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
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?
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
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?
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
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?
How many Regional Priority Credits can a LEED for Homes v4 project pursue?
One
Two
Three
Four
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)includesRegional Priority (RP) Credits, which provide bonus points for addressing location-specific environmental priorities. A project can pursue multiple RP credits based on its geographic location.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
Regional Priority Credits (1–4 points)
A LEED for Homes v4 project can pursue up to four Regional Priority Credits, which are selected based on the project’s location and the environmental priorities identified for that region. Each RP credit awards one bonus point for achieving a designated existing credit that addresses regional environmental concerns.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Regional Priority Credits, p. 190.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
Regional Priority Credits
Projects can earn up to four bonus points by achieving Regional Priority Credits, which are assigned based on the project’s ZIP code or region to address local environmental priorities.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer isfour(Option D), as a LEED for Homes v4 project can pursue up to four Regional Priority Credits.
Why not the other options?
A. One: This underestimates the number of RP credits available.
B. Two: This is also too low, as up to four credits can be pursued.
Of the following recommended strategies, which will receive credit under Sustainable Sites: Nontoxic Pest Control?
Seal all external cracks, joints, penetrations, edges, and entry points with caulking
Install plantings and landscaping elements that repel pests and encourage biodiversity
Use a sealed-to-the-wall vapor barrier for homes with crawl spaces on the floor or beneath a concrete slab
Design and install plastic barrier systems around pipes and electrical conduit extending through slab foundations
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)includes theSustainable Sites (SS) Credit: Nontoxic Pest Control, which awards points for strategies that prevent pest entry without relying on toxic chemicals.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
SS Credit: Nontoxic Pest Control (1 point)
Implement physical barriers to prevent pest entry, such as sealing all external cracks, joints, penetrations, edges, and entry points with caulking or other durable materials to reduce the need for chemical 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
Sealing external cracks, joints, and penetrations with caulking is a primary strategy to earn points by preventing pest access in a nontoxic manner.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer isseal all external cracks, joints, penetrations, edges, and entry points with caulking(Option A), as this is a direct, physical pest control strategy recognized by the credit.
Why not the other options?
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
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.
The use of native plants in place of conventional turf grass can increase which of the following?
Fertilizer demand
Native wildlife habitat
Irrigation demand
Pesticide demand
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)encourages the use of native plants in theSustainable Sites (SS) Credit: Site Development – Protect or Restore HabitatandWater Efficiency (WE) Credit: Outdoor Water Useto enhance environmental benefits, including support for local ecosystems.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
SS Credit: Site Development – Protect or Restore Habitat (1–2 points)
Using native plants in place of conventional turf grass increases native wildlife habitat by providing food, shelter, and breeding areas for local species, supporting biodiversity.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Sustainable Sites Credit: Site Development – Protect or Restore Habitat, p. 74.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
SS Credit: Site Development – Protect or Restore Habitat
Native plants enhance native wildlife habitat by creating ecosystems that support local fauna, unlike turf grass, which offers minimal ecological value.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer isnative wildlife habitat(Option B), as native plants are adapted to local conditions and support indigenous species, unlike turf grass.
Why not the other options?
A project team is pursuing Water Efficiency Credit, Outdoor Water Use. The site contains a total of 57,500 ft² (5,342 m²) of softscape. What ratio of turf grass and native or adapted landscape is required to achieve four points for this credit? (Refer to the table below)
Turf grass area
Native or adapted plant area
Points
< 60%
> 25%
1
< 40%
> 50%
2
< 20%
> 75%
3
< 5%
> 75%
4
12,600 ft² (1,171 m²) turf grass and 40,000 ft² (3,716 m²) native or adapted landscape
11,500 ft² (1,068 m²) turf grass and 40,000 ft² (3,716 m²) native or adapted landscape
2,500 ft² (232 m²) turf grass and 44,000 ft² (4,088 m²) native or adapted landscape
4,500 ft² (418 m²) turf grass and 44,000 ft² (4,088 m²) native or adapted landscape
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)includes theWater Efficiency (WE) Credit: Outdoor Water Use, which awards points based on the ratio of turf grass (high water use) to native or adapted plants (low water use) in the softscape to reduce irrigation needs.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
WE Credit: Outdoor Water Use (1–4 points)
Reduce outdoor water use by selecting native or adapted plants and limiting turf grass. Points are awarded based on the percentage of softscape area:
< 5% turf grass and > 75% native or adapted plants: 4 points.The total softscape area is used to calculate the percentages of turf grass and native/adapted plants.Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Water Efficiency Credit: Outdoor Water Use, p. 98–99.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
WE Credit: Outdoor Water Use
Achieve 4 points by ensuring less than 5% of the softscape is turf grass and more than 75% is native or adapted plants, based on area calculations.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
Calculation for 4 points:
Total softscape area: 57,500 ft².
For 4 points:
Turf grass: < 5% of 57,500 ft² = < 0.05 × 57,500 = < 2,875 ft².
Native or adapted plants: > 75% of 57,500 ft² = > 0.75 × 57,500 = > 43,125 ft².
Evaluate options:
A. 12,600 ft² turf grass and 40,000 ft² native or adapted:
Turf grass: 12,600 / 57,500 = 21.91% (> 5%).
Native: 40,000 / 57,500 = 69.57% (< 75%).
Does not meet 4-point criteria (only qualifies for 1 point: < 60% turf, > 25% native).
B. 11,500 ft² turf grass and 40,000 ft² native or adapted:
Turf grass: 11,500 / 57,500 = 20% (> 5%).
Native: 40,000 / 57,500 = 69.57% (< 75%).
Does not meet 4-point criteria (qualifies for 2 points: < 40% turf, > 50% native).
C. 2,500 ft² turf grass and 44,000 ft² native or adapted:
Turf grass: 2,500 / 57,500 = 4.35% (< 5%).
Native: 44,000 / 57,500 = 76.52% (> 75%).
Meets 4-point criteria.
D. 4,500 ft² turf grass and 44,000 ft² native or adapted:
Turf grass: 4,500 / 57,500 = 7.83% (> 5%).
Native: 44,000 / 57,500 = 76.52% (> 75%).
Does not meet 4-point criteria (qualifies for 3 points: < 20% turf, > 75% native).
Answer:Option C(2,500 ft² turf grass and 44,000 ft² native or adapted landscape) meets the requirements for 4 points.
TheLEED AP Homes Candidate Handbookemphasizes WE credits, including outdoor water use, and references theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Constructionas a key resource. The exam is based onLEED v4, ensuring the relevance of the table’s criteria.
Energy losses due to supply duct leakage are most likely to occur when:
Interior wall cavities are used to conduct return air.
Duct layout includes multiple 90-degree bends on a single branch.
Ducts are located within conditioned envelope but joints are unsealed.
Ducts are located in unconditioned attics, basements, or exterior walls.
Duct leakage in HVAC systems can significantly increase energy losses, particularly when ducts are poorly sealed or located in areas that exacerbate the impact of leakage. This issue is addressed in theLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)under theEnergy and Atmosphere (EA)category, specifically in credits related toHeating and Cooling Distribution Systems.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4), the location of ducts plays a critical role in energy losses due to leakage:
EA Credit: Heating and Cooling Distribution Systems
To minimize energy losses, locate all heating and cooling ducts and air handlers within the conditioned envelope of the building. Ducts located in unconditioned spaces, such as attics, basements, or exterior walls, are more likely to lose energy due to leakage, as air escaping from ducts in these areas is lost to the outside or unconditioned zones, increasing heating and cooling loads.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Energy and Atmosphere Credit: Heating and Cooling Distribution Systems, p. 126.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system further clarifies this:
EA Credit: Optimize Energy Performance
Ducts located in unconditioned spaces (e.g., attics, unconditioned basements, or exterior walls) contribute to significant energy losses when leakage occurs, as conditioned air escapes to areas outside the thermal envelope. Sealing ducts and locating them within conditioned spaces are best practices to minimize losses.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
Ducts inunconditioned attics, basements, or exterior wallsare particularly problematic because any leakage results in conditioned air being lost to spaces that are not temperature-controlled, requiring the HVAC system to work harder to maintain indoor comfort. This scenario maximizes energy losses compared to ducts within the conditioned envelope.
Why not the other options?
Energy simu-lation software used for ENERGY STAR Homes certification is approved by the:
Department of Energy (DOE)
U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET)
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)integrates ENERGY STAR Homes certification as part of theEnergy and Atmosphere (EA)category, specifically for theEA Prerequisite: Minimum Energy PerformanceandEA Credit: Annual Energy Use. ENERGY STAR Homes certification requires energy simulation software to model the home’s performance, and this software must be approved by a specific authority.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
EA Prerequisite: Minimum Energy Performance
Projects pursuing ENERGY STAR for Homes certification must use energy simulation software accredited by the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) to demonstrate compliance with ENERGY STAR performance requirements.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite: Minimum Energy Performance, p. 112.
TheResidential Energy Services Network (RESNET)is the organization responsible for accrediting energy modeling software used for ENERGY STAR Homes certification, such as REM/Rate or Ekotrope. RESNET establishes standards for Home Energy Rating Systems (HERS) and ensures software accuracy for energy performance calculations.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system aligns with this:
EA Prerequisite: Energy Performance
ENERGY STAR Homes certification requires the use of RESNET-accredited energy modeling tools to verify performance targets, such as HERS index scores.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
While theEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA)oversees the ENERGY STAR program, it does not directly approve the simulation software; that responsibility lies with RESNET.
Why not the other options?
