LEED-AP-BD+C LEED AP Building Design + Construction (LEED AP BD+C) Questions and Answers

This strategy could be submitted to earn an Innovation in Design credit because it addresses a green building topic not covered by any existing LEED credit. The air-purifying facade material is a novel and sustainable feature that can reduce the environmental impact of the building by removing pollutants from the air and improving the outdoor air quality1.

References: = LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Air-purifying facade material.

Quality views are defined in LEED as those which consist of multiple elements of nature, weather, or movement that allow for a connection beyond the interior space. Views that allow a clear line of sight to the exterior via vision glazing, with a view factor of 3 or greater, qualify for this credit. Fixed glazing in common spaces can also contribute to this credit.

References: This information is a synthesis based on the criteria for 'Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Quality Views' from the LEED BD+C Reference Guide available on the USGBC website. For a detailed explanation, please refer to the specific credit requirements in the LEED BD+C Reference Guide.

The Indoor Air Quality Assessment credit under LEED v4.1 BD+C rating system (Building Design and Construction) seeks to establish better quality indoor air in the building after construction and during occupancy.The credit provides two options for compliance, which cannot be combined1. Therefore, Indoor Environmental Quality test results would be required for credit compliance.

References:LEED (BD+C)- Indoor Environmental Quality Credit: Indoor air Quality …

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.

References:

•LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, Sustainable Sites Credit: Heat Island Reduction, page 1281

•Heat Island Reduction | U.S. Green Building Council2

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.

References: = NC-v4.1 INc1: Innovation | LEEDuser, LEED credit library | U.S. Green Building Council

According to the LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Federal Renewal Community sites are designated by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as areas that are eligible for tax incentives to encourage businesses to locate and hire residents within the community. These sites are considered High Priority Sites for project development, as they support the revitalization of economically distressed areas. The other federal agencies listed do not designate Federal Renewal Community sites. References: LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Location and Transportation Credit, High Priority Site, Requirements1; U.S. Internal Revenue Service, Renewal Communities2

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 theenvironment, human health, and energy consumption. One of the strategies to reduce the heat island effect is to use highly reflective paving materials that have a high solar reflectance index (SRI), which measures the ability of a surface to reflect solar radiation and stay cool. However, over time, the paving materials can accumulate dirt and dust, which can lower their reflectance and increase their heat absorption. Therefore, a facility manager cleaning highly reflective paving material is reducing the heat island effect by restoring the reflectance and cooling potential of the surface12.

References:

•Heat Island Reduction | U.S. Green Building Council1

•SpecTopics: Heat Island Reduction Credit and LEED V4/V4.1 - Carlisle SynTec

According to the LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Option 2 of the Location and Transportation Credit, Green Vehicles requires the project to inventory the school fleetto develop and create a plan for all buses to meet the emission requirements. The plan must include a timeline for implementation and a budget. The emission requirements are based on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards for heavy-duty vehicles1. References: LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Location and Transportation Credit, Green Vehicles, Option 2: Green Buses or School-Owned Vehicles1

According to the LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, the bicycle network must connect to a rapid transit stop that is within 3 mi. (5 km) biking distance of the project boundary. This is one of the options to meet the requirement for Option 1: Bicycle Network and Storage. The other options are to connect to at least 10 diverse uses or to connect to a school or employment center that is within 3 mi. (5 km) biking distance of the project boundary. References: LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Location and Transportation Credit: Bicycle Facilities, Option 1: Bicycle Network and Storage1

Achievement of the Location and Transportation Credit, Surrounding Density and Diverse Uses may be affected by the move of the main entrance to the opposite side of the building. This is because the credit requires that the project be located within a minimum density area and within walking distance of diverse uses1. The walking distance is measured from a main functional entry of the project building to the diverse use entry1. If the main functional entry is moved, the distance to the diverse uses may change and affect the credit achievement. The other credits are not affected by the move of the main entrance, as they are based on the location of the project site, not the building entry. The Location and Transportation Credit, High-Priority Site rewards projects that are located on sites that are previously developed, infill, or adjacent to existing development2. The Location and Transportation Credit, Sensitive Land Protection rewards projects that are located on sites that do not contain sensitive land features such as prime farmland, wetlands, or habitats3. The Location and Transportation Credit, LEED for Neighborhood Development Location rewards projects that are located within the boundary of a LEED for Neighborhood Development certified plan4.

References:

•Surrounding density and diverse uses, p. 1

•High-priority site, p. 1

•Sensitive land protection, p. 1

•LEED for neighborhood development location, p. 1

Smoking tobacco products must be prohibited within a building as a prerequisite to LEED certification, according to the Indoor Environmental Quality Prerequisite, Environmental Tobacco Smoke Control1. This prerequisite aims to prevent or minimize exposure of buildingoccupants, indoor surfaces, and ventilation air distribution systems to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), which is a known human carcinogen and a source of indoor air pollution2. The prerequisite requires the project to meet one of the following options:

• Option 1. No Smoking. Prohibit smoking in the building and within 25 feet (8 meters) of all entries, outdoor air intakes, and operable windows.
• Option 2. Smoking Areas. Designate smoking areas outside the building and at least 25 feet (8 meters) from all entries, outdoor air intakes, and operable windows. If smoking areas are enclosed, they must be negatively pressurized and vented directly to the outdoors. Prohibit smoking in all common areas of residential buildings and provide signage to indicate smoking and nonsmoking areas.

The other activities, such as burning fossil fuels, preparing non-organic foods, and manufacturing toxic chemicals, are not explicitly prohibited by any LEED prerequisites, although they may have negative impacts on the environment, health, and energy performance of the building.

References:

• LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction v4
• Environmental Tobacco Smoke Control | U.S. Green Building Council
• Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) - World Health Organization
• Environmental Tobacco Smoke - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics

The LEED Platinum certification requires the project to achieve exemplary performance in at least one credit that allows it, as specified in the LEED Reference Guide1. One of the credits that meets this criterion is the Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, which focuses on providing healthy and comfortable indoor environments for occupants. The credit has two options: Quality Views and Enhanced Commissioning. Quality Views requires the project to have windows that provide views of natural scenery or water bodies, which can enhance the well-being and satisfaction of occupants. Enhanced Commissioning requires the project to have a comprehensive commissioning plan that ensures all systems are properly installed, tested, and operated before occupancy. Both options can help reduce energy consumption, improve indoor air quality, and create a positive sensory experience for occupants.

References:

• LEED Reference Guide v4
• LEED Platinum Certification - LD Products
• LEED Accreditation | LEED Certification & Credentials Overview - GBES

The Integrative Process credit under the LEED BD+C v4 rating system encourages the coordination of all the project team members, starting from the predesign phase, to discover unique opportunities for project design, enhanced building performance, and green features. The three phases within the Integrative Process Credit are:

• Discovery phase: This involves investigating at least two energy-related and several water-related sustainable design strategies prior to the end of schematic design1.
• Design and Construction (implementation) phase: This requires the project teams to turn their findings into reality2.
• Occupance, Operations, and Performance Feedback phase: This phase involves the evaluation of the implemented strategies and their effectiveness3.

References:

• LEED Integrative Process Credit Explained - Projectific, Inc.
• LEED AP BD+C v4 - Integrative Process Flashcards | Quizlet
• Achieving the LEED v4 Integrative Process Credit - SketchUp

The Location and Transportation Credit, Bicycle Facilities, requires the project team to provide a vicinity map that shows the bicycle network, the route and the distance along the network to eligible destination(s) for all LEED Building Design and Construction projects. The vicinity map is a supporting material that demonstrates that the project site is within a 200-yard (180-meter) walking distance of a bicycle network that connects to at least one of the following: diverse uses, public transportation, recreation facilities, or schools1. The vicinity map must also show the scale and the north arrow, and indicate the project site and the eligible destination(s)2. The photographs of bicycle network signage and directional signposts, the photographs of the installed bicycle storage and shower facilities, and the manufacturer specifications for the chosen bicycle storage facilities are not required for the bicycle network, but for the bicycle storage and shower facilities.

References:

•LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, Location and Transportation Credit: Bicycle Facilities, page 1281

•LEED v4.1 Bicycle Storage Requirements

This rating system is suitable for projects where the developer controls the design and construction of the entire core and shell base building, but has no control over the design and construction of the tenant fit-out. Since the building will have a data center and retail stores in the future, but these are not the primary function of the entire building, LEED BD+C: Core & Shell is more appropriate than LEED BD+C: Data Centers or LEED BD+C: Retail.

References: = LEED rating system selection guidance, LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide

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 lots1. Therefore, this strategy can help reduce water demand and environmental impact in arid climates.

References:

• 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

The minimum scope of analysis for a product-specific declaration is cradle-to-gate, which means from raw material extraction to the factory gate. This option requires the use of at least 20 different permanently installed products sourced from at least five different manufacturers that have product-specific declarations.

References:

•LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, page 5441

•LEED v4.1 BD+C MRc2 Building Product Disclosure and Optimization (BDPO) EPD credit2

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.

References: = LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, [Whole Building Energy Simulation - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics].

The intent of the Water Efficiency Prerequisite, Outdoor Water Use Reduction is to reduce outdoor water consumption by either eliminating the need for irrigation or reducing the irrigation demand by at least 30% from the baseline. This prerequisite requires project teams to evaluate the project’s outdoor water budget and irrigation water demand using the EPA WaterSense Water Budget Tool ora local equivalent. This will help project teams to estimate and optimize water use in landscape designs by selecting appropriate plant species and irrigation system efficiency.

References: = LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Outdoor Water Use Reduction Credits in LEED v4, Part Two: LEED v4 BD+C Outdoor Water Reduction and Related Credits

The Basis of Design (BOD) is a document that describes the design intent and performance criteria for a project. It must include the environmental, energy efficiency and sustainability goals that theproject team has established, as well as the strategies and systems to achieve them. The BOD is part of the Integrative Process credit, which aims to foster collaboration and holistic thinking among the project stakeholders from the pre-design phase to the occupancy phase.

References: = [LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide], [Integrative Process Calculator], [Integrative Process credit].

To comply with Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Interior Lighting, Option 1. Lighting Control, the tenant of a new office building will require93 lighting control deviceswith at least three lighting levels per floor.This is because the credit requires that at least 90% of individual occupant spaces have lighting controls that enable occupants to adjust the lighting to suit their individual tasks and preferences1.The credit also requires that all shared multioccupant spaces have lighting controls that enable adjustments that meet the needs of the group1.According to the LEED BD+C Reference Guide, an individual occupant space is defined as an enclosed space or an open space that is occupied by one person and is at least 50 square feet (4.6 square meters) in area1.A shared multioccupant space is defined as an enclosed or open space that is occupied by more than one person and is at least 100 square feet (9.3 square meters) in area1.

Based on the given information, each workstation can be considered as an individual occupant space, and each bathroom facility and conference room can be considered as a shared multioccupant space. Therefore, the number of lighting control devices per floor can be calculated as follows:

• For the 100 workstations, 90% of them need lighting controls, which is 90 workstations. Each workstation needs one lighting control device, so the total number of lighting control devices for the workstations is 90.
• For the two bathroom facilities, each facility needs one lighting control device, so the total number of lighting control devices for the bathroom facilities is 2.
• For the one conference room, one lighting control device is needed, so the total number of lighting control devices for the conference room is 1.

The total number of lighting control devices per floor is then 90 + 2 + 1 =93.

References:Interior lighting

The Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Interior Lighting, requires the project team to provide individual occupant lighting control for at least 90% of the individual occupant spaces, or at least 50% of the shared multi-occupant spaces. The lighting control must enable occupants to adjust the lighting to suit their individual tasks and preferences, and must have at least three lighting levels, excluding off1. Therefore, a three level (on, 25%, off) lighting control meets the requirements of this credit, while a two level (on, off) lighting control does not. A three level (on, 50%, off) or a three level (on, 75%, off) lighting control may also meet the requirements, depending on the lighting power density and the daylight availability in the space2.

References:

•LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, Indoor Environmental Quality Credit: Interior Lighting, page 7071

•Interior lighting | U.S. Green Building Council3

According to the LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, the document that allows a LEED AP to register a project and sign the Certification Agreement is the Owner Confirmation of Agent Authority. This form is used to validate the Certification Agreement when it is signed by someone other than the owner, such as a LEED AP.It provides proof that the owner accepts the conditions in the Certification Agreement and authorizes the LEED AP to act as the owner’s agent for the purpose of LEED project certification1.The other choices are not relevant documents for this purpose.References: LEED Certification Agreement and other legal matters1

The Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR) is a document that defines the goals, expectations, and performance criteria of the project, as established by the owner or the owner’s representative1. The OPR is one of the key deliverables of the commissioning process and serves as the basis for the design, construction, and operation of the building systems. Therefore, the priority for the Commissioning Authority (CxA) to consider when the contractor substitutes a higher efficiency piece of equipment is whether the substitution meets or exceeds the OPR. The CxA should verify that the new equipment is compatible with the OPR and does not compromise the performance, functionality, or reliability of the system. The CxA should also communicate the substitution to the owner and the design team and document the change in the commissioning plan and report.

References:

• LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction v4
• The Role of a Commissioning Agent (CxA) - cxplanner.com
• Commissioning Authority | WBDG - Whole Building Design Guide
• General Commissioning Requirements - Northwestern University

Materials and Resources Credit, Building Product Disclosure and Optimization - Sourcing of Raw Materials, Option 2. Leadership Extraction Practices

Natural rubber flooring is a bio-based material that can contribute to the achievement of Option 2 of the Sourcing of Raw Materials credit, which requires using products that meet at least one of the responsible extraction criteria for at least 25%, by cost, of the total value of permanently installed building products in the project1.By meeting the Sustainable Agriculture Standard (SAN), the natural rubber flooring demonstrates that it has been produced in a way that conserves biodiversity, protects natural resources, and enhances social and economic well-being2. Therefore, the cost of the substituted flooring ($80,000) can be counted towards the credit threshold.

References:

• Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction v4 – Pages 263-2641
• Sustainable Agriculture Standard | Rainforest Alliance3

LEED Building Design and Construction: Healthcare has additional appliance and process water requirements in Water Efficiency Prerequisite, Indoor Water Use Reduction

LEED Building Design and Construction: New Construction and LEED Building Design and Construction: Healthcare have the same Water Efficiency credits, except for the Cooling Tower Water Use credit, which is only applicable to the former. However, the Indoor Water Use Reduction prerequisite differs between the two rating systems, as the Healthcare version requires additional calculations for appliance and process water use, such as medical equipment, laundry, and kitchen equipment.

References:

• Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction v4 – Pages 256-3171
• LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide - U.S.Green Building Council2

Revise the documentation and resubmit the form

If a project receives a review comment and technical advice on a prerequisite, it means that the documentation submitted was incomplete, inaccurate, or unclear, and that the project team needs to address the issues raised by the reviewer and provide additional information or clarification. The project team should revise the documentation and resubmit the form as part of the final review to demonstrate compliance with the prerequisite requirements. Abandoning meeting this prerequisite is not an option, as prerequisites are mandatory for LEED certification. Submitting an appeal to Green Business Certification Inc. is only applicable if the project team disagrees with the reviewer’s decision or interpretation, and has additional evidence or arguments to support their claim. Asking the General Contractor to be more aggressive with recycling goals is not relevant to this prerequisite, as it does not address the documentation issue.

References: As per the LEED AP Building Design + Construction (LEED AP BD+C) V4 resources, the Materials and Resources Prerequisite for Construction and Demolition Waste Management Planning requires the project team to develop and implement a construction and demolition waste management plan that identifies at least five materials targeted for diversion from disposal in landfills and incinerators. The project team must also estimate a diversion rate for each material and describe how they will achieve it. The project team must submit this plan as part of the preliminary design review, along with a letter from the owner or project manager confirming that they will implement it during construction. If the reviewer finds any issues with the plan or the letter, they will provide a review comment and technical advice on how to improve it. The project team must then revise the documentation and resubmit it as part of the final design review, along with a narrative describing how they addressed the reviewer’s feedback. For more detailed information, you can refer to the web-based reference guide in the credit library atUSGBC’s official website.

The best design approach for the office building is D. Recover waste energy through exhaust air energy recovery systems. This is because:

• Installing glazing with a higher solar heat gain factor would increase the cooling load and energy consumption of the building, especially in an extremely humid climate where heat gain is high1.
• Installing photovoltaic panels on the sides of the building would generate electricity from solar radiation, but it would not reduce the cooling load or energy consumption of the building, unless the electricity is used to power a heat pump or other cooling device2.
• Increasing outdoor air intake quantities during summer months would provide more fresh air to dilute the indoor pollutants and improve the indoor air quality, but it would not reduce the cooling load or energy consumption of the building, unless it is combined with a ventilation system that recovers waste energy from the exhaust air stream34.

An exhaust air energy recovery system (ERV) is a type of mechanical ventilation that uses a heat exchanger to transfer heat between two streams of air: one that enters the building and one that exits. The ERV pre-cools and dehumidifies the incoming ventilation air bysending the rejected heat into the exhaust airstream to cool the condenser coil at a lower temperature. This reduces both the cooling load and energy consumption of the building, as well as improving its indoor humidity levels34. An ERV can also provide some fresh outdoor air to meet ASHRAE Standard 62 ventilation rates5.

Therefore, an ERV is a more efficient and effective design approach than glazing, photovoltaic panels, or increased outdoor air intake quantities for reducing the annual energy cost for operating an office building in an extremely humid climate and shaded by very large adjacent buildings on all four sides.

References: 1: LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide - U.S. Green Building Council 2: LEED AP BD+C Exam | U.S. Green Building Council 3: Energy Recovery Systems - Nortek Air Solutions 4: Energy Recovery Ventilators - Greenheck 5: Mechanical Ventilation Types: Exhaust, Supply, Balanced & Energy Recovery

The rating system that is being used if all of the credits below have been submitted towards certification is Building Design and Construction: Hospitality. This is because the Location and Transportation Credit, Reduced Parking Footprint and the Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Acoustic Performance are only available for the Hospitality rating system among the four options. The other two credits are common for all the rating systems.References: LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, p.301; LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, p.401; LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, p.411; LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, p.421

According to the LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, the discovery phase of energy-related systems should identify ventilation rates, along withother factors such as building orientation, envelope attributes, lighting levels, plug and process loads, and programmatic and operational parameters1.These factors should be used to create a preliminary “simple box” energy model to evaluate the energy performance of the building and explore potential strategies to reduce energy use1. The other options are not relevant for the discovery phase of energy-related systems.Functional performance tests are part of the implementation phase1.Thermal comfort ranges are related to indoor environmental quality2.Transportation options are related to sustainable sites3.References: IP Credit Integrative Process, LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction4123

Green Infrastructure (GI) and Low-Impact Development (LID) rainwater management strategies improve upon the conventional approach for rainwater management by replicating a site’s natural hydrology. GI and LID are design approaches that use various practices to mimic the natural water cycle and reduce the negative impacts of development on the environment. They aim to preserve, restore, or create natural features that can capture, infiltrate, evaporate, or reuse rainwater on site, rather than conveying it to a centralized stormwater system. By doing so, they can reduce runoff volume and peak flow, improve water quality, enhance groundwater recharge, increase biodiversity, and create more attractive and resilient landscapes. Therefore, option A is the correct answer. The other options are not true for GI and LID strategies. Discharging rainwater at a faster rate (option B) would increase the risk of flooding, erosion, and pollution downstream. Increasing a site’s impervious surface (option C) would reduce the infiltration and evaporation of rainwater and increase runoff and heat island effects. Providing a greater volume of rainwater detention (option D) would not necessarily improve the site’s hydrology, as detention is only a temporary storage of rainwater that does not address the runoff quality or quantity issues.For more information on GI and LID rainwater management strategies, you can refer to the LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction1or the Green CE course on Rainwater Management for LEED v4.1 Projects2.

The metal base, 20% of product by weight, which do not contain heavy metals and is not plated with hexavalent chromium, contributes toward Materials and Resources Credit, Furniture and Medical Furnishings. This is because it meets the criteria of Option 1: Minimal Chemical Content, which requires that all components that constitute at least 5%, by weight, of a furniture or medical furnishing assembly must contain less than 100 ppm of at least four of the five chemical groups listed in the option. The other portions of the product either do not meet the 5% weight threshold (wheels), or contain chemicals that are restricted by Option 1 (fabric, armrests).References: LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, Materials and Resources Category, MRc Furniture and Medical Furnishings, Option 1. Minimal Chemical Content, page 711.

According to the LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, Option 1 of the Site Development - Protect or Restore Habitat credit requires restoring 25% of the site area (including the building footprint) with native or adapted vegetation1.To achieve exemplary performance, the project must double the credit requirements and restore 50% of the site area2. In this case, the site area is 100,000 ft2 (9 290 m2), so the project must restore 50,000 ft2 (4 645 m2) with vegetation. The project already has 35,000 ft2 (3 250 m2) of native vegetated open space, so it needs to add another 15,000 ft2 (1 395 m2) of vegetation. Since the on-grade surface is fully occupied by the building footprint and the asphalt parking, the only option is to incorporate a vegetated roof.Therefore, the design team will have to incorporate a native and/or adapted vegetated roof with a minimum area of 15,000 ft2 (1 395 m2).References: SS Credit Site Development - Protect or Restore Habitat, LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction13

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 report12References: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.

The correct answer isA. Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Demand Response. This is because:

• A building automation system (BAS) is a system that controls and monitors various aspects of a building’s operation, such as lighting, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, security, fire alarm, and energy management1.
• A BAS can allow programmable load control (PLC), which is the ability to adjust the power consumption of devices or equipment based on a schedule, a sensor, or an event2.PLC can help reduce the energy demand and cost of a building by optimizing the use of resources and avoiding unnecessary or wasteful consumption3.
• The LEED AP BD+C V4 credit for Demand Response requires that buildings have a demand response program that can respond to changes in electricity prices or supply by reducing or shifting the demand for electricity4. A BAS can enable such a program by allowing PLC and other features that can modulate the power usage of devices or equipment in response to market signals or internal conditions.

Therefore, installing a BAS to allow PLC can help achieve the Energy and Atmosphere Credit for Demand Response by reducing the energy demand and cost of a building.

References:1: Building Automation Systems - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics2: Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics3: How Programmable Logic Controllers Can Help You Save Money on Your Energy Bills4: LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide - U.S. Green Building Council : How Building Automation Systems Can Help You Save Money on Your Energy Bills

A flexible dress code that permits seasonally appropriate clothing can promote both energy efficiency and thermal comfort in a building. This is because it allows occupants to adjust their clothing to the indoor and outdoor temperature variations, reducing the need for excessive heating or cooling. It also enhances the occupants’ satisfaction and productivity by allowing them to choose comfortable clothing. Surveying occupants about their comfort can help identify and address thermal comfort issues, but it does not necessarily improve energy efficiency. Providing individual space heaters can increase energy consumption and create thermal discomfort for other occupants. Turning off the lights after cleaning can save some energy, but it does not affect thermal comfort.

References:

•LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, page 4271

•LEED v4 Credit Tutorials: Energy & Atmosphere (BD+C/ID+C), EA Credit Optimize Energy Performance2

•LEED v4 Credit Tutorials: Indoor Environmental Quality (BD+C/ID+C), EQ Credit Thermal Comfort2

According to the LEED AP Building Design + Construction (LEED AP BD+C) V4 resources, the Water Efficiency Prerequisite for Indoor Water Use Reduction requires the project to reduce aggregate water consumption by 20% from the baseline. Therefore, the project can meet this prerequisite with a 24% water reduction. However, to earn points under the Water Efficiency Credit for Indoor Water Use Reduction, the project needs to achieve a higher level of water reduction, ranging from 25% to 50%. The credit awards points based on the percentage of water reduction achieved, as shown in Table 1. Thus, the project may pursue this credit if it can further reduce its water consumption by installing more efficient fixtures and fittings, appliances, equipment and processes.

References: As per the LEED AP Building Design + Construction (LEED AP BD+C) V4 resources, the Water Efficiency Prerequisite and Credit for Indoor Water Use Reduction are based on an “efficiency first” approach to water conservation. The prerequisite sets a minimum standard of 20% water reduction from the baseline, while the credit rewards higher levels of performance up to 50% water reduction. The baseline water consumption of fixtures and fittings is based on the volumes and flow rates shown in Table 2. The credit also requires that all newly installed toilets, urinals, private lavatory faucets and showerheads that are eligible for labeling must be WaterSense labeled (or a local equivalent for projects outside the U.S.). For more detailed information, you can refer to the web-based reference guide in the credit library at USGBC’s official website.

According to the LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, the Thermal Comfort credit requires providing individual comfort controls for at least 50% of individual occupant spaces, and group controls for 100% of shared multioccupant spaces1. Individual comfort controls allow occupants to adjust one or more of the following: air temperature, air speed, radiant temperature, or humidity. Group controls are shared by two or more occupants within a thermal zone.The credit aims to promote occupants’ productivity, comfort, and well-being by providing quality thermal comfort.References: EQ Credit Thermal Comfort, LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction123

Food gardens may be included or excluded from the calculations for Water Efficiency Credit, Outdoor Water Use Reduction, as per the project team’s discretion. If included, food gardens must be calculated using 100% potable water. If excluded, food gardens must be irrigated with 100% captured rainwater, recycled graywater, or water treated and conveyed by a public agency specifically for nonpotable uses.References:

• Outdoor Water Use Reduction credit in LEED BD+C: New Construction v4.1 - LEED v4.11
• LEED v4 BD+C WE Guide2

This method is recommended when the project occupancy is not known, because it provides the default occupant density values for various space types, such as offices, classrooms, retail, and restaurants1. These values are based on the typical or average occupancy of similar spaces, and can be used to estimate the ventilation requirements and energy performance of the project2.

References: = LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, ASHRAE 62.1-2010, Table 6-1.

A condenser water system with a cooling tower and condenser water pumps is classified as a system composed of discrete pieces of equipment that can be metered together for the purposes of Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Advanced Energy Metering. This is because the condenser water system is a single energy end use that serves a specific function and can be isolated from other systems1. HVAC air system, electrical lighting system, and water flow system are not considered as single energy end uses, but rather as multiple energy end uses that serve different functions and cannot be easily isolated2.

References:

•LEED v4 for Building Design and Construction, p. 415

•Advanced Energy Metering, p. 2

Massing and orientation are important factors that affect the energy performance of a building. Massing refers to the shape and size of the building, and orientation refers to the direction that the building faces. By rotating the building 90 degrees, the project team can evaluate how the change in orientation affects the energy loads of the building, such as heating, cooling, and lighting. For example, a building that faces south may receive more solar heat gain and daylight than a building that faces north, which may reduce the need for artificial lighting and heating, but increase the need for cooling and shading. The project team can use the results of the analysis to optimize the massing and orientation of the building to achieve the best energy performance.

References:

• LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, Integrative Process Credit: Integrative Process, page 811
• Integrative Process Worksheet2

According to the LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, one of the strategies to reduce indoor water use is to optimize the consumption of showerheads by selecting fixtures that have a flow rate lower than the baseline of 2.0 gallons per minute (gpm) at 80 psi, or a local equivalent for projects outside the U.S.This can help the project achieve the Water Efficiency Prerequisite, Indoor Water Use Reduction, and the Water Efficiency Credit, Indoor Water Use Reduction, by reducing the aggregate water consumption from plumbing fixtures and fittings by at least 20% from the baseline1.

The other choices are not strategies to reduce indoor water use, because:

• Designing drip irrigation for landscape is a strategy to reduce outdoor water use, not indoor water use1.
• Using high-efficiency HVAC systems is a strategy to reduce energy use, not water use, although it may have some indirect water savings by reducing the cooling tower water use2.
• Excluding janitor closets in the building is not a feasible or practical strategy, as janitor closets are necessary for cleaning and maintenance purposes, and may also be required by codes or standards3.

References: LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Water Efficiency Prerequisite, Indoor Water Use Reduction, Requirements1; LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Water Efficiency Credit, Indoor Water Use Reduction, Requirements1; LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Optimize Energy Performance, Requirements2; LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Green Cleaning - High-Performance Cleaning Program, Requirements3

A charrette is a collaborative design process that involves multiple stakeholders, such as the owner, the design team, the community, and the users. By including the public in a charrette for a new school before the pre-design phase, potential partnerships with the community can be revealed. For example, the school might share facilities or resources with a nearby library, park, or community center.This can enhance the social and environmental benefits of the project, as well as reduce costs and increase efficiency.References: LEED BD+C Reference Guide, Introduction, page 171; LEED BD+C Reference Guide, Integrative Process, page 291

Plug-in task lighting is considered as furniture and is not included in the installed lighting power calculations for Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite, Minimum Energy Performance. It is also not required to comply with the lighting control requirements of ASHRAE 90.1-2010. However, it can be used to satisfy the individual control requirement of Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Interior Lighting, Option 1.References:

• LEED v4 for Building Design and Construction, p.361
• LEED v4 for Building Design and Construction, p.6012
• ASHRAE 90.1-2010, Section 9.1.13

This option requires the project to classify wood derived fuel as a recycled material that contributes towards the credit, because it is a waste material that is converted into a useful energy source1. Wood derived fuel can be used for heating, electricity generation, or co-firing with other fuels2. According to the LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, recycled materials are those that have been reprocessed or remanufactured from recovered materials3.

References: = LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Wood Derived Fuels - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics, Wood-Derived Fuels | Energy and the Environment | US EPA.

The Materials and Resources Credit, Building Product Disclosure and Optimization - Sourcing of Raw Materials rewards projects that use materials that have optimized extraction processes by limiting or eliminating the extraction of new resources, the reuse of materials or the use of recycled materials1. According to the LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction2, the credit has two options: Option 1. Raw Material Source and Extraction Reporting and Option 2. Leadership Extraction Practices. Option 1 requires the project to use at least 20 permanently installed products from at least five different manufacturers that have publicly released a report from their raw material suppliers which include extraction locations, a commitment to long-term ecologically responsible land use, a commitment to reducing environmental harms from extraction and/or manufacturing processes, and a commitment to meeting applicable standards or programs voluntarily that address responsible sourcing criteria2. Option 2 requires the project to use products that meet at least one of the responsible sourcing criteria below for at least 25%, by cost, of the total value of permanently installed building products in the project:

• Extended producer responsibility. Products purchased from a manufacturer (producer) that participates in an extended producer responsibility program or is directly responsible for extended producer responsibility.
• Bio-based materials. Bio-based products must meet the Sustainable Agriculture Network’s Sustainable Agriculture Standard. Bio-based raw materials must be tested using ASTM Test Method D6866 and be legally harvested, as defined by the exporting and receiving country. Exclude hide products, such as leather and other animal skin material.
• Wood products. Wood products must be certified by the Forest Stewardship Council or USGBC-approved equivalent.
• Materials reuse. Reused products must include salvaged, refurbished, or reused products.
• Recycled content. Recycled content is the sum of postconsumer recycled content plus one-half the preconsumer recycled content, based on cost. Products meeting recycled content criteria are valued at 100% of their cost for the purposes of credit achievement calculation.
• USGBC approved program. Other USGBC approved programs meeting leadership extraction criteria.

Therefore, among the given options, only Option A is relevant to the use of reused/salvaged materials or recycled content, as they can contribute to the materials reuse or recycled content criteria under Option 2. Option B is a prerequisite that requires the project to develop and implement a construction and demolition waste management plan that identifies the materials to be diverted from disposal and whether the materials will be sorted on-site or co-mingled2. Option C is a credit that requires the project to use at least 20 different permanently installed products from at least five different manufacturers that use any of the following programs to demonstrate the chemical inventory of the product to at least 0.1% (1000 ppm):

• Health Product Declaration. The end use product has a published, complete Health Product Declaration with full disclosure of known hazards in compliance with the Health Product Declaration Open Standard.
• Cradle to Cradle. The end use product has been certified at the Cradle to Cradle v2 Basic level or Cradle to Cradle v3 Bronze level.
• REACH Optimization. The end use product is compliant with REACH Optimization criteria.
• GreenScreen v1.2 Benchmark. The product’s chemical ingredients are inventoried using the GreenScreen v1.2 Benchmark.
• Declare. The Declare product label must indicate that all ingredients have been disclosed down to 1000 ppm.

Option D is a credit that requires the project to use at least 20 different permanently installed products that have environmental product declarations. The products must be sourced from at least five different manufacturers. The environmental product declarations must conform to ISO 14025, 14040, 14044, and EN 15804 or ISO 21930 and have at least a cradle-to-gate scope2.

References:

• LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction v4
• Recycled content | U.S. Green Building Council
• CS-v4.1 MRc3: Sourcing of Raw Materials | LEEDuser
• How to choose the right materials for a LEED project? - GBCE

A preventive maintenance plan is a document that outlines the procedures and schedules for maintaining the building systems and equipment. It helps to ensure that the systems and equipment are operating efficiently and effectively, and that they meet the design intent and performance goals. A preventive maintenance plan can also help to reduce the risk of failures, breakdowns, and repairs, and extend the service life of the systems and equipment. A preventive maintenance plan is especially important for improving the indoor environmental quality, as it can prevent issues such as poor ventilation, air leaks, moisture problems, mold growth, and indoor air pollution. Therefore, the project team should provide the facility manager with a preventive maintenance plan for the building, along with the necessary training and resources to implement it.

References:

•LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, Indoor Environmental Quality Credit: Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies, page 6951

•LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, Indoor Environmental Quality Credit: Thermal Comfort, page 7041

•LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, Indoor Environmental Quality Credit: Acoustic Performance, page 7101

•Preventive Maintenance Plan - The Ridiculously Simple Guide

According to the LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, Option 2 of the Sourcing of Raw Materials credit requires using products that meet at least one of the responsible extraction criteria for at least 25%, by cost, of the total value of permanently installed building products in the project1. Therefore, for a project with a material cost of $100,000, the minimum material value needed to achieve this option is 25% of $100,000, which is $25,000.

Every location in the U.S. identifies four regional credits that are of particular importance for that region. These credits are selected by the USGBC regional councils and chapters based on the environmental, social, and public health issues that are relevant for their areas. A project can earn up to four bonus points by achieving these regional credits.

References:

•LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, page 6081

•Regional Priority (RP) credits – U.S. Green Building Council2

When using the Integrative Process, the best way for the LEED AP to assess the impact of indoor and outdoor water consumption in a Building Design and Construction projectis to perform a preliminary water budget analysis before the completion of schematic design.This analysis should include the following steps1:

• Identify the project’s water sources and uses, such as potable water, reclaimed water, rainwater, graywater, blackwater, irrigation, cooling towers, etc.
• Estimate the baseline water consumption for each use based on the applicable codes, standards, and benchmarks.
• Identify potential water conservation strategies that can reduce the demand or increase the supply of water, such as low-flow fixtures, native landscaping, rainwater harvesting, graywater reuse, etc.
• Evaluate the feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and environmental benefits of each strategy using a life-cycle approach.
• Select the most appropriate strategies and document how they inform the design decisions and meet the project goals.
• Compare the projected water consumption with the baseline and calculate the percentage reduction.

Performing a preliminary water budget analysis before the completion of schematic design allows the LEED AP to identify opportunities for water efficiency and innovation early in the design process. It also helps to optimize the integration of water systems with other building and site systems, such as energy, materials, indoor environmental quality, etc.Moreover, it supports the achievement of other LEED credits related to water efficiency, such as WE Prerequisite 1: Outdoor Water Use Reduction, WE Prerequisite 2: Indoor Water Use Reduction, WE Credit 1: Outdoor Water Use Reduction, WE Credit 2: Indoor Water Use Reduction, WE Credit 3: Cooling Tower Water Use2.

References:

• Understanding Integrative Design in LEED v41
• LEED v4 for Building Design and Construction2

This option requires the project to include all parking spaces that are outside the project boundary but are used by the project occupants, visitors, or customers in the calculations for the reduced parking footprint credit1. This option ensures that the project accounts for the total parking demand and supply associated with the project, regardless of the location of the parking spaces2.

References: = [LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide], NC-v4 LTc7: Reduced parking footprint | LEEDuser.

The Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Optimize Energy Performance, is the most suitable for achieving the organization’s dual goals.This credit encourages the use of energy-efficient strategies to reduce the environmental and economic harms associated with excessive energy use, thereby promoting occupants’ health and minimizing energy costs.References: LEED AP Building Design + Construction (LEED AP BD+C) V4 resources1

The credit may be achieved by using nonroof measures only, such as shading, paving, and vegetation, to reduce the heat island effect on the site. The credit does not require a highly reflective roof for all projects, but allows for flexibility and trade-offs depending on the climate and design conditions.The project can use the Heat Island Reduction1to demonstrate compliance with the credit requirements.The credit is feasible and applicable for this project, and does not need an alternative compliance path.References: SS Credit Heat Island Reduction, LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction234

The renewable energy option is economically feasible if the present value of the utility cost savings over the lifetime of the system is greater than or equal to the present value of the higher initial cost of the system. This means that the system will pay for itself and generate net savings in the long run. The utility cost savings depend on the amount of energy produced by the solar thermal panel, the price of natural gas, and the inflation rate. The higher initial cost depends on the size, type, and installation of the solar thermal panel.

References:

• Solar Thermal: Complete Guide to the Pros, Cons and Costs
• Renewable Energy vs Natural Gas – How The Costs Stack Up
• Is Solar Cheaper Than Natural Gas? - PowerSouth Energy Cooperative
• LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction v4

The credit that should be pursued when considering the regional context of frequent power supply grid fluctuations (brown-outs) is Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Demand Response. This credit encourages participation in demand response programs that reduce peak electricity demand and help stabilize the grid. It also provides an opportunity to earn regional priority points, which are bonus points for credits that address regional environmental issues. The other credits are not directly related to the regional context of brown-outs.

References:

•LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, page 4151

•Demand response | U.S. Green Building Council2

•Regional Priority (RP) credits – U.S. Green Building Council3

The correct answer is D. critically reviewed life-cycle assessment conforming to ISO 14044. This is because:

•Option 1 of this credit requires the use of products that have environmental product declarations (EPDs), which are documents that provide information about the environmental impact of a product throughout its life cycle1.

•EPDs are based on life-cycle assessments (LCAs), which are systematic analyses of the environmental aspects and potential impacts of a product from raw material extraction to disposal2.

•LCAs must conform to the international standard ISO 14044, which specifies the principles and framework for conducting and reporting LCAs3. LCAs must also be critically reviewed by an independent panel of experts to ensure their validity and reliability4.

•The other options are not relevant for this credit. FSC certification is a label that indicates that a wood product comes from a well-managed forest5. Cradle-to-cradle certification is a label that indicates that a product is designed for circular economy, with minimal waste and toxicity. CSR is a report that discloses the social and environmental performance of a company.

References: 1: Building product disclosure and optimization - environmental product … 2: [Life Cycle Assessment - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics] 3: [ISO 14044:2006(en), Environmental management — Life cycle …] 4: [Critical Review in LCA - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics] 5: [Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) | U.S. Green Building Council] : [Cradle to Cradle Certified™ Products Program] : [Corporate Sustainability Reporting - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics]

To comply with Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Thermal Comfort, the standard that needs to be followed is ASHRAE 55-2010, Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy, with errata or a local equivalent1.This standard specifies the combinations of indoor thermal environmental factors and personal factors that will produce thermal environmental conditions acceptable to a majority of the occupants within the space2.The standard also provides methods for measuring and evaluating thermal comfort, as well as guidance for design, operation, and maintenance of thermal comfort systems2.References:Thermal comfort;ASHRAE 55-2010

Private lavatory faucets are eligible for a WaterSense label, provided they meet EPA’s specifications for water efficiency and performance, and are backed by independent, third-party certification. Tankless toilets, waterless urinals, and public lavatory faucets are not eligible for a WaterSense label because they are not included in the product categories that WaterSense covers. WaterSense currently labels products in the following categories: tank-type toilets, water-using urinals, private lavatory faucets, showerheads, irrigation controllers, spray sprinkler bodies, and pre-rinse spray valves.References:

• WaterSense Products | US EPA1
• The WaterSense Label | US EPA2
• Water Sense Labeling | LEEDuser3
• Labeled Faucet Questions | WaterSense | US EPA4
• What is the WaterSense Label and How Does it Apply?5

The Sustainable Sites Credit, Site Assessment requires the project to conduct and document a site inventory and analysis that evaluates the existing conditions and features of the site, such as topography, hydrology, human use, climate, vegetation, soils, and human health effects1. The purpose of the site assessment is to inform the design and development of the site in a way that protects, restores, and enhances the environmental quality and performance of the site1. The site assessment should include the following elements:

• Topography: The shape and elevation of the land surface, including slopes, drainage patterns, and erosion potential.
• Hydrology: The movement, distribution, and quality of water on the site, including surface water, groundwater, precipitation, and runoff.
• Human use: The current and planned use of the site and its surroundings, including zoning, land use, transportation, utilities, and cultural resources.
• Climate: The long-term weather patterns and conditions of the site, including temperature, humidity, wind, solar radiation, and precipitation.
• Vegetation: The types, distribution, and condition of plants on the site, including native, invasive, and endangered species, and their ecological functions and values.
• Soils: The physical, chemical, and biological properties of the soil on the site, including texture, structure, organic matter, pH, fertility, and contamination.
• Human health effects: The potential impacts of the site conditions and features on the health and well-being of the occupants and the surrounding community, such as noise, air quality, water quality, and exposure to hazardous substances.

References:

• LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction v4
• Sustainable Sites Credit, Site Assessment
• Site Assessment - SITES
• Site Assessment and Analysis - Whole Building Design Guide

The Acoustic Performance credit under the LEED BD+C: Healthcare rating system addresses the acoustic environment in healthcare spaces. It requires strategies that reduce noise levels, control background noise, and provide sound privacy. The documents that would best inform this decision are:

• Airport flyover maps: These can help determine the level of external noise intrusion into the building, which can affect the acoustic environment.
• Mechanical plans: These can provide information about the location and type of mechanical equipment, which can be a source of internal noise.
• Wall sections: These can provide information about the construction of the walls, including materials and assemblies, which can affect sound transmission between spaces1.

References:

• Acoustic performance | U.S. Green Building Council

A multiple-zone system is a system that has one or more air handlers supplying conditioned air to more than one zone. A zone is a space or group of spaces within a building with heating and cooling requirements that are sufficiently similar so that desired conditions (e.g., temperature) can be maintained throughout using a single controlling device. The ventilation rate procedure calculations must be based on the multiple-zone system configuration because the HVAC system in the question serves different zones with different ventilation requirements.References: LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, p.6881; ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2010, Section 6.2.52

Materials and Resources Credit, Construction and Demolition Waste Management

Salvaged materials are materials that have been recovered or diverted from the waste stream for reuse. They can contribute to the achievement of the Construction and Demolition Waste Management credit, which aims to reduce the amount of waste generated by construction and demolition activities and divert it from landfills and incinerators. By reusing salvaged materials, projects can reduce the demand for new materials, conserve natural resources, save energy, and lower greenhouse gas emissions.Salvaged materials can be counted as part of the total waste diverted from disposal, as long as they are not counted for the Building Life-Cycle Impact Reduction credit1.

References:

• Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction v4 – Pages 263-2642
• LEED Certification and Sustainable Construction Waste Management3

A rainwater harvesting system on site could be recognized in the Sustainable Sites Credit, Rainwater Management and the Water Efficiency Credit, Indoor Water Use Reduction. The Sustainable Sites Credit, Rainwater Management rewards projects that reduce runoff volume and improve water quality by replicating the natural hydrology and water balance of the site1. A rainwater harvesting system can help achieve this by capturing and reusing rainwater on site2. The Water Efficiency Credit, Indoor Water Use Reduction rewards projects that reduce indoor water consumption by installing water-efficient fixtures and fittings3. A rainwater harvesting system can help achieve this by providing an alternative source of water for non-potable uses such as toilet flushing and irrigation4.

The other options are not correct. The Water Efficiency Credit, Water Metering does not recognize rainwater harvesting systems, but rather requires projects to install permanent water meters that measure the total potable water use for the building and grounds. The Water Efficiency Prerequisite, Outdoor Water Use Reduction does not recognize rainwater harvesting systems, but rather requires projects to reduce outdoor water consumption by using plant species that are native or adapted to the region and by using irrigation systems that are efficient and properly controlled. The Water Efficiency Prerequisite, Indoor Water Use Reduction does not recognize rainwater harvesting systems, but rather requires projects to reduce indoor water consumption by 20% from the baseline by installing water-efficient fixtures and fittings.

References:

•Rainwater Management, p. 1

•NC-v4 SSc4: Rainwater management, p. 2

•Indoor water use reduction, p. 1

•NC-v4 WEc3: Indoor water use reduction, p. 3

•[Water metering], p. 1

•[Outdoor water use reduction], p. 1

•[Indoor water use reduction], p. 2

The correct answer is B. Provide for at least 10% of all regular building occupants, with no less than five storage spaces per building.

According to the LEED v4.1 Bicycle Storage Requirements1, commercial projects must provide long-term bicycle storage for at least 10% of all regular building occupants, with no less than five storage spaces per building. Long-term bicycle storage is defined as secure, enclosed, and weather-protected spaces that are intended for use by occupants who make regular trips to the project building.Examples of long-term bicycle storage include lockers, cages, rooms, or dedicated areas within buildings1. The purpose of this requirement is to encourage the use of bicycles as a sustainable mode of transportation and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuel consumption.