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 #31
Discussing the project goals to help identify the credits and options that the team should attempt is an example of
- A . documenting LEED credits
- B . creating the Basis of Design (BOD)
- C . developing the LEED Scorecard
- D . implementing the Commissioning (Cx) Plan
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
Discussing the project goals to help identify the credits and options that the team should attempt is an example of developing the LEED Scorecard. The LEED Scorecard is a tool that shows the potential points that a project can achieve under each credit category of the LEED rating system1. Developing the LEED Scorecard involves selecting the most appropriate credits and options based on the project’s goals, location, budget, and design2. The scorecard helps the project team track their progress and prioritize their actions throughout the design and construction process1.
Reference: LEED scorecard | U.S. Green Building Council
LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide – U.S. Green Building Council
C
Explanation:
Discussing the project goals to help identify the credits and options that the team should attempt is an example of developing the LEED Scorecard. The LEED Scorecard is a tool that shows the potential points that a project can achieve under each credit category of the LEED rating system1. Developing the LEED Scorecard involves selecting the most appropriate credits and options based on the project’s goals, location, budget, and design2. The scorecard helps the project team track their progress and prioritize their actions throughout the design and construction process1.
Reference: LEED scorecard | U.S. Green Building Council
LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide – U.S. Green Building Council
Question #32
A vegetated roof contributes to earning which of the following credits?
- A . Sustainable Sites Credit, Heat Island Reduction
- B . Location and Transportation Credit, Sensitive Land Protection
- C . Sustainable Sites Credit, Site Assessment
- D . Sustainable Sites Credit, Light Pollution Reduction
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
A vegetated roof primarily contributes to the Sustainable Sites (SS) Credit: Heat Island Reduction. Green roofs reduce the heat island effect by minimizing roof surface temperatures through vegetation, which absorbs less heat than conventional roofing materials. This helps lower building cooling costs and mitigates urban heat effects. Sensitive Land Protection (B) and Site Assessment (C) are unrelated to roof treatments, while Light Pollution Reduction (D) deals with exterior lighting strategies.
A
Explanation:
A vegetated roof primarily contributes to the Sustainable Sites (SS) Credit: Heat Island Reduction. Green roofs reduce the heat island effect by minimizing roof surface temperatures through vegetation, which absorbs less heat than conventional roofing materials. This helps lower building cooling costs and mitigates urban heat effects. Sensitive Land Protection (B) and Site Assessment (C) are unrelated to roof treatments, while Light Pollution Reduction (D) deals with exterior lighting strategies.
Question #33
Which of the following actions should be taken to ensure that project team members understand and prioritize the selection of materials compliant with the Materials and Resources Credit: Building Product Disclosure and Optimization?
- A . Select locally sourced and manufactured materials
- B . Procure materials directly from raw material suppliers
- C . Include all building materials in a whole-building life-cycle analysis
- D . Include the material requirements in the project specifications
Correct Answer: D
D
Explanation:
Including the material requirements in the project specifications (D) ensures that all project team members are aware of and prioritize materials compliant with the Materials and Resources (MR) Credit: Building Product Disclosure and Optimization. Clearly defined specifications communicate the importance of sustainability criteria, such as environmental product declarations and sourcing. Whole-building life-cycle analysis (C) is part of separate LEED credits and doesn’t directly influence material prioritization by the team.
D
Explanation:
Including the material requirements in the project specifications (D) ensures that all project team members are aware of and prioritize materials compliant with the Materials and Resources (MR) Credit: Building Product Disclosure and Optimization. Clearly defined specifications communicate the importance of sustainability criteria, such as environmental product declarations and sourcing. Whole-building life-cycle analysis (C) is part of separate LEED credits and doesn’t directly influence material prioritization by the team.
Question #34
Sustainable Sites Credit, Site Assessment requires evaluation of
- A . soils, archeology, hydrology
- B . topography, hydrology, human use
- C . vegetation, topography, archaeology
- D . human health effects, climate, land value
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
The Sustainable Sites Credit, Site Assessment requires the project to conduct and document a site inventory and analysis that evaluates the existing conditions and features of the site, such as topography, hydrology, human use, climate, vegetation, soils, and human health effects1. The purpose of the site assessment is to inform the design and development of the site in a way that protects, restores, and enhances the environmental quality and performance of the site1. The site assessment should include the following elements:
Topography: The shape and elevation of the land surface, including slopes, drainage patterns, and erosion potential.
Hydrology: The movement, distribution, and quality of water on the site, including surface water, groundwater, precipitation, and runoff.
Human use: The current and planned use of the site and its surroundings, including zoning, land use, transportation, utilities, and cultural resources.
Climate: The long-term weather patterns and conditions of the site, including temperature, humidity, wind, solar radiation, and precipitation.
Vegetation: The types, distribution, and condition of plants on the site, including native, invasive, and endangered species, and their ecological functions and values.
Soils: The physical, chemical, and biological properties of the soil on the site, including texture, structure, organic matter, pH, fertility, and contamination.
Human health effects: The potential impacts of the site conditions and features on the health and
well-being of the occupants and the surrounding community, such as noise, air quality, water quality,
and exposure to hazardous substances.
Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction v4 Sustainable Sites Credit, Site Assessment Site Assessment – SITES
Site Assessment and Analysis – Whole Building Design Guide
B
Explanation:
The Sustainable Sites Credit, Site Assessment requires the project to conduct and document a site inventory and analysis that evaluates the existing conditions and features of the site, such as topography, hydrology, human use, climate, vegetation, soils, and human health effects1. The purpose of the site assessment is to inform the design and development of the site in a way that protects, restores, and enhances the environmental quality and performance of the site1. The site assessment should include the following elements:
Topography: The shape and elevation of the land surface, including slopes, drainage patterns, and erosion potential.
Hydrology: The movement, distribution, and quality of water on the site, including surface water, groundwater, precipitation, and runoff.
Human use: The current and planned use of the site and its surroundings, including zoning, land use, transportation, utilities, and cultural resources.
Climate: The long-term weather patterns and conditions of the site, including temperature, humidity, wind, solar radiation, and precipitation.
Vegetation: The types, distribution, and condition of plants on the site, including native, invasive, and endangered species, and their ecological functions and values.
Soils: The physical, chemical, and biological properties of the soil on the site, including texture, structure, organic matter, pH, fertility, and contamination.
Human health effects: The potential impacts of the site conditions and features on the health and
well-being of the occupants and the surrounding community, such as noise, air quality, water quality,
and exposure to hazardous substances.
Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction v4 Sustainable Sites Credit, Site Assessment Site Assessment – SITES
Site Assessment and Analysis – Whole Building Design Guide
Question #35
The LEED project has a main entrance and two service entrances in an alley behind the building.
Which entrances need non-smoking signage and at what maximum distance from the door(s) can the non-smoking signage be posted?
- A . At the main entrance, 10 ft. (3 m) from the door
- B . At the main entrance, 25 ft. (7.5 m) from the door
- C . At the main entrance and the two service entrances, 10 ft. (3 m) from the doors
- D . At the main entrance and the two service entrances, 25 ft. (7.5 m) from the doors
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
According to the LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, no smoking signage must be placed within 10 feet (3 meters) of every building entrance, except for alarmed emergency exits. This applies to both the main entrance and the service entrances, regardless of their location or frequency of use. The signage is intended to communicate the no-smoking policy to occupants and visitors and prevent environmental tobacco smoke from entering the building.
Reference: EQ Prerequisite Environmental Tobacco Smoke Control, LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction123
C
Explanation:
According to the LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, no smoking signage must be placed within 10 feet (3 meters) of every building entrance, except for alarmed emergency exits. This applies to both the main entrance and the service entrances, regardless of their location or frequency of use. The signage is intended to communicate the no-smoking policy to occupants and visitors and prevent environmental tobacco smoke from entering the building.
Reference: EQ Prerequisite Environmental Tobacco Smoke Control, LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction123
Question #36
Which of the following is required in determining the baseline for Water Efficiency Prerequisite, Indoor Water Use Reduction?
- A . Duration of use
- B . Building floor area
- C . Make and model of fixtures
- D . Proposed design fixture flow rates
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
The make and model of fixtures is required in determining the baseline for the Water Efficiency Prerequisite, Indoor Water Use Reduction. This information is used to calculate the baseline water consumption of the building, which is then compared to the proposed water use to determine the percentage reduction.
Reference: LEED AP Building Design + Construction (LEED AP BD+C) V4 resources 1
C
Explanation:
The make and model of fixtures is required in determining the baseline for the Water Efficiency Prerequisite, Indoor Water Use Reduction. This information is used to calculate the baseline water consumption of the building, which is then compared to the proposed water use to determine the percentage reduction.
Reference: LEED AP Building Design + Construction (LEED AP BD+C) V4 resources 1
Question #37
A downtown office building is unable to construct dedicated parking for its occupants. However, the building developer has partnered with a parking garage to offer discounted parking for its occupants.
If the discounted parking rate is $450 per month, how much must the rate be for green vehicles for the building to receive one point for Location and Transportation Credit, Green Vehicles?
- A . $90
- B . $225
- C . $360
- D . $405
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
For the building to receive one point for Location and Transportation Credit, Green Vehicles, the rate for green vehicles must be 80% less than the regular parking rate. Therefore, if the discounted parking rate is $450 per month, the rate for green vehicles must be $90 per month (20% of $450).
Reference: LEED AP Building Design + Construction (LEED AP BD+C) V4 resources 1
A
Explanation:
For the building to receive one point for Location and Transportation Credit, Green Vehicles, the rate for green vehicles must be 80% less than the regular parking rate. Therefore, if the discounted parking rate is $450 per month, the rate for green vehicles must be $90 per month (20% of $450).
Reference: LEED AP Building Design + Construction (LEED AP BD+C) V4 resources 1
Question #38
When preparing the Sustainable Sites Prerequisite, Construction Activity Pollution Prevention, the Construction General Permit must contain which of the following?
- A . Waste Management Plan
- B . Building orientation on the site
- C . Installation plan for perimeter control
- D . Minimum standards for equipment exhaust
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
The Construction General Permit (CGP) for the Sustainable Sites Prerequisite, Construction Activity Pollution Prevention, must contain an installation plan for perimeter control. This is part of the Erosion and Sedimentation Control (ESC) Plan, which is designed to prevent loss of soil during construction by stormwater runoff and/or wind erosion, prevent sedimentation of storm sewer or receiving streams, and prevent polluting the air with dust and particulate matter1.
Reference: Sustainable Sites Prerequisites | GlobalSpec
C
Explanation:
The Construction General Permit (CGP) for the Sustainable Sites Prerequisite, Construction Activity Pollution Prevention, must contain an installation plan for perimeter control. This is part of the Erosion and Sedimentation Control (ESC) Plan, which is designed to prevent loss of soil during construction by stormwater runoff and/or wind erosion, prevent sedimentation of storm sewer or receiving streams, and prevent polluting the air with dust and particulate matter1.
Reference: Sustainable Sites Prerequisites | GlobalSpec
Question #39
Showers are addressed under which prerequisites and/or credits within LEED Building Design and Construction?
- A . Water Efficiency Prerequisite, Indoor Water Use Reduction; Water Efficiency Credit, Indoor Water
Use Reduction; and Location and Transportation Credit, Bicycle Facilities - B . Water Efficiency Prerequisite, Indoor Water Use Reduction; Water Efficiency Prerequisite, Outdoor Water Use Reduction; and Water Efficiency Credit, Water Metering
- C . Water Efficiency Prerequisite, Indoor Water Use Reduction; Water Efficiency Prerequisite, Outdoor Water Use Reduction; and Location and Transportation Credit, Bicycle Facilities
- D . Water Efficiency Prerequisite, Indoor Water Use Reduction; Water Efficiency Credit, Cooling Tower Water Use; and Water Efficiency Credit, Water Metering
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
Showers are addressed under Water Efficiency (WE) Prerequisite: Indoor Water Use Reduction and Location and Transportation (LT) Credit: Bicycle Facilities. Showers in indoor water use reduction help minimize potable water consumption, while in the Bicycle Facilities credit, they support cycling commuters by providing end-of-trip facilities. The other options refer to credits or prerequisites unrelated to shower facilities.
A
Explanation:
Showers are addressed under Water Efficiency (WE) Prerequisite: Indoor Water Use Reduction and Location and Transportation (LT) Credit: Bicycle Facilities. Showers in indoor water use reduction help minimize potable water consumption, while in the Bicycle Facilities credit, they support cycling commuters by providing end-of-trip facilities. The other options refer to credits or prerequisites unrelated to shower facilities.
Question #40
A new athletic facility contains a laundry room which is adjacent to the locker rooms.
Which strategy will contribute toward the Interior Cross-Contamination Prevention strategy in Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies?
- A . Relocate the laundry facility to the basement
- B . Naturally ventilate the laundry space per ASHRAE 62.1-2010
- C . Install particle filters, with a MERV of 13 or higher or F7
- D . Provide a ventilation system specifically for the laundry facility that has no recirculating air
Correct Answer: D
D
Explanation:
The strategy that will contribute toward the Interior Cross-Contamination Prevention strategy in Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies is to provide a ventilation system specifically for the laundry facility that has no recirculating air. This is because the laundry facility is a space where hazardous gases or chemicals may be present or used, such as detergents, bleach, or fabric softeners. According to the LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, the project must "sufficiently exhaust each space where hazardous gases or chemicals may be present or used (e.g., garages, housekeeping and laundry areas, copying and printing rooms), using the exhaust rates determined in EQ Prerequisite Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance or a minimum of 0.50 cfm per square foot (2.54 l/s per square meter), to create negative pressure with respect to adjacent spaces when the doors to the room are closed. For each of these spaces, provide self-closing doors and deck-to-deck partitions or a hard-lid ceiling."1 Therefore, option D is the correct answer. The other options will not prevent cross-contamination from the laundry facility to the locker rooms. Relocating the laundry facility to the basement (option A) may reduce the exposure of the occupants to the laundry chemicals, but it will not eliminate the possibility of cross-contamination to other spaces in the basement. Naturally ventilating the laundry space per ASHRAE 62.1-2010 (option B) may not provide sufficient exhaust to create negative pressure and prevent cross-contamination, especially if the outdoor air quality is poor or the natural ventilation is not well designed. Installing particle filters, with a MERV of 13 or higher or F7 (option C) may improve the air quality in the laundry space, but it will not prevent the hazardous gases or chemicals from escaping to the adjacent spaces through the ventilation system or the gaps in the doors or ceiling.
Reference: LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, p. 6881; ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2010, Section 6.2.52
D
Explanation:
The strategy that will contribute toward the Interior Cross-Contamination Prevention strategy in Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies is to provide a ventilation system specifically for the laundry facility that has no recirculating air. This is because the laundry facility is a space where hazardous gases or chemicals may be present or used, such as detergents, bleach, or fabric softeners. According to the LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, the project must "sufficiently exhaust each space where hazardous gases or chemicals may be present or used (e.g., garages, housekeeping and laundry areas, copying and printing rooms), using the exhaust rates determined in EQ Prerequisite Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance or a minimum of 0.50 cfm per square foot (2.54 l/s per square meter), to create negative pressure with respect to adjacent spaces when the doors to the room are closed. For each of these spaces, provide self-closing doors and deck-to-deck partitions or a hard-lid ceiling."1 Therefore, option D is the correct answer. The other options will not prevent cross-contamination from the laundry facility to the locker rooms. Relocating the laundry facility to the basement (option A) may reduce the exposure of the occupants to the laundry chemicals, but it will not eliminate the possibility of cross-contamination to other spaces in the basement. Naturally ventilating the laundry space per ASHRAE 62.1-2010 (option B) may not provide sufficient exhaust to create negative pressure and prevent cross-contamination, especially if the outdoor air quality is poor or the natural ventilation is not well designed. Installing particle filters, with a MERV of 13 or higher or F7 (option C) may improve the air quality in the laundry space, but it will not prevent the hazardous gases or chemicals from escaping to the adjacent spaces through the ventilation system or the gaps in the doors or ceiling.
Reference: LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, p. 6881; ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2010, Section 6.2.52