LEED-AP-BD-C Exam Questions and Answers

QUESTION: 31

What reference standard is used to determine compliance with the Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite, Minimum Energy Performance when the whole building energy modeling option is used?

ASHRAE 55-2010
ASHRAE 90.1-2007
ASHRAE 90.1-2010
ASHRAE 62.1-2010

Answer(s): C

Explanation:

ASHRAE 90.1-2010 is the reference standard used to determine compliance with the Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite, Minimum Energy Performance when the whole building energy modeling option is used. This prerequisite requires demonstrating a 5% improvement in the proposed building performance rating compared to the baseline building performance rating per ASHRAE 90.1-2010, Appendix G1. The baseline building performance rating is based on a building design that meets the minimum requirements of ASHRAE 90.1-20102.

Reference:

Prerequisite: Minimum energy performance | U.S. Green Building Council

Minimum Energy Performance - ASHRAE 90.1 - 2010

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QUESTION: 32

Which is a benefit of earning Regional Priority credits?

The LEED project can achieve more sustainable outcomes by recognizing the issues that are a priority in the project's location
The context of the project's location is not addressed, allowing the project team to focus on the building's priority issues
The project's operations are considered separately from design and construction, allowing the project team to focus on regional issues
The LEED project is able to skip a review phase by considering the issues that are a priority in the project's location

Answer(s): A

Explanation:

A benefit of earning Regional Priority credits is that the LEED project can achieve more sustainable outcomes by recognizing the issues that are a priority in the project's location. Regional Priority credits are not new LEED credits, but instead are existing credits that USGBC regional councils and chapters have designated as being particularly important for their areas. The incentive to achieve the credits is in the form of a bonus point. If an RP base credit is earned, then a bonus point is awarded to the project's total points. This way, the project can address the geographically specific environmental, social equity and public health priorities of its location.

Reference:

Regional priority credit lookup | U.S. Green Building Council Regional Priority (RP) credits U.S. Green Building Council

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QUESTION: 33

A project elects to pursue Location and Transportation Credit, Surrounding Density and Diverse Uses, Option 2. Diverse Uses because of the project's location in an amenity-rich are

The project features 18 uses overall, including at least four uses in three of the five use type categories.
What threshold must the project surpass in order to demonstrate exemplary performance for Option 2?
Exemplary Performance is not available for Option 2
15 uses, including two uses in each of the five categories
15 uses, including at least one Food Retail and one Community Anchor use
18 uses, including uses in at least four of the five use type categories

Answer(s): A

Explanation:

Exemplary Performance is not available for Option 2 of Location and Transportation Credit, Surrounding Density and Diverse Uses. According to the LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, this credit has two options: Option 1. Surrounding Density (5 points) and Option 2. Diverse Uses (1 point). Exemplary Performance is only available for Option 1, and it requires achieving a surrounding density of at least 405,000 square feet per acre (100,000 square meters per hectare)1. Option 2 does not have any Exemplary Performance criteria, and it only requires locating the project within a 1/2-mile (800-meter) walking distance of at least seven diverse uses.

Reference:

Credit: Surrounding density and diverse uses | U.S. Green Building Council Surrounding Density and Diverse Uses - LEED v4

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QUESTION: 34

Which of the following strategies can be used to reduce the internal load of a building?

Decreasing lighting power
Oversize the HVAC systems
Install low reflective exterior facade
Increase the insulating value of the glazing and window frame system

Answer(s): A

Explanation:

Decreasing lighting power is a strategy that can be used to reduce the internal load of a building. Internal load is the amount of heat generated within a building by its occupants, equipment, and lighting. Reducing lighting power can lower the internal heat gain and thus decrease the cooling demand and energy consumption of the building. Other strategies to reduce internal load include using energy-efficient appliances, natural ventilation, daylighting, occupancy sensors, and shading devices.

Reference:

8.1: Internal Loads - Engineering LibreTexts
Chapter 3: Design Loads for Residential Buildings - HUD User Internal Heat Gain - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics

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QUESTION: 35

Discussing the project goals to help identify the credits and options that the team should attempt is an example of

documenting LEED credits
creating the Basis of Design (BOD)
developing the LEED Scorecard
implementing the Commissioning (Cx) Plan

Answer(s): C

Explanation:

Discussing the project goals to help identify the credits and options that the team should attempt is an example of developing the LEED Scorecard. The LEED Scorecard is a tool that shows the potential points that a project can achieve under each credit category of the LEED rating system. Developing the LEED Scorecard involves selecting the most appropriate credits and options based on the project's goals, location, budget, and design. The scorecard helps the project team track their progress and prioritize their actions throughout the design and construction process.

Reference:

LEED scorecard | U.S. Green Building Council
LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide - U.S. Green Building Council

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US Green Building Council LEED-AP-BD-C Exam (page: 7) US Green Building Council LEED AP Building Design + Construction Updated on: 15-Feb-2026

QUESTION: 31

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QUESTION: 32

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QUESTION: 33

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QUESTION: 34

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QUESTION: 35

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US Green Building Council LEED-AP-BD-C Exam (page: 7)
US Green Building Council LEED AP Building Design + Construction
Updated on: 15-Feb-2026