USGBC LEED AP BD+C Practice Exams
Last updated on Oct 22,2026- Exam Code: LEED AP BD+C
- Exam Name: LEED AP Building Design + Construction
- Certification Provider: USGBC
- Latest update: Oct 22,2026
Question #21
Which of the following should be analyzed when pursuing an Integrative Design Process focusing on
Energy-RelatedSystems?
- A . Site conditions
- B . Potable water availability
- C . Acoustic performance of the project
- D . Applicability of Green Vehicles to the project
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
The correct answer is A, site conditions. According to the LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, the Integrative Process Prerequisite, Integrative Project Planning and Design, requires the project team to perform a preliminary “simple box” energy modeling and analysis before the completion of schematic design. The purpose of this analysis is to evaluate the energy performance goals of the project and to identify and compare the energy-related design strategies.
The analysis should include the following aspects1:
Site conditions, such as climate, solar orientation, shading, and natural ventilation potential Massing and orientation, such as building shape, size, and orientation, and how they affect the heating and cooling loads, daylight availability, and passive design strategies
Basic envelope attributes, such as insulation levels, window-to-wall ratio, glazing properties, infiltration rates, and thermal bridging
Lighting levels, such as the target illumination levels, daylighting potential, and lighting power density
Plug and process loads, such as the equipment and appliances that consume electricity, and their schedules and controls
Programmatic and operational parameters, such as the occupancy, operating hours, and zoning of the building
Thermal comfort ranges, such as the acceptable temperature and humidity levels for the occupants HVAC system selection, such as the type, efficiency, and control of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system
The other choices are not aspects that should be analyzed when pursuing an integrative design process focusing on energy-related systems, because:
Potable water availability is related to the water efficiency and water quality goals of the project, not the energy performance goals2.
Acoustic performance of the project is related to the indoor environmental quality and occupant comfort goals of the project, not the energy performance goals3.
Applicability of green vehicles to the project is related to the location and transportation and greenhouse gas emissions goals of the project, not the energy performance goals4.
Reference: LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Integrative Process Prerequisite, Integrative Project Planning and Design, Option 1. Energy-Related Systems1; LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Water Efficiency Prerequisite, Indoor Water Use Reduction, Requirements2; LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Indoor Environmental Quality
Prerequisite, Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance, Requirements3; LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Location and Transportation Credit, Green Vehicles, Requirements4
A
Explanation:
The correct answer is A, site conditions. According to the LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, the Integrative Process Prerequisite, Integrative Project Planning and Design, requires the project team to perform a preliminary “simple box” energy modeling and analysis before the completion of schematic design. The purpose of this analysis is to evaluate the energy performance goals of the project and to identify and compare the energy-related design strategies.
The analysis should include the following aspects1:
Site conditions, such as climate, solar orientation, shading, and natural ventilation potential Massing and orientation, such as building shape, size, and orientation, and how they affect the heating and cooling loads, daylight availability, and passive design strategies
Basic envelope attributes, such as insulation levels, window-to-wall ratio, glazing properties, infiltration rates, and thermal bridging
Lighting levels, such as the target illumination levels, daylighting potential, and lighting power density
Plug and process loads, such as the equipment and appliances that consume electricity, and their schedules and controls
Programmatic and operational parameters, such as the occupancy, operating hours, and zoning of the building
Thermal comfort ranges, such as the acceptable temperature and humidity levels for the occupants HVAC system selection, such as the type, efficiency, and control of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system
The other choices are not aspects that should be analyzed when pursuing an integrative design process focusing on energy-related systems, because:
Potable water availability is related to the water efficiency and water quality goals of the project, not the energy performance goals2.
Acoustic performance of the project is related to the indoor environmental quality and occupant comfort goals of the project, not the energy performance goals3.
Applicability of green vehicles to the project is related to the location and transportation and greenhouse gas emissions goals of the project, not the energy performance goals4.
Reference: LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Integrative Process Prerequisite, Integrative Project Planning and Design, Option 1. Energy-Related Systems1; LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Water Efficiency Prerequisite, Indoor Water Use Reduction, Requirements2; LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Indoor Environmental Quality
Prerequisite, Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance, Requirements3; LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Location and Transportation Credit, Green Vehicles, Requirements4
Question #21
Which of the following should be analyzed when pursuing an Integrative Design Process focusing on
Energy-RelatedSystems?
- A . Site conditions
- B . Potable water availability
- C . Acoustic performance of the project
- D . Applicability of Green Vehicles to the project
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
The correct answer is A, site conditions. According to the LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, the Integrative Process Prerequisite, Integrative Project Planning and Design, requires the project team to perform a preliminary “simple box” energy modeling and analysis before the completion of schematic design. The purpose of this analysis is to evaluate the energy performance goals of the project and to identify and compare the energy-related design strategies.
The analysis should include the following aspects1:
Site conditions, such as climate, solar orientation, shading, and natural ventilation potential Massing and orientation, such as building shape, size, and orientation, and how they affect the heating and cooling loads, daylight availability, and passive design strategies
Basic envelope attributes, such as insulation levels, window-to-wall ratio, glazing properties, infiltration rates, and thermal bridging
Lighting levels, such as the target illumination levels, daylighting potential, and lighting power density
Plug and process loads, such as the equipment and appliances that consume electricity, and their schedules and controls
Programmatic and operational parameters, such as the occupancy, operating hours, and zoning of the building
Thermal comfort ranges, such as the acceptable temperature and humidity levels for the occupants HVAC system selection, such as the type, efficiency, and control of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system
The other choices are not aspects that should be analyzed when pursuing an integrative design process focusing on energy-related systems, because:
Potable water availability is related to the water efficiency and water quality goals of the project, not the energy performance goals2.
Acoustic performance of the project is related to the indoor environmental quality and occupant comfort goals of the project, not the energy performance goals3.
Applicability of green vehicles to the project is related to the location and transportation and greenhouse gas emissions goals of the project, not the energy performance goals4.
Reference: LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Integrative Process Prerequisite, Integrative Project Planning and Design, Option 1. Energy-Related Systems1; LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Water Efficiency Prerequisite, Indoor Water Use Reduction, Requirements2; LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Indoor Environmental Quality
Prerequisite, Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance, Requirements3; LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Location and Transportation Credit, Green Vehicles, Requirements4
A
Explanation:
The correct answer is A, site conditions. According to the LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, the Integrative Process Prerequisite, Integrative Project Planning and Design, requires the project team to perform a preliminary “simple box” energy modeling and analysis before the completion of schematic design. The purpose of this analysis is to evaluate the energy performance goals of the project and to identify and compare the energy-related design strategies.
The analysis should include the following aspects1:
Site conditions, such as climate, solar orientation, shading, and natural ventilation potential Massing and orientation, such as building shape, size, and orientation, and how they affect the heating and cooling loads, daylight availability, and passive design strategies
Basic envelope attributes, such as insulation levels, window-to-wall ratio, glazing properties, infiltration rates, and thermal bridging
Lighting levels, such as the target illumination levels, daylighting potential, and lighting power density
Plug and process loads, such as the equipment and appliances that consume electricity, and their schedules and controls
Programmatic and operational parameters, such as the occupancy, operating hours, and zoning of the building
Thermal comfort ranges, such as the acceptable temperature and humidity levels for the occupants HVAC system selection, such as the type, efficiency, and control of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system
The other choices are not aspects that should be analyzed when pursuing an integrative design process focusing on energy-related systems, because:
Potable water availability is related to the water efficiency and water quality goals of the project, not the energy performance goals2.
Acoustic performance of the project is related to the indoor environmental quality and occupant comfort goals of the project, not the energy performance goals3.
Applicability of green vehicles to the project is related to the location and transportation and greenhouse gas emissions goals of the project, not the energy performance goals4.
Reference: LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Integrative Process Prerequisite, Integrative Project Planning and Design, Option 1. Energy-Related Systems1; LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Water Efficiency Prerequisite, Indoor Water Use Reduction, Requirements2; LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Indoor Environmental Quality
Prerequisite, Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance, Requirements3; LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Location and Transportation Credit, Green Vehicles, Requirements4
Question #23
The design team has specified products to achieve Materials and Resources Credit: Building Product Disclosure and Optimization – Sourcing of Raw Materials, Option 2. Leadership Extraction Practices for the project. At the end of the construction, it was discovered that the transporter who shipped a portion of the wood did not have chain-of-custody (CoC) certification.
The design team should do which of the following?
- A . Submit a Credit Interpretation Ruling (CIR) to get clarification from USGBC
- B . Recalculate the percent of certified wood and consider the affected wood as non-certified
- C . Recalculate the percent of certified wood and delete the affected wood from the calculation
- D . Remove and replace the affected wood from the project site
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
If a transporter lacks chain-of-custody (CoC) certification for certified wood products, the design team should recalculate the percentage of certified wood and classify the affected wood as non-certified (B). This approach follows LEED’s requirements for accurate reporting on certified materials. LEED requires all certified wood to maintain CoC certification from the forest to the project site, so any deviation affects credit calculations. Submitting a CIR (A) isn’t needed as the LEED rules are clear on this matter, and removal (D) may not be feasible or cost-effective.
B
Explanation:
If a transporter lacks chain-of-custody (CoC) certification for certified wood products, the design team should recalculate the percentage of certified wood and classify the affected wood as non-certified (B). This approach follows LEED’s requirements for accurate reporting on certified materials. LEED requires all certified wood to maintain CoC certification from the forest to the project site, so any deviation affects credit calculations. Submitting a CIR (A) isn’t needed as the LEED rules are clear on this matter, and removal (D) may not be feasible or cost-effective.
Question #24
An office project has the following items in its break room kitchen: a kitchen sink, a residential-style dishwasher, and a coffee machine.
How would these items be addressed in Water Efficiency Prerequisite, Indoor Water Use Reduction?
- A . The kitchen sink is included in fixture calculations, the dishwasher and coffee machine must be ENERGY STAR® or performance equivalent
- B . The kitchen sink is included in fixture calculations, the dishwasher must be ENERGY STAR® or performance equivalent, and the coffee machine is not included in the prerequisite
- C . The kitchen sink and dishwasher must be WaterSense labeled and the coffee machine is not included in the prerequisite
- D . The kitchen sink and dishwasher must be WaterSense labeled and the coffee machine should be included in fixture calculations
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
For the Water Efficiency (WE) Prerequisite: Indoor Water Use Reduction, the kitchen sink is included in fixture calculations as it directly consumes water. The dishwasher must meet ENERGY STAR® standards or equivalent performance requirements to ensure water efficiency, though it is not included in the fixture calculations. The coffee machine, as a minor appliance with minimal water
use, is not included in this prerequisite (B). This approach aligns with LEED’s focus on larger water-consuming fixtures while ensuring energy and water-efficient appliances where relevant.
B
Explanation:
For the Water Efficiency (WE) Prerequisite: Indoor Water Use Reduction, the kitchen sink is included in fixture calculations as it directly consumes water. The dishwasher must meet ENERGY STAR® standards or equivalent performance requirements to ensure water efficiency, though it is not included in the fixture calculations. The coffee machine, as a minor appliance with minimal water
use, is not included in this prerequisite (B). This approach aligns with LEED’s focus on larger water-consuming fixtures while ensuring energy and water-efficient appliances where relevant.
Question #25
For Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Construction Indoor Air Quality Management Plan, which of the following items is required for credit compliance?
- A . MERV 13 (F7) filtration media
- B . Indoor Environmental Quality test results
- C . Photographic documentation
- D . Separating construction waste
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
The Indoor Air Quality Assessment credit under LEED v4.1 BD+C rating system (Building Design and Construction) seeks to establish better quality indoor air in the building after construction and during occupancy. The credit provides two options for compliance, which cannot be combined1. Therefore, Indoor Environmental Quality test results would be required for credit compliance.
Reference: LEED (BD+C)- Indoor Environmental Quality Credit: Indoor air Quality …
B
Explanation:
The Indoor Air Quality Assessment credit under LEED v4.1 BD+C rating system (Building Design and Construction) seeks to establish better quality indoor air in the building after construction and during occupancy. The credit provides two options for compliance, which cannot be combined1. Therefore, Indoor Environmental Quality test results would be required for credit compliance.
Reference: LEED (BD+C)- Indoor Environmental Quality Credit: Indoor air Quality …
Question #26
An existing vacant office building will be completely renovated and new mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems will be installed. 20% of the building’s gross floor area will be complete at the time of certification. There will be a data center and some retail stores on the ground floor of the building at a future date.
Which rating system is applicable for the building?
- A . LEED BD+C: Retail
- B . LEED BD+C: Data Centers
- C . LEED BD+C: Core & Shell Development
- D . LEED BD+C: New Construction & Major Renovation
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
This rating system is suitable for projects where the developer controls the design and construction of the entire core and shell base building, but has no control over the design and construction of the tenant fit-out. Since the building will have a data center and retail stores in the future, but these are not the primary function of the entire building, LEED BD+C: Core & Shell is more appropriate than LEED BD+C: Data Centers or LEED BD+C: Retail.
Reference: = LEED rating system selection guidance, LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide
C
Explanation:
This rating system is suitable for projects where the developer controls the design and construction of the entire core and shell base building, but has no control over the design and construction of the tenant fit-out. Since the building will have a data center and retail stores in the future, but these are not the primary function of the entire building, LEED BD+C: Core & Shell is more appropriate than LEED BD+C: Data Centers or LEED BD+C: Retail.
Reference: = LEED rating system selection guidance, LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide
Question #27
What are the three phases within the Integrative Process Credit, Integrative Process?
- A . Pre-design, Discovery, Design and Construction
- B . Discovery, Design and Construction, Operations and Feedback
- C . Schematic Design, Design and Construction, Operations and Feedback
- D . Design Charrette, Schematic Design, Operations and Feedback
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
The Integrative Process credit under the LEED BD+C v4 rating system encourages the coordination of all the project team members, starting from the predesign phase, to discover unique opportunities for project design, enhanced building performance, and green features.
The three phases within the Integrative Process Credit are:
Discovery phase: This involves investigating at least two energy-related and several water-related sustainable design strategies prior to the end of schematic design1.
Design and Construction (implementation) phase: This requires the project teams to turn their findings into reality2.
Occupance, Operations, and Performance Feedback phase: This phase involves the evaluation of the
implemented strategies and their effectiveness3.
Reference: LEED Integrative Process Credit Explained – Projectific, Inc.
LEED AP BD+C v4 – Integrative Process Flashcards | Quizlet
Achieving the LEED v4 Integrative Process Credit – SketchUp
B
Explanation:
The Integrative Process credit under the LEED BD+C v4 rating system encourages the coordination of all the project team members, starting from the predesign phase, to discover unique opportunities for project design, enhanced building performance, and green features.
The three phases within the Integrative Process Credit are:
Discovery phase: This involves investigating at least two energy-related and several water-related sustainable design strategies prior to the end of schematic design1.
Design and Construction (implementation) phase: This requires the project teams to turn their findings into reality2.
Occupance, Operations, and Performance Feedback phase: This phase involves the evaluation of the
implemented strategies and their effectiveness3.
Reference: LEED Integrative Process Credit Explained – Projectific, Inc.
LEED AP BD+C v4 – Integrative Process Flashcards | Quizlet
Achieving the LEED v4 Integrative Process Credit – SketchUp
Question #28
What is the basis of energy consumption in determining the percentage of green power or carbon offsets?
- A . Quality
- B . Quantity
- C . Efficiency
- D . Performance
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
The basis of energy consumption in determining the percentage of green power or carbon offsets is the quantity of energy used by the project, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) or British thermal units (Btu). Green power is electricity generated from renewable sources, such as solar, wind, hydro, biomass, or geothermal. Carbon offsets are reductions or removals of greenhouse gas emissions from a project or activity that compensates for the emissions from another source. According to the LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction1, the Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Green Power and Carbon Offsets, requires the project to engage in a contract for qualified resources that meet the following requirements:
The contract term is at least five years.
The green power or carbon offsets are based on the quantity of energy consumed by the building.
The green power is Green-e Energy certified or the equivalent.
The carbon offsets are Green-e Climate certified, Verified Carbon Standard certified, Gold Standard
certified, or the equivalent.
Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction v4 Green Power and Carbon Offsets | U.S. Green Building Council Green Power and Carbon Offsets – LEEDuser
Green Power and Carbon Offsets – LEED v4 for BD+C: New Construction …
B
Explanation:
The basis of energy consumption in determining the percentage of green power or carbon offsets is the quantity of energy used by the project, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) or British thermal units (Btu). Green power is electricity generated from renewable sources, such as solar, wind, hydro, biomass, or geothermal. Carbon offsets are reductions or removals of greenhouse gas emissions from a project or activity that compensates for the emissions from another source. According to the LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction1, the Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Green Power and Carbon Offsets, requires the project to engage in a contract for qualified resources that meet the following requirements:
The contract term is at least five years.
The green power or carbon offsets are based on the quantity of energy consumed by the building.
The green power is Green-e Energy certified or the equivalent.
The carbon offsets are Green-e Climate certified, Verified Carbon Standard certified, Gold Standard
certified, or the equivalent.
Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction v4 Green Power and Carbon Offsets | U.S. Green Building Council Green Power and Carbon Offsets – LEEDuser
Green Power and Carbon Offsets – LEED v4 for BD+C: New Construction …
Question #29
For major renovation and new construction projects, the required energy and water-related system analyses should be the same except for
- A . site conditions
- B . massing and orientation
- C . plug and process load needs
- D . building envelope performance
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
For major renovation and new construction projects, the required energy and water-related system analyses should be the same except for plug and process load needs. Plug and process loads are the electrical loads that are not related to lighting, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, such as computers, appliances, equipment, and machinery. Plug and process load needs may vary depending on the type and function of the building, and they can have a significant impact on the energy performance and demand of the building. Therefore, the project team should analyze the plug and process load needs for each project and design strategies to reduce or optimize them. The other factors, such as site conditions, massing and orientation, and building envelope performance, are common to both major renovation and new construction projects, and they should be analyzed in the same way for both types of projects.
Reference:
• LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, Integrative Process Credit: Integrative Process, page 811
• Integrative Process Worksheet2
C
Explanation:
For major renovation and new construction projects, the required energy and water-related system analyses should be the same except for plug and process load needs. Plug and process loads are the electrical loads that are not related to lighting, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, such as computers, appliances, equipment, and machinery. Plug and process load needs may vary depending on the type and function of the building, and they can have a significant impact on the energy performance and demand of the building. Therefore, the project team should analyze the plug and process load needs for each project and design strategies to reduce or optimize them. The other factors, such as site conditions, massing and orientation, and building envelope performance, are common to both major renovation and new construction projects, and they should be analyzed in the same way for both types of projects.
Reference:
• LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, Integrative Process Credit: Integrative Process, page 811
• Integrative Process Worksheet2
Question #30
Which of the following documents detail the ideas, concepts, and criteria determined to be important to the success of a building?
- A . Design review log
- B . Basis of design
- C . Integrated project delivery
- D . Owner’s project requirements
Correct Answer: D
D
Explanation:
The document that details ideas, concepts, and criteria that are essential for a building’s success is the Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR). The OPR outlines the goals, expectations, and criteria from the owner’s perspective, setting a foundational vision for the project. It is used in LEED AP ID+C certification as a guideline for aligning design and construction decisions with the owner’s objectives. The Basis of Design (BOD) then takes the OPR’s high-level goals and translates them into technical requirements. Both documents support integrated project delivery by helping ensure design aligns with the owner’s goals, but the OPR specifically details what the owner considers essential.
D
Explanation:
The document that details ideas, concepts, and criteria that are essential for a building’s success is the Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR). The OPR outlines the goals, expectations, and criteria from the owner’s perspective, setting a foundational vision for the project. It is used in LEED AP ID+C certification as a guideline for aligning design and construction decisions with the owner’s objectives. The Basis of Design (BOD) then takes the OPR’s high-level goals and translates them into technical requirements. Both documents support integrated project delivery by helping ensure design aligns with the owner’s goals, but the OPR specifically details what the owner considers essential.