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 #41
Large commercial buildings are most often dominated by
- A . internal loads
- B . lighting loads
- C . external loads
- D . envelope loads
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
Large commercial buildings are most often dominated by internal loads, which are the heat gains or losses from people, equipment, lighting, and other sources inside the building. Internal loads can affect the heating and cooling loads and the energy consumption of the building. Therefore, reducing internal loads can improve the building’s energy efficiency and performance.
Reference: LEED AP BD+C V4 Reference Guide, Chapter 5: Energy and Atmosphere, page 5-51 ENERGY STAR Building Upgrade Manual, Chapter 6: Lighting, page 6-22 Michaels Energy, Shell vs. Load Dominated Buildings
A
Explanation:
Large commercial buildings are most often dominated by internal loads, which are the heat gains or losses from people, equipment, lighting, and other sources inside the building. Internal loads can affect the heating and cooling loads and the energy consumption of the building. Therefore, reducing internal loads can improve the building’s energy efficiency and performance.
Reference: LEED AP BD+C V4 Reference Guide, Chapter 5: Energy and Atmosphere, page 5-51 ENERGY STAR Building Upgrade Manual, Chapter 6: Lighting, page 6-22 Michaels Energy, Shell vs. Load Dominated Buildings
Question #42
A LEED Building Design and Construction project includes an outdoor stage for theatrical performances. In pursuit of Sustainable Sites Credit, Light Pollution Reduction the engineer has specified an LED fixture to illuminate actors on the stage while limiting light pollution.
Which of the following suggestions should the LEED AP give to the project owner?
- A . Modify the design to enclose the performance areas
- B . Calculate the return on investment over the 20-year life of the project
- C . Compare the energy consumption against an alternative
- D . Inform the owner that the LED fixture is exempt from Sustainable Sites Credit, Light Pollution Reduction
Correct Answer: D
D
Explanation:
The Sustainable Sites Credit, Light Pollution Reduction aims to minimize the adverse effects of artificial lighting on the night sky, human health, and wildlife1. However, the credit does not apply to lighting that is required for safety, security, or emergency purposes2. According to the LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, lighting for theatrical performances is considered an emergency purpose and is exempt from the credit requirements3. Therefore, the LEED AP should inform the owner that the LED fixture is exempt from Sustainable Sites Credit, Light Pollution Reduction and does not need to be modified or compared to an alternative. Enclosing the performance areas would not reduce light pollution, but rather increase energy consumption and affect the outdoor experience. Calculating the return on investment over the 20-year life of the project is irrelevant to the credit and would not help achieve it.
Reference: Light Pollution Reduction
Light Pollution Reduction: Sustainable Site Credit for LEED Existing Building O+M [LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction v4], page 581
D
Explanation:
The Sustainable Sites Credit, Light Pollution Reduction aims to minimize the adverse effects of artificial lighting on the night sky, human health, and wildlife1. However, the credit does not apply to lighting that is required for safety, security, or emergency purposes2. According to the LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, lighting for theatrical performances is considered an emergency purpose and is exempt from the credit requirements3. Therefore, the LEED AP should inform the owner that the LED fixture is exempt from Sustainable Sites Credit, Light Pollution Reduction and does not need to be modified or compared to an alternative. Enclosing the performance areas would not reduce light pollution, but rather increase energy consumption and affect the outdoor experience. Calculating the return on investment over the 20-year life of the project is irrelevant to the credit and would not help achieve it.
Reference: Light Pollution Reduction
Light Pollution Reduction: Sustainable Site Credit for LEED Existing Building O+M [LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction v4], page 581
Question #43
Which of the following cannot be classified as graywater?
- A . Water from toilets
- B . Water from showers
- C . Water from kitchen sinks
- D . Water from lavatory faucets
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
This option requires the project to classify water from toilets as blackwater, not graywater, because it contains human waste and pathogens that pose a health risk1. Graywater is defined as wastewater that contains fewer contaminants than blackwater, such as water from showers, sinks, and washing machines2. Graywater can be reused for non-potable purposes, such as irrigation and toilet flushing, after appropriate treatment3.
Reference: = LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Greywater Systems, Recycled content.
A
Explanation:
This option requires the project to classify water from toilets as blackwater, not graywater, because it contains human waste and pathogens that pose a health risk1. Graywater is defined as wastewater that contains fewer contaminants than blackwater, such as water from showers, sinks, and washing machines2. Graywater can be reused for non-potable purposes, such as irrigation and toilet flushing, after appropriate treatment3.
Reference: = LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Greywater Systems, Recycled content.
Question #44
Which is a benefit of earning Regional Priority credits?
- A . The LEED project can achieve more sustainable outcomes by recognizing the issues that are a priority in the project’s location
- B . The context of the project’s location is not addressed, allowing the project team to focus on the building’s priority issues
- C . The project’s operations are considered separately from design and construction, allowing the project team to focus on regional issues
- D . The LEED project is able to skip a review phase by considering the issues that are a priority in the project’s location
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
A benefit of earning Regional Priority credits is that the LEED project can achieve more sustainable outcomes by recognizing the issues that are a priority in the project’s location. Regional Priority credits are not new LEED credits, but instead are existing credits that USGBC regional councils and chapters have designated as being particularly important for their areas1. The incentive to achieve the credits is in the form of a bonus point. If an RP base credit is earned, then a bonus point is awarded to the project’s total points1. This way, the project can address the geographically specific environmental, social equity and public health priorities of its location2.
Reference: Regional priority credit lookup | U.S. Green Building Council Regional Priority (RP) credits C U.S. Green Building Council
A
Explanation:
A benefit of earning Regional Priority credits is that the LEED project can achieve more sustainable outcomes by recognizing the issues that are a priority in the project’s location. Regional Priority credits are not new LEED credits, but instead are existing credits that USGBC regional councils and chapters have designated as being particularly important for their areas1. The incentive to achieve the credits is in the form of a bonus point. If an RP base credit is earned, then a bonus point is awarded to the project’s total points1. This way, the project can address the geographically specific environmental, social equity and public health priorities of its location2.
Reference: Regional priority credit lookup | U.S. Green Building Council Regional Priority (RP) credits C U.S. Green Building Council
Question #45
A construction manager is looking for a project management tool that offers energy management strategies, benchmarking software tools for buildings, and product procurement guidelines.
Which of the following is recognized by U.S. Green Building Council to assist them?
- A . Green Seal
- B . SCAQMD
- C . ENERGY STAR®
- D . SMACNA
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
ENERGY STAR® (C) provides tools recognized by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) that assist with energy management strategies, benchmarking, and procurement guidelines. ENERGY STAR offers resources for energy performance benchmarking, operational efficiency, and product standards, which help project managers optimize energy use in line with LEED requirements. Green Seal (A) and SCAQMD (B) focus on materials and emissions, while SMACNA (D) provides guidelines for air quality management.
C
Explanation:
ENERGY STAR® (C) provides tools recognized by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) that assist with energy management strategies, benchmarking, and procurement guidelines. ENERGY STAR offers resources for energy performance benchmarking, operational efficiency, and product standards, which help project managers optimize energy use in line with LEED requirements. Green Seal (A) and SCAQMD (B) focus on materials and emissions, while SMACNA (D) provides guidelines for air quality management.
Question #46
A project team is attempting Location and Transportation Credit: High Priority Site and selects Option 1: Historic District. To demonstrate that the project is located in an infill site, the project team must confirm that:
- A . At least 75% of qualifying land areas within 3/4 mile (1.20 km) are previously developed
- B . At least 75% of qualifying land areas within 1/2 mile (0.80 km) are previously developed
- C . The project is a Federal Renewal Community site
- D . The site is a brownfield as defined by the Environmental Protection Agency
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
For Location and Transportation (LT) Credit: High Priority Site, Option 1: Historic District, the project team must confirm that at least 75% of land areas within 1/2 mile (0.80 km) are previously developed (B). This demonstrates that the project site is part of an infill area, supporting LEED’s goal to revitalize and use previously developed urban spaces while protecting undeveloped land. Options like Federal Renewal Community status (C) or brownfield designation (D) apply to different site categories.
B
Explanation:
For Location and Transportation (LT) Credit: High Priority Site, Option 1: Historic District, the project team must confirm that at least 75% of land areas within 1/2 mile (0.80 km) are previously developed (B). This demonstrates that the project site is part of an infill area, supporting LEED’s goal to revitalize and use previously developed urban spaces while protecting undeveloped land. Options like Federal Renewal Community status (C) or brownfield designation (D) apply to different site categories.
Question #47
Which of the following is required for a cooling tower or evaporative condenser in Water Efficiency Prerequisite, Indoor Water Use Reduction?
- A . Alkalinity testing and ENERGY STAR® rating
- B . Non potable water sources and bacteria testing
- C . Water treatment calculations and system performance narrative
- D . Makeup water meters, conductivity controllers and overflow alarms
Correct Answer: D
D
Explanation:
Makeup water meters, conductivity controllers and overflow alarms
According to the Water Efficiency Prerequisite for Indoor Water Use Reduction, cooling towers and evaporative condensers must be equipped with makeup water meters, conductivity controllers and overflow alarms to reduce water consumption and prevent water waste. These devices help monitor and control the water quality, flow rate and level of the cooling system, and alert the operators of any malfunctions or leaks.
Reference: As per the LEED AP Building Design + Construction (LEED AP BD+C) V4 resources, the installation of makeup water meters, conductivity controllers and overflow alarms is a requirement for cooling towers and evaporative condensers under the Water Efficiency Prerequisite for Indoor Water Use Reduction. This prerequisite aims to reduce indoor water consumption by setting baseline and efficiency standards for fixtures, fittings, appliances, equipment and processes. For cooling towers and evaporative condensers, the prerequisite also requires efficient drift eliminators that reduce drift to a maximum of 0.002% of recirculated water volume for counterflow towers and 0.005% of recirculated water flow for cross-flow towers. For more detailed information, you can refer to the web-based reference guide in the credit library at USGBC’s official website.
D
Explanation:
Makeup water meters, conductivity controllers and overflow alarms
According to the Water Efficiency Prerequisite for Indoor Water Use Reduction, cooling towers and evaporative condensers must be equipped with makeup water meters, conductivity controllers and overflow alarms to reduce water consumption and prevent water waste. These devices help monitor and control the water quality, flow rate and level of the cooling system, and alert the operators of any malfunctions or leaks.
Reference: As per the LEED AP Building Design + Construction (LEED AP BD+C) V4 resources, the installation of makeup water meters, conductivity controllers and overflow alarms is a requirement for cooling towers and evaporative condensers under the Water Efficiency Prerequisite for Indoor Water Use Reduction. This prerequisite aims to reduce indoor water consumption by setting baseline and efficiency standards for fixtures, fittings, appliances, equipment and processes. For cooling towers and evaporative condensers, the prerequisite also requires efficient drift eliminators that reduce drift to a maximum of 0.002% of recirculated water volume for counterflow towers and 0.005% of recirculated water flow for cross-flow towers. For more detailed information, you can refer to the web-based reference guide in the credit library at USGBC’s official website.
Question #48
The current facilities requirements (CFR) and operations and maintenance plan (OMP) required for Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite, Fundamental Commissioning and Verification must include
- A . issue logs
- B . functional performance tests
- C . minimum outside air requirements
- D . installation verification (construction) checklists
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
The current facilities requirements (CFR) and operations and maintenance plan (OMP) are two documents that are required for the Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite, Fundamental Commissioning and Verification. The CFR is a document that describes the owner’s project requirements, such as the design intent, performance goals, and operational needs of the building. The OMP is a document that provides information and guidance on how to operate and maintain the commissioned systems and equipment. According to the LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, the CFR and OMP must include the minimum outside air requirements, which are the minimum rates of outdoor air ventilation that are needed to provide acceptable indoor air quality and thermal comfort for the occupants1. The issue logs, functional performance tests, and installation verification (construction) checklists are not required to be included in the CFR and OMP, but they are part of the commissioning process and documentation.
Reference:
• LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite: Fundamental Commissioning and Verification, page 2611
• Fundamental commissioning and verification | U.S. Green Building Council2
C
Explanation:
The current facilities requirements (CFR) and operations and maintenance plan (OMP) are two documents that are required for the Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite, Fundamental Commissioning and Verification. The CFR is a document that describes the owner’s project requirements, such as the design intent, performance goals, and operational needs of the building. The OMP is a document that provides information and guidance on how to operate and maintain the commissioned systems and equipment. According to the LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, the CFR and OMP must include the minimum outside air requirements, which are the minimum rates of outdoor air ventilation that are needed to provide acceptable indoor air quality and thermal comfort for the occupants1. The issue logs, functional performance tests, and installation verification (construction) checklists are not required to be included in the CFR and OMP, but they are part of the commissioning process and documentation.
Reference:
• LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite: Fundamental Commissioning and Verification, page 2611
• Fundamental commissioning and verification | U.S. Green Building Council2
Question #49
Which strategy can maximize the efficiency of water use in an irrigation system?
- A . Determine a set rate of irrigation and avoid adjustments
- B . Set the irrigation controllers on a timer
- C . Incorporate precipitation sensors with smart irrigation controllers
- D . Space irrigation sprinkler heads for overlapping coverage
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
Incorporating precipitation sensors with smart irrigation controllers (C) maximizes irrigation efficiency by adjusting water usage according to real-time weather data and soil moisture levels, reducing unnecessary irrigation during rainfall. This LEED strategy helps conserve water and supports the Water Efficiency (WE) Credit: Outdoor Water Use Reduction. Fixed rates (A), timers (B), and overlapping sprinkler heads (D) do not optimize water based on environmental conditions, leading to possible water waste.
C
Explanation:
Incorporating precipitation sensors with smart irrigation controllers (C) maximizes irrigation efficiency by adjusting water usage according to real-time weather data and soil moisture levels, reducing unnecessary irrigation during rainfall. This LEED strategy helps conserve water and supports the Water Efficiency (WE) Credit: Outdoor Water Use Reduction. Fixed rates (A), timers (B), and overlapping sprinkler heads (D) do not optimize water based on environmental conditions, leading to possible water waste.
Question #50
For a bicycle network to demonstrate compliance with Location and Transportation Credit, Bicycle Facilities, the bicycle network must connect to
- A . five bicycle trails
- B . at least eight diverse uses
- C . a restaurant, a grocery shop, a post office and two bus lines
- D . a rapid transit stop that is within 3 mi. (5 km) biking distance of the project boundary
Correct Answer: D
D
Explanation:
According to the LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, the bicycle network must connect to a rapid transit stop that is within 3 mi. (5 km) biking distance of the project boundary. This is one of the options to meet the requirement for Option 1: Bicycle Network and Storage. The other options are to connect to at least 10 diverse uses or to connect to a school or employment center that is within 3 mi. (5 km) biking distance of the project boundary.
Reference: LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Location and Transportation Credit: Bicycle Facilities, Option 1: Bicycle Network and Storage1
D
Explanation:
According to the LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, the bicycle network must connect to a rapid transit stop that is within 3 mi. (5 km) biking distance of the project boundary. This is one of the options to meet the requirement for Option 1: Bicycle Network and Storage. The other options are to connect to at least 10 diverse uses or to connect to a school or employment center that is within 3 mi. (5 km) biking distance of the project boundary.
Reference: LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Location and Transportation Credit: Bicycle Facilities, Option 1: Bicycle Network and Storage1