Learn how to identify the most applicable site for a LEED project based on key criteria like brownfield redevelopment, access to public transit, and proximity to services. Boost your LEED Green Associate Exam prep with expert question breakdowns.
Table of Contents
Question
The project team is conducting a feasibility study of a building project. The developer has prequalified four potential sites that are all financially viable. Within the context of LEED, which site is the most applicable?
A. A brownfield site with no access to metro
B. A brownfield site with access to five lines of public transportation and basic services
C. A brownfield site in a national park with car access only
D. A greenfield site with access to public transport and proximity to grocery stores
Answer
When conducting a feasibility study for a LEED building project, the most applicable site is the one that best aligns with the key principles and credit categories of the LEED rating system. The correct answer is:
B. A brownfield site with access to five lines of public transportation and basic services
Explanation
Brownfield redevelopment: LEED prioritizes the remediation and redevelopment of contaminated brownfield sites over developing on previously undeveloped greenfield land. Selecting a brownfield site aligns with the Sustainable Sites credit category.
Access to public transportation: Projects with access to multiple lines of public transit help reduce pollution and land development impacts from automobile use. This ties into the Location and Transportation credit category, which rewards projects for proximity to public transit.
Access to basic services: Locating the project near basic services like grocery stores promotes walkability and reduces transportation impacts, which is incentivized under the Surrounding Density and Diverse Uses credit.
The other options are less applicable because:
A) Lacks transit access
C) Building in a national park conflicts with protecting sensitive lands
D) Greenfield development is discouraged compared to brownfield redevelopment
In summary, the brownfield site with strong public transit access and proximity to services is the most aligned with LEED’s sustainability goals and credit structure, making it the most applicable choice for the LEED project feasibility study. The site selection sets the project up to earn key points across the Sustainable Sites and Location and Transportation credit categories.
USGBC LEED Green Associate certification exam practice question and answer (Q&A) dump with detail explanation and reference available free, helpful to pass the USGBC LEED Green Associate exam and earn USGBC LEED Green Associate certification.