USGBC LEED-AP-Homes - LEED AP Homes (Residential) Exam
To comply with Materials and Resources Prerequisite: Certified Tropical Wood, all wood in the building must be:
Non-tropical, reused, reclaimed, or certified
Tropical wood that is more than 10 years old
Only from the tropical region
From within 200 miles of the building site
The Answer Is:
AExplanation:
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)includes theMaterials and Resources (MR) Prerequisite: Certified Tropical Wood, which ensures that wood used in LEED projects is sourced sustainably to protect tropical ecosystems.
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). Tropical wood, if used, must be FSC-certified. This prerequisite ensures that wood sourcing does not contribute to deforestation in ecologically sensitive regions.
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
All wood must be nontropical, reused, reclaimed, or FSC-certified. Tropical wood is only permitted if it is FSC-certified.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
To comply, all wood must benon-tropical, reused, reclaimed, or certified(Option A), ensuring sustainable sourcing across all wood types used in the project.
Why not the other options?
A builder plans to build two semi-detached residential homes at a rural lot he just bought, where the municipal water system cannot reach. The homes will use well water dug on site. The builder would like to build the two units as LEED certified homes. To meet the prerequisite of Water Efficiency domain in LEED Homes, what should the builder do?
Install two water meters for each unit separately
Use one water meter for the entire building of two units
These two semi-detached homes will be exempt from the prerequisite of Water Efficiency
At least one water meter will be shared by two units, and another separate meter will be used for monitoring landscaping water usage
The Answer Is:
AExplanation:
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)includes theWater Efficiency (WE) Prerequisite: Total Water Use, which requires metering to monitor water consumption in LEED-certified homes, even those using well water.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
WE Prerequisite: Total Water Use
Install water meters to measure total potable water use for the entire home, including indoor and outdoor uses. For multifamily or attached housing (e.g., semi-detached homes), each dwelling unit must have its own water meter to track individual usage accurately.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Water Efficiency Prerequisite: Total Water Use, p. 94.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
WE Prerequisite: Total Water Use
In attached housing projects, such as semi-detached homes, each unit must have a separate water meter to monitor potable water use, regardless of whether the water source is municipal or well water.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
For two semi-detached homes using well water, the builder mustinstall two water meters for each unit separately(Option A) to comply with the prerequisite, ensuring individual monitoring of water use for each dwelling unit.
Why not the other options?
A Habitat for Humanity LEED for Homes project receives donations of building materials from a demolition service. Which of the following donated products will earn points for being reclaimed under the Environmentally Preferable Products credit?
Vintage clawfoot bathtub
Stainless steel kitchen sink
Laminate kitchen countertop
Ten matching wall sconce light fixtures
The Answer Is:
AExplanation:
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)awards points for theMaterials and Resources (MR) Credit: Environmentally Preferable Productswhen materials are reclaimed (reused or salvaged from another project), contributing 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 products that are reused or salvaged from the same or another project for at least 25%, 50%, or 90% (by cost) of the total materials. Reclaimed materials include items like vintage fixtures (e.g., bathtubs) that are reused in their original form.
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 salvaged fixtures like a vintage clawfoot bathtub, qualify for points if they contribute to the required material cost percentage (e.g., 25% for 1 point).
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer isvintage clawfoot bathtub(Option A), as it is a salvaged fixture reused in its original form, qualifying as a reclaimed material under the credit.
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
The Answer Is:
CExplanation:
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?
The design charrette must occur no later than which phase in order to earn the Integrative Process Credit, Option 2: Design Charrette?
Bid Solicitation
Schematic Design
Design Development
Construction Drawings
The Answer Is:
BExplanation:
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)includes theIntegrative Process (IP) Credit: Integrative Process, Option 2: Design Charrette, which requires a collaborative meeting early in the design process to integrate green strategies.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
IP Credit: Integrative Process, Option 2: Design Charrette (1 point)
Conduct a design charrette no later than the schematic design phase to ensure early integration of green strategies across all project aspects, including energy, water, and materials.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Integrative Process Credit: Integrative Process, p. 45.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
IP Credit: Integrative Process, Option 2: Design Charrette
The charrette must occur no later than the schematic design phase to effectively influence the project’s sustainability goals and design decisions.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer isSchematic Design(Option B), as the charrette must occur by this phase to ensure early integration of sustainable strategies.
Why not the other options?
In addition to testing envelope leakage for energy impacts, a blower door test can be used in attached housing projects to evaluate:
Flow rate of local exhaust and supply fans or hoods
Quantity of moisture transfer through common wall systems
Effectiveness of non-toxic strategies designed to control pests
Potential for environmental tobacco smoke and odor contamination
The Answer Is:
DExplanation:
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)requires blower door testing in theEnergy and Atmosphere (EA) Credit: Air Infiltrationto measure envelope leakage, but it also has applications inIndoor Environmental Quality (EQ)credits for attached housing (e.g., multifamily or semi-detached homes) to assess air transfer between units.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
EQ Credit: Compartmentalization (1 point, multifamily)
In attached housing projects, use a blower door test to evaluate the potential for environmental tobacco smoke and odor contamination between units by measuring air leakage through common walls and ensuring effective sealing. This ensures indoor air quality by preventing unwanted air transfer.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Indoor Environmental Quality Credit: Compartmentalization, p. 152.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
EQ Credit: Compartmentalization
Blower door testing in attached housing verifies the airtightness of shared walls, reducing the potential for environmental tobacco smoke, odors, or other contaminants to transfer between units.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer ispotential for environmental tobacco smoke and odor contamination(Option D), as blower door tests in attached housing assess air leakage through common walls, which can carry smoke or odors.
Why not the other options?
For a one-bedroom unit in a multi-family building, the minimum bathroom airflow requirement for intermittent local exhaust is:
25 cfm (11 lps)
50 cfm (23 lps)
1 cfm per ft² (5.08 lps per m²)
2 cfm per ft² (10.16 lps per m²)
The Answer Is:
BExplanation:
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)addresses bathroom ventilation requirements in theIndoor Environmental Quality (EQ) Prerequisite: Ventilation, which referencesASHRAE Standard 62.2-2010for minimum airflow rates in residential buildings, including multi-family units.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
EQ Prerequisite: Ventilation
For intermittent local exhaust in bathrooms, ASHRAE Standard 62.2-2010 requires a minimum airflow rate of 50 cfm (23 lps) for each bathroom to effectively remove moisture and pollutants. This applies to all dwelling units, including one-bedroom units in multi-family buildings.
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
Intermittent local exhaust in bathrooms must provide at least 50 cfm (23 lps) per ASHRAE 62.2-2010 to ensure adequate ventilation in multi-family units.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer is50 cfm (23 lps)(Option B), as this is the minimum airflow requirement for intermittent bathroom exhaust in a one-bedroom unit per ASHRAE 62.2-2010.
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?
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?
The owner is considering a fireplace in a new house and is pursuing LEED for Homes certification. Which type of fireplace, if any, should be installed in order to achieve the maximum credit for Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Enhanced Combustion?
Install no fireplace
EPA-certified woodstove
Masonry wood-burning fireplace
Factory-built wood-burning fireplace with catalytic combustor
The Answer Is:
AExplanation:
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)includes theIndoor Environmental Quality (EQ) Credit: Enhanced Combustion Venting, which awards points for minimizing indoor air quality risks from combustion appliances, including fireplaces. Avoiding combustion appliances altogether is the most effective way to achieve the maximum credit.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
EQ Credit: Enhanced Combustion Venting (1 point)
To achieve the maximum credit, install no combustion appliances, including fireplaces, to eliminate the risk of combustion byproducts (e.g., carbon monoxide) entering the home. If fireplaces are installed, they must be direct-vented or power-vented with doors. EPA-certified woodstoves or factory-built fireplaces with catalytic combustors reduce emissions but do not achieve the maximum credit compared to no fireplace.
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
The highest level of compliance is achieved by installing no combustion appliances, including fireplaces. If fireplaces are used, they must be sealed and vented, but avoiding fireplaces maximizes indoor air quality protection.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer isinstall no fireplace(Option A), as this eliminates combustion risks entirely, achieving the maximum credit for Enhanced Combustion Venting.
Why not the other options?
