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

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

This option allows the project to comply with the minimum energy performance prerequisite by following the prescriptive recommendations of the ASHRAE 50% Advanced Energy Design Guide (AEDG) for the applicable building type and climate zone1. This option simplifies the decision making and analysis process by providing clear and specific guidance on how to achieve 50% energy savings compared to the baseline standard2. This option alsoreduces the need for energy modeling and documentation, which can save time and money for the project3.

References: = [LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide], Minimum Energy Performance Calculator - ASHRAE 90.1 - 2010, 50 Percent AEDG Free Download - ASHRAE.

The Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Demand Response rewards projects that participate in demand response programs that aim to reduce peak electricity demand and shift the load to off-peak periods. The LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction states that "the intent of this credit is to increase participation in demand response technologies and programs that make energy generation and distribution systems more efficient, increase grid reliability, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions"1. The project team must either implement a permanent demand response program or develop a plan to implement a program within a year of occupancy. The project team must also demonstrate that the building has the capability to reduce its peak electricity demand by at least 10% in response to demand response signals.

References:

• LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, Energy and Atmosphere Credit: Demand Response, page 2721
• Demand response | U.S. Green Building Council2

Building Product Disclosure and Optimization is based on market transparency, which means providing information about the environmental and social impacts of the products and materials used in the building. The LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction states that "the intent of this credit category is to encourage the use of products and materials for which life-cycle information is available and that have environmentally, economically, and socially preferable life-cycle impacts"1. By disclosing the information about the product ingredients, environmental product declarations, sourcing of raw materials, and material ingredients optimization, the project team can make informed decisions and support the development of a more sustainable market.

References:

• LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, Materials and Resources Credit: Building Product Disclosure and Optimization - Environmental Product Declarations, page 5462
• LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, Materials and Resources Credit: Building Product Disclosure and Optimization - Sourcing of Raw Materials, page 5502
• LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, Materials and Resources Credit: Building Product Disclosure and Optimization - Material Ingredients, page 5542

The Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR) is the document that should be used to record the project goals to be used throughout the design of the project. The OPR is a written document that details the ideas, concepts, and criteria that are determined by the owner to be important to the success of the project1. The OPR is developed during the pre-design phase and is used as a basis for the design team to prepare the Basis of Design (BOD), which describes how the design of the building systems meets the OPR2. The OPR is also used to evaluate the design, construction, and commissioning of the project to ensure that the owner’s expectations are met3.

References:

•LEED v4 for Building Design and Construction, p. 63

•LEED v4 for Building Design and Construction, p. 64

•SECTION 018114 - SUSTAINABLE DESIGN REQUIREMENTS - LEED v4 BD+C, p. 5

Data centers is the only LEED BD+C rating system that mandates a preliminary LEED meeting with the principal members of the project team to create a LEED action plan that includes the anticipated certification tier, targeted credits and parties responsible for each credit. This is because data centers have unique design and operational characteristics that require a more integrative and customized approach to achieve LEED certification.The preliminary LEED meeting is intended to facilitate early goal setting, alignment, and communication among the project team members12.References: LEED BD+C Reference Guide, Data Centers, page 91;LEED v4.1 BD+C: Data Centers

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

LEED project boundaries that include multiple similar buildings which are all eligible for certification can be registered as a group project. A group project allows multiple buildings (or interior spaces within multiple buildings) on a shared site to be certified as a single LEED project. These projects must meet the criteria outlined in the LEED Campus Guidance for Projects on a Shared Site, such as having the same construction contract, ownership, management, space type, rating system, and compliance paths. A group project will receive one certification and rating for the entire group.References:Group Projects (previously Multiple Building Projects), CAGBC News, September 1, 2020.

According to the LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, the Sustainable Sites Credit, Open Space requires the project to provide outdoor space greater than or equal to 30% of the total site area (including building footprint). At least 25% of that outdoor space must be vegetated, have overhead vegetated canopy, or be a water body. Option A does not qualify as outdoor space, Option B is not vegetated or a water body, and Option C only applies to projects with a FAR of less than 1.0. Option D meets the requirements for both outdoor space and vegetation, and also contributes to the protection or restoration of habitat1. References: LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Sustainable Sites Credit, Open Space, Requirements1

Xeriscaping is a landscaping method that reduces water demand by using plants that are adapted to dry climates, mulching the soil to retain moisture, and minimizing the amount of lawn and other turf areas. Xeriscaping can help save water, money, and energy, as well as improve the health of the soil and the environment.

References:

•How to Xeriscape for a Water-Wise Yard - Better Homes & Gardens

•Xeriscaping: how to use this landscaping method in your yard | Why subscribe?

•Xeriscaping: Gardening with Less Water - Dennis’ 7 Dees | Landscaping …

•Guide to Xeriscape Landscaping - The Spruce.

The Whole Building Simulation option is used to meet the Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite, Minimum Energy Performance for a hospital project.This option involves creating a detailed computer model of the building to simulate its energy performance and identify opportunities for improvement.References: LEED AP Building Design + Construction (LEED AP BD+C) V4 resources1

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

According to the LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction1, the Location and Transportation Credit, Bicycle Facilities, requires the project to provide short-term and long-term bicycle storage and a functional entry or bicycle storage within 200 yards of a bicycle network. The bicycle network is defined as any one of the following:

• Off-street bicycle paths or on-street bicycle lanes that are physically marked and separated from motor traffic
• Streets designed for a target speed of 25 mph (40 km/h) or less, with traffic calming features such as curb extensions, speed humps, raised crossings, narrowed traffic lanes, median islands, tight corner radii, roundabouts, or landscaping
• Streets with a legal speed limit of 25 mph (40 km/h) or less that connect to a larger bicycle network

Therefore, among the given options, only slow speed roadways can define a bicycle network, as they can provide a safer and more comfortable environment for cyclists. One-way streets, bike share, and traffic lights are not sufficient to define a bicycle network, as they do not necessarily indicate the presence of bicycle paths, lanes, or low-speed streets.

References:

• LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction v4
• Bicycle facilities | U.S. Green Building Council
• CI-v4.1 LTc4: Bicycle facilities | LEEDuser
• Understanding bikeability: a methodology to assess urban networks
• Bicycle Network | Making bike riding easier for everyone

The Minimum Program Requirements (MPRs) for LEED certification are:

• MPR 1: Must be in a permanent location on existing land
• MPR 2: Must use reasonable LEED boundaries
• MPR 3: Must comply with project size requirements

Option A does not meet MPR 1 because it is located on a previously undeveloped site, which is not considered existing land. Option B does not meet MPR 3 because it is a parking garage, which is excluded from LEED certification unless it is part of a larger project. Option C does not meet MPR 1 because it is a mobile clinic, which is not considered permanent. Option D meets all the MPRs because it is a permanent building on existing land, it has reasonable LEED boundaries, and it meets the minimum gross floor area of 1,000 ft2 (93 m2) for BD+C projects.

References:

• LEED minimum program requirements
• Minimum Program Requirements (MPRs)
• What do the LEED Minimum Program Requirements Really Mean?

The Location and Transportation Credit, Access to Quality Transit requires projects to locate within walking distance of existing or planned transit stops that provide access to quality transit service1. Quality transit service is defined as transit service that meets the minimum weekday and weekend headways (time between vehicles) and hours of operation listed in Table 1 of the credit requirements2. According to Table 1, the minimum weekday headway for bus service is 15 minutes, and the minimum weekday headway for rail service is 10 minutes. The minimum weekend headway for both bus and rail service is 30 minutes. The minimum hours of operation for both bus and rail service are 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends2. In addition, the credit requires projects to locate within a 1/4 mi. (0.40 km) walking distance of bus, streetcar, or rideshare stops or within a 1/2 mi. (0.80 km) walking distance of bus rapid transit stops, light or heavy rail stations, commuter rail stations, or ferry terminals1.

Option A does not represent quality transit service because it only has two bus lines that may not meet the minimum headway and hours of operation requirements. Option C does not represent quality transit service because it is beyond the maximum walking distance of 1/2 mi. (0.80 km) for rail stations. Option D does not represent quality transit service because it is a private shuttle bus that does not qualify as a public transportation service, and it provides hourly service that does not meet the minimum headway requirements. Option B represents quality transit service because it has a rail station that is within the maximum walking distance of 1/2 mi. (0.80 km) from the project building, and it has one train line that operates Monday through Sunday, which implies that it meets the minimum headway and hours of operation requirements.

References:

• Access to Quality Transit
• Access to Quality Transit - Canada Green Building Council

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

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.

The Basis of Design (BOD) is the document that contains the design team’s interpretation of the Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR). The BOD describes the proposed systems and how they will meet the OPR, as well as the assumptions and criteria used forthe design.The BOD is a key document for the Integrative Process credit and the Enhanced Commissioning credit in LEED BD+C12.References: LEED BD+C Reference Guide, Integrative Process, page 301; LEED BD+C Reference Guide, Enhanced Commissioning, page 681

According to the LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, the project team must conduct a waste stream audit to identify the top five recyclable waste streams generated by the building and its occupants. The audit must cover a representative time period of a minimum of 24 hours, and must account for variations in the type and quantity of waste generated by different building uses andoperations. The project team must then provide dedicated areas for the collection and storage of these materials for recycling. The project team must also provide dedicated areas for the collection and storage of batteries, mercury-containing lamps, and electronic waste, or demonstrate that a local program is in place to properly dispose of these materials.

References:

• LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, Materials and Resources Prerequisite: Storage and Collection of Recyclables, page 5441
• LEED v4 Credit Tutorials: Materials & Resources (BD+C/ID+C), Prerequisite: Storage and Collection of Recyclables2

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.

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 uses2.References:

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

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

According to the LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, the location of CO2 sensors in naturally ventilated spaces to comply with the Indoor Environmental Quality Prerequisite, Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance is between 3 ft. and 6 ft. (1 m and 2 m) above the floor. This is one of the requirements for Option 2. Naturally Ventilated Spaces, which applies to projects that rely on natural ventilation for all or part of the occupied spaces.The CO2 sensors must be located in each zone with natural ventilation openings, and must be capable of generating an alarm when the CO2 concentration exceeds the design value1.

The other choices are not correct, because:

• At least 6 ft.(2 m) above the floor is the location of CO2 sensors in mechanically ventilated spaces, not naturally ventilated spaces1.
• At least 3 ft.(1 m) away from windows is a general guideline for locating CO2 sensors, but it does not specify the height above the floor2.
• On the ceiling 3 ft.(1 m) away from adjacent walls is not a recommended location for CO2 sensors, as it may not reflect the actual CO2 concentration at the breathing zone of the occupants2.

References: LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Indoor Environmental Quality Prerequisite, Minimum Indoor Air Quality Performance, Option 2.Naturally Ventilated Spaces, Requirements1; ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2016, User’s Manual, Chapter 6, Section 6.2.72

A sink in a hotel room bathroom is classified as a private lavatory faucet under Water Efficiency Credit, Indoor Water Use Reduction.According to the LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, a private lavatory faucet is defined as “a faucet that is not generally accessible and is used only by the building’s occupants and not by the public or visitors”1. A sink in an office restroom, a school classroom, or a shared office restroom are examples of public lavatory faucets, which have different baseline flow rates and requirements.References: LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, Water Efficiency Category, WEc Indoor Water Use Reduction, page 681.

Install an on-site photovoltaic array

Installing an on-site photovoltaic array is a direct method to produce renewable energy on the project site, which can be used to achieve points under the Energy Atmosphere Credit for Renewable Energy Production. Additionally, it contributes to optimizing energy performance by generating clean electricity on-site and reducing the need for energy from non-renewable sources.

References: As per the LEED AP Building Design + Construction (LEED AP BD+C) V4 resources, the installation of on-site renewable energy systems like photovoltaic arrays is encouraged to reduce environmental impacts and improve a building’s energy performance. This aligns with the goals of both the Renewable Energy Production and Optimize Energy Performance credits under the LEED rating system. For more detailed information, you can refer to the web-based reference guide in the credit library at USGBC’s official website.

Data centers are buildings that house computer systems and associated components, such as servers, storage devices, and network equipment. They typically operate 24/7 and do not have regular commuting patterns of occupants. Therefore, they can exclude weekend transit service from the transit service level calculations for the Location and Transportation Credit, Access to Quality Transit12. This credit aims to encourage development in locations that are served by high-quality transit, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions, transportation costs, and automobile dependence.

References: = LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, NC-v4.1 LTc5: Access to quality transit | LEEDuser

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 stage2.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 building2.References:

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

The Integrative Process credit, Integrative Process, requires the project team to conduct a preliminary analysis of the energy and water related systems during the pre-design phase, and use the results to inform the design and construction of the project. The analysis must include at least two potential strategies for each of the following areas: site conditions, massing and orientation, basic envelope attributes, lighting levels, thermal comfort ranges, plug and process load needs, programmatic and operational parameters, outdoor water use, and indoor water use. The project team must also document how the analysis informed the owner’s project requirements, basis of design, and design documents.

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 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 best answer is C. native vegetation. This is because:

•Native vegetation is adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, and therefore requires less water than non-native plants1.

•Native vegetation also supports local biodiversity, reduces erosion, and enhances the aesthetic value of the landscape2.

•Potable water is not a good option for water-efficient landscape design, as it is a scarce and valuable resource that should be conserved for human consumption and hygiene3.

•Sprinkler systems are not a good option for water-efficient landscape design, as they can waste a lot of water through evaporation, runoff, and overspray4. Drip irrigation or micro-sprinklers are more efficient methods of watering plants.

•Permeable pavement is not a good option for water-efficient landscape design, as it is not a plant-based element, but a hardscape feature that allows water to infiltrate into the ground. Permeable pavement can reduce stormwater runoff and pollution, but it does not directly contribute to water conservation in the landscape.

References: 1: Water Efficient Landscaping Ideas: 5 Water Wise Tips 2: [Native Plants for Water Conservation] 3: [Water Conservation | US EPA] 4: [Sprinkler Irrigation - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics] : [Drip Irrigation - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics] : [Permeable Pavement - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics] : [Permeable Pavement Benefits and Costs]

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.

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.

Source control is one of the control measures recommended by the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning National Contractors Association (SMACNA) for the Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Construction Indoor Air Quality Management Plan. Source control means minimizing the generation and emission of indoor air pollutants from the construction activities and materials. Some examples of source control are1:

•Using low-emitting adhesives, sealants, paints, coatings, and flooring systems that comply with the VOC limits of the applicable LEED credit.

•Storing absorptive materials in a protected area and covering them with plastic sheeting to prevent moisture and mold growth.

•Scheduling the installation of finish materials after the completion of wet and dusty work, such as concrete pouring, drywall sanding, and painting.

•Isolating work areas where high levels of contaminants are generated or used, such as welding, cutting, grinding, and solvent cleaning, and providing adequate ventilation and exhaust.

•Prohibiting smoking, eating, and drinking in the work areas, and providing designated areas for these activities.

References:

•Construction indoor air quality management plan | U.S. Green Building Council1

Rainwater collected from the building roof would be the most appropriate nonpotable water source for use in a cooling tower. This is because rainwater is generally cleaner than other nonpotable sources and does not require extensive treatment before use.Additionally, using rainwater can help to reduce stormwater runoff, providing an additional environmental benefit.References: LEED AP Building Design + Construction (LEED AP BD+C) V4 resources1

Peak-hour is a term used to describe the time period when the traffic noise is highest, usually during morning and evening rush hours. Peak-hour noise level is measured by the equivalent continuous sound level (Leq), which is an energy-average of the noise level over a specified sample time. For minimum acoustic performance, LEED requires projects to implement acoustic treatment and other measures to minimize noise intrusion from exterior sources for high-noise sites (peak-hour Leq above 60 dBA during school hours).

References:

• LEED BD+C: Schools v4 - LEED v4 Minimum acoustic performance
• Schools-NC-v4 EQp3: Minimum acoustic performance | LEEDuser
• Schools-NC-v4.1 EQp3: Minimum acoustic performance | LEEDuser

Installing a bioretention area is an example of a low-impact development (LID) practice that can reduce runoff volume and improve water quality by replicating the natural hydrology and water balance of the site.This approach will contribute to maintaining compliance with Sustainable Sites Credit, Rainwater Management, which requires designing the site to retain the runoff from the developed site for at least the 80th percentile of rainfall events1.References:

• Credit: Rainwater management | U.S. Green Building Council
• Achieving SSc Rainwater Management in LEED v4.1

An economic advantage of the infill site is that it reduces the need for new utility infrastructure. This is because the infill site is located within an existing urban area that already has access to water, sewer, electricity, and other utilities1. The developer can save on the costs of extending or installing new utility lines and services to the rural greenfield site, which may not have adequate or reliable utility infrastructure2. The other options are not economic advantages, but rather environmental benefits of the infill site. Protecting greenfields and farmland, preserving habitat and natural resources, and reducing potential damage to an existing stream are all positive outcomes of avoiding development on the rural greenfield site, but they do not directly translate into monetary savings for the developer3.

References:

•High-priority site, p. 1

•The Economics of Infill Development, p. 2

•LEED v4 for Building Design and Construction, p. 69

This is the requirement for the Indoor Environmental Quality prerequisite Environmental Tobacco Smoke Control, which applies to all LEED BD+C rating systems. The intent is to prevent or minimize exposure of building occupants, indoor surfaces, and ventilation air distribution systems to environmental tobacco smoke. The no-smoking signage must explicitly state the 25 ft. (8 m) limitand communicate the no-smoking policy to occupants.

References: = [LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide], Indoor Environment Prerequisite: No Smoking within 25 Feet of Building, Non-smoking policy + signage. Message has links.

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

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

Installing a vegetative roofing system is the best option to address the potential glare resulting from a project’s highly reflective roof. A vegetative roofing system, also known as a green roof, is a roof that is partially or completely covered with vegetation and a growing medium, planted over a waterproofing membrane. A vegetative roofing system can reduce the reflectivity of the roof surface and mitigate the glare impact on the surrounding environment. It can also provide other benefits, such as reducing heat island effects, improving stormwater management, enhancing biodiversity, and increasing roof insulation. Therefore, option A is the correct answer. The other options are not as effective or desirable as installing a vegetative roofing system. Changing the design to reduce the amount of roofing area (option B) may not be feasible or desirable, as it may compromise the project’s program or performance. Changing the roofing material to a dark material to eliminate the issue (option C) may reduce the glare, but it will also increasethe heat absorption and emission of the roof, contributing to heat island effects and increasing cooling loads. Increasing the parapet height (option D) may block some of the glare, but it will also increase the material and construction costs, and it may not be sufficient to prevent glare from all angles.For more information on vegetative roofing systems and their benefits, you can refer to the LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction1or the Green Roofs for Healthy Cities website2.

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

The most likely group of documents to support both Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Thermal Comfort, and Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Interior Lighting, Option 1. Lighting Control is C, lighting plans, surveys of occupants, sequence of operations.

Lighting plans show the layout and type of lighting fixtures, as well as the lighting controls, such as dimmers, timers, occupancy sensors, or daylight sensors. Surveys of occupants provide feedback on the satisfaction and comfort level of the building users regarding the thermal and lighting conditions. Sequence of operations describes how the mechanical and lighting systems operate and respond to different scenarios, such as occupancy, temperature, or daylight levels.

These documents can demonstrate that the project meets the requirements for both credits, which are:

• For Thermal Comfort, the project must design the HVAC systems and the building envelope to meet the requirements of ASHRAE Standard 55-2010, Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy, or a local equivalent, and provide individual thermal comfort controls for at least 50% of the individual occupant spaces, and group thermal comfort controls for all shared multi-occupant spaces1.
• For Interior Lighting, Option 1.Lighting Control, the project must provide individual lighting controls that enable adjustments to suit individual task needs for at least 90% of the individual occupant spaces, and provide lighting system controls for all shared multi-occupant spaces that allow occupants to adjust the lighting to meet group needs and preferences2.

The other groups of documents are less likely to support both credits, because:

• Architectural floor plans, mechanical plans, and lamp specifications do not show the lighting controls or the occupant feedback.
• Photometric plans, mechanical schedules, and lamp specifications do not show the thermal comfort design or the occupant feedback.
• Surveys of occupants, photometric plans, and mechanical schedules do not show the lighting controls or the thermal comfort design.

References: LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Thermal Comfort, Requirements1; LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Interior Lighting, Option 1.Lighting Control, Requirements2

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

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.

References:

• Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies
• Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies - Canada Green Building Council
• [LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction v4], page 631
• Copy Rooms: A Source of Indoor Air Pollution

The commissioning (Cx) agent must have completed the commissioning process activities for a minimum of two similar projects in order to meet the minimum qualifications for Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite, Fundamental Commissioning and Verification. This is stated in the LEED v4 Building Design + Construction Guide, under the section “Energy and Atmosphere Credits Overview”. The guide also provides examples of similar projects that can be used as references for commissioning.

References: [LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide], Fundamental commissioning and verification - U.S. Green Building Council, EA Energy & Atmosphere Overview - Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Fundamental Commissioning and Verification – Above Green, EAp1: Fundamental Commissioning and Verification – Above Green, LEED credit library | U.S. Green Building Council

the local equivalent standard is more stringent than ASTM E1527-05

According to the LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, a Phase I ESA is required for all projects, except for those located on previously developed land that has not been used for industrial, commercial, or agricultural purposes. The Phase I ESA must follow the ASTM E1527-05 standard or a local equivalent. However, if the local equivalent is more stringent than the ASTM standard, then the projectmust comply with the local equivalent. Therefore, if the new building project is located in a jurisdiction that has a more rigorous standard for Phase I ESA than ASTM E1527-05, then it must complete a new Phase I ESA, regardless of the previous ESA done for the certified facility.

References:

• Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction v4 – Pages 81-821
• LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide - U.S.Green Building Council2

The only stage of LEED for Neighborhood Development certification that is eligible for points under Building Design and Construction: New Construction, Location and Transportation Credit, LEED for Neighborhood Development Location, is LEED for Neighborhood Development Pilot, Stage 3 LEED for Neighborhood Development Certified Project.This is because the credit requires that the project be located within the boundary of a development that has achieved certification under LEED for Neighborhood Development (either Stage 2 or Stage 3 under the Pilot or 2009 rating systems, or Certified Plan or Certified Project under the LEED v4 rating system)1The other stages listed in the question are either conditional approvals or pre-reviews that do not guarantee certification23References:1: LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, Location and Transportation Credit: LEED for Neighborhood Development Location, page 460.2: LEED for Neighborhood Development Location – Above Green33: LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide - U.S.Green Building Council1

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

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.

The Materials and Resources Credit, Building Life-Cycle Impact Reduction, rewards projects that reuse existing building structures and envelopes, or salvage materials from off-site or on-site sources. According to the LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, the project team must calculate the percentage of building being reused by dividing the area of the existing building structure and envelope that is reused by the total area of the completed building structure and envelope1. However, the project team must exclude from the calculation any hazardous materials that are remediated as a part of the project, such as asbestos, lead, mold, or PCBs1. Therefore, the asbestos containing materials found on the perimeter walls will be excluded from the calculation, regardless of the volume.

References:

•LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, Materials and Resources Credit: Building Life-Cycle Impact Reduction, page 5451

•Building life-cycle impact reduction | U.S. Green Building Council2

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

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 basis of energy consumption in determining the percentage of green power or carbon offsets is the quantity of energy used by the project, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) or British thermal units (Btu). Green power is electricity generated from renewable sources, such as solar, wind, hydro, biomass, or geothermal. Carbon offsets are reductions or removals of greenhouse gas emissions from a project or activity that compensates for theemissions from another source. According to the LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction1, the Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Green Power and Carbon Offsets, requires the project to engage in a contract for qualified resources that meet the following requirements:

• The contract term is at least five years.
• The green power or carbon offsets are based on the quantity of energy consumed by the building.
• The green power is Green-e Energy certified or the equivalent.
• The carbon offsets are Green-e Climate certified, Verified Carbon Standard certified, Gold Standard certified, or the equivalent.

References:

• LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction v4
• Green Power and Carbon Offsets | U.S. Green Building Council
• Green Power and Carbon Offsets - LEEDuser
• Green Power and Carbon Offsets - LEED v4 for BD+C: New Construction …

The Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Renewable Energy Production rewards projects that use renewable energy systems to offset building energy costs1. According to the LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction2, the credit has two options: Option 1. On-Site Renewable Energy and Option 2. Off-Site Renewable Energy. Option 1 requires the project to use renewable energy systems that are located on the project site and that produce electricity or thermal energy for the project. The amount of renewable energy production is calculated based on the percentage of the annual energy cost that is offset by the renewable energy systems. Option 2 requires the project to use renewable energy systems that are located off the project site and that are owned by the project or have a long-term contract with the project. The amount of renewable energy production is calculated based on the percentage of the annual energy use that is offset by the renewable energy systems.

Therefore, among the given options, only Option D is relevant to the credit requirements, as it implies that the solar photovoltaic system is located on the project site and that the produced electricity is consumed by the project. The other options, such as carbon offsets, daylighting strategies, and passive solar strategies, are not directly related to the credit requirements, although they may have other benefits for the project.

References:

• Renewable Energy Production | U.S. Green Building Council
• LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction v4
• Solar Photovoltaic Technology Basics | Department of Energy
• Photovoltaic system - Wikipedia

According to the LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, the 40/60 rule provides guidance for making a decision when several rating systems appear to be appropriate for a project. To use this rule, first assign a rating system to each square foot or square meter of the building, and then choose the most appropriate rating system based on the resulting percentages. The entire gross floor area of a LEED project must be certified under a single rating system and is subject to all prerequisites and attempted credits in that rating system, regardless of mixed construction or space usage type. If a rating system is appropriate for less than 40% of the gross floor area of a LEED project building or space, then that rating system should not be used. If a rating system is appropriate for more than 60% of the gross floor area of a LEED project building or space, then that rating system should be used.If an appropriate rating system falls between 40% and 60% of the gross floor area, project teams must independently assess their situation and decide which rating system is most applicable1.References: LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, LEED Rating System Selection Guidance1

This option requires the project to provide safe collection, storage, and disposal for electronic waste, such as computers, monitors, printers, and batteries, because it contains hazardous materials that can harm human health and the environment if not handled properly1. Electronic waste can be recycled or reused by certified e-waste recyclers or manufacturers2.

References: = [LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide], Recycled content.

The correct answer is D. Document total waste per building floor area.

According to the LEED v4.1 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, Option 2 of the Construction and Demolition Waste Management credit requires projects to reduce the total construction waste generated by the project to less than 12.2 kilograms per square meter (2.5 pounds per square foot) of the building’s floor area1.This option rewards projects for implementing waste prevention strategies, such as designing for material optimization, prefabrication, modular construction, deconstruction, and reuse1.To meet the requirements of this option, projects must document the total weight or volume of all construction waste generated by the project, excluding land-clearing debris and excavated soil, and divide it by the building’s floor area1.Projects must also provide a narrative describing the waste prevention measures taken during design and construction1.

For Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Advanced Energy Metering, the minimum amount of time that the metering system should store data is36 months.This is to ensure that the data can be used for long-term analysis and verification of energy performance1.The credit also requires that the metering system be capable of transmitting data to a remote location and reporting energy use at least hourly1.References:Advanced energy metering

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].

According to the LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, the owner or an owner’s representative must be a member of the integrated project team for the Integrative Process Prerequisite, Integrative Project Planning and Design.The owner or an owner’s representative is responsible for establishing the project’s vision, goals, budget,and schedule, as well as defining the owner’s project requirements (OPR) and participating in the design charrettes and reviews1.The owner or an owner’s representative also plays a key role in ensuring the continuity and alignment of the project’s performance and environmental objectives throughout all phases of the project1.

The other choices are not mandatory members of the integrated project team, although they may be involved in the integrative process depending on the project’s scope and needs.The general contractor is typically hired after the design phase and may not be involved in the predesign and schematic design analyses required by the prerequisite1.A LEED AP is a professional who has demonstrated knowledge and experience in applying the LEED rating system, but is not required to be part of the integrated project team, although it is recommended and rewarded by the LEED credit, Integrative Process1.The project’s mechanical engineer is one of the possible design consultants who may contribute to the integrative process, especially for the energy-related systems analysis, but is not required to be part of the integrated project team1.

References: LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Integrative Process Prerequisite, Integrative Project Planning and Design, Requirements1

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

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

For major renovation and new construction projects, the required energy and water-related system analyses should be the same except for plug and process load needs. Plug and process loads are the electrical loads that are not related to lighting, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC)systems, such as computers, appliances, equipment, and machinery. Plug and process load needs may vary depending on the type and function of the building, and they can have a significant impact on the energy performance and demand of the building. Therefore, the project team should analyze the plug and process load needs for each project and design strategies to reduce or optimize them. The other factors, such as site conditions, massing and orientation, and building envelope performance, are common to both major renovation and new construction projects, and they should be analyzed in the same way for both types of projects.

References:

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

•Integrative Process Worksheet2

The Integrative Process Credit is a credit in LEED Building Design and Construction that supports high-performance, cost-effective project outcomes through an early analysis of the interrelationships among systems1. The credit requires project teams to perform analyses for both energy- and water-related systems before completing the schematic design, and to use the findings to inform the owner’s project requirements, basis of design, and design and construction documents1. The example given in the question is an illustration of how selecting a paint color with a higher light reflectance value can reduce the energy use and cost of lighting fixtures, which is an energy-related system. This strategy shows how the project team applied an integrative process to evaluate the impacts of different design options on the building performance and environmental benefits. Therefore, the correct answer is B. Integrative Process Credit.

References:

• Integrative Process