What stage of LEED for Neighborhood Development certification listed below is eligible for points under Building Design and Construction: New Construction, Location and Transportation Credit, LEED for Neighborhood Development Location?
Correct Answer: B
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)1 The other stages listed in the question are either conditional approvals or pre-reviews that do not guarantee certification23 Reference: 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 Green 3 3: LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide - U.S. Green Building Council 1
Question 2
A building owner in an arid climate is trying to design an outdoor lunch area for the tenants. Which landscaping strategy is important to employ in order to reduce water demand?
Correct Answer: B
Explanation 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.
Question 3
When using the Integrative Process, what is the best way for the LEED AP to assess the impact of indoor and outdoor water consumption in a Building Design and Construction project?
Correct Answer: A
When using the Integrative Process, the best way for the LEED AP to assess the impact of indoor and outdoor water consumption in a Building Design and Construction project is to perform a preliminary water budget analysis before the completion of schematic design. This analysis should include the following steps1: Identify the project's water sources and uses, such as potable water, reclaimed water, rainwater, graywater, blackwater, irrigation, cooling towers, etc. Estimate the baseline water consumption for each use based on the applicable codes, standards, and benchmarks. Identify potential water conservation strategies that can reduce the demand or increase the supply of water, such as low-flow fixtures, native landscaping, rainwater harvesting, graywater reuse, etc. Evaluate the feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and environmental benefits of each strategy using a life-cycle approach. Select the most appropriate strategies and document how they inform the design decisions and meet the project goals. Compare the projected water consumption with the baseline and calculate the percentage reduction. Performing a preliminary water budget analysis before the completion of schematic design allows the LEED AP to identify opportunities for water efficiency and innovation early in the design process. It also helps to optimize the integration of water systems with other building and site systems, such as energy, materials, indoor environmental quality, etc. Moreover, it supports the achievement of other LEED credits related to water efficiency, such as WE Prerequisite 1: Outdoor Water Use Reduction, WE Prerequisite 2: Indoor Water Use Reduction, WE Credit 1: Outdoor Water Use Reduction, WE Credit 2: Indoor Water Use Reduction, WE Credit 3: Cooling Tower Water Use2. Reference: Understanding Integrative Design in LEED v41 LEED v4 for Building Design and Construction2
Question 4
Which is a benefit of earning Regional Priority credits?
Correct Answer: A
A benefit of earning Regional Priority credits is that the LEED project can achieve more sustainable outcomes by recognizing the issues that are a priority in the project's location. Regional Priority credits are not new LEED credits, but instead are existing credits that USGBC regional councils and chapters have designated as being particularly important for their areas1. The incentive to achieve the credits is in the form of a bonus point. If an RP base credit is earned, then a bonus point is awarded to the project's total points1. This way, the project can address the geographically specific environmental, social equity and public health priorities of its location2. Reference: Regional priority credit lookup | U.S. Green Building Council Regional Priority (RP) credits - U.S. Green Building Council
Question 5
Which of the following transit modes is considered to be walkable if it is within 1/2 mile (0.8 km) of the functional entry of a project?
Correct Answer: C
For Location and Transportation (LT) Credits: Access to Quality Transit, a local bus stop (C) within 1/2 mile (0.8 km) from a building's entrance qualifies as walkable transit. LEED defines walkable transit as options within reasonable distance for daily commuting, including bus stops, light rail stations, and streetcars. Taxi stands (A) aren't considered reliable public transit under LEED, and while streetcars (D) are valid, ferry terminals (B) are only acceptable within a 1-mile range.
