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?
Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, IN Prerequisite: Preliminary Rating, p. 186.
B). To define the mandatory certification level at the beginning and declare it to all parties: The prerequisite does not mandate a certification level; it sets goals for credits.Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, IN Prerequisite: Preliminary Rating, p. 186.
D). To encourage exceptional performance for current credits and promote innovative performance in pioneering areas: This is the intent ofIN Credit: Innovation, not the prerequisite.Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, IN Credit: Innovation, p. 190.
TheLEED AP Homes Candidate Handbookemphasizes IN prerequisites, including Preliminary Rating, and references theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Constructionas a key resource. The exam is based onLEED v4, ensuring the relevance of integrative planning.
References:
LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, USGBC, Innovation Prerequisite:
Preliminary Rating, p. 186.
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 preliminary rating intent.

TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)includes theInnovation (IN) Prerequisite: Education of the Homeowner, Tenant, or Building Manager, which ensures occupants are educated on the home's sustainable features and maintenance requirements.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
IN Prerequisite: Education of the Homeowner, Tenant, or Building Manager Provide a minimum of a two-hour walk-through of the home with the homeowner or tenant, including training on the operation and maintenance of equipment and systems, such as HVAC, water heating, and renewable energy systems.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Innovation Prerequisite: Education of the Homeowner, Tenant, or Building Manager, p. 188.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
IN Prerequisite: Education of the Homeowner or Tenant
A two-hour walk-through with equipment training is required to educate homeowners on the operation and maintenance of green features.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The prerequisite requiresa two-hour house walk-through including equipment training(Option C) to ensure homeowners understand how to operate and maintain the home's sustainable systems.
Why not the other options?
Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, IN Credit: Innovation, p. 190.
B). A map of neighborhood open spaces: This is relevant toLT Credit: Community Resources and Services, not homeowner education.Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, LT Credit: Community Resources and Services, p. 56.
D). A DVD with operations and maintenance information: While supplementary materials like DVDs are allowed, the prerequisite mandates a walk-through, not a DVD.Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, IN Prerequisite: Education of the Homeowner, Tenant, or Building Manager, p.
188.
TheLEED AP Homes Candidate Handbookemphasizes IN prerequisites, including homeowner education, and references theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Constructionas a key resource. The exam is based onLEED v4, ensuring the relevance of the walk-through requirement.
References:
LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, USGBC, Innovation Prerequisite:
Education of the Homeowner, Tenant, or Building Manager, p. 188.
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 homeowner education requirements.

TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)addresses rainwater harvesting in theSustainable Sites (SS) Credit: Rainwater Management, which aims to reduce runoff and manage stormwater on-site, particularly in areas with significant rainfall events.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
SS Credit: Rainwater Management (1-3 points)
Implement rainwater harvesting systems (e.g., rain barrels, cisterns) to capture and store rainwater, reducing runoff volume and keeping water out of storm sewers. This is particularly beneficial in areas with substantial rainfall spikes, as it mitigates flooding and reduces strain on municipal stormwater systems.
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
Rainwater harvesting reduces runoff by capturing water on-site, preventing it from entering storm sewers, which is especially effective during heavy rainfall events.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer iskeeps water out of storm sewers(Option C), as rainwater harvesting captures runoff, reducing the burden on stormwater infrastructure, particularly in areas with seasonal or substantial rainfall spikes.
Why not the other options?
Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, SS Credit: Rainwater Management, p. 76.
B). Helps to maintain required firewater levels: Firewater systems are unrelated to rainwater harvesting, which is for non-potable uses like irrigation.Reference: No mention in LEED v4 for Homes; irrelevant to rainwater management.
D). Little-to-no benefit since precipitation is seasonal: Rainwater harvesting is highly beneficial during rainfall spikes, as it captures excess water for later use, contradicting this option.Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, SS Credit: Rainwater Management, p. 76.
TheLEED AP Homes Candidate Handbookemphasizes SS credits, including rainwater management, and references theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Constructionas a key resource. The exam is based onLEED v4, ensuring the relevance of rainwater harvesting benefits.
References:
LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, USGBC, Sustainable Sites Credit:
Rainwater Management, p. 76.
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 rainwater harvesting benefits.

TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)includes theLocation and Transportation (LT) Credit:
Compact Development, which awards points for higher-density development to reduce environmental impacts and promote efficient land use.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
LT Credit: Compact Development (1-3 points)
Achieve the following dwelling unit densities (units per acre of buildable land):
* 1 point: # 7 units per acre.
* 2 points: # 12 units per acre.
* 3 points: # 20 units per acre.Calculate density by dividing the number of dwelling units by the buildable land area (in acres).Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Location and Transportation Credit: Compact Development, p. 57.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
LT Credit: Compact Development
For single-family homes, achieve 3 points by developing at least 20 dwelling units per acre on buildable land.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
Calculation:
* Site area: 2 acres (0.8 hectare).
* Number of homes: 40 single-family homes.
* Density: 40 units ÷ 2 acres =20 units per acre.
* This meets the threshold for3 points(# 20 units per acre).
The correct answer isthree points(Option D), as the density of 20 units per acre qualifies for the maximum points under the credit.
Why not the other options?
* A. Zero points: The density (20 units/acre) far exceeds the minimum threshold (7 units/acre).
* B. One point: This applies to # 7 units/acre, below the project's density.
Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, LT Credit: Compact Development, p. 57.
TheLEED AP Homes Candidate Handbookemphasizes LT credits, including compact development, and references theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Constructionas a key resource. The exam is based onLEED v4, ensuring the relevance of density calculations.
References:
LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, USGBC, Location and Transportation Credit: Compact Development, p. 57.
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 compact development points.

TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)emphasizes theIntegrative Process (IP)to encourage early collaboration among project teams to optimize sustainability. A design charrette is a key component of theIP Credit: Integrative Process, where stakeholders collaborate to identify and integrate green strategies.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
IP Credit: Integrative Process (1 point)
Conduct a preliminary design charrette with the project team to identify and integrate green strategies across all aspects of the building design, including energy, water, materials, and indoor environmental quality. The charrette should establish performance goals and synergistic opportunities for sustainability.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Integrative Process Credit:
Integrative Process, p. 44.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system aligns with this:
IP Credit: Integrative Process
The design charrette aims to foster collaboration to develop integrated green strategies that enhance the project's environmental performance across multiple systems.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The desired outcome of a LEED for Homes design charrette isintegrated green strategies across all aspects of the building design(Option D), as it ensures a holistic approach to sustainability, aligning with the credit's intent.
Why not the other options?
Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, IP Credit: Integrative Process, p.
44.
B). Completed checklist of LEED for Homes credits to pursue: A charrette may discuss potential credits, but a completed checklist is a later step, not the primary outcome. The focus is on strategy integration.
Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, IP Credit: Integrative Process, p.
45.
C). Completed Green Development Plan in accordance with the Enterprise Community Partners' Green Development Plan: This is unrelated to LEED for Homes, as it refers to a specific program by Enterprise Community Partners, not a LEED requirement.Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, does not mention Enterprise Community Partners.
TheLEED AP Homes Candidate Handbookemphasizes the Integrative Process as a key exam topic, referencing theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Constructionas a primary resource. The exam is based onLEED v4, ensuring the relevance of the charrette's purpose.
References:
LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, USGBC, Integrative Process Credit:
Integrative Process, p. 44-45.
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 integrative process goals.