Introduction to LEED Homes
Access the candidate handbook for exam policies and procedures.
Exam ReferencesThe key to earning a LEED AP with Specialty credential is a thorough understanding of green building, the LEED Rating System and the ability to facilitate the certification process. The exam is based on the following text specifications and references.
Exam ReferencesThe key to earning a LEED AP with Specialty credential is a thorough understanding of green building, the LEED Rating System and the ability to facilitate the certification process. The exam is based on the following text specifications and references.
- Specifications for the LEED AP Homes Exam (located in the candidate handbook)
- Homes Reference Guide
- LEED for Homes Rating System
- Summary of Changes to LEED for Homes for Mid-Rise Buildings
- LEED for Neighborhood Development Pilot Rating System: Neighborhood Pattern and Design
- Energy Star Qualified Homes Thermal Bypass Inspection Checklist
- Introduction to Indoor Air Quality: About Carbon Monoxide Detectors
LEED for Homes is a green initiative to push homes towards a sustainable direction, aiming to transform the homebuilding industry by targeting the top 25% of new homes, becoming a popular effort to define sustainable design, construction, operation and maintenance. Is this process worth all the fees and regulations?
Decide for yourself, as, in a series of follow-up articles, I will run through the LEED for Homes Rating System, explain the key players in the system and the steps to certification, and analyze whether a home can meet or exceed the standards of a ‘LEED Home’ without the formal certification.
Decide for yourself, as, in a series of follow-up articles, I will run through the LEED for Homes Rating System, explain the key players in the system and the steps to certification, and analyze whether a home can meet or exceed the standards of a ‘LEED Home’ without the formal certification.
Let’s grasp an overall and brief understanding of the rating system. Eight categories measure the performance of homes.
A. Innovation & Design Process- achieving exemplary performance or achieving new ‘techniques’ of sustainability that are not currently addressed in the rating system.
B. Location & Linkage- The social and environmental connection of a home to its community achieved through site selection and placement.
C. Sustainable Sites- the means by which the site is used in order to minimize the home’s impact upon the site.
D. Water Efficiency- means of conserving and using water in resourceful ways.
E. Energy& Atmosphere- energy efficiency of the home through a minimum energy performance level, commissioning and verification procedures, and environmentally friendly systems.
F. Materials & Resources- waste management, use of eco-friendly materials, and efficient use of materials by prioritizing minimal impact.
G. Indoor Environmental Quality- enhancing interior environment through air quality, pollutant reduction, low-emitting materials, and providing sufficient day lighting, views, and thermal comfort.
H. Awareness & Education- education of a homeowner, tenant, or building manager about the operation and maintenance of the LEED features of a home.
Now how does the rating system work? Within each of the eight categories, there are 18 prerequisites that must be met, and optional credits. Credits, which serve as subcategories, are optional and help a project achieve more points. Earning higher points will allow one home to earn a greater LEED certification level.
There are four certification levels, and a total of 136 points a LEED home can gain.
An addendum to the rating system includes the Home Size Adjustment tool, which adjusts the number of points in each category depending upon the home size. Obviously, some homes are larger than others which may prove to be an advantage or disadvantage. The Home Size Adjustment tool factors in this disparity.
Participating in the LEED for Homes Rating System entails five basic steps:
1. Contact a LEED for Homes Provider. A LEED for Homes Provider is a regional or local organization that provides LEED verification services to those interested in registering and achieving the certification.
2. Identify a project team. The project team will design and construct the home, as well as guide the home’s green goals, working with the LEED for Homes Provider team.
3. Build the home. The home must be built to LEED measures, which may include specific installation measures, and on-site performance inspections and tests.
4. Certify the home. LEED documentation must be properly completed and submitted, and the LEED for Homes Provider must also provide his/her approval.
5. Market the home. Using proper marketing and branding rules, the home can now be marketed as LEED certified homes.LEED for Homes is currently available in select regions.
A. Innovation & Design Process- achieving exemplary performance or achieving new ‘techniques’ of sustainability that are not currently addressed in the rating system.
B. Location & Linkage- The social and environmental connection of a home to its community achieved through site selection and placement.
C. Sustainable Sites- the means by which the site is used in order to minimize the home’s impact upon the site.
D. Water Efficiency- means of conserving and using water in resourceful ways.
E. Energy& Atmosphere- energy efficiency of the home through a minimum energy performance level, commissioning and verification procedures, and environmentally friendly systems.
F. Materials & Resources- waste management, use of eco-friendly materials, and efficient use of materials by prioritizing minimal impact.
G. Indoor Environmental Quality- enhancing interior environment through air quality, pollutant reduction, low-emitting materials, and providing sufficient day lighting, views, and thermal comfort.
H. Awareness & Education- education of a homeowner, tenant, or building manager about the operation and maintenance of the LEED features of a home.
Now how does the rating system work? Within each of the eight categories, there are 18 prerequisites that must be met, and optional credits. Credits, which serve as subcategories, are optional and help a project achieve more points. Earning higher points will allow one home to earn a greater LEED certification level.
There are four certification levels, and a total of 136 points a LEED home can gain.
- Certified: 45-59 points
- Silver: 60-74 points
- Gold: 75-89 points
- Platinum: 90-136
An addendum to the rating system includes the Home Size Adjustment tool, which adjusts the number of points in each category depending upon the home size. Obviously, some homes are larger than others which may prove to be an advantage or disadvantage. The Home Size Adjustment tool factors in this disparity.
Participating in the LEED for Homes Rating System entails five basic steps:
1. Contact a LEED for Homes Provider. A LEED for Homes Provider is a regional or local organization that provides LEED verification services to those interested in registering and achieving the certification.
2. Identify a project team. The project team will design and construct the home, as well as guide the home’s green goals, working with the LEED for Homes Provider team.
3. Build the home. The home must be built to LEED measures, which may include specific installation measures, and on-site performance inspections and tests.
4. Certify the home. LEED documentation must be properly completed and submitted, and the LEED for Homes Provider must also provide his/her approval.
5. Market the home. Using proper marketing and branding rules, the home can now be marketed as LEED certified homes.LEED for Homes is currently available in select regions.
Sample Questions
These sample questions were discarded during the exam creation process, and they are provided to allow you to better familiarize yourself with the format and general content of items on the exam. The ability to answer these questions does not predict or guarantee your ability to successfully answer questions on the actual exam. Correct answers are marked with an asterisk*.
- In order to determine if a site is suitable for a LEED for Homes project, the project team should evaluate the status of endangered species on the site by:
A. Consulting local forestry officials.
B. Searching the NatureServe Website.
C. Reviewing the Endangered Species Act.
D. Checking federal and state endangered species lists.* - Which three approaches should be used to reduce surface water runoff? (Choose three.)
A. Graywater system
B. Permeable surfaces*
C. Permanent erosion controls*
D. Rainwater harvesting system*
E. Roof runoff diverted to storm sewer system
F. High-efficiency landscape water system
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