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

Which of the following water use reductions can be classified as exemplary performance?

1. A 30% reduction in indoor water use

2. A 40% reduction in indoor water use

3. A 55% reduction in indoor water use

4. A 60% reduction in indoor water use

The correct answer is: A 55% reduction in indoor water use

To qualify for exemplary performance in the context of LEED certification, certain thresholds must be met that exceed the standard credit requirements. In the case of indoor water use reduction, achieving a 50% reduction qualifies for the standard credit, while a 55% reduction goes beyond this threshold, resulting in exemplary performance. Therefore, a 55% reduction in indoor water use signifies substantial efficiency compared to the baseline, showcasing a more exceptional effort to minimize water consumption. This aligns with LEED's goal of encouraging projects to implement innovative strategies that contribute to sustainability. Other reductions listed, such as 30%, 40%, and 60%, do not meet the exemplary performance criteria. A 60% reduction does achieve a significant level of water savings; however, it only merits credit under minimum sustainability goals, rather than the exemplary performance tier, which is specifically reserved for the defined incremental achievements above standard credit metrics. Thus, 55% stands as the correct answer as it is the precise value that categorizes as exemplary within the LEED framework.