USGBC LEED-AP-BD+C Actual Questions

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]

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 for the 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 minimum program requirements, the LEED project must include a minimum of 1000 square feet (93 square meters) of gross floor area for the LEED BD+C and LEED O+M rating systems1.

References:

LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide

LEED minimum program requirements

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