A benefit of lower window U-factor is:
Increased visibility
Reduced energy use
Increased daylighting
Reduced maintenance
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?
If the roof sheathing of a home is constructed of certified lumber approved for LEED, under what circumstances can points be earned?
If the certified content is greater than 45%
If the certified content is greater than 90%
If the certified wood is sourced from a 600 mi. (966 km) radius
No points are earned because certified lumber is a prerequisite
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)awards points for theMaterials and Resources (MR) Credit: Environmentally Preferable Productswhen using certified lumber, specifically Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified wood, which contributes 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 FSC-certified wood for at least 25% (1 point), 50% (2 points), or 90% (3–4 points) by cost of the total materials. For specific material categories like roof sheathing, at least 90% of the component (by cost) must be FSC-certified to significantly contribute to the credit.
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
Points are awarded for FSC-certified lumber if it constitutes at least 90% of a specific component like roof sheathing (by cost) to meet higher point thresholds (e.g., 3–4 points). Certified lumber is not a prerequisite; it contributes to the credit.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer isif the certified content is greater than 90%(Option B), as this ensures the roof sheathing significantly contributes to the credit’s material cost threshold for points.
Why not the other options?
Which member of the verification team conducts field inspections of LEED prerequisites and credits?
Energy Rater
LEED for Homes Provider
LEED for Homes QAD
LEED Green Rater
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)requires third-party verification for prerequisites and credits, with specific roles defined for the verification team. TheLEED Green Rateris responsible for conducting field inspections to verify compliance.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
Verification Process
The LEED Green Rater, a trained professional certified by the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI), conducts field inspections to verify compliance with LEED for Homes prerequisites and credits, including energy, water, and indoor environmental quality measures.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Introduction, p. 28.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
Verification Process
The LEED Green Rater performs on-site inspections to ensure that the project meets all prerequisites and targeted credits, documenting compliance for certification.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer isLEED Green Rater(Option D), as this team member is responsible for field inspections of LEED prerequisites and credits.
Why not the other options?
Energy simu-lation software used for ENERGY STAR Homes certification is approved by the:
Department of Energy (DOE)
U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET)
TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)integrates ENERGY STAR Homes certification as part of theEnergy and Atmosphere (EA)category, specifically for theEA Prerequisite: Minimum Energy PerformanceandEA Credit: Annual Energy Use. ENERGY STAR Homes certification requires energy simulation software to model the home’s performance, and this software must be approved by a specific authority.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
EA Prerequisite: Minimum Energy Performance
Projects pursuing ENERGY STAR for Homes certification must use energy simulation software accredited by the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET) to demonstrate compliance with ENERGY STAR performance requirements.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite: Minimum Energy Performance, p. 112.
TheResidential Energy Services Network (RESNET)is the organization responsible for accrediting energy modeling software used for ENERGY STAR Homes certification, such as REM/Rate or Ekotrope. RESNET establishes standards for Home Energy Rating Systems (HERS) and ensures software accuracy for energy performance calculations.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system aligns with this:
EA Prerequisite: Energy Performance
ENERGY STAR Homes certification requires the use of RESNET-accredited energy modeling tools to verify performance targets, such as HERS index scores.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
While theEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA)oversees the ENERGY STAR program, it does not directly approve the simulation software; that responsibility lies with RESNET.
Why not the other options?
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