US Green Building Council LEED-AP-Homes Exam - Topic 1 Question 9 Discussion

The LEED for Homes Rating System (v4) promotes the use of native and adapted plants in the Water Efficiency (WE) Credit: Outdoor Water Use and Sustainable Sites (SS) Credit: Site Development -- Protect or Restore Habitat to reduce maintenance and environmental impacts compared to conventional turf.

According to the LEED 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.

The LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C rating 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 is decreased frequency of mowing (Option C), as native and adapted plants typically require less frequent maintenance than turf grass.

Why not the other options?

A . Increased stormwater runoff: Native plants reduce runoff by improving soil infiltration, unlike turf grass.

B . Decreased wildlife habitat: Native plants increase wildlife habitat, not decrease it, as per Question 75.

D . Increased use of potable water: Native plants reduce potable water use due to lower irrigation needs.

The LEED AP Homes Candidate Handbook emphasizes WE and SS credits, including benefits of native plants, and references the LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction as a key resource. The exam is based on LEED 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.