LEED-AP-ND Exam Results

The calculation of an overall annual heating and/or cooling consumption reduction using an energy efficiency model is directly related to optimizing the energy performance of infrastructure in the development. This aligns with the Green Infrastructure and Buildings Credit for Infrastructure Energy Efficiency. The intent of this credit is to minimize the energy demand and enhance the efficiency of energy systems within the project. By demonstrating a reduction in energy consumption through a model, the project can document compliance with the criteria set forth in this credit, which focuses on energy-efficient infrastructure such as street lighting, public buildings, and central plants.

References:

LEED v4 Neighborhood Development Guide: The guide specifies that the Infrastructure Energy Efficiency credit involves improving the energy efficiency of infrastructure, which includes heating and cooling systems (USGBC, LEED v4 Neighborhood Development Current Version).

LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development: This reference elaborates on the acceptable methods for documenting energy efficiency improvements, including the use of energy models to demonstrate reduced consumption (USGBC, LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development).

USGBC Official Website: The website outlines the Green Infrastructure and Buildings category and the Infrastructure Energy Efficiency credit, providing guidance on the use of energy models for credit documentation (USGBC, LEED for Neighborhood Development Rating System).

The Smart Location and Linkage Credit for Steep Slope Protection aims to protect steep slopes from development to prevent erosion, habitat destruction, and other environmental impacts. For a site with a significant portion of steep slopes, such as the described 2-acre area at a 50% slope, LEED ND guidelines typically allow only a smaller percentage of the site to be developed. In this scenario, 50% of the site may be developed, which corresponds to option A.

References:

LEED v4 Neighborhood Development Guide: This document outlines the requirements for protecting steep slopes and the allowable percentage of development based on slope severity (USGBC, LEED v4 Neighborhood Development Current Version).

LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development: Provides detailed criteria for determining allowable development on steep slopes and the associated credits (USGBC, LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development).

To achieve the Neighborhood Pattern and Design Credit for Neighborhood Schools in LEED-ND, at least 50% of the dwelling units must be within a 1/2 mile (800 meters) walking distance of an existing or planned school. The scenario where three units are within a 1/2 mile and seven units are within a one-mile distance meets the criteria, as it ensures that a significant portion of the residences are within a close, walkable distance to a school.

Neighborhood Schools Credit:This credit encourages the development of neighborhoods where schools are within walking distance of homes, promoting walking and reducing the need for car travel. It supports the idea of integrating educational facilities into the community fabric.

Walking Distance Requirements:For this credit, the LEED-ND standard typically requires that a certain percentage of theproject's dwelling units be within a 1/2 mile (800 meters) walking distance of a school. This distance is measured along safe and accessible pedestrian paths.

Scenario Compliance:In the given scenario, three of the ten units are within the optimal 1/2 mile walking distance. While the remaining seven units are slightly further away (within one mile), the distribution still supports the credit's intent by making a school accessible to most residents.

The LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development outlines the criteria for Neighborhood Schools and how to measure and document walking distances.

TheLEED v4 Neighborhood Developmentdocumentation provides specific guidelines on the distribution of dwelling units in relation to schools.

Detailed Explanation:References:For more information, refer to:

LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development

LEED v4 Neighborhood Development

For the Green Infrastructure and Buildings Credit on District Heating and Cooling, single-family residences may be excluded from the district system if the energy savings from including them are negligible or if it is impractical to connect them. The LEED system recognizes that it may not be efficient or cost-effective to include single-family homes in a district energy system, particularly if they are spread out over a large area. Therefore, excluding them does not negatively impact the credit achievement as long as the overall system design meets the efficiency and coverage requirements for other building types.

References:

LEED v4 Neighborhood Development Guide: Discusses the criteria for District Heating and Cooling credits, including allowances for excluding certain building types like single-family residences (USGBC, LEED v4 Neighborhood Development Current Version).

LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development: Provides guidance on the conditions under which buildings can be excluded from a district energy system without affecting credit eligibility (USGBC, LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development).