TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)includes theEnergy and Atmosphere (EA) Prerequisite: Minimum Energy Performance, which requires compliance with theThermal Enclosure System Checklistto ensure proper insulation and airtightness for energy efficiency.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
EA Prerequisite: Minimum Energy Performance
The project must comply with the Thermal Enclosure System Checklist, which requires that all exterior walls be fully insulated to meet or exceed specified R-values before other components (e.g., shower stalls) are installed. Insulation must be installed behind shower stalls or other fixtures adjacent to exterior walls to prevent thermal bridging and ensure compliance. Non-compliance with the checklist prevents certification until corrected.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite: Minimum Energy Performance, p. 112.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
EA Prerequisite: Energy Performance
All exterior walls must be insulated in accordance with the Thermal Enclosure System Checklist. If components like shower stalls are installed before insulation, the home cannot be certified until the walls are properly insulated to meet the checklist requirements.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer isthe home cannot be LEED certified until the walls are insulated in compliance with the Thermal Enclosure Checklist(Option D), as installing a shower stall before insulation violates the prerequisite’s requirement for proper insulation installation.
Why not the other options?
[Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, EA Prerequisite: Minimum Energy Performance, p. 112., B. The home energy model must include this feature so the HERS index score reflects it: The HERS model assumes proper insulation; the issue is a construction error, not a modeling requirement.Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, EA Prerequisite: Minimum Energy Performance, p. 112., C. The overall R-value of the home’s insulation must be increased to compensate for the deficit: Increasing R-value elsewhere does not address the specific checklist requirement for insulation behind the shower stall.Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, EA Prerequisite: Minimum Energy Performance, p. 112., TheLEED AP Homes Candidate Handbookemphasizes EA prerequisites, including the Thermal Enclosure Checklist, and references theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Constructionas a key resource. The exam is based onLEED v4, ensuring the relevance of insulation compliance., References:, LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, USGBC, Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite: Minimum Energy Performance, p. 112., 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 insulation checklist requirements., ]
