LEEDv 4 For Homesand Midrise Ballot Version

LEED v4 for
HOMES DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

Includes
LEED BD+C: Homes and Multifamily Lowrise
LEED BD+C: Multifamily Midrise
2
Credit: Integrative Process ..................................................................................................................... 7

Homes, Midrise ...................................................................................................................................... 7
LOCATION AND TRANSPORTATION (LT) ........................................................... 9

LT Prerequisite: Floodplain Avoidance................................................................................................. 9
Homes, Midrise ...................................................................................................................................... 9
LT Credit: LEED for Neighborhood Development .............................................................................. 10

Homes, Midrise .................................................................................................................................... 10
LT Credit: Site Selection ....................................................................................................................... 11

Homes, Midrise .................................................................................................................................... 11
LT Credit: Compact Development ....................................................................................................... 14

Homes, Midrise .................................................................................................................................... 14
LT Credit: Community Resources ....................................................................................................... 15

Homes, Midrise .................................................................................................................................... 15
LT Credit: Access to Transit ................................................................................................................ 17

Homes, Midrise .................................................................................................................................... 17
SUSTAINABLE SITES (SS) ............................................................................ 18

SS Prerequisite: Construction Activity Pollution Prevention ........................................................... 18
Homes, Midrise .................................................................................................................................... 18
SS Prerequisite: No Invasive Plants .................................................................................................... 19

Homes, Midrise .................................................................................................................................... 19
SS Credit: Heat Island Reduction ........................................................................................................ 20

Homes, Midrise .................................................................................................................................... 20
SS Credit: Rainwater Management ...................................................................................................... 21

Homes, Midrise .................................................................................................................................... 21
SS Credit: Nontoxic Pest Control ........................................................................................................ 23

Homes, Midrise .................................................................................................................................... 23
WATER EFFICIENCY (WE) ............................................................................ 24

WE Prerequisite: Water Metering ......................................................................................................... 24
Homes, Midrise .................................................................................................................................... 24
WE Credit: Total Water Use .................................................................................................................. 25

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WE Credit: Indoor Water Use ............................................................................................................... 27

Homes, Midrise .................................................................................................................................... 27
WE Credit: Outdoor Water Use ............................................................................................................ 28

Homes, Midrise .................................................................................................................................... 28
ENERGY AND ATMOSPHERE (EA) ................................................................. 29

EA Prerequisite: Minimum Energy Performance ............................................................................... 29
Homes.................................................................................................................................................. 29
Midrise ................................................................................................................................................. 30
EA Prerequisite: Energy Metering ....................................................................................................... 32

Homes, Midrise .................................................................................................................................... 32
EA Prerequisite: Education of Homeowner, Tenant, or Building Manager ..................................... 33

Homes, Midrise .................................................................................................................................... 33
EA Credit: Annual Energy Use ............................................................................................................. 34

Homes.................................................................................................................................................. 34
Midrise ................................................................................................................................................. 37
EA Credit: Efficient Hot Water Distribution System .......................................................................... 39

Homes, Midrise .................................................................................................................................... 39
EA Credit: Advanced Utility Tracking .................................................................................................. 43

Homes, Midrise .................................................................................................................................... 43
EA Credit: Active Solar-Ready Design ................................................................................................ 45

Homes.................................................................................................................................................. 45
EA Credit: HVAC Start-Up Credentialing ............................................................................................ 46

Homes.................................................................................................................................................. 46
PRESCRIPTIVE PATH ........................................................................................................................... 47
EA Credit: Efficient Hot Water Distribution System .......................................................................... 47

Homes.................................................................................................................................................. 47
EA Credit: Solar-Ready Design ........................................................................................................... 47

Homes.................................................................................................................................................. 47
EA Credit: HVAC Start-Up Credentialing ............................................................................................ 47

Homes.................................................................................................................................................. 47
EA Credit: Advanced Utility Tracking ................................................................................................. 47

Homes.................................................................................................................................................. 47
EA Prerequisite: Home Size ................................................................................................................. 48

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Homes.................................................................................................................................................. 48
EA Credit: Building Orientation for Passive Solar ............................................................................. 49

Homes.................................................................................................................................................. 49
EA Credit: Air Infiltration ...................................................................................................................... 50

Homes.................................................................................................................................................. 50
EA Credit: Envelope Insulation ............................................................................................................ 52

Homes.................................................................................................................................................. 52
EA Credit: Windows .............................................................................................................................. 53

Homes.................................................................................................................................................. 53
EA Credit: Space Heating and Cooling Equipment ........................................................................... 55

Homes.................................................................................................................................................. 55
EA Credit: Heating and Cooling Distribution Systems...................................................................... 56

Homes.................................................................................................................................................. 56
EA Credit: Efficient Domestic Hot Water Equipment ......................................................................... 57

Homes.................................................................................................................................................. 57
EA Credit: Lighting ................................................................................................................................ 58

Homes.................................................................................................................................................. 58
EA Credit: High-Efficiency Appliances ............................................................................................... 60

Homes.................................................................................................................................................. 60
EA Credit: Renewable Energy .............................................................................................................. 61

Homes.................................................................................................................................................. 61
MATERIALS AND RESOURCES (MR) .............................................................. 62

MR Prerequisite: Certified Tropical Wood .......................................................................................... 62
Homes, Midrise .................................................................................................................................... 62
MR Prerequisite: Durability Management ........................................................................................... 63

Homes, Midrise .................................................................................................................................... 63
MR Credit: Durability Management Verification ................................................................................. 64

Homes, Midrise .................................................................................................................................... 64
MR Credit: Environmentally Preferable Products .............................................................................. 65

Homes, Midrise .................................................................................................................................... 65
MR Credit: Construction Waste Management .................................................................................... 67

Homes, Mid-Rise ................................................................................................................................. 67
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MR Credit: Material-Efficient Framing ................................................................................................. 70

Homes.................................................................................................................................................. 70
INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY (EQ) ....................................................... 71

EQ Prerequisite: Ventilation ................................................................................................................. 71
Homes, Midrise .................................................................................................................................... 71
EQ Prerequisite: Combustion Venting ................................................................................................ 74

Homes, Midrise .................................................................................................................................... 74
EQ Prerequisite: Garage Pollutant Protection ................................................................................... 75

Homes, Midrise .................................................................................................................................... 75
EQ Prerequisite: Radon-Resistant Construction ............................................................................... 76

Homes, Midrise .................................................................................................................................... 76
EQ Prerequisite: Air Filtering ............................................................................................................... 77

Homes, Midrise .................................................................................................................................... 77
EQ Prerequisite: Environmental Tobacco Smoke ............................................................................. 77

Homes, Midrise .................................................................................................................................... 77
EQ Prerequisite: Compartmentalization ............................................................................................. 79

Homes, Midrise .................................................................................................................................... 79
EQ Credit: Enhanced Ventilation ......................................................................................................... 80

Homes, Midrise .................................................................................................................................... 80
EQ Credit: Contaminant Control .......................................................................................................... 81

Homes.................................................................................................................................................. 81
Midrise ................................................................................................................................................. 83
EQ Credit: Balancing of Heating and Cooling Distribution Systems ............................................... 86

Homes, Midrise .................................................................................................................................... 86
EQ Credit: Enhanced Compartmentalization ..................................................................................... 88

Homes, Midrise .................................................................................................................................... 88
EQ Credit: Combustion Venting .......................................................................................................... 89

Homes, Midrise .................................................................................................................................... 89
EQ Credit: Enhanced Garage Pollutant Protection ............................................................................ 90

Homes.................................................................................................................................................. 90
Midrise ................................................................................................................................................. 91
EQ Credit: Low-Emitting Products ...................................................................................................... 92

Homes, Midrise .................................................................................................................................... 92
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EQ Credit: No Environmental Tobacco Smoke .................................................................................. 93

Midrise ................................................................................................................................................. 93
INNOVATION (IN) ......................................................................................... 94

IN Prerequisite: Preliminary Rating ..................................................................................................... 94
Homes, Midrise .................................................................................................................................... 94
IN Credit: Innovation ............................................................................................................................. 95

Homes, Midrise .................................................................................................................................... 95
IN Credit: LEED AP for Homes ............................................................................................................. 96

Homes, Midrise .................................................................................................................................... 96
REGIONAL PRIORITY (RP) ............................................................................ 97

RP Credit: Regional Priority ................................................................................................................. 97
Homes, Midrise .................................................................................................................................... 97
7
CREDIT: INTEGRATIVE PROCESS

2 points
This credit applies to
Homes (1-2 points)
Midrise (1-2 points)
Intent
To maximize opportunities for cost-effective adoption of integrative green design and construction
strategies.
Requirements
HOMES, MIDRISE
Option 1. Integrative Project Team (1 point)
Assemble and involve a project team to meet the three criteria below:
a) Include team members, in addition to the builder and verification team, whose capabilities include at
least three of the following skill sets:
architecture or residential building design;
mechanical or energy engineering;
building science or performance testing;
green building or sustainable design; and
civil engineering, landscape architecture, habitat restoration, or land-use planning.
b) Involve all team members referenced above in at least three of the following phases of the home
design and construction process:
conceptual or schematic design;
LEED planning;
preliminary design;
energy and envelope systems analysis or design;
design development;
final design, working drawings or specifications; and
construction.
c) Conduct meetings with the project team at least monthly to review project status, introduce new team
members to project goals, discuss problems, formulate solutions, review responsibilities, and identify next
steps.
AND/OR
Option 2. Design Charrette (1 point)
No later than the design development phase and preferably during schematic design, conduct at least
one full-day workshop (or two half-day workshops) with the project team, as defined in Option 1. Use the
workshop to integrate green strategies across all aspects of the building design, drawing on the expertise
of all participants.
AND/OR
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Option 3. Trades Training (1 point)
Before construction but after trades have been hired for the project, conduct at least eight hours of
training (extending a full day or over several days) on the green aspects of the project and how the trades
can contribute to achieving each LEED for Homes prerequisite and attempted credit. Focus on areas
where trades have traditionally struggled to meet green building standards. Include at least the following
trades in the training:
plumbing;
mechanical systems;
insulation;
framing; and
air sealing.
Each trade may be present only for the relevant segment, but the builders site supervisor must be
present throughout so that he or she understands the quality control duties on LEED and green building
best practices.
9
LOCATION AND TRANSPORTATION (LT)

Point floor: Earn at least 8 l points in the combined LT and EA sections.
LT PREREQUISITE: FLOODPLAIN AVOIDANCE

Homes
Midrise
Intent
To reduce the environmental impact of the development footprint.
Requirements
HOMES, MIDRISE
Do not develop buildings on land that lies within a flood hazard area shown on a legally adopted flood
hazard map (such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)100 year flood plain) or
otherwise legally designated by the local jurisdiction or the state, unless the building is designed and built
in accordance with the flood provisions of applicable building code, the local floodplain management
regulations, or, at a minimum, the National Flood Insurance Program Requirements. Projects outside of
the United States may use a local equivalent program to NFIP if the program is equal to or more
stringent.
Previously developed buildings and hardscapes are exempt from the above requirements.
10
LT CREDIT: LEED FOR NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT

15 points
Homes (15 points)
Midrise (15 points)
Intent
To minimize the environmental damage of land development practices by building homes in LEED for
Neighborhood Developmentcertified communities.
Requirements
HOMES, MIDRISE
Locate the project within the boundary of a development certified under LEED for Neighborhood
Development (Stage 2 or Stage 3 under the Pilot or 2009 rating systems, Certified Plan or Certified
Project under the v4 rating system).
Projects attempting this credit are not eligible to earn points under other Location and Transportation
credits.
11
LT CREDIT: SITE SELECTION

8 points
Homes (1-8 points)
Intent
To encourage construction in environmentally preferable locations and avoid development of sensitive

lands.
Requirements
HOMES, MIDRISE
Option 1. Sensitive Land Protection (3-4 points)
Path 1. Previously Developed (4 points)

Select a lot such that at least 75% of the total buildable land is previously developed.
OR
Path 2. Avoidance of Sensitive Land (3 points)

Do not develop new buildings, hardscapes, roads or parking areas on portions of sites that meet any of
the following criteria:
Prime farmland. The development footprint does not consist of prime farmland, unique farmland,
or farmland of statewide or local importance as defined by the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations,
Title 7, Volume 6, Parts 400 to 699, Section 657.5 or local equivalent for projects outside the
United States.
Parkland. Land that prior to acquisition for the project was public parkland, unless land of equal or
greater value as parkland is accepted in trade by the public landowner (park authority projects are
exempt);
Floodplain. Land that lies within a flood hazard area shown on a legally adopted flood hazard
map (such as the Federal Emergency Management Acency (FEMA) 100 year flood plain) or
otherwise legally designated by the local jurisdiction of the state.;
Habitat. Land specifically identified as habitat for the following:
species listed as threatened or endangered under the U.S. Endangered Species Act or
the states endangered species act, or
species or ecological communities classified by NatureServe as GH (possibly extinct), G1
(critically imperiled), or G2 (imperiled), or
species listed as threatened or endangered specifies under local equivalent standards (in
areas outside of the United States) that are not covered by NatureServe data.
Wetlands. Land that is either (1) within 50 feet (15 meters) of any wetlands as defined by the U.S.
Code of Federal Regulations 40 CFR, Parts 230-233 and Part 22, and isolated wetlands or areas of
special concern identified by state or local rule, or (2) within the setback distances from wetlands
prescribed local, state, or national requglations, whichever is more stringent; or
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Water bodies. Land that is within 100 feet (30 meters) of a water body, defined as seas, lakes,
rivers, streams, and tributaries that support or could support fish, recreation, or industrial use,
consistent with the terminology of the Clean Water Act 40 CFR 122.2.
AND/OR
Option 2. Infill Development (2 points)
Select a lot such that at least 75% of the land within mile (800 meters) from the project boundary is
previously developed land. Water bodies and publicly owned parks are excluded from the calculation.
For projects within city limits or towns with populations of less than 20,000, select a lot where at least
75% of the land immediately adjacent to the project boundary is previously developed land. A bordering
street itself does not constitute previously developed land; instead, it is the status of the property on the
other side of the segment of the street that matters. Any fraction of the boundary that borders a water
body is excluded from the calculation.
AND/OR
Option 3. Open Space (1 point)
Select a location within mile (800 meters) of a publicly accessible or community-based open space that
is at least acre (0.3 hectare), or create publicly available open space on the project site. The open
space requirement can be met with either one large open space or two smaller spaces totaling acre
(0.3 hectare).
AND/OR
Option 4. Street Network (1 point)
Locate the project in an area of high intersection density, defined as an area whose existing streets and
sidewalks create at least 90 intersections per square mile (35 intersections per square kilometers). When
determining the number of intersections, include the following:
intersections within a mile (400 meters) radius of project boundary;
streets and sidewalks that are available for general public use and not gated;
sidewalk intersections provided they are a unique right of way (i.e., a sidewalk through a city
park); and
publicly accessible alleys.
Exclude the following:
intersections in gated areas, which are not considered available for public use, with the exception
of education and health care campuses and military bases where gates are used for security
purposes;
water bodies and public parks; and
intersections leading only to a dead end or cul-de-sac.
AND/OR
13
Option 5. Bicycle Network and Storage (1 point)
Meet both of the following requirements:
BICYCLE NETWORK
Design or locate the project such that a primary entry and/or bicycle storage is within a 200-yard (180
meters) walking distance or bicycling distance from a bicycle network that connects to at least one of the
following. All choices must be within 3 miles (4 800 meters) bicycling distance of the project boundary.
a. At least 10 uses (see LT Community Resources)

b. A school or employment center
c. Bus rapid transit stops, light or heavy rail stations, commuter rail stations and/or ferry terminals
If the network borders the project boundary, a safe, all-weather route must exist between the bicycle
network and the projects bicycle storage and/or main entrance.
Planned bicycle trails or lanes may be counted if they are fully funded at the certificate of occupancy date
and are scheduled for completion within one year of that date.
AND
BICYCLE STORAGE
Provide short-term bicycle storage capacity equal to 2.5% or more of all building occupants but no fewer
than four storage spaces per building. Short-term bicycle storage must be within 100 feet (30 meters) of
a primary entry.
Provide long-term bicycle storage capacity equal to 30% of all building occupants, but no less than one
storage space per residential unit. Long-term bicycle storage must be within 100 feet (30 meters) of a
primary entry.
Bicycle storage capacity may not be double counted; storage that is fully allocated to the occupants of
non-project facilities cannot also serve project occupants.
A single family dwelling unit with enclosed garage meets the bicycle storage requirement.
14
LT CREDIT: COMPACT DEVELOPMENT

3 points
Homes (13 points)
Midrise (13 points)
Intent
To conserve land and promote livability, transportation efficiency, and walkability by creating compact
communities.
Requirements
HOMES, MIDRISE
Construct or renovate a building that meets the dwelling unit per acre of buildable land area density
defined in Table 1.
Table 1. Points for housing density

Points
Single-family and low-rise multifamily Midrise multifamily projects
projects
DU/acre DU/hectare DU/acre DU/hectare
of buildable land of buildable land of buildable land of buildable land
7 17 30 74 1
12 30 55 136 2
20 50 80 198 3
DU = dwelling units
15
LT CREDIT: COMMUNITY RESOURCES

2 points
Homes (12 points)
Midrise (12 points)
Intent
To encourage daily walking and bicycling and to reduce vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and automobile
dependence.
Requirements
HOMES, MIDRISE
Construct or renovate a project such that the buildings main entrance is within a 1/2-mile (800 meters)
walking distance from the building entrance of the following number of uses, as listed below.
Table 1. Points for proximity to uses
Uses Points
47 1
811 1.5
12 2
The following restrictions apply:

A single establishment counts as only one type of use (e.g., a retail store may be counted only
once even if it sells products in several categories).
No more than half of the minimum number of uses can be in a single building (e.g., a shopping
mall).
No more than two establishments in each use type may be counted (e.g., if five restaurants are
within the required distance, only two may be counted).
The uses must represent at least two categories, exclusive of the buildings primary use.
Uses outside the project boundary must be in place upon occupation of the project.
Uses and Use Categories:
Food Retail
Supermarket
Other food store with produce
Community-Serving Retail
Clothing store or department store selling clothes
Convenience store
Farmers market
Hardware store
Pharmacy
Other retail
16
Services
Bank
Gym, health club, exercise studio
Hair care
Laundry, dry cleaner
Restaurant, caf, diner (excluding establishments with only drive-throughs)
Civic and Community Facilities

Adult or senior care (licensed)
Child care (licensed)
Community or recreation center
Cultural arts facility (museum, performing arts)
Educational facility (including school, university, adult education center, vocational school,
community college)
Family entertainment venue (theater, sports)
Government office that serves public on-site
Place of worship
Medical clinic or office that treats patients
Police or fire station
Post office
Public library
Public park
Social services center
Adapted from Criterion Planners, INDEX neighborhood completeness indicator, 2005.

17
LT CREDIT: ACCESS TO TRANSIT

2 points
Homes (12 points)
Midrise (12 points)
Intent
To reduce pollution and land development effects from automobile use.
Requirements
HOMES, MIDRISE
Locate the project within a -mile (400 meter) walking distance of bus or streetcar stops, or within a -
mile (800 meter) walking distance of bus rapid transit stops, light or heavy rail stations, or ferry terminals.
The transit service at those stops in aggregate must meet the minimums listed in Table 1 or Table 2.
A bus or streetcar stop must serve a route that extends in opposite directions; the walking
distance can be the average distance to the two stops.
A single stop that serves as the terminal for a transit route can be counted.
Trips in opposite directions are counted separately.
Only one stop per route in a given direction can be counted.
Table 1. Minimum daily transit service for projects with multiple transit types (bus, streetcar, rail,
or ferry)
Weekday trips Weekend trips Points
72 40 1
144 108 1.5
360 216 2
Table 2. Minimum daily transit service for projects with commuter rail or ferry service only
Weekday trips Points
24 1
40 1.5
60 2
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SUSTAINABLE SITES (SS)
SS PREREQUISITE : CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY POLLUTION PREVENTION

This prerequisite applies to
Homes
Midrise
Intent
To reduce pollution from construction activities by controlling soil erosion, waterway sedimentation, and
airborne dust.
Requirements
HOMES, MIDRISE
Stockpile and protect disturbed topsoil from erosion (for reuse).
Control the path and velocity of runoff with silt fencing or comparable measures.
Protect on-site storm sewer inlets, streams, and lakes with straw bales, silt fencing, silt sacks, rock filters,
or comparable measures.
Provide swales to divert surface water from hillsides.
Use tiers, erosion blankets, compost blankets, filter socks, berms, or comparable measures to stabilize
soils in any area with a slope of 15% (6.6:1) or more that is disturbed during construction.
Prevent air pollution from dust and particulate matter.
Construction sites larger than 1 acre must conform to the erosion and sedimentation requirements of the
2012 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Construction General Permit or local equivalent, whichever
are more stringent.
19
SS PREREQUISITE : NO INVASIVE PLANTS

Homes
Midrise
Intent
To prevent the introduction of invasive species through landscaping.
Requirements
HOMES, MIDRISE
Introduce no invasive plant species into the landscape.
Invasive plant species vary by region. Consult the U.S. Department of Agricultures GRIN Taxonomy for
Plants database, the National Association of Exotic Pest Plant Councils, or local cooperative extension
service or state or national exotic pest lists for plants in natural areas and wildlands. Not all nonnative
species are considered invasive.
20
SS CREDIT: HEAT ISLAND REDUCTION

2 points
Homes (12 points)
Midrise (12 points)
Intent
To minimize effects on microclimates and human and wildlife habitats by reducing heat islands.
Requirements
HOMES, MIDRISE
Ensure that at least 50% of hardscapes and roofs, but not including common roads that serve multiple
buildings, on the project site meet one or more of the following requirements. Points are awarded
according to Table 1.
Table 1. Points for percentage area with shading or nonabsorptive material
Percentage of
Points
hardscape area
5075% 1
> 75% 2
Option 1. Shading (12 points)
Locate trees or other plantings to provide shading of hardscapes. Shading should be calculated when the
sun is directly overhead (noon on the summer solstice), based on ten years growth after installation.
AND/OR
Option 2. Nonabsorptive Materials (12 points)

Install light-colored, high-albedo materials or vegetation-covered hardscapes. Acceptable strategies
include the following:
using ENERGY STAR qualified roof products in appropriately sloped applications (or
performance equivalent for projects outside the U.S.);
installing vegetated roofing;
using open pavers (counting only the vegetation, not the pavers) or engineered grass pavers; and
using paving materials with a solar reflectance (SR) of at least 0.28. If three-year aged value is
not available, use materials with an initial SR of at least 0.33 at installation.
21
SS CREDIT: R AINWATER M ANAGEMENT

3 points
Homes (13 points)
Midrise (13 points)
Intent
To reduce rainwater runoff volume from the site.
Requirements
HOMES, MIDRISE
Projects that must comply with local requirements of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System
(NPDES) must follow Case 2.
Case 1. Low Impact Development
Use low-impact development (LID) techniques to minimize the amount of stormwater that leaves the site.
Examples of acceptable techniques include the following:
planting areas with native or adapted plant material (e.g. trees shrubs);
installing a vegetated roof;
using permeable paving, consisting of porous above-ground materials (e.g., open pavers,
engineered products), a base layer designed to drain water away from the home, and (often) a 6-
inch-deep (150 millimeters) subbase; and
installing permanent infiltration or collection features (e.g., vegetated swale, rain garden,
rainwater cistern) that can handle 100% of the runoff from a two-year, 24-hour storm.
Single-family home projects may use Table 1 or Table 2 to determine points; multifamily projects must
use Table 1.
To determine compliance for single-family and multifamily homes, calculate the percentage of the lot
area, including the area under roof, that is permeable or can direct water to an on-site catchment or
infiltration feature.
Table 1. Points for permeable area, as percentage of total lot area
Percentage Points
5064% 1
6579% 2
80% 3
As an alternative approach to determining compliance for single-family homes only, credit is given for
reducing the total impermeable area compared to the ENERGY STAR reference home, as listed in Table
2.
Table 2. Conditioned floor area of reference home, by number of bedrooms

22
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 or more
2
Floor area (square feet) 1,000 1,600 2,200 2,800 3,400 4,000 4,600 + 600 ft per
additional
bedroom
Floor area (square 93 148 204 260 315 371 427 + 55 square
meters) meters per
additional
bedrooms
Thresholds for total impermeable area are then calculated according to the values in Table 3, column 1.
Table 3. Points for reducing total impermeable area
Impermeable area
(square feet) Points
Reference home size * 1 1
Reference home size * 0.66 2
Reference home size * 0.33 3
Case 2. National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Projects
Using low-impact development and green infrastructure to replicate natural site hydrology, manage
on-site the runoff from the developed site for the percentile regional or local rainfall events listed in
Table 4.
Use daily rainfall data and the methodology in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys Technical
Guidance on Implementing the Stormwater Runoff Requirements for Federal Projects, under Section
438 of the Energy Independence and Security Act, to determine the percentile amount.
Table 4. Points for on-site management of water from rainfall events
Percentile rainfall event Points

95th 2
98th 3
23
SS CREDIT: NONTOXIC PEST CONTROL

2 points
Homes (0.52 points)
Midrise (0.52 points)
Intent
To minimize pest problems and risk of exposure to pesticides.
Requirements
HOMES, MIDRISE
Each measure is worth point, except as noted.
Install a steel mesh barrier termite control system (1 point).

Install a physical termite barrier system (e.g., basaltic rock) approved by code (1 point).
For below-grade walls, use solid concrete foundation walls, masonry walls with a course of
solid block bond beam, or concrete-filled block.
Install post-tension slabs.
Treat all cellulosic structural material (e.g., wood framing) with a registered pesticide
containing borates, following the manufacturers directions for preconstruction treatment.
Use noncellulosic material for all structural elements.
Install ports or openings for all plumbing elements that penetrate the slab, to allow access for
inspection and treatment of pest infestations.
Install a registered termite bait system and provide for ongoing maintenance as required by
the manufacturer.
Design a minimum 6-inch (150 millimeters) inspection space between the surface of the
planned landscape grade and nonmasonry siding.
Seal all external cracks, joints, penetrations, edges, and entry points with appropriate
caulking. Install rodent- and corrosion-proof screens (e.g., copper or stainless steel mesh) on
all openings greater than inch (6 millimeters), except where code prohibits their installation
(e.g., dryer vents).
Design discharge points for rain gutters, air-conditioning condensation lines, steam vent lines,
or any other moisture source such that discharge is at least 24 inches (600 millimeters) from
the foundation.
Design landscape features to provide a minimum 18-inch (450 millimeters) space between
the exterior wall and any plantings.
In addition, multifamily building projects must develop an integrated pest management policy
that includes guidance for residents on pesticide use, housekeeping, and prompt reporting of
pest problems; incorporate the policy in the Homeowner Education Manual.
24
WATER EFFICIENCY (WE)

Point floor: Earn at least 3 points in the WE section.
WE PREREQUISITE : WATER M ETERING

Homes
Midrise
Intent
To support water efficiency efforts by monitoring and benchmarking water use over time.
Requirements
HOMES, MIDRISE
Case 1. Single Family
Install a whole-house water meter. Single-family attached homes may share a whole-building water meter
if landscaping is commonly managed and any units that will not achieve LEED certification are separately
metered.
Encourage homeowners or tenants to share water usage data with USGBC via a USGBC-approved third-
party.
Homes that use only well water and are not connected to a municipal water system are exempt from this
prerequisite.
Case 2. Multifamily
Install a water meter or submeter for each unit or the entire building
Encorage homeowners or tenants to share water usage data with USGBC via a USGBC-approved third-
party by describing the benefits of participation in the Homeowner Education Manual.
25
WE CREDIT: TOTAL WATER USE

12 points
Homes (112 points)
Midrise (112 points)
Intent
To reduce demand for water through high-efficiency fixtures and efficient landscaping practices.
Requirements
Reduce total indoor and outdoor water consumption by at least 10% over standard practices.
For indoor water savings, use the Water Reduction Calculator to determine the average flush or flow rate
for each fixture type and the estimated daily usage. The baselines for indoor water consumption are
shown in Table 1.
Table 1. Indoor water baseline consumption (per person per day)
Estimated Estimated water usage

Baseline flush or flow fixture
Fixture rate usage
Shower (per 9.5 lpm 15.4 58.4 liters
compartment) 2.5 gpm 6.15 minutes gallons
Lavatory, kitchen 8.3 lpm 11 gallons 41.5 liters
faucet 2.2 gpm 5.0 minutes
Toilet 1.6 gpf 6 lpf 5.05 flushes 8 gallons 30.3 liters
9.5 WF 0.37 cycles 15.1 57.1 liters
3
@ 3.5 ft gallons
3
Clothes washer 9.5 WF (@0.1 m )
Dishwasher 6.5 gpc 24 lpc 0.1 cycles 0.7 gallons 2.4 liters
gpm = gallons per minute

gpf = gallons per flush
WF = water factor
gpc = gallons per cycle
lpf = liters per flush
lpm = liters per minute
lpc = liters per cycle
The water pressure in single-family buildings must not exceed 60 psi (415 kPa), with no detectable water
leaks. Any installed water softeners must be demand initiated.
For outdoor water savings, use the EPA WaterSense Water Budget Tool to calculate the baseline
landscape water consumption and the design landscape water consumption.
Implement the following measures to further reduce landscape water consumption. Add the savings
associated with each of the following strategies to the reduction from the landscape water requirement, as
calculated in the Water Budget Tool:
Install smart scheduling technology. This strategy counts for a maximum reduction of 30%
provided all landscape water use is controlled by a soil moisture sensor control system or a
26
weather-based irrigation control system.

Use captured rainwater.
Use reclaimed water.
Use water treated on site or conveyed by a public agency specifically for nonpotable uses (water
from naturally occurring surface water bodies, such as streams and rivers, and groundwater, such
as well water, does not count).
Points are awarded according to Table 2.

Table 2. Points for reducing indoor and outdoor water use
Percentage
reduction Points
10% 1
15% 2
20% 3
25% 4
30% 5
35% 6
40% 7
45% 8
50% 9
55% 10
60% 11
65% 12
Projects attempting this credit are not eligible to earn points under other Water Efficiency credits.
27
WE CREDIT: INDOOR WATER USE

6 points
Homes (1-6 points)
Intent
To minimize indoor demand for water through high-efficiency fixtures and fittings.
Requirements
HOMES, MIDRISE

Projects that install fixtures consuming more than 2.5 gallons per minute (9.5 liters per minute) per
shower compartment must use WE Credit Total Water Reduction.
Each lavatory faucet or faucet aerator must be WaterSense labeled. The average rated flow volume
across all lavatory faucets must not exceed 1.5 gallons per minute (5.6 liters per minute) for1 point or 1.0
gallons per minute (3.7 liters per minute) for 2 points.
Each showerhead fixture and fitting must be WaterSense labeled. The average rated flow volume per
shower compartment must not exceed 1.75 gallons per minute (6.6 liters per minute) for 1 point or 1.5
gallons per minute (5.6 liters per minute) for 2 points.
Each toilet fixture and fitting must be WaterSense labeled. The average rated flush volume across all
toilets must not exceed 1.1 gallons (4.1 liters) per flush (1 point).
Each clothes washer must be ENERGY STAR qualified or performance equivalent for projects outside
the U.S. (1 point)
The water pressure in the house must not exceed 60 pounds per square inch (414 kPa), with no
detectable water leaks.
For projects outside the United States, a local equivalent to WaterSense may be used.
Case 2. Multifamily and Midrise

Meet the above requirements for all in-unit spaces and non-unit (residential-associated and
nonresidential) spaces. Multifamily and midrise projects are exempt from the water pressure testing
criterion. No additional credit is awarded if the fixtures and fittings in nonunit spaces are more efficient
than those of in-unit spaces.
28
WE CREDIT: OUTDOOR WATER USE

4 points
Homes (1-4 points)
Intent
To reduce outdoor water consumption through efficient landscaping practices.
Requirements
HOMES, MIDRISE
Reduce the landscape area planted to turf grass by landscaping with plants that are native or adapted to
the region. Points are awarded according to Table 1.
Table 1. Points for reducing turf grass and increasing native plantings, as percentage of total
landscape area
Turf grass area Native or adapted plant area Points

< 60% and > 25% 1
< 40% and > 50% 2
< 20% and > 75% 3
< 5% and > 75% 4
Lists of native plants are maintained by the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, the North American
Native Plant Society, state agencies, and local cooperative extension service offices and others.
Project with pools and other outdoor water features must use WE Credit Total Water Reduction.
29
ENERGY AND ATMOSPHERE (EA)

Point floor: Earn at least 8 points in the combined LT and EA sections.
EA PREREQUISITE : MINIMUM ENERGY PERFORMANCE

Homes
Midrise
Intent
To improve the buildings overall energy performance and reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.
Requirements
HOMES
Meet all of the following requirements:
1. Meet the requirements of ENERGY STAR for Homes, version 3
Complete the thermal enclosure system rater checklist, the HVAC system quality installation rater and
contractor checklists, and the water management system builder checklist. Certified Passive House
projects automatically meet the thermal enclosure system rater checklist requirement.
Achieve a HERS index rating at or below the HERS index target (or USGBC-approved equivalent for
projects outside the U.S.) or meet the requirements of the ENERGY STAR for Homes version 3
Prescriptive Pathway, which includes meeting or exceeding all components of the ENERGY STAR
Reference Design.
2. At least one of the following appliances must be ENERGY STAR qualified (or performance
equivalent for projects outside the U.S.) and installed in each dwelling unit:
refrigerator;
dishwasher; or
clothes washer.
3. All duct runs must be fully ducted (i.e., building cavities may not be used as ducts).
Existing portions of an existing building are given the following allowances:
Thermal Enclosure System Rater Checklist
2.1. Slab insulation is strongly encouraged but not required to meet or exceed 2009 IECC
levels.
4.1. Attic insulation at the intersection of existing roof and existing exterior walls does not
have to meet R-value requirements.
4.4.5e. Advanced framing is not required on existing framed walls,
5.2.1. Existing sill plates on top of concrete are not required to be placed on a foam
gasket.
30
Water-Managed Site and Foundation
1.3. A capillary break under an existing slab is not required unless there are visible signs
of moisture damage on the slab floor.
1.5. Exterior below-grade walls are not required to be damp-proofed on the exterior
surface unless there are visible signs of moisture damage on the interior of the wall.
1.8 - Drain tiles surrounded with clean gravel and fabric filter are not required for existing
slabs, unless there are visible signs of moisture damage on the slab floor
2, 3. Water-managed wall and roof assembly requirements are not required for existing
walls or roofing unless there are signs of moisture damage related to vulnerabilities in the
walls or roof.
MIDRISE
Meet both the whole-building energy simulation and commissioning requirements:
Whole-Building Energy Simulation
Demonstrate a 5% improvement over the baseline building performance rating. Calculate the baseline
according to the building performance rating method of USGBCs residential midrise simulation
guidelines, which is based on ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.12010, Appendix G (with errata), or
USGBC-approved equivalent standard for projects outside the United States, using a computer simulation
model for the whole-building project.
Comply with the mandatory provisions of ANSI/ASHRAE/IESNA Standard 90.12010 (with errata).
Comply with USGBCs residential midrise simulation guidelines.
Include all energy consumption and energy costs associated with the building project.
Compare the design case with a baseline building that complies with Standard 90.12010, Appendix G
(with errata but without addenda).
AND
Commissioning
Option 1. Commissioning using ENERGY STAR Protocols. Meet the ENERGY STAR Qualified
Multifamily High Rise Buildings Testing and Verification (T&V) Protocols.
OR
Option 2. Commissioning using Prescriptive Path.
Meet all of the following:
1. Reduced Heating and Cooling Distribution System Losses for In-unit HVAC
Limit the duct air leakage rate, testing for leakage to outside the unit or conducting a total duct leakage
test. The tested leakage-to-outside rate must be less than 4.0 cfm25 per 100 square feet (1.2 cmm at 25
Pascals per 100 square meters) of conditioned floor area for each installed system, verified by a qualified
energy rater. For units smaller than 1,200 square feet (110 square meters) tested leakage must be less
than 6.0 cfm25 per 100 square feet (1.7 cmm at 25 Pascals per 100 square meters). Total duct leakage
for in-unit systems must not exceed 8 cfm25 per 100 square feet (2.4 cmm at 25 Pascals per 100 square
meters) of conditioned floor area. Testing is waived if the air-handler unit and all ductwork are visibly
31
within the units envelope (i.e., no ducts are hidden in walls, chases, floors, or ceilings).
2. Fundamental Commissioning of Central HVAC Systems

Meet the performance testing and ongoing maintenance requirements of EA Prerequisite Fundamental
Commissioning and Verification of LEED v4 for New Construction for central commercial heating, cooling,
water heating and ventilation systems. The requirements include the following:
Develop a system test procedure.

Verify system test execution.
Maintain an issues and benefits log throughout the commissioning process.
Document all findings and recommendations and report directly to the owner throughout the
process.
Prepare and maintain a current facilities requirements and operations and maintenance plan
documenting information necessary for efficient building operations.
3. Construction Document Specifications

Include the following details in construction and bid documents:
Elements to be sealed (construction and bid documents). List all elements identified in ASHRAE
90.12007, Section 5.4.3.1, or applicable state or local codes, in addition to any site-specific
elements identified during plan review, and include the items in the LEED for Homes multifamily
midrise thermal enclosure inspection checklist (see below). Show locations to be sealed as well
as acceptable methods and materials.
Air barrier sheet (bid documents). Show the air barrier continuity through the various conditions of
the exterior enclosure; this information can serve as an index to details.
Compartmentalization sheet (bid documents). Show the continuity of fire and smoke barriers
around each apartment and between corridors, stairs, and common areas; this information can
serve as an index to details.
4. LEED for Homes Multifamily Midrise Thermal Enclosure Inspection Checklist

Have a third partyqualified energy rater verify each item on the checklist. The LEED checklist is based
on the ENERGY STAR for Homes, version 3 (Rev. 02) thermal enclosure rater checklist, Sections 2, 3,
and 5.
Certified Passive House projects automatically meet the thermal enclosure inspection checklist
requirement.
32
EA PREREQUISITE : ENERGY M ETERING

Homes
Midrise
Intent
To support energy efficiency efforts by monitoring and benchmarking energy use over time.
Requirements
HOMES, MIDRISE
Install whole-house electric and gas meters, as applicable.
Encourage homeowners or tenants to share energy usage data with USGBC via a USGBC-approved
third-party by describing the benefits of participation in the Homeowner Education Manual.
Case 2. Multifamily
Install an electricity meter or submeter for each residential unit and a gas meter for the entire building, or
a gas meter or sub-meter for each unit. Single roomoccupancy units, transitional and temporary
housing, and designated supportive housing buildings do not need an energy meter in each unit but must
have a whole-building energy meter.
Encourage homeowners or tenants to share energy usage data with USGBC via a USGBC-approved
third party by describing the benefits of participation in the Homeowner Education Manual.
33
EA PREREQUISITE : EDUCATION OF HOMEOWNER, TENANT, OR BUILDING

M ANAGER
Homes
Midrise
Intent
To sustain the performance of the home by training its occupants in the operation and maintenance of
LEED features and equipment.
Requirements
HOMES, MIDRISE
Provide to all individuals or organizations responsible for ongoing maintenance of the home (e.g.,
occupants, building managers, maintenance contractors) an operations and maintenance manual, binder,
or CD that includes all the following items:
the completed checklist of LEED for Homes features;
a copy of each signed accountability form;
copies of all ENERGY STAR for Home, version 3, checklists;
product manufacturers manuals for all installed equipment, fixtures, and appliances;
general information on efficient use of energy, water, and natural resources;
operations and maintenance guidance for any installed equipment, including space heating and
cooling, mechanical ventilation, humidity control, radon protection, renewable energy, and
irrigation, rainwater harvesting, or graywater systems (following 2009 EPA WaterSense Single-
Family New Home Specifications, item 5.0, Homeowner Education);
guidance on occupants activities and choices, including cleaning materials and methods, water-
efficient landscaping, integrated pest management, effects of chemical fertilizers and pesticides,
irrigation, lighting selection, and appliance selection;
information on local green power options; and
information on sharing utility data with USGBC via a USGBC-approved third party.
In addition, conduct a minimum one-hour walkthrough of the home with the occupants. For buildings with
building managers, include the building manager. The walkthrough must feature the following:
identification of all installed equipment;
instruction in how to use and operate the equipment; and
information on its maintenance.
34
EA CREDIT: ANNUAL ENERGY USE

1-30 points
Homes (129 points)
Midrise (130 points)
Intent
To improve the homes overall energy performance and reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.
Requirement
HOMES
Projects with major energy users not included in the HERS Index, including pools, spas, heated
driveways, and heated garages, or other major energy users not included in the HERS index must use
Option 1.
Option 1. LEED Energy Budget
Design and construct a building whose modeled annual energy usage is lower than the LEED energy
budget. The LEED Energy Budget is based on the ENERGY STAR for Homes, HERS Index Target
Procedure for National Program Requirements, version 3, with the following modifications:
The size adjustment factor is always 1.

The building is a slab-on-grade ranch whose floor area is equal to the ENERGY STAR reference
homes conditioned floor area.
There are no floors over unconditioned spaces.
The gross exterior wall area is as shown in Table 1.
There are two exterior half-lite doors, unshaded, one on the south wall, one on the west wall.
Glazing is 15% of the floor area.
The ceiling is insulated, and its gross area equals the conditioned floor area.
The storage water heater has an energy factor of 0.59 for gas, 0.92 for electric.
The thermal distribution system is 100% in the attic, above insulation.
The LEED Energy Budget shall be displayed in MBtu/year, and is based on source energy.
Any major energy users not covered by the energy model, including heated driveways, pools,
spas, and heated garages, must be added to the annual energy consumption of the Rated Home.
Table 1. Exterior wall area of LEED reference home, by number of bedrooms
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 or more
2
Area (square feet) 1,300 1,667 1,957 2,200 2,411 2,600 2,773 + 150 ft per
additional bedroom
Area (square 120 154 181 204 223 241 257 + 14 square meters
meters) per additional
bedroom
35
Individual units in multifamily buildings are compared to the LEED Reference Homes.
Table 2. Points for reducing energy usage below LEED energy budget
Percentage
reduction Points
1% 1
2% 2
3% 3
4% 4
5% 5
6% 6
7% 7
8% 8
9% 9
10% 10
12% 11
14% 12
16% 13
18% 14
20% 15
22% 16
24% 17
26% 18
28% 19
30% 20
32% 21
34% 22
37% 23
40% 24
50% 25
60% 26
70% 27
80% 28
90% 29
OR
Option 2. HERS Index with Home Size Adjuster
Design and construct a home whose modeled annual energy usage achieves a HERS index rating of 70
or better (or USGBC-approved equivalent for projects outside the U.S.). Points are awarded according to
Table 3.
Table 3. Points for achieving HERS index ratings

36
HERS index Points

70 5
69 6
68 7
67 8
66 9
65 10
64 11
63 12
62 13
60 14
58 15
56 16
54 17
52 18
50 19
45 20
40 21
35 22
30 23
25 24
20 25
15 26
10 27
5 28
0 29
AND
Earn 1 point for every 4% decrease in conditioned floor area compared with the ENERGY STAR for
Homes, version 3, reference home (Table 4). Buildings that are larger than the reference home lose 1
point for every 4% increase in conditioned floor area.
Projects cannot exceed the maximum number of points in the EA section.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 or more
2
additional
bedroom
37
meters) meters per
additional
bedroom
For multifamily buildings, home size includes only in-unit space.

MIDRISE
Follow the criteria in EA Prerequisite Performance for Energy Star Homes to demonstrate a percentage
improvement in the proposed buildings performance compared with the baseline building performance of
ASHRAE 90.12010, or USGBC-approved equivalent standard for projects outside the United States.
Table 5. Points for reducing energy usage below ASHRAE baseline
Percentage
reduction Points
6% 1
7% 2
8% 3
9% 4
10% 5
11% 6
12% 7
13% 8
14% 9
15% 10
16% 11
17% 12
18% 13
19% 14
20% 15
22% 16
24% 17
26% 18
28% 19
30% 20
33% 21
36% 22
39% 23
42% 24
45% 25
48% 26
51% 27
54% 28
38
57% 29
60% 30
AND
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 or more
2
additional
bedroom
meters) meters per
additional
bedroom

39
EA CREDIT: EFFICIENT HOT W ATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

5 points
Homes (2-5 points)
Intent
To reduce energy consumption and the burden on water supply and wastewater systems by increasing
the efficiency of hot water distribution.
Requirements
HOMES, MIDRISE
Option 1. Efficient Hot Water Distribution (2 points)

Design and install an energy-efficient hot water distribution system, based on either maximum pipe length
requirements (Path 1) or maximum pipe volume limits (Path 2). The source of hot water is assumed to be
a water heater, boiler, circulation loop piping, or electric heat-traced piping. Multiple water heaters and
multiple distribution systems may be used to comply with this credit.
Systems that use heat traces that serve a single unit or house are awarded only half credit. All heat
traced piping must be insulated.
Path 1. Maximum Allowable Pipe Length
Do not exceed the maximum allowable pipe length from the source of hot water to the termination of the
fixture supply pipe, as listed in Table 1a or Table 1b. If a branch consists of more than one size of pipe,
use the largest size when determining the maximum allowable length.
Branch length requirements do not apply to cold water demand loads (e.g., toilets), tubs without
showerheads, or stovetop pot-fillers.
Table 1a. Maximum length of pipe
Maximum pipe or tube length
Hot water source is a water heater or

boiler with no circulation loop or heat
traced pipe or in multifamily buildings a Hot water source is a circulation loop or
Nominal pipe central circulation loop or heat traced heat traced pipe serving a single unit or
size (inch) pipe (feet) house (feet)
1/4 50 16
5/16 50 16
3/8 50 16
43 16
5/8 32 12
21 8
7/8 16 6
1 13 5
40
1 8 3
1 6 2
2 or larger 4 1
Table 1b. Maximum length of pipe (SI)
Maximum pipe or tube length
Hot water source is a water heater or

boiler with no circulation loop or heat
traced pipe or in multifamily buildings a Hot water source is a circulation loop or
Nominal pipe central circulation loop or heat traced heat traced pipe serving a single unit or
size (mm) pipe (meters) house (meters)
6 15 5
8 15 5
9 15 5
13 13 5
16 10 4
19 6 2
22 5 2
25 4 2
32 2 1
38 2 1
50 or larger 1 0.3
OR
Path 2. Maximum Allowable Pipe Volume
Do not exceed a maximum volume of hot or tempered water of 64 ounces (1.89 L) from a water heater or
boiler with no circulation loop or heat traced pipe or in multifamily buildings a central circulation loop or
heat traced pipe to the fixture, or 24 ounces (0.71 L) for hot water from a circulation loop pipe or an heat-
traced pipe serving a single unit or house to the fixture.
Pipe volume is the sum of the internal volumes of pipe, fittings, valves, meters, and manifolds between
the source of hot water and the termination of the fixture supply pipe. To determine the volume, refer to
Table 2, which lists the volumes for specific types of tubing.
Branch volume requirements do not apply to cold water demand loads (e.g., toilets), tubs without
showerheads, or stovetop pot-fillers.
Table 2. Volume of water distribution pipes, by tubing type

41
Paths 1 and 2, Pumps and Controls for Hot Water Circulation Loops
Circulating systems must meet the following requirements.
1. Circulating pump may not operate continuously, on a timer control, or on a water temperature
(aquastat) sensors. Gravity and thermo-syphon circulation systems are prohibited.
2. Circulating pump must be demand activated by a momentary contact switch, motion sensor, flow
switch, door switch or voice command.
3. After the pump starts, the controls shall allow the pump to operate until the water temperature in the
return pipe rises not more than 10F (6 C) above the initial temperature of the water in the pipe. Controls
shall further limit the water temperature to a maximum of 105F (40 C). Controls shall limit pump
operation to not more than 5 minutes per activation in the event that both means of shutting off the pump
have failed.
4. Circulating hot water systems must be provided with an automatic or readily accessible manual switch
to turn off the hot water circulating pump when not in use.
OR
Option 2. Performance Test (3 points)
Case 1. Hot water source is a water heater or boiler with no circulation loop or heat traced pipe;
or in multifamily buildings a central circulation loop or heat traced pipe.
To minimize wasted water before hot water is delivered, using EPA WaterSense testing procedures,
verify that no more than 0.5 gallons (1.9 liters) of water is stored in any piping between the hot water
source and any fixture, and that no more than 0.6 gallons (2.3 liters) of water is collected from the hot
water fixture before hot water is delivered. Heat traces are only allowed in situations to prevent freezing.
Projects that meet WaterSense Labeled New Homes requirements automatically achieve this credit.
Case 2. Hot water source is a circulation loop or heat traced pipe serving a single unit or house
42
To minimize wasted water before hot water is delivered, using EPA WaterSense testing procedures,
verify that no more than 0.25 gallons (1 liter) of water can be collected from the hot water fixture furthest
from the recirculation loop,
Systems that use heat traces that serve a single unit or house are only awarded half credit. All heat
traced piping must be insulated.
AND/OR
Option 3. Pipe Insulation (2 points)

Install at least R-4 insulation on all domestic hot water piping, including subslab pipes. Insulation on all
piping elbows and tees must adequately insulate changes in direction.
Run buried piping in a slab or below grade through a protective, waterproof raceway, channel, sleeve, or
path whose internal dimensions and changes of direction are large enough that the piping and insulation
can be removed and replaced without damaging the pipings dimensional integrity.
The waterproof sleeve is not required for below-grade piping if the insulation manufacturer stipulates that
the pipe insulation will maintain its insulating value in underground applications in damp soil when
installed according to the manufacturer's instructions. This exception does not apply to piping that runs
through or under building slabs.
43
EA CREDIT: ADVANCED UTILITY TRACKING
2 points
Homes (12 points)
Midrise (12 points)
Intent
To support energy efficiency efforts through real-time monitoring of energy and water use.
Requirements
HOMES, MIDRISE
Option 1. Electric and Water (1 point)
Meet one of the following:

Install a permanent energy-monitoring system that records at intervals of one hour or less and is
equipped with the ability to transmits data to the homeowner or occupant at a remote location (e.g.,
computer, in-house display).
OR
If the project has an automatic in-ground irrigation system and the landscape irrigated area is larger than
1,000 square feet (93 square meters), install a submeter to monitor all irrigation system components.
AND/OR
Option 2. Third-Party Utility Reporting (1 point)
The homeowner must share all applicable utility data with USGBC via a USGBC-approved third-party
before the project team submits its application for certification.
Case 2. Multifamily
Option 1. Electric and Water (1 point)
In each unit, install a permanent energy-monitoring system that records at intervals of one hour or less
and is equipped with the ability to transmit data to the homeowner or occupant at a remote location (e.g.,
computer, in-house display).
OR
If the project has an automatic in-ground irrigation system and the landscape irrigated area is larger than
1,000 square feet (93 square meters), install a submeter to monitor all irrigation system components.
AND/OR
Option 2. Third-Party Utility Reporting (1 point)
Path 1. Whole-Building Master Meter

44
The building owner must share all applicable utility data with USGBC via a USGBC-approved third-party
before the project team submits its application for certification.
OR
Path 2. Individual Unit Meters

At least 50% of unit owners or occupants must share all applicable utility data with USGBC via a USGBC-
approved third-party before the project team submits its application for certification.
45
EA CREDIT: ACTIVE SOLAR-READY DESIGN

1 point
Homes (1 point)
Intent
To reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by designing to maximize opportunities
for solar design.
Requirements
HOMES
Option 1. Photovoltaic-Ready Design (1 point)
A project team that installs a photovoltaic (PV) system that meets the requirements of EA Credit
Renewable Energy is not eligible for this credit.
Meet EPAs solar photovoltaic specifications for a renewable energyready home. Provide detailed
information about such systems in the homeowner education manual so that future occupants can install
an active PV system.
AND/OR
Option 2. Solar Direct Hot WaterReady Design (1 point)
A project team that installs a solar direct hot water (DHW) system that meets the requirements of EA
Credit Efficient Domestic Hot Water Equipment is not eligible for this credit.
Meet EPAs solar water heating specifications for a renewable energyready home. Provide detailed
information about such systems in the homeowner education manual so that future occupants can install
an active solar DHW system.
46
EA CREDIT: HVAC START-UP CREDENTIALING

1 point
Homes (1 point)
Intent
To reduce energy consumption by ensuring that heating and cooling systems operate at peak efficiency.
Requirements
HOMES
Have all heating, cooling, and ventilation systems commissioned by a technician with North American
Technician Excellence certification, HVAC contractor credentialed by an EPA-recognized HVAC Quality
Installation Training and Oversight Organization (H-QUITO) (or equivalent as defined by USGBC). The
technician must complete the ENERGY STAR for Homes, version 3, HVAC system quality installation
contractor checklist, or equivalent as defined by USGBC.
47
PRESCRIPTIVE PATH
EA CREDIT: EFFICIENT HOT W ATER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

HOMES
See performance path.
EA CREDIT: SOLAR-READY DESIGN

HOMES
EA CREDIT: HVAC START-UP CREDENTIALING

HOMES
EA CREDIT: ADVANCED UTILITY TRACKING

HOMES
48
EA PREREQUISITE : HOME SIZE

Required - Bonus points
This prerequisite applies to:

Homes
Intent
Reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by designing more compact living spaces.
Requirements
HOMES
Bedrooms 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 or more
2
additional
bedroom
meters) meters per
additional
bedroom

49
EA CREDIT: BUILDING ORIENTATION FOR PASSIVE SOLAR

3 points
Homes (3 points)
Intent
To reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by designing to maximize opportunities
for solar design.
Requirements
HOMES
Meet all of the following requirements:

The south-facing glazing area is at least 50% greater than the sum of the glazing area on the
east- and west-facing walls.
The east-west axis of the building is within 15 degrees of due east-west.
At least 90% of the south-facing glazing is completely shaded (by awnings, overhangs, plantings)
at solar noon on the summer solstice and unshaded at noon on the winter solstice.
In areas south of 25 degrees of latitude or where topography significantly impacts insolation, orientation
may be adjusted to meet local conditions provided the team provides documentation to demonstrate that
its building orientation decision is based on solar and meteorological data for the site.
50
EA CREDIT: AIR INFILTRATION

2 points
Homes (12 points)
Intent
To minimize waste of energy caused by uncontrolled air leakage into and from conditioned spaces.
Requirements
HOMES

Meet the air leakage requirements shown in Table 1 or Table 2. The rate of air leakage to outside must
be tested and verified by a qualified energy rater.
Case 2. Multifamily
Meet the air leakage requirements shown in Table 1 or Table 2. The rate of air leakage to outside must
be tested and verified by a qualified energy rater.
Meet the requirements for leakage to outside the conditioned envelope for each dwelling unit, unless the
whole building can be entirely and sufficiently depressurized by a blower door(s).
Table 1. Points for reducing air leakage, in ACH50
IECC climate zone

12 34 57 8 Points
4.25 3.5 2.75 2.0 1
3.0 2.5 2.0 1.5 2
Table 2a. Points for reducing air leakage, in cfm50 per sf envelope area
Performance requirements
IECC climate zone
12 34 57 8 Points
.195 .16 .125 .0925 1
.1375 .115 .0925 .0675 2
Table 2b. Points for reducing air leakage, in cmm50 per 100 square meter envelope area
Performance requirements
IECC climate zone
12 34 57 8 Points
5.94 4.87 3.81 2.82 1
4.19 3.50 2.82 2.06 2
ACH = Air changes per hour

cfm = cubic feet per minute
51
ELR = envelope leakage ratio

IECC = International Energy Conservation Code
sf = square feet
cmm = cubic meters per minute
52
EA CREDIT: ENVELOPE INSULATION

2 points
Homes (12 points)
Intent
To conserve energy by selecting and installing insulation to minimize heat transfer and thermal bridging.
Requirements
HOMES
Select insulation whose R-value exceeds the requirements listed in the 2012 International Energy
Conservation Code (IECC), Chapter 4, or local code, whichever is more stringent. Do not include thermal
mass or infiltration effects in the R-value calculation. Points are awarded according to Table 1.
Table 1. Points for exceeding code requirements for R-value

Percentage
Points
improvement
10% 1
20% 2
Install the insulation to meet the Grade I specifications set by the RESNET Home Energy Rating
Standard. Installation must be verified by a qualified energy rater conducting a pre-drywall thermal
enclosure inspection.
53
EA CREDIT: WINDOWS
3 points
Homes (1.53 points)
Intent
To maximize the energy performance of windows.
Requirements
HOMES
Design and install windows, skylights, and glass doors whose ratings from the National Fenestration
Rating Council exceed the requirements in the ENERGY STAR for Homes, version 3, prescriptive
pathway, as shown in Tables 13. Use the average window ratings, average skylight ratings, and average
exterior door ratings.
Determine the window-to-floor-area (WFA) ratio by calculating the total window area in the above-grade
conditioned floor area. All skylight window areas count toward the WFA ratio. For decorative glass, the
project team may exclude up to 0.75% of the WFA ratio from the calculations. If the WFA ratio is 15% or
more, the following additional requirements apply:
In climate zones 48, homes with a WFA ratio of 15% or more must meet a more stringent U-
factor requirement:
U-factor = (0.15 / WFA) * (U-factor from Table 1)
In climate zones 13, homes with a WFA ratio of 15% or more must meet a more stringent solar
heat gain coefficient (SHGC) requirement:
SHGC = (0.15 / WFA) * (SHGC from Table 1)
Project teams that achieve EA Credit Building Orientation for Solar Design are exempt from the
requirements for window SHGC.
Table 1. Points for exceeding baseline window ratings

Climate zone
1, 2 3 4 58 Points
U-factor 0.45 0.30 0.26 0.26 1.5

SHGC 0.25 0.25 0.40 Any
U-factor 0.30 0.26 0.22 0.22 3
SHGC 0.25 0.25 0.40 Any
SHGC = solar heat gain coefficient
54
Table 2. Points for exceeding baseline skylight ratings

Climate zone
1, 2 3 4 58 Points
U-factor 0.70 0.57 0.47 0.47 1.5

SHGC 0.25 0.25 0.40 Any
U-factor 0.47 0.47 0.40 0.40 3
SHGC 0.25 0.25 0.40 Any
Table 3. Points for exceeding baseline door ratings

Opaque 1/2 lite > 1/2 lite
U-factor 0.21 0.27 0.32
SHGC N/A 0.30 0.30
55
EA CREDIT: SPACE HEATING AND COOLING EQUIPMENT

4 points
Homes (14 points)
Intent
To reduce energy consumption associated with the heating and cooling system.
Requirements
HOMES
Design and install HVAC equipment that is more efficient than the equipment required by the ENERGY
STAR for Homes, version 3, prescriptive pathway. Points are awarded according to Table 1.
Any piping designed as part of a heat pump system to carry water that is well above (or below) the
thermostatic temperature settings in the home must have R-4 or better insulation. Refrigerant piping must
be insulated to R-6 or better on the air-conditioning mode suction line or the heat-pump mode discharge
line.
Table 1. Points for HVAC equipment that exceeds Energy Star requirements
Climate zones 48
Central AC, Boiler, oil Ground-source heat pump
air source Gas furnace (gas, oil, Direct
heat pump furnace diesel, propane) Open loop Closed loop expansion Points
Cooling 14 SEER 17.8 EER 15.5 EER 16.5 EER 1
Heating 10 HSPF 92 AFUE 87 AFUE 4.0 COP 3.6 COP 3.9 COP 1
Cooling 15 SEER 19.4 EER 17 EER 18 EER 2
Heating 10.5 HSPF 94 AFUE 90 AFUE 4.3 COP 4.0 COP 4.2 COP 2
Climate zones 13
Central AC, Boiler, oil Ground-source heat pump
air source Gas furnace (gas, oil, Direct
heat pump furnace diesel, propane) Open loop Closed loop expansion Points
Cooling 15.5 SEER 17.8 EER 15.5 EER 16.5 EER 1
Cooling 16.5 SEER 19.4 EER 17 EER 18 EER 2
AC = air-conditioning
AFUE = annual fuel utilization efficiency
COP = coefficient of performance
EER = energy efficiency ratio
HSPF = heating seasonal performance factor
SEER = seasonal energy efficiency ratio
56
EA CREDIT: HEATING AND COOLING DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS

3 points
Homes (23 points)
Intent
To minimize energy loss to thermal bridges and leaks in the heating and cooling distribution system.
Requirements
HOMES
Case 1. Forced-Air System
Option 1. Ductwork in Conditioned Space (3 points)

Duct leakage testing is waived if the following conditions are met:
The air-handler unit and all ductwork are located entirely within conditioned spaces.
The envelope is airtight; 2 points are earned in EA Credit: Air Infiltration.
Ductless systems with air circulation blowers qualify. This case is not available for multifamily projects
whose ductwork runs through spaces between units: interstitial space is considered outside the thermal
envelope of the unit.
OR
Option 2. Ductwork in Unconditioned Space (2 points)
Large Homes or Multifamily Units

For homes or multifamily units of 1,200 square feet (110 square meters) or more, limit the rate of duct air
leakage to outside the conditioned envelope. For each installed system, the tested duct leakage rate must
not exceed 3.0 cfm at 25 Pascals per 100 square feet (0.9 cmm at 25 Pascals per 100 square meters) of
conditioned floor area, verified by the qualified energy rater.
Small Homes or Multifamily Units

For homes or multifamily units smaller than 1,200 square feet (110 square meters), limit the rate of duct
air leakage to outside the conditioned envelope. For each installed system, the tested duct leakage rate
must not exceed 4.0 cfm at 25 Pascals per 100 square feet (1.2 cmm at 25 Pascals per 100 square
meters) of conditioned floor area, verified by the qualified energy rater.
Case 2. Hydronic System (23 points)

Keep the system (including boiler and distribution pipes) entirely within the conditioned envelope (2
points).
For an additional point, install an outdoor reset control that modulates distribution water temperature
based on the outdoor air temperature (1 point).
57
EA CREDIT: EFFICIENT DOMESTIC HOT WATER EQUIPMENT

3 points
Homes (13 points)
Intent
To reduce the energy consumption associated with domestic hot water by improving the efficiency of the
water heater.
Requirements
HOMES
Install an ENERGY STARqualified water heater (1 point), or install a solar water heater that, in
combination with an ENERGY STAR water heater, meets at least 40% (2 points) or 60% (3 points) of the
annual domestic hot water (DHW) load (Table 1).
Table 1. Points for high-efficiency water heater

Points
ENERGY STAR water heater 1
EF or thermal efficiency greater than 0.9 1.5
EF or thermal efficiency greater than 1.8 2
Solar water heaters
Solar water heater: 40% of annual DHW load 2
Solar water heater: 60% of annual DHW load 3
Projects outside the U.S. may use a performance equivalent to ENERGY STAR.
58
EA CREDIT: LIGHTING
2 points
Homes (0.52 points)
Intent
To reduce the energy consumption associated with interior and exterior lighting.
Requirements
HOMES
Option 1. Indoor Lighting (1.5 points)
Install high-efficacy lighting. Meet or exceed the requirements for lighting power density for hard-wired
fixtures, as listed in Table 1.
Table 1. Points for reducing lighting power density
Maximum lighting power density (W/sf) Points

W/sq. ft. W/sq. m.
0.72 7.7 0.5
0.60 6.5 1
0.48 5.2 1.5
The proposed fixtures used to calculate energy savings must be capable of meeting the recommended
light levels (weighted average footcandles) in the Illuminating Engineering Society Lighting Handbook, 9th
edition, for the given space type. Either calculate the needs for each space type, or use 16 as the
weighted average footcandles for the home.
In calculating lighting power density, follow these guidelines:

Use a lighting power density of 1.1 W per square foot (11.8 W per square meter) for rooms or
portions of any rooms with less than the required hardwired lighting.
Account for all hard-wired fixtures in the home, including the garage and exterior lights (whether
affixed to the home or freestanding).
Do not include portable table and floor lamps, appliance lights, or landscape lights.
Include step lights and undercabinet and cabinet lights.
For standard incandescent (a-line medium screw base) bulbs, assume 64 watts per socket.
For LED and Xenon lights, use actual wattages.
For fluorescent lighting, calculate wattage based on the assumptions in Table 2 or use the actual
wattages installed.
Table 2. Assumptions for fluorescent bulb wattage
Watts
CFL twist 14
Covered 14
CFL Candelabra 9
Incandescent 64
Incandescent 40
59
Candelabra
MR16 40
AND/OR
Option 2. Exterior Lighting (0.5 point)

All exterior lighting must be Dark Sky qualified and have motion sensor controls, integrative photovoltaic
cells, photosensors, or astronomic time-clock operation.
The following lighting is exempt: emergency lighting, lighting required by code for health and safety
purposes, and lighting used for eye adaptation near covered vehicle entrances or exits.
Case 2. Multifamily
Option 1. Indoor Lighting (1.5 points)
Install high-efficacy lighting and/or lighting controls that achieve a reduction from the ENERGY STAR
baseline. Complete the ENERGY STAR multifamily midrise worksheet for interior lighting.
Table 3. Points for reducing interior lighting from baseline
Percentage reduction Points

35% 0.5
45% 1
55% 1.5
OR
Option 2. Exterior Lighting (0.5 point)
Complete the ENERGY STAR multifamily midrise worksheet for exterior lighting. Reduce exterior lighting
wattage by at least 50%.
All exterior lighting must be Dark Sky qualified.

60
EA CREDIT: HIGH-EFFICIENCY APPLIANCES

2 points
Homes (0.52 points)
Intent
To reduce energy consumption through installation of efficient appliances.
Requirements
HOMES
Install appliances from the list below. To receive credit for one type (e.g., refrigerator), every appliance of
that type must meet the requirement.
ENERGY STARqualified refrigerator(s) (1 point);
ENERGY STARqualified ceiling fans (at least one in the living or family room and one per
bedroom) (0.5 point);
ENERGY STARqualified dishwasher(s) (0.5 point).
Projects outside the U.S. may use a performance equivalent to ENERGY STAR.
61
EA CREDIT: RENEWABLE ENERGY

4 points
Homes (14 points)
Intent
To encourage the installation and operation of renewable electricity generation systems.
Requirements
HOMES
Design and install a renewable electricity generation system. Receive 1 point for every 500 kWh
produced per year by the system. The maximum allowable points for this credit is equivalent to the total
points earned from all other EA credits. Renewable energy certificates (RECs) must be retained by the
building owner.
Table 1. Points for electricity generation from renewable sources

Required
points in rest
Annual kWh of EA Points
500 1 1
1,000 2 2
1,500 3 3
2,000 4 4
62
MATERIALS AND RESOURCES (MR)
MR PREREQUISITE: CERTIFIED TROPICAL WOOD

Homes
Midrise
Intent
To encourage environmentally responsible forest management.
Requirements
HOMES, MIDRISE
All wood in the building must be nontropical, reused or reclaimed, or certified by the Forest Sustainability
Council, or USGBC-approved equivalent.
For the purposes of this prerequisite, a tree species is considered tropical if it is grown in a location that
lies between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn.
63
MR PREREQUISITE: DURABILITY M ANAGEMENT

Homes
Midrise
Intent
To promote durability and performance of the building enclosure and its components and systems
through appropriate design, materials selection, and construction practices.
Requirements
HOMES, MIDRISE
Meet the requirements of the ENERGY STAR for Homes, version 3, water management system builder
checklist (with the exceptions for existing homes listed in EA Prerequisite ENERGY STAR for Homes
Performance). Midrise projects are exempt from this requirement.
Install all the applicable indoor moisture control measures listed in Table 1.
Table 1. Required interior moisture control measures for homes
Location or equipment Required measure

Area directly above bathtub, spa, or shower Use nonpaper-faced backer board or paper-faced
(extending to ceiling), exposed wall or area product or coating over wallboard that meets
behind fiberglass enclosure if wallboard is standard ASTM D 3273 standard
installed
Kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, spa area Use water-resistant flooring; do not install carpet
Entryway within 3 feet (900 mm) of exterior door Use water-resistant flooring; do not install carpet
accessible from ground (carpet tiles are permitted)
Tank water heater in or over living space Install drain and drain pan, drain pan and automatic
water shut-off or flow restrictor, or floor drain with
floor sloped to drain
Clothes washer (or condensing clothes dryer) in Install drain and drain pan, drain pan and automatic
or over living space water shut-off or flow restrictor, or floor drain with
floor sloped to drain
Conventional clothes dryer Exhaust directly to outdoors
64
MR CREDIT: DURABILITY M ANAGEMENT VERIFICATION

1 point
Homes (1 point)
Midrise (1 point)
Intent
To promote enhanced durability and high performance of the building enclosure and its components and
systems through appropriate design, materials selection, and construction practices.
Requirements
HOMES, MIDRISE
Have the verification team inspect and verify each measure listed in the ENERGY STAR for Homes,
version 3, water management system builder checklist.
65
MR CREDIT: ENVIRONMENTALLY PREFERABLE PRODUCTS

0.5-5 points
Homes (0.54 points)
Intent
To increase demand for products or building components that minimize material consumption through
recycled and recyclable content, reclamation, or overall reduced life-cycle impacts.
Requirements
HOMES, MIDRISE
Use building component materials that meet one or more of the criteria below. A material must make up
90% of the component by weight or volume, except as noted. A single component that meets Option 1
and Option 2 can earn points for each (0.5 point per item).
Option 1. Local Production

Use products that were extracted, processed, and manufactured locally for the following components.
Meet the thresholds in Table 1:
framing (0.5 point);
aggregate for concrete and foundation (0.5 point);
drywall or interior sheathing (0.5 point).
Table 1: Percentage of component to meet local credit

Maximum distance from extraction, processing and % of building component required to meet criteria
manufacturing to project site: (0.5 points per component)
Locally: 100 miles (160 km) 50%
For renovation projects, existing components meet the requirement for local production.
AND/OR
Option 2. Environmentally Preferable Products

Use products that meet one or more of the following criteria (0.5 points each). At least 90% of each
compliant building component (listed in Table 2), by weight or volume, must meet one of the requirements
below. A single component that meets more than one criterion does not earn additional credit.
The product contains at least 25% reclaimed material, including salvaged, refurbished, or reused
materials. For renovation projects, existing components are considered reclaimed. Wood by-
products can be counted as reclaimed material. These include items from secondary
manufacturers; felled, diseased, or dead trees from urban or suburban areas; orchard trees that
are unproductive and cut for replacement; and wood recovered from landfills or water bodies.
The product contains at least 25% postconsumer or 50% preconsumer content.
Wood products must be Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Certified, or USGBC-approved
equivalent.
Bio-based materials. Bio-based products must meet the Sustainable Agriculture Networks
Sustainable Agriculture Standard. Bio-based raw materials must be tested using ASTM Test
Method D6866 and be legally harvested, as defined by the exporting and receiving country.
Exclude hide products, such as leather and other animal skin material.
66
Concrete that consists of at least 30% fly ash or slag used as a cement substitute and 50%
recycled content or reclaimed aggregate OR 90% recycled content or reclaimed aggregate.
Extended producer responsibility. Products purchased from a manufacturer (producer) that
participates in an extended producer responsibility program or is directly responsible for extended
producer responsibility.
Table 2. Maximum points for compliant building components

Component Maximum points
Flooring - Base floor only (i.e., sealed 2
concrete, no floor covering)
Floor covering 1
Insulation* 1
Sheathing 1
Framing 1
Drywall, interior finish 1
Concrete: cement and / or aggregate 1
Roofing 1
Siding 1
Additional components (install at least 1
3 of the following):
Doors (not including insulated
doors or garage door)
Cabinets
Counters (kitchens and
bathrooms)
Interior trim
Decking or patio material
Windows
* Excluding HVAC and pipe insulation.
67
MR CREDIT: CONSTRUCTION WASTE M ANAGEMENT

3 points
Homes (0.53 points)
Intent
To reduce construction waste generation and to reuse and recycle debris.
Requirements
HOMES, MID-RISE
Reduce total construction waste or divert from landfills and incinerators a large proportion of the waste
generated from new construction. Use the tables below to calculate the percentage of waste avoided or
recycled. Excavated soil, land-clearing debris, and alternative daily cover (ADC) do not qualify for this
credit. Any waste-to-energy is not considered recycling for this credit.
Table 1. Baseline waste for LEED reference home
Bedrooms Conditioned floor area (sf) Waste (lbs)

1 1,000 4,200
2 1,600 6,720
3 2,200 9,240
4 2,800 11,760
5 3,400 14,280
6 4,000 16,800
7 4,600 19,320
8 or more Area (sf) * 4.2
Table 1a. Baseline waste for LEED reference home
Bedrooms Conditioned floor area (sq. m) Waste (kg)

1 93 1 905
2 148 3 048
3 204 4 191
4 260 5 334
5 315 6 477
6 371 7 620
7 427 8 763
8 or more Area (sq. m) * 20.5
For multifamily buildings, use the projects floor area for any non-unit spaces, and add it to the floor area
of the LEED reference home calculated for each unit.
68
Calculate the waste generated by the project according to the following equation:
Project construction waste = Total waste - (Recycled waste * 0.25)
To convert volume to weight, assume 500 pounds per cubic yard (296 kg per cubic meter) of mixed
construction waste, or use Table 2 to calculate the weights of specific waste products.
Table 2. Volume-to-weight conversion for construction and demolition debris
Material LB/CY TONS/CY CY/TON KG/cubic meter

Aluminum (scrap, whole) 175 0.09 11.1 103.8
Asphalt 1,380 0.69 1.4 818.7
Brass (scrap) 906 0.45 2.2 537.5
Brick (common hard) 3,024 1.5 0.67 1794
Cardboard (uncompacted) 100 0.05 20 59.3
Carpet & Padding (loose) 84 0.04 25 50
Concrete 1,855 0.92 1.4 1100.5
Copper (scrap) 1,094 0.56 1.8 649
Dirt (loose, dry) 1,890 0.94 1.1 1121.2
Drywall 500 0.25 4 296.6
Glass (broken) 2,160 1.1 0.91 1281.4
Metal (scrap) 906 0.45 2.2 537.5
Mixed C&D Debris 900 0.45 2.2 533.9
Mixed Waste/Trash 350 0.17 5.9 207.6
Rock (loose) 2,570 1.28 0.78 1631.5
Roofing (wood shake, shingle) 435 0.22 4.5 258
Tree Limbs & Stumps 1,080 0.54 1.9 640.7
Wood (scrap, loose) 330 0.17 5.9 195.7
Yard Trimmings (mixed) 108 0.05 20 64
69
Source: Contra Costa Waste Authority
Table 3. Points for reducing construction waste below baseline
Percentage reduction Points

10% 0.5
20% 1.0
30% 1.5
40% 2.0
50% 2.5
60% 3.0
70
MR CREDIT: M ATERIAL-EFFICIENT FRAMING

0.5-2 points
Homes (0.52 points)
Intent
To conserve resources by reducing the use of unnecessary framing materials.
Requirements
HOMES
Implement any of the following advanced framing techniques for at least 90% of each component.
Implement one of the following optimum value engineering measures in exterior walls and
common walls (1 point):
Install no more than one horizontal 2x top plate on walls by aligning studs with joists and
roof rafters.
Place window and door headers in the rim joist.
Install raised (directly beneath the top plate), single-ply headers not more than 2 inches
nominal thickness in a 2x4 wall or 4 inches nominal thickness in a 2x6 wall, in
accordance with International Residential Code 2012.
Install structural insulated panels (SIPs) for walls.
Implement any two of the following for all interior and exterior walls (0.5 point):
Size headers for actual loads.
Use ladder blocking or drywall clips.
Use two-stud corners or California corners.
Space interior wall studs greater than 16 inches o.c. (400 mm o.c.) (0.5 point).
Space floor joists greater than 16 inches o.c. (400 mm o.c.) or SIPs (0.5 point).
Space roof rafters greater than 16 inches o.c. (400 mm o.c.) or SIPs (0.5 point).
For renovation projects, existing components may be excluded from the calculation.
Modular, panelized, or other prefabricated wall or structural systems must comply with the requirements.
71
INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY (EQ)

Point floor: Earn at least 3 points in the EQ section.
EQ PREREQUISITE: VENTILATION
Homes
Midrise
Intent
To reduce moisture problems and occupants exposure to indoor pollutants from kitchens, bathrooms and
other sources by exhausting pollutants to outside and ventilating with outdoor air.
Requirements
HOMES, MIDRISE
Meet all of the following requirements for local exhaust and outdoor air ventilation including the
requirements of ASHRAE 62.2 2010, sections 4, 5 and 7 and Section 1504.4 of the 2009 International
Residential Code (IRC), including:
1. Local Exhaust. Meet all the following requirements:
Design and install local exhaust systems in all bathrooms (including half-baths) and the kitchen to meet
the requirements of ASHRAE Standard 62.22010, Sections 5 and 7 or local equivalent, whichever is
more stringent. Sample requirements that relate to minimum intermittent local exhaust flow rates are
shown in Table 1.
Exhaust air to the outdoors. Do not route exhaust ducts to terminate in attics or interstitial spaces.
Recirculating range hoods or recirculating over-the-range microwaves do not satisfy the kitchen exhaust
requirements.
Use ENERGY STARlabeled bathroom exhaust fans in all bathrooms (including half-baths) or
performance equivalent for projects outside the U.S. A HRV or ERV can be used to exhaust single or
multiple bathrooms if it has an efficacy level of greater than or equal to 2.8 cfm/Watt (1.3 liters per
second/Watt) as certified by HVI.
For exhaust hood systems capable of exhausting in excess of 400 cubic feet per minute (188 liters per
second), provide makeup air at a rate approximately equal to the exhaust air rate. Makeup air systems
must have a means of closure and be automatically controlled to start and operate simultaneously with
the exhaust system.
Table 1. Minimum air-flow requirements for intermittent local exhaust
Minimum air flow

Kitchen 100 cfm (47 liters per second); vented
range hood required if continuous exhaust
fan flow rate is less than 5 kitchen air
changes per hour
Bathroom, 50 cfm (23 liters per second)
half-bath
72
AND
2. Whole House Mechanical Ventilation. Design and install a whole-house mechanical ventilation
system that complies with ASHRAE Standard 62.22010, Sections 4 and 7 or local equivalent,
whichever is more stringent. Whole house ventilation fans must be rated for sound at a maximum of
1.0 sone per ASHRAE 62.22010, Section 7.2.1. Remote mounted fans need not meet these sound
requirements.
The ASHRAE options can be summarized as follows:
Continuous ventilation. Meet the ventilation requirements. Simplified minimum air-flow
requirements are shown in Table 2.
Intermittent ventilation. Use ASHRAE Standard 62.22010, Equation 4.2, to demonstrate
adequate ventilation air flow.
Any passive ventilation system must be approved and verified by a licensed HVAC engineer as
providing ventilation equivalent to that achieved by continuous ventilation systems.
Table 2a. Simplified minimum air-flow requirements (cfm) for continuous ventilation systems
Conditioned Bedrooms
2
floor area (ft ) 0, 1 2, 3 4, 5 6, 7 >7
1,500 30 45 60 75 90
1,5013,000 45 60 75 90 105
3,0014,500 60 75 90 105 120
4,5016,000 75 90 105 120 135
6,0017,500 90 105 120 135 150
> 7,500 105 120 135 150 165
Table 2b. Simplified minimum air-flow requirements (liters per second) for continuous ventilation
systems
Conditioned Bedrooms
2
floor area (m ) 0, 1 2, 3 4, 5 6, 7 >7
139 14 21 28 35 42
140 279 21 28 35 42 49
280 418 28 35 42 49 56
419 557 35 42 49 56 63
558 697 42 49 56 63 70
> 698 49 56 63 70 77
Projects that earn the EPA Indoor airPLUS label automatically meet the requirements of this prerequisite.
Case 2. Multifamily
73
Design and install a whole-unit ventilation system for each individual dwelling unit that complies with the
requirements of ASHRAE Standard 62.22010 (with errata) or local equivalent, whichever is more
stringent, and all local exhaust requirements for Single Family section, above. Major components of the
standard are summarized below.
Provide outdoor air to each unit directly from the outdoors. Project teams using exhaust
ventilation systems must specify how outside air is delivered at the flow rate required by ASHRAE
62.22010. Do not use systems that rely on transfer air from pressurized hallways or corridors,
adjacent dwelling units, attics, etc.
For continuous ventilation systems, meet the requirements of ASHRAE 62.22010 shown in
Table 2, Continuous in-unit ventilation fans must be rated for sound at a maximum of 1.0 sone,
per ASHRAE 62.22010, Section 7.2.1. Remote mounted fans need not meet these sound
requirements.
For intermittent ventilation systems, install fans to meet ASHRAE Standard 62.22010. The fan
flow rate must be equal to the outdoor air flow requirements multiplied by the fan flow rate
multiplier. The system must be designed such that it can operate automatically based on a timer.
Fans must be rated for sound at a maximum of 1.0 sone. Remote mounted fans need not meet
these sound requirements.
As applicable, follow the restrictions on system types for hot, humid climates and very cold
climates. In hot, humid climates, whole-house mechanical net exhaust flow must not exceed 7.5
cfm per 100 square feet (38 liters per second per 100 square meters) of conditioned floor area. In
very cold climates, mechanical supply-only systems must not exceed 7.5 cfm per 100 square feet
(38 liters per second per 100 square meters). See ASHRAE 62.22010, Sections 4.5 and 8, for
more details and climate categories.
Locate air inlets that are part of the ventilation design at least 10 feet (3 meters) from known
sources of contamination, such as a stack, vent, exhaust hood, or vehicle exhaust. Place the
intake such that entering air is not obstructed by snow, plantings, or other material. Forced air
inlets must be covered by screens to exclude rodents and insects (mesh not larger than inch or
13 millimeters). See ASHRAE 62.22010, Section 6.8, for more details and a list of exceptions.
For all non-unit spaces, meet the minimum requirements of ASHRAE Standard 62.12010 or local
equivalent, whichever is more stringent, Sections 47, Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor Air Quality (with
errata).
Mechanically ventilated spaces must be designed using the ventilation rate procedure or the applicable
local code, whichever is more stringent. Ventilation fans that penetrate rated assemblies may require
radiation and fire dampers to meet local building and fire codes.
Naturally ventilated spaces must comply with ASHRAE Standard 62.12010, Paragraph 5.1 (with errata).
74
EQ PREREQUISITE: COMBUSTION VENTING

Homes
Midrise
Intent
To limit the leakage of combustion gases into the occupied space of the home.
Requirements
HOMES, MIDRISE
Do not install any unvented combustion appliances (ovens and ranges excluded).
Install a carbon monoxide (CO) monitor on each floor, hard-wired with a battery backup. In multifamily
buildings, install a CO monitor on each floor of each unit.
For all fireplaces and woodstoves inside the building, provide doors that close or a solid glass enclosure.
Interior fireplaces and woodstoves that are not closed-combustion or power-vented must pass BPI or
RESNET combustion safety testing protocols to ensure that depressurization of the combustion appliance
zone is less than 5 Pa.
Space- and water-heating equipment that involves combustion must meet one of the following:
it must be designed and installed with closed combustion (i.e., sealed supply air and exhaust
ducting);
it must be designed and installed with power-vented exhaust; or
it must be located in a detached utility building or open-air facility.
75
EQ PREREQUISITE: GARAGE POLLUTANT PROTECTION

Homes
Midrise
Intent
To reduce occupants exposure to indoor pollutants originating from an adjacent garage.
Requirements
HOMES, MIDRISE
Place all air-handling equipment and ductwork outside the fire-rated envelope of the garage.
Tightly seal shared surfaces between the garage and conditioned spaces, including all of the following:
In conditioned spaces above the garage, seal all penetrations and all connecting floor and ceiling
joist bays.
In conditioned spaces next to the garage, weather-strip all doors, install carbon monoxide
detectors in rooms that share a door with the garage, seal all penetrations, and seal all cracks at
the base of the walls.
76
EQ PREREQUISITE: R ADON-RESISTANT CONSTRUCTION

Homes
Midrise
Intent
To reduce occupants exposure to radon gas and other soil gas contaminants.
Requirements
HOMES, MIDRISE
Case 1. New Construction
If the building is in EPA radon zone 1 (or local equivalent for projects outside the United States), design
and build with radon-resistant construction techniques, as prescribed by American Association of Radon
Scientist and Technologists (AARST), Reducing Radon in New Construction of 1 & 2 Family (RRNC 2.0);
EPA Building Radon Out; NFPA 5000, Chapter 49; International Residential Code, Appendix F; CABO,
Appendix F; ASTM E1465; or a local equivalent, whichever is more stringent. Follow all the requirements
listed in Indoor airPLUS, 2.1:
Provide a capillary break per the Indoor airPLUS specifications.
Provide an electrical outlet near vent piping in the attic to facilitate future fan installation.
Install a 3- or 4-inch (or approximately 80- or 100- millimeters)diameter gas-tight vertical vent pipe
with no bends greater than 45 degrees, connected to an open T-fitting in the aggregate layer,
extending up through the conditioned spaces and terminating at least 12 inches (300 millimeters)
above the roof opening.
The requirements for radon protection are automatically satisfied if the building is elevated by at least 2
feet (600 millimeters), with open air space between the building and ground. An enclosed vented
crawlspace does not qualify. A garage under a building is an acceptable alternative.
For mixed-use buildings, nonresidential space is exempted.
Case 2. Renovation of Existing Building
If the building is in EPA radon zone 1 (or local equivalent for projects outside the United States), and if no
slab work is being performed (i.e., an existing slab is not being demolished, and no new slab floor is being
built), test the building for radon. If the results are greater than 4 pCi/L, install an active ventilation system.
If the results are less than 4 pCi/L, no radon-resistant construction techniques are required.
77
EQ PREREQUISITE: AIR FILTERING

Homes
Midrise
Intent
To protect occupants health by reducing particulate matter from the air supply system.
Requirements
HOMES, MIDRISE
Install air filters with a minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV) of 8 or higher on all recirculating space
conditioning systems, per ASHRAE 62.22010. Design ductwork and specify the central blower to
account for the pressure drop across the filter. Air filter housings must be airtight to prevent bypass or
leakage.
Nonducted systems are exempt from the minimum MERV 8 requirements but must have an internal air
filter in the air-handling unit.
Install air filters rated MERV 6 or higher for mechanically supplied outdoor air for systems with 10 feet (3
meters) of ductwork or more, per ASHRAE 62.22010, Section 6.7.
Projects may use equivalent filtration media class of F5 or higher for MERV 8 and G4 or higher for MERV
6, as defined by CEN standard EN7792002.
EQ PREREQUISITE: ENVIRONMENTAL TOBACCO SMOKE

Homes
Midrise
Intent
To limit exposure of building occupants, indoor surfaces, and ventilation air distribution systems to
environmental tobacco smoke.
Requirements
HOMES, MIDRISE
Multifamily projects only
Prohibit smoking in all common areas of the building. The prohibition must be communicated in building
rental or lease agreements or in condo or co-op association covenants and restrictions, and provisions for
enforcement must be included.
Locate any exterior designated smoking areas, including balconies where smoking is permitted, at least
25 feet (7.5 meters) from entries, outdoor air intakes, and operable windows opening to common areas.
78
Prohibit on-property smoking within 25 feet (7.5 meters) of entries, outdoor air intakes, and operable
windows. Provide signage to allow smoking in designated areas, prohibit smoking in designated areas, or
prohibit smoking on the entire property.
79
EQ PREREQUISITE: COMPARTMENTALIZATION

Homes
Midrise
Intent
To limit occupants exposure to indoor air pollutants by minimizing the transfer of air between units.
Requirements
HOMES, MIDRISE
Multifamily and Attached Single-Family Projects Only
Compartmentalize each residential unit to minimize leakage between units. Minimize uncontrolled
pathways for environmental tobacco smoke and other indoor air pollutants between units by sealing
penetrations in walls, ceilings, and floors and by sealing vertical chases (including utility chases, garbage
chutes, mail drops, and elevator shafts) adjacent to the units.
Weather-strip all doors in the residential units leading to common hallways to minimize air leakage into
the hallway. Weather-strip all exterior doors and operable windows to minimize leakage from outdoors.
Demonstrate acceptable sealing of residential units by a blower door test. Follow the procedure described
by RESNET or the ENERGY STAR Multifamily High Rise Program Testing and Verification Protocols,
Version 1.0, with an allowable maximum leakage of 0.23 cfm50 per square foot (0.07 cmm50 per square
meter) of enclosure (i.e., all surfaces enclosing the apartment, including exterior and party walls, floors,
and ceiling).
80
EQ CREDIT: ENHANCED VENTILATION

3 points
Homes (13 points)
Midrise (13 points)
Intent
To minimize moisture problems and occupants exposure to indoor pollutants through enhanced exhaust
and ventilation systems.
Requirements
HOMES, MIDRISE
Option 1. Enhanced Local Exhaust (1 point)

Use one of the following strategies in every bathroom with a shower, bathtub, or spa (i.e., half-baths are
exempt) to control the use of the local exhaust fan:
an occupancy sensor;
an automatic humidistat controller;
a continuously operating exhaust fan; or
a delay timer that operates the fan for at least 20 minutes.
AND/OR
Option 2. Enhanced Whole-House Ventilation (2 points)

Install a balanced whole-house ventilation system (not just exhaust only or supply only) that meets the
minimum ventilation requirements of ASHRAE Standard 62.22010, Sections 4 and 7, or local equivalent
whichever is more stringent. Program the system such that it does not exceed the standards
requirements by more than 10%.
For multifamily buildings, meet the above requirements for all in-unit residential spaces in both options 1
and 2.
81
EQ CREDIT: CONTAMINANT CONTROL

2 points
Homes (0.52 points)
Intent
To reduce occupants exposure to indoor airborne contaminants through source control and removal.
Requirements
HOMES
Option 1. Walk-off Mats (0.5 point)

At each primary entryway from the outdoors, design and install a permanent walk-off mat that is at least 4
feet (1.2 meters) long and allows access for cleaning (e.g., grating with catch basin). Permanent walk-off
mats are required only for primary exterior entryways, but nonpermanent walk-off mats are strongly
recommended for other entryways.
For regularly used common exterior entryways in multifamily buildings, install permanent systems that are
at least 10 feet long (3 meters) in the primary direction of travel to capture dirt and particulates.
Acceptable entryway systems include permanently installed grates, grilles, and slotted surfaces that allow
for cleaning underneath. Roll-out mats are acceptable only if maintained on a weekly basis by a
contracted service organization.
AND/OR
Option 2. Shoe Removal and Storage (0.5 point)

Design a shoe removal and storage space near the primary entryway, separated from living areas. This
space must be a permanent architectural feature and it must be large enough to accommodate a bench
and at least two pairs of shoes per bedroom and must not have conventional carpet. Carpet tile is
acceptable if its specifically designed for entryway systems or similar use, including performance
attributes equivalent to other acceptable entryway systems.
For multifamily buildings, design a shoe removal and storage space at each residential units primary
entrance.
AND/OR
Option 3. Preoccupancy Flush (0.5 points)
At installation, seal all permanent ducts and vents to minimize contamination from construction. Remove
seals after all phases of construction are completed.
After construction ends and before occupancy, flush the home with fresh air, according to the following
guidelines:
Remove any dust and debris from ducts.
82
Flush the entire home for 48 hours, keeping all windows and interior doors open; the 48 hours
may be nonconsecutive if necessary.
Keep all windows open and run a fan (e.g., HVAC system fan) continuously, or flush the home
with all HVAC fans and exhaust fans operating continuously at the highest flow rate.
For multifamily buildings, the requirements apply only to all in-unit spaces.
Projects that earn the EPA Indoor airPLUS label automatically meet the requirements of Option 3.
AND/OR
Option 4. Air Testing (1 point)
After construction ends and before occupancy, but under ventilation conditions typical for occupancy,
conduct baseline indoor air quality testing using protocols consistent with the methods listed in Table 1.
Project teams must follow either the Use current versions of ASTM standard methods, EPA compendium
methods, or ISO methods, as indicated. Laboratories that conduct the tests for chemical analysis of
formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds must be accredited under ISO/IEC 17025 for the test
methods they use.
Demonstrate that contaminants do not exceed concentration levels listed in Table 1.
Table 1. Maximum concentration levels, by contaminant and testing method
Maximum
concentration
Maximum (Healthcare ASTM and U.S.
Contaminant concentration only) EPA methods ISO method
Formaldehyde 27 ppb 16.3 ppb ASTM D5197; ISO 16000-3

EPA TO-11 or
EPA
Compendium
Method IP-6
Particulates PM10: 50 20 micrograms EPA ISO 7708

(PM10 for all micrograms per per cubic meter Compendium
buildings; PM2.5 cubic meter Method IP-10
for buildings in PM2.5: 15
EPA micrograms per
nonattainment cubic meter
areas)
Ozone (for 0.075 ppm 0.075 ppm ASTM D5149 - ISO 13964
buildings in EPA 02
nonattainment
areas)
Total volatile 500 micrograms 200 micrograms EPA TO-1, TO- ISO 16000-6
organic per cubic meter per cubic meter 15, TO-17, or
compounds EPA
(TVOCs) Compendium
Method IP-1
Target chemicals CDPH Standard CDPH Standard ASTM D5197; ISO 16000-3,
83
listed in CDPH Method v1.1 Method v1.1 EPA TO-1, TO- 16000-6
Standard Method 2010, Allowable 2010, Allowable 15, TO-17, or
v1.1, Table 4-1, Concentrations, Concentrations, EPA
except Table 4-1 Table 4-1 Compendium
formaldehyde Method
Carbon 9 ppm; no more 9 ppm; no more EPA ISO 4224

monoxide (CO) than 2 ppm above than 2 ppm above Compendium
outdoor levels outdoor levels Method IP-3
ppb = parts per billion; ppm = parts per million; g/cm = micrograms per cubic meter
Conduct all measurements before occupancy but during normal occupied hours, with the building
ventilation system started at the normal daily start time and operated at the minimum outside air flow rate
for the occupied mode throughout the test.
The number of sampling locations depends on the size of the building and number of ventilation systems
but must include the entire building and all representative situations. Include areas with the least
ventilation and greatest presumed source strength.
Collect air samples between 3 and 6 feet (900 and 1 800 millimeters) from the floor to represent the
breathing zone of occupants over a minimum four-hour period.
Measure particulate concentrations by a gravimetric method. Hand-held or real-time instruments are not
acceptable unless they are calibrated on site against the standard gravimetric method.
For each sampling point where the concentration exceeds the limit, take corrective action and retest for
the noncompliant contaminants at the same sampling points. Repeat until all requirements are met.
Refer to CA Section 01350, Appendix B, New Single-Family Residence Scenario, for air-testing guidance.
MIDRISE
Option 1. Walk-off Mats (0.5 point)
At each units primary entryway from the outdoors, design and install a permanent walk-off mat that is at
least 4 feet (1.2 meters) long and allows access for cleaning (e.g., grating with catch basin).
For regularly used common exterior entryways in multifamily buildings, install permanent systems that are
at least 10 feet (3 meters) long in the primary direction of travel to capture dirt and particulates.
Acceptable entryway systems include permanently installed grates, grilles, and slotted surfaces that allow
for cleaning underneath. Roll-out mats are acceptable only if maintained on a weekly basis by a
contracted service organization.
AND/OR
Option 2. Shoe Removal and Storage (0.5 point)

In each unit, design a shoe removal and storage space near the entryway, separated from living areas.
This space must be a permanent architectural feature, it may not have wall-to-wall carpeting, and it must
be large enough to accommodate a bench and at least two pairs of shoes per bedroom.
AND/OR
Option 3. Preoccupancy flush (0.5 point)

84
The Preoccupancy Flush can be awarded if the requirements are only met for all in-unit spaces.
At installation, seal all permanent ducts and vents to minimize contamination from construction. Remove
seals after all phases of construction are completed.
After construction ends and before occupancy, flush the home with fresh air, according to the following
guidelines:
Remove any dust and debris from ducts.
Flush the entire home, keeping all interior doors open for 48 hours; the hours may be
nonconsecutive if necessary.
Keep all windows open and run a fan (e.g., HVAC system fan) continuously, or flush the home
with all HVAC fans and exhaust fans operating continuously at the highest flow rate.
For multifamily buildings, the requirements apply only to all in-unit spaces.
AND/OR
Option 4. Air Testing (1 point)
After construction ends and before occupancy, but under ventilation conditions typical for occupancy,
conduct baseline indoor air quality testing using protocols consistent with the methods listed in Table 1.
Project teams must follow either the current versions of ASTM standard methods, EPA compendium
methods, or ISO methods, as indicated. Laboratories that conduct the tests for chemical analysis of
formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds must be accredited under ISO/IEC 17025 for the test
methods they use.
Demonstrate that contaminants do not exceed concentration levels listed in Table 1.
Table 2. Maximum concentration levels, by contaminant and testing method
Maximum
concentration
Maximum (Healthcare ASTM and U.S.
Contaminant concentration only) EPA methods ISO method
Formaldehyde 27 ppb 16.3 ppb ASTM D5197; ISO 16000-3

EPA TO-11 or
EPA
Compendium
Method IP-6
Particulates PM10: 50 20 micrograms EPA ISO 7708
(PM10 for all micrograms per per cubic meter Compendium
buildings; PM2.5 cubic meter Method IP-10
for buildings in PM2.5: 15
EPA micrograms per
nonattainment cubic meter
areas)
Ozone (for 0.075 ppm 0.075 ppm ASTM D5149 - ISO 13964
buildings in EPA 02
85
nonattainment
areas)
Total volatile 500 micrograms 200 micrograms EPA TO-1, TO- ISO 16000-6
organic per cubic meter per cubic meter 15, TO-17, or
compounds EPA
(TVOCs) Compendium
Method IP-1
Target chemicals CDPH Standard CDPH Standard ASTM D5197; ISO 16000-3,
listed in CDPH Method v1.1 Method v1.1 EPA TO-1, TO- 16000-6
Standard Method 2010, Allowable 2010, Allowable 15, TO-17, or
v1.1, Table 4-1, Concentrations, Concentrations, EPA
except Table 4-1 Table 4-1 Compendium
formaldehyde Method
Carbon 9 ppm; no more 9 ppm; no more EPA ISO 4224

monoxide (CO) than 2 ppm above than 2 ppm above Compendium
outdoor levels outdoor levels Method IP-3
ppb = parts per billion; ppm = parts per million; g/cm = micrograms per cubic meter
Conduct all measurements before occupancy but during normal occupied hours, with the building
ventilation system started at the normal daily start time and operated at the minimum outside air flow rate
for the occupied mode throughout the test.
The number of sampling locations depends on the size of the building and number of ventilation systems
but must include the entire building and all representative situations. Include areas with the least
ventilation and greatest presumed source strength.
Collect air samples between 3 and 6 feet (900 and 1 800 millimeters) from the floor to represent the
breathing zone of occupants over a minimum four-hour period.
Measure particulate concentrations by a gravimetric method. Hand-held or real-time instruments are not
acceptable unless they are calibrated on site against the standard gravimetric method.
For each sampling point where the concentration exceeds the limit, take corrective action and retest for
the noncompliant contaminants at the same sampling points. Repeat until all requirements are met.
Refer to CA Section 01350, Appendix B, New Single-Family Residence Scenario, for air-testing guidance.
86
EQ CREDIT: B ALANCING OF HEATING AND COOLING DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS

3 points
Homes (13 points)
Midrise (13 points)
Intent
To improve thermal comfort and energy performance by ensuring appropriate distribution of space
heating and cooling in the home.
Requirements
HOMES, MIDRISE
Case 1. Forced-Air Systems
Option 1. Multiple Zones (1 point)
Install a system with at least two space-conditioning zones with independent thermostatic controls. In
houses with both a heating system and a cooling system, each must have at least two zones.
Single-family houses with less than 800 square feet (74 square meters) of conditioned floor area and
multifamily buildings whose average unit size is less than 1,200 square feet (110 square meters)
automatically meet the requirements of this credit.
AND/OR
Option 2. Supply Air-Flow Testing (1 point)

Have the total supply air-flow rates in each room tested by a qualified energy rater using a flow hood with
doors closed, or another acceptable method, per RESNET or ACCA Quality Installation Specifications.
Supply air-flow rates must be within +/- 20% (or +/- 25 cfm or 11 lps) of calculated values from ACCA
Manual J.
Test multirate or multispeed HVAC systems at the rate for which they were designed. Supply air-flow
requirements must meet the higher of the cooling or heating designed air flow for each room.
Ductless systems qualify for this credit.
AND/OR
Option 3. Pressure Balancing (1 point)
For each bedroom, demonstrate a pressure difference of more than 3 Pa (0.012 inch w.c.) with respect to
the main body of the house when doors are closed and the air handler is operating on highest speed. The
testing must be verified by a qualified energy rater.
Case 2. Radiative Systems
Radiative systems include radiators, hot water baseboard systems, and other non-forced air heating and
cooling systems.
Option 1. Multiple Zones (1 point)

87
Install an HVAC system with at least two zones with independent thermostat controls. Each zone must
have a separate loop and separate pump controlled automatically by a thermostat control. For HVAC
systems with radiators, see Option 2.
Houses with less than 800 square feet (74 square meters) of conditioned floor area and multifamily
buildings whose average unit size is less than 1,200 square feet (110 square meters) automatically meet
the requirements of this credit.
AND/OR
Option 2. Room-by-Room Controls (2 points)

Design the HVAC system with room-by-room thermostatic controls, such as flow-control valves on every
radiator.
88
EQ CREDIT: ENHANCED COMPARTMENTALIZATION

13 points
Homes (1 point)
Midrise (3 points)
Intent
To minimize the exposure of building occupants to indoor air pollutants by preventing the transfer of air
between units.
Requirements
HOMES, MIDRISE
Perform a compartmentalization blower door test according to RESNET or the ENERGY STAR testing
and verification protocols for multifamily midrise buildings, with an allowable maximum leakage of 0.15
cfm50 per square foot (0.04 cmm50 per square meter) of enclosure (i.e., all surfaces enclosing the
apartment, including exterior and party walls, floors, and ceiling).
89
EQ CREDIT: COMBUSTION VENTING

2 points
Homes (12 points)
Midrise (12 points)
Intent
To minimize the leakage of combustion gases into the occupied space of the home.
Requirements
HOMES, MIDRISE
Option 1. No Fireplace or Woodstove (2 points)

Do not install any fireplaces or woodstoves.
OR
Option 2. Enhanced Combustion Venting Measures (1 point)

For any wood- or pellet-burning fireplaces and stoves, install equipment that is EPA qualified. Provide
power or direct venting.
For any natural gas, propane, or alcohol stoves, install equipment listed by an approved safety testing
facility. The stove must have a permanently fixed glass front or gasketed door and an electronic pilot.
Provide power or direct venting.
90
EQ CREDIT: ENHANCED GARAGE POLLUTANT PROTECTION

1-2 points
Homes (12 points)
Midrise (1 point)
Intent
To minimize occupants exposure to indoor pollutants originating from an adjacent garage.
Requirements
HOMES
Option 1. Exhaust Fan in Garage (1 point)

Install in the garage an exhaust fan that is rated at least 75 cfm (35 liters per second) and meets
ENERGY STAR cfm/w performance requirements.
The fan must vent directly to the outdoors and have an automatic timer control linked to an occupant
sensor, a light switch, a garage door opening-closing mechanism, a carbon monoxide sensor that turns
on the fan when ambient CO levels reach 35 ppm, or equivalent. The timer must be set to provide at least
three air changes each time the fan is turned on.
OR
Option 2. No Garage, or Detached Garage, or Carport (2 points)

Select one of the following strategies:
Do not construct a garage.
Install a detached garage, defined as a structure that does not share a wall with the home.
Install a carport, defined as an open-air space with one complete wall, which may be shared with
the home.
Case 2. Multifamily
Option 1. Exhaust Fan in Multicar Garage (1 point)

For a garage that accommodates more than three cars, follow the requirements in ASHRAE 62.1
2010. Exhaust the garage sufficiently to create negative pressure with respect to adjacent spaces
with the doors to the garage closed. Provide self-closing doors and deck-to-deck partitions or a hard
lid ceiling. The pressure differential with the surrounding spaces must be at least 5 Pascals (Pa) (0.02
inches of water gauge) when all doors are closed. The exhaust fan may either run continuously, or on
a carbon monoxide sensor that turns on the fan when ambient CO levels reach 35 ppm.
OR
Option 2. Exhaust Fan in Small Garage (1 point)

For a garage that accommodates one, two, or three cars, install an exhaust fan that meets ENERGY
STAR minimum efficacy levels (cfm/W)
; direct-exhaust fans must be 100 cfm (47 liters per second) or greater, and ducted exhaust fans must be
130 cfm (61 liters per second) or greater.
91
The fan must either run continuously or have an automatic timer control linked to an occupant sensor, a
light switch, a garage door opening-closing mechanism, a carbon monoxide sensor that turns on the fan
when ambient CO levels reach 35 ppm, or equivalent. Any timer must be set to provide at least three air
changes each time the fan is turned on.
OR
Option 3. No Garage, or Detached Garage (2 points)

Select one of the following strategies:
Do not construct a garage.
Install a detached garage, defined as a structure that does not share a wall with the building.
MIDRISE
Option 1. Exhaust Fan on Controls in Garage (1 point)

For a garage that accommodates more than three cars, follow the requirements in ASHRAE 62.1
2010. Exhaust the garage sufficiently to create negative pressure with respect to adjacent spaces
with the doors to the garage closed. Provide self-closing doors and deck-to-deck partitions or a hard
lid ceiling. The pressure differential with the surrounding spaces must be at least 5 Pascals (Pa) (0.02
inches of water gauge) when all doors are closed. The exhaust fan may either run continuously, or on
a carbon monoxide sensor that turns on the fan when ambient CO levels reach 35 ppm.
OR
Option 2. Detached Garage or No Garage or Carport (1 point)

If a garage is constructed, it may not share a wall with the building.
92
EQ CREDIT: LOW-EMITTING PRODUCTS

3 points
Homes (0.5-3 points)
Midrise (0.5-3 points)
Intent
To reduce occupants exposure to airborne chemical contaminants through product selection.
Requirements
HOMES, MIDRISE
In the interior of the home, use products that have been tested and found compliant with the California
Department of Public Health Standard Method V1.12010, using CA Section 01350, Appendix B, New
Single-Family Residence Scenario, for emissions testing guidance. At least 90% of a component must
meet the requirements to earn credit.
For site-applied interior paints and coatings, meet the requirements of CA Section 01350 (0.5 point).
For flooring, meet the requirements of CA Section 01350 (0.5 point).
For insulation, meet the requirements of CA Section 01350 (0.5 point).
For site-applied adhesives and sealants, meet the requirements of CA Section 01350 (0.5 point).
For composite wood products be constructed from materials documented to have low formaldehyde
emissions that meet the California Air Resources Board requirements for ultra-low-emitting formaldehyde
(ULEF) resins or no-added formaldehyde based resins. Salvaged and reused architectural millwork more
than one year old at the time of occupancy is considered compliant provided any site-applied paints,
coatings, adhesives, and sealants meet the requirements. Wood structural panels conforming to DOC
PS-1 or PS-2 and manufactured with moisture-resistant adhesive for "Exposure 1" or "Exterior"
application as indicated on the panel by the trademark of an approved testing and grading agency are
exempt. (1 point) .
93
EQ CREDIT: NO ENVIRONMENTAL TOBACCO SMOKE

1 point
Midrise (1 point)
Intent
To minimize exposure of building occupants, indoor surfaces, and ventilation air distribution systems to
environmental tobacco smoke.
Requirements
MIDRISE
Prohibit smoking throughout the building, including within living units. The prohibition must be
communicated in building rental or lease agreements or in condo or co-op association covenants and
restrictions, and provisions for enforcement must be included.
94
INNOVATION (IN)
IN PREREQUISITE : PRELIMINARY R ATING
Homes
Midrise
Intent
To maximize opportunities for integrative, cost-effective adoption of green design and construction
strategies.
Requirements
HOMES, MIDRISE
As early as practicable, conduct a preliminary LEED for Homes meeting, with the participation of the
principal members of the verification and project teams. As part of the meeting, create an action plan that
identifies the following:
the targeted LEED award level (Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum);

the credits that have been selected to meet the targeted award level; and
the party accountable for meeting the requirements for each selected credit.
95
IN CREDIT: INNOVATION
5 points
Homes (15 points)
Midrise (15 points)
Intent
To encourage exceptional performance for current credits and promote innovative performance in
pioneering areas.
Requirements
HOMES, MIDRISE
Credit can be achieved through a combination of Innovation, Pilot, and Exemplary Performance
strategies, as described below.
Option 1. Innovation (1 point)

Achieve significant, measurable environmental performance using a strategy not addressed in the LEED
Green Building Rating System.
Identify the following in writing:

the intent of the proposed innovation credit;
the proposed requirement for compliance;
the proposed submittals to demonstrate compliance; and
the design approach (strategies) used to meet the requirements.
AND/OR
Option 2. Pilot (1 point)

Attempt and achieve one pilot credit from the USGBCs LEED Pilot Credit Library.
AND/OR
Option 3. Additional Strategies (13 points)

Innovation (13 points)
Defined in Option 1 above.
Pilot (13 points)
Defined in Option 2 above.
Exemplary Performance (0.52 points)
Achieve exemplary performance in an existing LEED v4 prerequisite or credit that allows
exemplary performance, as specified in the LEED Reference Guide, v4 edition. An exemplary
performance point is typically earned for achieving double the credit requirements and/or
achieving the next incremental percentage threshold of an existing credit.
96
IN CREDIT: LEED AP FOR HOMES

1 point
Homes (1 point)
Midrise (1 point)
Intent
To support and encourage the project team integration required by a LEED project and to streamline the
application and certification process.
Requirements
HOMES, MIDRISE
Include in the project team at least one principal participant who is a LEED Homes Accredited
Professional (AP). This team member must have earned the credential before the preliminary rating
meeting. A principal participant is defined as the builder, architect, or green building consultant who has
design and/or product specifying responsibilities. The Green Rater is not considered a principal
participant.
97
REGIONAL PRIORITY (RP)

RP CREDIT: REGIONAL PRIORITY
4 points
Homes (14 points)
Midrise (14 points)
Intent
To address geographically specific environmental, social equity, and public health priorities.
Requirements
HOMES, MIDRISE
Six Regional Priority credits have been identified by the USGBC regional councils and chapters as having
special importance for the projects region. A database of these credits and their geographic applicability
is available on the USGBC website, at http://www.usgbc.org.
One point is awarded for each Regional Priority credit achieved, up to a maximum of four.

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LEED v4 for

HOMES DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

Credit: Integrative Process ..................................................................................................................... 7

LOCATION AND TRANSPORTATION (LT) ........................................................... 9

LT Credit: LEED for Neighborhood Development .............................................................................. 10

LT Credit: Site Selection ....................................................................................................................... 11

LT Credit: Compact Development ....................................................................................................... 14

LT Credit: Community Resources ....................................................................................................... 15

LT Credit: Access to Transit ................................................................................................................ 17

SUSTAINABLE SITES (SS) ............................................................................ 18

SS Prerequisite: No Invasive Plants .................................................................................................... 19

SS Credit: Heat Island Reduction ........................................................................................................ 20

SS Credit: Rainwater Management ...................................................................................................... 21

SS Credit: Nontoxic Pest Control ........................................................................................................ 23

WATER EFFICIENCY (WE) ............................................................................ 24

WE Credit: Total Water Use .................................................................................................................. 25

WE Credit: Indoor Water Use ............................................................................................................... 27

WE Credit: Outdoor Water Use ............................................................................................................ 28

ENERGY AND ATMOSPHERE (EA) ................................................................. 29

EA Prerequisite: Energy Metering ....................................................................................................... 32

EA Prerequisite: Education of Homeowner, Tenant, or Building Manager ..................................... 33

EA Credit: Annual Energy Use ............................................................................................................. 34

EA Credit: Efficient Hot Water Distribution System .......................................................................... 39

EA Credit: Advanced Utility Tracking .................................................................................................. 43

EA Credit: Active Solar-Ready Design ................................................................................................ 45

EA Credit: HVAC Start-Up Credentialing ............................................................................................ 46

PRESCRIPTIVE PATH ........................................................................................................................... 47

EA Credit: Efficient Hot Water Distribution System .......................................................................... 47

EA Credit: Solar-Ready Design ........................................................................................................... 47

EA Credit: HVAC Start-Up Credentialing ............................................................................................ 47

EA Credit: Advanced Utility Tracking ................................................................................................. 47

EA Prerequisite: Home Size ................................................................................................................. 48

EA Credit: Building Orientation for Passive Solar ............................................................................. 49

EA Credit: Air Infiltration ...................................................................................................................... 50

EA Credit: Envelope Insulation ............................................................................................................ 52

EA Credit: Windows .............................................................................................................................. 53

EA Credit: Space Heating and Cooling Equipment ........................................................................... 55

EA Credit: Heating and Cooling Distribution Systems...................................................................... 56

EA Credit: Efficient Domestic Hot Water Equipment ......................................................................... 57

EA Credit: Lighting ................................................................................................................................ 58

EA Credit: High-Efficiency Appliances ............................................................................................... 60

EA Credit: Renewable Energy .............................................................................................................. 61

MATERIALS AND RESOURCES (MR) .............................................................. 62

MR Prerequisite: Durability Management ........................................................................................... 63

MR Credit: Durability Management Verification ................................................................................. 64

MR Credit: Environmentally Preferable Products .............................................................................. 65

MR Credit: Construction Waste Management .................................................................................... 67

MR Credit: Material-Efficient Framing ................................................................................................. 70

INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY (EQ) ....................................................... 71

EQ Prerequisite: Combustion Venting ................................................................................................ 74

EQ Prerequisite: Garage Pollutant Protection ................................................................................... 75

EQ Prerequisite: Radon-Resistant Construction ............................................................................... 76

EQ Prerequisite: Air Filtering ............................................................................................................... 77

EQ Prerequisite: Environmental Tobacco Smoke ............................................................................. 77

EQ Prerequisite: Compartmentalization ............................................................................................. 79

EQ Credit: Enhanced Ventilation ......................................................................................................... 80

EQ Credit: Contaminant Control .......................................................................................................... 81

EQ Credit: Balancing of Heating and Cooling Distribution Systems ............................................... 86