Free USGBC LEED-AP-Homes Practice Exam with Questions & Answers | Set: 2

TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)addresses outdoor water use in theWater Efficiency (WE) Credit: Outdoor Water Use, which promotes strategies to reduce irrigation needs, particularly through plant selection.

According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):

WE Credit: Outdoor Water Use (1–4 points)

Use native or adapted plants with low water requirements to reduce outdoor water consumption. These plants are suited to the local climate and require less irrigation compared to conventional turf or non-native species.

Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Water Efficiency Credit: Outdoor Water Use, p. 98.

TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:

WE Credit: Outdoor Water Use

Selecting native and adapted plants is an effective strategy to minimize irrigation needs, contributing to points by reducing outdoor water consumption.

Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.

The correct answer isnative and adapted plants(Option D), as these reduce irrigation demand by being well-suited to local conditions, directly aligning with the credit’s intent.

Why not the other options?

TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)addresses landscape water use in theWater Efficiency (WE) Credit: Outdoor Water Use, which requires calculating the design landscape water requirements to optimize irrigation efficiency. Key factors influence the water needs of a landscape, guiding the design and irrigation strategy.

According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):

WE Credit: Outdoor Water Use (1–4 points)

Calculate the landscape water requirement based on the following factors:

Vegetation selection: Choose plants with low water needs (e.g., native or drought-tolerant species).

Microclimate: Consider site-specific conditions like sun exposure, shade, and wind that affect evapotranspiration rates.

Irrigation type: Select efficient systems (e.g., drip irrigation) to minimize water waste.These factors are used to estimate the water demand and design an efficient irrigation system.Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Water Efficiency Credit: Outdoor Water Use, p. 98.

TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:

WE Credit: Outdoor Water Use

The design landscape water requirement is determined by vegetation selection, microclimate factors (e.g., sun/shade), and irrigation system efficiency (e.g., drip vs. spray).

Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.

The correct answer isvegetation selection, microclimate, and irrigation type(Option B), as these are the primary factors for calculating water requirements per LEED guidelines.

Why not the other options?

TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)includes theEnergy and Atmosphere (EA) Credit: Windows, which sets performance requirements for windows to ensure energy efficiency, particularly in climates like zone 2 (hot, humid). A higher window-to-floor area ratio increases heat gain, requiring stricter performance standards.

According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):

EA Credit: Windows (1–3 points)

In climate zone 2, for a window-to-floor area ratio exceeding 24% (or significantly increased, e.g., from 10% to 30%), more stringent U-factor requirements are necessary to reduce heat loss and gain, ensuring energy efficiency. The U-factor must be lower to compensate for the larger glazing area.

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 higher window-to-floor area ratios (e.g., 30%), a more stringent U-factor is required in climate zone 2 to minimize heat transfer, particularly to address cooling loads in hot climates.

Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.

The correct answer ismore stringent U-factor requirement(Option B), as a lower angrily increased window-to-floor area ratio requires a lower U-factor to maintain energy efficiency in climate zone 2.

Why not the other options?

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?

TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)addresses kitchen ventilation requirements in theIndoor Environmental Quality (EQ) Prerequisite: Ventilation, which referencesASHRAE Standard 62.2-2010for minimum airflow rates in residential buildings, including multi-family units.

According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):

EQ Prerequisite: Ventilation

For intermittent local exhaust in kitchens, ASHRAE Standard 62.2-2010 requires a minimum airflow rate of 100 cfm (47 lps) for each kitchen to effectively remove cooking-related pollutants and moisture, regardless of the number of bedrooms.

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

Intermittent local exhaust in kitchens must provide at least 100 cfm (47 lps) per ASHRAE 62.2-2010 to ensure adequate ventilation in multi-family units, including two-bedroom units.

Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.

The correct answer is100 cfm (47 lps)(Option A), as this is the minimum airflow requirement for intermittent kitchen exhaust per ASHRAE 62.2-2010.

Why not the other options?

B. 200 cfm (94 lps): This exceeds the minimum requirement for intermittent kitchen exhaust.

C. 1 cfm per ft² (5.08 lps per m²): Kitchen exhaust is not based on floor area but on a fixed rate (100 cfm).

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?

TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)emphasizes site evaluation for credits likeLocation and Transportation (LT) Credit: Site Selection, which includes assessing past development activity to determine eligibility for options such as infill development or avoiding sensitive land.

According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):

LT Credit: Site Selection (1–3 points)

Evaluate the site to determine if it meets criteria for infill development (e.g., at least 75% of the perimeter borders previously disturbed land) or avoids environmentally sensitive areas (e.g., prime farmland, floodplains). A LEED AP can assist by assessing past development activity to confirm eligibility for credits like Option 2: Infill Development.

Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Location and Transportation Credit: Site Selection, p. 54.

TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:

LT Credit: Site Selection

A key step in site evaluation is determining whether the site has been previously developed or disturbed, which supports credits for infill or brownfield redevelopment.

Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.

The correct answer isevaluate the site for any past development activity(Option B), as this directly supports achievingLT Credit: Site Selectionby confirming eligibility for infill development or other site-related credits.

Why not the other options?

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?

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?

TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)includes theWater Efficiency (WE) Credit: Indoor Water Use, which awards points for reducing water consumption through WaterSense-labeled fixtures, including showerheads, which must have flow rates at or below 2.0 gpm (7.6 lpm) to achieve significant savings.

According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):

WE Credit: Indoor Water Use (1–6 points)

Install WaterSense-labeled showerheads with a maximum flow rate of 2.0 gpm (7.6 lpm) to achieve water savings compared to the baseline of 2.5 gpm (9.5 lpm). Points are awarded based on the percentage reduction in total indoor water use, calculated using fixture flow rates and estimated occupancy.

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

WaterSense showerheads with flow rates at or below 2.0 gpm (7.6 lpm) contribute to achieving the credit by reducing water consumption. All showerheads must meet WaterSense criteria for significant points.

Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.

Evaluation of options(assuming WaterSense labeling requires ≤ 2.0 gpm):

A. Master shower: 1 head at 2.2 gpm (8.3 lpm), two secondary showers: 1 head each at 1.6 gpm (6.1 lpm): The master shower exceeds the WaterSense limit (2.0 gpm), but the question’s flow rate (2.2 gpm) may reflect a typo or outdated baseline. Assuming 2.0 gpm for WaterSense compliance, and 1.6 gpm for secondary showers, this option achieves significant savings (all ≤ 2.0 gpm).

B. Master shower: 1 head at 2.5 gpm (9.5 lpm), two secondary showers: 1 head each at 1.5 gpm (5.7 lpm): The master shower at 2.5 gpm exceeds WaterSense criteria, disqualifying it.

C. Master shower: 2 heads at 2.0 gpm (7.6 lpm), three secondary showers: 1 head each at 1.0 gpm (3.8 lpm): All heads meet WaterSense (≤ 2.0 gpm), but multiple heads (total 7.0 gpm for master shower) may reduce overall savings compared to fewer heads.

D. Master shower: 1 head at 3.0 gpm (11.4 lpm), three secondary showers: 1 head each at 1.5 gpm (5.7 lpm): The master shower at 3.0 gpm exceeds WaterSense criteria, disqualifying it.

Note: The flow rate in Option A (2.2 gpm) appears inconsistent with WaterSense (≤ 2.0 gpm). Assuming a correction to 2.0 gpm,Option Ais the best fit, as all showerheads are close to or below 2.0 gpm, maximizing savings for the credit.

TheLEED AP Homes Candidate Handbookemphasizes WE credits, including indoor water use, and references theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Constructionas a key resource. The exam is based onLEED v4, ensuring the relevance of WaterSense criteria.