LEED-AP-Homes Exam Questions & Answers
LEED AP Homes (Residential) Exam • US Green Building Council
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How could a LEED AP assist a home builder in evaluating a site for a new LEED for Homes single-family residence?
The LEED for Homes Rating System (v4) emphasizes site evaluation for credits like Location 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 the LEED 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.
The LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C rating 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 is evaluate the site for any past development activity (Option B), as this directly supports achieving LT Credit: Site Selection by confirming eligibility for infill development or other site-related credits.
Why not the other options?
A . Calculate the acreage of public parking adjacent to the proposed site: Parking acreage is not a direct requirement for LT credits; proximity to services or transit is more relevant.
C . Evaluate the potential for site pollution from adjoining properties: While pollution assessment may be relevant for brownfield sites, it is not a primary focus of LT credits for single-family homes.
D . Determine if the location is in the city limits: City limits are not a specific criterion for LT credits; proximity to services or site characteristics are prioritized.
The LEED AP Homes Candidate Handbook emphasizes the role of the LEED AP in site evaluation for LT credits and references the LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction as a key resource. The exam is based on LEED v4, ensuring the relevance of past development assessment.
References:
LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, USGBC, Location and Transportation Credit: Site Selection, p. 54.
LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, USGBC LEED Credit Library, accessed via LEED Online (https://www.usgbc.org/credits).
LEED AP Homes Candidate Handbook, GBCI, October 2024, p. 12 (references study resources and exam scope based on LEED v4).
USGBC LEED for Homes Rating System (v4), available via USGBC website (https://www.usgbc.org/resources/leed-homes-design-and-construction-v4).
LEED v4.1 for Homes, USGBC, accessed via LEED Online, confirming site evaluation criteria.
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:
The LEED for Homes Rating System (v4) awards points for the Materials and Resources (MR) Credit: Environmentally Preferable Products for 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 the LEED 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.
The LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C rating 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 term reclaimed (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?
A . Recycled: Recycled materials contain pre- or post-consumer recycled content (e.g., fly ash in concrete). Existing framing is not recycled but reused in its original form, so it does not qualify as recycled.
C . Refurbished: Refurbished materials are restored or repaired for reuse (e.g., refinished doors). Framing maintained in place is not refurbished but simply reused, so this term does not apply.
D . Restructured: This term is not used in LEED and does not describe the reuse of existing framing.
The LEED AP Homes Candidate Handbook emphasizes MR credits, including Environmentally Preferable Products, and references the LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction as a key resource. The exam is based on LEED v4, ensuring the relevance of the term ''reclaimed.''
References:
LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, USGBC, Materials and Resources Credit: Environmentally Preferable Products, p. 160.
LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, USGBC LEED Credit Library, accessed via LEED Online (https://www.usgbc.org/credits).
LEED AP Homes Candidate Handbook, GBCI, October 2024, p. 12 (references study resources and exam scope based on LEED v4).
USGBC LEED for Homes Rating System (v4), available via USGBC website (https://www.usgbc.org/resources/leed-homes-design-and-construction-v4).
LEED v4.1 for Homes, USGBC, accessed via LEED Online, confirming reclaimed material 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?
The LEED for Homes Rating System (v4) includes the Energy 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 the LEED 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.
The LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C rating 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 earns 4 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.
C . Three points: This requires 1.5 kW, which is less than the 2.0 kW equivalent of a 2000 kWh system.
The LEED AP Homes Candidate Handbook emphasizes EA credits, including renewable energy, and references the LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction as a key resource. The exam is based on LEED v4, ensuring the relevance of PV system sizing.
References:
LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, USGBC, Energy and Atmosphere Credit: Renewable Energy, p. 138.
LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, USGBC LEED Credit Library, accessed via LEED Online (https://www.usgbc.org/credits).
LEED AP Homes Candidate Handbook, GBCI, October 2024, p. 12 (references study resources and exam scope based on LEED v4).
USGBC LEED for Homes Rating System (v4), available via USGBC website (https://www.usgbc.org/resources/leed-homes-design-and-construction-v4).
LEED v4.1 for Homes, USGBC, accessed via LEED Online, confirming renewable energy points.
Which of the following written materials must be provided to a new home occupant to comply with Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite, Education of the Homeowner, Tenant or Building Manager?
The question references an 'Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite' for education, which appears to be a misnomer, as the LEED for Homes Rating System (v4) includes this requirement under the Innovation (IN) Prerequisite: Education of the Homeowner, Tenant, or Building Manager. This prerequisite ensures occupants receive materials to understand and maintain the home's sustainable features.
According to the LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
IN Prerequisite: Education of the Homeowner, Tenant, or Building Manager
Provide an operations and maintenance manual to the homeowner or tenant, including product manuals for installed equipment (e.g., HVAC, water heating systems) and information on the operation and maintenance of green features.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Innovation Prerequisite: Education of the Homeowner, Tenant, or Building Manager, p. 188.
The LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C rating system confirms:
IN Prerequisite: Education of the Homeowner or Tenant
An operations and maintenance manual must be provided to occupants, detailing the function, operation, and maintenance of sustainable systems and equipment in the home.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer is operations and maintenance manual (Option B), as this is the required written material to comply with the prerequisite.
Why not the other options?
A . ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2006: This standard applies to commercial buildings, not residential, and is not required for homeowner education.
C . 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines: These are unrelated to LEED homeowner education requirements.
D . Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for Homes guidelines: While ENERGY STAR guidelines may be relevant, they are not required written materials for this prerequisite.
The LEED AP Homes Candidate Handbook emphasizes IN prerequisites, including education requirements, and references the LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction as a key resource. The exam is based on LEED v4, ensuring the relevance of the operations and maintenance manual.
References:
LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, USGBC, Innovation Prerequisite: Education of the Homeowner, Tenant, or Building Manager, p. 188.
LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, USGBC LEED Credit Library, accessed via LEED Online (https://www.usgbc.org/credits).
LEED AP Homes Candidate Handbook, GBCI, October 2024, p. 12 (references study resources and exam scope based on LEED v4).
USGBC LEED for Homes Rating System (v4), available via USGBC website (https://www.usgbc.org/resources/leed-homes-design-and-construction-v4).
LEED v4.1 for Homes, USGBC, accessed via LEED Online, confirming education materials.
What is the minimum number of required hours the project team must meet in order to earn the Integrative Process Credit, Option 2: Design Charrette?
The LEED for Homes Rating System (v4) includes the Integrative Process (IP) Credit: Integrative Process, Option 2: Design Charrette, which requires a collaborative meeting to integrate green strategies early in the design process.
According to the LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
IP Credit: Integrative Process, Option 2: Design Charrette (1 point)
Conduct a design charrette with the project team lasting at least four hours to identify and integrate green strategies across all aspects of the building design, including energy, water, materials, and indoor environmental quality.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Integrative Process Credit: Integrative Process, p. 45.
The LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C rating system confirms:
IP Credit: Integrative Process, Option 2: Design Charrette
The project team must hold a design charrette of at least four hours to collaboratively develop sustainable design strategies.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer is four hours (Option A), as this is the minimum duration required for the design charrette to earn the credit.
Why not the other options?
B . Six hours: This exceeds the minimum requirement of four hours.
C . Eight hours: This is unnecessarily long for the credit's requirement.
D . Twelve hours: This far exceeds the minimum duration specified.
The LEED AP Homes Candidate Handbook emphasizes IP credits, including the design charrette, and references the LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction as a key resource. The exam is based on LEED v4, ensuring the relevance of the four-hour requirement.
References:
LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, USGBC, Integrative Process Credit: Integrative Process, p. 45.
LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, USGBC LEED Credit Library, accessed via LEED Online (https://www.usgbc.org/credits).
LEED AP Homes Candidate Handbook, GBCI, October 2024, p. 12 (references study resources and exam scope based on LEED v4).
USGBC LEED for Homes Rating System (v4), available via USGBC website (https://www.usgbc.org/resources/leed-homes-design-and-construction-v4).
LEED v4.1 for Homes, USGBC, accessed via LEED Online, confirming charrette duration.
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