TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)incorporates aHome Size Adjustmentthat adjusts the point threshold for certification based on the home's conditioned floor area and number of bedrooms, recognizing that smaller homes inherently use fewer resources and energy.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
Home Size Adjustment
Smaller homes require fewer points to achieve certification due to their lower energy and resource use, particularly in theEnergy and Atmosphere (EA)category. The adjustment rewards smaller homes for their reduced energy consumption, as reflected in credits likeEA Credit: Annual Energy Use, where smaller homes typically achieve lower HERS Index scores due to lower energy demand.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Introduction, p. 24; Energy and Atmosphere Credit: Annual Energy Use, p. 116.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
Home Size Adjustment
Smaller homes benefit from a lower point threshold for certification, reflecting their inherently lower energy use, which aligns withEA Credit: Annual Energy Useby requiring less energy to achieve efficiency targets.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via LEED Online.
The correct answer issmaller homes are awarded credit in the Energy and Atmosphere category because they use less energy(Option D), as smaller homes have lower energy demands, making it easier to achieve energy efficiency credits.
Why not the other options?
Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, WE Credit: Indoor Water Use, p.
96.
B). Smaller homes are awarded credit in the Materials and Resources category because they use fewer materials: While smaller homes use fewer materials, no specific MR credit rewards this; the Home Size Adjustment affects overall points, not MR credits.Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, MR Credit: Environmentally Preferable Products, p. 160.
C). Larger homes are awarded credit in the Energy and Atmosphere category because they save more energy: Larger homes require more points due to higher energy use, not an advantage in EA credits.
Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Introduction, p. 24.
TheLEED AP Homes Candidate Handbookemphasizes the Home Size Adjustment and EA credits, and references theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Constructionas a key resource. The exam is based onLEED v4, ensuring the relevance of energy efficiency for smaller homes.
References:
LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, USGBC, Introduction, p. 24; Energy and Atmosphere Credit: Annual Energy Use, p. 116.
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 home size adjustment effects.

TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)awards points for theMaterials and Resources (MR) Credit:
Environmentally Preferable Productswhen materials are reclaimed (reused or salvaged from another project), contributing to the required percentage of material cost.
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%, 50%, or 90% (by cost) of the total materials. Reclaimed materials include items like vintage fixtures (e.g., bathtubs) that 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 fixtures like a vintage clawfoot bathtub, 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 isvintage clawfoot bathtub(Option A), as it is a salvaged fixture reused in its original form, qualifying as a reclaimed material under the credit.
Why not the other options?
Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, MR Credit: Environmentally Preferable Products, p. 160.
C). Laminate kitchen countertop: Laminate is typically not reclaimed due to its composite nature and difficulty in salvaging intact; it is more likely recycled or new.Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, MR Credit: Environmentally Preferable Products, p. 160.
D). Ten matching wall sconce light fixtures: Light fixtures are less commonly reclaimed unless specified as salvaged vintage items; they are typically new or refurbished, not qualifying as reclaimed.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 reclaimed materials, and references theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Constructionas a key resource. The exam is based onLEED v4, ensuring the relevance of reclaimed products like vintage fixtures.
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.

TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)includes theEnergy and Atmosphere (EA) Credit: Efficient Hot Water Distribution System, Option 3: Pipe Insulation, which awards points for insulating hot water pipes to reduce heat loss and improve energy efficiency.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
EA Credit: Efficient Hot Water Distribution System, Option 3: Pipe Insulation (1 point) Insulate all hot water piping with a minimum insulation value of R-4 to reduce heat loss and improve the efficiency of the hot water distribution system.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Energy and Atmosphere Credit:
Efficient Hot Water Distribution System, p. 133.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
EA Credit: Efficient Hot Water Distribution System, Option 3: Pipe Insulation Hot water pipes must be insulated to at least R-4 to qualify for the credit, minimizing energy losses during water distribution.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer isR-4(Option C), as this is the minimum insulation value required for hot water piping to earn the credit.
Why not the other options?
* A. R-2: This is below the required insulation value for the credit.
* B. R-3: This is also below the required R-4 value.
Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, EA Credit: Efficient Hot Water Distribution System, p. 133.
TheLEED AP Homes Candidate Handbookemphasizes EA credits, including hot water distribution efficiency, and references theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Constructionas a key resource. The exam is based onLEED v4, ensuring the relevance of the R-4 requirement.
References:
LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, USGBC, Energy and Atmosphere Credit: Efficient Hot Water Distribution System, p. 133.
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 pipe insulation requirements.

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?
Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, SS Credit: Nontoxic Pest Control, p. 82.
B). Install landscaping within 24 in. (0.6 m) of home: This may increase pest access, contradicting the credit' s intent.Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, SS Credit: Nontoxic Pest Control, p. 82.
D). Treat all wood framing with a borate product to a minimum of 3 ft. (0.9 m) below foundation: This is not a standard strategy and may involve excessive chemical use, not aligning with nontoxic goals.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 nontoxic pest control, and references theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Constructionas a key resource. The exam is based onLEED v4, ensuring the relevance of treated wood strategies.
References:
LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, USGBC, Sustainable Sites Credit:
Nontoxic Pest Control, p. 82.
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 pest control strategies.

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?
Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, EA Credit: Windows, p. 122.
B). Size solar shading: Shading is designed after orientation to manage solar gain.Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, EA Credit: Optimize Energy Performance, p. 118.
C). Incorporate thermal mass: Thermal mass is a secondary strategy to store heat after orientation is optimized.Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, EA Credit: Optimize Energy Performance, p. 118.
TheLEED AP Homes Candidate Handbookemphasizes EA credits, including solar design, and references theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Constructionas a key resource. The exam is based on LEED v4, ensuring the relevance of building orientation.
References:
LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, USGBC, Energy and Atmosphere Credit: Optimize Energy Performance, p. 118.
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 solar design priorities.