/ID+C), EQ Credit Thermal Comfort2
D
Explanation:
A flexible dress code that permits seasonally appropriate clothing can promote both energy efficiency and thermal comfort in a building. This is because it allows occupants to adjust their clothing to the indoor and outdoor temperature variations, reducing the need for excessive heating or cooling. It also enhances the occupants’ satisfaction and productivity by allowing them to choose comfortable clothing. Surveying occupants about their comfort can help identify and address thermal comfort issues, but it does not necessarily improve energy efficiency. Providing individual space heaters can increase energy consumption and create thermal discomfort for other occupants. Turning off the lights after cleaning can save some energy, but it does not affect thermal comfort.
Reference:
• LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, page 4271
• LEED v4 Credit Tutorials: Energy & Atmosphere (BD+C/ID+C), EA Credit Optimize Energy Performance2
• LEED v4 Credit Tutorials: Indoor Environmental Quality (BD+C/ID+C), EQ Credit Thermal Comfort2
Question #254
A LEED AP submitted a Preliminary Design and Construction review and has received a review comment and technical advice on Materials and Resources Prerequisite, Construction and Demolition Waste Management Planning.
Which of the following actions should the LEED AP do if the project continues to pursue LEED certification?
- A . Revise the documentation and resubmit the form
- B . Abandon meeting this prerequisite
- C . Submit an appeal to Green Business Certification Inc.
- D . Ask the General Contractor to be more aggressive with recycling goals
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
Revise the documentation and resubmit the form If a project receives a review comment and technical advice on a prerequisite, it means that the documentation submitted was incomplete, inaccurate, or unclear, and that the project team needs to address the issues raised by the reviewer and provide additional information or clarification. The project team should revise the documentation and resubmit the form as part of the final review to demonstrate compliance with the prerequisite requirements. Abandoning meeting this prerequisite is not an option, as prerequisites are mandatory for LEED certification. Submitting an appeal to Green Business Certification Inc. is only applicable if the project team disagrees with the reviewer’s decision or interpretation, and has additional evidence or arguments to support their claim. Asking the General Contractor to be more aggressive with recycling goals is not relevant to this prerequisite, as it does not address the documentation issue.
Reference: As per the LEED AP Building Design + Construction (LEED AP BD+C) V4 resources, the Materials and Resources Prerequisite for Construction and Demolition Waste Management Planning requires the project team to develop and implement a construction and demolition waste management plan that identifies at least five materials targeted for diversion from disposal in landfills and incinerators. The project team must also estimate a diversion rate for each material and describe how they will achieve it. The project team must submit this plan as part of the preliminary design review, along with a letter from the owner or project manager confirming that they will implement it during construction. If the reviewer finds any issues with the plan or the letter, they will provide a review comment and technical advice on how to improve it. The project team must then revise the documentation and resubmit it as part of the final design review, along with a narrative describing how they addressed the reviewer’s feedback. For more detailed information, you can refer to the web-based reference guide in the credit library at USGBC’s official website.
A
Explanation:
Revise the documentation and resubmit the form If a project receives a review comment and technical advice on a prerequisite, it means that the documentation submitted was incomplete, inaccurate, or unclear, and that the project team needs to address the issues raised by the reviewer and provide additional information or clarification. The project team should revise the documentation and resubmit the form as part of the final review to demonstrate compliance with the prerequisite requirements. Abandoning meeting this prerequisite is not an option, as prerequisites are mandatory for LEED certification. Submitting an appeal to Green Business Certification Inc. is only applicable if the project team disagrees with the reviewer’s decision or interpretation, and has additional evidence or arguments to support their claim. Asking the General Contractor to be more aggressive with recycling goals is not relevant to this prerequisite, as it does not address the documentation issue.
Reference: As per the LEED AP Building Design + Construction (LEED AP BD+C) V4 resources, the Materials and Resources Prerequisite for Construction and Demolition Waste Management Planning requires the project team to develop and implement a construction and demolition waste management plan that identifies at least five materials targeted for diversion from disposal in landfills and incinerators. The project team must also estimate a diversion rate for each material and describe how they will achieve it. The project team must submit this plan as part of the preliminary design review, along with a letter from the owner or project manager confirming that they will implement it during construction. If the reviewer finds any issues with the plan or the letter, they will provide a review comment and technical advice on how to improve it. The project team must then revise the documentation and resubmit it as part of the final design review, along with a narrative describing how they addressed the reviewer’s feedback. For more detailed information, you can refer to the web-based reference guide in the credit library at USGBC’s official website.
Question #255
Which of the following will contribute to reducing the heat island effect?
- A . Artificial turf grass
- B . Intensive vegetated roof
- C . Steep sloped roof with initial SRI of 35
- D . Low sloped roof with initial Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) of 64
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
An intensive vegetated roof is a roof that has a thick layer of soil and plants that provide shade, evapotranspiration, and stormwater management. It can reduce the heat island effect by lowering the surface and air temperature of the roof and the surrounding area. Artificial turf grass does not reduce the heat island effect because it is not a living plant and does not provide cooling benefits. A steep sloped roof with initial SRI of 35 does not meet the minimum requirement of 39 for Option 1 or 32 for Option 2 of the Heat Island Reduction credit. A low sloped roof with initial SRI of 64 exceeds the minimum requirement of 82 for Option 1 or 64 for Option 2, but it is not the best option among the choices because it only reflects solar radiation and does not provide other benefits such as shading, evapotranspiration, and stormwater management.
Reference: Heat Island Reduction credit in LEED BD+C: New Construction v4.1 – LEED v4.11
SpecTopics: Heat Island Reduction Credit and LEED® V4/V4.12
LEED Principle: Urban Heat Island Mitigation and Roofing3
B
Explanation:
An intensive vegetated roof is a roof that has a thick layer of soil and plants that provide shade, evapotranspiration, and stormwater management. It can reduce the heat island effect by lowering the surface and air temperature of the roof and the surrounding area. Artificial turf grass does not reduce the heat island effect because it is not a living plant and does not provide cooling benefits. A steep sloped roof with initial SRI of 35 does not meet the minimum requirement of 39 for Option 1 or 32 for Option 2 of the Heat Island Reduction credit. A low sloped roof with initial SRI of 64 exceeds the minimum requirement of 82 for Option 1 or 64 for Option 2, but it is not the best option among the choices because it only reflects solar radiation and does not provide other benefits such as shading, evapotranspiration, and stormwater management.
Reference: Heat Island Reduction credit in LEED BD+C: New Construction v4.1 – LEED v4.11
SpecTopics: Heat Island Reduction Credit and LEED® V4/V4.12
LEED Principle: Urban Heat Island Mitigation and Roofing3
Question #256
A school project is located in a basin. Snow melts in the spring on the nearby mountains which replenishes the local water supply. The nearby highways are sometimes closed during the winter due to the winter storm.
What is the top priority the project team should focus on?
- A . Use ground source heat pump
- B . Install efficient plumbing fixtures
- C . Ergonomics design for classrooms and computer rooms
- D . Purchase all materials locally to minimize road transportation
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
This option requires the project team to focus on reducing the water consumption of the school project, because it is located in a basin that depends on the seasonal snowmelt for its water supply1. Installing efficient plumbing fixtures, such as low-flow faucets, toilets, and showerheads, can help save water and reduce the demand on the local water resources2. This option can also help the project achieve the LEED credits for outdoor and indoor water use reduction3.
Reference: = LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Water-Efficient Plumbing Fixtures, Water Efficiency | U.S. Green Building Council.
B
Explanation:
This option requires the project team to focus on reducing the water consumption of the school project, because it is located in a basin that depends on the seasonal snowmelt for its water supply1. Installing efficient plumbing fixtures, such as low-flow faucets, toilets, and showerheads, can help save water and reduce the demand on the local water resources2. This option can also help the project achieve the LEED credits for outdoor and indoor water use reduction3.
Reference: = LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Water-Efficient Plumbing Fixtures, Water Efficiency | U.S. Green Building Council.
Question #257
Which individual occupant lighting control meets the requirements of Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Interior Lighting?
- A . Two Level (on, off)
- B . Three Level (on, 25%, off)
- C . Three Level (on, 50%, off)
- D . Three Level (on, 75%, off)
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
The Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Interior Lighting, requires the project team to provide individual occupant lighting control for at least 90% of the individual occupant spaces, or at least 50% of the shared multi-occupant spaces. The lighting control must enable occupants to adjust the lighting to suit their individual tasks and preferences, and must have at least three lighting levels, excluding off1. Therefore, a three level (on, 25%, off) lighting control meets the requirements of this credit, while a two level (on, off) lighting control does not. A three level (on, 50%, off) or a three level (on, 75%, off) lighting control may also meet the requirements, depending on the lighting power density and the daylight availability in the space2.
Reference:
• LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, Indoor Environmental Quality Credit: Interior Lighting, page 7071
• Interior lighting | U.S. Green Building Council3
B
Explanation:
The Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Interior Lighting, requires the project team to provide individual occupant lighting control for at least 90% of the individual occupant spaces, or at least 50% of the shared multi-occupant spaces. The lighting control must enable occupants to adjust the lighting to suit their individual tasks and preferences, and must have at least three lighting levels, excluding off1. Therefore, a three level (on, 25%, off) lighting control meets the requirements of this credit, while a two level (on, off) lighting control does not. A three level (on, 50%, off) or a three level (on, 75%, off) lighting control may also meet the requirements, depending on the lighting power density and the daylight availability in the space2.
Reference:
• LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, Indoor Environmental Quality Credit: Interior Lighting, page 7071
• Interior lighting | U.S. Green Building Council3
Question #258
The contractor has submitted waste hauling reports for review in order to achieve Materials and Resources Credit, Construction and Demolition Waste Management.
Which of the following materials on the documentation contribute towards the credit?
- A . Excavated soil
- B . Wood derived fuel
- C . Items sent to the local incinerator
- D . Alternate Daily Cover
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
This option requires the project to classify wood derived fuel as a recycled material that contributes towards the credit, because it is a waste material that is converted into a useful energy source1. Wood derived fuel can be used for heating, electricity generation, or co-firing with other fuels2. According to the LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, recycled materials are those that have been reprocessed or remanufactured from recovered materials3.
Reference: = LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Wood Derived Fuels – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics, Wood-Derived Fuels | Energy and the Environment | US EPA.
B
Explanation:
This option requires the project to classify wood derived fuel as a recycled material that contributes towards the credit, because it is a waste material that is converted into a useful energy source1. Wood derived fuel can be used for heating, electricity generation, or co-firing with other fuels2. According to the LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, recycled materials are those that have been reprocessed or remanufactured from recovered materials3.
Reference: = LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Wood Derived Fuels – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics, Wood-Derived Fuels | Energy and the Environment | US EPA.
Question #259
What is a benefit of including the public in a charrette for a new school before the pre-design phase?
- A . Neighbors can plan for future construction
- B . It will help streamline the permitting process
- C . Potential partnerships with the community can be revealed
- D . The owner can determine financial strategies based on the public’s input
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
A charrette is a collaborative design process that involves multiple stakeholders, such as the owner, the design team, the community, and the users. By including the public in a charrette for a new school before the pre-design phase, potential partnerships with the community can be revealed. For example, the school might share facilities or resources with a nearby library, park, or community center. This can enhance the social and environmental benefits of the project, as well as reduce costs and increase efficiency.
Reference: LEED BD+C Reference Guide, Introduction, page 171; LEED BD+C Reference Guide, Integrative Process, page 291
C
Explanation:
A charrette is a collaborative design process that involves multiple stakeholders, such as the owner, the design team, the community, and the users. By including the public in a charrette for a new school before the pre-design phase, potential partnerships with the community can be revealed. For example, the school might share facilities or resources with a nearby library, park, or community center. This can enhance the social and environmental benefits of the project, as well as reduce costs and increase efficiency.
Reference: LEED BD+C Reference Guide, Introduction, page 171; LEED BD+C Reference Guide, Integrative Process, page 291
Question #260
Location and Transportation Credit, Surrounding Density and Diverse Uses, Option 1. Surrounding Density requires project teams to exclude what type of land area from the calculations?
- A . Buildable land within 1/4 mi. (0.40 km) of the project boundary
- B . Public right-of-way areas within 1/4 mi. (0.40 km) of the project boundary
- C . Surface parking areas within 1/2 mi. (0.80 km) of the project boundary
- D . University campus land areas within 1/2 mi. (0.80 km) of the project boundary
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
This option requires the project team to exclude public right-of-way areas, such as streets, sidewalks, and alleys, from the calculations of the surrounding existing density1. This option ensures that the density is measured based on the buildable land area, which is the area available for development or construction2.
Reference: = [LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide], Surrounding density and diverse uses.
B
Explanation:
This option requires the project team to exclude public right-of-way areas, such as streets, sidewalks, and alleys, from the calculations of the surrounding existing density1. This option ensures that the density is measured based on the buildable land area, which is the area available for development or construction2.
Reference: = [LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide], Surrounding density and diverse uses.