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Pass the USGBC Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) LEED-AP-Homes Questions and answers with ExamsMirror
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Envelope leakage is minimized by:
Options:
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?
The first consideration in solar home design is to:
Options:
Select windows
Size solar shading
Incorporate thermal mass
Orient the building
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?
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
Options:
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
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.
What is the purpose of Regional Priority Credits under the LEED for Homes v4 Rating System?
Options:
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?
Of the following recommended strategies, which will receive credit under Sustainable Sites: Nontoxic Pest Control?
Options:
Seal all external cracks, joints, penetrations, edges, and entry points with caulking
Install plantings and landscaping elements that repel pests and encourage biodiversity
Use a sealed-to-the-wall vapor barrier for homes with crawl spaces on the floor or beneath a concrete slab
Design and install plastic barrier systems around pipes and electrical conduit extending through slab foundations
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)includes theSustainable Sites (SS) Credit: Nontoxic Pest Control, which awards points for strategies that prevent pest entry without relying on toxic chemicals.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
SS Credit: Nontoxic Pest Control (1 point)
Implement physical barriers to prevent pest entry, such as sealing all external cracks, joints, penetrations, edges, and entry points with caulking or other durable materials to reduce the need for chemical pest control.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Sustainable Sites Credit: Nontoxic Pest Control, p. 82.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
SS Credit: Nontoxic Pest Control
Sealing external cracks, joints, and penetrations with caulking is a primary strategy to earn points by preventing pest access in a nontoxic manner.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer isseal all external cracks, joints, penetrations, edges, and entry points with caulking(Option A), as this is a direct, physical pest control strategy recognized by the credit.
Why not the other options?
Which of the following products could earn one point for being reclaimed under the Materials and Resources Credit, Environmentally Preferable Products?
Options:
Stained glass window
Downspouts and gutters
Steel garage doors with opener
Brick for the home’s exterior cladding
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)awards points for theMaterials and Resources (MR) Credit: Environmentally Preferable Productswhen products are reclaimed (reused or salvaged from another project), contributing to the required percentage of material cost (e.g., 25% for 1 point).
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% (by cost) of the total materials to earn 1 point. Reclaimed products include salvaged architectural elements like stained glass windows, which 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 stained glass windows, 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 isstained glass window(Option A), as it is a salvaged architectural element commonly reused in its original form, qualifying as a reclaimed material under the credit.
Why not the other options?
Which of the following could be done to receive credit under Sustainable Sites Credit, Nontoxic Pest Control?
Options:
Treat all material with a borate product
Install landscaping within 24 in. (0.6 m) of home
Use treated wood for all wood-to-concrete connections
Treat all wood framing with a borate product to a minimum of 3 ft. (0.9 m) below foundation
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)includes theSustainable Sites (SS) Credit: Nontoxic Pest Control, which awards points for physical or nontoxic strategies to prevent pest entry, such as termites, without relying on chemical treatments unless specifically allowed.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
SS Credit: Nontoxic Pest Control (1 point)
Use treated wood (e.g., pressure-treated or borate-treated) for all wood-to-concrete connections to prevent termite damage in a way that minimizes environmental impact compared to broad chemical treatments. This is considered a nontoxic or low-toxicity strategy for pest control.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Sustainable Sites Credit: Nontoxic Pest Control, p. 82.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
SS Credit: Nontoxic Pest Control
Using treated wood for wood-to-concrete connections is an acceptable strategy to earn points by preventing pest access while minimizing chemical use.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via LEED Online.
The correct answer isuse treated wood for all wood-to-concrete connections(Option C), as this is a recognized nontoxic pest control strategy for the credit.
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:
Options:
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%
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?
Sustainable Sites Prerequisite, No Invasive Plants requires that all site vegetation:
Options:
Be native to the project’s region
Be drought tolerant
Be listed by USDA Cooperative Extension Service or equivalent
Provide shading to 25% of hardscapes
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)includes theSustainable Sites (SS) Prerequisite: No Invasive Plants, which ensures that landscaping does not introduce invasive species that could harm local ecosystems.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
SS Prerequisite: No Invasive Plants
All site vegetation must be non-invasive, as verified by the USDA Cooperative Extension Service or an equivalent authority (e.g., local native plant societies or university extension programs). Invasive species are those that are non-native and likely to cause environmental harm.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Sustainable Sites Prerequisite: No Invasive Plants, p. 72.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
SS Prerequisite: No Invasive Plants
All plants must be verified as non-invasive by the USDA Cooperative Extension Service or equivalent to ensure they do not disrupt local ecosystems.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer isbe listed by USDA Cooperative Extension Service or equivalent(Option C), as this ensures that all site vegetation is non-invasive, meeting the prerequisite.
Why not the other options?
Which of the following is used to properly size space heating and cooling systems in accordance with LEED for Homes criteria?
Options:
ASHRAE 62.2
ACCA Manual J
SMACNA Publication 69.2
DOE 2006 HVAC Sizing Guide
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)requires proper sizing of space heating and cooling systems to ensure energy efficiency, addressed in theEnergy and Atmosphere (EA) Prerequisite: Minimum Energy Performanceand related credits.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
EA Prerequisite: Minimum Energy Performance
Size heating and cooling systems in accordance with ACCA Manual J (Residential Load Calculation). This ensures that HVAC systems are appropriately sized for the home’s thermal loads, improving energy efficiency and occupant comfort.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite: Minimum Energy Performance, p. 112.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
EA Prerequisite: Energy Performance
Use ACCA Manual J to calculate heating and cooling loads and properly size HVAC equipment to meet LEED requirements.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
TheACCA Manual J(Option B) is the standard method for sizing residential heating and cooling systems, ensuring they match the home’s thermal requirements.
Why not the other options?
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