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 #71
The project team wants to modify the design of an office building copy room to minimize the risk of airborne contamination to the surrounding space. The design includes a separate exhaust, but due to design constraints the partition walls of the room cannot run deck-to-deck.
What can the team do to achieve Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies?
- A . Use MERV 8 (F5), or higher, filters
- B . Provide a hard-lid ceiling
- C . Create positive pressure in the room
- D . Provide a large opening to dilute air contaminates
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
The Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies aims to establish better quality indoor air for the building occupants that promotes their comfort and well-being1. This credit requires the project team to implement several strategies to reduce the exposure of occupants and HVAC systems to environmental tobacco smoke, airborne contaminants, and chemicals1. One of the strategies is to design and construct all interior partitions to full height (deck-to-deck) or provide a hard-lid ceiling for spaces where hazardous gases or chemicals may be present or used2. This strategy helps prevent the migration of contaminants from one space to another through the plenum3. A copy room is an example of such a space, as it may contain printers, copiers, toners, and solvents that can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particulate matter (PM) into the air4. Therefore, the project team can achieve Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies by providing a hard-lid ceiling for the copy room.
Reference: Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies
Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies – Canada Green Building Council [LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction v4], page 631 Copy Rooms: A Source of Indoor Air Pollution
B
Explanation:
The Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies aims to establish better quality indoor air for the building occupants that promotes their comfort and well-being1. This credit requires the project team to implement several strategies to reduce the exposure of occupants and HVAC systems to environmental tobacco smoke, airborne contaminants, and chemicals1. One of the strategies is to design and construct all interior partitions to full height (deck-to-deck) or provide a hard-lid ceiling for spaces where hazardous gases or chemicals may be present or used2. This strategy helps prevent the migration of contaminants from one space to another through the plenum3. A copy room is an example of such a space, as it may contain printers, copiers, toners, and solvents that can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particulate matter (PM) into the air4. Therefore, the project team can achieve Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies by providing a hard-lid ceiling for the copy room.
Reference: Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies
Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies – Canada Green Building Council [LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction v4], page 631 Copy Rooms: A Source of Indoor Air Pollution
Question #72
Which of the following must be included in the Sustainable Sites Credit, Site Assessment?
- A . A targeted Brownfield remedy plan
- B . Historic preservation plan to include neighboring properties
- C . Proximity of vulnerable populations to major sources of air pollution
- D . The surrounding density within a 1/4 mi. (0.40 km) radius of the project boundary
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
The correct answer is C. Proximity of vulnerable populations to major sources of air pollution.
According to the LEED v4.1 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, the Site Assessment credit requires projects to conduct and document a site inventory and analysis that covers the following topics1:
Topography
Hydrology
Climate
Vegetation
Soils
Human use
Human health effects
The human health effects topic includes identifying the proximity of vulnerable populations, such as children, elderly, or low-income residents, to major sources of air pollution, such as highways, power plants, or industrial facilities. This information can help the project team design strategies to minimize the exposure of occupants and visitors to harmful pollutants and improve the indoor and outdoor air quality of the project1.
The other options are not required for the Site Assessment credit, although they may be relevant for other credits or prerequisites. A targeted Brownfield remedy plan is required for the Brownfields Remediation credit, which applies to projects located on sites contaminated by past uses1. A historic preservation plan to include neighboring properties is not required for any LEED credit, although projects that involve historic buildings or districts must comply with local regulations and standards for preservation1. The surrounding density within a 1/4 mi. (0.40 km) radius of the project boundary is not required for the Site Assessment credit, but it is used to calculate the points for the Surrounding Density and Diverse Uses credit, which encourages projects to locate in areas with high levels of existing development and mixed land uses1.
C
Explanation:
The correct answer is C. Proximity of vulnerable populations to major sources of air pollution.
According to the LEED v4.1 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, the Site Assessment credit requires projects to conduct and document a site inventory and analysis that covers the following topics1:
Topography
Hydrology
Climate
Vegetation
Soils
Human use
Human health effects
The human health effects topic includes identifying the proximity of vulnerable populations, such as children, elderly, or low-income residents, to major sources of air pollution, such as highways, power plants, or industrial facilities. This information can help the project team design strategies to minimize the exposure of occupants and visitors to harmful pollutants and improve the indoor and outdoor air quality of the project1.
The other options are not required for the Site Assessment credit, although they may be relevant for other credits or prerequisites. A targeted Brownfield remedy plan is required for the Brownfields Remediation credit, which applies to projects located on sites contaminated by past uses1. A historic preservation plan to include neighboring properties is not required for any LEED credit, although projects that involve historic buildings or districts must comply with local regulations and standards for preservation1. The surrounding density within a 1/4 mi. (0.40 km) radius of the project boundary is not required for the Site Assessment credit, but it is used to calculate the points for the Surrounding Density and Diverse Uses credit, which encourages projects to locate in areas with high levels of existing development and mixed land uses1.
Question #73
Which approach will contribute to maintaining compliance with Sustainable Sites Credit, Rainwater Management?
- A . Installing bioretention area
- B . Installing on-site renewable power generation facility
- C . Substituting impervious surface area with high-albedo paving materials
- D . Increase artificial turf on the roof
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
Installing a bioretention area is an example of a low-impact development (LID) practice that can reduce runoff volume and improve water quality by replicating the natural hydrology and water balance of the site. This approach will contribute to maintaining compliance with Sustainable Sites Credit, Rainwater Management, which requires designing the site to retain the runoff from the developed site for at least the 80th percentile of rainfall events1.
Reference: Credit: Rainwater management | U.S. Green Building Council Achieving SSc Rainwater Management in LEED v4.1
A
Explanation:
Installing a bioretention area is an example of a low-impact development (LID) practice that can reduce runoff volume and improve water quality by replicating the natural hydrology and water balance of the site. This approach will contribute to maintaining compliance with Sustainable Sites Credit, Rainwater Management, which requires designing the site to retain the runoff from the developed site for at least the 80th percentile of rainfall events1.
Reference: Credit: Rainwater management | U.S. Green Building Council Achieving SSc Rainwater Management in LEED v4.1
Question #74
Which rating system is being used if all of the credits below have been submitted towards certification?
– Location and Transportation Credit, Reduced Parking Footprint
– Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Fundamental Refrigerant Management
– Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Acoustic Performance
– Materials and Resources Credit, Persistent, Bio accumulative, and Toxic (PBT) Source Reduction – Lead, Cadmium, and Copper
- A . Building Design and Construction: Schools
- B . Building Design and Construction: Healthcare
- C . Building Design and Construction: Hospitality
- D . Building Design and Construction: Data Centers
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
The rating system that is being used if all of the credits below have been submitted towards certification is Building Design and Construction: Hospitality. This is because the Location and Transportation Credit, Reduced Parking Footprint and the Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Acoustic Performance are only available for the Hospitality rating system among the four options. The other two credits are common for all the rating systems.
Reference: LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, p. 301; LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, p. 401; LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, p. 411; LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, p. 421
C
Explanation:
The rating system that is being used if all of the credits below have been submitted towards certification is Building Design and Construction: Hospitality. This is because the Location and Transportation Credit, Reduced Parking Footprint and the Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Acoustic Performance are only available for the Hospitality rating system among the four options. The other two credits are common for all the rating systems.
Reference: LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, p. 301; LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, p. 401; LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, p. 411; LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, p. 421
Question #75
Qualifying spaces for the Sustainable Sites Credit, Places of Respite must
- A . be located outdoors near a water feature
- B . be located at least 20 ft. (6 m) from a smoking area
- C . have provisions for direct medical care to be delivered in the area
- D . have options for shade or indirect sun for a portion of seating spaces
Correct Answer: D
D
Explanation:
According to the LEED AP BD+C V4 reference guide for Healthcare, places of respite must be outdoors or located in interior spaces with views of nature, and have options for shade or indirect sun for a portion of seating spaces. The other options are either incorrect or not required by the credit.
Reference: LEED AP BD+C V4 reference guide for Healthcare, Places of respite
D
Explanation:
According to the LEED AP BD+C V4 reference guide for Healthcare, places of respite must be outdoors or located in interior spaces with views of nature, and have options for shade or indirect sun for a portion of seating spaces. The other options are either incorrect or not required by the credit.
Reference: LEED AP BD+C V4 reference guide for Healthcare, Places of respite
Question #76
Which of the following contributes to the value of the commissioning process?
- A . Ensuring that the project budgetary goal is met
- B . Verifying that the building systems perform as intended
- C . Verifying that the building water fixtures are installed properly
- D . Ensuring that the project is delivered to meet the permitting requirements
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
The commissioning process is a quality assurance process that ensures that the building systems perform as intended, based on the owner’s project requirements and the design team’s basis of design. The commissioning process can provide value to the project by improving energy efficiency, reducing operation and maintenance costs, enhancing occupant comfort and satisfaction, and reducing risks and liabilities123.
Reference: LEED BD+C Reference Guide, Energy and Atmosphere, page 631; LEED BD+C Reference Guide, Enhanced Commissioning, page 661; LEED Building Commissioning: Why You Should Get Accredited
B
Explanation:
The commissioning process is a quality assurance process that ensures that the building systems perform as intended, based on the owner’s project requirements and the design team’s basis of design. The commissioning process can provide value to the project by improving energy efficiency, reducing operation and maintenance costs, enhancing occupant comfort and satisfaction, and reducing risks and liabilities123.
Reference: LEED BD+C Reference Guide, Energy and Atmosphere, page 631; LEED BD+C Reference Guide, Enhanced Commissioning, page 661; LEED Building Commissioning: Why You Should Get Accredited
Question #77
What is the minimum number of members of the integrated project team for the Integrative Process Prerequisite, Integrative Project Planning and Design?
- A . One
- B . Two
- C . Four
- D . Six
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
According to the LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction1, the Integrative Process Prerequisite, Integrative Project Planning and Design, requires the project to assemble an integrated project team that includes at least four key project team members, in addition to the owner or owner’s representative. The key project team members are those who have the authority and responsibility to make design decisions and implement them during construction. The integrated project team should include professionals from different disciplines, such as architecture, engineering, landscape, interior design, construction, commissioning, operations, and maintenance. The integrated project team should collaborate throughout the project phases, from discovery to occupancy, to achieve the project goals and optimize the building performance.
Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction v4
Integrated Product Team (IPT) – AcqNotes
The Power of an Integrated Project Team Process – Little
C
Explanation:
According to the LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction1, the Integrative Process Prerequisite, Integrative Project Planning and Design, requires the project to assemble an integrated project team that includes at least four key project team members, in addition to the owner or owner’s representative. The key project team members are those who have the authority and responsibility to make design decisions and implement them during construction. The integrated project team should include professionals from different disciplines, such as architecture, engineering, landscape, interior design, construction, commissioning, operations, and maintenance. The integrated project team should collaborate throughout the project phases, from discovery to occupancy, to achieve the project goals and optimize the building performance.
Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction v4
Integrated Product Team (IPT) – AcqNotes
The Power of an Integrated Project Team Process – Little
Question #78
Several Materials and Resources credits give a bonus location valuation factor, which allows products extracted, manufactured and produced within 100 mi. (161 km) of the project to take double valuation in credit calculations. The intent of this bonus is
- A . to shorten construction duration by reducing shipping times
- B . to avoid spreading products with potentially invasive non-native pests
- C . to incentivize the purchase of products that support the local economy
- D . to promote design with indigenous materials in order to maintain local aesthetic quality
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
The bonus location valuation factor in several Materials and Resources credits under LEED AP BD+C V4 is intended to incentivize the purchase of products that support the local economy. Products extracted, manufactured, and produced within 100 miles (161 km) of the project are valued at 200% of their cost within the calculations1. This adds value to locally produced products and materials2.
Reference: LEED Quiz 8: Ch. 9 Materials & Resources Flashcards | Quizlet
LEED 2009 vs. LEED v4: Regional Materials – LaForce, LLC
C
Explanation:
The bonus location valuation factor in several Materials and Resources credits under LEED AP BD+C V4 is intended to incentivize the purchase of products that support the local economy. Products extracted, manufactured, and produced within 100 miles (161 km) of the project are valued at 200% of their cost within the calculations1. This adds value to locally produced products and materials2.
Reference: LEED Quiz 8: Ch. 9 Materials & Resources Flashcards | Quizlet
LEED 2009 vs. LEED v4: Regional Materials – LaForce, LLC
Question #79
Which of the following Sustainable Sites credits are eligible to be used as a campus approach?
- A . Light Pollution Reduction, Places of Respite, Open Space
- B . Heat Island Reduction, Places of Respite, Site Master Plan
- C . Direct Exterior Access, Heat Island Reduction, Rainwater Management
- D . Heat Island Reduction, Light Pollution Reduction, Rainwater Management
Correct Answer: D
D
Explanation:
According to the LEED Campus Guidance, the campus approach allows projects that share a single location and site attributes to achieve separate LEED certification for each project, building space, or group on the master site. The campus approach can be used for certain credits that are influenced by the site conditions and infrastructure, such as Sustainable Sites credits. The LEED Campus Guidance provides a list of eligible credits for the campus approach, which includes the following Sustainable Sites credits1:
• Site Assessment
• Site Development – Protect or Restore Habitat
• Open Space
• Rainwater Management
• Heat Island Reduction
• Light Pollution Reduction
Therefore, Heat Island Reduction, Light Pollution Reduction, and Rainwater Management are Sustainable Sites credits that are eligible to be used as a campus approach. Places of Respite, Site Master Plan, and Direct Exterior Access are not Sustainable Sites credits, but other credits or prerequisites that are not eligible for the campus approach1.
Reference: • LEED Campus Guidance1
D
Explanation:
According to the LEED Campus Guidance, the campus approach allows projects that share a single location and site attributes to achieve separate LEED certification for each project, building space, or group on the master site. The campus approach can be used for certain credits that are influenced by the site conditions and infrastructure, such as Sustainable Sites credits. The LEED Campus Guidance provides a list of eligible credits for the campus approach, which includes the following Sustainable Sites credits1:
• Site Assessment
• Site Development – Protect or Restore Habitat
• Open Space
• Rainwater Management
• Heat Island Reduction
• Light Pollution Reduction
Therefore, Heat Island Reduction, Light Pollution Reduction, and Rainwater Management are Sustainable Sites credits that are eligible to be used as a campus approach. Places of Respite, Site Master Plan, and Direct Exterior Access are not Sustainable Sites credits, but other credits or prerequisites that are not eligible for the campus approach1.
Reference: • LEED Campus Guidance1
Question #80
According to the Integrative Process Credit, Integrative Process, the goal-setting workshop should identify
- A . potential project sites
- B . targeted LEED credits
- C . expected water demand
- D . expected energy demand
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
According to the Integrative Process Credit, Integrative Process, the goal-setting workshop should identify targeted LEED credits. This is because the goal-setting workshop is a meeting that involves the project owner and key project team members to establish the project’s sustainability goals, design objectives, and performance targets. One of the outcomes of the workshop is to identify the LEED credits that are relevant and achievable for the project, based on the project scope, budget, schedule, and site conditions. Therefore, option B is the correct answer. The other options are not the objectives of the goal-setting workshop. Potential project sites (option A) are usually determined before the goal-setting workshop, as they affect the project’s feasibility and design. Expected water demand (option C) and expected energy demand (option D) are not identified in the goal-setting workshop, but rather in the preliminary water budget and the preliminary energy modeling, which are part of the analysis phase that follows the goal-setting workshop. For more information on the Integrative Process Credit, Integrative Process, you can refer to the LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction1 or the Projectific blog post on LEED Integrative Process Credit Explained2.
B
Explanation:
According to the Integrative Process Credit, Integrative Process, the goal-setting workshop should identify targeted LEED credits. This is because the goal-setting workshop is a meeting that involves the project owner and key project team members to establish the project’s sustainability goals, design objectives, and performance targets. One of the outcomes of the workshop is to identify the LEED credits that are relevant and achievable for the project, based on the project scope, budget, schedule, and site conditions. Therefore, option B is the correct answer. The other options are not the objectives of the goal-setting workshop. Potential project sites (option A) are usually determined before the goal-setting workshop, as they affect the project’s feasibility and design. Expected water demand (option C) and expected energy demand (option D) are not identified in the goal-setting workshop, but rather in the preliminary water budget and the preliminary energy modeling, which are part of the analysis phase that follows the goal-setting workshop. For more information on the Integrative Process Credit, Integrative Process, you can refer to the LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction1 or the Projectific blog post on LEED Integrative Process Credit Explained2.