LEED AP Building Design and Construction (BD+C) Practice Exam

What is the location valuation factor for materials extracted, manufactured, and purchased within 100 miles of the project site?

1. 100% of their cost

2. 150% of their cost

3. 200% of their cost

4. 250% of their cost

The correct answer is: 200% of their cost

The location valuation factor for materials that are extracted, manufactured, and purchased within 100 miles of the project site is indeed 200% of their cost. This factor incentivizes the use of local materials, which can significantly reduce the environmental impact associated with transportation, support local economies, and enhance the project's sustainability profile. The LEED rating system recognizes the importance of sourcing materials locally and rewards projects that minimize transportation distances, which not only lowers greenhouse gas emissions but also helps in utilizing regional resources and products. By assigning a value of 200% to these materials, projects can gather more points in the Materials and Resources category, promoting the overall goals of LEED certification. In terms of the higher values, such as 250% or less common values like 150%, these do not align with the established LEED framework, which specifically assigns a 200% value for materials within that local range, thus ensuring a clear and uniform standard across projects aiming for certification.