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

Why are water-use reduction calculations required in building design?

1. To ensure water-efficient appliances are used

2. To minimize environmental impacts and reduce costs

3. To verify compliance with fire safety codes

4. To increase the building’s aesthetic appeal

The correct answer is: To minimize environmental impacts and reduce costs

Water-use reduction calculations are essential in building design primarily to minimize environmental impacts and reduce costs. This focus on water conservation aligns with sustainable design principles, aiming to decrease the overall demand for water resources, which is increasingly important given global concerns over water scarcity and the ecological impacts associated with excessive water consumption. By implementing strategies that reduce water use, buildings can contribute to the preservation of local water resources, which helps maintain the health of ecosystems and supports sustainable community development. Additionally, reducing water usage can lead to lower utility bills for building occupants and owners, contributing to the overall economic viability of the project. While ensuring that water-efficient appliances are used is indeed an important consideration, it is a more specific aspect of the broader goal of reducing water use and its associated impacts. Compliance with fire safety codes is unrelated to water-use reduction calculations, as is increasing a building's aesthetic appeal, which involves different design considerations unrelated to water conservation practices.