TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)awards points for theMaterials and Resources (MR) Credit: Environmentally Preferable Productswhen products are reclaimed (reused or salvaged from another project), contributing to the required percentage of material cost (e.g., 25% for 1 point).
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
MR Credit: Environmentally Preferable Products (1–4 points)
Use products that are reused or salvaged from the same or another project for at least 25% (by cost) of the total materials to earn 1 point. Reclaimed products include salvaged architectural elements like stained glass windows, which are reused in their original form.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Materials and Resources Credit: Environmentally Preferable Products, p. 160.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
MR Credit: Environmentally Preferable Products
Reclaimed materials, such as salvaged stained glass windows, qualify for points if they contribute to the required material cost percentage (e.g., 25% for 1 point).
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer isstained glass window(Option A), as it is a salvaged architectural element commonly reused in its original form, qualifying as a reclaimed material under the credit.
Why not the other options?
[Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, MR Credit: Environmentally Preferable Products, p. 160., C. Steel garage doors with opener: Garage doors are usually new or refurbished, not reclaimed, and the opener is a mechanical component, not typically salvaged.Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, MR Credit: Environmentally Preferable Products, p. 160., D. Brick for the home’s exterior cladding: While brick can be reclaimed (as in Question 42), it is not specified as salvaged here, unlike the stained glass window, which is a classic reclaimed item.Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, MR Credit: Environmentally Preferable Products, p. 160., TheLEED AP Homes Candidate Handbookemphasizes MR credits, including reclaimed materials, and references theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Constructionas a key resource. The exam is based onLEED v4, ensuring the relevance of reclaimed architectural elements., References:, LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, USGBC, Materials and Resources Credit: Environmentally Preferable Products, p. 160., 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 reclaimed material criteria., ]
