30 FREE LEED AP BD+C SAMPLE QUESTIONS

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INSTRUCTIONS: This document is divided into two sections: one section with just the questions
and choices and one section with the questions, choices, correct answers, and explanations. A
passing score is 170 out of 200 (which is equivalent to an 85 or B+ score). Can you get 26 out of
30 question correct? If so, you are ready! If not, check out more of our great study tools which
make passing this exam much easier at www.gbes.com

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SECTION 1 – Questions and choices only

1. The owner of a space has had a lot of turnover in the project team, resulting in delays in LEED
documentation. How long can the project team wait to submit the construction phase review?

A. No later than two years after the project is substantially completed

B. No later than 18 months after project registration
C. No later than two years after signing the lease agreement
D. No later than 18 months after any new version of LEED is released

2. Which project strategy would earn an exemplary performance point under IN Credit Innovation
Option 3 Additional Strategies?

A. Doubling the highest transit service point threshold for alternative transportation
B. Achieve a 50% energy savings
C. Achieve SS Credit Heat Island Reduction Option 1 Nonroof and Roof and SS Credit Heat Island
Reduction Option 2 Parking Under Cover and place 75% of parking under cover
D. Use 100% non-potable water for all flushing fixtures

3. Which project would not meet the minimum program requirements for certification?

A. A modular classroom that can be moved to another location on the school property
B. A building project that is three stories high
C. A new building on an office campus located next door to an existing certified building
D. A new laboratory building located partially underground

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4. Which part of the LEED development cycle is used for streamlining the approach to particular needs,
constraints, and opportunities of different project types?

A. Adaptations
B. Addenda
C. Recertification
D. Interpretations

5. A new government office building will provide individual occupant controls for lighting. What design
strategy would most reduce the operational energy use associated with task lighting?

A. Integrating individual controls with occupancy sensors

B. Installing higher reflective surfaces
C. Installing automatic shading devices on windows
D. Increasing the glazing on windows

6. A new 10 story office building will be built in an arid region. Installing occupancy sensors would
impact which credits?

A. EQ Prerequisite Minimum IAQ Performance and EQ Credit Thermal Comfort

B. EA Credit Optimize Energy Performance and EQ Prerequisite Minimum IAQ Performance
C. EQ Credit Enhanced IAQ Strategies and EQ Prerequisite Minimum IAQ Performance
D. EQ Credit Thermal Comfort and EQ Credit Enhanced IAQ Strategies

7. Which statement is true regarding construction checklists as part of the commissioning process?

A. Test sampling is prohibited even if the project contains a large number of identical systems.
B. The contractor is responsible for filling out the checklist and returning it to the CxA.
C. The checklist confirms the contractor has completed functional testing.
D. Testing and balancing are not included in the checklist.

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8. A project site contains a large greenfield area, a pond, and an old parking lot. The new building design
will require building on more than the previously developed area. Which statement is true about the
project's ability to earn LT Credit Sensitive Land Protection?

A. The project is unable to earn the credit.

B. The credit can be earned if the project team preserves 30% of the total site area.
C. The credit can be earned if the project does not build within 50 feet (15 meters) of the pond.
D. The credit can be earned by not disturbing any sensitive land areas.

9. Phase II Environmental Site Assessment is conducted on a potential school site after contamination is
suspected at the site. The assessment reveals contamination and the project team decides to remediate
the site. This decision helps with what other LEED area?

A. LT Credit Sensitive Land Protection

B. LT Credit High Priority Site
C. SS Credit Site Development - Protect or Restore Habitat
D. SS Prerequisite Construction Activity Pollution Prevention

10. A 500,000 SF (46,500 m2) mixed-use building pursuing LEED BD+C: New Construction includes office
space and residential space. The office space has 102 regular building occupants and 40 peak visitors.
The residential space has 30 units with 40 residents and 20 peak visitors. How many shower facilities are
required for LT Credit Bicycle Facilities?

A. 0
B. 1
C. 2
D. 31

11. In an urban area an existing building has a parking deck with 200 parking spaces. A project for a new
building adjacent to the parking deck will be allowed to share 100 of these spaces. When determining
the parking capacity for the project, how should the parking capacity be calculated?

A. By including all 200 spaces

B. By only including the 100 shared spaces
C. By not including any of the spaces
D. By only including the shared spaces less any handicap or preferred parking spots

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12. A developer is building an office project in an urban area. The project has a zero-lot line. Which
design feature must the building have to achieve SS Credit Rainwater Management?

A. A green roof for at least 30% of the building footprint

B. A density of at least 1.5 FAR
C. A rainwater cistern
D. Pervious roof decking

13. A project team working on light pollution reduction needs to address all EXCEPT which factor?

A. Light trespass
B. Uplight
C. Internally illuminated exterior signage
D. Exterior luminaires located outside the project boundary

14. A developer is planning a new 10-story office building in a suburban location. The project team will
pursue LEED BD+C: Core and Shell. In what ways will the Tenant Design and Construction Guidelines
benefit this project?

A. Helps tenants design and build sustainable interiors and adopt green building practices
B. Establishes a list of required building products and contractors for any tenant fit-out
C. Provides a pre-packaged list of pre-approved credits for any new LEED ID+C projects
D. The building will not have to undergo fundamental commissioning for any future LEED certifications

15. Under what circumstances are projects exempt from WE Prerequisite Outdoor Water Use
Reduction?

A. If the project has no landscaped areas

B. If the project is located outside the U.S. and cannot obtain precipitation data
C. If the project is being certified under the LEED BD+C: Warehouses and Distribution Centers rating
system
D. If the project will use 100% non-potable water for irrigation

16. A landscape designer is calculating the landscape water budget for a school project. Which areas can
be optionally included in or excluded from the calculations?

A. Mulched playground area

B. Impervious parking lot
C. Pervious walkways
D. Vegetated playground

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17. The project team for a small office is calculating the daily baseline indoor water use. There will be
two men and one woman in the office. What is the daily baseline water usage?

A. 16.95 gallons
B. 12 gallons
C. 9.6 gallons
D. 14.25 gallons

18. A project building is 45,000 sq. ft. A project team has selected a commissioning agent who is a
construction manager not holding any construction contracts. What will the CxA NOT need to do for
fundamental commissioning?

A. Coordinate commissioning testing

B. Review results of system performance verification
C. Direct the commissioning team and the process
D. Review building operation within 10 months of substantial completion

19. An abandoned building in a downtown area has been chosen for the site of a new museum. The
energy performance of the building envelope will not meet the prescriptive requirements for EA Credit
Optimize Energy Performance. The project team will not perform an energy simulation. What is true
regarding the achievement of this credit?

A. Exceeding the performance in another area of the building can make up the difference
B. The credit cannot be achieved
C. The project team can apply for an exception to the standard
D. Building envelopes are excluded from this credit requirement for major renovation projects

20. A design firm is bidding on a new school project. What would be the benefit of creating an energy
model and using it as a design tool?

A. The design can help inform the integrative process.

B. The energy model is required for LEED certification.
C. An energy model is more simplified than a prescriptive approach.
D. It makes it easier to share metering data with USGBC.

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21. In a new building how much CFC-based refrigerant can be used?

A. None
B. 5% of the total refrigerants
C. 2% of the total refrigerants
D. 5% of the total refrigerants, as long as they are not used in fire suppression systems

22. A building operator is designing and selecting the components of a building automation system.
Which action should additionally be considered at the same time?

A. Demand response participation

B. Building orientation
C. Envelope commissioning
D. Baseline building performance

23. A project team working a new construction project is attempting to divert construction waste from
the landfill. Total construction waste is estimated to be 120 yards. What is the minimum material
volume and diversion streams that need to be diverted to earn MR Credit Construction and Demolition
Waste Management Option 1 Diversion?

A. 60 yards from at least 3 material streams

B. 60 yards from at least 4 material streams
C. 90 yards from at least 3 material streams
D. 90 yards from at least 4 material streams

24. A new construction major renovation project is working to convert an historic warehouse into a
mixed-use retail and office building. The project is trying to divert as much construction waste as
possible from landfills. The following is a construction waste management summary. How many points
would the project earn for MR Credit Construction and Demolition Waste Management?

Waste Weight
----------------------------------------------
Excavated soil 50 tons
Crushed concrete reused on site 25 tons
Steel sent to a recycling center 1 ton
Wood sent to a waste-to-energy facility 15 tons
Mixed waste sent to a landfill 25 tons

A. 0
B. 1
C. 2
D. 3

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25. A project includes FSC certified wood costing $150,000 and that was extracted, manufactured, and
purchased 80 miles (128 km) from the project site. What value does the wood have toward MR Credit
Building Product Disclosure and Optimization - Sourcing of Raw Materials?

A. $0
B. $150,000
C. $200,000
D. $300,000

26. A single-story office building has a multiple-zone ventilation system. The ventilation calculations
indicate the preliminary design for one of the zones does not provide enough air to meet the referenced
standard. Which action should the project team take?

A. Increase the supply airflow to the zone in need of more air

B. Check if the average airflow of all the zones is enough to meet the requirements
C. Increase the size of the air returns in the space
D. Install a higher-rated MERV filter to the zone in need of more air

27. A contractor is planning for an occupied flush-out to reduce IAQ problems from the construction of a
new wing in an office. The contractor introduces 3,500 cubic feet of outdoor air per square foot of floor
area 3 hours prior to the first occupants arriving. What will need to be done next to achieve EQ Credit
Construction IAQ Assessment?

A. Continue the flushout until a total of 14,000 cubic feet per square foot of outside air has been
delivered to the space
B. Flush out the space with 3,500 cubic feet of outside air per square foot of floor area each day for a
period of 7 days
C. Conduct a baseline IAQ test
D. Nothing, the flush-out is complete

28. In addition to sound isolation and background noise what else would a healthcare project need to
address for EQ Credit Acoustic Performance?

A. Speech privacy
B. Sound reinforcement methodology
C. Reverberation time criteria for each room
D. Masking systems components

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29. A client is assessing the value LEED certification for an office project in a suburban area. All of the
following are values and benefits of green building except:

A. Higher property values

B. Incentives for tax rebates and zoning allowances
C. Faster lease-up rates
D. Higher cost of ownership

30. For EQ Credit Thermal Comfort which design strategy will provide adequate thermal comfort
control?

A. Individual comfort controls for 50% of individual occupant spaces and controls for all shared multi-
occupant spaces
B. Individual comfort controls for 100% of regularly occupied spaces and controls for 50% of non-
regularly occupied spaces
C. Individual comfort controls for 50% of shared multi-occupant spaces and all regularly occupied spaces
D. Individual comfort controls for 50% of all regularly occupied spaces

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SECTION 2 – correct answers are in bold

1. The owner of a space has had a lot of turnover in the project team, resulting in delays in LEED
documentation. How long can the project team wait to submit the construction phase review?

A. No later than two years after the project is substantially completed

B. No later than 18 months after project registration
C. No later than two years after signing the lease agreement
D. No later than 18 months after any new version of LEED is released

EXPLANATION:

Deadline for submitting for review

For LEED BD+C and LEED ID+C rating systems, you will need to submit for your construction phase
review (preliminary standard review or preliminary construction review) no later than two years after
your project is substantially completed (the date on which your building receives a certificate of
occupancy or similar official indication that it is fit and ready for use).

2. Which project strategy would earn an exemplary performance point under IN Credit Innovation
Option 3 Additional Strategies?

A. Doubling the highest transit service point threshold for alternative transportation
B. Achieve a 50% energy savings
C. Achieve SS Credit Heat Island Reduction Option 1 Nonroof and Roof and SS Credit Heat Island
Reduction Option 2 Parking Under Cover and place 75% of parking under cover
D. Use 100% non-potable water for all flushing fixtures

EXPLANATION:

<Answer A Explanation>
LT Credit Access to Quality Transit can earn exemplary performance for doubling the highest transit
service point threshold.

<Answer B Explanation>
EA Credit Optimize Energy Performance can earn exemplary performance for 54% or more energy
savings.

<Answer C Explanation>
SS Credit Heat Island Reduction can earn exemplary performance for achieving Option 1, Option 2, and
placing 100% (not 75%) of parking under cover. 75% is the minimum for Option 2.

<Answer D Explanation>
WE Credit Indoor Water Use Reduction can earn exemplary performance for a 55% reduction. Using
100% non-potable water for flushing doesn't provide enough info to make this a valid choice.

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3. Which project would not meet the minimum program requirements for certification?

A. A modular classroom that can be moved to another location on the school property
B. A building project that is three stories high
C. A new building on an office campus located next door to an existing certified building
D. A new laboratory building located partially underground

Reference: Minimum Program Requirements

Subject: Structure of LEED rating systems

Explanation:

<Answer A Explanation>
Structures must be permanent, so a temporary classroom would not qualify.

<Answer B Explanation>
Buildings do not have to be a minimum height. There are exceptions to which rating system might apply.
For example, for residential projects, a building must be at least four habitable stories in order to use
LEED BD+C: New Construction. Otherwise the project must use LEED BD+C: Homes.

<Answer C Explanation>
New buildings located next to other buildings, certified or not, are fine.

<Answer D Explanation>
LEED does not prohibit part of the building being underground.

4. Which part of the LEED development cycle is used for streamlining the approach to particular needs,
constraints, and opportunities of different project types?

A. Adaptations
B. Addenda
C. Recertification
D. Interpretations

Reference: http://www.usgbc.org/about/leed
Task Domain: Communicate broad and basic green building concepts to team or colleagues
Subject: Structure of each LEED rating system

EXPLANATION:

<Answer A Explanation>
The process of making adaptations to existing ratings systems and their credits provides an efficient and
streamlined approach for responding to the particular needs, constraints, and opportunities of different
project types.

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<Answer B Explanation>
Addenda is the overarching term to describe corrections, interpretations, and alternative compliance
paths (ACPs). Addenda incorporate changes and improvements to LEED rating systems and reference
guides to help clarify, correct, interpret, or provide alternative language. Addenda are subject to USGBC
committee review and are published as frequently as quarterly.

<Answer C Explanation>
Recertification is used by Existing Buildings to maintain high building standards.

<Answer D Explanation>
LEED Interpretations are official answers to formal technical inquiries about implementing LEED on a
project. These help project teams understand how projects can meet LEED requirements and provide
clarity on existing options.

5. A new government office building will provide individual occupant controls for lighting. What design
strategy would most reduce the operational energy use associated with task lighting?

A. Integrating individual controls with occupancy sensors

B. Installing higher reflective surfaces
C. Installing automatic shading devices on windows
D. Increasing the glazing on windows

EXPLANATION:

A common problem with task lighting is occupants leave the task lights on when they are away from
their desks, such as for lunch or when leaving for the day/weekend. Integrating task lighting with
occupancy sensors can reduce the energy costs the most.

Surfaces that reflect/absorb light can also have potential energy savings, but integrating task lighting
with occupancy sensors will have a greater impact

6. A new 10 story office building will be built in an arid region. Installing occupancy sensors would
impact which credits?

A. EQ Prerequisite Minimum IAQ Performance and EQ Credit Thermal Comfort

B. EA Credit Optimize Energy Performance and EQ Prerequisite Minimum IAQ Performance
C. EQ Credit Enhanced IAQ Strategies and EQ Prerequisite Minimum IAQ Performance
D. EQ Credit Thermal Comfort and EQ Credit Enhanced IAQ Strategies

EXPLANATION:

<Answer A Explanation>
EQ Credit Thermal Comfort requires individual comfort controls. Occupancy sensors are not a type of
individual comfort control. They are used for groups or areas rather than the individual. Designers will

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need to evaluate the interaction between thermal comfort (ASHRAE 55) and acceptable indoor air
quality for EQ Prerequisite, Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance (ASHRAE 62.1). Occupancy sensors
will decrease/increase the temperature in the building which can change the indoor air quality.

<Answer B Explanation>
Occupancy sensors can be integrated in the design to turn down the thermostat automatically and
reduce airflow when occupants are away, helping to reduce energy use. A reduction in energy use would
affect EA Credit Optimize Energy Performance.

<Answer C Explanation>
Occupancy sensors are not part of monitoring outdoor air delivery for EQ Credit Enhanced IAQ
Strategies.

<Answer D Explanation>
EQ Credit Thermal Comfort requires individual comfort controls. Occupancy sensors are not a type of
individual comfort control. They are used for groups or areas rather than the individual. Occupancy
sensors are not part of monitoring outdoor air delivery for EQ Credit Enhanced IAQ Strategies.

7. Which statement is true regarding construction checklists as part of the commissioning process?

A. Test sampling is prohibited even if the project contains a large number of identical systems.
B. The contractor is responsible for filling out the checklist and returning it to the CxA.
C. The checklist confirms the contractor has completed functional testing.
D. Testing and balancing are not included in the checklist.

EXPLANATION:

<Answer A Explanation>
For the prerequisite, the commissioning authority may use sampling strategies for functional testing.

<Answer B Explanation>
This is true.

<Answer C Explanation>
The checklist ensures that the systems have been installed, started up, programmed, tested, and
balanced and are ready for functional testing.

<Answer D Explanation>
The checklist ensures that the systems have been installed, started up, programmed, tested, and
balanced and are ready for functional testing.

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8. A project site contains a large greenfield area, a pond, and an old parking lot. The new building design
will require building on more than the previously developed area. Which statement is true about the
project's ability to earn LT Credit Sensitive Land Protection?

A. The project is unable to earn the credit.

B. The credit can be earned if the project team preserves 30% of the total site area.
C. The credit can be earned if the project does not build within 50 feet (15 meters) of the pond.
D. The credit can be earned by not disturbing any sensitive land areas.

EXPLANATION:

<Answer A Explanation>
This is not true because the project can earn the credit.

<Answer B Explanation>
This is part of SS Credit Open Space. Don't confuse the requirements and percentages of these two
credits.

<Answer C Explanation>
For water bodies the limit is 100 feet (30 meters).

<Answer D Explanation>
If the development footprint will extend beyond previously developed portions of the site, then the
team must pursue Option 2. The project can earn the credit by building on the previously developed
area and not disturbing sensitive areas.

9. Phase II Environmental Site Assessment is conducted on a potential school site after contamination is
suspected at the site. The assessment reveals contamination and the project team decides to remediate
the site. This decision helps with what other LEED area?

A. LT Credit Sensitive Land Protection

B. LT Credit High Priority Site
C. SS Credit Site Development - Protect or Restore Habitat
D. SS Prerequisite Construction Activity Pollution Prevention

EXPLANATION:

Locating a project on a brownfield helps with LT Credit High Priority Site.

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10. A 500,000 SF (46,500 m2) mixed-use building pursuing LEED BD+C: New Construction includes office
space and residential space. The office space has 102 regular building occupants and 40 peak visitors.
The residential space has 30 units with 40 residents and 20 peak visitors. How many shower facilities are
required for LT Credit Bicycle Facilities?

A. 0
B. 1
C. 2 – This is the correct answer
D. 31

EXPLANATION:

Showers need to be provided for commercial and institutional projects. Residential projects do not need
showers because each unit would have its own shower.

Since this is a mixed-use project with residential space, the residential component of this question can
be ignored.

1 shower/changing room for the first 100 regular building occupants and 1 shower for every 150 more.
They key here is regular building occupants. Visitors don't count in the calculation. The other point to
remember is to always round up.

The office space has 102 regular building occupants. The first 100 require 1 shower. The next 150
require 1 more. Since we have 102, 2 showers are required.

11. In an urban area an existing building has a parking deck with 200 parking spaces. A project for a new
building adjacent to the parking deck will be allowed to share 100 of these spaces. When determining
the parking capacity for the project, how should the parking capacity be calculated?

A. By including all 200 spaces

B. By only including the 100 shared spaces
C. By not including any of the spaces
D. By only including the shared spaces less any handicap or preferred parking spots

ANSWER: B

EXPLANATION:

When buildings pool parking, include the number allocated for the project.

See the LT introduction in the reference guide for a full list of how parking capacity is calculated.

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12. A developer is building an office project in an urban area. The project has a zero-lot line. Which
design feature must the building have to achieve SS Credit Rainwater Management?

A. A green roof for at least 30% of the building footprint

B. A density of at least 1.5 FAR
C. A rainwater cistern
D. Pervious roof decking

EXPLANATION:

For Option 1 Path 3, projects must manage the rainfall for the 85th percentile of rain events. For this
option, the project must have a density of at least 1.5 FAR. The other choices are all good LID/GI
strategies, but they are only optional means of rainwater management.

13. A project team working on light pollution reduction needs to address all EXCEPT which factor?

A. Light trespass
B. Uplight
C. Internally illuminated exterior signage
D. Exterior luminaires located outside the project boundary

EXPLANATION:

Teams must do three things for the credit:

1. Meet uplight requirements

2. Meet light trespass requirements
3. Meet internally illuminated exterior signage requirements.

14. A developer is planning a new 10-story office building in a suburban location. The project team will
pursue LEED BD+C: Core and Shell. In what ways will the Tenant Design and Construction Guidelines
benefit this project?

A. Helps tenants design and build sustainable interiors and adopt green building practices
B. Establishes a list of required building products and contractors for any tenant fit-out
C. Provides a pre-packaged list of pre-approved credits for any new LEED ID+C projects
D. The building will not have to undergo fundamental commissioning for any future LEED certifications

EXPLANATION:

<Answer A Explanation>
The guidelines will help tenants design and build sustainable interiors and adopt green building practices

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<Answer B Explanation>
The document is non-binding.

<Answer C Explanation>
This is not correct.

<Answer D Explanation>
The building always has to undergo fundamental commissioning for LEED regardless of any prior
certifications.

15. Under what circumstances are projects exempt from WE Prerequisite Outdoor Water Use
Reduction?

A. If the project has no landscaped areas

B. If the project is located outside the U.S. and cannot obtain precipitation data
C. If the project is being certified under the LEED BD+C: Warehouses and Distribution Centers rating
system
D. If the project will use 100% non-potable water for irrigation

EXPLANATION:

Projects with no landscaping, such as those in urban areas with zero-lot-lines, are exempt from the
prerequisite.

16. A landscape designer is calculating the landscape water budget for a school project. Which areas can
be optionally included in or excluded from the calculations?

A. Mulched playground area

B. Impervious parking lot
C. Pervious walkways
D. Vegetated playground

EXPLANATION:
Some areas can be included/excluded at the project teams' discretion:
Athletic field
Vegetated playground
Food garden
Urban agricultural area

These areas must be excluded:

Hardscapes (pervious or impervious)
Unvegetated softscapes (mulched paths, playground areas)

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17. The project team for a small office is calculating the daily baseline indoor water use. There will be
two men and one woman in the office. What is the daily baseline water usage?

A. 16.95 gallons
B. 12 gallons
C. 9.6 gallons
D. 14.25 gallons

EXPLANATION:

The default duration and uses are:

Women: water closet 3 uses per day

Men: water closet 1 use per day, urinals 2 uses per day
Faucet: 3 uses per day per FTE, 30 seconds per use

1 FTE Woman X 1.6 gallons (water closet conventional flush rate) X 3 uses per day = 4.8 gallons/day
2 FTE Men X 1.6 gallons (water closet conventional flush rate) X 1 use per day = 3.2 gallons/day
2 FTE Men X 1.0 gallon (urinal conventional flush rate) X 2 uses per day = 4.0 gallons/day

Sink Flow Rates

3 FTEs
[(3 FTEs X 3 uses/day X 30 seconds)/ 60 seconds per minute] X 0.5 gallons per minute = 2.25 gallons/day

4.8 + 3.2 + 4.0 + 2.25 = 14.25 gallons

18. A project building is 45,000 sq. ft. A project team has selected a commissioning agent who is a
construction manager not holding any construction contracts. What will the CxA NOT need to do for
fundamental commissioning?

A. Coordinate commissioning testing

B. Review results of system performance verification
C. Direct the commissioning team and the process
D. Review building operation within 10 months of substantial completion

EXPLANATION:

The question asks what the agent will NOT need to do for fundamental commissioning.

Review the building operation within 10 months of substantial completion is part of enhanced
commissioning, not fundamental commissioning.

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19. An abandoned building in a downtown area has been chosen for the site of a new museum. The
energy performance of the building envelope will not meet the prescriptive requirements for EA Credit
Optimize Energy Performance. The project team will not perform an energy simulation. What is true
regarding the achievement of this credit?

A. Exceeding the performance in another area of the building can make up the difference
B. The credit cannot be achieved
C. The project team can apply for an exception to the standard
D. Building envelopes are excluded from this credit requirement for major renovation projects

EXPLANATION:
All prescriptive requirements must be met for Options 2 of EA Credit Optimize Energy Performance.
Exceeding one criterion does not mean the extra performance can be applied to another area.

20. A design firm is bidding on a new school project. What would be the benefit of creating an energy
model and using it as a design tool?

A. The design can help inform the integrative process.

B. The energy model is required for LEED certification.
C. An energy model is more simplified than a prescriptive approach.
D. It makes it easier to share metering data with USGBC.

EXPLANATION:

<Answer A Explanation>
This is true and the best answer.

<Answer B Explanation>
Energy models are only required if a prescriptive approach is not used.

<Answer C Explanation>
The prescriptive approach is simpler.

<Answer D Explanation>
This may be true but not as big of a benefit to the project as Answer A.

21. In a new building how much CFC-based refrigerant can be used?

A. None
B. 5% of the total refrigerants
C. 2% of the total refrigerants
D. 5% of the total refrigerants, as long as they are not used in fire suppression systems

EXPLANATION:

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The rating systems have a prerequisite for Fundamental Refrigerant Management which requires zero
use of CFCs. CFCs are known to cause ozone depletion.

For buildings with existing systems that use CFC-based refrigerants, the systems must be phased out.

Fundamental Refrigerant Management differs from Enhanced Refrigerant Management which requires
either using no refrigerants or using refrigerants that have no Ozone Depletion Potential and Global
Warming Potentials of 50 or less

22. A building operator is designing and selecting the components of a building automation system.
Which action should additionally be considered at the same time?

A. Demand response participation

B. Building orientation
C. Envelope commissioning
D. Baseline building performance

EXPLANATION:

Demand response must be tied into the BAS so the two should be designed together.

23. A project team working a new construction project is attempting to divert construction waste from
the landfill. Total construction waste is estimated to be 120 yards. What is the minimum material
volume and diversion streams that need to be diverted to earn MR Credit Construction and Demolition
Waste Management Option 1 Diversion?

A. 60 yards from at least 3 material streams

B. 60 yards from at least 4 material streams
C. 90 yards from at least 3 material streams
D. 90 yards from at least 4 material streams

EXPLANATION:

Divert 50% and 3 material streams for Option 1 Diversion, Path 1.

Divert 75% and 4 material streams for Option 1 Diversion, Path 2.

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24. A new construction major renovation project is working to convert an historic warehouse into a
mixed-use retail and office building. The project is trying to divert as much construction waste as
possible from landfills. The following is a construction waste management summary. How many points
would the project earn for MR Credit Construction and Demolition Waste Management?

Waste Weight
----------------------------------------------
Excavated soil 50 tons
Crushed concrete reused on site 25 tons
Steel sent to a recycling center 1 ton
Wood sent to a waste-to-energy facility 15 tons
Mixed waste sent to a landfill 25 tons

A. 0
B. 1 – this is the correct answer
C. 2
D. 3

EXPLANATION:
The items that qualify toward the credit are are:

-Crushed concrete
-Steel sent to the recycling center
-Wood sent to a waste-to-energy facility

Mixed waste sent to the landfill does not count as diverted waste but is included in the calculation of the
total amount of waste.

Soil and hazardous materials are not included in the calculations.

25 + 1 + 15 + 25 = 66 tons of total waste

25 + 1 + 15 = 41 tons of waste diverted
41 / 66 = 62.1%

This is enough to earn one point for the credit because the diversion included 3 material streams and
met the 50% minimum diversion.

25. A project includes FSC certified wood costing $150,000 and that was extracted, manufactured, and
purchased 80 miles (128 km) from the project site. What value does the wood have toward MR Credit
Building Product Disclosure and Optimization - Sourcing of Raw Materials?

A. $0
B. $150,000
C. $200,000
D. $300,000

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EXPLANATION:

See MR Overview Location Valuation Factor.

For a product to qualify for the location valuation factor, two criteria must be met:

1. Sustainability
2. Extraction, manufacture, and purchase within the radius

If the product isn't sustainable, it counts as 0%.

If the product meets multiple sustainability criteria, it doesn't count more toward the total (salvaged
material that contains recycled content can't be double counted).

The wood meets a sustainability criteria and is within 100 miles (160 km) of the project, so it is valued at
200% of cost.

26. A single-story office building has a multiple-zone ventilation system. The ventilation calculations
indicate the preliminary design for one of the zones does not provide enough air to meet the referenced
standard. Which action should the project team take?

A. Increase the supply airflow to the zone in need of more air

B. Check if the average airflow of all the zones is enough to meet the requirements
C. Increase the size of the air returns in the space
D. Install a higher-rated MERV filter to the zone in need of more air

EXPLANATION:

All spaces must meet the minimum ventilation requirements. Compare the calculations with the design
airflow and revise the design if necessary.

Push more air into the space that doesn't meet the minimums and recalculate the ventilation rates.

27. A contractor is planning for an occupied flush-out to reduce IAQ problems from the construction of a
new wing in an office. The contractor introduces 3,500 cubic feet of outdoor air per square foot of floor
area 3 hours prior to the first occupants arriving. What will need to be done next to achieve EQ Credit
Construction IAQ Assessment?

A. Continue the flushout until a total of 14,000 cubic feet per square foot of outside air has been
delivered to the space
B. Flush out the space with 3,500 cubic feet of outside air per square foot of floor area each day for a
period of 7 days
C. Conduct a baseline IAQ test
D. Nothing, the flush-out is complete

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EXPLANATION:

For an occupied flush-out 3,500 cu. ft. air / sq. ft. must be used prior to occupancy. Ventilation must
begin at least 3 hours prior to occupancy until a total of 14,000 cu. ft. air / sq. ft. of air has been
introduced.

Option 1 Path 2 still requires a <b>total</b> volume of air of 14,000 cu. ft. / SF to earn the credit,
<b>after</b> the initial 3,500 has been introduced.

28. In addition to sound isolation and background noise what else would a healthcare project need to
address for EQ Credit Acoustic Performance?

A. Speech privacy
B. Sound reinforcement methodology
C. Reverberation time criteria for each room
D. Masking systems components

EXPLANATION:
Option 1 for the credit requires addressing speech privacy, sound isolation, and background noise.

Option 2 for the credit requires addressing acoustical finishes and site exterior noise.

29. A client is assessing the value LEED certification for an office project in a suburban area. All of the
following are values and benefits of green building except:

A. Higher property values

B. Incentives for tax rebates and zoning allowances
C. Faster lease-up rates
D. Higher cost of ownership

EXPLANATION:

LEED-certified buildings cost less to operate, reducing energy and water bills by as much as 40%.
Businesses and organizations across the globe use LEED to increase the efficiency of their buildings,
freeing up valuable resources that can be used to create new jobs, attract and retain top talent, expand
operations and invest in emerging technologies.

LEED buildings have faster lease-up rates and may qualify for a host of incentives like tax rebates and
zoning allowances. Not to mention they retain higher property values.

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30. For EQ Credit Thermal Comfort which design strategy will provide adequate thermal comfort
control?

A. Individual comfort controls for 50% of individual occupant spaces and controls for all shared multi-
occupant spaces
B. Individual comfort controls for 100% of regularly occupied spaces and controls for 50% of non-
regularly occupied spaces
C. Individual comfort controls for 50% of shared multi-occupant spaces and all regularly occupied spaces
D. Individual comfort controls for 50% of all regularly occupied spaces

EXPLANATION:

For this credit, make sure to be familiar with space types - occupied vs. unoccupied, regular vs. non-
regular. See the EQ Intro.

For thermal comfort control, 50% of individual occupant spaces must have individual comfort controls
and all shared multi-occupant spaces must have thermal comfort control.

For 500 LEED AP BD+C Practice Test Questions like these and other great study tools, please visit
www.gbes.com

Good luck with your exam!

Sincerely,

-the GBES Team

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