USGBC Updated LEED-AP-BD+C Exam Questions and Answers by mikhail

The LEED Platinum certification requires the project to achieve exemplary performance in at least one credit that allows it, as specified in the LEED Reference Guide 1 . One of the credits that meets this criterion is the Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, which focuses on providing healthy and comfortable indoor environments for occupants. The credit has two options: Quality Views and Enhanced Commissioning. Quality Views requires the project to have windows that provide views of natural scenery or water bodies, which can enhance the well-being and satisfaction of occupants. Enhanced Commissioning requires the project to have a comprehensive commissioning plan that ensures all systems are properly installed, tested, and operated before occupancy. Both options can help reduce energy consumption, improve indoor air quality, and create a positive sensory experience for occupants.

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.

For LEED BD+C Location and Transportation (LT) Credit: Surrounding Density and Diverse Uses , Option 1: Surrounding Density , the project team must measure:

Residential density in dwelling units per acre (DU/acre) or dwelling units per hectare (DU/ha).

Non-residential density based on floor area ratio (FAR) .

The density must be measured within a ¼-mile (0.40 km) radius of the project boundary.

This credit promotes high-density development and reduces urban sprawl , thereby improving access to amenities and public transportation.

(Source: Official LEED BD+C Reference Manual)

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 concentration 1 . The cycles of concentration are the ratio of the concentration of dissolved solids in the blowdown water to the concentration of dissolved solids in the make-up water 2 . Increasing the cycles of concentration reduces the amount of make-up water and blowdown water, and thus saves water and energy 2 . 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-potable water for cooling tower make-up water 1 . 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 requirements 1 . 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 alkalinity 1 . 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