US Green Building Council LEED-AP-Homes Exam - Topic 4 Question 10 Discussion

The LEED for Homes Rating System (v4) includes the Location and Transportation (LT) Credit: Community Resources and Services, which awards points for locating a project near essential community services to reduce transportation-related environmental impacts.

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

LT Credit: Community Resources and Services (1--2 points)

Locate the project within 1/4 mile (0.4 kilometers) walking distance of at least 4 community services (e.g., bank, supermarket, fire station, daycare, pharmacy, school, etc.) for 1 point, or 8 or more services for 2 points. The services must be publicly accessible and within the specified distance.

Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Location and Transportation Credit: Community Resources and Services, p. 56.

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

LT Credit: Community Resources and Services

Earn 1 point for proximity to at least 4 community services within 1/4 mile (0.4 km), or 2 points for 8 or more services, measured by walking distance.

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

The project is located within 1/4 mile (0.4 km) of six services: bank, supermarket, fire station, daycare center, pharmacy, and school. Since six services exceed the threshold of four but fall short of eight, the project earns 2 points (Option C).

Why not the other options?

A . Zero points: The project meets the criteria for at least 1 point (four services), so zero points is incorrect.

B . One point: This applies to exactly four services; six services qualify for 2 points.

D . Three points: This credit only awards up to 2 points, so three points is not possible.

The LEED AP Homes Candidate Handbook emphasizes LT credits, including Community Resources and Services, 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 the service proximity criteria.

References:

LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, USGBC, Location and Transportation Credit: Community Resources and Services, p. 56.

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 community services criteria.