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

Which of the following is NOT one of the six impact categories of a life-cycle assessment?

1. Global warming potential

2. Acidification of land and water

3. Deforestation

4. Eutrophication

The correct answer is: Deforestation

The selection of "Deforestation" as the option that is not one of the six impact categories of a life-cycle assessment is accurate because life-cycle assessments (LCAs) typically include specific environmental impact categories that help evaluate the ecological consequences of products or processes. The six standard impact categories are usually global warming potential, acidification, eutrophication, ozone depletion, resource depletion, and human toxicity. Deforestation, while an important environmental concern, is often considered a consequence of various human activities rather than a distinct category within the established LCA framework. The emphasis in LCAs is on quantifiable impacts that result from inputs and outputs associated with a product's life cycle, and although deforestation can be a result of activities affecting other listed categories, it is not classified as a separate impact category itself. Understanding these categories helps professionals assess the broader environmental effects of building design and construction, allowing for informed decisions that aim to minimize adverse consequences.