USGBC LEED AP ND LEED AP Neighborhood Development (LEED ND) Online Training

Question #1

A non-Infill site has prime agricultural soils in areas of the site where construction is planned.

Which would contribute to meeting the Smart Location and Linkage Prerequisite. Agricultural Land Conservation?

A . Transfer the project’s development rights to another location
B . Fund and organize a community supported agriculture (CSA) program
C . Remove the prime agricultural sails and piano them on existing farmland
D . Purchase off-site comparable soil easements to mitigate the loss of affected soils

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Question #2

What information is required to determine if a project quality for the Green Infrastructure and Buildings Credit. Wastewater Management?

A . Rainwater reuse rate
B . Cost of installing wastewater system
C . Average amount of annual wastewater generated
D . Ability to connect to existing wastewater infrastructure

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Correct Answer: C
C

Explanation:

To determine if a project qualifies for the Green Infrastructure and Buildings Credit related to Wastewater Management in LEED for Neighborhood Development (LEED-ND), the most relevant piece of information is the average amount of annual wastewater generated by the project. This metric is essential because the credit focuses on minimizing the impact of wastewater on the environment, primarily through strategies such as reducing the volume of wastewater produced, treating wastewater on-site, and reusing treated wastewater.

Detailed Explanation

Wastewater Generation and Management:

The LEED-ND rating system encourages the efficient management of wastewater to minimize its environmental impact. Specifically, the Green Infrastructure and Buildings Credit requires that a project demonstrates effective strategies for managing and reducing the volume of wastewater generated annually. This involves calculating the total average amount of wastewater generated by the community and assessing how much of it can be treated and reused on-site.

Credit Requirements:

To earn the Wastewater Management credit, projects must typically show that they have reduced the amount of wastewater generated by at least 25% compared to baseline conditions or that they treat and reuse a significant portion of their wastewater on-site. This necessitates an accurate estimation of the average annual wastewater production to determine the appropriate strategies and technologies for meeting the credit’s objectives. Supporting Strategies:

Projects may employ various methods to achieve this, including installing efficient plumbing fixtures, recycling graywater, using natural treatment systems (like constructed wetlands), or connecting to high-efficiency municipal treatment facilities. However, all these strategies hinge on an understanding of the total wastewater volume generated, making this the most critical data point.

Reference: The LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development (LEED ND) provides comprehensive criteria and methodologies for calculating the average wastewater generation and determining credit eligibility.

The Green Infrastructure and Buildings section of the LEED v4 for Neighborhood Development rating system further outlines the specific requirements and point allocations for wastewater management strategies.

For more detailed guidance and examples, refer to the LEED-ND Reference Guide available at the

USGBC’s resources section:

LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development

LEED v4 Neighborhood Development

This detailed assessment is crucial in ensuring that a project can meet the sustainability goals required for LEED certification under the Green Infrastructure and Buildings Credit for Wastewater Management.

Question #3

A project calculates an overall annual heating and/or cooling consumption reduction using an energy efficiency model.

Which credit would this calculation aid in documenting?

A . Green Infrastructure and Buildings Credit. Heat Island Reduction
B . Green Infrastructure and Buildings Credit. Solar Orientation
C . Green Infrastructure and Buildings Credit. District Heating and Cooling
D . Green Infrastructure and Buildings Credit. Infrastructure Energy Efficiency

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Question #4

A project builds a central plant that burns biomass products to provide space heating and hot water to the development.

Which of the following Green Infrastructure and Buildings credits could this help the project achieve?

A . Solar Orientation
B . indoor Water Use Reduction
C . District Heating and Cooling
D . Infrastructure Energy Efficiency

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Question #5

Which of the following is a minimum program requirement of LEED® Neighborhood Development?

A . Contain one habitable building and be no larger man 1,000 acres (405 Declares)
B . Contain two habitable buildings and be no larger man 1,000 acres (405 Declares)
C . Contain one habitable building and be no larger than 1,500 acres (607 5 hectares)
D . Contain two habitable buildings and be no larger man 1,500 acres (607 5 hectares)

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Question #6

Which of the following would meet the requirements of an infill site?

A . At least 25% of its Boundary Borders parcels that are each at least 75% previously disturbed
B . At least 50% of the land area, exclusive of rights-of-way. within a 1/2 mi. (0.8 km) distance from the project boundary Is previously disturbed
C . At least 75% of its boundary borders parcels that are Individually at least 50% previously disturbed, and aggregate are at least 75% previously disturbed
D . The site. in combination with bordering parcels, forms an aggregate parcel whose boundary Is 50% bounded by parcels that ore individually at least 75% previously disturbed, and in aggregate are at least 75% previously disturbed

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Question #7

To develop within a 100-year flood plain and still meet the requirements of Smart Location and Linkage Prerequisite. Floodplain Avoidance, the project team must comply with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and locate the project

A . near diverse uses.
B . or an adjacent site.
C . on a previously distributed alto
D . within a transit-oriented development.

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Correct Answer: C
C

Explanation:

To develop within a 100-year floodplain and still meet the requirements of the Smart Location and Linkage Prerequisite: Floodplain Avoidance, the project must be located on a previously disturbed site. Additionally, the development must comply with the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) regulations to ensure that it minimizes risks associated with flood events.

Detailed Explanation

Floodplain Avoidance Prerequisite:

This prerequisite under LEED-ND is designed to ensure that developments avoid high-risk areas like floodplains, thereby reducing potential damage from flooding and protecting natural floodplain functions. However, if development within a floodplain is necessary, certain conditions must be met. Previously Disturbed Sites:

LEED-ND allows development within a floodplain if the site has already been disturbed by previous human activity, meaning it’s not a pristine natural area. The rationale is that redevelopment of previously disturbed land can be preferable to new development on undisturbed land, provided that flood risk mitigation strategies are in place.

National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP):

Compliance with NFIP is mandatory for developments in flood-prone areas. The NFIP sets standards for building in floodplains to minimize flood damage and ensure that structures are insured against flood risks. By following NFIP guidelines, projects can achieve flood resilience and satisfy LEED’s prerequisites.

Reference: The LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development details the requirements for developing within floodplains under the Smart Location & Linkage category.

The LEED v4 Neighborhood Development documentation provides further context and examples to

illustrate acceptable practices for floodplain development.

For more details, refer to the USGBC resources:

LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development

LEED v4 Neighborhood Development

These explanations provide a comprehensive understanding of how to meet LEED-ND requirements in specific scenarios, ensuring that sustainability goals are met effectively.

Question #8

What is the development footprint?

A)

B)

C)

D)

A . Option A
B . Option B
C . Option C
D . Option D

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Question #9

A standardized base map that should be used throughout the submission to illustrate relevant surrounding features for up to 1 mi. (1.6 km) around the project boundary is a

A . special map.
B . permit map.
C . vicinity map
D . project site map.

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Correct Answer: C
C

Explanation:

In LEED for Neighborhood Development (LEED-ND), a vicinity map is the standardized base map used throughout the submission process to illustrate relevant surrounding features for up to 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) around the project boundary. This map is crucial for demonstrating the context of the project within its surrounding environment, including nearby land uses, transportation networks, and other significant features that could impact the sustainability of the development.

Detailed Explanation

Vicinity Map Purpose:

The vicinity map is intended to provide a clear and consistent representation of the project’s location and its relationship to the surrounding area. It is used to show how the project connects to nearby neighborhoods, infrastructure, and amenities, which are critical in evaluating the project’s sustainability, walkability, and connectivity.

Standardized Submission Requirement:

The LEED-ND rating system requires a standardized base map to ensure that all relevant features are consistently represented across different credits and documentation submissions. The vicinity map helps to streamline the review process by providing a uniform reference point for all stakeholders involved in the certification process.

Relevant Features:

The map should include key features such as roads, public transit routes, parks, schools, and other community amenities within a 1-mile radius. This helps assess the project’s accessibility, potential for reducing automobile dependence, and integration with existing urban or suburban infrastructure.

Reference: The LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development outlines the requirements for submission documentation, including the use of standardized maps like the vicinity map.

Additional details can be found in the LEED v4 Neighborhood Development documentation, which provides guidelines on preparing and using the vicinity map effectively. For further guidance, refer to:

LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development

LEED v4 Neighborhood Development

Question #10

A square site with four equally sized neighboring parcels is being considered for a LEED for Neighborhood Development project. Consider the following: on the north side of the site is forest land; on the east side Is a church located on a parcel that is 100% developed: and on the south side is a school located on a parcel that is 50% developed.

Which one of the following uses on the west side would make this an infill site?

A . A parcel that is 100% farmland
B . A library on a parcel that is 75% developed
C . A market on a parcel that is 50% developed
D . A post office on a parcel that is 25% developed

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Correct Answer: B
B

Explanation:

For a site to qualify as an infill site under LEED for Neighborhood Development, at least 75% of the boundary must border parcels that are developed, meaning they have been previously disturbed by human activity. In this scenario, the addition of a library on a parcel that is 75% developed on the west side of the site would meet the criteria for an infill site because it would ensure that the site is surrounded by developed parcels.

Detailed Explanation

Infill Development Criteria:

Infill development is central to the LEED-ND program as it encourages the use of land within existing urban areas rather than contributing to urban sprawl. The requirement that 75% of the boundary borders developed parcels ensures that the site is integrated into an already developed area, making it easier to connect to existing infrastructure and services. Development Status of Parcels:

The key factor in determining whether a site qualifies as infill is the extent of development on adjacent parcels. A parcel is considered developed if a significant portion (typically 50% or more) has been altered by human activity, such as buildings, roads, or other infrastructure. Scenario Analysis:

In the given scenario:

North: Forest land (undeveloped)

East: Church (100% developed)

South: School (50% developed)

West: The library (75% developed)

The addition of the library on a 75% developed parcel ensures that the site meets the infill criteria, as it increases the percentage of the boundary that is adjacent to developed parcels.

Reference: The LEED-ND Reference Guide provides criteria for what constitutes infill development under the Smart Location & Linkage (SLL) category.

Detailed guidelines and examples can be found in the LEED v4 Neighborhood Development documentation, which clarifies the requirements for infill sites.

For more comprehensive information, consult the following resources:

LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development

LEED v4 Neighborhood Development

USGBC LEED AP ND LEED AP Neighborhood Development (LEED ND) Online Training