What is the minimum number of required hours the project team must meet in order to earn the Integrative Process Credit, Option 2: Design Charrette?
Four hours
Six hours
Eight hours
Twelve hours
The Answer Is:
AExplanation:
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)includes theIntegrative Process (IP) Credit: Integrative Process, Option 2: Design Charrette, which requires a collaborative meeting to integrate green strategies early in the design process.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
IP Credit: Integrative Process, Option 2: Design Charrette (1 point)
Conduct a design charrette with the project team lasting at least four hours to identify and integrate green strategies across all aspects of the building design, including energy, water, materials, and indoor environmental quality.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Integrative Process Credit: Integrative Process, p. 45.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
IP Credit: Integrative Process, Option 2: Design Charrette
The project team must hold a design charrette of at least four hours to collaboratively develop sustainable design strategies.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer isfour hours(Option A), as this is the minimum duration required for the design charrette to earn the credit.
Why not the other options?
B. Six hours: This exceeds the minimum requirement of four hours.
C. Eight hours: This is unnecessarily long for the credit’s requirement.
How is credit earned under Regional Priority Credit, Regional Priority when the credit has multiple thresholds?
Points are awarded at the minimum threshold
Points are awarded at the maximum threshold
Points are awarded when the maximum threshold has been exceeded
Points are awarded at particular levels of achievement
The Answer Is:
CExplanation:
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)includesRegional Priority (RP) Credits, which provide bonus points for achieving existing credits identified as environmentally significant for a project’s region. For credits with multiple thresholds, exemplary performance can earn additional points.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
Regional Priority Credits (1–4 points)
Regional Priority Credits are awarded for achieving designated credits that address location-specific environmental priorities. For credits with multiple thresholds (e.g., Water Efficiency Credit: Outdoor Water Use), an additional bonus point is awarded when the maximum threshold has been exceeded, demonstrating exemplary performance.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Regional Priority Credits, p. 190; Innovation Credit: Innovation, p. 190.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
Regional Priority Credits
When an RP credit has multiple thresholds, a project earns the bonus point by meeting the base credit requirements, and an additional point may be earned for exemplary performance by exceeding the maximum threshold of the underlying credit.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer ispoints are awarded when the maximum threshold has been exceeded(Option C), as RP credits with multiple thresholds award bonus points for exemplary performance beyond the highest threshold.
Why not the other options?
A. Points are awarded at the minimum threshold: RP credits require achieving the base credit, not just the minimum threshold.
B. Points are awarded at the maximum threshold: Points are awarded for exceeding the maximum threshold, not just meeting it.
How does the size of a home affect LEED for Homes credits?
Smaller homes are awarded credit in the Water Efficiency category because they use less water
Smaller homes are awarded credit in the Materials and Resources category because they use fewer materials
Larger homes are awarded credit in the Energy and Atmosphere category because they save more energy
Smaller homes are awarded credit in the Energy and Atmosphere category because they use less energy
The Answer Is:
DExplanation:
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)incorporates aHome Size Adjustmentthat adjusts the point threshold for certification based on the home’s conditioned floor area and number of bedrooms, recognizing that smaller homes inherently use fewer resources and energy.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
Home Size Adjustment
Smaller homes require fewer points to achieve certification due to their lower energy and resource use, particularly in theEnergy and Atmosphere (EA)category. The adjustment rewards smaller homes for their reduced energy consumption, as reflected in credits likeEA Credit: Annual Energy Use, where smaller homes typically achieve lower HERS Index scores due to lower energy demand.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Introduction, p. 24; Energy and Atmosphere Credit: Annual Energy Use, p. 116.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
Home Size Adjustment
Smaller homes benefit from a lower point threshold for certification, reflecting their inherently lower energy use, which aligns withEA Credit: Annual Energy Useby requiring less energy to achieve efficiency targets.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via LEED Online.
The correct answer issmaller homes are awarded credit in the Energy and Atmosphere category because they use less energy(Option D), as smaller homes have lower energy demands, making it easier to achieve energy efficiency credits.
Why not the other options?
The Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index, which measures the energy efficiency of a home, was developed by the:
Department of Energy (DOE)
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)
Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET)
The Answer Is:
DExplanation:
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)integrates theHome Energy Rating System (HERS) Indexin theEnergy and Atmosphere (EA) Prerequisite: Minimum Energy PerformanceandEA Credit: Annual Energy Useto measure a home’s energy efficiency.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
EA Prerequisite: Minimum Energy Performance
The Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index, developed by the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET), is used to assess a home’s energy efficiency compared to a reference home. A lower HERS Index indicates better energy performance.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite: Minimum Energy Performance, p. 112.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
EA Prerequisite: Energy Performance
The HERS Index, created by RESNET, is the standard metric for energy efficiency in LEED for Homes, used to verify compliance with ENERGY STAR and LEED requirements.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer isResidential Energy Services Network (RESNET)(Option D), as RESNET developed the HERS Index.
Why not the other options?
A project team targets concrete as a material to receive Environmentally Preferable Products credit for fly ash content. Due to weather conditions, the structural engineer suggests reducing the fly ash content in a small portion of the suspended slab areas to speed the curing process and achieve the required strength. The adjusted calculation shows that reduced fly ash in these areas will result in failure to achieve the targeted point. Which of the following is the most effective strategy that the LEED AP could pursue?
Submit a CIR requesting the low fly ash suspended slab be removed from the calculations
Ignore the engineer’s recommendation and proceed with the original design
Apply for a Regional Priority exemption since the local climate interfered with the project team’s best effort to achieve the point
Demand the project team slow the construction schedule so additional curing time will allow the required amount of fly ash to be used
The Answer Is:
BExplanation:
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)awards points for theMaterials and Resources (MR) Credit: Environmentally Preferable Productsbased on the use of materials with sustainable attributes, such as concrete with fly ash (a recycled material that reduces the environmental impact of cement production). The scenario indicates that reducing fly ash content in some suspended slab areas due to weather-related curing concerns would cause the project to fall short of the credit’s threshold (e.g., 25%, 50%, or 90% by cost).
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
MR Credit: Environmentally Preferable Products (1–4 points)
Use products that meet one or more of the following criteria for at least 25%, 50%, or 90% (by cost) of the total materials in the project:
Recycled content: Materials with pre- or post-consumer recycled content, such as fly ash in concrete.The percentage is calculated based on the total cost of qualifying materials across the project.Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Materials and Resources Credit: Environmentally Preferable Products, p. 160.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms this:
MR Credit: Environmentally Preferable Products
Concrete with fly ash qualifies as an environmentally preferable product if it contributes to the required percentage of material cost. Project teams must ensure compliance across all relevant components.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The most effective strategy is toignore the engineer’s recommendation and proceed with the original design(Option B). This ensures the project maintains the intended fly ash content to meet the credit threshold. Fly ash typically slows concrete curing, but modern mix designs and admixtures (e.g., accelerators) can mitigate weather-related delays without reducing fly ash content. The LEED AP should collaborate with the structural engineer to explore alternative solutions, such as adjusting the mix or using curing blankets, to maintain both structural integrity and credit compliance.
Why not the other options?
Which of the following measures is a radon-resistant construction technique?
Vent pipe to exhaust gases from under the home
Pressurized basement or crawlspace to prevent gases from entering the home
Perforated foundation slab to allow air circulation
Continuously operating bath fans to remove gases from inside the home
The Answer Is:
AExplanation:
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)includes theIndoor Environmental Quality (EQ) Credit: Radon Control, which promotes radon-resistant construction techniques to mitigate the health risks of radon gas, a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can accumulate in homes.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
EQ Credit: Radon Control (1 point)
Install a passive or active radon-resistant system, including a vent pipe extending from below the foundation (e.g., sub-slab or crawlspace) to the roof to exhaust radon gases before they enter the home. This is a primary radon-resistant construction technique.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Indoor Environmental Quality Credit: Radon Control, p. 150.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
EQ Credit: Radon Control
A vent pipe to exhaust gases from under the home (e.g., sub-slab depressurization system) is a key radon-resistant technique, preventing radon entry into living spaces.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer isvent pipe to exhaust gases from under the home(Option A), as this is a standard radon-resistant technique, typically involving a sub-slab depressurization system with a vent pipe.
Why not the other options?
Which of the following information about showers is necessary to calculate Indoor Water Baseline Consumption?
Fixture flow rates, number of bedrooms, and bathrooms
Size of plumbing piping to fixtures, fixture flow rates, and number of bathrooms
Size of shower compartments, fixture flow rate, and number of shower heads
Number of recirculating shower systems, fixture flow rates, and number of bedrooms
The Answer Is:
AExplanation:
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)addresses indoor water use in theWater Efficiency (WE) Credit: Indoor Water Use, which requires calculating the baseline water consumption to determine savings from efficient fixtures. For showers, key data points are needed to estimate usage.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
WE Credit: Indoor Water Use (1–6 points)
Calculate baseline indoor water consumption using fixture flow rates (e.g., gallons per minute for showers), the number of bedrooms (as a proxy for occupancy), and the number of bathrooms to account for all fixtures. The baseline assumes standard flow rates and typical usage patterns based on occupancy and fixture counts.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Water Efficiency Credit: Indoor Water Use, p. 96.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
WE Credit: Indoor Water Use
Indoor water baseline consumption is calculated using fixture flow rates, the number of bedrooms (to estimate occupants), and the number of bathrooms (to account for fixture distribution).
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer isfixture flow rates, number of bedrooms, and bathrooms(Option A), as these are essential for calculating baseline shower water use based on flow rates and estimated occupancy.
Why not the other options?
Which of the following is used to properly size space heating and cooling systems in accordance with LEED for Homes criteria?
ASHRAE 62.2
ACCA Manual J
SMACNA Publication 69.2
DOE 2006 HVAC Sizing Guide
The Answer Is:
BExplanation:
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)requires proper sizing of space heating and cooling systems to ensure energy efficiency, addressed in theEnergy and Atmosphere (EA) Prerequisite: Minimum Energy Performanceand related credits.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
EA Prerequisite: Minimum Energy Performance
Size heating and cooling systems in accordance with ACCA Manual J (Residential Load Calculation). This ensures that HVAC systems are appropriately sized for the home’s thermal loads, improving energy efficiency and occupant comfort.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite: Minimum Energy Performance, p. 112.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
EA Prerequisite: Energy Performance
Use ACCA Manual J to calculate heating and cooling loads and properly size HVAC equipment to meet LEED requirements.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
TheACCA Manual J(Option B) is the standard method for sizing residential heating and cooling systems, ensuring they match the home’s thermal requirements.
Why not the other options?
50% of a new LEED home exterior is clad with salvaged brick; the remaining 50% is clad with wood. In order to earn a point under Materials and Resources Credit, Environmentally Preferable Products, which of the following must be true?
All of the siding is FSC-certified
Cladding combinations cannot earn points
At least half of the siding is reclaimed
At least half of the wood siding is both reclaimed and local
The Answer Is:
CExplanation:
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)awards points for theMaterials and Resources (MR) Credit: Environmentally Preferable Productswhen materials meet sustainable criteria, such as being reclaimed, recycled, or FSC-certified. The scenario specifies that 50% of the exterior is clad with salvaged (reclaimed) brick, and the remaining 50% is wood.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
MR Credit: Environmentally Preferable Products (1–4 points)
Use products that meet one or more of the following criteria for at least 25% (1 point), 50% (2 points), or 90% (3–4 points) by cost of the total materials:
Reused or salvaged materials: Materials reclaimed from the same or another project, such as salvaged brick.
FSC-certified wood: Wood products certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.To earn 1 point, at least 25% of the total material cost must meet one or more criteria, with products like salvaged brick qualifying as reclaimed.Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Materials and Resources Credit: Environmentally Preferable Products, p. 160–161.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
MR Credit: Environmentally Preferable Products
Reclaimed materials, such as salvaged brick, contribute to the percentage of environmentally preferable products based on their cost. A minimum of 25% by cost is required for 1 point.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
In this scenario, 50% of the exterior cladding is salvaged brick, which qualifies as reclaimed material. Sinceat least half of the siding is reclaimed(Option C), this meets the 25% threshold for 1 point, assuming the material cost proportion aligns. The wood portion does not need to be FSC-certified or reclaimed unless additional points are targeted.
Why not the other options?
A developer is planning to build 40 single-family homes on a two-acre (0.8 hectare) site. Under the Location and Transportation Credit, Compact Development, what is the maximum number of points that the developer can achieve?
Zero points
One point
Two points
Three points
The Answer Is:
DExplanation:
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)includes theLocation and Transportation (LT) Credit: Compact Development, which awards points for higher-density development to reduce environmental impacts and promote efficient land use.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
LT Credit: Compact Development (1–3 points)
Achieve the following dwelling unit densities (units per acre of buildable land):
1 point: ≥ 7 units per acre.
2 points: ≥ 12 units per acre.
3 points: ≥ 20 units per acre.Calculate density by dividing the number of dwelling units by the buildable land area (in acres).Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Location and Transportation Credit: Compact Development, p. 57.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
LT Credit: Compact Development
For single-family homes, achieve 3 points by developing at least 20 dwelling units per acre on buildable land.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
Calculation:
Site area: 2 acres (0.8 hectare).
Number of homes: 40 single-family homes.
Density: 40 units ÷ 2 acres =20 units per acre.
This meets the threshold for3 points(≥ 20 units per acre).
The correct answer isthree points(Option D), as the density of 20 units per acre qualifies for the maximum points under the credit.
Why not the other options?
A. Zero points: The density (20 units/acre) far exceeds the minimum threshold (7 units/acre).
B. One point: This applies to ≥ 7 units/acre, below the project’s density.
