TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)includes aHome Size Adjustmentas part of the point-scoring system to account for the environmental impact of larger homes, which typically use more resources and energy. This adjustment is applied across the project’s total points and is calculated based on conditioned floor area and the number of bedrooms.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
Home Size Adjustment
The Home Size Adjustment modifies the total points required for certification based on the conditioned floor area and number of bedrooms, as larger homes have greater environmental impacts. The adjustment is applied to the overall point threshold, not to a specific credit, but it aligns with credits likeIndoor Environmental Quality (EQ) Credit: No Environmental Tobacco Smoke, which ensures indoor air quality in larger homes.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Introduction, p. 24.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
Home Size Adjustment
The adjustment uses conditioned floor area and number of bedrooms to scale certification thresholds, ensuring fairness across home sizes. It impacts the overall certification process, particularly in relation to credits like EQ Credit: No Environmental Tobacco Smoke, which addresses indoor air quality in larger spaces.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer isIndoor Environmental Quality Credit, No Environmental Tobacco Smoke(Option C), as the Home Size Adjustment influences the overall point requirements for certification, and this credit is relevant to ensuring air quality in homes of varying sizes.
Why not the other options?
[Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, WE Credit: Indoor Water Use, p. 96., B. Materials and Resources Credit, Construction Waste Management: This credit addresses waste diversion, not home size or bedroom count.Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, MR Credit: Construction Waste Management, p. 164., D. Location and Transportation Credit, Access to Transit: This credit focuses on proximity to transit, unrelated to home size or bedrooms.Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, LT Credit: Access to Quality Transit, p. 58., TheLEED AP Homes Candidate Handbookemphasizes the Home Size Adjustment as part of the certification process and references theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Constructionas a key resource. The exam is based onLEED v4, ensuring the relevance of this adjustment., References:, LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, USGBC, Introduction, p. 24., 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 home size adjustment criteria., ]
