Free USGBC LEED-AP-BD+C Practice Exam with Questions & Answers | Set: 8

A simple box energy analysis, also known as a "mass model" analysis, is performed during the early design phases, typically before the completion of the schematic design. This assessment involves creating a simplified model of the proposed building to evaluate its potential energy performance. The goal is to explore various design options and strategies that can reduce energy consumption, such as building orientation, envelope characteristics, and massing. Conducting this analysis early allows the design team to make informed decisions that enhance energy efficiency from the outset. ​

The Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies aims to establish better quality indoor air for the building occupants that promotes their comfort and well-being1. This credit requires the project team to implement several strategies to reduce the exposure of occupants and HVAC systems to environmental tobacco smoke, airborne contaminants, and chemicals1. One of the strategies is to design and construct all interior partitions to full height (deck-to-deck) or provide a hard-lid ceiling for spaces where hazardous gases or chemicals may be present or used2. This strategy helps prevent the migration of contaminants from one space to another through the plenum3. A copy room is an example of such a space, as it may contain printers, copiers, toners, and solvents that can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particulate matter (PM) into the air4. Therefore, the project team can achieve Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies by providing a hard-lid ceiling for the copy room.

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 References: 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.

To comply with LEED BD+C Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) Credit: Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies, Option 2, a project must implement at least two of the following enhanced air quality strategies:

Use of an outdoor airflow measurement device to monitor and measure at least 90% of the outdoor air intake flow to ensure proper ventilation.

Advanced filtration systems (such as CEN Class F7 or MERV 13 filters) for mechanically ventilated buildings.

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) monitoring in densely occupied spaces, with alerts for elevated CO₂ levels.

Entryway systems (such as walk-off mats) at all regularly used building entrances to reduce dirt and contaminants.

Option D correctly identifies outdoor airflow measurement as one of the acceptable strategies under Option 2.

(Source: Official LEED BD+C Reference Manual)

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

According to the LEED v4.1 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, the Site Assessment credit requires projects to conduct and document a site inventory and analysis that covers the following topics1:

Topography

Hydrology

Climate

Vegetation

Soils

Human use

Human health effects

The human health effects topic includes identifying the proximity of vulnerable populations, such as children, elderly, or low-income residents, to major sources of air pollution, such as highways, power plants, or industrial facilities. This information can help the project team design strategies to minimize the exposure of occupants and visitors to harmful pollutants and improve the indoor and outdoor air quality of the project1.

The other options are not required for the Site Assessment credit, although they may be relevant for other credits or prerequisites. A targeted Brownfield remedy plan is required for the Brownfields Remediation credit, which applies to projects located on sites contaminated by past uses1. A historic preservation plan to include neighboring properties is not required for any LEED credit, although projects that involve historic buildings or districts must comply with local regulations and standards for preservation1. The surrounding density within a 1/4 mi. (0.40 km) radius of the project boundary is not required for the Site Assessment credit, but it is used to calculate the points for the Surrounding Density and Diverse Uses credit, which encourages projects to locate in areas with high levels of existing development and mixed land uses1.

For Location and Transportation (LT) Credit: High Priority Site, Option 1: Historic District, the project team must confirm that at least 75% of land areas within 1/2 mile (0.80 km) are previously developed (B). This demonstrates that the project site is part of an infill area, supporting LEED’s goal to revitalize and use previously developed urban spaces while protecting undeveloped land. Options like Federal Renewal Community status (C) or brownfield designation (D) apply to different site categories.

The Materials and Resources Credit, Building Product Disclosure and Optimization, Material Ingredients, Option 2. Material Ingredient Optimization & Innovation Credit, Innovation, Exemplary Performance can be achieved if the total cost of permanently installed products are 25% cradle-to-cradle V3 Gold and 25% GreenScreen List Translator. This is because these certifications indicate that the materials used in the project have been assessed for their environmental and health impacts, contributing to the achievement of these credits.

This option requires the project team to use the same building operating schedule and occupancy hours for both the baseline building and the proposed building in the whole building simulation model1. This option ensures that the energy savings are calculated based on the same level of building activity and occupancy, which are major factors that affect the energy performance of a building2.

Increase the number of skylights

Skylights are openings in the roof or ceiling that allow natural light to enter the building. They can improve daylighting by providing more uniform and diffuse illumination, reducing the need for artificial lighting, and enhancing the visual comfort and well-being of occupants. Skylights can also reduce cooling loads by minimizing solar heat gain through the roof. However, skylights must be designed carefully to avoid glare, overheating, and heat loss issues.