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., ]
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