Get US Green Building Council LEED AP ND Exam Practice Questions - Real and Updated

Answer : B

The Simpson Diversity Index, as applied in LEED for Neighborhood Development, measures the diversity of housing types within a neighborhood. This index is used to assess how varied the housing options are in a community, promoting a mix of housing types to accommodate different household sizes and income levels. A higher diversity of housing types contributes to a more inclusive community, which is a key goal in sustainable neighborhood development. This diversity helps in creating neighborhoods that are adaptable to various socio-economic groups and enhances community resilience.

Answer : D

For the Green Infrastructure and Buildings Credit regarding Solar Orientation, after determining maximum solar access, the project team should next focus on studying the building envelopes and daylighting opportunities. This step is essential to ensure that the construction documents accurately reflect the optimum solar orientation, which can significantly enhance energy efficiency and occupant comfort. The other options, while relevant, do not directly pertain to incorporating solar orientation into site design as effectively as studying building envelopes and making necessary adjustments in the construction documents.

Answer : D

When pursuing the Neighborhood Pattern and Design Credit for Local Food Production, restrictions in deeds or covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs) may prohibit greenhouses in front yards facing the circulation network. This restriction is often put in place to maintain the aesthetic appeal and uniformity of the neighborhood as seen from public streets and walkways.

Detailed Explanation:

Local Food Production Credit: This credit encourages the integration of food production into neighborhood design, allowing residents to grow their own food in spaces like gardens and greenhouses. However, certain restrictions may apply to where these facilities can be located to ensure they do not negatively impact the visual or social fabric of the neighborhood.

CC&Rs and Aesthetic Considerations: CC&Rs often include provisions that regulate the appearance of properties within a neighborhood. Restrictions on placing greenhouses in front yards facing the circulation network (streets and public pathways) are common because these areas are highly visible and contribute to the neighborhood's overall aesthetic. Allowing greenhouses in these areas could disrupt the visual harmony and lead to inconsistent appearances along the streetscape.

Alternative Locations: While greenhouses may be restricted in front yards, they are typically permitted in less visible areas, such as backyards or side yards, where they can still contribute to local food production without impacting the neighborhood's visual cohesion.

The LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development provides guidelines on how to meet the Local Food Production credit while considering CC&Rs.

The LEED v4 Neighborhood Development documentation offers further details on managing land use and aesthetic considerations in neighborhood design.

For additional guidance, consult:

LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development

LEED v4 Neighborhood Development

Answer : C

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.

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

Answer : B

The Green Infrastructure and Buildings Credit for Indoor Water Use Reduction rewards projects that implement water-saving technologies and fixtures, such as dual-flush toilets. Dual-flush toilets allow users to choose between a full flush or a reduced flush, which significantly reduces water consumption for toilet use. This strategy directly contributes to earning points under this credit by lowering the total indoor water usage in the project.

LEED v4 Neighborhood Development Guide: This guide outlines the requirements for achieving points in Indoor Water Use Reduction, including the use of dual-flush toilets and other water-efficient fixtures (USGBC, LEED v4 Neighborhood Development Current Version).

LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development: Provides detailed information on water-saving strategies that qualify for the Indoor Water Use Reduction credit (USGBC, LEED Reference Guide for Neighborhood Development).