TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)promotes the use of native and adapted plants in theWater Efficiency (WE) Credit: Outdoor Water UseandSustainable Sites (SS) Credit: Site Development – Protect or Restore Habitatto reduce maintenance and environmental impacts compared to conventional turf.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
WE Credit: Outdoor Water Use (1–4 points)
Native and adapted plant species require less maintenance, including decreased frequency of mowing, compared to conventional turf grass, which often needs frequent cutting to maintain appearance.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Water Efficiency Credit: Outdoor Water Use, p. 98.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
WE Credit: Outdoor Water Use
Using native and adapted plants reduces maintenance demands, such as mowing frequency, compared to turf grass, while also lowering irrigation needs.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer isdecreased frequency of mowing(Option C), as native and adapted plants typically require less frequent maintenance than turf grass.
Why not the other options?
[Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, SS Credit: Rainwater Management, p. 76., B. Decreased wildlife habitat: Native plants increase wildlife habitat, not decrease it, as per Question 75.Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, SS Credit: Site Development – Protect or Restore Habitat, p. 74., D. Increased use of potable water: Native plants reduce potable water use due to lower irrigation needs.Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, WE Credit: Outdoor Water Use, p. 98., TheLEED AP Homes Candidate Handbookemphasizes WE and SS credits, including benefits of native plants, and references theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Constructionas a key resource. The exam is based onLEED v4, ensuring the relevance of maintenance reduction., References:, LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, USGBC, Water Efficiency Credit: Outdoor Water Use, p. 98., 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 native plant advantages., , , ]
