USGBC LEED-AP-BD+C Based on Real Exam Environment

The correct answer is B. Provide for at least 10% of all regular building occupants, with no less than five storage spaces per building.

According to the LEED v4.1 Bicycle Storage Requirements1, commercial projects must provide long-term bicycle storage for at least 10% of all regular building occupants, with no less than five storage spaces per building. Long-term bicycle storage is defined as secure, enclosed, and weather-protected spaces that are intended for use by occupants who make regular trips to the project building.Examples of long-term bicycle storage include lockers, cages, rooms, or dedicated areas within buildings1. The purpose of this requirement is to encourage the use of bicycles as a sustainable mode of transportation and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuel consumption.

A rainwater harvesting system on site could be recognized in the Sustainable Sites Credit, Rainwater Management and the Water Efficiency Credit, Indoor Water Use Reduction. The Sustainable Sites Credit, Rainwater Management rewards projects that reduce runoff volume and improve water quality by replicating the natural hydrology and water balance of the site1. A rainwater harvesting system can help achieve this by capturing and reusing rainwater on site2. The Water Efficiency Credit, Indoor Water Use Reduction rewards projects that reduce indoor water consumption by installing water-efficient fixtures and fittings3. A rainwater harvesting system can help achieve this by providing an alternative source of water for non-potable uses such as toilet flushing and irrigation4.

The other options are not correct. The Water Efficiency Credit, Water Metering does not recognize rainwater harvesting systems, but rather requires projects to install permanent water meters that measure the total potable water use for the building and grounds. The Water Efficiency Prerequisite, Outdoor Water Use Reduction does not recognize rainwater harvesting systems, but rather requires projects to reduce outdoor water consumption by using plant species that are native or adapted to the region and by using irrigation systems that are efficient and properly controlled. The Water Efficiency Prerequisite, Indoor Water Use Reduction does not recognize rainwater harvesting systems, but rather requires projects to reduce indoor water consumption by 20% from the baseline by installing water-efficient fixtures and fittings.

References:

•Rainwater Management, p. 1

•NC-v4 SSc4: Rainwater management, p. 2

•Indoor water use reduction, p. 1

•NC-v4 WEc3: Indoor water use reduction, p. 3

•[Water metering], p. 1

•[Outdoor water use reduction], p. 1

•[Indoor water use reduction], p. 2

According to the LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, the Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite, Fundamental Commissioning and Verification, requires the project to hire a Commissioning Authority (CxA) to oversee the commissioning process for the mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and renewable energy systems and assemblies. The CxA must have documented commissioning authority experience in at least two building projects, and must not be an employee of the design or construction firms, although they may be contracted through them.The CxA must report the results, findings, and recommendations directly to the owner1.

One of the required responsibilities for the CxA to achieve the prerequisite is to verify installation and performance of the commissioned systems.This includes conducting siteobservations and spot-checking of equipment installation, performing functional performance testing of the systems, verifying system performance by reviewing testing and balancing reports, and preparing a summary commissioning report of the activities and results1.

The other choices are not required responsibilities for the CxA to achieve the prerequisite, but they are additional responsibilities for the CxA to achieve the Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Enhanced Commissioning, which goes beyond the prerequisite by including more systems, more verification activities, and more documentation.These additional responsibilities are2:

• Verify that training requirements are completed. This includes reviewing training plans, agendas, and materials, and verifying that the training delivery and documentation are completed and consistent with the owner’s project requirements (OPR).
• Develop systems manual for the commissioned systems. This includes compiling and reviewing the systems manual that provides the necessary information for operating and maintaining the commissioned systems.
• Review contractor submittals for the commissioned systems. This includes reviewing the design intent and basis of design documentation, and providing feedback on the contractor submittals related to the commissioned systems, such as shop drawings, product data, and samples.

References: LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite, Fundamental Commissioning and Verification, Requirements1; LEED v4: Building Design + Construction Guide, Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Enhanced Commissioning, Requirements2

The Water Efficiency Credit, Indoor Water Use Reduction aims to reduce indoor water consumption by installing water-efficient fixtures and fittings, such as faucets, showerheads, toilets, and urinals1. A commercial dishwasher that is ENERGY STAR® labeled or performance equivalent would help reduce the water use for dishwashing, which is one of the process water uses included in the credit calculation2. A standard garbage disposal would not reduce water use, but rather increase it. An electronic submeter at the domestic water supply pipe to the building would help measure and monitor water use, but not directly reduce it. An open-loop HVAC system that discharges potable cooling water to a nearby lake would waste a lot of water and potentially harm the environment.

References:

• Indoor Water Use Reduction
• “Maximizing Water Efficiency in Commercial Buildings: Understanding LEED BD+C Water Efficiency Credits”