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 #61
A project team wants to educate the facility manager on the installed building systems to improve Indoor Environmental Quality. They want the facility manager to maintain the systems so that they will continue to function as intended.
Which of the following should be provided to the facility manager?
- A . Vendor invoices for mechanical equipment
- B . Preventive maintenance plan for the building
- C . As-built drawings and copies of material submittals
- D . A copy of the credit documentation for the credits that were approved by Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI)
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
A preventive maintenance plan is a document that outlines the procedures and schedules for maintaining the building systems and equipment. It helps to ensure that the systems and equipment are operating efficiently and effectively, and that they meet the design intent and performance goals. A preventive maintenance plan can also help to reduce the risk of failures, breakdowns, and repairs, and extend the service life of the systems and equipment. A preventive maintenance plan is especially important for improving the indoor environmental quality, as it can prevent issues such as poor ventilation, air leaks, moisture problems, mold growth, and indoor air pollution. Therefore, the project team should provide the facility manager with a preventive maintenance plan for the building, along with the necessary training and resources to implement it.
Reference:
• LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, Indoor Environmental Quality Credit: Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies, page 6951
• LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, Indoor Environmental Quality Credit: Thermal Comfort, page 7041
• LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, Indoor Environmental Quality Credit: Acoustic Performance, page 7101
• Preventive Maintenance Plan – The Ridiculously Simple Guide
B
Explanation:
A preventive maintenance plan is a document that outlines the procedures and schedules for maintaining the building systems and equipment. It helps to ensure that the systems and equipment are operating efficiently and effectively, and that they meet the design intent and performance goals. A preventive maintenance plan can also help to reduce the risk of failures, breakdowns, and repairs, and extend the service life of the systems and equipment. A preventive maintenance plan is especially important for improving the indoor environmental quality, as it can prevent issues such as poor ventilation, air leaks, moisture problems, mold growth, and indoor air pollution. Therefore, the project team should provide the facility manager with a preventive maintenance plan for the building, along with the necessary training and resources to implement it.
Reference:
• LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, Indoor Environmental Quality Credit: Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies, page 6951
• LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, Indoor Environmental Quality Credit: Thermal Comfort, page 7041
• LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, Indoor Environmental Quality Credit: Acoustic Performance, page 7101
• Preventive Maintenance Plan – The Ridiculously Simple Guide
Question #62
Which of the following standards needs to be followed to comply with Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Thermal Comfort?
- A . ASHRAE 55-2010
- B . ASHRAE 62.1-2010
- C . ASHRAE 90.1-2010
- D . ASHRAE 189.1-2010
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
To comply with Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Thermal Comfort, the standard that needs to be followed is ASHRAE 55-2010, Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy, with errata or a local equivalent1. This standard specifies the combinations of indoor thermal environmental factors and personal factors that will produce thermal environmental conditions acceptable to a majority of the occupants within the space2. The standard also provides methods for measuring and evaluating thermal comfort, as well as guidance for design, operation, and maintenance of thermal comfort systems2.
Reference: Thermal comfort; ASHRAE 55-2010
A
Explanation:
To comply with Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Thermal Comfort, the standard that needs to be followed is ASHRAE 55-2010, Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy, with errata or a local equivalent1. This standard specifies the combinations of indoor thermal environmental factors and personal factors that will produce thermal environmental conditions acceptable to a majority of the occupants within the space2. The standard also provides methods for measuring and evaluating thermal comfort, as well as guidance for design, operation, and maintenance of thermal comfort systems2.
Reference: Thermal comfort; ASHRAE 55-2010
Question #63
Commissioning (Cx) and verification are requirements to qualify for LEED certification.
What are the basic systems that need to be commissioned?
- A . Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, and Renewable Energy
- B . Electrical, Structural, Mechanical, and Lighting
- C . Electrical, Structural, Audio Visual, and Envelope
- D . Electrical, Plumbing, Telecommunications, and Fire Suppression
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
LEED commissioning (Cx) requirements focus on ensuring energy and water-consuming systems operate as intended. The basic systems that require commissioning under LEED include Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, and Renewable Energy (A). These systems are crucial for a building’s energy efficiency and operational performance. Structural and non-energy-consuming systems, such as structural or audiovisual elements, are typically outside the commissioning scope. Proper commissioning of these systems helps ensure sustainable building operations aligned with the owner’s project requirements.
A
Explanation:
LEED commissioning (Cx) requirements focus on ensuring energy and water-consuming systems operate as intended. The basic systems that require commissioning under LEED include Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, and Renewable Energy (A). These systems are crucial for a building’s energy efficiency and operational performance. Structural and non-energy-consuming systems, such as structural or audiovisual elements, are typically outside the commissioning scope. Proper commissioning of these systems helps ensure sustainable building operations aligned with the owner’s project requirements.
Question #64
A rectangular office building is located in an extremely humid climate and is shaded by very large adjacent buildings on all four sides.
If the building owner wants to decrease the annual energy cost for operating the building, which of the following would be the best design approach?
- A . Install glazing with a higher solar heat gain factor
- B . Install photovoltaic panels on the sides of the building
- C . Increase outdoor air intake quantities during summer months
- D . Recover waste energy through exhaust air energy recovery systems
Correct Answer: D
D
Explanation:
The best design approach for the office building is D. Recover waste energy through exhaust air energy recovery systems.
This is because:
Installing glazing with a higher solar heat gain factor would increase the cooling load and energy consumption of the building, especially in an extremely humid climate where heat gain is high1. Installing photovoltaic panels on the sides of the building would generate electricity from solar radiation, but it would not reduce the cooling load or energy consumption of the building, unless the electricity is used to power a heat pump or other cooling device2.
Increasing outdoor air intake quantities during summer months would provide more fresh air to dilute the indoor pollutants and improve the indoor air quality, but it would not reduce the cooling load or energy consumption of the building, unless it is combined with a ventilation system that recovers waste energy from the exhaust air stream34.
An exhaust air energy recovery system (ERV) is a type of mechanical ventilation that uses a heat exchanger to transfer heat between two streams of air: one that enters the building and one that exits. The ERV pre-cools and dehumidifies the incoming ventilation air by sending the rejected heat into the exhaust airstream to cool the condenser coil at a lower temperature. This reduces both the cooling load and energy consumption of the building, as well as improving its indoor humidity levels34. An ERV can also provide some fresh outdoor air to meet ASHRAE Standard 62 ventilation rates5.
Therefore, an ERV is a more efficient and effective design approach than glazing, photovoltaic panels, or increased outdoor air intake quantities for reducing the annual energy cost for operating an office building in an extremely humid climate and shaded by very large adjacent buildings on all four sides.
Reference: 1: LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide – U.S. Green Building Council 2: LEED AP BD+C Exam | U.S. Green Building Council 3: Energy Recovery Systems – Nortek Air Solutions 4: Energy Recovery Ventilators – Greenheck 5: Mechanical Ventilation Types: Exhaust, Supply, Balanced & Energy Recovery
D
Explanation:
The best design approach for the office building is D. Recover waste energy through exhaust air energy recovery systems.
This is because:
Installing glazing with a higher solar heat gain factor would increase the cooling load and energy consumption of the building, especially in an extremely humid climate where heat gain is high1. Installing photovoltaic panels on the sides of the building would generate electricity from solar radiation, but it would not reduce the cooling load or energy consumption of the building, unless the electricity is used to power a heat pump or other cooling device2.
Increasing outdoor air intake quantities during summer months would provide more fresh air to dilute the indoor pollutants and improve the indoor air quality, but it would not reduce the cooling load or energy consumption of the building, unless it is combined with a ventilation system that recovers waste energy from the exhaust air stream34.
An exhaust air energy recovery system (ERV) is a type of mechanical ventilation that uses a heat exchanger to transfer heat between two streams of air: one that enters the building and one that exits. The ERV pre-cools and dehumidifies the incoming ventilation air by sending the rejected heat into the exhaust airstream to cool the condenser coil at a lower temperature. This reduces both the cooling load and energy consumption of the building, as well as improving its indoor humidity levels34. An ERV can also provide some fresh outdoor air to meet ASHRAE Standard 62 ventilation rates5.
Therefore, an ERV is a more efficient and effective design approach than glazing, photovoltaic panels, or increased outdoor air intake quantities for reducing the annual energy cost for operating an office building in an extremely humid climate and shaded by very large adjacent buildings on all four sides.
Reference: 1: LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide – U.S. Green Building Council 2: LEED AP BD+C Exam | U.S. Green Building Council 3: Energy Recovery Systems – Nortek Air Solutions 4: Energy Recovery Ventilators – Greenheck 5: Mechanical Ventilation Types: Exhaust, Supply, Balanced & Energy Recovery
Question #65
A commercial office building with a footprint of 70,000 ft2 (6 503.2 m2) has an overall site area of 200,000 ft2 (18 580.6 m2). The project design includes 15,000 ft2 (1 393.5 m2) of pedestrian oriented hardscape and 18,000 ft2 (1 672.3 m2) of vegetated open space.
Which of the following is necessary to satisfy the requirement for the outdoor space to be physically accessible when calculating the Sustainable Sites Credit, Open Space?
- A . A garden space dedicated to industrial food production for use by local communities
- B . A garden space with only one vegetation type and species during the summer for visual interest
- C . A dark paving area with site elements to encourage parking near wetlands or naturally designed ponds
- D . A pedestrian-oriented paving or turf area with physical site elements that accommodate outdoor social activities
Correct Answer: D
D
Explanation:
A pedestrian-oriented paving or turf area with physical site elements that accommodate outdoor social activities is necessary to satisfy the requirement for the outdoor space to be physically accessible when calculating the Sustainable Sites Credit, Open Space. This is because the outdoor space must be designed to encourage regular use by occupants and visitors1. A garden space dedicated to industrial food production for use by local communities may not be accessible to the building occupants and visitors2. A garden space with only one vegetation type and species during the summer for visual interest does not meet the requirement of having two or more types of vegetation or overhead vegetated canopy1. A dark paving area with site elements to encourage parking near wetlands or naturally designed ponds is not considered as pedestrian-oriented hardscape and may have negative impacts on the natural environment3.
Reference:
• Open Space, p. 1
• NC-v4 SSc3: Open space, p. 2
• LEED v4 for Building Design and Construction, p. 72
D
Explanation:
A pedestrian-oriented paving or turf area with physical site elements that accommodate outdoor social activities is necessary to satisfy the requirement for the outdoor space to be physically accessible when calculating the Sustainable Sites Credit, Open Space. This is because the outdoor space must be designed to encourage regular use by occupants and visitors1. A garden space dedicated to industrial food production for use by local communities may not be accessible to the building occupants and visitors2. A garden space with only one vegetation type and species during the summer for visual interest does not meet the requirement of having two or more types of vegetation or overhead vegetated canopy1. A dark paving area with site elements to encourage parking near wetlands or naturally designed ponds is not considered as pedestrian-oriented hardscape and may have negative impacts on the natural environment3.
Reference:
• Open Space, p. 1
• NC-v4 SSc3: Open space, p. 2
• LEED v4 for Building Design and Construction, p. 72
Question #66
Which of the following statements is correct when defining the project boundary?
- A . The LEED project boundary cannot include non-contiguous land
- B . The LEED project boundary cannot include more than one building
- C . The land associated with the project supports typical operation
- D . The gross floor area of the LEED project should be no less than 1% of the gross land area within the LEED project boundary
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
. The land associated with the project supports typical operations
According to the LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, the LEED project boundary must include all contiguous land that is associated with the project and supports its typical operations. This includes land altered as a result of construction and features used primarily by the project’s occupants, such as hardscape (parking and sidewalks), septic or stormwater treatment equipment, and landscaping1. Therefore, statement C is correct when defining the project boundary.
Statement A is incorrect because the LEED project boundary must be contiguous. Statement B is incorrect because the LEED project boundary can include more than one building, as long as they are on the same site and share a common scope of work. Statement D is incorrect because there is no such requirement for the gross floor area of the LEED project to be a certain percentage of the gross land area within the LEED project boundary.
Reference: Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction v4 C Page 282 NC-v4.1 MPR2: Must use reasonable LEED boundaries | LEEDuser1
C
Explanation:
. The land associated with the project supports typical operations
According to the LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, the LEED project boundary must include all contiguous land that is associated with the project and supports its typical operations. This includes land altered as a result of construction and features used primarily by the project’s occupants, such as hardscape (parking and sidewalks), septic or stormwater treatment equipment, and landscaping1. Therefore, statement C is correct when defining the project boundary.
Statement A is incorrect because the LEED project boundary must be contiguous. Statement B is incorrect because the LEED project boundary can include more than one building, as long as they are on the same site and share a common scope of work. Statement D is incorrect because there is no such requirement for the gross floor area of the LEED project to be a certain percentage of the gross land area within the LEED project boundary.
Reference: Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction v4 C Page 282 NC-v4.1 MPR2: Must use reasonable LEED boundaries | LEEDuser1
Question #67
Which of the following strategies can be used to reduce the internal load of a building?
- A . Decreasing lighting power
- B . Oversize the HVAC systems
- C . Install low reflective exterior facade
- D . Increase the insulating value of the glazing and window frame system
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
Decreasing lighting power is a strategy that can be used to reduce the internal load of a building. Internal load is the amount of heat generated within a building by its occupants, equipment, and lighting1. Reducing lighting power can lower the internal heat gain and thus decrease the cooling demand and energy consumption of the building2. Other strategies to reduce internal load include using energy-efficient appliances, natural ventilation, daylighting, occupancy sensors, and shading devices3.
Reference: 8.1: Internal Loads – Engineering LibreTexts
Chapter 3: Design Loads for Residential Buildings – HUD User Internal Heat Gain – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics
A
Explanation:
Decreasing lighting power is a strategy that can be used to reduce the internal load of a building. Internal load is the amount of heat generated within a building by its occupants, equipment, and lighting1. Reducing lighting power can lower the internal heat gain and thus decrease the cooling demand and energy consumption of the building2. Other strategies to reduce internal load include using energy-efficient appliances, natural ventilation, daylighting, occupancy sensors, and shading devices3.
Reference: 8.1: Internal Loads – Engineering LibreTexts
Chapter 3: Design Loads for Residential Buildings – HUD User Internal Heat Gain – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics
Question #68
What type of project would benefit from showing compliance with Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite, Minimum Energy Performance, Option 2. Prescriptive Compliance: ASHRAE 50% Advanced Energy Design Guide?
- A . One in which the budget and timeline would benefit from simplified decision making and analysis during the project design
- B . One in which the project team wants to explore the energy performance and load reduction effects of several envelope and lighting designs and mechanical systems
- C . One in which the project team wants to achieve efficiency trade-offs between systems, offsetting the lower efficiency of one system by the improved efficiency of another
One in which the owner wants an estimate of the carbon reductions or lower operating costs (energy savings, demand charge savings) from energy strategies, beyond a simple calculation for individual energy conservation measures
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
This option allows the project to comply with the minimum energy performance prerequisite by following the prescriptive recommendations of the ASHRAE 50% Advanced Energy Design Guide (AEDG) for the applicable building type and climate zone1. This option simplifies the decision making and analysis process by providing clear and specific guidance on how to achieve 50% energy savings compared to the baseline standard2. This option also reduces the need for energy modeling and documentation, which can save time and money for the project3.
Reference: = [LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide], Minimum Energy Performance Calculator – ASHRAE 90.1 – 2010, 50 Percent AEDG Free Download – ASHRAE.
A
Explanation:
This option allows the project to comply with the minimum energy performance prerequisite by following the prescriptive recommendations of the ASHRAE 50% Advanced Energy Design Guide (AEDG) for the applicable building type and climate zone1. This option simplifies the decision making and analysis process by providing clear and specific guidance on how to achieve 50% energy savings compared to the baseline standard2. This option also reduces the need for energy modeling and documentation, which can save time and money for the project3.
Reference: = [LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide], Minimum Energy Performance Calculator – ASHRAE 90.1 – 2010, 50 Percent AEDG Free Download – ASHRAE.
Question #69
Which of the following is the location of CO2 sensors in naturally ventilated spaces to comply with the Indoor Environmental Quality Prerequisite, Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance?
- A . At least 6 ft. (2 m) above the floor
- B . At least 3 ft. (1 m) away from windows
- C . Between 3 ft. and 6 ft. (1 m and 2 m) above the floor
- D . On the ceiling 3 ft. (1 m) away from adjacent walls
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
According to the LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, the location of CO2 sensors in naturally ventilated spaces to comply with the Indoor Environmental Quality Prerequisite, Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance is between 3 ft. and 6 ft. (1 m and 2 m) above the floor. This is one of the requirements for Option 2. Naturally Ventilated Spaces, which applies to projects that rely on natural ventilation for all or part of the occupied spaces. The CO2 sensors must be located in each zone with natural ventilation openings, and must be capable of generating an alarm when the CO2 concentration exceeds the design value1.
The other choices are not correct, because:
At least 6 ft. (2 m) above the floor is the location of CO2 sensors in mechanically ventilated spaces, not naturally ventilated spaces1.
At least 3 ft. (1 m) away from windows is a general guideline for locating CO2 sensors, but it does not specify the height above the floor2.
On the ceiling 3 ft. (1 m) away from adjacent walls is not a recommended location for CO2 sensors, as it may not reflect the actual CO2 concentration at the breathing zone of the occupants2.
Reference: LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Indoor Environmental Quality Prerequisite, Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance, Option 2. Naturally Ventilated Spaces, Requirements1; ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2016, User’s Manual, Chapter 6, Section 6.2.72
C
Explanation:
According to the LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, the location of CO2 sensors in naturally ventilated spaces to comply with the Indoor Environmental Quality Prerequisite, Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance is between 3 ft. and 6 ft. (1 m and 2 m) above the floor. This is one of the requirements for Option 2. Naturally Ventilated Spaces, which applies to projects that rely on natural ventilation for all or part of the occupied spaces. The CO2 sensors must be located in each zone with natural ventilation openings, and must be capable of generating an alarm when the CO2 concentration exceeds the design value1.
The other choices are not correct, because:
At least 6 ft. (2 m) above the floor is the location of CO2 sensors in mechanically ventilated spaces, not naturally ventilated spaces1.
At least 3 ft. (1 m) away from windows is a general guideline for locating CO2 sensors, but it does not specify the height above the floor2.
On the ceiling 3 ft. (1 m) away from adjacent walls is not a recommended location for CO2 sensors, as it may not reflect the actual CO2 concentration at the breathing zone of the occupants2.
Reference: LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Indoor Environmental Quality Prerequisite, Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance, Option 2. Naturally Ventilated Spaces, Requirements1; ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2016, User’s Manual, Chapter 6, Section 6.2.72
Question #70
Short-term bicycle storage in Location and Transportation Credit, Bicycle Facilities must be within 100 ft. (30 m) walking distance of any:
- A . Bicycle network
- B . Emergency access
- C . Main entrance
- D . Shower room
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
The Location and Transportation (LT) Credit: Bicycle Facilities requires short-term bicycle storage to be within 100 feet (30 meters) of a main entrance to ensure convenient access for visitors or short-term users. This credit encourages alternative transportation methods by making bicycle storage easily accessible, thereby reducing vehicular dependency. Other locations like bicycle networks or shower rooms may be relevant for long-term storage or end-of-trip facilities but are not specifically mandated for short-term storage.
C
Explanation:
The Location and Transportation (LT) Credit: Bicycle Facilities requires short-term bicycle storage to be within 100 feet (30 meters) of a main entrance to ensure convenient access for visitors or short-term users. This credit encourages alternative transportation methods by making bicycle storage easily accessible, thereby reducing vehicular dependency. Other locations like bicycle networks or shower rooms may be relevant for long-term storage or end-of-trip facilities but are not specifically mandated for short-term storage.