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?
[Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, EA Prerequisite: Minimum Energy Performance, p. 112., B. U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC): The USGBC administers LEED but does not approve ENERGY STAR software. It references ENERGY STAR requirements in LEED credits.Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, EA Prerequisite: Minimum Energy Performance, p. 112., C. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): The EPA manages ENERGY STAR but delegates software accreditation to RESNET for consistency in HERS ratings.Reference: ENERGY STAR Residential New Construction Program Requirements, accessed viawww.energystar.gov., TheLEED AP Homes Candidate Handbookemphasizes EA prerequisites and credits, including ENERGY STAR integration, and references theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Constructionas a key resource. The exam is based onLEED v4, ensuring the relevance of RESNET’s role., 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)., RESNET Standards, accessed viawww.resnet.us, confirming software accreditation., ]
