Online LEED-AP-BD+C Questions Video

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.

Including the material requirements in the project specifications (D) ensures that all project team members are aware of and prioritize materials compliant with the Materials and Resources (MR) Credit: Building Product Disclosure and Optimization. Clearly defined specifications communicate the importance of sustainability criteria, such as environmental product declarations and sourcing. Whole-building life-cycle analysis (C) is part of separate LEED credits and doesn’t directly influence material prioritization by the team.

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 reuse calculation for MR Credit Building Life-Cycle Impact Reduction includes the surface area of structural elements that are reused in place or salvaged and reinstalled, such as floor decking, columns, beams, and roof decking. Exterior glazing and plumbing fixtures are not considered structural elements and are not included in the reuse calculation. Asbestos insulation is a hazardous material that should be removed and disposed of properly, not reused. References: MR Credit Building Life-Cycle Impact Reduction, LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction123