Which member of the verification team conducts field inspections of LEED prerequisites and credits?
Energy Rater
LEED for Homes Provider
LEED for Homes QAD
LEED Green Rater
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)requires third-party verification for prerequisites and credits, with specific roles defined for the verification team. TheLEED Green Rateris responsible for conducting field inspections to verify compliance.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
Verification Process
The LEED Green Rater, a trained professional certified by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI), conducts field inspections to verify compliance with LEED for Homes prerequisites and credits, including energy, water, and indoor environmental quality measures.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Introduction, p. 28.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
Verification Process
The LEED Green Rater performs on-site inspections to ensure that the project meets all prerequisites and targeted credits, documenting compliance for certification.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer isLEED Green Rater(Option D), as this team member is responsible for field inspections of LEED prerequisites and credits.
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
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.
Envelope leakage is minimized by:
Installing a drainage plane.
Conducting a blower door test.
Installing a continuous air barrier.
Specifying HERS Grade II Insulation.
Minimizing envelope leakage is a critical component of improving energy efficiency in homes, as it reduces unintended air infiltration and exfiltration through the building envelope. This concept is addressed in theLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)under theEnergy and Atmosphere (EA)category, specifically in credits related toAir InfiltrationandBuilding Envelope Performance.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4), the primary method to minimize envelope leakage is to install acontinuous air barrier:
EA Prerequisite: Minimum Energy Performance
To reduce air infiltration, projects must include a continuous air barrier system that is sealed at all penetrations, joints, and interfaces to prevent air leakage. The air barrier must be installed around the entire building envelope, including walls, roofs, and floors.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite: Minimum Energy Performance, p. 112.
Additionally, theLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system reinforces this requirement:
EA Credit: Air Infiltration
Install a continuous air barrier system to control air leakage through the building envelope. The air barrier must be airtight, durable, and continuous, with all seams, penetrations, and transitions sealed.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
Acontinuous air barrieris a system of materials (e.g., house wraps, sealed drywall, or spray foam) that forms a complete barrier to air movement, significantly reducing energy losses due to leakage. This is a proactive design and construction strategy to achieve energy efficiency goals.
Why not the other options?
To achieve Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Efficient Hot Water Distribution System, Option 3: Pipe Insulation, what insulation value is required?
R-2
R-3
R-4
R-10
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)includes theEnergy and Atmosphere (EA) Credit: Efficient Hot Water Distribution System, Option 3: Pipe Insulation, which awards points for insulating hot water pipes to reduce heat loss and improve energy efficiency.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
EA Credit: Efficient Hot Water Distribution System, Option 3: Pipe Insulation (1 point)
Insulate all hot water piping with a minimum insulation value of R-4 to reduce heat loss and improve the efficiency of the hot water distribution system.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Energy and Atmosphere Credit: Efficient Hot Water Distribution System, p. 133.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
EA Credit: Efficient Hot Water Distribution System, Option 3: Pipe Insulation
Hot water pipes must be insulated to at least R-4 to qualify for the credit, minimizing energy losses during water distribution.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer isR-4(Option C), as this is the minimum insulation value required for hot water piping to earn the credit.
Why not the other options?
A. R-2: This is below the required insulation value for the credit.
B. R-3: This is also below the required R-4 value.
A gut rehab LEED for Homes project will maintain the building’s existing exterior wall and floor framing. Under Materials and Resources Credit, Environmentally Preferable Products category, these components get credit for being:
Recycled
Reclaimed
Refurbished
Restructured
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)awards points for theMaterials and Resources (MR) Credit: Environmentally Preferable Productsfor using materials with sustainable attributes, such as reused or salvaged materials. In a gut rehab project, maintaining existing exterior wall and floor framing qualifies these components as reused materials.
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:
Reused or salvaged materials: Materials that are reclaimed from the same or another project, such as existing framing maintained in a gut rehab.In gut rehab projects, existing structural components (e.g., wall and floor framing) that are reused in place qualify as reclaimed materials.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:
MR Credit: Environmentally Preferable Products
Reclaimed materials, such as existing framing reused in gut rehab projects, contribute to the percentage of environmentally preferable products based on their cost.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The termreclaimed(Option B) is used in LEED to describe materials that are reused or salvaged, such as existing framing kept in place during a gut rehab. This reduces the demand for new materials and aligns with the credit’s intent.
Why not the other options?
What is the advantage of using native and adapted plant species instead of conventional turf?
Increased stormwater runoff
Decreased wildlife habitat
Decreased frequency of mowing
Increased use of potable water
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)promotes the use of native and adapted plants in theWater Efficiency (WE) Credit: Outdoor Water UseandSustainable Sites (SS) Credit: Site Development – Protect or Restore Habitatto reduce maintenance and environmental impacts compared to conventional turf.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
WE Credit: Outdoor Water Use (1–4 points)
Native and adapted plant species require less maintenance, including decreased frequency of mowing, compared to conventional turf grass, which often needs frequent cutting to maintain appearance.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Water Efficiency Credit: Outdoor Water Use, p. 98.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
WE Credit: Outdoor Water Use
Using native and adapted plants reduces maintenance demands, such as mowing frequency, compared to turf grass, while also lowering irrigation needs.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer isdecreased frequency of mowing(Option C), as native and adapted plants typically require less frequent maintenance than turf grass.
Why not the other options?
One strategy to help achieve Location and Transportation Credit: Community Resources in a multi-family building is to provide:
Shared parking with an adjacent single-family development
Retail on the street level of the development
Additional parking for adjacent retail developments
Shuttle service for the residents to their places of employment
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)includes theLocation and Transportation (LT) Credit: Community Resources and Services, which awards points for locating a project near or integrating community services to reduce transportation needs, particularly in multi-family buildings.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
LT Credit: Community Resources and Services (1–2 points)
In multi-family buildings, provide access to community services (e.g., retail, grocery, pharmacy) within the development or within 1/4 mile (0.4 km) walking distance. Including retail on the street level of the development contributes to earning points by enhancing access to services for residents.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Location and Transportation Credit: Community Resources and Services, p. 56.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
LT Credit: Community Resources and Services
Providing retail on the street level of a multi-family building qualifies as a strategy to meet the credit by integrating community resources directly within the project, reducing resident travel.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer isretail on the street level of the development(Option B), as this directly enhances access to community services, contributing to the credit’s requirements.
Why not the other options?
What are the benefits of rainwater harvesting in areas with substantial rainfall spikes?
Helps to offset air pollution
Helps to maintain required firewater levels
Keeps water out of storm sewers
Little-to-no benefit since precipitation is seasonal
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?
A project team wants to earn credit for Location and Transportation Credit, Site Selection, Option 3: Open Space. A qualifying lot should be located within:
1/2 mi. (0.8 km) of a 3/4 acre (0.3 hectare) cornfield
3/4 mi. (1.2 km) of a publicly accessible park that is 3/4 acre (0.3 hectare) in size
1/2 mi. (0.8 km) of a pond surrounded by a 1/2 acre (0.2 hectare) walkway, and across the street from a 1/4 acre (0.1 hectare) publicly accessible park
3/4 mi. (1.2 km) of a 1/4 acre (0.1 hectare) publicly accessible park, across the street from a 1/4 acre (0.1 hectare) lot which is private land open to the public
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 to 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 (0.8-kilometer) 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 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 confirms:
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 (0.8 km) 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.
Evaluation of options:
A. 1/2 mi. (0.8 km) of a 3/4 acre (0.3 hectare) cornfield: A cornfield is agricultural land, not a publicly accessible recreational or vegetated open space as defined by LEED, so it does not qualify.
B. 3/4 mi. (1.2 km) of a publicly accessible park that is 3/4 acre (0.3 hectare) in size: The distance (3/4 mi.) exceeds the 1/2-mile (0.8 km) requirement, so it does not qualify.
C. 1/2 mi. (0.8 km) of a pond surrounded by a 1/2 acre (0.2 hectare) walkway, and across the street from a 1/4 acre (0.1 hectare) publicly accessible park: The pond is excluded (water bodies do not qualify), and the walkway (0.2 hectare) and park (0.1 hectare) together total 0.3 hectare (0.75 acre), meeting the size requirement within 1/2 mile. Assuming the walkway is vegetated or recreational, this qualifies.
D. 3/4 mi. (1.2 km) of a 1/4 acre (0.1 hectare) publicly accessible park, across the street from a 1/4 acre (0.1 hectare) lot which is private land open to the public: The distance (3/4 mi.) exceeds 1/2 mile, and the combined area (0.2 hectare) is below 0.3 hectare. Private land, even if publicly accessible, may not fully qualify without clear documentation.
The correct answer isOption C, as it meets the 1/2-mile distance and the combined 0.75-acre size requirement, assuming the walkway is vegetated or recreational.
TheLEED AP Homes Candidate Handbookemphasizes LT credits, including Site Selection, and references theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Constructionas a key resource. The exam is based onLEED v4, ensuring the relevance of open space criteria.
An existing home in a gut rehab LEED for Homes project reclaims all of the original framing. An addition is built with 90% FSC-certified wood. Which credit, if any, under Materials and Resources, will be earned?
Construction Waste Management
No credit will be awarded
Material-Efficient Framing
Environmentally Preferable Products
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)includes several credits under theMaterials and Resources (MR)category that encourage sustainable material use, including reclaimed materials and certified wood. The scenario describes a gut rehab project that reclaims all original framing and builds an addition with 90% FSC-certified wood. We need to determine which MR credit applies.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4), theMR Credit: Environmentally Preferable Productsrewards the use of materials that have environmentally beneficial attributes, such as reclaimed materials and FSC (Forest Stewardship Council)-certified wood:
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:
Reused or salvaged materials: Materials that are reclaimed from the same or another project.
FSC-certified wood: Wood products certified by the Forest Stewardship Council for sustainable forestry practices.For gut rehab projects, reclaimed framing materials and FSC-certified wood in additions contribute to the percentage of environmentally preferable products.Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Materials and Resources Credit: Environmentally Preferable Products, p. 160.
In this case:
Reclaimed framing: The gut rehab reclaims 100% of the original framing, which qualifies as reused or salvaged materials under the credit.
FSC-certified wood: The addition uses 90% FSC-certified wood, which also qualifies as an environmentally preferable product.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system aligns with this approach:
MR Credit: Environmentally Preferable Products
Projects earn points by using products that are salvaged, recycled, or FSC-certified for at least 25%, 50%, or 90% of the material cost. For renovations, salvaged framing and certified wood in additions are eligible.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
Since the project uses both reclaimed framing (100% of the original) and 90% FSC-certified wood in the addition, it meets the criteria forEnvironmentally Preferable Products, provided the combined material cost meets the 25%, 50%, or 90% thresholds. The high percentage of FSC-certified wood and full reclamation of framing make it likely to achieve at least one point.
Why not the other options?
