LEED-AP-BD+C Exam Dumps - LEED AP Building Design + Construction (LEED AP BD+C)

This credit can be earned if the VOC budget method is applied for VOC content. The VOC budget method allows the use of some products that exceed the VOC content limit, as long as the total VOC content of all products within a category does not exceed the total allowable VOC content for that category1. The adhesive is a product within the wet-applied and aerosol adhesives category, which has a VOC content limit of 70 g/L1. The contractor must calculate the VOC budget for this category and ensure that it does not exceed the limit. The other options are not valid ways to earn this credit. The adhesive must be included in the LEED documentation, as all products used in the project must be accounted for1. The credit requires that 100% of the adhesives used comply with the VOC content limit and emissions requirements, not 75% or 95%1.

References:

•Low-emitting materials, p. 2

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

 According to the LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction1, the Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Indoor Air Quality Assessment, Option 1. Flush-Out requires the project to perform a building flush-out by supplying a total air volume of 14,000 cubic feet of outdoor air per square foot of gross floor area while maintaining an internal temperature of at least 60°F and no higher than 80°F and relative humidity no higher than 60%. The gross floor area of the building is 1,000 ft2 and the ceiling height is 10 ft, so the required volume of supply air for the entire building flush-out is:

14,000 ft3/sf x 1,000 sf = 14,000,000 ft3

References:

• LEED Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction v4

Minimum Energy Performance

A project’s massing and site orientation can have a direct impact on the minimum energy performance prerequisite, which requires projects to demonstrate a percentage of energy cost savings compared to a baseline building. Massing and orientation affect the amount of solar heat gain, daylight availability, natural ventilation potential, and wind exposure of the building, which in turn influence the heating, cooling, lighting, and ventilation loads and strategies. By optimizing the massing and orientation of the building, projects can reduce their energy consumption and improve their thermal and visual comfort.

References:

• Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction v4 – Pages 279-2801
• Building Massing & Orientation | Sustainability Workshop2

The percentage of diverted waste for Materials and Resources Credit, Construction and Demolition Waste Management is calculated by dividing the total weight of diverted materials by the total weight of waste generated1. Diverted materials are those that are reused, recycled, salvaged, or donated2. In this case, the total weight of diverted materials is:

• 8 tons (7.3 tonnes) of recycled demolition steel and concrete
• 6 tons (5.4 tonnes) of used furniture donated to a non-profit organization
• 1 ton (0.9 tonnes) of removed carpet and ceiling tiles sent back to the manufacturer
• 40% of 3 tons (2.7 tonnes) of commingled scrap, which is 1.2 tons (1.1 tonnes)

The sum of these weights is 16.2 tons (14.7 tonnes). The total weight of waste generated is 20 tons (18.1 tonnes). Therefore, the percentage of diverted waste is:

(16.2 / 20) x 100 = 81%

However, the credit allows for a 10% adjustment for vegetative waste, which is not considered a building material3. Therefore, the percentage of diverted waste after adjustment is:

(81 - 10) = 71%

The closest answer option to this value is B. 75%.

References:

• Construction and Demolition Waste Management
• Construction Waste Management
• Construction and Demolition Waste Management - Canada Green Building Council

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 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

A pilot credit identified by the LEED AP that is relevant to the project would be documented in LEED Online as an Innovation Credit.Pilot credits are proposed credits that are used to test and evaluate a strategy before they can be considered for incorporation into the LEED consensus process for approval by USGBC membership1.All other LEED v4 and v4.1 projects may register for pilot credits and pilot ACPs in LEED Online1.

References:Pilot credits and pilot alternative compliance paths (ACPs)

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 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

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

According to the LEED v4: Building Design and Construction Guide, an integrated, whole-building approach is a process that requires collaboration and communication among all project team members and stakeholders throughout all phases of a project, from pre-design to occupancy and operations.The goal of this approach is to optimize the environmental and human health performance of a building as a whole, rather than focusing on individual components or systems1.

One of the benefits of an integrated, whole-building approach is that it allows the project team to identify and evaluate the interrelationships and trade-offs among various design strategies and decisions, and to optimize the synergies and minimize the conflicts among them1.For example, increasing the size of a glazed opening on the south facing wall may have implications for the daylighting, solar heat gain, thermal comfort, energy use, and mechanical system design of the building2.Therefore, the team members who are first affected by this change are the mechanical engineers, who are responsible for designing the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system of the building, and ensuring that it meets the thermal comfort and energy performance requirements of the project3.The mechanical engineers may need to adjust the size, type, and location of the HVAC equipment, ductwork, and controls, as well as perform energy modeling and analysis to evaluate the impact of the change on the building’s energy consumption and emissions3.The mechanical engineers may also need to coordinate with the architects, lighting designers, and other team members to ensure that the change does not compromise the other design goals and criteria of the project3.

References: LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Integrative Process, Introduction1; LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Optimize Energy Performance, Requirements2; LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Thermal Comfort, Requirements3

The commissioning process is a quality assurance process that ensures that the building systems perform as intended, based on the owner’s project requirements and the design team’s basis of design.The commissioning process can provide value to the project by improving energy efficiency, reducing operation and maintenance costs, enhancing occupant comfort and satisfaction, and reducing risks and liabilities123.References: LEED BD+C Reference Guide, Energy and Atmosphere, page 631; LEED BD+C Reference Guide, Enhanced Commissioning, page 661;LEED Building Commissioning: Why You Should Get Accredited

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 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 …

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

According to the LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, the Water Efficiency Prerequisite, Outdoor Water Use Reduction, Option 2. Reduced Irrigation, requires that a project’s landscape water requirement be reduced by at least 30% from the calculated baseline for the project site’s peak watering month. The baseline is determined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) WaterSense Water Budget Tool, or a local equivalent for projects outside the U.S.The reduction must be achieved through plantspecies selection and irrigation system efficiency1.References: LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Water Efficiency Prerequisite, Outdoor Water Use Reduction, Option 2.Reduced Irrigation, Requirements1

Energy efficiency goals and training requirements are required to be present in the Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR) when applying the Integrative Process to a Building Design and Construction project.According to the LEED v4 BD+C ReferenceGuide, the OPR is a 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 must include, among other things, the following information related to energy efficiency1:

• The owner’s energy performance goals and expectations
• The owner’s requirements for energy metering and monitoring
• The owner’s requirements for energy modeling and analysis
• The owner’s requirements for commissioning and verification
• The owner’s requirements for training and documentation

The other options are not required to be present in the OPR, as they are either related to other aspects of the project, such as codes and standards, interior finishes, or project team members, or they are not relevant to the Integrative Process, which focuses on early analysis of energy, water, and site systems2.References: LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, Integrative Process Category, IPc Integrative Process, page 632.

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

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.

This factor is included in the lamp lumen uplight calculation, because it represents the amount of light that is emitted downward by the fixture, which does not contribute to light pollution1. The lamp lumen uplight calculation is used to determine the percentage of total luminaire lumens emitted above horizontal, which must not exceed the maximum allowed values for each lighting zone2.

References: = [LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide], SSc6 step by step instructions - BuildingGreen.

According to the LEED Campus Guidance, the campus approach allows projects that share a single location and site attributes to achieve separate LEED certification for each project, building space, or group on the master site. The campus approach can be used for certain credits that are influenced by the site conditions and infrastructure, such as Sustainable Sites credits. The LEED Campus Guidance provides a list of eligible credits for the campus approach, which includes the following Sustainable Sites credits1:

•Site Assessment

•Site Development - Protect or Restore Habitat

•Open Space

•Rainwater Management

•Heat Island Reduction

•Light Pollution Reduction

Therefore, Heat Island Reduction, Light Pollution Reduction, and Rainwater Management are Sustainable Sites credits that are eligible to be used as a campus approach. Places of Respite, Site Master Plan, and Direct Exterior Access are not Sustainable Sites credits, but other credits or prerequisites that are not eligible for the campus approach1.

References:

•LEED Campus Guidance1

Healthcare projects are required to consider the perimeter floor area instead of the regularly occupied floor area under the Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Daylight calculations. This is because healthcare projects have different daylighting needs and challenges than other project types, and the perimeter area is more likely to have access to natural light and views. The perimeter floor area is defined as the regularly occupied spaces within 15 feet (4.5 meters) of the exterior wall that meets the minimum glazing requirements.References:

• LEED v4 for Building Design and Construction, p.6021
• LEED v4 for Building Design and Construction, p.362

An intensive vegetated roof is a roof that has a thick layer of soil and plants that provide shade, evapotranspiration, and stormwater management. It can reduce the heat island effect by lowering the surface and air temperature of the roof and the surrounding area. Artificial turf grass does not reduce the heat island effect because it is not a living plant and does not provide cooling benefits. A steep sloped roof with initial SRI of 35 does not meet the minimum requirement of 39 for Option 1 or 32 for Option 2 of the Heat Island Reduction credit. A low sloped roof with initial SRI of 64 exceeds the minimum requirement of 82 for Option 1 or 64 for Option 2, but it is not the best option among the choices because it only reflects solar radiation and does not provide other benefits such as shading, evapotranspiration, and stormwater management.References:

• Heat Island Reduction credit in LEED BD+C: New Construction v4.1 - LEED v4.11
• SpecTopics: Heat Island Reduction Credit and LEED® V4/V4.12
• LEED Principle: Urban Heat Island Mitigation and Roofing3

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?

Achieving a minimum of 10 cooling tower cycles by increasing the level of make-up water treatment is the way to obtain the maximum number of points for Water Efficiency Credit, Cooling Tower Water Use.This credit aims to conserve water used for cooling tower equipment by encouraging the use of non-potable water sources and increasing the cycles of concentration1.The cycles of concentration are the ratio of theconcentration of dissolved solids in the blowdown water to the concentration of dissolved solids in the make-up water2.Increasing the cycles of concentration reduces the amount of make-up water and blowdown water, and thus saves water and energy2. The credit has two options: Option 1. Non-potable Water Source (1 point) and Option 2. Cooling Tower Water Use (2 points).Option 1 requires using at least 50% non-potablewater for cooling tower make-up water1.Option 2 requires achieving a minimum number of cooling tower cycles based on the quality of the make-up water, as specified in Table 1 of the credit requirements1.The maximum number of cycles is 10, which can be achieved by increasing the level of make-up water treatment to meet the criteria for conductivity, silica, and alkalinity1. Therefore, Option 2 is the way to obtain the maximum number of points for this credit.References:

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

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 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: 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

Adding a concrete walkway will increase the site’s impervious cover, which is the percentage of the site area that does not allow water to infiltrate into the ground1. Impervious cover can affect the site’s stormwater management, heat island effect, and habitat quality.The project team should consider using permeable paving materials, vegetated roofs, or rain gardens to reduce the impervious cover and mitigate its impacts2. The other options are not directly impacted by adding a concrete walkway.Project density calculations are based on the floor area ratio and the number of occupants, not the site features3.Erosion and sediment control plan during construction is required for any site disturbance, regardless of the type of material used4.Air quality as a result of off gassing that occurs as concrete cures is not a significant issue for outdoor applications, and can be minimized by using low-emitting concrete products5.

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

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 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

According to the LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, the Location and Transportation Credit, Access to Quality Transit has two options: Option 1. Transit-Served Location and Option 2. Transit Service Quality. Option 1 can earn 1 to 4 points depending on the percentage of functional entries within walking distance of transit stops or stations. Option 2 can earn 1 point if the project meets the minimum weekday and weekend headways for bus, streetcar, or informal transit stops, or rail stations or ferry terminals.The maximum number of points a project can achieve under this credit is 4 points by meeting both options1.References: LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Location and Transportation Credit, Access to Quality Transit, Requirements1

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

New Construction is the appropriate rating system for a new mixed-use building with 300,000 ft2 (27 871 m2) of residential units, 150,000 ft2 (13 935 m2) hotel and 50,000 ft2 (4 645 m2) of retail space.According to the LEED rating system selection guidance1,the New Construction rating system applies to buildings that are being newly constructed or going through a major renovation, and that include any of the following use types: office, retail, hospitality, education, residential, warehouse and distribution centers, or data centers2.The New Construction rating system can also be used for mixed-use buildings that have more than one use type3. Since the project involves new construction of a mixed-use building with residential, hospitality, and retail uses, the New Construction rating system is the most suitable option. The other rating systems are not applicable because they are either specific to one use type (Retail and Hospitality) or to buildings that are not complete at the time of certification (Core and Shell Development).References:

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

According to the LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, lead, mercury, copper and cadmium are examples of persistent bioaccumulative toxins (PBTs) that should be limited in building products. PBTs are substances that remain in the environment for long periods of time, accumulate in living organisms, and pose health risks to humans and wildlife. One of the prerequisites for the Materials and Resources Credit, Building Product Disclosure and Optimization - Material Ingredients, is to reduce the use of products that contain PBTs above certain thresholds1. References: LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Materials and Resources Credit, Building Product Disclosure and Optimization - Material Ingredients, Option 3: Product Manufacturer Supply Chain Optimization1

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

According to the LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, the calculations for Quality Views must include the following variables: window size and configuration, glazing factor, window head height, distance of the window from the floor, permanent interior obstructions, and exterior obstructions. Ceiling heights, building furniture, and movable partitions are not required to be included in the calculations.

References:

• LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, Indoor Environmental Quality Credit: Quality Views, page 7061
• Daylight and Quality Views

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.

Pilot Credit registration is required when documenting a LEED Pilot credit. This is to ensure that the project team has access to the latest pilot credit language and requirements, and that USGBC can track the usage and feedback of the pilot credits. The other options are not required for documenting a pilot credit, although they may be helpful or applicable for other credits.References:LEED Pilot Credit Library, Getting Started, page 1.

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.

SRI generally decreases with age

The Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) is a measure of the ability of a surface to reflect solar heat, as shown by a small temperature rise. It is calculated using the values of solar reflectance and thermal emittance of the surface. The higher the SRI, the lower the heat island effect. However, SRI generally decreases with age due to factors such as weathering, dirt accumulation, and biological growth. Therefore, the Sustainable Sites Credit, Heat Island Reduction takes into account both new and three-year aged SRI values for roofing material to ensure that the material maintains a high level of reflectance over time.

References:

• SpecTopics: Heat Island Reduction Credit and LEED V4/V4.1 - Carlisle SynTec1
• Solar Reflectance Index Measurements - Surface Optics Corp.2

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

This option requires the project team to calculate the weighted daily average of the number of trips per day for each qualifying route, using the formula provided in the LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide. This option ensures that the transit service frequency is accurately represented and meets the minimum thresholds for weekday and weekend trips, as shown in Table 1 and Table 2 of the guide.

References: = [LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide], Access to Quality Transit.

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

This option requires the project team to focus on reducing the water consumption of the school project, because it is located in a basin that depends on the seasonal snowmelt for its water supply1. Installing efficient plumbing fixtures, such as low-flow faucets, toilets, and showerheads, can help save water and reduce the demand on the local water resources2. This option can also help the project achieve the LEED credits for outdoor and indoor water use reduction3.

References: = LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Water-Efficient Plumbing Fixtures, Water Efficiency | U.S. Green Building Council.

According to the LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, the Location and Transportation Credit, Bicycle Facilities has two options: Option 1. Bicycle Network and Storage and Option 2. Reduced Parking Footprint. Option 1 requires the project to provide short-term bicycle storage for at least 2.5% of all peak visitors, and long-term bicycle storage for at least 5% of all regular building occupants. Short-term bicycle storage must be within 100 ft (30 m) walking distance of any main entrance, and long-term bicycle storage must be within 300 ft (90 m) walking or bicycling distance of any functional entry. Option 2 requires the project to provide short-term bicycle storage for at least 2.5% of all peak visitors, and long-term bicycle storage for at least 5% of all regular building occupants, and also reduce the total parking capacity by at least 20% from the base ratios.Both options can earn one point under this credit1.

If a commercial building is considered to have 100 peak visitors in a day, the minimum number of short-term bicycle storage spaces that must be provided to earn one point under Option 1 or Option 2 is 2.5% of 100, which is 2.5, rounded up to 3. However, the project must also provide long-term bicycle storage for at least 5% of all regular building occupants, which is not given in the question.Therefore, the correct answer is C, five, which is the minimum number of short-term bicycle storage spaces that must be provided to earn one point under Option 1 or Option 2, regardless of the number of regular building occupants.References: LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Location and Transportation Credit, Bicycle Facilities, Requirements1

A pedestrian-oriented paving or turf area with physical site elements that accommodate outdoor social activities is necessary to satisfy the requirement for the outdoor space to be physically accessible when calculating the Sustainable Sites Credit, Open Space. This is because the outdoor space must be designed to encourage regular use by occupants and visitors1. A garden space dedicated to industrial food production for use by local communities may not be accessible to the building occupants and visitors2. A garden space with only one vegetation type and species during the summer for visual interest does not meet the requirement of having two or more types of vegetation or overhead vegetated canopy1. A dark paving area with site elements to encourage parking near wetlands or naturally designed ponds is not considered as pedestrian-oriented hardscape and may have negative impacts on the natural environment3.

References:

•Open Space, p. 1

•NC-v4 SSc3: Open space, p. 2

•LEED v4 for Building Design and Construction, p. 72

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

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

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.

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 WaterSense label or local equivalent requirement in Water Efficiency Prerequisite, Indoor Water Use Reduction ensures that eligible newly installed plumbing fixtures will be both water efficient and high performing. The WaterSense label is a voluntary program by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that identifies and promotes water-efficient products that meet EPA’s specifications for water efficiency and performance. The label applies to tank-type toilets, water-using urinals, private lavatory faucets, and showerheads. For projects outside the U.S., local equivalents may be used if they meet the same criteria as WaterSense or are listed on the USGBC website. The label does not imply that the fixtures are LEED compliant, comply with mandatory federal government regulations, or comply with all international plumbing system requirements.References:

• Water Efficiency Prerequisite: Indoor Water Use Reduction in LEED BD+C: New Construction v4.1 - LEED v4.11
• What is the WaterSense Label and How Does it Apply?2
• LEED QUALIFICATION GUIDE - v43
• WaterSense Labeled Homes4

This option requires the project to increase the breathing zone outdoor airflow by at least 20% above the minimum rates required by ASHRAE 62.1-2010. Therefore, the minimum design zone outdoor airflow is 0.120 CFM/ft2 x 1.2 = 0.144 CFM/ft2.

References: = [LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide], [Indoor Environmental Quality Credit: Enhanced Indoor Air Quality Strategies], [ASHRAE 62.1-2010 User’s Manual].

Using a non-native or non-adapted plant species on both the vegetated roof and ground level will impact the Sustainable Sites credit Site Development-Protect or Restore Habitat the most. This credit requires that at least 20% of the site area (excluding building footprint) or 5% of the site area (including building footprint) must be vegetated with native or adapted plants. Non-native or non-adapted plants do not qualify for this credit and may also have negative impacts on the local ecosystem and biodiversity. The other credits are not directly affected by the choice of plant species, although they may have other requirements related to vegetation, such as shading, reflectance, or lighting.References: LEED v4 BD+C Reference Guide, Sustainable Sites Category, SSc Site Development-Protect or Restore Habitat, page 648.

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

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.

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 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

To achieve the Sustainable Sites Credit, Light Pollution Reduction, Option 1. BUG Rating Method, projects must demonstrate that all luminaires meet acceptable fixture ratings for the project’s Model Lighting Ordnance (MLO) lighting zone.The MLO lighting zone is determined by the site-specific characteristics and the definitions provided in the IES/IDA MLO User Guide1.The fixture ratings are based on the backlight-uplight-glare (BUG) system, which measures the amount of light emitted in different directions by a luminaire, as defined in IES TM-15-11, Addendum A2.The maximum allowable ratings for each lighting zone are given in Table 1 of the credit language3.References:IES/IDA MLO User Guide;IES TM-15-11, Addendum A;Light pollution reduction

This option applies to projects that renovate an existing building that meets the definition of abandoned or blighted, and use new materials for at least 50% of the surface area. The project meets these criteria, as the warehouse is an existing building that is presumably abandoned or blighted, and the new construction will use new materials for 40% of the interior and some of the exterior. References: LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Materials and Resources Credit, Building Life-Cycle Impact Reduction, Option 4: Renovation of Abandoned or Blighted Building

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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.

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