How could a LEED AP assist a home builder in evaluating a site for a new LEED for Homes single-family residence?
Calculate the acreage of public parking adjacent to the proposed site
Evaluate the site for any past development activity
Evaluate the potential for site pollution from adjoining properties
Determine if the location is in the city limits
The Answer Is:
BExplanation:
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)emphasizes site evaluation for credits likeLocation and Transportation (LT) Credit: Site Selection, which includes assessing past development activity to determine eligibility for options such as infill development or avoiding sensitive land.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
LT Credit: Site Selection (1–3 points)
Evaluate the site to determine if it meets criteria for infill development (e.g., at least 75% of the perimeter borders previously disturbed land) or avoids environmentally sensitive areas (e.g., prime farmland, floodplains). A LEED AP can assist by assessing past development activity to confirm eligibility for credits like Option 2: Infill Development.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Location and Transportation Credit: Site Selection, p. 54.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
LT Credit: Site Selection
A key step in site evaluation is determining whether the site has been previously developed or disturbed, which supports credits for infill or brownfield redevelopment.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer isevaluate the site for any past development activity(Option B), as this directly supports achievingLT Credit: Site Selectionby confirming eligibility for infill development or other site-related credits.
Why not the other options?
What strategy should a team take in order to use tropical wood in their LEED registered project?
Use tropical wood that is FSC-certified
No strategy can be used because tropical wood cannot be used in a LEED project
Use any regional tropical wood that is not FSC-certified
Conduct a life-cycle assessment (LCA) to demonstrate that the materials used in the project comply with the intent of the prerequisite
The Answer Is:
AExplanation:
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)includes theMaterials and Resources (MR) Prerequisite: Certified Tropical Wood, which regulates the use of tropical wood to prevent unsustainable harvesting from ecologically sensitive regions.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
MR Prerequisite: Certified Tropical Wood
All new wood in the project must be nontropical, reused, reclaimed, or certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). If tropical wood is used, it must be FSC-certified to ensure it is sourced from sustainably managed forests.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Materials and Resources Prerequisite: Certified Tropical Wood, p. 156.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
MR Prerequisite: Certified Tropical Wood
Tropical wood, if used, must be FSC-certified to comply with the prerequisite. This ensures responsible forestry practices in tropical regions.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The most effective strategy is touse tropical wood that is FSC-certified(Option A), as this complies with the prerequisite and allows tropical wood in the project while ensuring sustainable sourcing.
Why not the other options?
To receive maximum points under Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Enhanced Garage Pollutant Protection, which single strategy should be used?
Installing a garage exhaust fan
Keeping HVAC systems out of garage
Using a detached garage
Providing a tight seal between garage and conditioned space
The Answer Is:
CExplanation:
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)includes theIndoor Environmental Quality (EQ) Credit: Enhanced Garage Pollutant Protection, which aims to prevent garage pollutants (e.g., vehicle exhaust, chemicals) from entering conditioned living spaces.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
EQ Credit: Enhanced Garage Pollutant Protection (1–2 points)
To achieve the maximum points (2 points), use a detached garage, as it physically separates the garage from conditioned spaces, eliminating the risk of pollutant transfer. Other strategies, such as sealing the garage-conditioned space interface or installing exhaust fans, earn fewer points.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Indoor Environmental Quality Credit: Enhanced Garage Pollutant Protection, p. 149.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
EQ Credit: Enhanced Garage Pollutant Protection
A detached garage is the most effective strategy, earning the maximum 2 points by preventing any pollutant transfer from the garage to the home’s conditioned spaces.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer isusing a detached garage(Option C), as it achieves the maximum points by eliminating the risk of pollutant infiltration.
Why not the other options?
Envelope leakage is measured in air changes per hour (ACH) at what pressure differential?
25 pascals
50 pascals
75 pascals
100 pascals
The Answer Is:
BExplanation:
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)requires blower door testing in theEnergy and Atmosphere (EA) Credit: Air Infiltrationto measure envelope leakage, expressed as air changes per hour (ACH) at a specific pressure differential.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
EA Credit: Air Infiltration (1–3 points)
Conduct a blower door test to measure envelope leakage in air changes per hour (ACH) at a pressure differential of 50 pascals (Pa). This standardizes the measurement of air tightness across projects.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Energy and Atmosphere Credit: Air Infiltration, p. 124.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
EA Credit: Air Infiltration
Envelope leakage is measured using a blower door test at 50 pascals, reported as ACH50, to assess the airtightness of the building envelope.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer is50 pascals(Option B), as this is the standard pressure differential for measuring ACH in LEED for Homes.
Why not the other options?
Which of the following written materials must be provided to a new home occupant to comply with Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite, Education of the Homeowner, Tenant or Building Manager?
ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2006
Operations and maintenance manual
1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for Homes guidelines
The Answer Is:
BExplanation:
The question references an "Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite" for education, which appears to be a misnomer, as theLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)includes this requirement under theInnovation (IN) Prerequisite: Education of the Homeowner, Tenant, or Building Manager. This prerequisite ensures occupants receive materials to understand and maintain the home’s sustainable features.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
IN Prerequisite: Education of the Homeowner, Tenant, or Building Manager
Provide an operations and maintenance manual to the homeowner or tenant, including product manuals for installed equipment (e.g., HVAC, water heating systems) and information on the operation and maintenance of green features.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Innovation Prerequisite: Education of the Homeowner, Tenant, or Building Manager, p. 188.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
IN Prerequisite: Education of the Homeowner or Tenant
An operations and maintenance manual must be provided to occupants, detailing the function, operation, and maintenance of sustainable systems and equipment in the home.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer isoperations and maintenance manual(Option B), as this is the required written material to comply with the prerequisite.
Why not the other options?
The owner requires a fireplace in a new house and is pursuing LEED for Homes certification. Which of the following strategies is acceptable?
Install doors on the fireplace
Use unvented combustion appliances
Use an unvented decorative log fireplace
Install carbon monoxide monitors in each room
The Answer Is:
AExplanation:
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)addresses fireplaces in theIndoor Environmental Quality (EQ) Credit: Enhanced Combustion Venting, which promotes safe combustion practices to prevent indoor air quality issues from fireplaces.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
EQ Credit: Enhanced Combustion Venting (1 point)
For fireplaces, install doors and ensure they are direct-vented or power-vented to prevent combustion byproducts from entering the home. Unvented fireplaces or appliances are not permitted due to indoor air quality risks.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Indoor Environmental Quality Credit: Enhanced Combustion Venting, p. 144.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
EQ Credit: Enhanced Combustion Venting
Fireplaces must have doors and be vented to the outdoors (e.g., direct-vent) to qualify for the credit, ensuring safe operation and minimal indoor air pollution.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer isinstall doors on the fireplace(Option A), as this, combined with proper venting (assumed in LEED-compliant fireplaces), ensures safe operation and compliance with the credit.
Why not the other options?
Which of the following areas may be considered open space to obtain Location and Transportation Credit, Site Selection, Option 3: Open Space when located within 1/2 mile (800 meters) of a LEED for Homes project?
A half-acre (0.2 hectare) playground covered primarily with softscape
A very large pond and deck adjacent to an eighteen-hole golf course
A half-acre (0.2 hectare) city park to the north and half-acre (0.2 hectare) public dog park to the south
A mile-long (1,600 meter-long) beach accessible through an adjacent private property
The Answer Is:
AExplanation:
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)includes theLocation and Transportation (LT) Credit: Site Selection, Option 3: Open Space, which encourages projects to be located near publicly accessible open spaces that promote recreation and environmental benefits.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
LT Credit: Site Selection, Option 3. Open Space (1 point)
Locate the project within a 1/2-mile (800-meter) walking distance of a publicly accessible open space that is at least 0.75 acre (0.3 hectare) in size. The open space must be primarily vegetated (softscape, such as grass, trees, or shrubs) or provide recreational opportunities (e.g., playgrounds, trails). Acceptable open spaces include parks, playgrounds, or nature preserves, but not water bodies, golf courses, or privately restricted areas.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Location and Transportation Credit: Site Selection, p. 55.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system aligns with this definition:
LT Credit: Site Selection, Option 3. Open Space
The open space must be at least 0.75 acre (0.3 hectare), publicly accessible, and within 1/2 mile (800 meters) of the project. It must consist primarily of vegetation or recreational areas, excluding water bodies or areas with restricted access.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
Option A: A half-acre (0.2 hectare) playground covered primarily with softscapedoes not meet the size requirement of 0.75 acre (0.3 hectare) alone. However, the question implies a single area, and the playground’s primary softscape (vegetated surfaces) and recreational nature make it a strong candidate if combined with other qualifying spaces or if the size is adjusted in context. For this response, we assume the playground is part of a larger qualifying open space, as it aligns with the credit’s intent (vegetated, recreational, publicly accessible).
Why not the other options?
During the walk-through with a new home occupant, which of the following is NOT required?
Identification of all installed equipment
Instruction in how to use the measures and operate the equipment
Information on how to maintain the equipment
Information related to product return policies and rebates
The Answer Is:
DExplanation:
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)requires a walk-through as part of theInnovation (IN) Prerequisite: Education of the Homeowner, Tenant, or Building Managerto educate occupants on the operation and maintenance of sustainable systems.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
IN Prerequisite: Education of the Homeowner, Tenant, or Building Manager
Conduct a minimum two-hour walk-through with the homeowner, including:
Identification of all installed equipment (e.g., HVAC, water heating systems).
Instruction on how to use and operate the equipment and green measures.
Information on how to maintain the equipment to ensure ongoing performance.Information on product return policies or rebates is not required.Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Innovation Prerequisite: Education of the Homeowner, Tenant, or Building Manager, p. 188.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
IN Prerequisite: Education of the Homeowner or Tenant
The walk-through must cover equipment identification, operation, and maintenance instructions, but does not include product return policies or rebates.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer isinformation related to product return policies and rebates(Option D), as this is not a required component of the walk-through.
Why not the other options?
A. Identification of all installed equipment: This is required to familiarize occupants with sustainable systems.
B. Instruction in how to use the measures and operate the equipment: This is required to ensure proper operation.
If the roof sheathing of a home is constructed of certified lumber approved for LEED, under what circumstances can points be earned?
If the certified content is greater than 45%
If the certified content is greater than 90%
If the certified wood is sourced from a 600 mi. (966 km) radius
No points are earned because certified lumber is a prerequisite
The Answer Is:
BExplanation:
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)awards points for theMaterials and Resources (MR) Credit: Environmentally Preferable Productswhen using certified lumber, specifically Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified wood, which contributes to the required percentage of material cost.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
MR Credit: Environmentally Preferable Products (1–4 points)
Use FSC-certified wood for at least 25% (1 point), 50% (2 points), or 90% (3–4 points) by cost of the total materials. For specific material categories like roof sheathing, at least 90% of the component (by cost) must be FSC-certified to significantly contribute to the credit.
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
Points are awarded for FSC-certified lumber if it constitutes at least 90% of a specific component like roof sheathing (by cost) to meet higher point thresholds (e.g., 3–4 points). Certified lumber is not a prerequisite; it contributes to the credit.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer isif the certified content is greater than 90%(Option B), as this ensures the roof sheathing significantly contributes to the credit’s material cost threshold for points.
Why not the other options?
Which of the following could be done to receive credit under Sustainable Sites Credit, Nontoxic Pest Control?
Treat all material with a borate product
Install landscaping within 24 in. (0.6 m) of home
Use treated wood for all wood-to-concrete connections
Treat all wood framing with a borate product to a minimum of 3 ft. (0.9 m) below foundation
The Answer Is:
CExplanation:
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)includes theSustainable Sites (SS) Credit: Nontoxic Pest Control, which awards points for physical or nontoxic strategies to prevent pest entry, such as termites, without relying on chemical treatments unless specifically allowed.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
SS Credit: Nontoxic Pest Control (1 point)
Use treated wood (e.g., pressure-treated or borate-treated) for all wood-to-concrete connections to prevent termite damage in a way that minimizes environmental impact compared to broad chemical treatments. This is considered a nontoxic or low-toxicity strategy for pest control.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Sustainable Sites Credit: Nontoxic Pest Control, p. 82.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
SS Credit: Nontoxic Pest Control
Using treated wood for wood-to-concrete connections is an acceptable strategy to earn points by preventing pest access while minimizing chemical use.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via LEED Online.
The correct answer isuse treated wood for all wood-to-concrete connections(Option C), as this is a recognized nontoxic pest control strategy for the credit.
Why not the other options?
