Free USGBC LEED-AP-BD+C Practice Exam with Questions & Answers | Set: 14

A vegetated shading structure is an example of a nonroof measure for Sustainable Sites Credit, Heat Island Reduction. The heat island effect is the phenomenon of urban areas having higher air temperatures than surrounding rural areas due to the absorption and emission of heat by human-made surfaces, such as buildings, roads, and pavements. The heat island effect can have negative impacts on the environment, human health, and energy consumption. One of the strategies to reduce the heat island effect is to use nonroof measures that provide shade, reflectivity, or evapotranspiration for at least 50% of the site hardscape, such as parking lots, walkways, plazas, and courtyards1. A vegetated shading structure is a type of nonroof measure that consists of a trellis or pergola that supports climbing plants or vines that provide shade and cooling for the underlying surface. A vegetated shading structure can also enhance the aesthetic and ecological value of the site2.

The other options are not examples of nonroof measures for Sustainable Sites Credit, Heat Island Reduction. A playground with artificial turf is not a nonroof measure, but a roof measure, as it is considered as part of the building envelope. Artificial turf is also not a compliant roof measure, as it does not meet the minimum solar reflectance index (SRI) or vegetated roof requirements1. A shade structure with a three-year aged SRI value of 0.2 is not a compliant nonroof measure, as it does not meet the minimum SRI value of 29 for nonroof surfaces1. A paving material with a three-year aged SRI value of 0.2 is also not a compliant nonroof measure, as it does not meet the minimum SRI value of 29 for nonroof surfaces1.

This strategy would qualify as an innovation credit because it is not addressed in the LEED green building rating system, and it achieves significant, measurable environmental performance by educating the students and the community about the benefits of green building. The project team would need to identify the intent, requirements, submittals, and design approach of this strategy in the Basis of Design document1. This strategy is also listed as an example of innovation in the LEED Innovation Catalog2.

The correct answer is C. Proximity of vulnerable populations to major sources of air pollution.

According to theLEED V5.1 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 ordistricts 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.

The Sustainable Sites Credit, Light Pollution Reduction aims to minimize the adverse effects of artificial lighting on the night sky, human health, and wildlife1. However, the credit does not apply to lighting that is required for safety, security, or emergency purposes2. According to the LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, lighting for theatrical performances is considered an emergency purpose and is exempt from the credit requirements3. Therefore, the LEED AP should inform the owner that the LED fixture is exempt from Sustainable Sites Credit, Light Pollution Reduction and does not need to be modified or compared to an alternative. Enclosing the performance areas would not reduce light pollution, but rather increase energy consumption and affect the outdoor experience. Calculating the return on investment over the 20-year life of the project is irrelevant to the credit and would not help achieve it.

Light Pollution Reduction

Light Pollution Reduction: Sustainable Site Credit for LEED Existing Building O+M

[LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction v4], page 581

Employing individuals from the local community provides the most direct support for the local economy because project-related wages, employment opportunities, and professional development remain within the affected community. Local hiring can also expand access to economic opportunity for populations that may otherwise receive few direct benefits from development. Workforce training is valuable and may improve long-term employability, but training alone does not guarantee that participants receive paid employment. Location-efficient affordable housing supports social equity, reduces household transportation burdens, and may strengthen community stability, but it is not as direct an economic-support strategy as creating local jobs. LEED v5 expands attention to equity and community quality of life, including how project decisions distribute economic and social benefits among affected populations.

The make and model of fixtures is required in determining the baseline for the Water Efficiency Prerequisite, Indoor Water Use Reduction.This information is used to calculate the baseline water consumption of the building, which is then compared to the proposed water use to determine the percentage reduction.

LEED AP Building Design + Construction (LEED AP BD+C) V4 resources1

QUSTION NO: 147

In order to comply with Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies, Option 2. Additional Enhanced IAQ Strategies

A. all entrances to the building must have entryway systems 10 ft. (3 m) long in the direction of travel

B. CO2 monitors must be fitted in all densely occupied spaces and configured to provide an alert

C. all outdoor air supply systems must have an airflow measurement device that measures at least 90% of the airflow

D. all particle filters in the ventilation system must meet Comité Européen de Normalisation (CEN) standard Class F7 or better

Answer: D

To comply with the Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies, Option 2, all particle filters in the ventilation system must meet the Comité Européen de Normalisation (CEN) standard Class F7 or better.This requirement ensures that the air quality inside the building is maintained at a high standard, contributing tothe health and well-being of the occupants.References: LEED AP Building Design + Construction (LEED AP BD+C) V4 resources1