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 #81
What is the system boundary that a building life cycle analysis must be defined to account for?
- A . Cradle-to-gate
- B . Cradle-to-grave
- C . Cradle-to-cradle
- D . Cradle-to-building
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
The system boundary that a building life cycle analysis must be defined to account for is the cradle-to-grave stage, which includes the production, construction, use, and end-of-life stages of the building. This stage covers all the inputs and outputs of the building system, such as materials, energy, water, emissions, waste, and maintenance.
Reference:
• Life Cycle Assessment of Buildings: Technical Guidance
• Life-cycle assessment – Wikipedia
• Conducting a Life Cycle Assessment – GSA Sustainable … – SFTool
B
Explanation:
The system boundary that a building life cycle analysis must be defined to account for is the cradle-to-grave stage, which includes the production, construction, use, and end-of-life stages of the building. This stage covers all the inputs and outputs of the building system, such as materials, energy, water, emissions, waste, and maintenance.
Reference:
• Life Cycle Assessment of Buildings: Technical Guidance
• Life-cycle assessment – Wikipedia
• Conducting a Life Cycle Assessment – GSA Sustainable … – SFTool
Question #82
When the project occupancy is not known, which method is recommended?
- A . Default occupant density from ASHRAE 62.1-2010, Table 6-1
- B . Default occupant density from ASHRAE 90.1-2010, Table G3.1.1A
- C . Weekly average taken into account all the occupants in a typical 24-hour day of operation
- D . Occupancy measured for eight hours, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., for all occupancy patterns
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
This method is recommended when the project occupancy is not known, because it provides the default occupant density values for various space types, such as offices, classrooms, retail, and restaurants1. These values are based on the typical or average occupancy of similar spaces, and can be used to estimate the ventilation requirements and energy performance of the project2.
Reference: = LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, ASHRAE 62.1-2010, Table 6-1.
A
Explanation:
This method is recommended when the project occupancy is not known, because it provides the default occupant density values for various space types, such as offices, classrooms, retail, and restaurants1. These values are based on the typical or average occupancy of similar spaces, and can be used to estimate the ventilation requirements and energy performance of the project2.
Reference: = LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, ASHRAE 62.1-2010, Table 6-1.
Question #83
A LEED Building Design and Construction: New Construction office building’s HVAC system includes hot water from a central utility plant. The central utility plant is owned and operated by a management company. The office pays a flat fee for hot water, included as part of the lease. The management company does not meter or invoice for actual hot water consumption. For the project to meet the requirements for Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite, Building-Level Energy Metering, an energy meter must be installed for
- A . natural gas
- B . hot water at the main service point
- C . nothing, because the flat fee is included as part of the lease
- D . nothing, because the energy source is outside of the project’s scope
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
An energy meter must be installed for hot water at the main service point for the project to meet the requirements for Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite, Building-Level Energy Metering. According to the LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, this prerequisite requires that “all energy sources used by the building must be metered or submetered” 1. The hot water from the central utility plant is an energy source used by the building, even if it is not directly paid by the office. Therefore, it must be metered at the point where it enters the building. The other options are incorrect because natural gas is not an energy source used by the building in this case, and the flat fee or the ownership of the energy source do not exempt the project from the metering requirement.
Reference: LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, Energy and Atmosphere Category, EAp Building-Level Energy Metering, page 569.
B
Explanation:
An energy meter must be installed for hot water at the main service point for the project to meet the requirements for Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite, Building-Level Energy Metering. According to the LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, this prerequisite requires that “all energy sources used by the building must be metered or submetered” 1. The hot water from the central utility plant is an energy source used by the building, even if it is not directly paid by the office. Therefore, it must be metered at the point where it enters the building. The other options are incorrect because natural gas is not an energy source used by the building in this case, and the flat fee or the ownership of the energy source do not exempt the project from the metering requirement.
Reference: LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, Energy and Atmosphere Category, EAp Building-Level Energy Metering, page 569.
Question #84
Which of the following strategies can be used to decrease the envelope load of a building?
- A . Provide summer solar shading
- B . Maximize daylighting
- C . Decrease opaque wall area
- D . Use economizers for free cooling
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
Reducing the envelope load involves minimizing the heat that enters or escapes through a building’s envelope (walls, windows, roof, etc.). Summer solar shading is an effective strategy to block direct sunlight during warmer months, decreasing the cooling load on the HVAC system. This method helps reduce solar heat gain, which lowers energy usage for cooling. Other options like maximizing daylighting (B) increase natural light but may also increase heat gain, and decreasing the opaque wall area (C) can actually increase energy loss. Economizers (D) are HVAC strategies and don’t directly reduce the envelope load.
A
Explanation:
Reducing the envelope load involves minimizing the heat that enters or escapes through a building’s envelope (walls, windows, roof, etc.). Summer solar shading is an effective strategy to block direct sunlight during warmer months, decreasing the cooling load on the HVAC system. This method helps reduce solar heat gain, which lowers energy usage for cooling. Other options like maximizing daylighting (B) increase natural light but may also increase heat gain, and decreasing the opaque wall area (C) can actually increase energy loss. Economizers (D) are HVAC strategies and don’t directly reduce the envelope load.
Question #85
When calculating the reverberation time of a room, which of the following pieces of information is least relevant?
- A . Height and width of room
- B . Noise reduction coefficient of the ceiling surface
- C . Sound absorption coefficient of the floor surface
- D . Operating sound level of nearest HVAC equipment
Correct Answer: D
D
Explanation:
When calculating the reverberation time of a room, the operating sound level of the nearest HVAC equipment is the least relevant piece of information. The reverberation time is the time it takes for the sound to decay by 60 decibels after the source stops emitting sound. The reverberation time depends on the volume and the surface area of the room, as well as the sound absorption coefficients of the materials that cover the surfaces. The height and width of the room are needed to calculate the volume and the surface area. The noise reduction coefficient of the ceiling surface and the sound absorption coefficient of the floor surface are needed to calculate the total sound absorption of the room. The operating sound level of the nearest HVAC equipment is not relevant for calculating the reverberation time, but it may affect the background noise level and the speech intelligibility in the room.
Reference:
• LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, Indoor Environmental Quality Credit: Acoustic Performance, page 7101
• Sounds of Silence: Acoustic Performance in LEED v4.12
D
Explanation:
When calculating the reverberation time of a room, the operating sound level of the nearest HVAC equipment is the least relevant piece of information. The reverberation time is the time it takes for the sound to decay by 60 decibels after the source stops emitting sound. The reverberation time depends on the volume and the surface area of the room, as well as the sound absorption coefficients of the materials that cover the surfaces. The height and width of the room are needed to calculate the volume and the surface area. The noise reduction coefficient of the ceiling surface and the sound absorption coefficient of the floor surface are needed to calculate the total sound absorption of the room. The operating sound level of the nearest HVAC equipment is not relevant for calculating the reverberation time, but it may affect the background noise level and the speech intelligibility in the room.
Reference:
• LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, Indoor Environmental Quality Credit: Acoustic Performance, page 7101
• Sounds of Silence: Acoustic Performance in LEED v4.12
Question #86
In a large industrial or commercial building, which energy end uses are classified as systems composed of discrete pieces of equipment that can be metered together for the purposes of Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Advanced Energy Metering?
- A . HVAC air system for air conditioning
- B . Electrical lighting system during peak use hours
- C . Water flow system used for public faucets and toilets
- D . Condenser water system with a cooling tower and condenser water pumps
Correct Answer: D
D
Explanation:
A condenser water system with a cooling tower and condenser water pumps is classified as a system composed of discrete pieces of equipment that can be metered together for the purposes of Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Advanced Energy Metering. This is because the condenser water system is a single energy end use that serves a specific function and can be isolated from other systems1. HVAC air system, electrical lighting system, and water flow system are not considered as single energy end uses, but rather as multiple energy end uses that serve different functions and cannot be easily isolated2.
Reference:
• LEED v4 for Building Design and Construction, p. 415
• Advanced Energy Metering, p. 2
D
Explanation:
A condenser water system with a cooling tower and condenser water pumps is classified as a system composed of discrete pieces of equipment that can be metered together for the purposes of Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Advanced Energy Metering. This is because the condenser water system is a single energy end use that serves a specific function and can be isolated from other systems1. HVAC air system, electrical lighting system, and water flow system are not considered as single energy end uses, but rather as multiple energy end uses that serve different functions and cannot be easily isolated2.
Reference:
• LEED v4 for Building Design and Construction, p. 415
• Advanced Energy Metering, p. 2
Question #87
Massing and orientation in Integrative Process Credit. Integrative Process evaluates how rotating the building 90 degrees affects
- A . energy loads
- B . lighting levels
- C . ventilation methods
- D . thermal comfort ranges
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
Massing and orientation are important factors that affect the energy performance of a building. Massing refers to the shape and size of the building, and orientation refers to the direction that the building faces. By rotating the building 90 degrees, the project team can evaluate how the change in orientation affects the energy loads of the building, such as heating, cooling, and lighting. For example, a building that faces south may receive more solar heat gain and daylight than a building that faces north, which may reduce the need for artificial lighting and heating, but increase the need for cooling and shading. The project team can use the results of the analysis to optimize the massing and orientation of the building to achieve the best energy performance.
Reference: LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, Integrative Process Credit: Integrative Process, page 811
Integrative Process Worksheet2
A
Explanation:
Massing and orientation are important factors that affect the energy performance of a building. Massing refers to the shape and size of the building, and orientation refers to the direction that the building faces. By rotating the building 90 degrees, the project team can evaluate how the change in orientation affects the energy loads of the building, such as heating, cooling, and lighting. For example, a building that faces south may receive more solar heat gain and daylight than a building that faces north, which may reduce the need for artificial lighting and heating, but increase the need for cooling and shading. The project team can use the results of the analysis to optimize the massing and orientation of the building to achieve the best energy performance.
Reference: LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, Integrative Process Credit: Integrative Process, page 811
Integrative Process Worksheet2
Question #88
A Photovoltaic (PV) system was installed on a 35,000 ft2 (3 252 m2) project.
What actions need to take place in order to meet compliance for Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite, Fundamental Commissioning (Cx) and Verification?
- A . No action is necessary as the PV system is not required to be commissioned
- B . The PV system installer should commission his own installations and share the results with the project owner
- C . The Cx agent for the project must conduct or oversee the Cx of the PV system
- D . The building’s mechanical engineer should commission his own installations and share the results with the project owner
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
The correct answer is C, the Cx agent for the project must conduct or oversee the Cx of the PV system. According to the LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, the Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite, Fundamental Commissioning and Verification, requires that all energy-related systems, including renewable energy systems such as PV, be commissioned by an independent commissioning agent (CxA) or a qualified member of the project team who reports to the owner. The CxA or the qualified team member must perform or oversee all commissioning activities, including developing a commissioning plan, reviewing design documents and submittals, verifying installation and performance, and preparing a commissioning report12
Reference: 1: LEED
v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite: Fundamental Commissioning and Verification, page 562. 2: LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, Glossary, page 1020.
C
Explanation:
The correct answer is C, the Cx agent for the project must conduct or oversee the Cx of the PV system. According to the LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, the Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite, Fundamental Commissioning and Verification, requires that all energy-related systems, including renewable energy systems such as PV, be commissioned by an independent commissioning agent (CxA) or a qualified member of the project team who reports to the owner. The CxA or the qualified team member must perform or oversee all commissioning activities, including developing a commissioning plan, reviewing design documents and submittals, verifying installation and performance, and preparing a commissioning report12
Reference: 1: LEED
v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite: Fundamental Commissioning and Verification, page 562. 2: LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, Glossary, page 1020.
Question #89
Which of the following would be most useful to a school project that is attempting to pursue Water Efficiency Credit, Indoor Water Use Reduction?
- A . A standard garbage disposal
- B . Electronic submeter at the domestic water supply pipe to the building
- C . An open-loop HVAC system that discharges potable cooling water to a nearby lake
- D . Commercial dishwasher that is ENERGY STAR® labeled or performance equivalent
Correct Answer: D
D
Explanation:
The Water Efficiency Credit, Indoor Water Use Reduction aims to reduce indoor water consumption by installing water-efficient fixtures and fittings, such as faucets, showerheads, toilets, and urinals1. A commercial dishwasher that is ENERGY STAR® labeled or performance equivalent would help reduce the water use for dishwashing, which is one of the process water uses included in the credit calculation2. A standard garbage disposal would not reduce water use, but rather increase it. An electronic submeter at the domestic water supply pipe to the building would help measure and monitor water use, but not directly reduce it. An open-loop HVAC system that discharges potable cooling water to a nearby lake would waste a lot of water and potentially harm the environment.
Reference: Indoor Water Use Reduction
“Maximizing Water Efficiency in Commercial Buildings: Understanding LEED BD+C Water Efficiency Credits”
D
Explanation:
The Water Efficiency Credit, Indoor Water Use Reduction aims to reduce indoor water consumption by installing water-efficient fixtures and fittings, such as faucets, showerheads, toilets, and urinals1. A commercial dishwasher that is ENERGY STAR® labeled or performance equivalent would help reduce the water use for dishwashing, which is one of the process water uses included in the credit calculation2. A standard garbage disposal would not reduce water use, but rather increase it. An electronic submeter at the domestic water supply pipe to the building would help measure and monitor water use, but not directly reduce it. An open-loop HVAC system that discharges potable cooling water to a nearby lake would waste a lot of water and potentially harm the environment.
Reference: Indoor Water Use Reduction
“Maximizing Water Efficiency in Commercial Buildings: Understanding LEED BD+C Water Efficiency Credits”
Question #90
Which system is eligible for the Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Renewable Energy Production?
- A . Ground-source heat pumps
- B . Tidal-based electrical production
- C . Municipal solid waste combustion
- D . Passive solar and daylighting strategies
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
Tidal-based electrical production is eligible for the Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Renewable Energy Production. This credit rewards projects that use renewable energy systems to offset building energy cost. According to the LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, renewable energy systems are defined as “those that use resources that are naturally replenished within a 100-year or shorter cycle and that are greenhouse gas neutral on an annual basis” 1. Tidal-based electrical production meets this definition, as it uses the kinetic energy of the tides to generate electricity without emitting greenhouse gases. The other options are not eligible for this credit, as ground-source heat pumps are not considered renewable energy systems, municipal solid waste combustion is not greenhouse gas neutral, and passive solar and daylighting strategies do not offset building energy cost.
Reference: LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, Energy and Atmosphere Category, EAc Renewable Energy Production, page 572.
B
Explanation:
Tidal-based electrical production is eligible for the Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Renewable Energy Production. This credit rewards projects that use renewable energy systems to offset building energy cost. According to the LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, renewable energy systems are defined as “those that use resources that are naturally replenished within a 100-year or shorter cycle and that are greenhouse gas neutral on an annual basis” 1. Tidal-based electrical production meets this definition, as it uses the kinetic energy of the tides to generate electricity without emitting greenhouse gases. The other options are not eligible for this credit, as ground-source heat pumps are not considered renewable energy systems, municipal solid waste combustion is not greenhouse gas neutral, and passive solar and daylighting strategies do not offset building energy cost.
Reference: LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, Energy and Atmosphere Category, EAc Renewable Energy Production, page 572.