TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)integrates ENERGY STAR Homes certification as part of the Energy 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?
Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, EA Prerequisite: Minimum Energy Performance, p. 112.
B). U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC): The USGBC administers LEED but does not approve ENERGY STAR software. It references ENERGY STAR requirements in LEED credits.Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, EA Prerequisite: Minimum Energy Performance, p. 112.
C). Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): The EPA manages ENERGY STAR but delegates software accreditation to RESNET for consistency in HERS ratings.Reference: ENERGY STAR Residential New Construction Program Requirements, accessed viawww.energystar.gov.
TheLEED AP Homes Candidate Handbookemphasizes EA prerequisites and credits, including ENERGY STAR integration, and references theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Constructionas a key resource. The exam is based onLEED v4, ensuring the relevance of RESNET's role.
References:
LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, USGBC, Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite: Minimum Energy Performance, p. 112.
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).
RESNET Standards, accessed viawww.resnet.us, confirming software accreditation.

The question references an "Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite" for homeowner education, which appears to be a misnomer, as theLEED 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 are educated on the home's sustainable features and maintenance needs.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
IN Prerequisite: Education of the Homeowner, Tenant, or Building Manager Provide an operations and maintenance manual that includes product manuals for installed equipment (e.g., HVAC, water heating, renewable energy systems) to guide homeowners or tenants in proper 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.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
IN Prerequisite: Education of the Homeowner or Tenant
The operations and maintenance manual must include product manuals for all installed equipment to ensure proper use and upkeep of sustainable systems.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer isproduct manuals for installed equipment(Option C), as these are required in the operations and maintenance manual to support homeowner education.
Why not the other options?
Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, IN Prerequisite: Education of the Homeowner, Tenant, or Building Manager, p. 188.
B). A list of local services including a map: This is relevant toLT Credit: Community Resources and Services, not the homeowner education prerequisite.Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, LT Credit: Community Resources and Services, p. 56.
D). Chemical analysis of domestic water supply: Water quality analysis may be relevant for health but is not required in the operations and maintenance manual.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 homeowner education, and references theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Constructionas a key resource. The exam is based onLEED v4, ensuring the relevance of product manuals.
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 manual requirements.

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 the LEED 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?
Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Sustainable Sites Credit:
Rainwater Management, p. 76, which discusses drainage planes in the context of moisture control.
B). Conducting a blower door test: A blower door test is a diagnostic tool used tomeasureair leakage in a building, not to minimize it. It quantifies the air tightness of the envelope (in air changes per hour, ACH) but does not physically reduce leakage. It is required for verification in LEED v4 (EA Credit: Air Infiltration) but is not a solution for minimizing leakage.Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, EA Credit: Air Infiltration, p. 124.
D). Specifying HERS Grade II Insulation: HERS (Home Energy Rating System) insulation grades refer to the quality of insulation installation, with Grade II indicating moderate defects. While proper insulation reduces conductive heat loss, it does not directly address air leakage, which is managed by the air barrier system.Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, EA Credit: Insulation, p.
120, which discusses HERS insulation grades but not air leakage.
TheLEED AP Homes Candidate Handbookemphasizes the importance of understanding EA credits, including air infiltration, for the exam, referencing theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Constructionas a key study resource. The handbook confirms that the exam is based onLEED v4, ensuring the relevance of the continuous air barrier requirement.
References:
LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, USGBC, Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite: Minimum Energy Performance, p. 112, and EA Credit: Air Infiltration, p. 124.
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 air barrier requirements.

TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)includes theSustainable Sites (SS) Credit: Rainwater Management, which aims to reduce stormwater runoff and its environmental impacts through on-site management strategies.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
SS Credit: Rainwater Management (1-3 points)
Manage stormwater runoff through strategies such as directing runoff to permanent infiltration features (e.g., rain gardens, permeable paving, or bioswales) to reduce the volume and rate of runoff entering storm sewers.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Sustainable Sites Credit: Rainwater Management, p. 76.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
SS Credit: Rainwater Management
Directing rainwater runoff to permanent infiltration features, such as rain gardens or infiltration trenches, contributes to credit achievement by promoting on-site retention and reducing stormwater discharge.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer isdirect rainwater runoff toward an appropriate permanent infiltration feature (Option B), as this directly reduces runoff volume, aligning with the credit's intent.
Why not the other options?
Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, WE Credit: Outdoor Water Use, p. 98.
C). Install a graywater collection system with filtration for irrigation and non-potable use: Graywater systems are addressed inWE Credit: Indoor Water UseorWE Credit: Outdoor Water Use, not stormwater management.Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, WE Credit: Indoor Water Use, p. 96.
D). Provide filtration of the stormwater runoff before discharging into the city storm system: Filtration improves water quality but does not reduce runoff volume, which is the primary goal of the Rainwater Management credit.Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, SS Credit:
Rainwater Management, p. 76.
TheLEED AP Homes Candidate Handbookemphasizes SS credits, including rainwater management, and references theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Constructionas a key resource. The exam is based onLEED v4, ensuring the relevance of infiltration strategies.
References:
LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, USGBC, Sustainable Sites Credit:
Rainwater Management, p. 76.
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 rainwater management strategies.

TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)includes theIntegrative Process (IP) Credit: Integrative Process, Option 2: Trades Training, which requires training for construction trades to ensure proper implementation of green building strategies.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
IP Credit: Integrative Process, Option 2: Trades Training (1 point)
Provide at least four hours of training for construction trades involved in the project to educate them on LEED requirements, green building strategies, and proper installation techniques for sustainable systems 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: Trades Training
A minimum of four hours of trades training is required to ensure that contractors understand and correctly implement green building measures, earning the credit.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer isfour hours(Option A), as this is the minimum duration required for trades training 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.
Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, IP Credit: Integrative Process, p.
45.
TheLEED AP Homes Candidate Handbookemphasizes IP credits, including trades training, and references theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Constructionas 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 trades training duration.