TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)encourages the use of native plants in theSustainable Sites (SS) Credit: Site Development – Protect or Restore HabitatandWater Efficiency (WE) Credit: Outdoor Water Useto enhance environmental benefits, including support for local ecosystems.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
SS Credit: Site Development – Protect or Restore Habitat (1–2 points)
Using native plants in place of conventional turf grass increases native wildlife habitat by providing food, shelter, and breeding areas for local species, supporting biodiversity.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Sustainable Sites Credit: Site Development – Protect or Restore Habitat, p. 74.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
SS Credit: Site Development – Protect or Restore Habitat
Native plants enhance native wildlife habitat by creating ecosystems that support local fauna, unlike turf grass, which offers minimal ecological value.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer isnative wildlife habitat(Option B), as native plants are adapted to local conditions and support indigenous species, unlike turf grass.
Why not the other options?
[Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, WE Credit: Outdoor Water Use, p. 98., C. Irrigation demand: Native plants reduce irrigation needs compared to turf grass, which requires more water.Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, WE Credit: Outdoor Water Use, p. 98., D. Pesticide demand: Native plants are more resistant to local pests, reducing pesticide use compared to turf grass.Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, SS Credit: Nontoxic Pest Control, p. 82., TheLEED AP Homes Candidate Handbookemphasizes SS credits, including habitat restoration, 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 for wildlife., References:, LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, USGBC, Sustainable Sites Credit: Site Development – Protect or Restore Habitat, p. 74., 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 wildlife habitat benefits., ]
