US Green Building Council Exam LEED-AP-Homes Topic 2 Question 1 Discussion

The question references an 'Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite' for homeowner education, which appears to be a misnomer, as the LEED for Homes Rating System (v4) includes this requirement under the Innovation (IN) Prerequisite: Education of the Homeowner, Tenant, or Building Manager. This prerequisite ensures occupants are educated on the home's sustainable features and maintenance needs.

According to the LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):

IN Prerequisite: Education of the Homeowner, Tenant, or Building Manager

Provide an operations and maintenance manual that includes product manuals for installed equipment (e.g., HVAC, water heating, renewable energy systems) to guide homeowners or tenants in proper operation and maintenance of green features.

Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Innovation Prerequisite: Education of the Homeowner, Tenant, or Building Manager, p. 188.

The LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C rating system confirms:

IN Prerequisite: Education of the Homeowner or Tenant

The operations and maintenance manual must include product manuals for all installed equipment to ensure proper use and upkeep of sustainable systems.

Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.

The correct answer is product manuals for installed equipment (Option C), as these are required in the operations and maintenance manual to support homeowner education.

Why not the other options?

A . A set of building plans: While useful, building plans are not a required component of the operations and maintenance manual.

B . A list of local services including a map: This is relevant to LT Credit: Community Resources and Services, not the homeowner education prerequisite.

D . Chemical analysis of domestic water supply: Water quality analysis may be relevant for health but is not required in the operations and maintenance manual.

The LEED AP Homes Candidate Handbook emphasizes IN prerequisites, including homeowner education, 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 product manuals.

References:

LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, USGBC, Innovation Prerequisite: Education of the Homeowner, Tenant, or Building Manager, p. 188.

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 manual requirements.