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

What is the minimum duration and percentage a project must use to earn points under green power and carbon offsets?

1. 2-year contract and 25%

2. 3-year contract and 30%

3. 5-year contract and 50%

4. 10-year contract and 70%

The correct answer is: 5-year contract and 50%

To earn points under the green power and carbon offsets credit in the LEED BD+C rating system, a project needs to commit to a minimum duration of five years and provide a minimum of 50% of its electricity use through green power or carbon offsets. This requirement emphasizes a long-term commitment to sustainable energy practices, encouraging projects to invest in renewable resources or support carbon reduction initiatives effectively. By setting these specific criteria, LEED aims to foster meaningful impacts on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting environmental stewardship. The five-year requirement reflects the initiative's focus on sustainability over time rather than short-term solutions, while the 50% electricity usage threshold ensures a significant impact on energy consumption patterns. This combination supports broader goals of sustainability and encourages project teams to integrate renewable energy into their operations in a way that is consistent and ongoing.