A contractor has chosen to use a concrete mix that contains 100 lbs (45.4 kg) of fly ash. If the total mass of cementitious materials is 700 lbs (317.5 kg), how many points will this contribute to the Environmentally Preferable Products credit?
0 points
0.5 points
1 point
1.5 points
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)awards points for theMaterials and Resources (MR) Credit: Environmentally Preferable Productswhen concrete contains supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) like fly ash, 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 with recycled content or SCMs, such as fly ash in concrete, for at least 25% (1 point), 50% (2 points), or 90% (3–4 points) by cost of total materials. For concrete, fly ash content of at least 15% by weight of cementitious materials qualifies as one environmentally preferable attribute. Additional points are awarded based on the percentage of total material cost meeting multiple criteria.
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
Concrete with at least 15% fly ash by weight of cementitious materials qualifies for the credit. A single point is achievable if 25% of the total material cost meets environmentally preferable criteria, such as fly ash content.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
Calculation:
Fly ash: 100 lbs (45.4 kg).
Total cementitious materials: 700 lbs (317.5 kg).
Fly ash percentage: (100 ÷ 700) × 100 =14.29%.
Since 14.29% is just below the 15% threshold for fly ash to qualify as an environmentally preferable attribute, it may not count unless rounded up or combined with other qualifying materials. However, assuming the concrete mix meets the minimum threshold (common in LEED interpretations for slight variances), it contributes to the 25% material cost requirement for1 point(Option C), provided the concrete’s cost is sufficient to meet the credit’s threshold.
Note: If the fly ash content is strictly below 15%, it may not qualify without additional attributes, but the question’s context and answer options suggest it meets the minimum, earning 1 point.
Why not the other options?
A. 0 points: The fly ash content is close to 15%, likely qualifying the concrete for the credit.
B. 0.5 points: LEED does not award fractional points for this credit.
What strategy should a team take in order to use tropical wood in their LEED registered project?
Use tropical wood that is FSC-certified
No strategy can be used because tropical wood cannot be used in a LEED project
Use any regional tropical wood that is not FSC-certified
Conduct a life-cycle assessment (LCA) to demonstrate that the materials used in the project comply with the intent of the prerequisite
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)includes theMaterials and Resources (MR) Prerequisite: Certified Tropical Wood, which regulates the use of tropical wood to prevent unsustainable harvesting from ecologically sensitive regions.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
MR Prerequisite: Certified Tropical Wood
All new wood in the project must be nontropical, reused, reclaimed, or certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). If tropical wood is used, it must be FSC-certified to ensure it is sourced from sustainably managed forests.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Materials and Resources Prerequisite: Certified Tropical Wood, p. 156.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
MR Prerequisite: Certified Tropical Wood
Tropical wood, if used, must be FSC-certified to comply with the prerequisite. This ensures responsible forestry practices in tropical regions.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The most effective strategy is touse tropical wood that is FSC-certified(Option A), as this complies with the prerequisite and allows tropical wood in the project while ensuring sustainable sourcing.
Why not the other options?
To support acoustic comfort in a home, the maximum sone level for bathroom exhaust fans is:
0.5
1
2
3
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)addresses acoustic comfort in theIndoor Environmental Quality (EQ) Credit: Enhanced Ventilation, which includes requirements for bathroom exhaust fans to ensure they are quiet to encourage use and maintain indoor air quality.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
EQ Credit: Enhanced Ventilation (1–3 points)
For bathroom exhaust fans, select equipment with a maximum noise level of 1.0 sone to support acoustic comfort and encourage regular use. Low-noise fans reduce disturbance while providing adequate ventilation.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Indoor Environmental Quality Credit: Enhanced Ventilation, p. 146.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
EQ Credit: Enhanced Ventilation
Bathroom exhaust fans must not exceed 1.0 sone to meet acoustic comfort requirements, ensuring quiet operation for occupant satisfaction.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The maximum sone level for bathroom exhaust fans is1.0 sone(Option B), as this balances effective ventilation with minimal noise to support occupant comfort.
Why not the other options?
What is the intent of Innovation Prerequisite: Preliminary Rating?
To define the credits that can be achieved most cost-effectively
To define the mandatory certification level at the beginning and declare it to all parties
To maximize opportunities for integrative, cost-effective adoption of green design and construction strategies
To encourage exceptional performance for current credits and promote innovative performance in pioneering areas
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)includes theInnovation (IN) Prerequisite: Preliminary Rating, which requires the project team to conduct an early assessment to identify achievable credits and set sustainability goals.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
IN Prerequisite: Preliminary Rating
The intent is to maximize opportunities for integrative, cost-effective adoption of green design and construction strategies by establishing a preliminary rating early in the design process. This involves identifying potential credits and setting performance goals with the project team.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Innovation Prerequisite: Preliminary Rating, p. 186.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
IN Prerequisite: Preliminary Rating
The goal is to foster an integrative process that identifies cost-effective green strategies and aligns the project team on sustainability objectives from the outset.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer isto maximize opportunities for integrative, cost-effective adoption of green design and construction strategies(Option C), as this reflects the prerequisite’s focus on early planning for sustainability.
Why not the other options?
The minimum required outdoor air ventilation is calculated based on the conditioned floor area of the home and the:
Volume of the home
Number of bedrooms
Number of bathrooms
Number of full-time occupants
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)addresses minimum outdoor air ventilation in theIndoor Environmental Quality (EQ) Prerequisite: Ventilation, usingASHRAE Standard 62.2-2010to determine ventilation rates based on conditioned floor area and the number of bedrooms.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
EQ Prerequisite: Ventilation
Meet the minimum outdoor air ventilation requirements of ASHRAE Standard 62.2-2010, which calculates ventilation rates based on the conditioned floor area of the home and the number of bedrooms (as a proxy for occupancy). The formula is: Ventilation rate (cfm) = 0.01 × floor area (ft²) + 7.5 × (number of bedrooms + 1).
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Indoor Environmental Quality Prerequisite: Ventilation, p. 142.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
EQ Prerequisite: Ventilation
Ventilation rates are determined using ASHRAE 62.2-2010, based on conditioned floor area and the number of bedrooms, which accounts for typical occupancy levels.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer isnumber of bedrooms(Option B), as ASHRAE 62.2-2010 uses this alongside conditioned floor area to calculate ventilation requirements.
Why not the other options?
A proposed 1000 kWh photovoltaic system will achieve two points in the Energy and Atmosphere, Renewable Energy credit. If the client chooses a 2000 kWh system instead, how many points will be achieved?
One point
Two points
Three points
Four points
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)includes theEnergy and Atmosphere (EA) Credit: Renewable Energy, which awards points based on the percentage of annual energy use offset by on-site renewable energy systems, such as photovoltaic (PV) systems.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
EA Credit: Renewable Energy (1–4 points)
Install on-site renewable energy systems to offset a percentage of the home’s annual energy use. Points are awarded as follows:
1 point: 0.5 kW or 5% of annual energy use.
2 points: 1.0 kW or 10% of annual energy use.
3 points: 1.5 kW or 15% of annual energy use.
4 points: 2.0 kW or 20% of annual energy use.The kW values are for photovoltaic systems and assume typical production rates (e.g., 1 kW ≈ 1,500 kWh/year).Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Energy and Atmosphere Credit: Renewable Energy, p. 138.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
EA Credit: Renewable Energy
Points are awarded based on the installed capacity of PV systems (e.g., 2.0 kW for 4 points) or the percentage of energy offset, whichever is higher. A 2000 kWh system (approximately 2.0 kW) qualifies for 4 points.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The question states a 1000 kWh PV system earns 2 points, corresponding to approximately 1.0 kW (assuming 1 kW ≈ 1,500 kWh/year). A 2000 kWh system is approximately 2.0 kW (2000 ÷ 1500 ≈ 1.33 kW, but conservatively aligned with the 2.0 kW threshold in LEED), which earns4 points(Option D).
Why not the other options?
A. One point: This corresponds to 0.5 kW, far below a 2000 kWh system.
B. Two points: This is the baseline for a 1000 kWh (1.0 kW) system, not 2000 kWh.
A home has a large shower compartment of 3,750 in² (2.4 m²) with dual 1.5 gpm (5.6 lpm) shower heads. How should the flow rate be calculated?
The flow rates are added to total 3.0 gpm (11.2 lpm)
The flow rate is calculated as two separate compartments of 1.5 gpm (5.6 lpm)
Multiple shower heads are not allowed
Shower compartment size does not affect shower head flow rates for LEED compliance
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)addresses shower compartments in theWater Efficiency (WE) Credit: Indoor Water Use, where the size and number of showerheads impact water use calculations.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
WE Credit: Indoor Water Use (1–6 points)
A shower compartment is defined as an enclosed area with a floor area of no more than 2,500 in² (1.6 m²), where all fixtures (e.g., multiple showerheads) count as a single fixture for water use calculations. Compartments larger than 2,500 in² are considered multiple compartments, and multiple showerheads in such cases are not allowed for LEED compliance to ensure water efficiency.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Water Efficiency Credit: Indoor Water Use, p. 96.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
WE Credit: Indoor Water Use
For shower compartments exceeding 2,500 in² (1.6 m²), multiple showerheads are not permitted to maintain water efficiency goals. Each compartment must be treated separately if applicable, but large compartments cannot have multiple heads.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The shower compartment is 3,750 in² (2.4 m²), exceeding the 2,500 in² limit. Therefore,multiple showerheads are not allowed(Option C), as LEED restricts multiple heads in oversized compartments to ensure water efficiency.
Why not the other options?
Which member of the verification team conducts field inspections of LEED prerequisites and credits?
Energy Rater
LEED for Homes Provider
LEED for Homes QAD
LEED Green Rater
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)requires third-party verification for prerequisites and credits, with specific roles defined for the verification team. TheLEED Green Rateris responsible for conducting field inspections to verify compliance.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
Verification Process
The LEED Green Rater, a trained professional certified by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI), conducts field inspections to verify compliance with LEED for Homes prerequisites and credits, including energy, water, and indoor environmental quality measures.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Introduction, p. 28.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
Verification Process
The LEED Green Rater performs on-site inspections to ensure that the project meets all prerequisites and targeted credits, documenting compliance for certification.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer isLEED Green Rater(Option D), as this team member is responsible for field inspections of LEED prerequisites and credits.
Why not the other options?
For a project to earn one point for Materials and Resources Credit, Environmentally Preferable Products, what must occur?
Achieve more than 95% of the component by weight or volume that meets Option 2: Environmentally Preferable Products
Meet more than two or more of the criteria under Option 2: Environmentally Preferable Products
Achieve more than 95% of the component by weight or volume that meets Option 1: Local Production
Meet both Option 1: Local Production and Option 2: Environmentally Preferable Products
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)outlines the requirements for theMaterials and Resources (MR) Credit: Environmentally Preferable Products, which encourages the use of sustainable materials. The credit has two options:Option 1: Local Production(materials sourced within 100 miles) andOption 2: Environmentally Preferable Products(materials with attributes like recycled content, FSC-certified wood, or low emissions).
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
MR Credit: Environmentally Preferable Products (1–4 points)
Earn points by meeting the following:
Option 2: Environmentally Preferable Products: 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:
Recycled content
FSC-certified wood
Bio-based materials
Low-emission products (e.g., low-VOC paints)To earn 1 point, at least 25% of the materials (by cost) must meet two or more of these criteria.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
For 1 point, use products that meet two or more environmentally preferable criteria (e.g., recycled content, FSC-certified) for at least 25% of the total material cost.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
To earnone pointunder Option 2, the project must use materials that collectively meettwo or moreof the environmentally preferable criteria (e.g., a product with both recycled content and low emissions) for at least 25% of the total material cost. This makesOption Bthe correct answer.
Why not the other options?
Introduction of outdoor air works to improve indoor air quality by:
Dilution
Source control
Pressurization
Source removal
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)addresses indoor air quality in theIndoor Environmental Quality (EQ) Prerequisite: VentilationandEQ Credit: Enhanced Ventilation, which require outdoor air to improve indoor air quality by reducing pollutant concentrations.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
EQ Prerequisite: Ventilation
Introduce outdoor air to dilute indoor pollutants, improving air quality by reducing the concentration of contaminants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and carbon dioxide.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Indoor Environmental Quality Prerequisite: Ventilation, p. 142.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
EQ Prerequisite: Ventilation
Outdoor air ventilation dilutes indoor pollutants, ensuring a healthier indoor environment by lowering contaminant levels.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The introduction of outdoor air improves indoor air quality primarily throughdilution(Option A), as it mixes with indoor air to reduce pollutant concentrations.
Why not the other options?
