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?
Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, MR Credit: Environmentally Preferable Products, p. 160.
C). Laminate kitchen countertop: Laminate is typically not reclaimed due to its composite nature and difficulty in salvaging intact; it is more likely recycled or new.Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, MR Credit: Environmentally Preferable Products, p. 160.
D). Ten matching wall sconce light fixtures: Light fixtures are less commonly reclaimed unless specified as salvaged vintage items; they are typically new or refurbished, not qualifying as reclaimed.Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, MR Credit: Environmentally Preferable Products, p. 160.
TheLEED AP Homes Candidate Handbookemphasizes MR credits, including reclaimed materials, and references theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Constructionas a key resource. The exam is based onLEED v4, ensuring the relevance of reclaimed products like vintage fixtures.
References:
LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, USGBC, Materials and Resources Credit: Environmentally Preferable Products, p. 160.
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 reclaimed material criteria.

TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)includes theWater Efficiency (WE) Credit: Outdoor Water Use
, which aims to reduce irrigation water consumption through strategies like native plant selection and efficient irrigation systems.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
WE Credit: Outdoor Water Use (1-4 points)
The intent is to reduce outdoor water consumption for irrigation, thereby minimizing the environmental impact of water use and indirectly supporting other sustainability goals, such as reducing energy use associated with water delivery. While not directly targeting the heat island effect, efficient irrigation can contribute to cooler landscapes by supporting vegetation, unlike theSustainable Sites Credit: Heat Island Reduction, which directly addresses heat island mitigation.
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 primary intent is to minimize outdoor water use for irrigation, which can also support vegetated surfaces that mitigate the heat island effect, though this is a secondary benefit.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer isheat island effect(Option C), as reducing outdoor water use supports vegetated landscapes that help mitigate heat island effects, aligning with the credit's broader environmental goals. Note that the primary intent is water reduction, but among the options, heat island effect is the most relevant secondary benefit.
Why not the other options?
Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, SS Credit: Nontoxic Pest Control, p. 82.
B). Building footprint: This is relevant toLT Credit: Compact Development, not outdoor water use.
Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, LT Credit: Compact Development, p. 57.
D). Wildlife habitat: Native plants support habitat (SS Credit: Site Development), but this is not the intent of WE Outdoor Water Use.Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, SS Credit: Site Development - Protect or Restore Habitat, p. 74.
TheLEED AP Homes Candidate Handbookemphasizes WE credits, including outdoor 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 water reduction goals.
References:
LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, USGBC, Water Efficiency Credit:
Outdoor Water Use, p. 98.
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 outdoor water use intent.

TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)awards points for theMaterials and Resources (MR) Credit:
Environmentally Preferable Productswhen materials meet sustainable criteria, such as being reclaimed, recycled, or FSC-certified. The scenario specifies that 50% of the exterior is clad with salvaged (reclaimed) brick, and the remaining 50% is wood.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
MR Credit: Environmentally Preferable Products (1-4 points)
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:
* Reused or salvaged materials: Materials reclaimed from the same or another project, such as salvaged brick.
* FSC-certified wood: Wood products certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.To earn 1 point, at least 25% of the total material cost must meet one or more criteria, with products like salvaged brick qualifying as reclaimed.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
Reclaimed materials, such as salvaged brick, contribute to the percentage of environmentally preferable products based on their cost. A minimum of 25% by cost is required for 1 point.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
In this scenario, 50% of the exterior cladding is salvaged brick, which qualifies as reclaimed material. Sinceat least half of the siding is reclaimed(Option C), this meets the 25% threshold for 1 point, assuming the material cost proportion aligns. The wood portion does not need to be FSC-certified or reclaimed unless additional points are targeted.
Why not the other options?
Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, MR Credit: Environmentally Preferable Products, p. 160.
B). Cladding combinations cannot earn points: This is incorrect; combinations of reclaimed, FSC-certified, or other qualifying materials can earn points based on total material cost.Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, MR Credit: Environmentally Preferable Products, p. 161.
D). At least half of the wood siding is both reclaimed and local: The wood does not need to be reclaimed or local; the salvaged brick (50% of siding) already qualifies for the credit. Local production is a separate option (Option 1).Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, MR Credit:
Environmentally Preferable Products, p. 160.
TheLEED AP Homes Candidate Handbookemphasizes MR credits, including Environmentally Preferable Products, and references theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Constructionas a key resource.
The exam is based onLEED v4, ensuring the relevance of reclaimed materials.
References:
LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, USGBC, Materials and Resources Credit: Environmentally Preferable Products, p. 160-161.
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 reclaimed material criteria.

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?
Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, WE Credit: Outdoor Water Use, p. 99 (discusses implementation, not calculation factors).
C). Soil slope, "no-disturbance" zones, and runoff velocity: These relate toSustainable Sitescredits (e.g., Rainwater Management) for managing runoff, not calculating landscape water needs.Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Sustainable Sites Credit: Rainwater Management, p. 76.
D). Soil pH, soil compaction, and impervious surfaces: While soil conditions affect plant health, they are secondary to vegetation, microclimate, and irrigation for water requirement calculations. Impervious surfaces are relevant to heat island or runoff credits.Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, WE Credit: Outdoor Water Use, p. 98.
TheLEED AP Homes Candidate Handbookemphasizes WE credits, including outdoor 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 these factors.
References:
LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, USGBC, Water Efficiency Credit:
Outdoor Water Use, p. 98-99.
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 landscape water factors.

TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)addresses window performance in theEnergy and Atmosphere (EA) Credit: Windows, where a lower U-factor (thermal transmittance) improves energy efficiency by reducing heat loss or gain.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
EA Credit: Windows (1-3 points)
Use windows with a lower U-factor to reduce energy use by minimizing heat transfer through the glazing, improving the home's thermal performance and reducing heating and cooling loads.
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
A lower window U-factor reduces energy use by decreasing heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer, contributing to overall energy efficiency.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer isreduced energy use(Option B), as a lower U-factor directly improves the home's energy performance by reducing thermal transfer.
Why not the other options?
Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, EA Credit: Windows, p. 122.
C). Increased daylighting: Daylighting is influenced by visible light transmission, not U-factor.Reference:
LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, EA Credit: Windows, p. 122.
D). Reduced maintenance: U-factor does not impact maintenance requirements.Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, EA Credit: Windows, p. 122.
TheLEED AP Homes Candidate Handbookemphasizes EA credits, including window performance, and references theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Constructionas a key resource. The exam is based onLEED v4, ensuring the relevance of U-factor benefits.
References:
LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, USGBC, Energy and Atmosphere Credit: Windows, p. 122.
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 U-factor benefits.