LEED-AP-BD-C Exam Questions and Answers

QUESTION: 36

Which rating system is appropriate for a new mixed-use building with 300,000 ft2 (27 871 m2) of residential units, 150,000 ft2 (13 935 m2) hotel and 50,000 ft2 (4 645 m2) of retail space?

Retail
Hospitality
Core and Shell Development
New Construction

Answer(s): D

Explanation:

New Construction is the appropriate rating system for a new mixed-use building with 300,000 ft2 (27 871 m2) of residential units, 150,000 ft2 (13 935 m2) hotel and 50,000 ft2 (4 645 m2) of retail space. According to the LEED rating system selection guidance1, the New Construction rating system applies to buildings that are being newly constructed or going through a major renovation, and that include any of the following use types: office, retail, hospitality, education, residential, warehouse and distribution centers, or data centers. The New Construction rating system can also be used for mixed-use buildings that have more than one use type. Since the project involves new construction of a mixed-use building with residential, hospitality, and retail uses, the New Construction rating system is the most suitable option. The other rating systems are not applicable because they are either specific to one use type (Retail and Hospitality) or to buildings that are not complete at the time of certification (Core and Shell Development).

Reference:

LEED rating system selection guidance | U.S. Green Building Council LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide - U.S. Green Building Council LEED v4 Rating Systems | USGBC-LI

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QUESTION: 37

The scope of analysis in Materials and Resources Credit, Building Life-Cycle Impact Reduction, Option 4.

Whole-Building Life-Cycle Assessment is a

gate-to-gate assessment
cradle-to-gate assessment
cradle-to-grave assessment
cradle-to-cradle assessment

Answer(s): C

Explanation:

The scope of analysis in Materials and Resources Credit, Building Life-Cycle Impact Reduction, Option 4.
Whole-Building Life-Cycle Assessment is a cradle-to-grave assessment. This means that the life cycle assessment (LCA) covers all stages of the building's life cycle, from the extraction of raw materials (cradle) to the disposal or reuse of the building components at the end of their service life (grave)1. The LCA must include the following life cycle stages: product stage, construction process stage, use stage, and end-of-life stage. The LCA must also account for the environmental impacts of the building's structure and enclosure, as well as any other building elements that are permanently attached to and share service systems with the building.

Reference:

Whole building life cycle assessment through LEED v4
Building life-cycle impact reduction | U.S. Green Building Council

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QUESTION: 38

The project landscape architect suggests reducing the area planned for surface parking and replacing it with additional vegetated space.
What benefit would this strategy provide to the owner?

Increases the rainwater infiltration capacity
Decreases the amount of bicycle parking that must be provided
Increases the overall SR (solar reflectance) of the hardscape area
Decreases the required amount of on-street parking that must be provided

Answer(s): A

Explanation:

Reducing the area planned for surface parking and replacing it with additional vegetated space can provide several benefits to the owner, such as:
Decreasing the amount of bicycle parking that must be provided, since there will be less demand for parking spaces for cyclists.
Increasing the overall SR (solar reflectance) of the hardscape area, which can reduce the cooling load and energy consumption of the building.

Decreasing the required amount of on-street parking that must be provided, since there will be less demand for parking spaces for cars.
However, one of the most significant benefits of this strategy is increasing the rainwater infiltration capacity, which can improve the water quality and quantity in the stormwater system. According to a study by Biondolilo1, integrating green space into parking lots can decrease stormwater runoff, mitigate the heat island effect, store carbon, improve air quality and may have social benefits as well. The study estimated that converting 30% of Manhattan's parking into green space would decrease runoff and pollutants from parking lots. Therefore, this strategy can help reduce water demand and environmental impact in arid climates.

Reference:

How Eliminating Parking Minimums Actually Makes Cities Better Analyzing the benefits of reducing parking: improving public transportation to reduce parking demand and increase space for green infrastructure in Manhattan, Kansas Benefits of Urban Vegetation and Green Spaces - BeautyHarmonyLife Reduce Urban Heat Island Effect | Green Infrastructure | US EPA

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QUESTION: 39

The maximum number of points for Water Efficiency Credit, Cooling Tower Water Use can be obtained by

utilizing a once-through system without recirculation
limiting cooling tower make-up to 50% of a potable source
conducting a one-time potable water analysis to determine acceptable non-potable sources
achieving a minimum of 10 cooling tower cycles by increasing the level of make-up water treatment

Answer(s): D

Explanation:

Achieving a minimum of 10 cooling tower cycles by increasing the level of make-up water treatment is the way to obtain the maximum number of points for Water Efficiency Credit, Cooling Tower Water Use. This credit aims to conserve water used for cooling tower equipment by encouraging the use of non-potable water sources and increasing the cycles of concentration. The cycles of concentration are the ratio of the concentration of dissolved solids in the blowdown water to the concentration of dissolved solids in the make-up water. Increasing the cycles of concentration reduces the amount of make-up water and blowdown water, and thus saves water and energy. The credit has two options:
Option 1. Non-potable Water Source (1 point) and Option 2. Cooling Tower Water Use (2 points). Option 1 requires using at least 50% non-potable water for cooling tower make-up water. Option 2 requires achieving a minimum number of cooling tower cycles based on the quality of the make-up water, as specified in Table 1 of the credit requirements. The maximum number of cycles is 10, which can be achieved by increasing the level of make-up water treatment to meet the criteria for conductivity, silica, and alkalinity. Therefore, Option 2 is the way to obtain the maximum number of points for this credit.

Reference:

Credit: Cooling tower water use | U.S. Green Building Council Cooling Tower Evaporation Credits | WaterSignal

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QUESTION: 40

What are the Storage and Collection of Recyclables requirements for only Retail projects under the Materials and Resources Prerequisite?

Retail projects must conduct a waste stream audit for the duration of the project in an existing location or make projections based on historical data for similar establishments. Identify the top-five recyclable waste streams while stating the top-four waste streams where both collection and storage space will be provided
Retail projects must conduct a waste stream audit once a month for the project in an existing or rented location or make projections based on data gathered from a previous cycle. Identify the top-

three recyclable waste streams while stating the top-two waste streams where both collection and storage space will be provided
Retail projects must conduct a waste stream audit twice a year for the project in an existing or rented location or make projections based on the previous year's data for their business. Identify the top-four recyclable waste streams while stating the top-three waste streams where both collection and storage space will be provided
Retail projects must conduct a waste stream audit for the once a year for the project in an existing or rented location or make projections based on the previous year's data for their business. Identify the top-four recyclable waste streams while stating the top-three waste streams where both collection and storage space will be provided

Answer(s): A

Explanation:

Retail projects must conduct a waste stream audit for the duration of the project in an existing location or make projections based on historical data for similar establishments. Identify the top-five recyclable waste streams while stating the top-four waste streams where both collection and storage space will be provided. This is the requirement for Retail projects under the Materials and Resources Prerequisite, Storage and Collection of Recyclables, according to the LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide. The purpose of this prerequisite is to facilitate the reduction of waste generated by building occupants that is hauled to and disposed of in landfills. The prerequisite applies to all LEED BD+C projects, but Retail projects have a different approach than other project types because of their unique waste streams and operational characteristics. Retail projects must conduct a waste stream audit for the duration of the project in an existing location or make projections based on historical data for similar establishments. The audit or projection must identify the top-five recyclable waste streams by weight or volume using consistent metrics throughout. The waste stream study period must be a minimum of 24 hours. Retail projects must also provide dedicated areas that serve the entire building and are accessible to waste haulers and building occupants for the collection and storage of materials for recycling for at least four of the top-five recyclable waste streams identified by the audit or projection.

Reference:

Prerequisite: Storage and collection of recyclables | U.S. Green Building Council

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US Green Building Council LEED-AP-BD-C Exam (page: 8) US Green Building Council LEED AP Building Design + Construction Updated on: 15-Feb-2026

QUESTION: 36

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QUESTION: 37

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QUESTION: 38

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QUESTION: 39

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QUESTION: 40

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US Green Building Council LEED-AP-BD-C Exam (page: 8)
US Green Building Council LEED AP Building Design + Construction
Updated on: 15-Feb-2026