TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)addresses rainwater harvesting in theSustainable Sites (SS) Credit: Rainwater Management, which aims to reduce runoff and manage stormwater on-site, particularly in areas with significant rainfall events.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
SS Credit: Rainwater Management (1–3 points)
Implement rainwater harvesting systems (e.g., rain barrels, cisterns) to capture and store rainwater, reducing runoff volume and keeping water out of storm sewers. This is particularly beneficial in areas with substantial rainfall spikes, as it mitigates flooding and reduces strain on municipal stormwater systems.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Sustainable Sites Credit: Rainwater Management, p. 76.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
SS Credit: Rainwater Management
Rainwater harvesting reduces runoff by capturing water on-site, preventing it from entering storm sewers, which is especially effective during heavy rainfall events.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer iskeeps water out of storm sewers(Option C), as rainwater harvesting captures runoff, reducing the burden on stormwater infrastructure, particularly in areas with seasonal or substantial rainfall spikes.
Why not the other options?
[Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, SS Credit: Rainwater Management, p. 76., B. Helps to maintain required firewater levels: Firewater systems are unrelated to rainwater harvesting, which is for non-potable uses like irrigation.Reference: No mention in LEED v4 for Homes; irrelevant to rainwater management., D. Little-to-no benefit since precipitation is seasonal: Rainwater harvesting is highly beneficial during rainfall spikes, as it captures excess water for later use, contradicting this option.Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, SS Credit: Rainwater Management, p. 76., TheLEED AP Homes Candidate Handbookemphasizes SS credits, including rainwater management, and references theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Constructionas a key resource. The exam is based onLEED v4, ensuring the relevance of rainwater harvesting benefits., References:, LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, USGBC, Sustainable Sites Credit: Rainwater Management, p. 76., LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, USGBC LEED Credit Library, accessed via LEED Online (https://www.usgbc.org/credits)., LEED AP Homes Candidate Handbook, GBCI, October 2024, p. 12 (references study resources and exam scope based on LEED v4)., USGBC LEED for Homes Rating System (v4), available via USGBC website (https://www.usgbc.org/resources/leed-homes-design-and-construction-v4)., LEED v4.1 for Homes, USGBC, accessed via LEED Online, confirming rainwater harvesting benefits., ]
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