TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)requires blower door testing in theEnergy and Atmosphere (EA) Credit: Air Infiltrationto measure envelope leakage, but it also has applications inIndoor Environmental Quality (EQ)credits for attached housing (e.g., multifamily or semi-detached homes) to assess air transfer between units.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
EQ Credit: Compartmentalization (1 point, multifamily)
In attached housing projects, use a blower door test to evaluate the potential for environmental tobacco smoke and odor contamination between units by measuring air leakage through common walls and ensuring effective sealing. This ensures indoor air quality by preventing unwanted air transfer.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Indoor Environmental Quality Credit: Compartmentalization, p. 152.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
EQ Credit: Compartmentalization
Blower door testing in attached housing verifies the airtightness of shared walls, reducing the potential for environmental tobacco smoke, odors, or other contaminants to transfer between units.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer ispotential for environmental tobacco smoke and odor contamination(Option D), as blower door tests in attached housing assess air leakage through common walls, which can carry smoke or odors.
Why not the other options?
[Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, EQ Credit: Enhanced Ventilation, p. 146., B. Quantity of moisture transfer through common wall systems: While air leakage can carry moisture, blower door tests focus on air, not moisture quantification.Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, EQ Credit: Compartmentalization, p. 152., C. Effectiveness of non-toxic strategies designed to control pests: Pest control strategies are addressed inEQ Credit: Contaminant Control, not evaluated via blower door tests.Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, EQ Credit: Contaminant Control, p. 148., TheLEED AP Homes Candidate Handbookemphasizes EQ credits, including compartmentalization, and references theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Constructionas a key resource. The exam is based onLEED v4, ensuring the relevance of blower door testing for smoke and odor control., References:, LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, USGBC, Indoor Environmental Quality Credit: Compartmentalization, p. 152., 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 compartmentalization testing., ]
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