The LEED for Homes Rating System (v4) includes the Thermal Enclosure System Checklist as part of the Energy and Atmosphere (EA) Prerequisite: Minimum Energy Performance, ensuring the building envelope meets energy efficiency standards.

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

EA Prerequisite: Minimum Energy Performance

The Thermal Enclosure System Checklist verifies the continuity of air barriers and the quality of insulation installation to minimize heat loss and air leakage, ensuring energy efficiency. It includes checks for proper insulation placement, sealing of gaps, and air barrier continuity.

Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite: Minimum Energy Performance, p. 112.

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

EA Prerequisite: Energy Performance

The primary purpose of the Thermal Enclosure Checklist is to inspect the continuity of air barriers and the quality of insulation installation to achieve a high-performance building envelope.

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

The correct answer is inspect continuity of air barriers and quality of insulation installation (Option B), as this is the primary purpose of the checklist.

Why not the other options?

A . Inspect continuity of ductwork and quality of duct insulation: This is addressed in EA Credit: Heating and Cooling Distribution Systems, not the Thermal Enclosure Checklist.

C . Evaluate site appropriateness for ground-source heat pump installation: This is unrelated to the checklist, which focuses on the building envelope.

D . Perform preliminary air infiltration testing prior to HERS rater inspection: Air infiltration testing (e.g., blower door) is separate from the checklist, which is a visual inspection.

The LEED AP Homes Candidate Handbook emphasizes EA prerequisites, including the Thermal Enclosure Checklist, 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 air barrier and insulation inspection.

References:

LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, USGBC, Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite: Minimum Energy Performance, p. 112.

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 checklist purpose.