For a typical single-family home, plumbing fixtures may account for what fraction of the home’s total indoor water use?
1/3
1/2
2/3
3/4
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)addresses indoor water use in theWater Efficiency (WE) Credit: Indoor Water Use, which focuses on reducing water consumption through efficient plumbing fixtures (e.g., toilets, faucets, showerheads). Understanding the contribution of fixtures to total indoor water use is key to this credit.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
WE Credit: Indoor Water Use (1–6 points)
In a typical single-family home, plumbing fixtures (toilets, showerheads, and faucets) account for approximately two-thirds (2/3) of total indoor water use. Installing high-efficiency fixtures can significantly reduce water consumption.
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
Plumbing fixtures typically represent about 2/3 of indoor water use in single-family homes, making their efficiency critical for achieving water savings.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer is2/3(Option C), as plumbing fixtures account for approximately two-thirds of a typical single-family home’s indoor water use.
Why not the other options?
A. 1/3: This underestimates the contribution of plumbing fixtures, which are the primary indoor water users.
B. 1/2: This is closer but still underestimates the typical proportion (2/3).
Which of the following products will be eligible for points toward Materials and Resources Credit, Environmentally Preferable Products, Option 1: Local Production?
Granite slabs extracted in China and manufactured and installed in New York City
Wood studs harvested and manufactured in Western Canada and installed in California within a 750 mi. (1,200 km) radius
Wood studs harvested and manufactured in Mexico within a 98 mi. (158 km) radius of the final installation in New Mexico
Wooden doors manufactured in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, assembled 1,463 mi. (2,354 km) away in Provo, Utah, and installed 1,246 mi. (2,005 km) away in Austin, Texas
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)awards points for theMaterials and Resources (MR) Credit: Environmentally Preferable Products, Option 1: Local Production, which encourages the use of materials sourced locally to reduce transportation impacts.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
MR Credit: Environmentally Preferable Products, Option 1: Local Production (1–4 points)
Use products that have been extracted, harvested, or recovered, as well as manufactured, within 100 miles (160 km) of the project site for at least 25%, 50%, or 90% (by cost) of the total 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, Option 1: Local Production
Materials must be extracted, harvested, or recovered and manufactured within 100 miles (160 km) of the project site to qualify for local production points.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
Evaluation of options:
A. Granite slabs extracted in China and manufactured and installed in New York City: Extracted in China, far exceeding the 100-mile (160 km) limit, so it does not qualify.
B. Wood studs harvested and manufactured in Western Canada and installed in California within a 750 mi. (1,200 km) radius: The 750-mile radius exceeds the 100-mile limit, so it does not qualify.
C. Wood studs harvested and manufactured in Mexico within a 98 mi. (158 km) radius of the final installation in New Mexico: Both harvesting and manufacturing are within 100 miles (160 km), meeting the local production criteria.
D. Wooden doors manufactured in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, assembled 1,463 mi. (2,354 km) away in Provo, Utah, and installed 1,246 mi. (2,005 km) away in Austin, Texas: The distances for manufacturing and assembly far exceed the 100-mile limit, so it does not qualify.
The correct answer isOption C, as the wood studs meet the local production requirement of being harvested and manufactured within 100 miles (160 km) of the project site.
TheLEED AP Homes Candidate Handbookemphasizes MR credits, including Environmentally Preferable Products, and references theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Constructionas a key resource. The exam is based onLEED v4, ensuring the relevance of the 100-mile radius.
In order to assess potential indoor humidity levels caused by locating a home in a warm, humid climate, which two factors should be considered by an engineer or HVAC contractor?
Ventilation and filtration
Infiltration and ventilation
Pressurization and dehumidification
Dehumidification and filtration
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)addresses indoor humidity in warm, humid climates through credits likeIndoor Environmental Quality (EQ) Credit: Enhanced VentilationandEQ Prerequisite: Ventilation, which consider factors affecting moisture levels to maintain indoor air quality.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
EQ Credit: Enhanced Ventilation (1–3 points)
In warm, humid climates (e.g., climate zones 1–3), assess indoor humidity by considering infiltration (uncontrolled air leakage through the building envelope) and ventilation (controlled outdoor air introduction). These factors influence moisture ingress and must be managed to prevent high humidity levels.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Indoor Environmental Quality Credit: Enhanced Ventilation, p. 146.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
EQ Credit: Enhanced Ventilation
Infiltration and ventilation are critical factors in assessing indoor humidity in humid climates, as infiltration introduces moist outdoor air, and ventilation systems must be designed to manage humidity effectively.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer isinfiltration and ventilation(Option B), as these are the primary factors affecting indoor humidity levels in a warm, humid climate, requiring careful design to control moisture.
Why not the other options?
What is the purpose of Regional Priority Credits under the LEED for Homes v4 Rating System?
To provide additional points to projects depending on the building type
To equalize credit requirements in all locations
To identify difficult credit requirements, based on location
To enhance the ability of LEED project teams to address critical environmental issues for the project’s location
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)includesRegional Priority (RP) Creditsto incentivize projects to address environmental issues that are particularly critical in their specific geographic region.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
Regional Priority Credits (1–4 points)
The purpose of Regional Priority Credits is to enhance the ability of LEED project teams to address critical environmental issues specific to the project’s location, such as water scarcity or habitat restoration, by providing bonus points for achieving designated credits that align with regional priorities.
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
RP Credits encourage projects to prioritize credits that address location-specific environmental challenges, offering up to four bonus points based on the project’s ZIP code or region.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer isto enhance the ability of LEED project teams to address critical environmental issues for the project’s location(Option D), as this reflects the intent of RP credits to focus on regional environmental priorities.
Why not the other options?
Introduction of outdoor air works to improve indoor air quality by:
Dilution
Source control
Pressurization
Source removal
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)addresses indoor air quality in theIndoor Environmental Quality (EQ) Prerequisite: VentilationandEQ Credit: Enhanced Ventilation, which require outdoor air to improve indoor air quality by reducing pollutant concentrations.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
EQ Prerequisite: Ventilation
Introduce outdoor air to dilute indoor pollutants, improving air quality by reducing the concentration of contaminants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and carbon dioxide.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Indoor Environmental Quality Prerequisite: Ventilation, p. 142.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
EQ Prerequisite: Ventilation
Outdoor air ventilation dilutes indoor pollutants, ensuring a healthier indoor environment by lowering contaminant levels.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The introduction of outdoor air improves indoor air quality primarily throughdilution(Option A), as it mixes with indoor air to reduce pollutant concentrations.
Why not the other options?
Who of the following may submit to Green Business Certification Inc. a LEED for Homes project for certification?
The Green Rater
The Energy Rater
The Quality Assurance Designee
The Owner or designated project team member
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)outlines the certification process, including who is authorized to submit a project to the Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI) for LEED certification.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
Certification Process
The project owner or a designated project team member (e.g., the project manager or LEED AP) is responsible for submitting the LEED for Homes project to GBCI for certification, coordinating with the LEED Green Rater for documentation and verification.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Introduction, p. 28.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
Certification Process
The owner or a designated project team member submits the project to GBCI for certification, supported by the Green Rater’s verification reports and documentation.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer isthe Owner or designated project team member(Option D), as they are authorized to submit the project to GBCI.
Why not the other options?
A. The Green Rater: The Green Rater conducts field inspections and prepares verification reports but does not submit the project.
B. The Energy Rater: The Energy Rater focuses on energy performance (e.g., HERS Index) and does not handle submission.
Conditioned floor area and number of bedrooms are factors when calculating a project's Home Size Adjustment in order to achieve credit for:
Water Efficiency Credit, Indoor Water Use
Materials and Resources Credit, Construction Waste Management
Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, No Environmental Tobacco Smoke
Location and Transportation Credit, Access to Transit
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)includes aHome Size Adjustmentas part of the point-scoring system to account for the environmental impact of larger homes, which typically use more resources and energy. This adjustment is applied across the project’s total points and is calculated based on conditioned floor area and the number of bedrooms.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
Home Size Adjustment
The Home Size Adjustment modifies the total points required for certification based on the conditioned floor area and number of bedrooms, as larger homes have greater environmental impacts. The adjustment is applied to the overall point threshold, not to a specific credit, but it aligns with credits likeIndoor Environmental Quality (EQ) Credit: No Environmental Tobacco Smoke, which ensures indoor air quality in larger homes.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Introduction, p. 24.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
Home Size Adjustment
The adjustment uses conditioned floor area and number of bedrooms to scale certification thresholds, ensuring fairness across home sizes. It impacts the overall certification process, particularly in relation to credits like EQ Credit: No Environmental Tobacco Smoke, which addresses indoor air quality in larger spaces.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer isIndoor Environmental Quality Credit, No Environmental Tobacco Smoke(Option C), as the Home Size Adjustment influences the overall point requirements for certification, and this credit is relevant to ensuring air quality in homes of varying sizes.
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
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?
Which of the following power needs requires special consideration at the design phase?
Continuously operating bathroom fans
220-volt supply to laundry room
ENERGY STAR appliances
Electric vehicle charging station
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)encourages planning for energy-efficient and sustainable technologies during the design phase, particularly for significant electrical loads that impact infrastructure, as addressed in credits likeEnergy and Atmosphere (EA) Credit: Optimize Energy Performance.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
EA Credit: Optimize Energy Performance
Design the home to accommodate high-efficiency systems and emerging technologies, such as electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, which require dedicated electrical capacity (e.g., 240-volt circuits) and planning during the design phase to ensure adequate panel capacity and conduit placement.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Energy and Atmosphere Credit: Optimize Energy Performance, p. 118.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
EA Credit: Optimize Energy Performance
Electric vehicle charging stations require special consideration in the design phase, including dedicated circuits and infrastructure to support high-voltage, high-amperage loads, ensuring future scalability and energy efficiency.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
Anelectric vehicle charging station(Option D) requires special consideration during the design phase due to its high power demand (typically 240 volts, 30–50 amps), necessitating dedicated circuits, panel capacity upgrades, and potential conduit or wiring planning to avoid costly retrofits.
Why not the other options?
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
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?
