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., ]
