TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)addresses outdoor water use in theWater Efficiency (WE) Credit: Outdoor Water Use, which promotes strategies to reduce irrigation needs, particularly through plant selection.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
WE Credit: Outdoor Water Use (1–4 points)
Use native or adapted plants with low water requirements to reduce outdoor water consumption. These plants are suited to the local climate and require less irrigation compared to conventional turf or non-native species.
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
Selecting native and adapted plants is an effective strategy to minimize irrigation needs, contributing to points by reducing outdoor water consumption.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer isnative and adapted plants(Option D), as these reduce irrigation demand by being well-suited to local conditions, directly aligning with the credit’s intent.
Why not the other options?
[Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, WE Credit: Outdoor Water Use, p. 98., B. ENERGY STAR-certified irrigation equipment: ENERGY STAR applies to appliances, not irrigation equipment; no such certification exists for this credit.Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, WE Credit: Outdoor Water Use, p. 98., C. Sprinkler systems with minimum reach of 10 ft. (3 m): Sprinkler reach does not inherently reduce water use and may increase waste if not optimized.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 native plants., 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 native plant strategy., ]
