US Green Building Council LEED AP Neighborhood Development Exam Practice Test

Answer : A

According to the Minimum Program Requirements (MPRs) for LEED for Neighborhood Development, a project must contain at least one habitable building to be eligible for certification. This ensures that the project contributes to creating a functional neighborhood with actual habitable space, rather than just being open land or non-habitable structures. This requirement is fundamental for establishing the neighborhood as a living, functioning community.

Answer : B

To meet the minimum density requirements for the Neighborhood Pattern and Design Prerequisite on Compact Development, the project needs to achieve a certain level of residential and non-residential density. Given that the project currently has 55 townhomes on 9 acres of buildable land and 44,000 ft (4,088 m) of commercial space on 87,120 ft (9,094 m) of buildable land, adding eight dwelling units would help the project meet the minimum density requirements. This would increase the residential density, helping to achieve the threshold needed for LEED certification under this prerequisite, which encourages more compact, efficient land use.

Answer : A

When selecting renewable energy technologies for the Green Infrastructure and Buildings Credit for Renewable Energy Production, site conditions such as wind exposure are crucial considerations. Wind exposure directly affects the feasibility and efficiency of wind energy systems, making it a key factor in determining whether wind turbines or other wind-based energy systems can be effectively implemented. While other factors like distance from a wetland or elevation above the floodplain are important for site selection, they are not directly related to the efficiency of renewable energy technologies like wind exposure is.

Answer : C

Existing water bodies can be included as non-buildable land. Non-buildable land refers to areas where development is restricted due to natural features, environmental regulations, or other constraints that prevent construction. Existing water bodies, such as lakes, rivers, or ponds, naturally limit the possibility of development and are therefore classified as non-buildable. This designation helps protect natural resources and contributes to the sustainability and ecological health of the project site.

Answer : C

The calculation of intersections per square mile (or per square kilometer) is required for the Neighborhood Pattern and Design Prerequisite for Connected and Open Community. This prerequisite is designed to ensure that the neighborhood has a well-connected street network, which facilitates walking, biking, and reduces the reliance on automobiles. The number of intersections per square mile is a key metric used to assess the connectivity and openness of the community's street network, which is essential for creating sustainable and accessible neighborhoods.

Answer : D

For the Smart Location and Linkage Credit concerning the Restoration of Habitat or Wetlands and Water Bodies, the restored area must be protected for long-term conservation purposes. This means that the area should be safeguarded indefinitely from future development. Additionally, the project must ensure that the maintenance of the restored area is funded for at least three years. This requirement ensures that the restoration efforts are sustainable and that the ecosystem can recover fully before the responsibility for ongoing maintenance is handed off, if applicable.

Answer : A

For the Green Infrastructure and Buildings Credit related to Renewable Energy Production, wind energy is an eligible source of renewable energy. LEED recognizes wind energy as a clean and sustainable energy source that contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Other options, such as ground-source heat pumps, are not considered renewable energy sources because they typically rely on electricity or other energy sources to operate. Combustion of municipal solid waste and forest biomass waste may produce energy, but they are not categorized as renewable in the context of LEED's Renewable Energy Production credit.