USGBC LEED-AP-BD+C - LEED AP Building Design + Construction (LEED AP BD+C)

The Integrative Process Credit is a credit in LEED Building Design and Construction that supports high-performance, cost-effective project outcomes through an early analysis of the interrelationships among systems1. The credit requires project teams to perform analyses for both energy- and water-related systems before completing the schematic design, and to use the findings to inform the owner’s project requirements, basis of design, and design and construction documents1. The example given in the question is an illustration of how selecting a paint color with a higher light reflectance value can reduce the energy use and cost of lighting fixtures, which is an energy-related system. This strategy shows how the project team applied an integrative process to evaluate the impacts of different design options on the building performance and environmental benefits. Therefore, the correct answer is B. Integrative Process Credit.

Food gardens may be included or excluded from the calculations for Water Efficiency Credit, Outdoor Water Use Reduction, as per the project team’s discretion. If included, food gardens must be calculated using 100% potable water. If excluded, food gardens must be irrigated with 100% captured rainwater, recycled graywater, or water treated and conveyed by a public agency specifically for nonpotable uses. References:

Outdoor Water Use Reduction credit in LEED BD+C: New Construction v4.1 - LEED v4.11

LEED v4 BD+C WE Guide2

Including the material requirements in the project specifications (D) ensures that all project team members are aware of and prioritize materials compliant with the Materials and Resources (MR) Credit: Building Product Disclosure and Optimization. Clearly defined specifications communicate the importance of sustainability criteria, such as environmental product declarations and sourcing. Whole-building life-cycle analysis (C) is part of separate LEED credits and doesn’t directly influence material prioritization by the team.

Detailed Explanation:

Providing shade with structures that incorporate energy generation systems (e.g., photovoltaic panels) not only reduces heat island effects but also supports renewable energy credits. LEED encourages such multi-functional strategies that address multiple sustainability objectives.

The assembly U-value of a building envelope component is the overall rate of heat transfer through that component, taking into account the different materials and layers that make up the component. For example, the assembly U-value of a wall would include the effects of the insulation, framing, sheathing, cladding, air films, etc. The assembly U-value is different from the material U-value, which is the rate of heat transfer through a single material. For example, the material U-value of steel is much higher than the material U-value of glass, but the assembly U-value of a steel-framed window may be lower than the assembly U-value of a glass curtain wall, depending on the other factors involved.

The correct answer is D, provide qualifying electrical vehicle supply equipment in 2% of all parking spaces. According to the LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, the Location and Transportation Credit, Green Vehicles, requires that projects provide preferred parking for green vehicles for 5% of the total vehicle parking capacity of the site. Green vehicles are defined as vehicles that achieve a minimum green score of 40 on the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE) annual vehicle rating guide1 In addition, projects must provide one of the following:

Install alternative-fuel fueling stations for 3% of the total vehicle parking capacity of the site. Alternative fuels are defined by the U.S. Energy Policy Act of 1992 and include biodiesel, electricity, ethanol, hydrogen, natural gas, and propane.

Install electrical vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) for 2% of the total vehicle parking capacity of the site. EVSE must be Level 2 or higher as defined by SAE International’s J1772 standard.

Provide a discounted parking rate of at least 20% for green vehicles. The discounted rate must be available to all customers (not limited by time of day or user groups), publicly posted at the entrance of the parking area, and included in all marketing materials for the parking facility1

In this case, the project team has provided preferred parking for green vehicles for 20% of the total vehicle parking capacity of the site (4 out of 20 spaces), which exceeds the minimum requirement of 5%. However, they still need to provide one of the additional options listed above to achieve the credit. The most feasible option for a school project with a small parking lot would be to install EVSE for 2% of all parking spaces, which would be equivalent to one space. Therefore, answer D is correct.

The other answers are incorrect because they do not meet the credit requirements. Answer A is incorrect because providing preferred parking alone is not sufficient to achieve the credit; one of the additional options must also be provided. Answer B is incorrect because providing bike racks is not relevant to this credit, which focuses on green vehicles; bike racks are part of another credit, Location and Transportation Credit, Bicycle Facilities. Answer C is incorrect because providing an additional parking space for a low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehicle would not increase the percentage of preferred parking above 20%, which is already more than enough; moreover, low-emitting and fuel-efficient vehicles are defined differently from green vehicles in LEED v4 and have their own credit, Location and Transportation Credit, Reduced Parking Footprint1 References: 1: LEED v4 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction, Location and Transportation Credit: Green Vehicles, page 467.

A vegetated roof primarily contributes to the Sustainable Sites (SS) Credit: Heat Island Reduction. Green roofs reduce the heat island effect by minimizing roof surface temperatures through vegetation, which absorbs less heat than conventional roofing materials. This helps lower building cooling costs and mitigates urban heat effects. Sensitive Land Protection (B) and Site Assessment (C) are unrelated to roof treatments, while Light Pollution Reduction (D) deals with exterior lighting strategies.

Every location in the U.S. identifies four regional credits that are of particular importance for that region. These credits are selected by the USGBC regional councils and chapters based on the environmental, social, and public health issues that are relevant for their areas. A project can earn up to four bonus points by achieving these regional credits.

For the Materials and Resources Credit, Building Life-Cycle Impact Reduction, Option 2. Renovation of Abandoned or Blighted Buildings, up to 25% of the building surface area may be excluded from the credit calculation due to deterioration or damage1.

The bonus location valuation factor in several Materials and Resources credits under LEED AP BD+C V4 is intended to incentivize the purchase of products that support the local economy. Products extracted, manufactured, and produced within 100 miles (161 km) of the project are valued at 200% of their cost within the calculations1. This adds value to locally produced products and materials2.