USGBC LEED-AP-Homes - LEED AP Homes (Residential) Exam
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)
The Answer Is:
DExplanation:
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?
In order to take advantage of mountain views, a designer would like to include large glazing areas in a new home. Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Windows requires more stringent window performance if the:
Window-to-exterior wall area ratio is greater than 15%
Window-to-floor area ratio is greater than 15%
Window-to-exterior wall area ratio is greater than 24%
Window-to-floor area ratio is greater than 24%
The Answer Is:
CExplanation:
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)includes theEnergy and Atmosphere (EA) Credit: Windows, which sets performance requirements for windows to balance energy efficiency with design goals, such as large glazing areas for views. Higher window-to-wall ratios require more stringent performance to mitigate heat loss or gain.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
EA Credit: Windows (1–3 points)
Meet the prescriptive window performance requirements based on the window-to-exterior wall area ratio (WWR). If the WWR exceeds 24%, more stringent U-factor and solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) values are required to ensure energy efficiency.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Energy and Atmosphere Credit: Windows, p. 122.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
EA Credit: Windows
For projects with a window-to-exterior wall area ratio greater than 24%, windows must meet enhanced performance criteria (e.g., lower U-factor and SHGC) to reduce energy losses.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer iswindow-to-exterior wall area ratio is greater than 24%(Option C), as this triggers stricter window performance requirements to maintain energy efficiency.
Why not the other options?
Looking at the attached table, a project team is aiming for three points in Water Efficiency Credit, Outdoor Water Use. The site contains a total of 57,500 ft² (5,342 m²) of softscape. If the plan has 8,000 ft² (743 m²) of turf grass, what is the minimum area of native or adapted landscape required to achieve the desired three points for this credit?
Turf grass area
Native or adapted plant area
Points
< 60%
> 25%
1
< 40%
> 50%
2
< 20%
> 75%
3
< 5%
> 75%
4
38,967 ft² (3,620 m²) of native or adapted plant area
39,355 ft² (3,656 m²) of native or adapted plant area
43,126 ft² (4,007 m²) of native or adapted plant area
2,784 ft² (259 m²) of native or adapted plant area
The Answer Is:
CExplanation:
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)
To achieve 3 points, the softscape must have less than 20% turf grass and more than 75% native or adapted plants, calculated by area.
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
For 3 points, the turf grass area must be less than 20% of the total softscape, and the native or adapted plant area must exceed 75%.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
Calculation:
Total softscape area: 57,500 ft² (5,342 m²).
Turf grass area: 8,000 ft² (743 m²).
Turf grass percentage: (8,000 ÷ 57,500) × 100 = 13.91% (< 20%, meets requirement).
Minimum native or adapted plant area for 3 points: > 75% of 57,500 ft² = 0.75 × 57,500 =43,125 ft².
Compare options:
A. 38,967 ft² (3,620 m²): 38,967 ÷ 57,500 = 67.77% (< 75%, does not meet).
B. 39,355 ft² (3,656 m²): 39,355 ÷ 57,500 = 68.44% (< 75%, does not meet).
C. 43,126 ft² (4,007 m²): 43,126 ÷ 57,500 = 75.00% (meets > 75% requirement).
D. 2,784 ft² (259 m²): 2,784 ÷ 57,500 = 4.84% (far below 75%, does not meet).
The correct answer is43,126 ft² (4,007 m²) of native or adapted plant area(Option C), as it meets the minimum requirement for 3 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.
A proposed 1000 kWh photovoltaic system will achieve two points in the Energy and Atmosphere, Renewable Energy credit. If the client chooses a 2000 kWh system instead, how many points will be achieved?
One point
Two points
Three points
Four points
The Answer Is:
DExplanation:
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)includes theEnergy and Atmosphere (EA) Credit: Renewable Energy, which awards points based on the percentage of annual energy use offset by on-site renewable energy systems, such as photovoltaic (PV) systems.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
EA Credit: Renewable Energy (1–4 points)
Install on-site renewable energy systems to offset a percentage of the home’s annual energy use. Points are awarded as follows:
1 point: 0.5 kW or 5% of annual energy use.
2 points: 1.0 kW or 10% of annual energy use.
3 points: 1.5 kW or 15% of annual energy use.
4 points: 2.0 kW or 20% of annual energy use.The kW values are for photovoltaic systems and assume typical production rates (e.g., 1 kW ≈ 1,500 kWh/year).Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Energy and Atmosphere Credit: Renewable Energy, p. 138.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
EA Credit: Renewable Energy
Points are awarded based on the installed capacity of PV systems (e.g., 2.0 kW for 4 points) or the percentage of energy offset, whichever is higher. A 2000 kWh system (approximately 2.0 kW) qualifies for 4 points.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The question states a 1000 kWh PV system earns 2 points, corresponding to approximately 1.0 kW (assuming 1 kW ≈ 1,500 kWh/year). A 2000 kWh system is approximately 2.0 kW (2000 ÷ 1500 ≈ 1.33 kW, but conservatively aligned with the 2.0 kW threshold in LEED), which earns4 points(Option D).
Why not the other options?
A. One point: This corresponds to 0.5 kW, far below a 2000 kWh system.
B. Two points: This is the baseline for a 1000 kWh (1.0 kW) system, not 2000 kWh.
To earn credit for Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Space Heating and Cooling Equipment, the HVAC equipment must exceed the requirements set by:
ENERGY STAR for Homes, Prescriptive Path
ASHRAE 2001 Handbook of Fundamentals
International Energy Conservation Code
ACCA Manual J guidelines
The Answer Is:
AExplanation:
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)includes theEnergy and Atmosphere (EA) Credit: Space Heating and Cooling Equipment, which rewards the use of high-efficiency HVAC equipment that exceeds baseline standards.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
EA Credit: Space Heating and Cooling Equipment (1–4 points)
Install HVAC equipment that meets or exceeds the efficiency requirements of the ENERGY STAR for Homes program, Prescriptive Path, which specifies minimum efficiency ratings (e.g., SEER, AFUE) for heating and cooling systems.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Energy and Atmosphere Credit: Space Heating and Cooling Equipment, p. 128.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
EA Credit: Space Heating and Cooling Equipment
HVAC equipment must exceed the efficiency standards set by ENERGY STAR for Homes, Prescriptive Path, to earn points for improved energy performance.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer isENERGY STAR for Homes, Prescriptive Path(Option A), as this is the benchmark for high-efficiency HVAC equipment in this credit.
Why not the other options?
The first consideration in solar home design is to:
Select windows
Size solar shading
Incorporate thermal mass
Orient the building
The Answer Is:
DExplanation:
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)encourages passive solar design strategies in theEnergy and Atmosphere (EA)category, particularly inEA Credit: Optimize Energy PerformanceorEA Prerequisite: Minimum Energy Performance, to maximize energy efficiency through site and building design.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
EA Credit: Optimize Energy Performance
The first step in solar home design is to orient the building to maximize solar exposure for passive heating, daylighting, and potential active solar systems. Proper orientation (e.g., south-facing in the Northern Hemisphere) optimizes energy performance before other strategies like window selection or shading.
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
Building orientation is the primary consideration in solar design, as it determines the effectiveness of passive solar strategies and energy efficiency measures.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
Thefirst considerationin solar home design is toorient the building(Option D), typically to maximize south-facing exposure (in the Northern Hemisphere) to optimize passive solar heating, daylighting, and solar energy potential.
Why not the other options?
The intent of Water Efficiency Credit, Outdoor Water Use, is to minimize which of the following?
Fertilizer use
Building footprint
Heat island effect
Wildlife habitat
The Answer Is:
CExplanation:
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)includes theWater Efficiency (WE) Credit: Outdoor Water Use, which aims to reduce irrigation water consumption through strategies like native plant selection and efficient irrigation systems.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
WE Credit: Outdoor Water Use (1–4 points)
The intent is to reduce outdoor water consumption for irrigation, thereby minimizing the environmental impact of water use and indirectly supporting other sustainability goals, such as reducing energy use associated with water delivery. While not directly targeting the heat island effect, efficient irrigation can contribute to cooler landscapes by supporting vegetation, unlike theSustainable Sites Credit: Heat Island Reduction, which directly addresses heat island mitigation.
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
The primary intent is to minimize outdoor water use for irrigation, which can also support vegetated surfaces that mitigate the heat island effect, though this is a secondary benefit.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer isheat island effect(Option C), as reducing outdoor water use supports vegetated landscapes that help mitigate heat island effects, aligning with the credit’s broader environmental goals. Note that the primary intent is water reduction, but among the options, heat island effect is the most relevant secondary benefit.
Why not the other options?
A benefit of lower window U-factor is:
Increased visibility
Reduced energy use
Increased daylighting
Reduced maintenance
The Answer Is:
BExplanation:
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)addresses window performance in theEnergy and Atmosphere (EA) Credit: Windows, where a lower U-factor (thermal transmittance) improves energy efficiency by reducing heat loss or gain.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
EA Credit: Windows (1–3 points)
Use windows with a lower U-factor to reduce energy use by minimizing heat transfer through the glazing, improving the home’s thermal performance and reducing heating and cooling loads.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Energy and Atmosphere Credit: Windows, p. 122.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
EA Credit: Windows
A lower window U-factor reduces energy use by decreasing heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer, contributing to overall energy efficiency.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer isreduced energy use(Option B), as a lower U-factor directly improves the home’s energy performance by reducing thermal transfer.
Why not the other options?
Which of the following educational tools in a multi-family apartment building must be used to satisfy Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite, Education of the Homeowner, Tenant, or Building Manager?
Signs on easels in the leasing center describing the sustainable features in each apartment
A one-hour walk-through with the building manager explaining function, operation, and maintenance of equipment
A weekly meeting with tenants to raise any issues with building performance
Placards immediately adjacent to common area equipment promoting energy and water efficiency of the project
The Answer Is:
BExplanation:
The question references an "Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite" for education, which appears to be a misnomer, as theLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)includes this requirement under theInnovation (IN) Prerequisite: Education of the Homeowner, Tenant, or Building Manager. This prerequisite ensures occupants or managers are educated on sustainable features.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
IN Prerequisite: Education of the Homeowner, Tenant, or Building Manager
For multi-family buildings, provide a minimum one-hour walk-through with the building manager (or tenants) to explain the function, operation, and maintenance of equipment and systems, such as HVAC, water heating, and other sustainable features.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Innovation Prerequisite: Education of the Homeowner, Tenant, or Building Manager, p. 188.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
IN Prerequisite: Education of the Homeowner or Tenant
In multi-family projects, a one-hour walk-through with the building manager is required to educate on the operation and maintenance of green systems, ensuring effective use of sustainable features.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer isa one-hour walk-through with the building manager explaining function, operation, and maintenance of equipment(Option B), as this meets the prerequisite’s requirement for multi-family buildings.
Why not the other options?
To receive maximum points under Indoor Environmental Quality Credit, Enhanced Garage Pollutant Protection, which single strategy should be used?
Installing a garage exhaust fan
Keeping HVAC systems out of garage
Using a detached garage
Providing a tight seal between garage and conditioned space
The Answer Is:
CExplanation:
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)includes theIndoor Environmental Quality (EQ) Credit: Enhanced Garage Pollutant Protection, which aims to prevent garage pollutants (e.g., vehicle exhaust, chemicals) from entering conditioned living spaces.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
EQ Credit: Enhanced Garage Pollutant Protection (1–2 points)
To achieve the maximum points (2 points), use a detached garage, as it physically separates the garage from conditioned spaces, eliminating the risk of pollutant transfer. Other strategies, such as sealing the garage-conditioned space interface or installing exhaust fans, earn fewer points.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Indoor Environmental Quality Credit: Enhanced Garage Pollutant Protection, p. 149.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
EQ Credit: Enhanced Garage Pollutant Protection
A detached garage is the most effective strategy, earning the maximum 2 points by preventing any pollutant transfer from the garage to the home’s conditioned spaces.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer isusing a detached garage(Option C), as it achieves the maximum points by eliminating the risk of pollutant infiltration.
Why not the other options?
