Which of the following could be done to receive credit under Sustainable Sites Credit, Nontoxic Pest Control?
Treat all material with a borate product
Install landscaping within 24 in. (0.6 m) of home
Use treated wood for all wood-to-concrete connections
Treat all wood framing with a borate product to a minimum of 3 ft. (0.9 m) below foundation
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?
How is credit earned under Regional Priority Credit, Regional Priority when the credit has multiple thresholds?
Points are awarded at the minimum threshold
Points are awarded at the maximum threshold
Points are awarded when the maximum threshold has been exceeded
Points are awarded at particular levels of achievement
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)includesRegional Priority (RP) Credits, which provide bonus points for achieving existing credits identified as environmentally significant for a project’s region. For credits with multiple thresholds, exemplary performance can earn additional points.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
Regional Priority Credits (1–4 points)
Regional Priority Credits are awarded for achieving designated credits that address location-specific environmental priorities. For credits with multiple thresholds (e.g., Water Efficiency Credit: Outdoor Water Use), an additional bonus point is awarded when the maximum threshold has been exceeded, demonstrating exemplary performance.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Regional Priority Credits, p. 190; Innovation Credit: Innovation, p. 190.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
Regional Priority Credits
When an RP credit has multiple thresholds, a project earns the bonus point by meeting the base credit requirements, and an additional point may be earned for exemplary performance by exceeding the maximum threshold of the underlying credit.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer ispoints are awarded when the maximum threshold has been exceeded(Option C), as RP credits with multiple thresholds award bonus points for exemplary performance beyond the highest threshold.
Why not the other options?
A. Points are awarded at the minimum threshold: RP credits require achieving the base credit, not just the minimum threshold.
B. Points are awarded at the maximum threshold: Points are awarded for exceeding the maximum threshold, not just meeting it.
Which of the following strategies contributes to achieving Sustainable Sites Credit, Rainwater Management?
Use drought-resistant vegetation in all planting areas
Direct rainwater runoff toward an appropriate permanent infiltration feature
Install a graywater collection system with filtration for irrigation and non-potable use
Provide filtration of the stormwater runoff before discharging into the city storm system
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?
The first consideration in solar home design is to:
Select windows
Size solar shading
Incorporate thermal mass
Orient the building
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?
Of the following recommended strategies, which will receive credit under Sustainable Sites: Nontoxic Pest Control?
Seal all external cracks, joints, penetrations, edges, and entry points with caulking
Install plantings and landscaping elements that repel pests and encourage biodiversity
Use a sealed-to-the-wall vapor barrier for homes with crawl spaces on the floor or beneath a concrete slab
Design and install plastic barrier systems around pipes and electrical conduit extending through slab foundations
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)includes theSustainable Sites (SS) Credit: Nontoxic Pest Control, which awards points for strategies that prevent pest entry without relying on toxic chemicals.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
SS Credit: Nontoxic Pest Control (1 point)
Implement physical barriers to prevent pest entry, such as sealing all external cracks, joints, penetrations, edges, and entry points with caulking or other durable materials to reduce the need for chemical 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
Sealing external cracks, joints, and penetrations with caulking is a primary strategy to earn points by preventing pest access in a nontoxic manner.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer isseal all external cracks, joints, penetrations, edges, and entry points with caulking(Option A), as this is a direct, physical pest control strategy recognized by the credit.
Why not the other options?
In order to take advantage of mountain views, a designer would like to include large glazing areas in a new home. Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Windows requires more stringent window performance if the:
Window-to-exterior wall area ratio is greater than 15%
Window-to-floor area ratio is greater than 15%
Window-to-exterior wall area ratio is greater than 24%
Window-to-floor area ratio is greater than 24%
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)includes theEnergy and Atmosphere (EA) Credit: Windows, which sets performance requirements for windows to balance energy efficiency with design goals, such as large glazing areas for views. Higher window-to-wall ratios require more stringent performance to mitigate heat loss or gain.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
EA Credit: Windows (1–3 points)
Meet the prescriptive window performance requirements based on the window-to-exterior wall area ratio (WWR). If the WWR exceeds 24%, more stringent U-factor and solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) values are required to ensure energy efficiency.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Energy and Atmosphere Credit: Windows, p. 122.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
EA Credit: Windows
For projects with a window-to-exterior wall area ratio greater than 24%, windows must meet enhanced performance criteria (e.g., lower U-factor and SHGC) to reduce energy losses.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer iswindow-to-exterior wall area ratio is greater than 24%(Option C), as this triggers stricter window performance requirements to maintain energy efficiency.
Why not the other options?
Sustainable Sites Prerequisite, No Invasive Plants requires that all site vegetation:
Be native to the project’s region
Be drought tolerant
Be listed by USDA Cooperative Extension Service or equivalent
Provide shading to 25% of hardscapes
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)includes theSustainable Sites (SS) Prerequisite: No Invasive Plants, which ensures that landscaping does not introduce invasive species that could harm local ecosystems.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
SS Prerequisite: No Invasive Plants
All site vegetation must be non-invasive, as verified by the USDA Cooperative Extension Service or an equivalent authority (e.g., local native plant societies or university extension programs). Invasive species are those that are non-native and likely to cause environmental harm.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Sustainable Sites Prerequisite: No Invasive Plants, p. 72.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
SS Prerequisite: No Invasive Plants
All plants must be verified as non-invasive by the USDA Cooperative Extension Service or equivalent to ensure they do not disrupt local ecosystems.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer isbe listed by USDA Cooperative Extension Service or equivalent(Option C), as this ensures that all site vegetation is non-invasive, meeting the prerequisite.
Why not the other options?
Envelope leakage is minimized by:
Installing a drainage plane.
Conducting a blower door test.
Installing a continuous air barrier.
Specifying HERS Grade II Insulation.
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 theLEED 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?
In addition to testing envelope leakage for energy impacts, a blower door test can be used in attached housing projects to evaluate:
Flow rate of local exhaust and supply fans or hoods
Quantity of moisture transfer through common wall systems
Effectiveness of non-toxic strategies designed to control pests
Potential for environmental tobacco smoke and odor contamination
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?
A home is constructed less than 1/4 mi. (0.4 km) from a bank, supermarket, fire station, daycare center, pharmacy, and school. How many points, if any, did this project earn in Location and Transportation Credit, Community Resources and Services?
Zero points
One point
Two points
Three points
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)includes theLocation and Transportation (LT) Credit: Community Resources and Services, which awards points for locating a project near essential community services to reduce transportation-related environmental impacts.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
LT Credit: Community Resources and Services (1–2 points)
Locate the project within 1/4 mile (0.4 kilometers) walking distance of at least 4 community services (e.g., bank, supermarket, fire station, daycare, pharmacy, school, etc.) for 1 point, or 8 or more services for 2 points. The services must be publicly accessible and within the specified distance.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Location and Transportation Credit: Community Resources and Services, p. 56.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
LT Credit: Community Resources and Services
Earn 1 point for proximity to at least 4 community services within 1/4 mile (0.4 km), or 2 points for 8 or more services, measured by walking distance.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The project is located within 1/4 mile (0.4 km) of six services: bank, supermarket, fire station, daycare center, pharmacy, and school. Since six services exceed the threshold of four but fall short of eight, the project earns2 points(Option C).
Why not the other options?
A. Zero points: The project meets the criteria for at least 1 point (four services), so zero points is incorrect.
B. One point: This applies to exactly four services; six services qualify for 2 points.
