USGBC LEED AP ND Practice Exams
Last updated on Oct 21,2026- Exam Code: LEED AP ND
- Exam Name: LEED AP Neighborhood Development (LEED ND)
- Certification Provider: USGBC
- Latest update: Oct 21,2026
Question #31
According to the Minimum Program Requirements, a LEED for Neighborhood Development project should contain at least how many habitable buildings?
- A . One Building
- B . Two building
- C . Three buildings
- D . Four buildings
Correct Answer: A
A
Explanation:
According to the Minimum Program Requirements (MPRs) for LEED for Neighborhood Development, a project must contain at least one habitable building to be eligible for certification. This ensures that the project contributes to creating a functional neighborhood with actual habitable space, rather than just being open land or non-habitable structures. This requirement is fundamental for establishing the neighborhood as a living, functioning community.
A
Explanation:
According to the Minimum Program Requirements (MPRs) for LEED for Neighborhood Development, a project must contain at least one habitable building to be eligible for certification. This ensures that the project contributes to creating a functional neighborhood with actual habitable space, rather than just being open land or non-habitable structures. This requirement is fundamental for establishing the neighborhood as a living, functioning community.
Question #32
On a project with 10 residential units, which of the following would contribute to achieving Neighborhood Pattern and Design Credit. Neighborhood Schools?
- A . Including a new middle school with a 12-acre (4.8 hectare) campus
- B . Including a new elementary school with a four-acre (1.6 hectare) campus
- C . Locating all of the units within a 1.5 mi (2414m) walking distance of an ousting high school
- D . Locating three units within a 1/2 mi. (800 m) walking distance, and seven units within a one ml. (1.600 m) walking distance of an existing elementary school
Correct Answer: D
D
Explanation:
To achieve the Neighborhood Pattern and Design Credit for Neighborhood Schools in LEED-ND, at least 50% of the dwelling units must be within a 1/2 mile (800 meters) walking distance of an existing or planned school. The scenario where three units are within a 1/2 mile and seven units are within a one-mile distance meets the criteria, as it ensures that a significant portion of the residences are within a close, walkable distance to a school.
Detailed Explanation
Neighborhood Schools Credit:
This credit encourages the development of neighborhoods where schools are within walking distance of homes, promoting walking and reducing the need for car travel. It supports the idea of integrating educational facilities into the community fabric.
Walking Distance Requirements:
For this credit, the LEED-ND standard typically requires that a certain percentage of the project’s dwelling units be within a 1/2 mile (800 meters) walking distance of a school. This distance is measured along safe and accessible pedestrian paths. Scenario Compliance:
In the given scenario, three of the ten units are within the optimal 1/2 mile walking distance. While the remaining seven units are slightly further away (within one mile), the distribution still supports the credit’s intent by making a school accessible to most residents.
Reference: The LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development outlines the criteria for Neighborhood Schools and how to measure and document walking distances.
The LEED v4 Neighborhood Development documentation provides specific guidelines on the distribution of dwelling units in relation to schools.
For more information, refer to:
LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development
LEED v4 Neighborhood Development
D
Explanation:
To achieve the Neighborhood Pattern and Design Credit for Neighborhood Schools in LEED-ND, at least 50% of the dwelling units must be within a 1/2 mile (800 meters) walking distance of an existing or planned school. The scenario where three units are within a 1/2 mile and seven units are within a one-mile distance meets the criteria, as it ensures that a significant portion of the residences are within a close, walkable distance to a school.
Detailed Explanation
Neighborhood Schools Credit:
This credit encourages the development of neighborhoods where schools are within walking distance of homes, promoting walking and reducing the need for car travel. It supports the idea of integrating educational facilities into the community fabric.
Walking Distance Requirements:
For this credit, the LEED-ND standard typically requires that a certain percentage of the project’s dwelling units be within a 1/2 mile (800 meters) walking distance of a school. This distance is measured along safe and accessible pedestrian paths. Scenario Compliance:
In the given scenario, three of the ten units are within the optimal 1/2 mile walking distance. While the remaining seven units are slightly further away (within one mile), the distribution still supports the credit’s intent by making a school accessible to most residents.
Reference: The LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development outlines the criteria for Neighborhood Schools and how to measure and document walking distances.
The LEED v4 Neighborhood Development documentation provides specific guidelines on the distribution of dwelling units in relation to schools.
For more information, refer to:
LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development
LEED v4 Neighborhood Development
Question #33
A standardized base map that should be used throughout the submission to illustrate relevant surrounding features for up to 1 mi. (1.6 km) around the project boundary is a
- A . special map.
- B . permit map.
- C . vicinity map
- D . project site map.
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
In LEED for Neighborhood Development (LEED-ND), a vicinity map is the standardized base map used throughout the submission process to illustrate relevant surrounding features for up to 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) around the project boundary. This map is crucial for demonstrating the context of the project within its surrounding environment, including nearby land uses, transportation networks, and other significant features that could impact the sustainability of the development.
Detailed Explanation
Vicinity Map Purpose:
The vicinity map is intended to provide a clear and consistent representation of the project’s location and its relationship to the surrounding area. It is used to show how the project connects to nearby neighborhoods, infrastructure, and amenities, which are critical in evaluating the project’s sustainability, walkability, and connectivity.
Standardized Submission Requirement:
The LEED-ND rating system requires a standardized base map to ensure that all relevant features are consistently represented across different credits and documentation submissions. The vicinity map helps to streamline the review process by providing a uniform reference point for all stakeholders involved in the certification process.
Relevant Features:
The map should include key features such as roads, public transit routes, parks, schools, and other community amenities within a 1-mile radius. This helps assess the project’s accessibility, potential for reducing automobile dependence, and integration with existing urban or suburban infrastructure.
Reference: The LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development outlines the requirements for submission documentation, including the use of standardized maps like the vicinity map.
Additional details can be found in the LEED v4 Neighborhood Development documentation, which provides guidelines on preparing and using the vicinity map effectively. For further guidance, refer to:
LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development
LEED v4 Neighborhood Development
C
Explanation:
In LEED for Neighborhood Development (LEED-ND), a vicinity map is the standardized base map used throughout the submission process to illustrate relevant surrounding features for up to 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) around the project boundary. This map is crucial for demonstrating the context of the project within its surrounding environment, including nearby land uses, transportation networks, and other significant features that could impact the sustainability of the development.
Detailed Explanation
Vicinity Map Purpose:
The vicinity map is intended to provide a clear and consistent representation of the project’s location and its relationship to the surrounding area. It is used to show how the project connects to nearby neighborhoods, infrastructure, and amenities, which are critical in evaluating the project’s sustainability, walkability, and connectivity.
Standardized Submission Requirement:
The LEED-ND rating system requires a standardized base map to ensure that all relevant features are consistently represented across different credits and documentation submissions. The vicinity map helps to streamline the review process by providing a uniform reference point for all stakeholders involved in the certification process.
Relevant Features:
The map should include key features such as roads, public transit routes, parks, schools, and other community amenities within a 1-mile radius. This helps assess the project’s accessibility, potential for reducing automobile dependence, and integration with existing urban or suburban infrastructure.
Reference: The LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development outlines the requirements for submission documentation, including the use of standardized maps like the vicinity map.
Additional details can be found in the LEED v4 Neighborhood Development documentation, which provides guidelines on preparing and using the vicinity map effectively. For further guidance, refer to:
LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development
LEED v4 Neighborhood Development
Question #34
To ensure that future residents of a project are allowed to grow produce in side yards, balconies or rooftops. Neighborhood Pattern and Design Credit. Local Food Production requires a developer to
- A . retain an on-site garden management company.
- B . register the protect with American Farmland Trust.
- C . establish appropriate covenants, conditions, and restrictions.
- D . establish a community supported agriculture program.
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
To comply with the Neighborhood Pattern and Design Credit for Local Food Production, establishing appropriate covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs) is necessary. These legal instruments ensure that future residents have the right to grow produce on their property, including side yards, balconies, or rooftops. CC&Rs are binding agreements that are recorded with the property deed, ensuring long-term adherence to sustainable practices. Options like retaining a garden management company or registering with the American Farmland Trust do not directly fulfill the requirements for ensuring residents’ rights to grow produce.
These answers align with the LEED for Neighborhood Development guidelines and aim to support sustainable community planning and development practices.
C
Explanation:
To comply with the Neighborhood Pattern and Design Credit for Local Food Production, establishing appropriate covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs) is necessary. These legal instruments ensure that future residents have the right to grow produce on their property, including side yards, balconies, or rooftops. CC&Rs are binding agreements that are recorded with the property deed, ensuring long-term adherence to sustainable practices. Options like retaining a garden management company or registering with the American Farmland Trust do not directly fulfill the requirements for ensuring residents’ rights to grow produce.
These answers align with the LEED for Neighborhood Development guidelines and aim to support sustainable community planning and development practices.
Question #35
According to Green Infrastructure and Buildings Prerequisite. Indoor Waler Use Reduction, the indoor water usage of a new building or buildings undergoing major renovations (nonresidential buildings, mixed-use buildings, and multifamily tour stones or more), must average at least
- A . 10% less than in baseline buildings.
- B . 20% less than in baseline buildings.
- C . 30% loss than in baseline buildings
- D . 50% less than in baseline buildings.
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
The Green Infrastructure and Buildings Prerequisite for Indoor Water Use Reduction requires that the indoor water usage of new buildings or buildings undergoing major renovations must average at least 20% less than in baseline buildings. This prerequisite is aimed at promoting water conservation through the use of efficient plumbing fixtures, appliances, and systems, contributing to the overall sustainability of the project by reducing water demand and minimizing the strain on local water resources.
B
Explanation:
The Green Infrastructure and Buildings Prerequisite for Indoor Water Use Reduction requires that the indoor water usage of new buildings or buildings undergoing major renovations must average at least 20% less than in baseline buildings. This prerequisite is aimed at promoting water conservation through the use of efficient plumbing fixtures, appliances, and systems, contributing to the overall sustainability of the project by reducing water demand and minimizing the strain on local water resources.
Question #36
A project site would automatically comply with Smart Location and Linkage Prerequisite. Wetland and Water Body Conservation if the project site is
- A . An infill site
- B . An adjacent site
- C . A brownfield redevelopment.
- D . On previously distributed land
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
The Smart Location and Linkage Prerequisite: Wetland and Water Body Conservation in LEED for Neighborhood Development aims to protect natural hydrological systems by ensuring that development does not negatively impact wetlands and water bodies. Projects must avoid development on land that would disrupt these sensitive ecological areas or mitigate their impact if such development is unavoidable.
Option C: A brownfield redevelopment is the correct answer because brownfield sites are typically previously developed lands that may have been contaminated or disturbed. When a project is located on a brownfield site, it avoids impacting previously undisturbed wetlands or water bodies, as brownfields have already undergone substantial disturbance. LEED incentivizes the reuse and redevelopment of such sites as it aligns with sustainable land-use practices and avoids the need to develop on pristine or sensitive environmental areas, including wetlands and water bodies. Therefore, projects on brownfield sites automatically comply with the Wetland and Water Body Conservation prerequisite (Reference: LEED v4 ND Reference Guide).
Option A: An infill site may or may not comply automatically with this prerequisite depending on whether the site includes or affects wetlands or water bodies. Infill sites can be adjacent to or even contain sensitive areas.
Option B: An adjacent site does not necessarily ensure compliance with this prerequisite. Adjacent development could still affect nearby wetlands or water bodies if it is not planned carefully.
Option D: On previously disturbed land does not guarantee compliance, as previously disturbed land may still contain wetlands or be near water bodies that require protection.
In summary, brownfield redevelopment projects inherently avoid negatively impacting wetlands and water bodies, making Option C the correct choice for automatic compliance with the Wetland and Water Body Conservation prerequisite.
C
Explanation:
The Smart Location and Linkage Prerequisite: Wetland and Water Body Conservation in LEED for Neighborhood Development aims to protect natural hydrological systems by ensuring that development does not negatively impact wetlands and water bodies. Projects must avoid development on land that would disrupt these sensitive ecological areas or mitigate their impact if such development is unavoidable.
Option C: A brownfield redevelopment is the correct answer because brownfield sites are typically previously developed lands that may have been contaminated or disturbed. When a project is located on a brownfield site, it avoids impacting previously undisturbed wetlands or water bodies, as brownfields have already undergone substantial disturbance. LEED incentivizes the reuse and redevelopment of such sites as it aligns with sustainable land-use practices and avoids the need to develop on pristine or sensitive environmental areas, including wetlands and water bodies. Therefore, projects on brownfield sites automatically comply with the Wetland and Water Body Conservation prerequisite (Reference: LEED v4 ND Reference Guide).
Option A: An infill site may or may not comply automatically with this prerequisite depending on whether the site includes or affects wetlands or water bodies. Infill sites can be adjacent to or even contain sensitive areas.
Option B: An adjacent site does not necessarily ensure compliance with this prerequisite. Adjacent development could still affect nearby wetlands or water bodies if it is not planned carefully.
Option D: On previously disturbed land does not guarantee compliance, as previously disturbed land may still contain wetlands or be near water bodies that require protection.
In summary, brownfield redevelopment projects inherently avoid negatively impacting wetlands and water bodies, making Option C the correct choice for automatic compliance with the Wetland and Water Body Conservation prerequisite.
Question #37
A project team has determined that achieving Green Infrastructure and Buildings Credit. Solar Orientation is feasible Based on a preliminary assessment of site features, sunlight and shading, the maximum solar access has been determined.
What is the next step the project needs to take to incorporate optimum solar orientation into the site design?
- A . Determine whether each building can be designed within 15 degrees of geographical east-west
- B . Review local and federal tax incentives and incorporate the monetary value of incentives into the protect budget and site design
- C . Determine the total building square footage in the project and identify all buildings where one axis is at least 2.5 times longer than the others
- D . Study building envelopes and daylighting opportunities for planned development and adjust construction documents to reflect optimum solar orientation
Correct Answer: D
D
Explanation:
For the Green Infrastructure and Buildings Credit regarding Solar Orientation, after determining maximum solar access, the project team should next focus on studying the building envelopes and daylighting opportunities. This step is essential to ensure that the construction documents accurately reflect the optimum solar orientation, which can significantly enhance energy efficiency and occupant comfort. The other options, while relevant, do not directly pertain to incorporating solar orientation into site design as effectively as studying building envelopes and making necessary adjustments in the construction documents.
D
Explanation:
For the Green Infrastructure and Buildings Credit regarding Solar Orientation, after determining maximum solar access, the project team should next focus on studying the building envelopes and daylighting opportunities. This step is essential to ensure that the construction documents accurately reflect the optimum solar orientation, which can significantly enhance energy efficiency and occupant comfort. The other options, while relevant, do not directly pertain to incorporating solar orientation into site design as effectively as studying building envelopes and making necessary adjustments in the construction documents.
Question #38
To meet the requirement of Smart Location and Linkage Credit. Access to Quality Transit, on a 600-ace 1243 hectares) site with 3,500 dwelling units, what Is the minimum number of units that must be within 1/4 mi. (400 m) walk distance of an existing streetcar stop?
- A . 350 unite
- B . 1,050 units
- C . 1,400 units
- D . 1,750 units
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
The Smart Location and Linkage (SLL) Credit for Access to Quality Transit in LEED for Neighborhood Development promotes connectivity to public transportation, reducing reliance on private vehicles and encouraging walkability. To meet this credit, a portion of the dwelling units in the project must be located within a specified walking distance of a transit stop, which in this case is a streetcar stop.
For this specific scenario:
The project has 3,500 dwelling units on a 600-acre (243-hectare) site.
LEED requires a minimum percentage of units to be within 1/4 mile (400 meters) walk distance of a transit stop to qualify for the credit.
According to LEED guidelines, 30% of the dwelling units must be located within the required walking distance to earn the credit.
Thus, the calculation would be:
3,500 units×30%=1,050 units3,500 , text{units} times 30% = 1,050 , text{units}3,500units×30%=1,050units
Therefore, Option B: 1,050 units is the correct answer. This ensures that a sufficient number of residential units are within a close and accessible distance to transit, which contributes to reducing automobile dependence and fostering sustainable neighborhood development (Reference: LEED v4 ND Reference Guide).
B
Explanation:
The Smart Location and Linkage (SLL) Credit for Access to Quality Transit in LEED for Neighborhood Development promotes connectivity to public transportation, reducing reliance on private vehicles and encouraging walkability. To meet this credit, a portion of the dwelling units in the project must be located within a specified walking distance of a transit stop, which in this case is a streetcar stop.
For this specific scenario:
The project has 3,500 dwelling units on a 600-acre (243-hectare) site.
LEED requires a minimum percentage of units to be within 1/4 mile (400 meters) walk distance of a transit stop to qualify for the credit.
According to LEED guidelines, 30% of the dwelling units must be located within the required walking distance to earn the credit.
Thus, the calculation would be:
3,500 units×30%=1,050 units3,500 , text{units} times 30% = 1,050 , text{units}3,500units×30%=1,050units
Therefore, Option B: 1,050 units is the correct answer. This ensures that a sufficient number of residential units are within a close and accessible distance to transit, which contributes to reducing automobile dependence and fostering sustainable neighborhood development (Reference: LEED v4 ND Reference Guide).
Question #39
An Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan Is required to achieve Green infrastructure and Buildings Prerequisite Construction Activity Pollution Prevention.
Which of the following Is an objective of this prerequisite?
- A . increasing stormwater flow rates off a site
- B . Providing a long term strategy for flood control
- C . Preventing air pollution with dust and particulate matter
- D . Reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with the project
Correct Answer: C
C
Explanation:
The Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan, required under the Green Infrastructure and Buildings Prerequisite for Construction Activity Pollution Prevention, primarily aims to prevent air pollution from dust and particulate matter generated during construction. This objective ensures that construction activities do not negatively impact air quality, particularly for neighboring communities. The plan also addresses soil erosion and sedimentation, protecting local waterways from sediment runoff, which can degrade water quality and harm aquatic ecosystems.
C
Explanation:
The Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plan, required under the Green Infrastructure and Buildings Prerequisite for Construction Activity Pollution Prevention, primarily aims to prevent air pollution from dust and particulate matter generated during construction. This objective ensures that construction activities do not negatively impact air quality, particularly for neighboring communities. The plan also addresses soil erosion and sedimentation, protecting local waterways from sediment runoff, which can degrade water quality and harm aquatic ecosystems.
Question #40
A mixed-use development includes a 150.00011” (13.935 m2) office building.
Which energy analysis option can be considered under Green Infrastructure and Buildings Prerequisite. Minimum Building Energy Performance for this building?
- A . Performance rating method of ENERGY STAR
- B . Performance rating method ANSI/ASHRAE/ESNA Standard 90.1-2010
- C . Prescriptive measures in the Advanced Buildings® Core Performance™® Guide
- D . Prescriptive measures of the ASHRAE Advanced Energy Design Guide for Small to Medium Office Buildings
Correct Answer: B
B
Explanation:
The Green Infrastructure and Buildings Prerequisite for Minimum Building Energy Performance requires buildings to meet certain energy performance standards. For a mixed-use development that includes a 150,000 ft² (13,935 m²) office building, the performance rating method specified by ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2010 is the appropriate standard to use. This standard is widely recognized for its stringent energy efficiency criteria and is typically required for projects seeking LEED certification. Other options, like the ENERGY STAR performance rating, are not applicable because they are more commonly used for operational buildings rather than for new construction or major renovations. The prescriptive measures mentioned in the other options are generally used for smaller or simpler buildings.
B
Explanation:
The Green Infrastructure and Buildings Prerequisite for Minimum Building Energy Performance requires buildings to meet certain energy performance standards. For a mixed-use development that includes a 150,000 ft² (13,935 m²) office building, the performance rating method specified by ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.1-2010 is the appropriate standard to use. This standard is widely recognized for its stringent energy efficiency criteria and is typically required for projects seeking LEED certification. Other options, like the ENERGY STAR performance rating, are not applicable because they are more commonly used for operational buildings rather than for new construction or major renovations. The prescriptive measures mentioned in the other options are generally used for smaller or simpler buildings.