TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)awards points for theMaterials and Resources (MR) Credit:
Environmentally Preferable Productswhen materials meet sustainable criteria, such as being reclaimed, recycled, or FSC-certified. The scenario specifies that 50% of the exterior is clad with salvaged (reclaimed) brick, and the remaining 50% is wood.
According to theLEED 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% (1 point), 50% (2 points), or 90% (3-4 points) by cost of the total materials:
* Reused or salvaged materials: Materials reclaimed from the same or another project, such as salvaged brick.
* FSC-certified wood: Wood products certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.To earn 1 point, at least 25% of the total material cost must meet one or more criteria, with products like salvaged brick qualifying as reclaimed.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
Reclaimed materials, such as salvaged brick, contribute to the percentage of environmentally preferable products based on their cost. A minimum of 25% by cost is required for 1 point.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
In this scenario, 50% of the exterior cladding is salvaged brick, which qualifies as reclaimed material. Sinceat least half of the siding is reclaimed(Option C), this meets the 25% threshold for 1 point, assuming the material cost proportion aligns. The wood portion does not need to be FSC-certified or reclaimed unless additional points are targeted.
Why not the other options?
Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, MR Credit: Environmentally Preferable Products, p. 160.
B). Cladding combinations cannot earn points: This is incorrect; combinations of reclaimed, FSC-certified, or other qualifying materials can earn points based on total material cost.Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, MR Credit: Environmentally Preferable Products, p. 161.
D). At least half of the wood siding is both reclaimed and local: The wood does not need to be reclaimed or local; the salvaged brick (50% of siding) already qualifies for the credit. Local production is a separate option (Option 1).Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, MR Credit:
Environmentally Preferable Products, p. 160.
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 reclaimed materials.
References:
LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, USGBC, Materials and Resources Credit: Environmentally Preferable Products, p. 160-161.
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.

TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)requires a walk-through as part of theInnovation (IN) Prerequisite: Education of the Homeowner, Tenant, or Building Managerto educate occupants on the operation and maintenance of sustainable systems.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
IN Prerequisite: Education of the Homeowner, Tenant, or Building Manager Conduct a minimum two-hour walk-through with the homeowner, including:
* Identification of all installed equipment (e.g., HVAC, water heating systems).
* Instruction on how to use and operate the equipment and green measures.
* Information on how to maintain the equipment to ensure ongoing performance.Information on product return policies or rebates is not required.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
The walk-through must cover equipment identification, operation, and maintenance instructions, but does not include product return policies or rebates.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer isinformation related to product return policies and rebates(Option D), as this is not a required component of the walk-through.
Why not the other options?
* A. Identification of all installed equipment: This is required to familiarize occupants with sustainable systems.
* B. Instruction in how to use the measures and operate the equipment: This is required to ensure proper operation.
Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, IN Prerequisite: Education of the Homeowner, Tenant, or Building Manager, p. 188.
TheLEED AP Homes Candidate Handbookemphasizes IN prerequisites, including walk-through requirements, and references theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Constructionas a key resource. The exam is based onLEED v4, ensuring the relevance of walk-through content.
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 walk-through requirements.

TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)encourages the use of native plants in theSustainable Sites (SS) Credit: Site Development - Protect or Restore HabitatandWater Efficiency (WE) Credit: Outdoor Water Useto enhance environmental benefits, including support for local ecosystems.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
SS Credit: Site Development - Protect or Restore Habitat (1-2 points)
Using native plants in place of conventional turf grass increases native wildlife habitat by providing food, shelter, and breeding areas for local species, supporting biodiversity.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Sustainable Sites Credit: Site Development - Protect or Restore Habitat, p. 74.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
SS Credit: Site Development - Protect or Restore Habitat
Native plants enhance native wildlife habitat by creating ecosystems that support local fauna, unlike turf grass, which offers minimal ecological value.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer isnative wildlife habitat(Option B), as native plants are adapted to local conditions and support indigenous species, unlike turf grass.
Why not the other options?
Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, WE Credit: Outdoor Water Use, p. 98.
C). Irrigation demand: Native plants reduce irrigation needs compared to turf grass, which requires more water.Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, WE Credit: Outdoor Water Use, p. 98.
D). Pesticide demand: Native plants are more resistant to local pests, reducing pesticide use compared to turf grass.Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, SS Credit: Nontoxic Pest Control, p. 82.
TheLEED AP Homes Candidate Handbookemphasizes SS credits, including habitat restoration, and references theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Constructionas a key resource. The exam is based onLEED v4, ensuring the relevance of native plants for wildlife.
References:
LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, USGBC, Sustainable Sites Credit: Site Development - Protect or Restore Habitat, p. 74.
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 wildlife habitat benefits.

TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)includes theIndoor Environmental Quality (EQ) Credit:
Contaminant Control, Option 2: Shoe Removal and Storage, which aims to reduce indoor contaminants by providing a designated area for shoe removal and storage to prevent tracking pollutants into living spaces.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
EQ Credit: Contaminant Control, Option 2: Shoe Removal and Storage (1-2 points) Provide a designated shoe removal and storage area near the primary entryway, separated from living spaces by a door or other barrier to prevent contaminants from entering the home. The area must include storage for shoes but does not require ventilation or carpeting.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Indoor Environmental Quality Credit: Contaminant Control, p. 148.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
EQ Credit: Contaminant Control, Option 2: Shoe Removal and Storage
The shoe storage area must be separated from living spaces to prevent the spread of contaminants, typically with a door or partition, and does not require specific ventilation or carpeting.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer isarea must be separated from the living space(Option A), as this is a key requirement to ensure contaminants are contained outside living areas.
Why not the other options?
Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, EQ Credit: Contaminant Control, p. 148.
C). Area must be ventilated to the outdoors: Ventilation is not required for the shoe storage area; separation is sufficient.Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, EQ Credit:
Contaminant Control, p. 148.
D). Area must be carpeted: Carpeting is not required and may trap contaminants, contradicting the credit's intent.Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, EQ Credit: Contaminant Control, p. 148.
TheLEED AP Homes Candidate Handbookemphasizes EQ credits, including contaminant control, and references theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Constructionas a key resource. The exam is based onLEED v4, ensuring the relevance of shoe storage separation.
References:
LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, USGBC, Indoor Environmental Quality Credit: Contaminant Control, p. 148.
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 contaminant control requirements.

TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)emphasizes site evaluation for credits likeLocation 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 theLEED 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.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating 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 isevaluate the site for any past development activity(Option B), as this directly supports achievingLT Credit: Site Selectionby confirming eligibility for infill development or other site-related credits.
Why not the other options?
Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, LT Credit: Community Resources and Services, p. 56.
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.Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, LT Credit: Site Selection, p. 54.
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.Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, LT Credit: Site Selection, p. 54.
TheLEED AP Homes Candidate Handbookemphasizes the role of the LEED AP in site evaluation for LT credits and references theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Constructionas a key resource.
The exam is based onLEED 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.