US Green Building Council LEED AP ND Exam Questions

To achieve the Neighborhood Pattern and Design Credit for Tree-Lined and Shaded Streetscapes, a minimum of 60% of the total sidewalk length must be shaded within ten years of landscape installation. For a project with 5,000 feet (1,524 meters) of sidewalks, 60% equates to 3,000 feet (915 meters) of shaded sidewalk. This requirement encourages the development of pedestrian-friendly environments that provide comfort and reduce the urban heat island effect, contributing to the sustainability and livability of the neighborhood.

Reducing a project's development footprint is critical for minimizing environmental impact, particularly in terms of land use and site development. Providing parking under or within a building structure is considered a best practice because it reduces the amount of land required for parking, thereby conserving open space and reducing impervious surfaces. This strategy aligns with LEED's goals of minimizing the environmental footprint of development projects. Increasing impervious areas or the number of cul-de-sacs would have the opposite effect, leading to more extensive land disturbance and potential environmental degradation.

To meet the Neighborhood Pattern and Design Credit for Transit Facilities, it is required to display transit schedules and route information at each public transit stop. This requirement ensures that transit users have access to up-to-date and accurate information, making public transportation more accessible and user-friendly, which supports increased transit use and reduces reliance on private vehicles. The other options, such as providing park and ride lots or intersection connectivity, while beneficial, do not directly address the requirements of this specific credit.

For a LEED for Neighborhood Development project, at least one building within the project must be certified by a green building rating system. This requirement ensures that the development incorporates at least one example of sustainable building practices, setting a standard for the rest of the neighborhood. This certification demonstrates a commitment to green building principles and serves as a benchmark for the project's overall sustainability.

The LEED for Neighborhood Development (LEED ND) Rating System defines a 'circulation network' as an interconnected network that includes all travel ways that facilitate the movement of people within a neighborhood. This encompasses motorized, non-motorized, and mixed-mode travel ways that are permanently accessible to the public. The purpose of this network is to ensure a comprehensive and integrated system that supports all modes of transportation, thereby promoting accessibility, safety, and sustainability within the neighborhood. The focus on inclusivity in the definition ensures that all possible methods of transit---whether by foot, bicycle, car, or public transport---are considered part of this network.