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

In determining the LEED project boundaries, the LEED AP may include non-contiguous parcels of land if the parcels directly support or are associated with normal building operations and are accessible to the project’s occupants. This is according to the Minimum Program Requirements (MPRs) for LEED v4.1, which state that non-contiguous parcels of land may be included within the LEED project boundary if they meet these criteria1. Facilities such as parking lots, bicycle storage, shower/changing facilities, and/or on-site renewable energy that are outside of the LEED project boundary may also be included in certain prerequisites and credits if they directly serve the LEED project and are not double-counted for other LEED projects1. The other options are not valid reasons to include non-contiguous parcels of land within the LEED project boundary. Temporary uses such as parking or staging that are owned and managed by a third party do not directly support or are associated with normal building operations of the LEED project1. Existing public preservation easements or resource protection areas that are directly adjacent to the LEED project boundary are not considered as part of the LEED project boundary, unless they are owned by the project owner or the project team has permission to use them2. Land trusts or conservation organizations for which the LEED project provides financial support are not considered as part of the LEED project boundary, unless they are located within the same EPA Level III ecoregion as the project site3.

The credit may be achieved by using nonroof measures only, such as shading, paving, and vegetation, to reduce the heat island effect on the site. The credit does not require a highly reflective roof for all projects, but allows for flexibility and trade-offs depending on the climate and design conditions. The project can use the Heat Island Reduction 1 to demonstrate compliance with the credit requirements. The credit is feasible and applicable for this project, and does not need an alternative compliance path. References: SS Credit Heat Island Reduction, LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction234

The surrounding residential density is calculated by dividing the total number of dwelling units by the total residential land area. In this case, it would be 780 dwelling units divided by 60% of 130 acres, which equals approximately 13 dwelling units per acre (or 32 dwelling units per hectare).

The nonresidential density, or Floor Area Ratio (FAR), is calculated by dividing the total nonresidential building floor area by the total nonresidential land area. In this case, it would be 1,600,000 ft² divided by 40% of 130 acres, which equals a FAR of approximately 0.47.

These calculations are used when attempting to achieve the Location and Transportation Credit, Surrounding Density and Diverse Uses, under the LEED AP BD+C V4 rating system.

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.