TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)includes theThermal Enclosure System Checklistas part of theEnergy and Atmosphere (EA) Prerequisite: Minimum Energy Performance, ensuring the building envelope meets energy efficiency standards.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
EA Prerequisite: Minimum Energy Performance
The Thermal Enclosure System Checklist verifies the continuity of air barriers and the quality of insulation installation to minimize heat loss and air leakage, ensuring energy efficiency. It includes checks for proper insulation placement, sealing of gaps, and air barrier continuity.
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
The primary purpose of the Thermal Enclosure Checklist is to inspect the continuity of air barriers and the quality of insulation installation to achieve a high-performance building envelope.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer isinspect continuity of air barriers and quality of insulation installation(Option B), as this is the primary purpose of the checklist.
Why not the other options?
[Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, EA Credit: Heating and Cooling Distribution Systems, p. 126., C. Evaluate site appropriateness for ground-source heat pump installation: This is unrelated to the checklist, which focuses on the building envelope.Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, EA Prerequisite: Minimum Energy Performance, p. 112., D. Perform preliminary air infiltration testing prior to HERS rater inspection: Air infiltration testing (e.g., blower door) is separate from the checklist, which is a visual inspection.Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, EA Credit: Air Infiltration, p. 124., 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 air barrier and insulation inspection., 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 checklist purpose., ]
