Leed For Homes Program Pilot Rating System

LEED

for Homes Program

Pilot Rating System

for Homes

U.S. Green Building Council

Version 1.11a
January 2007

Copyright
Copyright 2007 by the U.S. Green Building Council. All rights reserved.

Disclaimer and Notices
The U.S. Green Building Council authorizes you to view the pilot LEED for Homes Green
Building Rating System for your individual use and to copy as-is, or in part if you
reference the original document. No content may be altered. In exchange for this
authorization, you agree to retain all copyright and other proprietary notices contained in
the original pilot LEED for Homes Green Building Rating System. You also agree not to
sell or modify the pilot LEED for Homes Green Building Rating System or to reproduce,
display or distribute the pilot LEED for Homes Green Building Rating System in any way
for any public or commercial purpose, including display on a website or in a networked
environment. Unauthorized use of the pilot LEED for Homes Green Building Rating
System violates copyright, trademark and other laws and is prohibited. All text, graphics,
layout and other elements of content contained in the pilot LEED for Homes Green
Building Rating System are owned by the U.S. Green Building Council and are protected
by copyright under both United States and foreign laws.
Also, please note that none of the parties involved in the funding or creation of the pilot
LEED for Homes Green Building Rating System, including the U.S. Green Building
Council or its members, make any warranty (express or implied) or assume any liability
or responsibility, to you or any third parties for the accuracy, completeness, or use of, or
reliance on, any information contained in the pilot LEED for Homes Green Building
Rating System, or for any injuries, losses or damages (including, without limitation,
equitable relief) arising out of such use or reliance.
As a condition of use, you covenant not to sue, and agree to waive and release the U.S.
Green Building Council and its members from any and all claims, demands and causes
of action for any injuries, losses or damages (including, without limitation, equitable
relief) that you may now or hereafter have a right to assert against such parties as a
result of your use of, or reliance on, the pilot LEED for Homes Green Building Rating
System.

Trademark
LEED is a registered trademark of the U.S. Green Building Council.

U.S. Green Building Council - 2 - January 2007
Contents

Introduction to LEED for Homes ...................................................................................... 4

How to Participate in LEED for Homes ............................................................................. 8

Quality Assurance........................................................................................................... 16

Overview of the Rating System....................................................................................... 18

Home Size Adjuster ........................................................................................................ 22

Checklist ......................................................................................................................... 26

Detailed Explanation of Credits
Innovation and Design Process (ID) .................................................................. 31
Location and Linkages (LL) ................................................................................. 42
Sustainable Sites (SS) ....................................................................................... 54
Water Efficiency (WE) ......................................................................................... 69
Energy and Atmosphere (EA)..76
Materials and Resources (MR).......................................................................... 106
Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) ................................................................. 119
Awareness and Education (AE) ........................................................................ 139

Glossary........................................................................................................................ 145

Attachments
A. Initiative for Affordable Housing................................................................... 153
B. Builder Agreement ....................................................................................... 156
C. Builder Accountability Form......................................................................... 160
D. Durability Inspection Checklist..................................................................... 162
E. LEED for Homes Project Completion Checklist ........................................... 168
F. ENERGY STAR Advanced Lighting Package ............................................. 170
G. ENERGY STAR with Indoor Air Package.................................................... 172

Introduction to LEED
for Homes

What are green homes?
The environmental impact of the residential sector is significant. There are more
than 120 million homes in the United States, and about 2 million new homes are
constructed each year. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the
residential sector accounts for 22% of the total energy consumed in the US and
74% of the water. Indoor air pollutants can often be four to five times higher than
outdoor levels. Twenty-one percent of U.S. carbon dioxide emissions are
contributed by the residential sector. The considerable impact on the
environment created by homes necessitates a shift toward more sustainable
residences.
Green home building addresses these issues by promoting the design and
construction of homes that have much higher performance levels than
conventional homes (i.e., homes that are built to the minimum building codes).
Generally, green homes are healthier, more comfortable, more durable, and
more energy efficient. And of course, they also have a much smaller
environmental footprint than conventional homes.
Green homes rely upon established and proven design features and
technologies that do not have a significantly large cost. Many green measures
will reduce long term costs, particularly those features that involve energy and
water efficiency. In many cases, these reductions in operating costs will more
than offset the additional up-front costs of a green home. The home building
industry is beginning to recognize the value of healthy homes, environmentally
responsible projects. The LEED for Homes Rating System provides a basis for
quantifying the benefits of green homes, thereby facilitating a wider adoption of
this more sustainable approach to home building.

The LEED

Green Building Rating System

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) established LEED (Leadership in
Energy and Environmental Design) as a system to define and measure green
buildings. The LEED Green Building Rating System is a voluntary, market-
driven building rating system based on existing proven technology that derives
market strength and credibility through industry-wide development of the LEED
products. After the initial pilot launch of LEED in 1998, LEED has evolved and
branched out to include: LEED for New Construction, LEED for Existing
Buildings, LEED for Commercial Interiors, and LEED for Core & Shell. LEED for
Homes is bringing the successes of the LEED Green Building Rating System to
the residential market.

Overview of LEED for Homes
LEED for Homes is an initiative designed to actively promote the transformation
of the mainstream home building industry towards more sustainable practices.
LEED for Homes is targeting the top 25% of new homes with best practice
environmental features. LEED for Homes is a collaborative initiative that
actively works with all sectors of the home building industry.
By recognizing sustainable design, construction, and operations practices in
homes nationwide, LEED for Homes helps home builders to differentiate their
homes as some of the best homes in their markets, using a recognized national
brand. Furthermore, home buyers will be able to readily identify high quality
green homes, simply by selecting LEED Homes.
While there are already a number of local or regional green home building
programs, LEED for Homes is attempting to provide national consistency in
defining the features of a green home and to enable builders anywhere in the
country to obtain a green rating on their homes. LEED for Homes represents a
consensus standard for green home building developed and refined by a
diverse cadre of national experts and experienced green builders. The LEED
for Homes rating system is part of the comprehensive suite of LEED
assessment tools offered by USGBC to promote sustainable design,
construction, and operations practices in buildings nationwide.
The LEED for Homes rating system uses eight different resource categories to
measure the overall performance of a home:
1. Innovation and Design Process (ID) - the category that includes
several types of innovative measures including: special design methods,
unique regionally credits, measures not currently addressed in the Rating
System, and/or exemplary performance levels.
2. Location and Linkages (LL) - the placement of homes in socially and
environmentally responsible ways in relation to the larger community.
3. Sustainable Sites (SS) - the use of the entire property so as to minimize
the projects impact on the site.
4. Water Efficiency (WE) - the water conservation practices (both indoor
and outdoor) built into the home.
5. Energy and Atmosphere (EA) - the improvement of energy efficiency
particularly in the building envelope and heating and cooling design.
6. Materials and Resources (MR) - the efficient utilization of materials,
selection of environmentally preferable materials, and minimization of
waste during construction.
7. Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) - the improvement of indoor air
quality by reducing possible air pollution.
8. Awareness and Education (AE) - the education of homeowner, tenant,
and building manager (as appropriate in larger multifamily buildings)
about the operations and maintenance of the green features of their
LEED Home.

The LEED for Homes rating system works by awarding credits for different
aspects of environmental design in each of the above categories. The level of
performance achieved in the above categories is separated into four

performance tiers. LEED for Homes will rate qualified homes at the Certified,
Silver, Gold and Platinum levels (presented in Exhibit 1) according to how many
points the home achieves in the Rating System.

Exhibit 1
LEED for Homes Certification Levels
LEED for Homes
Certification Levels
Number of LEED for
Homes Points
Required
Certified 45-59
Silver 60-74
Gold 75-89
Platinum 90-128
Total Available Points 129

The rating system is designed to guarantee minimum levels of sustainable
practices through 18 Prerequisites (or Mandatory Measures) in eight different
credit categories. At the same time, the rating system also ensures flexibility for
the builders with the wide variety of optional credits available to achieve the four
LEED for Homes certification levels. Credit Interpretation Requests (CIRs) are
also available to projects that need clarification or special consideration on
specific credits.

Does LEED for Homes include affordable and multifamily
homes?
LEED for Homes includes both affordable single family and low-rise multifamily
projects of three floors and below. Exactly how mid-rise multifamily projects will
ultimately be addressed by LEED for Homes will be examined during a separate
pilot phase for this housing type, scheduled to run through the end of 2007. Mid-
rise multifamily housing structures between four and six stories may be eligible to
participate in this pilot phase, and project managers should contact USGBC at
(202) 828-7422 for further information. Also, multifamily housing structures that
are over three stories are currently eligible to participate in LEED for New
Construction (LEED-NC).

Does LEED for Homes include the renovation of existing
homes?
LEED for Homes was designed to assess and label newly constructed homes. It
cannot be used to assess or label a portion of a home. Only substantial or gut

rehab project may be included in LEED for Homes at this time. Partially
renovated homes cannot be rated under LEED for Homes.

Where can I find out more about green home building?
There are many green home building resources available on the internet. For
more information about LEED for Homes, please contact [email protected], or
visit the U.S. Green Building Council website at www.usgbc.org/leed/homes

How to Participate in LEED for Homes

The strength of the LEED for Homes program is its third-party verification through
the LEED for Homes Providers. Currently, the pilot LEED for Homes initiative is
open to participation by builders in locations served by our 12 pilot LEED for
Homes Providers. Home builders outside of these 12 service areas may contact
their nearest LEED for Homes Provider to discuss participation in LEED for
Homes. In the short-term, not every home builder will have local access to a
Provider. However, in the coming year, USGBC plans to establish 10-20 new
Providers in new markets.
The LEED for Homes Providers are local and regional organizations that have
been chosen by USGBC to provide certification services to all LEED for Homes
projects in their local markets. These Providers were selected based on their
demonstrated abilities to manage a team of green raters. A Provider is under
contract to the USGBC to perform the following specific services:
Recruiting and registering builders for LEED for Homes,
Coordination of green raters,
Certification of LEED Homes,
Quality assurance for the certifications,
Facilitation of trainings for all stakeholders in their local market, and
Coordination with USGBC and the local USGBC chapters.
A green rater is an individual that works as a part of the LEED for Homes
Provider team (and may be in-house staff or a sub-contractor) to perform field
inspections, HERS-related software analyses, and performance testing. Raters
may work closely with the individual project teams to assist the design and
construction professionals in meeting their sustainability goals.
Green designers and consultants are also critical members of a project team. To
date, one of the primary lessons learned in the pilot is that the success of a green
home building project is tied to how effectively the green measures are integrated
into a homes design, and how well the sub-contractors understand how to
properly install these green measures..
While the Providers offer verification and certification services for LEED for
Homes projects, many builders may need additional support to effectively
integrate additional green measures into their home designs, and to ensure that
these designs are appropriately constructed by each sub-contractor. In
recognition of the vital role of these other stakeholders, USGBC is developing an
advanced training course for green home designers and consultants. USGBC
expects to offer this course beginning in the second half of 2007.


Five Steps to Participate
There are five basic steps for a builder
1
to follow in participating in LEED for
Homes:
1. Contact a LEED for Homes Provider and join the program
2. Identify a Project Team
3. Build the home to the stated goals
4. Certify the project as a LEED Home
5. Market and sell the LEED Home
These roles are shown graphically in Exhibit 2, and briefly described below.

Step 1: Contact a LEED for Homes Provider and Join the Program
Every participating builder (or project manager) must start by selecting a LEED
for Homes Provider. Through a Provider, builders (or project managers) may
register for participation in LEED for Homes. The Providers can also provide an
orientation and up-front technical assistance to builders. A list of available
Providers is included in Exhibit 3 or on the LEED for Homes website at
http://www.usgbc.org/leed/homes.

Once the builder (or project manager) and the Provider have agreed to work in
partnership on the project, the builder will submit a Builder Registration form to
the Provider for sign-off by the Provider and subsequent submission to USGBC.
At this time, the builder pays USGBC a one-time registration fee of $150. A copy
of the Builder Agreement form is included in Attachment B.

Step 2: Identify a Project Team
After registering, it is critical to identify a project team to plan, design and build
the home. The team should include professionals with both knowledge and
experience in each of the eight LEED for Homes resource categories. These
professionals should work together as a team to develop the project goals, to
identify potential challenges ahead, and to understand how they can each best
contribute to the success of the project.
The project team should start by laying out the sustainability goals of the project
and determining the specific strategies and systems integration required to
successfully meet those objectives.
The LEED for Homes Provider will assist the project team with a preliminary
rating of the home. This pre,iminary rating is a detailed review of the homes
current design and determine how it currently scores on this LEED for Homes
Rating System. As part of this design review, the following steps should be
completed:
Performance testing of a typical example of builders home design

1
The party that registers to participate in LEED for Homes may be the home builder, or the
person with primary responsibility for the design and construction of homes that are expected to
meet the LEED for Homes program requirements, hereafter referred to as the Builder.

Completion of preliminary project documentation file (including suggested
additional measures that may be needed to achieve a LEED rating)
cil - 11 - January 2007
The Basic Steps
(Approx 5-8 Months)
Step 1:
Join
LEED for Homes
Step 2:
Select
Green Features
Step 3:
Build
LEED Homes
Step 4:
Certify as
LEED Homes
Step 5:
Sell
LEED Homes LEED for Homes brand
of green features in homes
Initiative
and technical assistance
train Providers re LEED for Homes
Preliminary Rating Conduct kick-off meeting, Maintain national standards
(Identify green features to
Responsibilities Responsibilities Responsibilities
Builder's Provider's USGBC's
Review and sign LEED for Homes Promote Promote Builder's involvement
Builder Agreement LEED for Homes in LEED for Homes; and
LEED for Homes training, for best practice
include in home designs) and perform Preliminary Rating green home building; and
w/ builders connect Providers w/ builders
Facilitate Maintain database of
Perform quality installation technical training LEED for Homes
Providers, trainers,
and certification certified LEED Homes
of LEED for Homes features
Perform inspections,
Post LEED for Homes certificate testing, documentation Maintain database of
as needed
Sell LEED for Homes Provide sales training and
and promote marketing assistance Provide marketing materials
prominently in/on home
Exhibit 2
Builder Participation Roadmap

U.S. Green Building Coun
Exhibit 3
List of USGBC Approved Pilot LEED for Homes Providers

Name Title / Organization Contact Information
Arizona (Scottsdale and Metro Phoenix)
Anthony Floyd, Green Building Program Manager, City of Scottsdale Green
Building Program
(480)312-4202
[email protected]
California (Statewide)
Mark Berman Principal, Davis Energy Group, Inc.
(530)753-1100
[email protected]
Colorado (Statewide)
Kristin Shewfelt, Program Development Officer, E-Star Colorado
(303)459-4449
[email protected]
Florida (Statewide)
Eric Martin, Senior Research Engineer, Florida Solar Energy Center /
University of Central Florida
(321)638-1450
[email protected]
Georgia (Statewide, and AL, SC and VA)
Laura Uhde, Southface Energy Institute
404-872-3549 x129
[email protected]
Michigan (Central and Western MI)
Jeannine Reynolds, Executive Director, The Alliance for Environmental
Sustainability
(616)458-6733
[email protected]
New Jersey (Statewide, and Eastern PA)
Rob Wisniewski, Green Building Consultant, MaGrann Associates
(856)722-9799
[email protected]
Northeast Team (CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, and VT)
Richard Faesy, Senior Project Manager, Vermont Energy Investment Corporation
(until Feb. 28)
Peter Schneider, Project Manager, VEIC (starting March 1)

(802) 453-5100 x19
[email protected]

(802) 658-6060 x1141
[email protected]
Oklahoma (Statewide and Northern TX)
Donney Dorton, Guaranteed Watt Saver Systems, Inc.
405-946-0206
[email protected]
Oregon (Statewide and Southern WA)
Randy Hansell, Green Building Specialist, Earth Advantage
(503)968-7160 x16
[email protected]
Pennsyl vania (Eastern PA and DE)
David Bone, Program Manager, Energy Coordinating Agency of Philadelphia
(215) 988-0929 x 236
[email protected]
Texas (San Antonio)
Chip Henderson, President, Contects Consultants and Architects
(210)824-8758
[email protected]

Preliminary LEED for Homes score/rating
Depending on how the current home design scores, the project team will need to
decide if additional green measures must be added to the homes design.
To appropriately introduce new green measures into the home design, an
integrated design approach should be followed. Each change may introduce
both expected and unexpected challenges. With an integrated design process,
all project team members are given an opportunity to weigh-in on potential
challenges and solutions. Design charrettes are often used on larger projects to
bring together stakeholders with strong interests in the potential impacts of a
given project. Also, it may be beneficial to bring in consultants that specialize in
aspects of green home building that are critical to a given project.

Step 3: Build the Home
The LEED for Homes initiative is intended to provide project teams with guidance
on both green design and green construction practices. Green home building
often will require that the trades learn new ways of doing things. Subcontractors
that are new to green construction practices will need to be trained to make sure
they understand proper installation practices for these green measures. The
builder is encouraged to work with green consultants who specialize in training
trades in the practice areas where training may be needed.
Also, the Provider will designate a green rater to be on-site at different phases of
the construction process to verify compliance with the following LEED for Homes
credits:
Durability Inspections (ID 2)
Erosion controls (SS 1.1)
Thermal bypass inspection (EA 1, and/or EA 2).
The Provider and rater will work with the construction team and trades to
schedule and complete these interim inspections. Also, during the construction
process, it is important to remain in contact with the green rater if questions,
problems, or changes arise. The rater may need to re-score the project if major
changes are made during construction.

Step 4: Certify the home
After the construction of the home is completed, the following certification
process must be completed.
i. Infield inspection and performance testing.
The green rater must conduct an in-field final inspection of each of the green
measures selected on the LEED for Homes Checklist. They must also
conduct all of the performance tests selected on the checklist. A list of all of
the possible performance tests is presented in Exhibit 4.

Exhibit 4
List of Performance Tests
List of Measures Resp. Prerequisite or Credit
Category Mandatory Optional
EA 1 ENERGY STAR Home, including Rater X
3 Envelope Leakage Rater
5 Duct Leakage Rater
6.1 Refrigerant Charge Test HVAC X
IEQ 4.3 Outdoor Air Flow Test Rater X
5.3 Local Exhaust Rater X
6.2 Supply Air Flow Test Rater X

At the completion of these inspections and performance tests, the green rater
will then complete the project documentation package. The project
documentation package includes:
1. Completed and signed LEED for Homes Checklist .
2. Completed and signed Accountability Form(s) (see more info below).
3. Completed and signed Durability Checklist.
4. Reports for Completed Performance Tests for each of four mandatory
tests, and for up to three additional optional tests, as applicable.
5. A check for USGBCs $50 certification fee

The green rater submits this package to the LEED for Homes Provider for
approval.

ii. Approval by LEED for Homes Provider
The LEED for Homes Provider must review the project documentation
package submitted by the rater. Upon approval by the Provider (the
successful certification of the home), the Provider will notify both the builder
and USGBC. USGBC will then send out the official notification and LEED for
Homes certificate to the builder.
Note that LEED for Homes Provider must designate a LEED for Homes
Certifier for this task. This Certifier must participate in an internship process,
whereby USGBC oversees the Certifier until they have demonstrated
competency as a Certifier (approx. the first 25 LEED Homes). Upon
completion

What is the Accountability Form?
Many of the measures in the LEED for Homes Rating System have a
substantial design component. These measures are very difficult for a rater
to visually verify in the field. If the rater is to fully understand how these
measures were installed, it would require a great deal of the raters time to
retrace the design steps.

An Accountability Form is intended to shift the responsibility for the
verification from the rater to the design professional responsible for designing
that specific LEED measure. The form is to be signed by the responsible
party (e.g., the builder, the engineer, the architect, the landscape architects,
etc.) that actually completed the design. With this form, they formally attest to
the completion of LEED measures/credits and their compliance with the
LEED requirements.
Credits that require an Accountability Form signature are noted on the project
checklist by the symbol. A list of the credits that require an
accountability form is provided in Exhibit 6.

Step 5: Market and Sell the LEED Home
Builders registered with LEED for Homes may market their LEED certified homes
with USGBC-approved press releases, signage, and collateral pieces that
highlight the LEED brand. Please contact USGBC for more information.


Exhibit 6
List of LEED for Homes Measures that Require the Use of an Accountability Form
(indicated by the symbol on the Checklist)
List of Measures
Responsible
Party
Resource
Category
Credit # and Name

P
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e
r
e
q
u
i
s
i
t
e
(
M
a
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d
a
t
o
r
y
)

C
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d
i
t

(
O
p
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o
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)

Innovation 1.2 Integrated Project Team Builder

And Design 1.3 Design Charrette Builder

Process 2.1 Durability Planning Builder

3 Innovative / Regional Design

Location
& Linkages
2. Site Selection Builder

Sustainable 2.1 Landscaping; Basic Design Landscaper

Sites 2.2 Basic Landscape Design Landscaper

2.3 Limit Turf Landscaper

2.4 Drought Tolerant Plants Landscaper

3. Shading of Hardscapes Landscaper

4.1 Maintain Permeable Area >= 65% Builder

6.1 Housing Density > 7 Units/Acre Builder



1.1 Water Re-Use - Rainwater Irrigation

Water
Efficiency 1.2 Water Re-Use Grey Water Irrigation

2.1 Irrigation System Irrigation

2.3 Professional Design Irrigation

6.1 HVAC Meets ENERGY STAR HVAC

7.1 Hot Water Distribution Plumber

Energy and
Atmosphere
11. Refrigerant Management HVAC

Materials & 1.1 Waste Factor < 10% Builder

Resources 2.1 Env. Preferable Products Builder

2.2 Env. Preferable Products Builder

3.1 Waste Management Plan Builder

3 Humidity Control HVAC

4.1 Outdoor Air Ventilation HVAC

5.1 Local Exhaust HVAC

6.1 Supply Air Distribution HVAC

8.3 Fresh Air Flush Builder

9.1 Radon Protection, EPA Zone 1 Builder

Indoor
Environmental
Quality
9.2 Radon Protection, not Zone 1 Builder

1.1 Basic Manual/Training Builder

Awareness
& Education 1.2 Comprehensive Manual/Training Builder

1.3 Public Awareness Builder

2.1 Building Manager Builder


Quality Assurance

The level of rigor and consistency of LEED for Homes ratings is assured through
three sequential QA processes:

1. Third Party Verification Process

As explained in Step 4 above, the LEED for Homes Provider serves as a second
set of eyes in the certification process for every LEED Home. The field rater
inspects each LEED Home and prepares a documentation file for each Home.
Then, the Provider reviews the project file for each Home and officially certifies
the home as LEED for Homes compliant.
There are two additional levels of quality assurance required for certified LEED
Homes. These are summarized below.

2. Auditing of Raters by Provider
The Provider is responsible for the hiring, training, and quality assurance of its
raters. USGBC requires that each Provider has a quality assurance protocol in
place for all of its raters. This protocol should include at a minimum:
1 Ten percent paper review (including project documentation files) of all
LEED Home ratings for each rater, conducted by a third party on an
annual basis.
2 One percent in-field re-rating (including performance testing) of all LEED
Home ratings for each rater, conducted by a third party on an annual
basis.

3. Auditing of Provider by USGBC
The Provider must maintain records for each rater, including training completed,
LEED ratings completed, builder or home buyer complaints, all project files, and
results of quality assurance checking. USGBC will spot-check these records for
each rater on an annual basis.
These QA procedures are similar to those recently adopted by the Home Energy
Rating (HERS) industry. Additional information on the HERS Enhanced Rater QA
Procedures can be found on page 18 of the Adopted Enhancements to the
Mortgage Industry National Home Energy Rating Standards, located on
RESNETs website at:
http://natresnet.org/standards/enhancements.htm

Overview of the Rating System

Basic Structure of the Rating System
Credits and Intents
There are 36 topic areas included in the LEED for Homes Rating System. Each
topic area has a unique intent or goal. Under the requirements section of each
topic area, specific measures are identified that may be included in the home by
the builder. Typically, these topic areas are structured as follows:
1.1 Good Practice Usually a prerequisite (i.e., mandatory measure)
1.2 Better Practice Usually worth 1 point
1.3 Best Practice Usually worth 2 points

Prerequisites (or Mandatory Measures)
There are 18 mandatory measures that must be completed in every LEED
certified home. These mandatory measures are itemized in Exhibit 7.

Exhibit 7
List of Prerequisites (or Mandatory Measures)

Innovation and Design Process
1.1 Preliminary Rating
2.1 Durability Planning - Pre-Construction
2.2 Wet Room Measures
2.3 Quality Management
Sustainable Sites
1.1 Site Stewardship - Erosion Controls (During Construction)
2.1 Landscaping - No Invasive Plants
Energy And Atmosphere
1.1 ENERGY STAR Home - Meets ENERGY STAR for Homes Requirements
Materials and Resources
1.1 Material Efficient Framing - Overall framing waste factor </= 10%.
2.1 Environmentally Preferable - Tropical Hardwoods, if used, must be FSC
3.1 Waste Management - Recycle cardboard; and document overall rate of diversion
Indoor Environmental Quality
2.1 Combustion Venting - Space Heating & DHW Equip w/ Closed/Power-Exhaust
4.1 Outdoor Air Ventilation - Meets ASHRAE Std 62.2
5.1 Local Exhaust - Meets ASHRAE Std 62.2
6.1 Room by Room Load Calculations per ACCA Manual J and D
7.1 >/= MERV 8 Filters
9.1 Radon Protection Install Radon Resistant Construction if in EPA Zone 1
10.1 No Air Handling Equipment in Garage
Awareness and Education

1.1 Education for Homeowner - Basic Owner's Manual and Walkthrough


Credits (or Optional Measures)

The remaining 61 credits in the rating system are optional. However, a minimum
number of points must be accrued in some of the resource categories. The
resource categories with minimum point floors are show in bold in Exhibit 8.
These minimum point floors (or requirements) are also shown in the gray bars in
the LEED for Homes Checklist.

Exhibit 8
Summary of Prerequisite (Mandatory) and Credits (Optional) Point
Requirements for the LEED for Homes Program

Resource Category No. of
Prerequisite
(Mandatory)
Measures
Minimum No.
of Points
Required
Maximum
No. of Points
Available
Innovation and Design Process 4 0 9
Location and Linkages 0 0 10
Sustainable Sites 2 5 21
Water Efficiency 0 3 15
Energy and Atmosphere 1 0 38
Materials and Resources 3 2 14
Indoor Environmental Quality 7 6 20
Awareness and Education 1 0 3
Total 18 18 130

Special Features of the Rating System

The LEED for Homes Rating System is a set of industry best practices that may
help to guide a builder to build better homes. The actual performance of the
finished home relates directly to the process that the builder uses to design and
construct a LEED Home. The Rating System identifies specific measures that
the builder may choose to design into his homes.

In fact, a high performance home involves the following attributes:
1. Design strategies that result in improved resource efficiency;
2. Selection of environmentally responsible and high performance materials,
equipment, and systems; and
3. Construction practices that ensure that the each of the measures above
are installed properly.

A builder should pay close attention to each of these steps to ensure a high
quality outcome. One of the early lessons learned in the Pilot is that it is critical
to incorporate LEED measures into the homes design at the earliest phase of
design. Failure to do so, may result in many unexpected challenges, including
delays and mistakes.
With the basic intent to promote good design, the LEED for Homes Rating
System includes the following design related features.

Innovation and Design Process Category at the Front of the Rating System
The Innovation and Design Process category was brought to the front of the
LEED for Homes Rating System to highlight the importance of design in a LEED
Home. The two credits below are vital parts of the design process.

Integrated Design Process Credit
The credit for an Integrated Design Process (ID1) requires the builder to
participate in a builder orientation, and encourages the builder to include all of his
design and construction team in regular project meetings. Establishing
measurable goals up front and effectively integrating green measures into a
homes design will help to ensure that the project goals are successfully met.

Durability Planning Credit
The credit for a Durability Planning (ID 2.2) requires that the builder address
durability explicitly in the home design. The mandatory part of the credit requires
the builder to identify specific durability risk factors, and to identify specific
measures included in the homes design to address each of these risk factors.

Other Design-Related Credits
As explained above, many of the measures in the LEED for Homes Rating
System have a substantial design component. These measures are very difficult
for a rater to visually verify in the field. Credits that have a design component are
designated with the symbol. The builders designer (or responsible party)
must sign the Accountability Form to affirm that these measures have been
completed per the requirements of this Rating System.

Special Cases: Credit Interpretations and Innovative Design
Credits
As stated above, the 79 measures in the LEED for Homes Rating System are
worth a total of 130 possible points. Aside from the requirements stated for each
credit, there are two alternative methods of acquiring points using this Rating
System:
Credit Interpretation a credit interpretation is an alternative way of achieving
the same intent as an existing LEED credit. It is achieved by requesting
permission to meet the intent of a credit using an approach that is different
form the stated requirements. These requests are called credit
interpretation requests (CIRs).
Innovative Design (ID)an innovative design credit is a way of earning one or
more LEED points for technologies or strategies that are not included in the
Rating System but offers substantial environmental benefits. It is achieved by
requesting permission for a credit / measure that is not included in the current
rating system. These requests are called Innovative Design Requests
(IDRs).



Guidelines for Submitting CIRs and IDRs
Both CIRs and IDRs are handled using the following process:
1. Provider Submits a Request to USGBC. On behalf of a builder, a Provider
may submit a Credit Interpretation Request (CIR) or an Innovative Design
Request (IDR) to USGBC in order to request approval. The request/proposal
should be structured like a LEED credit; that is, it should include a title, intent,
rationale, requirements, and documentation/verification requirements.
2. USGBC Provides a Preliminary Response. After reviewing the CIR / IDR,
USGBC will respond to the Provider by indicating that the approach proposed
is:
a. Appropriate, and is eligible to earn the desired point(s),
b. Ineligible to earn the requested point(s), or
c. Appropriate and likely to earn the desired point(s) with some indicated
modifications (e.g., additional documentation or increased performance
threshold).
In case c, the USGBC ruling is preliminary, subject to the receipt of the
indicated modifications from the Provider.
3. Final Rating. At the time of the final rating, the Provider can include the
credit interpretation and/or ID credits in the final scoring for that builders
LEED Home(s).
Both CIRs and IDRs must be submitted during the Preliminary Rating, and may
be submitted only by the Provider on behalf of the builder.

Home Size Adjuster

Overview
The Home Size Adjuster compensates for the overarching effect of home size on
resource consumption by adjusting the award level point thresholds (for certified, silver,
gold, and platinum) based on home size. The adjustments are based on material and
energy impacts as described below under Rationale. The LEED for Homes Checklist
automatically makes this adjustment when the home size and number of bedrooms are
entered.
The effect of the adjuster on the award thresholds can also be determined by consulting
Exhibits 10 through 12, as described below under Instructions. For multifamily
buildings, see Multifamily Adjustment that follows.

Instructions
1. Calculate the area of the home in square feet.
2
Include all conditioned space,
whether finished or not, that meets building code requirements for living space
(e.g., head room, egress, etc.).
2. Determine the number of bedrooms in the home. A bedroom, for purposes of this
adjuster, is any space that provides reasonable sleeping privacy and meets local
fire and building code requirements. It is advantageous to count as bedrooms all
rooms that meet this definition. When in doubt, consider whether the room in
question might be used as a bedroom if another member were added the
household (new baby, nanny, grandparent, exchange student, etc.); if the answer
is yes, count the room as a bedroom.
3. If there are 5 bedrooms or fewer, find the size of the home in the appropriate
column in Exhibit 10. Read across the row to find the number of points in the right-
hand column (Point Added to or Subtracted from Each Threshold). If the home is
larger than the size shown in the bottom row of the applicable column, refer to
Exhibit 11 to estimate the threshold adjustment, or to Exhibit 12 to calculate the
adjustment.
4. If there are 6 or more bedrooms, use Exhibit 12 to calculate the adjustment.
5. Add the adjustment to the number of points needed to earn the desired award level
(Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum). In the case of a negative adjustment (homes
that are smaller than average), this will reduce the threshold for each award level
(make it easier to reach); positive adjustments will increase the thresholds.

Definition
A bedroom , for purposes of this adjuster, is any space that reasonably can be used as
a bedroom and meets local fire and building code requirements. (It is advantageous to
count as many rooms as bedrooms as can reasonably be used for sleeping quarters.)

Rationale
All things being otherwise equal, a larger home consumes more materials and energy
than a small home over its lifecycle (including pre-construction, construction, use, and
demolition or deconstruction). The Threshold Adjuster compensates for these impacts by
making it easier or harder to reach each LEED for homes award level. There is no impact
on award thresholds for average-sized homes, whereas thresholds for smaller-than-

2
House size is to be calculated using ANSI Standard Z765.

Exhibit 10
Threshold Adjustment Table
(Point Range: -10 to +10)

Maximum home size
3
(ft
2
) by number of bedrooms
0
Bedrooms
1
Bedroom
2
Bedrooms
3
Bedrooms
4
Bedrooms
5
Bedrooms
Adjustment
(Points to Add
to Award
Thresholds*)
420 510 840 1140 1410 1530 -10
450 540 890 1210 1490 1610 -9
470 570 930 1270 1570 1700 -8
500 600 990 1340 1650 1790 -7
520 630 1040 1420 1740 1890 -6
550 670 1100 1490 1840 1990 -5
580 700 1160 1580 1940 2100 -4
610 740 1220 1660 2050 2220 -3
650 780 1290 1750 2160 2340 -2
680 830 1360 1850 2280 2470 -1
720 870 1430 1950 2400 2600 0 ( neutral )
4
760 920 1510 2060 2530 2740 +1
800 970 1590 2170 2670 2890 +2
840 1020 1680 2290 2820 3050 +3
890 1080 1770 2410 2970 3220 +4
940 1140 1870 2550 3130 3390 +5
990 1200 1970 2690 3300 3580 +6
1050 1260 2080 2830 3490 3780 +7
1100 1330 2190 2990 3680 3980 +8
1160 1410 2310 3150 3880 4200 +-9
1230 1480 2440 3320 4090 4430 +10
For larger homes, or homes with more bedrooms, see below.
Note: As an example, an Adjustment of -5 means that the threshold for a Certified LEED Home
is 40 points (rather than the 45 points for an averaged sized home). Similarly, Silver would
require a minimum of 55 points rather than 60 points; Gold would require a minimum of 70; and
Platinum would require a minimum of 85 points.

Exhibit 11
Threshold Adjustment Equation

Threshold adjustment = 13 * log (actual home size / neutral home size) / log (2)

Where: the neutral home size can be determined from the following chart:

Number of
bedrooms
0 1 2 3 4 5 Greater than 5
Neutral
home size
(ft
2
)
720 870 1430 1950 2400 2600
200 ft
2
more for each
additional bedroom
(2800 for 6 bedrooms, etc.)

Note: For homes with more that 5 bedrooms, neutral home size is defined as follows:
2600 + [200 * (number of bedrooms 5)]

3
House size is to be calculated using ANSI Z765, where only the conditioned floor area of the
home is to be included. Conditioned basements that meet other code requirements for living
space (e.g., head room, egress, etc.) are to be included in the floor area calculation.
4
Based on national average home sizes; data provided by NAHB.

Exhibit 12
Threshold Adjustment Curves
(Point Range: -10 and above)

-10
-5
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
1,000 4,000 7,000 10,000 13,000
Home size (ft
2
)
L
E
E
D

p
o
i
n
t

a
d
j
u
s
t
m
e
n
t

average homes are reduced and thresholds for larger-than-average homes are raised.
Data published by the US Census Bureau in the American Housing Survey for 2005
shows a strong correlation between number of bedrooms and number of occupants.
While a home may serve many different households over its lifespan, in general, a home
with more bedrooms will serve more people. The Threshold Adjuster therefore
categorizes homes by the number of bedrooms.
The relationship between home size and LEED points is based on estimated energy and
materials impacts within the context of the LEED for homes rating system. Available
published data and informal studies of energy and materials usage in homes revealed
two key relationships:
A 100% increase in home size yields an increase in annual energy usage of 15%
to 50%, depending on the design, location, and occupants of the home.
A 100% increase in home size yields an increase in materials usage of 40% to
90%, depending on the design and location of the home.

These data were simplified and generalized to the assumption that as home size
doubles, energy consumption increases by roughly one-quarter and material
consumption increases by roughly one-half; combined, these amount to an increase in
impact of roughly one-third with each doubling in home size. Thus the point adjustment
equates to one-third of the points available in the MR and EA categories combined for
each doubling in home size. The equation in Exhibit C expresses this relationship.


Home Size Adjustment for Multifamily Buildings

Calculate the home size adjustment to the LEED for Homes award thresholds for the
following example project:

For each unit type (0, 1, 2, 3 bedroom, etc.), respectively:

Weighted Average Home Size Adjustment for Building
= [
by unit type
(home size adjustment for unit * number of units of that type in project) ]
/ total number of units in project
Where:
Home size adjustment for unit
= point adjustment from Exhibit 10 or Exhibit 12 above, based on the
average floor area for all units of that type
Average floor area
= total floor area in project for units of that type
/ number of units of that type
Example
1 Bedroom Units
Number of Units: 10
Total Floor Area for 1BR Units: 8,250 SF
Average Area/Unit: 825 SF
Home Size Adjustment (1 Bedroom): -1 Point

2 Bedroom Units
Number of Units: 10
Average Area/ Unit: 1,400 SF
Home Size Adjustment (2 bedroom): 0 Points

3 Bedroom Units
Number of Units: 30
Avg Area/ Unit: 1,700 SF
Home Size Adjustment (3 bedroom): -2 Points

Overall Home Size Adjustment
Weighted Average Home Size Adjustment
= [ (1BR score * 1BR units)
+ (2BR score * 2BR units)
+ (3BR score * 3BR units) ] / Total Units
= [ (-1 * 10) + (0 * 10) +(-2 * 30) ] / 50
= -1.4 (round to -1.0)

Thus, the LEED for Homes award thresholds for this multifamily building are:
Certified: 44 Points Gold: 74 Points
Silver: 59 Points Platinum: 89 Points


LEED for Homes Checklist

Home Address (Street/City/State):
Input Values: Minimum No. of Points Required:
No of Bedrooms: Floor Area (SF): Certified: 45 Silver: 60 Gold: 75 Platinum: 90
Detailed information on the measures below are provided in the companion document "LEED for Homes Rating System"
Available
Y / Pts No N/A
Innovation and Design Process (ID) (Minimum of 0 ID Points Required) 9
1.1 Integrated Project Planning Preliminary Rating Prerequisite
1.2 Integrated Project Team 1
1.3 Design Charrette 1
2.1 Quality Management for Durability Planning; (Pre-Construction) Prerequisite
2.2 Durability Wet Room Measures Prerequisite
2.3 Quality Management Prerequisite
2.4 Third-Party Durability Inspection 3
3.1 Innovative / Regional Design Provide Description and Justification for Specific Measure 1
3.2 Provide Description and Justification for Specific Measure 1
Sub-Total
Y / Pts No N/A
Location and Linkages (LL) (Minimum of 0 LL Points Required) OR 10
1 LEED-ND Neighborhood LL2-5 10
2 Site Selection Avoid Environmentally Sensitive Sites and Farmland LL1 2
3.1 Preferred Locations Select an Edge Development Site LL1 1
3.2 OR Select an Infill Site LL1 2
3.3 Select a Previously Developed Site LL1 1
4 Infrastructure Site within 1/2 Mile of Existing Water and Sewer LL1 1
5.1 Community Resources Basic Community Resources / Public Transportation LL1 1
5.2 & Public Transit OR Extensive Community Resources / Public Transportation LL1 2
5.3 OR Outstanding Community Resources / Public Transportation LL1 3
6 Access to Open Space Publicly Accessible Green Spaces LL1 1
Sub-Total
Y / Pts No N/A
Sustainable Sites (SS) (Minimum of 5 SS Points Required) OR 21
1.1 Site Stewardship Erosion Controls (During Construction) Prerequisite
1.2 Minimize Disturbed Area of Site 1
2.1 Landscaping No Invasive Plants Prerequisite
2.2 Basic Landscaping Design 2
2.3 Limit Turf 3
2.4 Drought Tolerant Plants 2
3 Shading of Hardscapes Locate and Plant Trees to Shade Hardscapes 1
4.1 Surface Water Management Design Permeable Site 4
4.2 Design and Install Permanent Erosion Controls 2
5 Non-Toxic Pest Control Select Insect and Pest Control Alternatives from List 2
6.1 Compact Development Average Housing Density Units / Acre LL1 2
6.1 OR Average Housing Density 10 Units / Acre LL1 3
6.3 OR Average Housing Density 20 Units / Acre LL1 4
Sub-Total
Y / Pts No N/A
Water Efficiency (WE) (Minimum of 3 WE Points Required) OR 15
1.1 Water Reuse Rainwater Harvesting System 4
1.2 Grey Water Re-Use System 1
2.1 Irrigation System Select High Efficiency Measures from List 3
2.2 Third Party Verification 1
2.3 OR Install Landscape Designed by Licensed or Certified Professional WE 2.2 4
3.1 Indoor Water Use High Efficiency Fixtures (Toilets, Showers, and Faucets) 3
3.2 OR Very High Efficiency Fixtures (Toilets, Showers, and Faucets) WE 3.1 6
Sub-Total
0
Project Checklist
LEED for Homes
Builder Name:
Max Points
HOLD
0
0
0
2400
4

Y / Pts No N/A
Energy and Atmosphere (EA) (Minimum of 0 EA Points Required) OR 38
1.1 ENERGY STAR Home Meets ENERGY STAR for Homes with Third-Party Testing Prerequisite
1.2 Exceeds ENERGY STAR for Homes EA 2-10 34
7.1 Water Heating Improved Hot Water Distribution System 2
7.2 Pipe Insulation 1
11 Refrigerant Management Minimize Ozone Depletion and Global Warming Contributions 1
Sub-Total (or Sub-Total from Adendum A - Prescriptive EA Credits)
Y / Pts No N/A
Materials and Resources (MR) (Minimum of 2 MR Points Required) 14
1.1 Material Efficient Framing Overall Waste Factor for Framing Order Shall be No More than 10%. Prerequisite
1.2 Advanced Framing Techniques 3
1.3 OR Structurally Insulated Panels MR 1.2 2
2.1 Environmentally Preferable Tropical Woods, if Used, Must be FSC Prerequisite
2.2 Products Select Environmentally Preferable Products from List 8
3.1 Waste Management Document Overall Rate of Diversion Prerequisite
3.2 Reduce Waste Sent to Landfill by 25% to 100% 3
Sub-Total
Y / Pts No N/A
Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) (Minimum of 6 IEQ Points Required) OR 20
1 ENERGY STAR with IAP Meets ENERGY STAR w/ Indoor Air Package (IAP) IEQ2-10 11
2.1 Combustion Venting Space Heating & DHW Equip w/ Closed/Power-Exhaust IEQ 1 Prerequisite
2.2 Install High Performance Fireplace IEQ 1 2
3 Moisture Control Analyze Moisture Loads AND Install Central System (if Needed) IEQ 1 1
y
4.1 Outdoor Air Ventilation Meets ASHRAE Std 62.2 IEQ 1 Prerequisite
4.2 Dedicated Outdoor Air System (w/ Heat Recovery) IEQ 1 2
4.3 Third-Party Testing of Outdoor Air Flow Rate into Home 1
5.1 Local Exhaust Meets ASHRAE Std 62.2 IEQ 1 Prerequisite
5.2 Timer / Automatic Controls for Bathroom Exhaust Fans IEQ 1 1
5.3 Third-Party Testing of Exhaust Air Flow Rate Out of Home 1
6.1 Supply Air Distribution Meets ACCA Manual D IEQ 1 Prerequisite
6.2 Third-Party Testing of Supply Air Flow into Each Room in Home 2
7.1 Supply Air Filtering 8 MERV Filters, w/ Adequate System Air Flow IEQ 1 Prerequisite
7.2 OR 10 MERV Filters, w/ Adequate System Air Flow 1
7.3 OR 13 MERV Filters, w/ Adequate System Air Flow 2
8.1 Contaminant Control Seal-Off Ducts During Construction IEQ 1 1
8.2 Permanent Walk-Off Mats OR Shoe Storage OR Central Vacuum 2
8.3 Flush Home Continuously for 1 Week with Windows Open 1
9.1 Radon Protection Install Radon Resistant Construction if Home is in EPA Zone 1 IEQ 1 Prerequisite
9.2 Install Radon Resistant Construction if Home is not in EPA Zone 1 IEQ 1 1
10.1 Garage Pollutant Protection No Air Handling Equipment OR Return Ducts in Garage IEQ 1 Prerequisite
10.2 Tightly Seal Shared Surfaces between Garage and Home IEQ 1 2
10.3 Exhaust Fan in Garage 1
10.4 OR Detached Garage or No Garage IEQ 1 3
Sub-Total
Y / Pts No N/A
Awareness and Education (AE) (Minimum of 0 AE Points Required) 3
1.1 Education for Homeowner Basic Occupant's Manual and Walkthrough of LEED Home Prerequisite
1.2 Comprehensive Occupant's Manual and Multiple Walkthroughs / Trainings 1
1.3 Public Awareness of LEED Home 1
2.1 Basic Building Manager's Manual and Walkthrough of LEED Home 1
Sub-Total
Project Totals (pre-certification estimates) 130 0
EA 1.2 Pts Achieved:
Education for Building Mgrs
Project Checklist (cont'd)
and/or Tenants
0.0
IECC Climate Zone:
HERS Index Value Achieved:
0
0
0
0

80
6
for Homes
Detailed information on the measures below are provided in the companion document "LEED for Homes Rating System"
Available
Y / Pts No N/A
Energy and Atmosphere (EA) (Minimum of 0 EA Points Required) OR 38
2.1 Insulation Third-Party Inspection of Insulation, At Least HERS Grade II EA 1 Prerequisite
2.2 Third-Party Inspection of Insulation, Grade I AND 5% above code EA 1 2
3.1 Air Infiltration Third-Party Envelope Air Leakage Tested </= 7.0 ACH50 (CZ 1-2) EA 1 Prerequisite
3.2 Third-Party Envelope Air Leakage Tested </= 5.0 ACH50 (CZ 1-2) EA 1 2
3.3 OR Third-Party Envelope Air Leakage Tested </= 3.0 ACH50 EA 1 3
4.1 Windows Windows Meet ENERGY STAR for Windows (See Table) EA 1 Prerequisite
4.2 Windows Exceed ENERGY STAR for Windows (See Table) EA 1 2
4.3 OR Windows Exceed ENERGY STAR for Windows (See Table) EA 1 3
5.1 Duct Tightness Third-Party Duct Leakage Tested </= 4.0 CFM25 / 100 SF to Outside EA 1 Prerequisite
5 Third-Party Duct Leakage Tested </= 3.0 CFM25 / 100 SF to Outside EA 1 2
5.3 OR Third-Party Duct Leakage Tested </= 1.0 CFM25 / 100 SF to Outside EA 1 3
6.1 Space Heating and Cooling Meets ENERGY STAR for HVAC w/ Manual J & refrigerant charge test EA 1 Prerequisite
6.2 HVAC is Better than ENERGY STAR EA 1 2
6.3 OR HVAC Substantially Exceeds ENERGY STAR EA 1 4
7.1 Water Heating Improved Hot Water Distribution System 2
7.2 Pipe Insulation 1
7.3 Water Heating Improved Water Heating Equipment EA 1 3
8.1 Lighting Install at Least Three ENERGY STAR labeled Light Fixtures (or CFLS) EA 1 Prerequisite
8.2 Energy Efficient Fixtures and Controls EA 1 2
8.3 OR ENERGY STAR Advanced Lighting Package EA 1 3
9.1 Appliances Select Appliances from List EA 1 2
9.2 Very Efficient Clothes Washer (MEF > 1.8, AND WF< 5.5) EA 1 1
10 Renewable Energy Renewable Electric Generation System (1 Point / 5% Reduction) EA 1 10
11 Refrigerant Management Minimize Ozone Depletion and Global Warming Contributions 1
Sub-Total
Builder's Name Company
Signature Date
Rater's Name Company
Signature Date
Provider's Name Company
Signature Date
By affixing my signature below, the undersigned does hereby declare and affirm to the USGBC that the LEED for Homes
requirements, as specified in the LEED for Homes Rating System, have been met for the indicated credits and will, if audited,
provide the necessary supporting documents.
Max Points
0
By affixing my signature below, the undersigned does hereby declare and affirm to the USGBC that the required inspections and
performance testing for the LEED for Homes requirements, as specified in the LEED for Homes Rating System, have been
completed, and will provide the project documentation file, if requested.
Project Checklist, Addendum A
Prescriptive Approach for Energy and Atmosphere (EA) Credits
By affixing my signature below, the undersigned does hereby declare and affirm to the USGBC that the required inspections and
performance testing for the LEED for Homes requirements, as specified in the LEED for Homes Rating System, have been
completed, and will provide the project documentation file, if requested.


Detailed Description of the Credits
in the LEED For Homes Rating System

Innovation and Design Process Credits (ID) ................................................................... 31

Location and Linkages (LL) ............................................................................................ 42

Sustainable Sites (SS) ................................................................................................... 54

Water Efficiency (WE) .................................................................................................... 69

Energy and Atmosphere (EA) ........................................................................................ 76

Materials and Resources (MR) .................................................................................... 107

Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) ............................................................................. 119

Awareness and Education (AE) ................................................................................... 139

INNOVATION AND DESIGN PROCESS

ID LL SS WE EA MR IEQ AE

Innovation and Design Process (ID)

ID Credit 1
Integrated Project Planning
Max. Points: 2
Prerequisite: ID 1.1
ID Credit 2
Quality Management for Durability
Max. Points: 3
Prerequisite: ID 2.1, 2.2, and 2.3
Start
ID Credit 3
Innovative / Regional
Design
Max. Points: 4
Finish


ID 1. Integrated Project Planning Maximum Points: 2

Intent
Maximize opportunities for integrated, cost-effective adoption of green design and
construction strategies.

Requirements
Prerequisite (Mandatory Measure)
1.1 Preliminary Rating. Prior to construction, conduct a Preliminary LEED for Homes
Rating meeting including participation from the builder, the Provider, and key
members of the project team. As part of the meeting, create an action plan that
identifies:
The targeted LEED award level (Certified, Silver, Gold, or Platinum);
The LEED for Homes credits that have been selected to meet the targeted
award level; and
The party accountable for meeting the LEED for Homes requirements for
each selected credit.

Credits (Optional Measures)
1.2 Integrated Project Team (1 Point.) Assemble and involve a project team to meet
the three criteria below:
i. Engage individuals or organizations whose capabilities include at least three of
the follow skill sets:
o Architecture or residential building design
o Mechanical or energy engineering
o Building science or performance testing
o Green building or sustainable design
o Civil engineering, landscape architecture, habitat restoration, or land
planning

ii. Actively involve all team members referenced above in at least three of the
following phases of the home design and construction process:
o Conceptual/schematic design
o LEED planning
o Preliminary design
o Energy/envelope systems analysis or design
o Design development
o Final design, working drawings, or specifications
o Construction

iii. Conduct meetings with the project team at least monthly to review project
status, introduce new team members to project goals, discuss problems
encountered, formulate solutions, review responsibilities, and identify next
steps.


1.3 Design Charrette (1 Point.) No later than the design development phase and
preferably during schematic design, conduct at least one full-day integrated design
workshop with the project team as defined in ID1.2 above. The goal of the
workshop shall be to optimize the integration of green strategies across all aspects
of the building design, drawing on the expertise of all participants.

Verification / Submittals
The Providers third-party rater shall:
Prerequisite 1.1: Preliminary Rating
Confirm with the Provider that the Preliminary Rating was completed; and
Check the appropriate box on the LEED for Homes checklist.

Credit 1.2: Integrated Project Team
Confirm that the Accountability Form (in Attachment C) has been signed by the
builder or responsible party, declaring that the project team meets the 3 criteria
above,
Place the completed Accountability Form in Project Documentation File; and

Credit 1.3: Design Charrette
builder or responsible party, declaring that the requirements for the charrette
above have been met,
Place the completed Accountability Form in Project Documentation File; and

Synergies and Trade-Offs
This credit is intended to promote an integrated, systems-oriented, approach to green
project design and development.
Completion of ID 1.1 and 1.3 corresponds to the Green Development Plan, a mandatory
measure in the Enterprise Foundations Green Communities Initiative.
Affordable housing projects that participate in LEED for Homes and also complete the
mandatory components of the Green Communities Initiative may be eligible for financial
and technical assistance from the Enterprise Foundation. Contact Enterprise Community
Partners for further information at www.enterprise.org.

Additional Information
Rationale
Green building experts now commonly acknowledge that the most cost-effective and
successful green projects result from early and frequent interactions among all key team
members.


Technologies & Strategies
TBD

Resources and References
National Charrette Institute
TBD


ID 2. Quality Management for Durability Maximum Points: 3

Intent
Promote durability and high performance of the building enclosure and its components
and systems through appropriate design, materials selection, and construction practices.

Requirements
Prerequisites (Mandatory Measures)
2.1 Durability Planning. Prior to construction, the builder shall:
Complete a Durability Evaluation (see Exhibit ID2-A) to identify all
moderate and high risk durability issues for the building enclosure;
Develop strategies to respond to those issues; and
Incorporate those strategies into project documentation.
See Technologies & Strategies below and the electronic Durability Guidelines
(available from Provider) for specific guidance on completing these steps.
2.2 Indoor Moisture Control. All applicable wet room strategies listed below shall be
incorporated in the home:
Use non-paper-faced backer board on walls of tub, shower, and spa areas.
Use water-resistant flooring in kitchens, bathrooms, and spa areas and within
3 feet of exterior doors. Do not install carpet in these areas.
For any water heater installed in or over living space, install a drain and drain
pan. Tankless heaters are exempt.
For any washer installed in or over living space, install a drain and drain pan
or install an accessible, single-throw supply valve.
2.3 Quality Management. Prior to construction, the builder shall have a quality
management program in place to ensure implementation of the durability strategies
during construction.

2.4 Third Party Durability Inspection. (3 Points.) The builder shall complete a
Durability Inspection Checklist (see Attachment D), which the Provider shall use to
verify implementation of the builders durability strategies.

Prerequisite 2.1: Durability Plan
Receive a copy of the durability plan, and place it in:
The home owners manual, and
The project documentation file.
builder or responsible party (declaring that a durability plan exists), and place the
completed Accountability Form in Project Documentation File; and


Exhibit ID2-A
Durability Evaluation

Issue Type
Degree of Risk
(l/m/h)
Protection Systems Related Credits
Exterior water Bulk water: Weatherlap drainage
plane; design vapor profile with
designated drying potential. Capillary
action: include capillary breaks.

Interior water / "wet" rooms Room-specific strategies IEQ
Air infiltration Air barrier IEQ
Interstitial condensation Vapor profile that prevents interstitial
condensation
IEQ, EA
Heat loss Thermal barrier EA
Ultraviolet radiation Site storage of UV-sensitive materials
and strategy for priming and finishing
in one week or less

Pests Insect and rodent protection systems SS5
Natural disaster (Hurricane,
tornado, earthquake, flood,
wildfire, etc.) Types:
See Resources sheet for specific
guidance.

Other:

Prerequisite 2.2: Requirements for Wet Rooms
Visually inspect that the 3 criteria above, have been satisfied; and

Prerequisite 2.3: Third Party Inspection.
Prepare a Durability Inspection Checklist and inspection schedule for each
measure in the durability plan;
Visually inspect that all measures listed on the Durability Inspection Checklist
have been installed;
Complete the Durability Inspection Checklist (see Exhibit ID 2-B) and include it in
the project documentation file; and


This credit is intended to promote an integrated, systems-oriented, approach to quality
management of building enclosure durability issues. A number of other credits in LEED
for Homes address related issues, including:
IEQ 5 (mechanical ventilation);
EA 3 (air leakage);
EA 2 and EA 4 (heat flow);
EA 1, EA 4, and MR 5 (protection from ultraviolet radiation);
IEQ 3, 4, and 6 (mechanical ventilation systems); and
SS 5 (pest management).
Many durability strategies worth considering as part of a quality management program
are mandatory and/or earn credit in programs that take a more prescriptive approach to
moisture management, durability, indoor air quality, and related issues. Such programs
include Energy Star for Homes with Indoor Air Package (IAP see IEQ 1), Enterprise
Foundations Green Communities Initiative, Vermont Builds Greener, Mascos
Environments for Living program, and the California Green Builder program. The
Durability Inspection Checklist includes a list of strategies that are required or rewarded
in other programs.
Builders with robust quality management programs often experience reductions in
callbacks, warranty claims, and litigation, and also may have access to more attractive
insurance options.

Rationale
Quality problems can substantially shorten the life of the assemblies, systems, and/or
materials in a home and indeed the home itself. While quality management programs can
not guarantee improved quality, there are precedents in the insurance industry in
particular supporting the premise that a program explicitly aimed at improving quality
can indeed correlate to improved performance, as measured by decreases in warranty
claims for quality-related defects and failures. Development and implementation of
strategies as prescribed herein will help to ensure that appropriate attention is paid to
critical quality-related measures.
This credit places emphasis on the building enclosure (envelope) because the enclosure
is most frequently affected by quality problems and also because interior surfaces and
finishes are often removed or remodeled due to matters of taste rather than due to quality
problems.
There is great interest in developing more prescriptive approaches to the management of
durability issues. However, the variables that affect the choice of durability strategies are
too numerous and diverse to catalog; hence the project team must analyze and select the
most appropriate strategies for each unique project. The only universal requirements
those for indoor moisture control relate to moisture conditions that occur in all homes,
independent of building type or location specifics.


Technologies & Strategies
There are eight key durability risk areas that should be assessed in every home:
i. Exterior water
ii. Interior water (including wet rooms)
iii. Interstitial condensation
iv. Uncontrolled heat flow
v. Uncontrolled air flow
vi. Ultraviolet radiation
vii. Pests
viii. Natural Disasters (hurricane, tornado, earthquake, flood, wildfire, etc.
Depending on the location and general type of construction of the home, some of these
factors may be more important than others. The builder should assess the relative
importance of these risk factors (i.e., high, medium, or low risk). If any of these risk
factors is medium or high, the builder should identify explicit strategies and measures
(i.e., technologies and /or practices) that are to be designed into the homes to address
these risks.
Effective durability strategies should take into consideration all applicable building
systems, assemblies, components, and areas, including:
Foundations (i.e., slabs, basements, crawl spaces)
Framing (i.e., structural members, flooring, walls, roof)
Exterior wall systems (i.e., insulation, air sealing, sheathing, drainage planes,
exterior materials and finishes)
Openings (windows and doors)
HVAC systems (i.e., air conditioning, outdoor ventilation, local exhaust,
heat/energy recovery, dehumidification)
Moisture-generating rooms baths, kitchens, laundry rooms
A robust quality management program should explicitly require that each durability
strategy be drawn and/or described in the relevant project documents, as outlined below,
addressing all key components and systems and their connections, intersections, and
interactions.
Construction Details. Develop and record construction methods in detailed
architectural drawings as needed to effectively communicate details of assembly.
Component and System Specifications. Select components and systems based
on each durability strategy. Record selections as needed in drawings,
specifications, and/or scopes of work.
Scopes of Work. Develop construction/installation scopes of work for each trade
contractor based on the enclosure management strategies. [Note: We
recommend that builders pursuing ID 2.3 incorporate in each scope of work, by
reference, the Verification Checklist, and require completion of the relevant
portions of the checklist by the applicable trade contractor.]
Testing Requirements. Work with the Provider, third-party rater, or other qualified
party to identify and specify any testing that will be needed to verify the
performance of installed quality measures (e.g., hosing down window walls to
test resistance to moisture penetration). (Provider will perform testing.)


If the development (or refinement) of a comprehensive quality management program for
a durable building enclosure is a new or challenging task, it may be helpful to engage a
qualified third-party expert in quality, durability, and/or building science to conduct a
detailed review of drawings, specifications, and scopes of work.

The Durability Inspection Checklist includes Durability Evaluation Information, the
Inspection Checklist, Durability Strategies, and Resources (i.e., links to numerous helpful
information sources and tools).
The USGBC is indebted to the following for their expertise and invaluable contributions to
this credit.
The Building Science Consortium of the U.S. Department of Energys Building
America program, www.buildingscience.com
MASCO Corporation, www.masco.com
3-D Building Solutions, LLC, http://www.3-d-buildingsolutions.com

Innovative / Regional Design

ID 3. Innovative / Regional Design Maximum Points: 4

Intent
Minimize the environmental impact of the home through incorporating additional green
design and construction measures that have tangible and demonstrable benefits beyond
those contained in the LEED for Homes Rating System.

Requirement
None

3.1 Innovation #1. (1 Point.) The builder shall prepare a written submittal to USGBC /
LEED for Homes that explains:
o The intent of the credit; and
o The proposed requirement for compliance; and
o The proposed documentation to demonstrate compliance; and
o A description and an estimate of the benefit / impact provided by the
proposed measure.
3.2 Innovation #2 (1 Point)

Request approval from Provider for this credit during the preliminary rating.
USGBC will record all ID requests.
engineer or responsible party, declaring that the innovative measure installed
meets the credit requirements, and place in Project Documentation File; and
Check the appropriate box on signed LEED for Homes checklist.

Rationale
To be provided by the builder.

Potential Technologies and Strategies
Suggested uses include:
o Exceptional performance (e.g., achieving twice the required threshold) in another
LEED for Homes credit;

Innovative / Regional Design

o Innovative design strategies; or
o Emerging technologies, materials, or construction practices.

TBD

LOCATION AND LINKAGES


Location and Linkages (LL)

Optional Pathways Through LL Credits

Note: LL1 will become applicable when the LEED for Neighborhood Development pilot
program begins; check www.usgbc.org/leed/nd for the latest on LEED-ND.

LL Credit 1
LEED ND Neighborhood
Max. Points: 10
(Available when
LEED-ND
pilot program begins
LL Credit 2
Site Selection
Max. Points: 2
LL Credit 3
Preferred Locations
Max. Points: 3
Start
LL Credit 4
Infrastructure
Max. Points: 1
Finish
LL Credit 5
Community Resources
Max. Points: 3
LL Credit 6
Access to Open Space
Max. Points: 1

LEED-ND Neighborhood


LL 1. LEEDND Neighborhood Maximum Points: 10

Note: LL1 will be applicable once the LEED-ND pilot program begins and/or LEED-ND
final balloted LEED-ND rating system is available.

Intent
Encourage the building of LEED Homes in LEED-ND certified developments, thereby
minimizing the environmental impact of land development practices.

Requirements
None

1. LEEDND Neighborhood. (10 Points.) Complete the requirements of the LEED
for Neighborhood Development (LEED-ND) certification program.

Include a copy of the LEED-ND certification for the community in the project
documentation file; and

If using LL1, then must skip credits LL2-6.

Rationale
LEED-ND certified neighborhood developments, which will incorporate the principles of
smart growth and pedestrian-oriented design, offer many benefits over conventional
developments, including: more efficient use of land, reduced development and
fragmentation of farmland and wilderness, reduced need for infrastructure extension, and
a wider and more sustainable range of transportation optionsincluding walking, biking,
or access to mass transit.

Choose to build on sites that promote smart and effective growth management and do
not contribute to sprawl.

LEED-ND Neighborhood


The LEED-ND Rating System (pilot version, and later the final balloted version)

Site Selection


LL 2. Site Selection Maximum Points: 2

Intent
Avoid development on environmentally sensitive sites.

Requirements
None

2. Site Selection. (2 Points.) Do not develop buildings, built structures, roads, or
parking areas on portions of sites that meet any one of the following criteria:
Land whose elevation is lower than the 100-year flood as defined by FEMA.
Land which is specifically identified as habitat for any species on Federal or State
threatened or endangered lists.
Within 100 feet of any water including wetlands as defined by United States
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 within
distances given in applicable state or local regulations, whichever is more
stringent.
Land which 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).
Land defined as prime farmland by the United States Department of Agriculture
in the United States Code of Federal Regulations, Title 7, Volume 6, Parts 400 to
699, Section 657.5 (citation 7CFR657.5).

Notes: 1. New wetlands constructed as part of stormwater mitigation, or other site
restoration efforts, are excluded from the above definitions.
2. Prime Farmland is defined as land that meets both of the following criteria:
Land Use: Has been used for irrigated agricultural production at some
time during the four years prior to the Important Farmland Map date.
Irrigated land use is determined by FMMP staff during examination of
current aerial photos, local comment letters and field verification; and
Soil: The soil must meet the physical and chemical criteria for Prime
Farmland or Farmland of Statewide Importance as determined by the
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). NRCS
compiles lists of which soils in each survey area meet the quality criteria.

Site Selection


Confirm that the Accountability Form (in Attachment C) is signed by the civil
engineer or responsible party, declaring that the project site meets the credit
requirements, and place in Project Documentation File; and

If using credit LL1, then must skip this credit.

Rationale
Green homes should be built in locations that are safe for inhabitants and the
surrounding community, both human and ecological, and should not contribute to the
degradation or loss of our agricultural and natural resource lands. Avoid building on sites
that are environmentally sensitive or precious resources.

Evaluate potential building sites for these criteria prior to purchasing the land, and/or
ensure that these criteria are addressed by the designer during the conceptual design
phase. Utilize landscape architects, ecologists, environmental engineers, civil engineers,
and similar professionals for the screening process. New wetlands constructed as part of
storm water mitigation or other site restoration efforts are not affected by the restrictions
of this credit.

TBD

Preferred Locations


LL 3. Preferred Locations Maximum Points: 2

Intent
Encourage the building of LEED Homes near or within existing communities.

Requirements
None

3.1 Edge Development Site. (1 Point.) Select an edge development site such that at
least 25% of the perimeter of the development site (the area where new homes are
being built) borders existing development.
OR
3.2 Infill Site. (2 Points.) Select an infill site such that at least 75% of the perimeter of
the development site (the area where new homes are being built) borders existing
development.
3.3 Previously Developed Site. (1 Point.) Build on a previously developed site.

Note: Previously developed sites are defined as having pre-existing paving,
construction, or altered landscapes on at least 75% of the site area. (It does not
refer to altered landscapes resulting from current agricultural use, forestry use, or
use as a preserved natural area)

engineer or responsible party, declaring that the project site meets the credit


Preferred Locations


Rationale
TBD


TBD

TBD

Infrastructure


LL 4. Infrastructure Maximum Points: 1

Intent
Encourage the building of LEED Homes in developments that are served by or are near
existing infrastructure (i.e., sewers and water supply).

Requirements
None

4. Existing Infrastructure. (1 Point.) Select a site that is within mile of existing
water service lines and sewer service lines.

Inspect the selected sites, to affirm that the requirements have been met; and


Rationale
To encourage the efficient use and reuse of land, and to minimize fragmentation of
undeveloped land (and reduce other associated environmental impacts of infrastructure
extension) by channeling development to locations immediately adjacent to existing
development.

During the site- selection process, give preference to previously developed sites with
urban development potential.

TBD

Community Resources / Public Transit


LL 5. Community Resources Maximum Points: 3

Intent
Encourage the building of LEED Homes in development patterns that allow for walking,
biking, or transit as alternative means of transportation to necessary services (thereby
minimizing dependency on personal automobiles and their associated environmental
impacts).

Requirements
None

Note: For developers of larger communities, the distances below can be measured from
the center of the community, as long as the distance from the center of the community to
the furthest home does not exceed mile. Using this approach, whole communities can
be qualified for this credit. For any homes further than mile from the center of the
community, distances must be recalculated for each home.
5.1 Basic Community Resources. (1 Point.) Select a site with walkable access to
four (within mile) or seven (within mile) basic community resources (see list in
Exhibit LL-4A) OR proximity to transit service (within mile for bus; mile for train
or ferry).

OR

5.2 Extensive Community Resources. (2 Points.) Select a site within mile of
seven basic community resources or within mile of eleven basic community
resources (see list in Exhibit LL4-A) OR select a site within mile of transit
services constituting 60 or more transit rides per weekday (combined bus, rail, and
ferry).

OR

5.3 Outstanding Community Resources. (3 Points.) Select a site within mile of
eleven basic community resources or within mile of fourteen basic community
resources (see list in Exhibit LL4-A) OR select a site within mile of transit
services constituting 125 or more transit rides per weekday (combined bus, rail,
and ferry).
Transit rides per weekday are to be calculated as follows: (1) within a mile
radius, count all the transit stops; (2) multiply each transit stop by the number of
buses/trains/ferries that pass through that stop per day; (3) add the total number of
rides available at each stop within mile together. Example: if there are 4 bus
stops, and at each bus stop the service frequency is half-hourly (48 times per day),
the total transit rides per day would be 192. .

Community Resources / Public Transit


Exhibit LL5-A
List of Basic Community Resources

Arts and Entertainment Centers
Banks
Community or Civic Center
Convenience Store
Daycare Center
Fire Station
Fitness Center /Gym
Laundry or Dry Cleaner
Library
Medical or Dental Office Park
Pharmacy
Police Station
Post Office
Place of Worship
Restaurant
School
Supermarket
Other neighborhood-serving retail
Other office building or major
employment center



Note: Up to two of each type of community resource may be counted. For example, two
restaurants may count for two of the four community resources (within mile) in LL 4.1.

Inspect the site and surrounding community (or site/community map if available),
to affirm that the appropriate community resources are within the required
distances; and

If using LL Credit LL1, then must skip this credit.

Rationale
Studies have shown that to minimize the number of daily auto trips, the home site(s) will
have:
1. Transportation alternatives available (e.g., walking, bicycling, and transit), and
2. Close access to a variety of daily-needs destinations.
Benefits include reduced energy consumption (and other associated environmental
impacts) from personal vehicle transportation and associated infrastructure.
Neighborhoods with nearby services also encourage a more active lifestyle, correlating to
reduced health risks due to heart disease, obesity, etc.

Select sites near public transit and/or community services and amenities that are
accessible by safe, convenient pedestrian pathways.

TBD



LL 6. Access to Open Space Maximum Points: 1

Intent
Encourage the building of LEED Homes on land that has already been developed.

Requirements
None

Optional Measures

6. Publicly Accessible Green Space. (1 Point.) Select a site within mile of a
community-based open space that is at least acre in size.
Note: Community-based open spaces are defined as publicly accessible land that
consists predominantly of unsealed, permeable surfaces such as soil, grass,
shrubs, and trees. These include natural open spaces, city, county, and state
parks, play areas, and other community open spaces specifically intended for
recreational use. Ponds can be counted as open space if they border a walking or
bicycle path. They also include private lands open to the public for passive
recreation provided that there is 1) deeded public access, or 2) a history of
allowable public use and anticipated continued future public use for at least 10
years.

Inspect the site and surrounding community (or site/community map if available),
to affirm that the open space is within the required distance; and

If using LL Credit LL1, then must skip this credit.

Rationale
TBD

TBD

TBD



Sustainable Sites (SS)

Pathway Through SS Credits

SS Credit 1
Site Stewardship
Max. Points: 1
Prerequisite: SS 1.1
SS Credit 2
Landscaping
Max. Points: 7
Prerequisite: SS 2.1
Start
SS Credit 3
Shading of Hardscapes
Max. Points: 1
SS Credit 4
Surface Water Management
Max. Points: 6
SS Credit 5
Non-Toxic Pest Control
Max. Points: 2
Finish
SS Credit 6
Compact Development
Max. Points: 4
Important
Note:

A minimum
of 5 points
must be
achieved in
the SS
category

SUSTAINABLE SITES
Site Stewardship


SS 1. Site Stewardship Maximum Points: 1

Intent
Minimize long-term environmental damage to the building lot during the construction
process.

Requirements

1.1 Erosion Controls (During Construction). Design and implement erosion control
measures during construction, including:
o Stockpile and protect disturbed topsoil from erosion (for reuse)
o Stabilize soils that have been or may be disturbed
o Control the path and velocity of runoff with silt fencing or comparable
measures
o Provide swales to divert surface water from hillsides
o Protect on site storm sewer inlets with straw bales, silt fencing, silt sacks,
or rock filters
o On steep slopes, use erosion control blankets where necessary

1.2 Minimize Disturbed Area of Site. (1 Point.) Minimize disturbance to site by:
o Developing a tree / plant preservation plan with no-disturbance zone
clearly delineated on drawings AND on the building lot; and
o Leaving undisturbed at least 40% of the lot area (i.e. site area, not
including area under roof).
Notes: 1. Any no disturbance zones must also be protected from parked construction
vehicles. Compacted soils from parked vehicles can cause major difficulties
in establishing any new landscaping.
2. Projects in which the total site is less than 1/8 acre, or the housing density for
the project is equal to or greater than 8 units per acre, automatically qualify
for this credit. For multifamily homes, the average lot size shall be
calculated as the total lot size divided by the number of units. The lot size
exemption is to be calculated based on the average lot size per unit.

Inspect these installed measures (during the site visit for the pre-drywall
inspection AND at the final inspection), to affirm that all of the requirements
above have been completed; and

SUSTAINABLE SITES
Site Stewardship


As discussed in SS Credit 2, if the builder does not provide full landscaping, HOA or
other rules must require homeowners to have the site fully landscaped within 1 year.
Erosion controls and soil stabilization measures must be robust enough to function until
landscaping is in place (i.e., up to 1 year).

SS 4.3 is an optional credit that rewards homes for the installation of permanent erosion
controls.

Rationale
Site moving and earth clearing during construction often results in significant erosion
problems because adequate environmental protection strategies are not employed. The
loss of topsoil is the most significant on-site consequence of erosion. Loss of topsoil
greatly reduces the soils ability to support plant life, regulate water flow, and maintain the
biodiversity of soil microbes and insects that control disease and pest outbreaks. The off-
site consequences of erosion from developed sites include a variety of water quality
issues. Runoff from developed sites carries pollutants, sediments and excess nutrients
that disrupt aquatic habitats in the receiving waters. Also, the build-up of sedimentation in
stream channels can lessen flow capacity, potentially leading to increased flooding.

The selection of the location of the home's footprint on the building lot also has a large,
long-term impact on the natural drainage flows and may have adverse effects on the
neighboring land. The home should be located to complement (not interfere with) the
existing site features.

Perform a site survey to identify site elements and adopt a master plan for development
of the project site. Select a suitable building location and design the building with a
minimal footprint (by tightening program needs and stacking floor plans). Note
requirements on plans and in specifications.
Create contract language for the subcontractors to follow regarding reducing minimizing
site disturbance. Establish contractual penalties for destruction of trees and disturbance
of site areas noted for protection.
Establish clearly marked construction and disturbance boundaries. Delineate laydown,
recycling, and disposal areas. Use areas to be paved as staging areas.

TBD

SUSTAINABLE SITES
Landscaping


SS 2. Landscaping Maximum Points: 7

Intent
Design landscape features to minimize demand for water and synthetic chemicals.

Requirements

2.1 No Invasive Plants. Introduce no invasive plant species into the landscape.
Regional invasive plant species can be identified by the local Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service.

Note: Points shown below are for landscaped front and back yards. If only the front yard
is landscaped, then only half of the points are available. In this case, side and
back yard landscaping still must be required by HOA or other rules within a specific
time period, not to exceed one year after occupancy. Also, it is required that
erosion controls and soil stabilization measures are robust enough to be effective
until the homeowner has the side and back yard landscaped. The builder must also
develop a landscaping plan that meets the requirements in SS 2 and provide this to
the homeowner.

2.2 Basic Landscape Design. (2 Points.) Landscape design must meet the three
criteria below:
o Areas planted with turf shall use only drought-tolerant turf, and turf should be
avoided in densely shaded areas.
o Areas planted with turf should not exceed a slope of 25 percent (i.e., a 4 to 1
slope).
o Add mulch or soil amendments as appropriate.
Mulch is defined as a covering placed around plants to reduce erosion and
water loss, and to help to regulate the soil temperature. In addition, upon
decomposition (for organic mulches), mulches serve as soil amendments.
The type of mulch you select can affect soil pH.

2.3 Limit Turf. (Max 3 Points.) Limit the use of turf on the site, as specified in Exhibit
SS2-A.

Exhibit SS2-A
Points For Limited Turf
Limit Turf to __ % of Total
Landscaped Area
LEED Points
60 % 1
40% 2
20 % 3

SUSTAINABLE SITES
Landscaping


2.4 Drought Tolerant Plants. (Max. 2 Points.) Install drought tolerant plants OR
minimize water budget, as specified in Exhibit SS2-B.

Exhibit SS2-B
Points for Minimizing Water Demand
At Least __ % of Total
Plants Are Drought
Tolerant
Maximum Water
Budget of ___
Gal/SF/Yr
LEED Points
45% 16 1
90% 5 2
Note 1. Water budget is to be calculated based on the landscaped area
of the lot, in gallons per square foot per year.

Confirm that the Accountability Form (Attachment C) is signed by the landscape
designer or responsible party, declaring that the landscape meets the credit
requirements, and place in Project Documentation File;

The landscaping features at the home site are important considerations in the design of
an irrigation system design (e.g., in WE 2). So, if this credit is used, the selected
measures should be part of the irrigation system design required in WE credit 2.
Outdoor water savings are provided by designing and installing water-efficient
landscaping. LEED points for landscape-related water savings are included in this credit.
Also, grey water and rainwater reuse systems (see WE credit 1) should be included in
landscaping designs.

Rationale
Some builders disturb more of the lot than needed and often only minimally attempt to
restore the property. Conventional practice does not put ecological protection as a high
priority. As a result, lots are frequently ecologically damaged. A great deal of additional
effort is required to restore the lot. This credit rewards the builders contribution to the
landscape restoration process.

Select mulch that will improve soil structure and provide nutrients as it decomposes.
Work with local cooperative extension services or native plant societies to select
indigenous and well-adapted plant species for site restoration and landscaping.

SUSTAINABLE SITES
Landscaping


Local drought tolerant lists of plants and grasses are available from local Agricultural
Cooperative Extension Service offices, as well as through numerous Internet resources.
For more information on local extension offices, go to:
http://csrees.usda.gov/Extension/index.html

SUSTAINABLE SITES


SS 3. Shading of Hardscapes Maximum Points: 1

Intent
Design landscape features to reduce local heat island effects.

Requirements
None

3. Locate Trees to Shade Hardscapes. ( 1 Point.) Design and install trees and
shrubs (or preserve existing trees and shrubs) to shade at least 50% of sidewalks,
patios, and driveways within 50 feet of house (based on noon on June 21 at 5
years growth).
OR
Light Colored Hardscapes. (1 Point.) Install light-colored, high-albedo materials
(reflectance of at least 0.3) for at least 50% of sites non-roof impervious surfaces.

Confirm that the Accountability Form (Attachment C) is signed by the landscape
designer or responsible party, declaring that the plantings and hardscape
materials (as applicable) meet the credit requirements;
Place in signed Accountability Form in the Project Documentation File; and

Shading hardscapes around the home can reduce irrigation needs as well as temper the
homes outdoor environment.
Providing shade for the home/roof is addressed in two other credits:
EA prerequisite 1 - Energy Star roofs, using the HERS energy modeling credit
MR credit 2 - Environmentally Preferable Products - vegetated roofs
The LEED points for this credit partly reflect the energy-related benefits from this
measure.
Locating trees, fences, shrubbery or other plantings appropriately can capture or deflect
seasonal breezes.

SUSTAINABLE SITES


Rationale
TBD

Provide shade using native or climate-adapted trees and other exterior structures, such
as trellises, supporting vegetation.

TBD

SUSTAINABLE SITES


SS 4. Surface Water Management Maximum Points: 6

Intent
Design site features to minimize erosion and run-off from the home site.

Requirements

None

4.1 Permeable Sites. (Max. 4 Points, as specified in Exhibit SS4-A.) Design lot such
that at least 70% of the site (not including area under roof) is permeable or
designed to manage water run-off. Area that can be counted toward the minimum
includes:
o Vegetative landscape (e.g. grass, trees, shrubs, etc.)
o Permeable paving, installed by an experienced professional. Permeable
paving must include porous above-ground materials (e.g. open pavers,
engineered products) and a porous 6 sub-base, and the base layer must
designed to ensure proper drainage away from the house.
o Impermeable surfaces that are designed to ensure all run-off is directed
toward an appropriate permanent infiltration feature (e.g. vegetated swale,
on-site rain garden, dry well or rainwater cistern)

4.2 Permanent Erosion Controls. (1 Point each, Max. 2 Points). Design and install
one or more of the following permanent erosion control measures:
o Install permanent storm water control (i.e., vegetated swales, on-site rain
garden, dry well or rainwater cistern, etc.) designed to manage run-off from
the house.
o Reduce long term run-off effects through use of terracing and retaining walls.
o Plant one tree or four 5-gallon shrubs per 500 square feet of disturbed
construction area (including home site). (Four large, 5 gallon, shrubs are
equivalent to one tree.)

Exhibit SS4-A
Points for Permeable Sites (for SS 4.1)
Percentage of Site That is
Permeable:
1

LEED Points

70 % 1
80 % 2
90 % 3
100 % 4


SUSTAINABLE SITES


Inspect installed measures, to affirm that the requirements above have been met;
and

TBD

Rationale
Erosion represents the loss of a valuable resource from the home site topsoil that can
overload storm sewers, and may cause stream clouding and siltation, (with potential
harm to wildlife). Permeable surfaces also assist in recharging local aquifers and may
reduce irrigation needs.

Significantly reduce impervious surfaces using pervious paving surfaces such as grass
paving, non-driving gravel surfaces, and pavers with area for infiltration. Provide storm
water treatment and infiltration best management practices (BMPs) per State of Maryland
or Puget Sound Stormwater Management Manual. Utilize biologically based and
innovative storm water management features for pollutant load reduction, such as
constructed wetlands, storm water filtering systems, bioswales, bio-retention basins, and
vegetated filterstrips.

The Center for Watershed Protections Storm Water Center
(http://www.stormwatercenter.net/)
The 2000 Storm Water Design Manual, State of Maryland
(http://www.mde.state.md.us/environment/wma/stormwatermanual)
Puget Sound (WA) Storm Water Management Manual:
(http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/stormwater/index.html)
State of Washington Erosion and Sediment Control Standards
(http://www.ecy.wa.gov/biblio/9912.html)

SUSTAINABLE SITES


SS 5. Non-Toxic Pest Control Maximum Points: 2

Intent
Design home features to minimize the need for poisons for insect and disease control.

Requirements
None

5. Pest Control Alternatives. (0.5 Points each, Max. 2 Points.) Implement one or
more of the measures below. All physical actions (for pest management practices)
must be noted on construction plans.
o In those areas marked as moderate to heavy through very heavy on the
termite infestation probability map (see Exhibit SS5-A), implement the
following measures:
Treat all cellulosic material (e.g., wood framing) with a borate product
to a minimum of 3 feet above the foundation OR place sand or
diatomaceous earth or a steel mesh barrier termite control system
OR use non-cellulosic (i.e., not wood or straw) wall structure;
Use solid concrete foundation walls OR masonry wall with top course
of solid block bond beam or concrete filled block;
o Keep all wood used (i.e., siding, trim, structure) at least 12" above soil (code
requires 8");
o Seal all cracks, joints, penetrations, edges, and entry points with caulking;
o Protect exposed foundation insulation with moisture-resistant, pest- proof
cover (e.g., fiber cement board, galvanized insect screen);
o Install rodent- and corrosion- proof screens (e.g., copper or stainless steel
mesh) on all openings that cannot be caulked or sealed;
o Separate any exterior wood-to-concrete connections (e.g., at posts, deck
supports, stair stringers) with metal or plastic fasteners / dividers OR have no
wood-to-concrete connections;
o Install landscaping so that all parts of mature plants will be at least 24" from
house.
o Install termite bait system.

Perform a visual inspection of this installed measure, to affirm that the
requirements above have been completed, and

SUSTAINABLE SITES


Exhibit SS5-A
The following Termite Infestation Probability Map is excerpted from the current International
Residential Building Code
TM
, adopted for use by state and local jurisdictions around the county.

SUSTAINABLE SITES


Adopting turf limits and native plantings (as in SS credit 2) can help to reduce the need
for other toxic chemicals such as fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, etc. Keeping plants
away from the house is also advisable, to avoid irrigating close to the house and thereby
minimize the risk of moisture leaking into the homes foundation.

Rationale
Insect and disease problems can be effectively controlled without exposing occupants to
harmful or hazardous chemical and practices.

For areas known to be inhabited by termites, carpenter ants, and beetles, consider using
pest-resistant building materials. Also consider termite barriers such as granite sand,
stainless steel screening, and borate-treated lumber. (Note; borate-treated lumber has to
be kept dry to be effective.)

Intergrated Pest Management (IPM) Practitioners Association:
http://www.efn.org/~ipmpa/keydocs.html
An emphasis on urban, non-agricultural applications.

Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas: Focuses on agricultural applications,
but provides an exhaustive list of references, and definitions of key terms and practices.
http://www.attra.org/attra-pub/ipm.html
Common Sense Pest Control, William Olkowski, Shiela Daar, Helga
Olkowski, Taunton Press, 1991
Bio-Integral Resource Center, www.birc.org

SUSTAINABLE SITE
Compact Development

SS 6. Compact Development Maximum Points: 4

Intent
Make use of compact development patterns in order to conserve land and promote
community livability, transportation efficiency, and walkability.

Requirements
None

6.1 Moderate Density. (2 Points.) Build homes with an average housing density of 7
or more dwelling units per acre of buildable land.
OR
6.2 High Density. (3 Points.) Build homes with an average housing density of 10 or
more dwelling units per acre of buildable land.
OR
6.3 Very High Density. (4 Points.) Build homes with an average housing density of 20
or more dwelling units per acre of buildable land.

Note: Buildable land area is to be calculated as follows:
o Do not include any of the following: public streets or public rights of way; land
occupied by non-residential structures; or land excluded from residential
development by law.
o Numerator should be the number of housing units in the project, and
denominator should be buildable land area included in the project (subject to
exclusions already mentioned in the credit description). Both relate only to the
project, not the surrounding area.

engineer or responsible party, declaring that the average housing density meets
the credit requirements,
Place signed Accountability Form in Project Documentation File; and

SUSTAINABLE SITE
Compact Development

Optional Credit SS 1.2 is automatically granted to high-density homes because of the
reduced impact that compact development has on land.

Rationale
Conserve land, promote pedestrian activity, and reduce vehicle miles traveled.

TDB

TBD

WATER EFFICIENCY


Water Efficiency (WE)

Pathway Through WE Credits

WE Credit 1
Water Reuse
Max. Points: 5
WE Credit 2
Irrigation System
Max. Points: 4
Start
WE Credit 3
Indoor Water Use
Max. Points: 6
Finish
Important
Note:

A minimum
of 3 points
must be
achieved in
the WE
category

WATER EFFICIENCY
Water Reuse


WE 1. Water Reuse Maximum Points: 5

Intent
Offset central water supply through the capture and controlled reuse of rainwater and/or
grey water.

Requirements
None

1.1 Rainwater Harvesting System. (Max. 4 Points, as specified in Exhibit WE1-A)
Design and install a rainwater harvesting and storage system (including surface
run-off and/or roof run-off) for landscape irrigation use or indoor water use.
Storage system must be sized to hold all the water from a inch rainfall event,
taking into consideration the size of the harvest system (e.g. 50% or 75% of total
roof area, depending on the measure chosen from Exhibit WE1-A)..

Exhibit WE1-A
LEED Points Associated with Different Rainwater Capture Measures

Rainwater Harvesting
System Size
Application LEED Points
50% of roof area
Indoor
2 points
50% of roof area
Outdoor
3 points
75% of roof area
Indoor and
Outdoor
4 points

1.2 Grey Water Reuse System (1 Point.) Design and install a grey water re-use
system for landscape irrigation use (i.e., not a septic system) or indoor water use.
System must be designed to collect the grey water from at least the clothes
washer. Grey water system must include a storage tank that can be used as part
of the irrigation system. Note that grey water systems are subject to local codes
and may require special permits.

Confirm that the Accountability Form (in Attachment C) is signed by the design
engineer or responsible party, declaring that the system(s) meet the credit
Check the appropriate box(es) on signed LEED for Homes checklist.

WATER EFFICIENCY
Water Reuse


Install a grey water irrigation system and/or rainwater storage in combination with
resource-efficient landscape (SS c2), and irrigation systems (WE c2).

Rationale
TBD

Capture rainwater from roof or other impervious areas of the site for reuse.
Note that rainwater harvesting offers limited benefit in climates where the rainfall mainly
occurs out of the growing season or is insufficient to supply a significant portion of
landscape water needs.

Rainwater Harvesting:
City of Tucson
http://www.ci.tucson.az.us/water/conservation.htm
ARCSA
www.arcsa-usa.org
Texas Guide to Rainwater Harvesting
www.twdb.state.tx.us
Water Use it Wisely
www.wateruseitwisely.com/staging/toolslinks/#greywater

Grey Water Use:
Washington State grey water design guidelines
(http://www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/ts/WTRCON7Fr.PDF)
California Grey Water Guidelines at
(http://www.dpla.water.ca.gov/urban/land/revisedgwstand.html)

Other:
EPA Technology Assessment of Constructed Wetlands (EPA832R93008)
EPA Water Efficiency Technology Fact Sheet- Composting Toilets (EPA 832-F-99-
066)

WATER EFFICIENCY
Irrigation System


WE 2. Irrigation System Maximum Points: 4

Intent
Minimize outdoor demand for water through water-efficient irrigation.

Requirements
None

Note: Points shown below are for irrigation systems for the front and back yards. If only the
front yard is landscaped and irrigated, then only half of these points are available. Even if the
back yard is not landscaped, the irrigation system must be stubbed to the back yard.
2.1 High Efficiency Irrigation System. (1 Point each, Max. 3 Points.) Design and
install high efficiency irrigation system (based on overall landscaping plans,
including measures adopted in SS 2) with the following features:
o Install a central shut-off valve
o Install a sub-meter for the irrigation system
o At least 50% of landscape planting beds have a drip irrigation system to
minimize evaporation
o Turf and each type of bedding area (based on watering needs) should be
separately zoned
o A timer/controller that activates the valves for each watering zone at the
best time of day to minimize evaporative losses while maintaining
healthy plants and obeying local regulations and water-use guidance.
o Pressure regulating devices to maintain optimal pressure and prevent
misting.
o High efficiency nozzles.
o Check valves in heads.
o Install a moisture sensor controller or rain delay controller. For example,
smart" ET controllers receive radio, pager, or internet signals with
evapo-transpiration information to direct the irrigation system to replace
only the moisture that the landscape has lost due to heat, humidity, and
wind.

2.2 Third Party Inspection. (1 Point.) Perform a third-party visual inspection of
installed irrigation system. Inspection to include observation that all spray heads
are operating and delivering water to intended zones.

OR

2.3 Professional Landscape Design. (4 Points.) Install landscape designed by a
licensed or certified landscape design professional that needs no irrigation.
Note: "Temporary irrigation systems used for plant establishment are
allowed, only if removed within 1 year."

WATER EFFICIENCY
Irrigation System


WE 2.1: High Efficiency Irrigation System.
Confirm that the Accountability Form (in Attachment C) is signed by the engineer
or responsible party, declaring that the irrigation system components meet the
requirements above; and
Place the signed Accountability Form in the Project Documentation File; and
WE 2.2: Third Party Inspection
Perform a visual inspection of installed measure(s) above, to affirm that the
requirements above have been completed; and
WE 2.3: Professional Design
Confirm that the Accountability Form (in Attachment C) is signed by the engineer
or responsible party, declaring that the landscape design requires no irrigation.

This irrigation system design must include all aspects of the landscape design, including
the features adopted in SS 2.
Outdoor water savings are also provided by designing and installing water efficient
landscaping. LEED points for landscape-related water savings are included in SS 2.
Also, grey water and/or rainwater reuse systems should be included in overall outdoor
water use designs.

Rationale
TBD

The irrigation system should be designed based on the needs of the landscape plan, and
installed per that design. It is very important that the designer and the installer work
closely together to ensure that the system performs as intended.

TBD

WATER EFFICIENCY
Irrigation System


WE 3. Indoor Water Use Maximum Points: 6

Intent
Minimize indoor demand for water through water efficient fixtures.

Requirements
None

3.1 High Efficiency Fixtures. (1 Point each, Max. 3 Points.) Meet one or more of the
following requirements by installing high efficiency (low flow) fixtures:
o The average flow rate for all lavatory faucets must be 2.0 GPM
o The average flow rate for all shower heads must be 2.0 GPM
5

o The average flow rate for all toilets, including dual-flush toilets, must
be 1.3 GPF
OR
3.2 Very High Efficiency Fixtures. (2 Points each, Max. 6 Points.) Meet one or more
of the following requirements by installing very high efficiency fixtures:
o The average flow rate for all lavatory faucets must be 1.5 GPM
o The average flow rate for all shower heads must be 1.5 GPM
6

o The average flow rate for all toilets, including dual-flush toilets, must
be 1.1 GPF.

Perform a visual inspection of product manufacturers info on installed
measure(s), to affirm that the requirements above have been completed, and

5
Builders are strongly cautioned to investigate shower head manufacturers information on the
performance of the high efficiency shower heads (including testing for scalding and thermal shock
at the respective low flow rate) before making selections and installing them.

6
Builders are strongly cautioned to investigate the shower head manufacturers information on
the performance of very high efficiency shower heads, similar to the caution for credit 3.1 for high
efficiency shower heads.
WATER EFFICIENCY
Irrigation System


Indoor water savings also can be achieved with more efficient water distribution systems.
LEED points for indoor water distribution-related savings are included in EA credit 7,
improved hot water distribution systems.
Indoor water savings also can be achieved by selecting water efficient appliances. LEED
points for appliance-related water savings are included in EA credit 9, ENERGY STAR
labeled horizontal axis clothes washer.
Low flow shower heads may reduce demand for hot water and resulting energy use for
water heating by up to 20 percent. Thus, the LEED points for this credit include the
energy saving benefit of installing low flow shower heads.
Special Note. Care is needed to select low flow shower heads and diverter valves with
pressure balancing capabilities to ensure that hot water scalding does not occur.

Rationale
Faucets, showers, baths, and toilets typically account for two thirds of indoor water use in
a home, and one third of total water use. High-efficiency fixtures can reduce indoor water
use by 30 to 40 percent.

Specify water conserving plumbing fixtures that exceed Energy Policy Act of 1992 fixture
requirements in combination with ultra high efficiency or dry fixture and control
technologies.
Water savings from faucets will be most likely from high efficiency (low flow) lavatory
faucets, used for hand washing. Water savings from high efficiency kitchen faucets is
less likely because these faucets are often used for filling.

TBD

ENERGY AND ATMOSPHERE

Energy and Atmosphere (EA)
Optional Pathways Through EA Credits
EA Credit 1: ENERGY STAR Home
Max. Points: 34
Prerequisite: EA 1.1
EA Credit 2: Insulation
Max. Points: 2
EA Credit 3: Air Infiltration
Max. Points: 3
Start
EA Credit 4: Windows
Max. Points: 3
EA Credit 5: Duct Tightness
Max. Points: 3
EA Credit 6: Space Heating and Cooling
Max. Points: 4
EA Credit 7: Domestic Hot Water
Max. Points: 6
EA Credit 8: Lighting
Max. Points: 3
Finish
EA Credit 11: Refrigerant Management
Max. Points: 1
EA Credit 7.1: Domestic Hot Water
Distribution System
Max. Points: 2
EA Credit 7.2: Domestic Hot Water
Pipe Insulation
Max. Points: 1
EA Credit 10: Renewable Energy
Max. Points: 10
EA Credit 9: Appliances
Max. Points: 3

Insulation


EA 1. ENERGY STAR Labeled Home Maximum Points: 34

Intent
Improve the overall energy performance of homes by designing and building a home that
meets or exceeds the performance of an ENERGY STAR labeled home.

Requirements
1.1 ENERGY STAR for Homes. Meet requirements of ENERGY STAR for Homes;
home must be third-party inspected.

1.2 Exceptional Energy Performance. (Max. 34 Points.) Exceed requirements of
ENERGY STAR for Homes; home must be third-party inspected. Use equations
below, Exhibit EA1-A, or Exhibit EA1-B.

Equation:
South
LEED Pts ={ [ Log (100 - HERS Index) ] / 0.024 } - 48.3

North
LEED Pts = { [ Log (100 - HERS Index) ] / .021 } - 60.8
Exhibit EA1-A
LEED for Homes Points Based on HERS Index
HERS Percent LEED for Homes HERS Percent LEED for Homes
Index Above Points Index Above Points
IECC 2004 IECC 2004
100 0 100 0
95 5 95 5
90 10 90 10
85 15 85 15
84 16 2.0 84 16
83 17 3.0 83 17
82 18 4.0 82 18
81 19 5.0 81 19
80 20 6.0 80 20
79 21 7.0 79 21 2.0
78 22 7.5 78 22 3.0
77 23 8.5 77 23 4.0
76 24 9.0 76 24 5.0
Southern States
(IECC Climate Zones 1-5)
Northern States
(IECC Climate Zones 6-8)

Insulation


Exhibit EA1-A (contd)
LEED for Homes Points Based on HERS Index
HERS Percent LEED for Homes HERS Percent LEED for Homes
Index Above Points Index Above Points
IECC 2004 IECC 2004
75 25 10.0 75 25 6.0
74 26 10.5 74 26 6.5
73 27 11.5 73 27 7.5
72 28 12.0 72 28 8.0
71 29 12.5 71 29 9.0
70 30 13.0 70 30 9.5
69 31 14.0 69 31 10.0
68 32 14.5 68 32 11.0
67 33 15.0 67 33 11.5
66 34 15.5 66 34 12.0
65 35 16.0 65 35 12.5
64 36 16.5 64 36 13.5
63 37 17.0 63 37 14.0
62 38 17.5 62 38 14.5
61 39 18.0 61 39 15.0
60 40 18.5 60 40 15.5
55 45 20.5 55 45 18.0
50 50 22.5 50 50 20.0
45 55 24.2 45 55 22.0
40 60 26.0 40 60 24.0
35 65 27.0 35 65 25.5
30 70 28.5 30 70 27.0
25 75 30.0 25 75 28.5
20 80 31.0 20 80 30.0
15 85 32.0 15 85 31.0
10 90 33.0 10 90 32.0
5 95 33.5 5 95 33.0
0 100 34.0 0 100 34.0
Southern States Northern States
(IECC Climate Zones 1-5) (IECC Climate Zones 6-8)

o Complete all of the verification requirements for an ENERGY STAR Home,
including:
Perform a HERS rating on this house;
Thermal bypass (insulation) inspection;
Envelope air leakage testing with a blower door; and
Duct leakage testing with a duct pressurization fan.
o Place a copy of the HERS rating report in the project documentation file for this
house, and
o Check the appropriate box on signed LEED for Homes checklist.

Insulation


Exhibit EA1-B
LEED for Homes Points for Various HERS Index Values

0.0
5.0
10.0
15.0
20.0
25.0
30.0
35.0
40.0
0 20 40 60 80 100
HERS Index
L
E
E
D

P
o
i
n
t
s

If this credit is used, then must skip credits EA 2 through 10.

Rationale
An ENERGY STAR qualified home is designed to use 15 to 20 percent less energy than
a comparable home built to the 2004 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC).
An ENERGY STAR home is also field tested, to ensure that the relevant measures
designed to improve the energy performance of the home are installed properly.

TBD

Information on the ENERGY STAR for Homes program can be found at EPAs website:
www.energystar.gov/homes
EEBA "Builder Guides," Building Science Corp. / Taunton Press. Energy and
Environmental Building Association.

Insulation


EA 2. Insulation Maximum Points: 2

Intent
Design and install insulation to minimize heat transfer and thermal bridging.

Requirements
2.1 Basic Insulation. Install insulation that meets or exceeds the requirements in the
2004 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and is designed to meet at
least the Grade II specifications set by the National Home Energy Rating
Standards (see Exhibit EA2-A)
7
; Providers third-party rater to verify by performing
pre-drywall / thermal bypass inspection of insulation as summarized in Exhibit EA2-
A.
Note: Portion of house with SIPS/ ICFs does not need thermal bypass inspection. But,
rater must still complete thermal bypass inspection for the rest of the house

2.2 Enhanced Insulation. (2 Point.) Install above code insulation that exceeds the
2004 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) requirements by at least 5%,
as demonstrated using REScheck code compliance software AND meet at least
Grade I specifications (per National Home Energy Rating Standards, see Exhibit
EA2-A).
OR
Demonstrate comparable above code performance for alternative wall/insulation
system, such as structural insulated panels or insulated concrete forms.

Exhibit EA2-A
Definitions of HERS Installation Grades

HERS Installation
Grade
Description
I
Very small gaps, and compression or incomplete fill amounts to 2% or
less.
II
Moderate to frequent installation defects, gaps around wiring, electric
outlets, etc., and incomplete fill amounts to 10% of less. Gaps running
clear through the insulation amount to no more than 2% of the total
surface area covered by the insulation. For Grade II, wall insulation must
be enclosed on all six sides, and shall be insubstantial contact with the
sheathing material on at least one side (interior or exterior) of the cavity.

7
Additional information about the RESNET inspection and grading procedures can be
found on page 33 of the Adopted Enhancements to the Mortgage Industry National
Home Energy Rating Standards, located on RESNETs website at:
http://natresnet.org/standards/enhancements.htm

Insulation


EA 2.1: Basic Insulation
Inspect of installation of insulation, per the checklist above, to affirm that the
requirements above have been completed; and

EA 2.2: Enhanced Insulation
engineer or responsible party, declaring that the insulation meets the credit
requirements;
Place signed Accountability Form in the Project Documentation File; and

If using credit EA 1, then must skip this credit.

Rationale
Thermal bridging and improper installation of insulation are common problems in new
homes, resulting in inferior performance of the thermal envelope. The reduction in
thermal bridging (by the addition of continuous insulation, and/or improved installation of
insulation) will provide a substantial improvement in thermal performance.

TBD

TBD
Insulation

Exhibit EA2-B
ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes Thermal Bypass Inspection Checklist
Home Address: City: State:
.
Thermal Bypass Inspection Guidelines
Corrections
Needed
Builder
Verified
Rater
Verified
N/A
1. Air Barrier and Thermal
Barrier Alignment
Insulation is installed in full contact with the air barrier to
provide continuous alignment of the insulation with the air
barrier

Exterior walls have been enclosed on all six sides

2. Shower / Tub at Exterior
Wall
Exterior walls have been fully insulated

Air barrier is installed at any exposed edges of insulation

3. Insulated Floor Above
Garage
Insulation is installed to maintain permanent contact with the
underside of the sub-floor decking
4. Walls Adjoining
Unconditioned Spaces
Continuous top and bottom plates are installed with an air
barrier on the unconditioned side of insulated walls, including
exposed edges of insulation at joists and rafters

Insulation is completely aligned with interior wall finish and the
air barrier on the unconditioned side

Attic access panel or stair is fully gasketed for an air-tight fit

5. Attic Access Panel / Drop-
Down Stair
Attic access panel or stair is covered with insulation that is
attached and fits snugly in the framed opening
6. Cantilevered Floor Air barrier spans cantilever and any exposed edges of
insulation

Floor framing is completely filled with insulation or insulation is
installed to maintain permanent contact with the sub-floor
decking

7. Duct Shaft / Piping Shaft
and Penetrations
Openings to unconditioned space are sealed with solid
blocking and any remaining gaps are sealed with caulk or
foam

8. Flue Shaft
Opening around flue is fully sealed with flashing and any
remaining gaps are sealed with fire-rated caulk or sealant

Combustion clearance between flue and combustible
materials (e.g., OSB) are properly closed with UL- approved
metal collars

9. Attic Eaves
Solid baffles are provided at framing bays to avoid wind
washing of attic insulation

10. Dropped Ceiling / Soffit Air barrier is fully aligned with insulated framing and any gaps
are fully sealed with caulk, foam, or tape
11. Fireplace Wall Air barrier is fully aligned with insulated framing in framed
shaft behind fireplace and any gaps are fully sealed with
caulk, foam, or tape

12. Staircase Framing at
Exterior Wall / Attic
Air barrier is fully aligned with insulated framing and any gaps
are fully sealed with caulk or foam

13. Recessed Lighting Recessed lighting fixtures to unconditioned attics shall be
airtight IC-rated (ICAT) and sealed to drywall with gasket,
caulk, or foam

14. Porch Roof
Air barrier is installed at the intersection of the porch roof and
exterior wall

15. Whole-House Fan
Penetration at Attic
An insulated cover is provided that is gasketed or sealed to
opening from either the attic side or ceiling side of the fan

16. Common Walls Between
Dwelling Units
Air barrier is installed to seal the gap between a gypsum shaft
wall (i.e., common wall) and the structural framing between
units in duplex and townhouse construction

Home Energy Rating Provider: Builder Company:
Home Energy Rater Company: Builder Employee Signature:
Home Energy Rater Signature: Inspection Date:
Inspection Date: Re-Inspection Date:

Air Infiltration


EA 3. Air Infiltration Maximum Points: 3

Intent
Minimize energy consumption caused by uncontrolled air leakage into and out of
conditioned spaces.

Requirements
3.1 Good Envelope. Air leakage rate from envelope must meet the requirements
shown in Exhibit EA3-A, verified by Providers third party rater.
8

3.2 Better Envelope. (2 Point.) Air leakage rate from envelope must meet the
requirements shown in Exhibit EA3-A, verified by Providers third party rater.
OR
3.3 Best Envelope. (3 Points.) Air leakage rate from envelope must meet the
requirements shown in Exhibit EA3-A, verified by Providers third party rater.

Exhibit EA3-A
Air Leakage Requirements (ACH50)

LEED Criteria Performance Requirements
IECC
Climate
Zones
1-2
IECC
Climate
Zones
3-4
IECC
Climate
Zones
5-7
IECC
Climate
Zone
8
EA 3.1 Meets ENERGY STAR
(mandatory)
7.0
ACH50
6.0
ACH50
5.0
ACH50
4.0
ACH50
EA 3.2 Exceeds ENERGY STAR
(optional)
5.0
ACH50
4.25
ACH50
3.5
ACH50
2.75
ACH50
EA 3.3 Exceeds ENERGY STAR
(optional)
3.0
ACH50
2.5
ACH50
2.0
ACH50
1.5
ACH50

Perform a blower door depressurization test on the home, to affirm that the
requirements above have been completed;
Place the blower door pressurization test report in the project documentation file;

8
Refer to section 4.1.3 of ASHRAE Standard 62.2, to ensure that natural and mechanical
ventilation are properly integrated (i.e., avoid under- and/or over-ventilating).


1
Signature acknowledges that the builder verified checklist items comply with inspection guidelines.
Air Infiltration

and

If using EA Credit 1, then must skip this credit.
Also, note that the natural air leakage through the envelope contributes to the overall
ventilation rate of the home. From a health perspective, it is important to not under-
ventilate a home. In IEQ 4.1-4.3, required mechanical ventilation may bring in up to 0.2
ACH of additional ventilation air into the home.
However, from an energy perspective, it is also important not to over-ventilate a home. In
extreme hot or cold climates, it can cost up to 2 dollars per year to condition each
additional cfm of outside air brought into a home.
In section 4.1.3 of ASHRAE Standard 62.2, specific guidance is provided on balancing
mechanical and natural ventilation.

Rationale
Approximately one-third of heating and cooling loads are due to air leakage through the
envelope. Substantial reductions in envelope leakage can be obtained using air sealing
techniques. Blower door testing should be used to assess the level of air-tightness
achieved.

Air leakage happens through surfaces - it is not volume-based. The air changes per hour
(ACH) basis is a 25-year-old approach that is based on the Grimsrud-Sherman Model.
The ACH approach penalizes small buildings that tend to have a higher surface area to
volume ratio and encourages large buildings that are obviously more resource intensive.
An alternative approach to measuring envelope air leakage is to normalize the leakage
based on the surface area of all six sides of the cube or building enclosure. Comparable
envelope leakage rates with this alternate metric, (similar but not identical to the ACH
requirements above) are:
0.35 cfm/ft2 of building enclosure area @ 50 Pa

TBD

Windows


EA 4. Windows Maximum Points: 3

Intent
Maximize energy performance of windows.

Requirements
4.1 Good Windows. Design and install windows that meet or exceed requirements for
ENERGY STAR labeled windows (or windows with equivalent performance
specifications), per Exhibit EA4-A below.

4.2 Better Windows. (2 Point.) Design and install windows that exceed requirements
for ENERGY STAR labeled windows by 10%, per Exhibit EA4-A below.
OR
4.3 Best Windows. (3 Points) Design and install windows that exceed requirements
for ENERGY STAR labeled windows by 20%, per Exhibit EA4-A below.

Exhibit EA4-A
U Values and SHGC Values for ENERGY STAR Labeled Windows
Determine Credits Earned Below Based on NFRC Ratings for Installed Windows
(Select applicable climate region using Exhibit EA4-B).
List of Envelope Credits Metric IECC / IRC Climate Region
Northern

CZ 5-8

(Note 1)
North
Central
CZ 4

(Note1)
South
Central
CZ 3

(Note 2)
Southern

CZ 1-2

(Note 2)

EA 4.1 ENERGY STAR U-Factor 0.35 0.4 0.4 0.55
(Prerequisite) SHGC Any 0.45 0.4 0.35

EA 4.2 10% > ENERGY STAR U-Factor 0.32 0.35 0.35 0.55
( 1 Point) SHGC Any 0.40 0.35 0.33

EA 4.3 20% > ENERGY STAR U-Factor 0.30 0.32 0.32 0.55
(2 Points) SHGC Any 0.40 0.30 0.30
Note 1: For homes with a window to floor area (WFA) ratio >= 18% in cold climates, the following
additional requirement applies:
Required U-Value = [0.18 / WFA] * [ENERGY STAR U-Value shown in EA4-A]
Note 2: For homes with a window to floor area (WFA) ratio >= 18% in hot climates, the following
additional requirement applies:
Required SHGC = [0.18 / WFA] * [ENERGY STAR SHGC shown in EA4-A]

Windows


Exhibit EA4-B
Climate Zone Map for ENERGY STAR Windows

Perform a visual inspection of installed measure and review relevant documents
(e.g., purchasing invoices and window labels), to affirm that the requirements
above have been completed, and

If using credit EA 1, then must skip this credit.
The following special conditions are allowed:
1) Up to 5% of total window area may be used for windows with decorative
glass or skylights (i.e., glass does not meet U-value or SHGC requirements).

Windows


2) Solar window screens may be used to meet SHGC requirements. The overall
SHGC for a window unit with solar screen is determined by the following
equation:
[(window SHGC) x (solar screen SHGC) x (percent of area covered)]
+ [window SHGC x percent of area not covered].
For example, a window with a SHGC of 0.5, using a solar screen that provides
70% shading (the equivalent of 0.3 solar heat gain coefficient) and covers 60% of
the window has an overall solar heat gain coefficient of [0.5 x 0.3 x 0.6] + [0.5 x
0.4] = 0.09 + 0.20 = 0.29.

Rationale
Approximately one-third of heat losses and gains are through the windows of a home.
ENERGY STAR Windows assure better window performance.

Glass doors and skylights are included in this requirement.

Additional information on ENERGY STAR labeled windows can be found at EPAs
website:
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=windows_doors.pr_windows

Duct Tightness


EA 5. Heating and Cooling Distribution System Maximum Points: 3

Intent

Minimize energy consumption due to thermal bridges and/or leaks in heating and cooling
distribution systems.

Requirements
a. Forced Air Systems
5.1 Reduced Distribution Losses. Limit the air leakage rate from ducts to outdoors to
4.0 CFM at 25 Pascals per 100 square feet of conditioned floor area (for each
installed system), verified by Providers third-party rater.
AND
Do not install ducts in exterior walls, unless additional insulation is added to
maintain the overall UA for an exterior wall without ducts. Ducts may be run inside
of interior wall cavities but they must be fully ducted (i.e., cannot use wall cavity as
the duct).
AND
Use at least R-6 insulation around ducts in unconditioned spaces.

5.2 Greatly Reduced Distribution Losses. (2 Point.) Limit the air leakage rate from
air ducts to outdoors to 3.0 CFM at 25 Pascals per 100 square feet of conditioned
floor area (for each installed system), verified by Providers third-party rater.
OR
5.3 Minimal Distribution Losses. (3 Points.) Limit the air leakage rate from air ducts
to outdoors to 1.0 CFM at 25 Pascals per 100 square feet of conditioned floor
area, (including systems with all ducts in conditioned space), verified by Providers
third-party rater.

b. Non-Ducted HVAC Systems (e.g., Hydronic Systems)

5.1 Reduced Distribution Losses. Use at least R-3 insulation around distribution
pipes in unconditioned spaces.

5.2 Greatly Reduced Distribution Losses. (2 Point.) Keep system (including boiler
and distribution pipes) entirely within conditioned envelope.
5.3 Minimal Distribution Losses. (1 Point.) Install outdoor reset control (i.e. controls
that modulate distribution water temperature based on outdoor air temperature).

Duct Tightness


a. Forced Air Systems
Perform duct leakage testing (with a duct pressurization fan) that the ducts meet
the requirements above.
Place a copy of the duct leakage test report in the project documentation file for
this house, and

b. Non-Ducted HVAC Systems (e.g., Hydronic Systems)

If using EA 1, then must skip this credit.

Rationale
In typical new homes, duct leakage may account for 15 to 25 percent of HVAC energy
use. Tighter ducts provide substantial energy savings.

There are two metrics used to measure duct leakage:
a. Air leakage in cfm per SF of floor area of the home; and
b. Percent air leakage as a fraction of the total air flow rate in the HVAC system.
Both methods require a measurement of the total duct leakage in cfm. The first metric
then links this measurement to the floor area of the home, and assumes that the
equipment size is linked to the size of the home. However, to size HVAC equipment
correctly, requires an ACCA Manual J calculation. The second metric should be based
on the air flow in an HVAC system that is properly sized.
Comparable duct leakage rates with the first metric, (similar but not identical to the cfm at
25 Pascals per 100 square feet requirements above) are:
6% of total flow
4% of total flow
2% of total flow

CEE. 2000. "Supplementary Document, Duct Installation and Sealing."
http://216.92.197.51/resid/rs-ac/hvac.php3
ACCA Manual D Residential Duct Systems

Space Heating and Cooling


EA 6. Space Heating and Cooling Equipment Maximum Points: 4

Intent
Reduce energy consumption associated with heating and cooling systems.

Requirements
Special Note: Both the space heating and cooling equipment must meet the requirements of
this credit. If only one type of equipment qualifies, then half the points should be taken.
Homes that do not need or use air conditioning should be modeled under EA 1, using the
default (minimum efficiency allowed) in both the reference and rated homes.
6.1 HVAC Design and Installation. Design (using ACCA Manual J, ASHRAE 2001
Handbook of Fundamentals, or an equivalent computation procedure) and install
HVAC equipment that at least meets requirements for ENERGY STAR labeled
HVAC, per Exhibit EA6-A below.
AND
Install ENERGY STAR labeled programmable thermostat (except heat pumps and
hydronic systems),
AND
Provide proof of proper refrigerant charge (unless home has no mechanical cooling
system)

6.2 High-Efficiency HVAC. (2 Points) Design and install HVAC equipment that is
better than ENERGY STAR labeled HVAC, per Exhibit EA6-A below.
OR
6.3 Very High-Efficiency HVAC. (Max. 4 Points, see Exhibit EA6-A.) Design and
install HVAC equipment that is substantially better than ENERGY STAR labeled
HVAC systems..

Visually inspect and confirm that the performance specifications of the installed
equipment meet the requirements above.
Verify that HVAC contractor has installed proper refrigerant charge with
Evaporator Superheat Test, Subcooling Test, or Weigh-in Refrigerant Test.
engineer or responsible party, declaring that the HVAC system meets the credit



If using EA 1, then must skip this credit.
Each cubic foot per minute of outdoor air bought into a home represents about two
dollars per year of conditioning costs. A substantial energy savings can be achieved by
using heat recovery equipment for the outdoor air brought into a home. The LEED points
for the energy savings from heat recovery have been included in IEQ 4, Outdoor Air
Ventilation System.

Rationale
Substantial energy savings (20 to 30 percent) can be achieved by installing space
heating and cooling equipment with the ENERGY STAR for HVAC label. This equipment
is designed with performance characteristics that greatly exceed the federal minimum
performance requirements.

TBD.

ACCA Manual J - HVAC Residential Load Calculation, 8th Edition
Additional information on ENERGY STAR labeled HVAC equipment can be found at
EPAs website:
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=heat_cool.pr_hvac

GY AND ATMOSPHERE
Page 92 January 2007
ID LL SS WE EA MR AE IEQ
Exhibit EA6-A
HVAC Requirements for Northern and North Central Climates: Select from credits below (see climate map in Exhibit EA4-B).
List of HVAC Credits Requirements for HVAC Equipment in IECC/IRC Climate Zones 4-8

End-
Use
Central AC Furnaces Boilers Geothermal Heat Pumps
& Air Source
Heat Pumps
(Gas or Oil) Open Loop Closed Loop Direct
Expansion

0 EA 6.1 ENERGY STAR Cooling 13 SEER 16.2 EER 14.1 EER 15 EER
(Mandatory) Heating 8.2 HSPF 90 AFUE 85 AFUE 3.6 COP 3.3 COP 3.5 COP

EA 6.2 Better than Cooling 14 SEER 17.8 EER 15.5 EER 16.5 EER
(2 Points) ENERGY STAR Heating 8.6 HSPF 92 AFUE 87 AFUE 4.0 COP 3.6 COP 3.9 COP

EA 6.3 Substantially better than Cooling 15 SEER 19.4 EER 17 EER 18 EER
(HP 4 Pts,
Other 3 Pts)
ENERGY STAR Heating 9.0 HSPF 94 AFUE* 90 AFUE 4.3 COP 4.0 COP 4.2 COP
Total # of LEED HOMES Points
Note: * designates furnace with low electric energy use

HVAC Requirements for Southern and South Central Climates: Select from credits below (see climate map in Exhibit EA-4B).
List of HVAC Credits Requirements for HVAC Equipment in IECC/IRC Climate Zones 1-3

End-
Use
Central AC Furnaces Boilers Geothermal Heat Pumps
& Air Source
Heat Pumps
(Gas or Oil) Open Loop Closed Loop Direct
Expansion

0 EA 6.1 ENERGY STAR Cooling 14 SEER 16.2 EER 14.1 EER 15 EER
(Mandatory) Heating 8.2 HSPF 80 AFUE 80 AFUE 3.6 COP 3.3 COP 3.5 COP

EA 6.2 Better than Cooling 15 SEER 17.8 EER 15.5 EER 16.5 EER
(2 Points) ENERGY STAR Heating 8.6 HSPF 90 AFUE 85 AFUE 4.0 COP 3.6 COP 3.9 COP

EA 6.3 Substantially better than Cooling 16 SEER 19.4 EER 17 EER 18 EER
(HP 4 Pts,
Other 3 Pts)
ENERGY STAR Heating 9.0 HSPF 92 AFUE* 87 AFUE 4.3 COP 4.0 COP 4.2 COP
Total # of LEED HOMES Points
ENER

U.S. Green Building Council
Note: * designates furnace with low electric energy use
Water Heating


EA 7. Water Heating Maximum Points: 6

Intent
Reduce energy consumption associated with domestic hot water system, including
improving the efficiency of both the hot water system design and the layout of the fixtures
in the home.

Requirements
N/A

7.1 Efficient Distribution System. (2 Points, see Exhibit EA 7-A.) Design and install
energy-efficient water distribution system shown schematically in Exhibit EA 7-A).
Design should reduce hot water waste by minimizing the length of plumbing runs,
including minimizing the distance between the fixtures within the home. Select only
one measure:
Structured plumbing system. The system design must include a circulation loop
that is within 10 feet of every fixture, and has a demand controlled circulation
pump. The total length of the recirculation loop must be less than 30 linear feet
of plumbing. Branch lines run from the loop to each fixture and are no longer
than 10 feet, and a maximum of in diameter. Only push button controls can
be used to receive the credit. A push button must be installed in each full
bathroom and the kitchen.
Central manifold distribution system. The system design must include an R4
insulated trunk line (maximum 10 foot length) from the water heater to the central
manifold. The maximum branch line from the central manifold to the fixtures is
20 feet in one-story homes and 30 feet in two-story homes Branch lines run from
the manifold to each fixture are of maximum nominal diameter.
Compact design of conventional system. The water heater must be centrally
located to ensure that the longest water heater to fixture piping run is 20 feet in
one-story homes and 30 feet in two-story homes. Branch lines run from a central
header to each fixture and are a maximum of in diameter.

7.2 Pipe Insulation. (1 Point.) All domestic hot water piping shall have R4 insulation.
Insulation shall be properly installed on all piping elbows to adequately insulate the
90 bend.

7.3 Efficient DHW Equipment. (Max. 3 Points, see Exhibit Ea 7-B.) Design and
install energy-efficient water heating equipment. Select one measure from Exhibit
EA7-B.

U.S. Green Building Council Page 93 January 2007
Water Heating


Exhibit EA7-A
Schematic Diagrams of Sample Hot Water Distribution Systems

Structured Plumbing System

Central Manifold Distribution System

Water
Heater
Water
Heater
Longest branch length is 20 feet
for one story homes and 30 feet for
two story homes.
Recirculating Pump
All branch runouts must be
10 feet from recirc loop to
fixture and max diameter
Recirculation portion of the
loop must be insulated to R4
and total length of loop must
be 30 feet in length.
Trunk must be 10 feet from water
heater and insulated to R4

Compact Design of Conventional System

Water
Heater
Longest run from water heater to
fixture must be 20 feet in a one story
home, and 30 feet in a two story
home.

Water Heating


Perform a visual inspection of installed measure(s), to affirm that the

If using EA 1 is used, then must skip EA Credit 7.2.
Low flow shower heads also may reduce demand for hot water and resulting energy use
for water heating by up to 20 percent. The LEED points for installing low flow shower
heads are included in WE Credit 3, Low Flow Fixtures.

Exhibit EA7-B
List of High Efficiency Water Heating Equipment

Type / Energy Factor Description Points
Gas-fired Water Heaters
EF 0.53 (80 Gallon) Conventional High Efficiency Unit 1
EF 0.8 Conventional or Instantaneous Water Heater 2
CAE 0.8 (Note 1) Combination Water/Space Heaters 2
Electric Water Heaters
EF 0.99 Instantaneous Water Heater 2
EF 2.0 Heat Pump Water Heater 3
Solar Water Heaters, Back-Up
40% of Annual DHW Load With Pre-Heat Tank 2
60% of Annual DHW Load With Pre-Heat Tank 3
Product Info:
Energy Factors for various manufacturers available at:
http://www.gamanet.org/gama/inforesources.nsf/vContentEntries/Product+Directories
Note 1. CAE - Combined Annual Efficiency

Water Heating


Rationale
Indoor water savings can be achieved with more efficient water distribution systems.
LEED points for indoor water distribution-related savings are included in this credit.
Approx.10 to 15 percent of energy use in hot water systems is from distribution losses.
Distribution losses can be greatly reduced by ensuring that all hot water end-uses (i.e.,
fixtures & appliances) are located with 20 feet of the hot water tank.

TBD

TBD

Lighting


EA 8. Lighting Maximum Points: 3

Intent
Reduce energy consumption associated with interior and exterior lighting.

Requirements
8.1 Install at least three ENERGY STAR labeled light fixtures or ENERGY STAR
labeled Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs) in high-use rooms (kitchen, dining
room, living room, family room, hallways).

8.2 Select and install any of the following measures (0.5 Point each, 1.5 Max. Points):
o motion sensor controls on all outdoor light fixtures.
o four wireless photovoltaic exterior light fixtures, if exterior fixtures are
installed.
o three additional ENERGY STAR labeled light fixtures, or three ENERGY
STAR labeled Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs), in addition to those
installed per EA Prerequisite 8.1.
OR
8.3 Install ENERGY STAR Advanced Lighting Package (ALP) (3 Points)

Perform a visual inspection of this installed measure and fixture
labels/packaging, to affirm that the requirements above have been completed,
lighting designer engineer or responsible party, declaring that the project site
meets the credit requirements, and placed in the project documentation file; and

If EA 1 is used, then must skip this credit.

Lighting


Rationale
Exterior lighting is usually installed with on/off controls. Thus, the lights may be on for
extended periods of time when they are not actually needed. Infrared sensors turn
fixtures on only when motion is sensed and will turn fixtures off after a period of inactivity,
thus operating lighting only when illumination is needed
High efficiency indoor lighting fixtures (with the ENERGY STAR label) use approximately
25 to 50 percent of the energy used by conventional incandescent fixtures.

TBD

Information on ENERGY STAR labeled light fixtures can be found at EPAs website:
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=bldrs_lenders_raters.ALP_Builder
The Lighting Pattern Book for Homes, Lighting Research Center, Rensselaer Polytechnic
Institute, Troy, NY, 1993.
Alliance to Save Energy information on the installation and
energy savings from occupancy Sensors.
www.ase.org

Appliances


EA 9. Appliances Maximum Points: 3

Intent
Reduce appliance energy consumption.

Requirements
None

9.1 ENERGY STAR Labeled Appliances. (Max. 2 Points.) Install appliances from list
below. Points are not available for more than one of each type of appliance.
o ENERGY STAR labeled refrigerator (1 Point)
o ENERGY STAR labeled ceiling fans (at least one in living or family room
AND one per bedroom) (0.5 Point)
o ENERGY STAR labeled dishwasher (0.5 Point)
o ENERGY STAR labeled clothes washer (0.5 Point)
9.2 Very Efficient Clothes Washer. (1 Point.) Install clothes washer with modified
energy factor (MEF)
9
> 1.8, AND water factor (WF) < 5.5. A clothes washer that
meets these requirements and the requirement in EA 9.1 can be counted for both.

Perform a visual inspection of this installed measure and product labels, to affirm
that the requirements above have been completed, and

If credit EA 1 is used, then must skip EA 9.1 and EA 9.2.
Indoor water savings can also achieved by selecting water-efficient appliances. LEED
points for appliance-related water savings are included in this credit.

9
For more information on MEF and WF, see the CEE or ENERGY STAR websites.
Appliances


Rationale
Energy-efficient appliances with the ENERGY STAR label use 10 to 20 percent less
energy than conventional appliances.

Clothes washers and dishwashers account for about 25 percent of indoor water use
water, or as much as 10 to 15 percent of total water use. On average, ENERGY STAR
labeled appliances consume 20 percent less energy than conventional appliances, and
an ENERGY STAR clothes washers use 50 percent less water than conventional clothes
washers.

TBD

Detailed information on ENERGY STAR labeled appliances is available at EPAs website:
http://energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=appliances.pr_appliances
And ENEREGY STAR labeled ceiling fans at:
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=ceiling_fans.pr_ceiling_fans

Renewable Energy


EA 10. Renewable Energy Maximum Points: 10

Intent
Reduce consumption of non-renewable energy sources by encouraging the installation
and operation of renewable electric generation systems.

Requirements
None

10 Renewable Energy System. (Max 10 Points.) Design and install a renewable
electricity generation system. Receive 1 Point for every 5 percent of annual
electrical load met by the system.
Annual electric load is defined as the amount of electricity that a typical home (e.g.
the HERS Reference Home) would consume in a typical year. The annual electric
load in the base or reference home must be determined using the procedures
specified in the 2006 Mortgage Industry National Home Energy Rating System
(HERS) Guidelines.
As an example:
Annual electric load (based on HERS Reference Home) = 10,000 KWh
Annual electricity consumption in LEED Home = 7,000 KWh
Annual electricity supplied by PV system = 2,000 KWh
Percent of annual electric load supplied by PV system = 2,000 / 10,000

= 20%

LEED points, under EA 10 = 20 5 = 4 Points

engineer or responsible party, declaring that the renewable electric generation
system meets the EA 10 requirements, and place in Project Documentation File;
and

If credit EA 1 is used, then must skip EA Credit 10.

Renewable Energy


Rationale
Several promising technologies are available for on-site renewable electric energy
generation, including wind generators and photovoltaic (PV) solar power systems. These
systems are becoming increasingly cost-competitive as fuel prices rise; in some areas,
incentives such as utility rebates are available, reducing the payback period.

TBD

Listing of public and private resources for renewable and alternative
energy sources TBD.
Solar Energy Society [www.ases.org]
Solar Energy Industries Association [www.seia.org]
American Wind Energy Association [www.awea.org]

Renewable Energy


EA 11. Residential Refrigerant Management Maximum Points: 1

Intent
Minimize contributions to ozone depletion and global warming through selection of
appropriate refrigerants in the HVAC system.

Requirements
None

11. Appropriate HVAC Refrigerants. (1 Point.) Do not use refrigerants.
OR
Install HVAC systems with non-HCFC refrigerant (e.g. R-410a)
OR
Install HVAC systems with refrigerants that comply with the following equation.
(See example case of residential refrigerants in Exhibit EA11-A).

LCGWP + LCODP x 10^5 160

Where:
LCODP = [ODPr x (Lr x Life +Mr) x Rc]/Life
LCGWP = [GWPr x (Lr x Life +Mr) x Rc]/Life

LCODP: Lifecycle Ozone Depletion Potential (lbCFC11/Ton-Year)
LCGWP: Lifecycle Direct Global Warming Potential (lbCO2/Ton-Year)

GWPr: Global Warming Potential of Refrigerant (0 to 12,000 lbCO2/lbr)
ODPr: Ozone Depletion Potential of Refrigerant (0 to 0.2 lbCFC11/lbr)
Lr: Refrigerant Leakage Rate (0.5% to 2.0%; default of 2% unless otherwise
demonstrated)
Mr: End-of-life Refrigerant Loss (2% to 10%; default of 10% unless otherwise
demonstrated)
Rc: Refrigerant Charge (0.5 to 5.0 lbs of refrigerant per ton of cooling capacity)

Life: Equipment Life (10 to 35 years; default based on equipment type, unless
otherwise demonstrated)

Renewable Energy


engineer or responsible party, declaring that the HVAC refrigerant meets the
credit requirements, and place in Project Documentation File; and

Exhibit EA11-A
Example Cases of Residential Refrigerants that are Compliant with EA c11
Refrigerant Combined
LCGWP+
LCODP Score

System Size Refrigerant
Charge
Leakage
Rate
Equip Life

R410A 152 2 Ton 3.7 Lb / Ton 1.5% 15 Years

TBD

Rationale
This credit encourages the early adoption of non-CFC refrigerants in HVAC equipment by
builders.
HCFCs (i.e., R-22) have been the refrigerants of choice for residential heat pump and air-
conditioning systems for more than four decades. Unfortunately for the environment,
releases of HCFCs from system leaks contribute to ozone depletion.
After 2010, chemical manufacturers may only produce HCFCs (i.e., R-22) for servicing
existing equipment. Thereafter, HCFCs cannot be manufactured for use in new
equipment.

Design and operate the facility without mechanical cooling and refrigeration equipment.
Where mechanical cooling is used, utilize HVAC systems that minimize direct impact on
ozone depletion and global warming. Select HVAC&R equipment with reduced
refrigerant charge (i.e., locate evaporator and condenser as close together as possible),
low annual leakage rates, and increased equipment life. Provide guidance to assist
homeowner to maintain equipment to prevent leakage of refrigerant to the atmosphere.

Renewable Energy


What You Should Know about Refrigerants When Purchasing or Repairing a Residential
A/C System or Heat Pump
http://www.epa.gov/ozone/title6/phaseout/22phaseout.html

MATERIALS AND RESOURCES

AE

ID LL SS WE EA MR IEQ

Materials and Resources (MR)

Pathway through MR Credits

MR Credit 1: Material Efficient Framing
Max. Points: 3
Prerequisite: 1.1
Start
MR Credit 5: Envir. Preferable Products
Max. Points: 8
Prerequisite: 2.1
Finish
MR Credit 3: Waste Management
Max. Points: 3
Prerequisite : MR 3.1
Important
Note:

A minimum
of 2 points
must be
achieved in
the MR
category

Material Efficient Framing


MR 1. Material-Efficient Framing Maximum Points: 3

Intent
Optimize the use of framing materials.

Requirements


1.1 Waste Factor in Framing Order. Overall waste factor (WF) may not exceed
10%. If WF on any portion of the framing order exceeds 10 %, calculate overall
WF as shown in Exhibit MR1-A.

Exhibit MR1-A
Sample Waste Factor (WF) in Framing Order Calculation
for MR Prerequisite 1.1

Framing Component
Total
Cost
($)
Waste
Factor
(%)
Waste
Cost
($)
Random lengths $1,000 15% $150
Studs $2,000 5% $100
Beams/headers $500 20% $100
Roof deck $2,000 0% $0
Wall sheathing $0 0% $0
Rafters $2,000 0% $0
Ceiling joists $1,500 10% $150
Cornice work $3,000 10% $300
TOTAL $12,000 $1,000

Overall WF (Waste $/Cost $) 8.3%


1.2 Advanced Framing Techniques. (Max. 3 Points.) Implement measures from the
list shown in Exhibit MR 1-B throughout the home, where applicable and
appropriate.

OR

1.3 Structurally Insulated Panels (SIPs). (2 Points.) Use SIPs for all wall and roof
components, where applicable and appropriate.



Exhibit MR 1-B
List of Advanced Framing Measures
for MR Credit 1.2

Efficient Framing Measures Points Earned
Use exterior wall shear technique other than
wood sheathing for the whole building
1
Use wood wall sheathing for shear only at
corners
0.5
Space joists greater than 16 o.c. 0.5
Space studs greater than 16 o.c 0.5
Design roof pitch/eave width to 24 module 0.5
2 of 3
measures:
0.5
Size headers for actual loads
Use ladder blocking or drywall clips
Use 2-stud corners

Inspect installed measure(s) and review relevant documents to affirm that the
requirements above have been met; and

Efficient framing practices can reduce the need for lumber, while still providing sufficient
structural support. A reduction in lumber demand reduces material, but can also reduce
labor and shipping costs. Minimizing header sizes may allow placement of windows
higher on the wall, which provide design advantages.

Rationale
Conventional framing techniques use about 15 to 20 percent more framing material than
is structurally needed. This credit focuses on wood framing because ~90% of U.S.
housing stock is wood-framed. Efficient use of other materials is also good, but
comparable data on efficient approaches to other structural systems isn't readily
available.

Provide detailed framing drawings (e.g., framing elevations and plans). Have an engineer
or architect calculate needed header sizes and/or substitute composite or box or SIP
headers in place of solid lumber. Avoid use of excess lumber for purely aesthetic
purposes, such as false thick walls. Thoroughly brief and supervise framing crew.



In addition to the Credits (Optional Measures) listed above, there are other strategies that
have been shown to reduce framing material consumption, when utilized effectively.
These include single top plates (with stack framing), designing to modular (i.e., two-foot)
dimensions, and other approaches. The resources and references listed below provide
additional guidance that may be helpful in maximizing your material-efficiency.

National Association of Home Builders Research Center (www.NAHBRC.com)
Builders Guide. Energy and Environmental Building Association (www.eeba.org)
Efficient Wood Use In Residential Construction, NRDC, 1998.
California Integrated Waste Management Board, Designing With Vision: A Technical
Manual For Material Choices In Sustainable Construction.
www.toolbase.org/tertiaryT.asp?TrackID=&CategoryID=70&DocumentID=2021
http://www.energy.state.or.us/code/respub/res10.pdf
http://www.toolbase.org/tertiaryT.asp?TrackID=&DocumentID=2021&Category

Environmentally Preferable Products


MR 2. Environmentally Preferable Products
Maximum Points: 8

Intent
Increase demand for environmentally preferable products (EPPs)
1
and products or
building components that are extracted, processed, and manufactured within the region.

Requirements
2.1 FSC Certified Tropical Woods. Products containing tropical woods, if
intentionally used (i.e., specified in purchasing documents), must be certified in
accordance with the guidelines of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). See
Technologies and Strategies and Resources and References for a definition of
tropical and other relevant information.
2

AND
The builder shall provide all wood product suppliers with a notice, such as the
example shown in Exhibit MR2-A, containing all of the following elements:
Statement that the builders preference is to purchase products containing
tropical woods only if they are FSC-certified;
Request for the country of manufacture of each product supplied; and
Request for a list of FSC-certified products the vendor can supply.

2.2 Environmentally Preferable Materials. (0.5 Point each, Max. 8 Points.)
Use products that are environmentally preferable.
AND/OR
Extracted, processed, and manufactured within 500 miles of the home (local).

For each Component shown in Exhibit MR2-B, earn 0.5 point for each Product
Specification Type met (EPP Specifications, Emission Specifications, and/or
Local). Except as noted otherwise below, 90% of the component, by weight or
volume, must meet the specification shown.

1
The term environmentally preferable products means products or services that have a lesser or reduced
effect on human health and the environment when compared with competing products or services that serve
the same purpose.

2
Wood products that are reused or reclaimed are exempt.


Exhibit MR2-A
Sample FSC Preference Language for Purchasing Documents

Notice to Vendors: This company prefers to purchase products that contain tropical wood
only if they are certified according to the guidelines of the Forest Stewardship Council
(FSC). Please provide the country of manufacture of each product you expect to supply to
us. Also please provide a list of FSC-certified products you can supply.
Exhibit MR2-B
Environmentally Preferable Products (EPPs)
EPP Specifications (seeNote2) Emission Specifications Local
Exterior wall framing FSC-certified X
Exterior wall siding or
masonry
recycled content or FSC-certified X
Floor flooring linoleum, cork, bamboo, FSC-certified or reclaimed
wood, sealed concrete, recycled-content flooring,
or combination in 45%of home's floor area.
carpet & pad: comply with Carpet and Rug Institutes
Green Label Plus program
X
Floor flooring BONUS .5 pt for 90%of home BONUS .5 pt for NO carpet in home
Floor framing FSC-certified X
Foundation aggregate X
Foundation cement fly ash or slag as replacement for, not addition to,
cement content (min. 30%)
X
Interior wall framing FSC-certified X
Interior walls AND
ceilings
gypsumboard recycled content X
Interior walls AND
ceilings AND
millwork
Paint comply with Green Seal Standard GS-11, Paints, First
Edition, May 20, 1993
Landscape decking or
patio material
Other cabinets recovered, recycled content, or FSC-certified wood and/or agrifiber products with no added urea-
formaldehyde resins
X
Other counters recycled content wood and/or agrifiber products with no added urea-
formaldehyde resins
Other doors (not incl.
garage)
Other trim recovered, recycled content, or FSC-certified wood and/or agrifiber products with no added urea-
formaldehyde resins
X
Other adhesives &
sealants
TBD
Other windows recycled content or FSC-certified X
Roof framing FSC-certified X
Roof roofing recycled content or vegetated (min. 200 sf) X
Roof AND floor
AND wall
insulation recycled content (min. 20%) comply with State of California, DHS, Practice for
Testing of VOCs fromBuilding Materials Using Small
Chambers:
www.dhs.ca.gov/ehlb/IAQ/VOCS/Practice.htm
X
Roof, floor, wall
(2 of 3)
sheathing recycled content or FSC-certified X
Product Specification Types (see Note 1)
Assembly Component



Note 1: A maximum of 2 points can be earned for any single component listed in Exhibit MR2-B (e.g.,
roofing, siding, etc.) regardless of the amount by which a minimum performance threshold is
exceeded. Exemplary performance (i.e., additional qualifying components) may be rewarded under
ID Credit 3.
Note 2: Recycled content products must contain a minimum of 25% post-consumer recycled content
except as noted otherwise above. (Post-industrial (pre-consumer) recycled content is counted at
half the rate of post-consumer content.)


MR 2.1: FSC Certified Tropical Wood
Confirm that the Accountability Form (in Attachment C) is signed by the
builder or responsible party, declaring that all tropical wood, if used, is FSC
certified; and

MR 2.2: Environmentally Preferable Materials
builder or responsible party, declaring that the materials meet the criteria in
Exhibit MR 2-B; and

Products with low-VOC emissions may improve indoor air quality. Such products are
included in this credit rather than in the IEQ section in order to consolidate information
that pertains to materials selection, specifying, and purchasing.
A substantial amount of energy is used to transport materials from product manufacturing
plants to home construction sites. The local sourcing aspect of this credit includes the
energy-related benefits of shorter transportation routes.

Rationale
MR2.1.The biological wealth of the tropical rainforests, and their devastation due to poor
forestry practices in those regions, are of such great importance that they merit singular
treatment in this credit. Tropical wood content can end up in a wide variety of products
unbeknownst to the purchaser.
MR2.2. Many new products are available which are less harmful to the environment
and/or to humans than their conventional counterparts, including those that have lower
emissions, are sustainably produced, include recycled content, are rapidly renewable,
etc. The use of these materials in place of conventional products, while difficult to
evaluate objectively, can nevertheless significantly improve the overall environmental
performance of the home. Qualifying materials have one or more of the following
attributes:


o FSC-certified (wood products)
o Recycled content
o Reclaimed
o Bio-based
o Agricultural residue
o Low or no VOC emissions

Local sourcing is another aspect of environmental preferability. Demand for products that
are extracted, processed, and manufactured within the region encourages the use of
indigenous resources, reduces environmental impacts from transportation, and increases
awareness of the environmental impacts associated with material extraction and
consumption, such as deforestation, mining, etc., thereby encouraging a conservation
ethic.

MR2.1. A species of wood is considered tropical for purposes of this credit if it is grown
in a moist tropical country that lies, either in part or in its entirety, between the Tropics of
Cancer and Capricorn (23.5 degrees latitude north and south, respectively). See Exhibit
MR2-C for a reference list by continent. Also see Resources and References below for
information on locating FSC products and on identifying tropical species.
Include FSC purchasing preference language in all purchasing contracts, purchase
orders, etc., as shown in Exhibit MR2-A.
MR2.2. Specifications for many alternative and/or salvaged building materials have not
been listed in this credit because they are not used in most homes. However, use of
significant quantities of such materials may merit consideration for an innovation credit or
credit interpretation.

Exhibit MR2-C
Tropical Countries by Continent

Continent Tropical Countries
Africa all except Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Egypt, and Libya
Asia & Southeast Asia all except Japan, N. & S. Korea, and Russia
Australia/Oceana all except New Zealand
Central America & Caribbean all countries
Europe None
Middle East None
North America Mexico
South America all except Uruguay


Environmentally Preferable Products: Many helpful sources of green product
information are available, both in print and on the Internet. A few are listed below.
Green Building Products: The GreenSpec Guide to Residential Building
Materials, copublished by BuildingGreen, Inc., and New Society Publishers.
Available in print or online at
https://www.buildinggreen.com/ecommerce/gbp.cfm



Oikos Green Building Source, http://oikos.com/green_products/index.php
Green Building Pages, http://www.greenbuildingpages.com/main_a.html
Green HomeGuide, http://www.greenhomeguide.com/

Tropical Woods: If you are unable to identify a products country of origin, you may wish
to consult one or more of the following databases. Please note that wood species can
only be identified accurately by scientific (botanic) and not by either common or
proprietary name.
USDA Forest Service http://www2.fpl.fs.fed.us/TechSheets/tropicalwood.html
(free). This database is incomplete with respect to species, common, and trade
names.
Forest World's Woods of the World http://www.forestworld.com/wow.cfm. This
CD covers 910 species, equaling 95 percent of wood in trade. It includes
scientific and common names, origins, and properties.
The Wood Explorer http://www.toolcenter.com/wood/index.html. This
CD covers 1,650 wood species. It includes scientific and common names,
origins, and properties.

Information on eco-regions of concern is available from the World Wildlife Foundation at
http://www.panda.org/about_wwf/where_we_work/ecoregions/ecoregion_list/index.cfm.
FSC-certified Products: The following two resources can assist project teams in
locating FSC certified products.
FSC-US www.findfsc.org. For help in locating FSC-certified products, fill out the
form on this website and submit it to FSC-US; FSC will then circulate it to
certified companies, who then will contact you if they have your desired
product(s) available.
Rainforest Alliance SmartGuide to Green Building Wood Sources
www.rainforestalliance.org/smartguides. This document lists US suppliers,
manufacturers, and distributors of FSC certified building products.

Life Cycle Analysis Tools: There are a variety of life cycle analysis tools that may be
helpful in the selection of environmentally preferable materials and assemblies. These
include the following:
BEES (Building for Environmental and Economic Sustainability) software
http://www.bfrl.nist.gov/oae/software/bees.html
Athena Institute Environmental Impact Estimator
http://www.athenasmi.ca/tools/software/



MR 3. Waste Management Maximum Points: 3

Intent
Reduce waste generation level to below the industry norm.

Requirements
3.1 Waste Management Planning. Complete the following waste management tasks.
Investigate and document local options for diversion (recycling, reuse, etc.)
of all anticipated major constituents of the project waste stream, including
cardboard packaging and household recyclables (e.g., beverage
containers).
Document rate of diversion; record diversion rate for land clearing and/or
demolition, if applicable (e.g., on gut rehab project), separately from rate for
new construction phase of project.

3.2 Waste Reduction. (Max. 3 Points, see Exhibit MR3-A.) Divert waste generated
from new construction activities from landfills and incinerators, limiting to level
below the industry norm. Use either option described below.
Fixed diversion weight or volume. Generate 2.5 pounds (or .16 cubic
yards) or less of waste per square foot of conditioned floor area. Use column
1 or 2 and column 5 to determine score.
12

Project-specific diversion rate. Divert 25% of more of the total materials
taken off the construction site from landfills and incinerators. Use column 3 or
4 and column 5 to determine score; calculate percentage using either weight
or volume.
NOTE: Land clearing and demolition waste (e.g., from removal of pre-existing structures
on the site) may not be counted toward diversion rate.

12
The industry averages is 4.2 pounds (or 0.265 cubic yards) of waste per square foot of conditioned floor
area, based on data provided by the National Association of Home Builders Research Center. See Exhibit
MR3-C for more information.


Exhibit MR3-A
Points for Waste Diversion
Amount to Landfills and Incinerators Points Earned
Lbs / SF
Cubic Yards /
1000 SF
Percent Waste
Percent
Diverted

4.0 25.5 100% 0% 0.0
3.5 22.3 88% 13% 0.0
3.0 19.1 75% 25% 0.5
2.5 15.9 63% 38% 1.0
2.0 12.8 50% 50% 1.5
1.5 9.6 38% 63% 2.0
1.0 6.4 25% 75% 2.5
0.5 3.2 13% 88% 3.0

MR 3.1: Waste Management Planning
builder or responsible party, declaring that the three requirements of this
credit have been achieved; and
MR 3.2: Waste Reduction
Review relevant documents (i.e., waste hauler tags) to affirm that the
requirements above have been met;
Complete waste diversion tabulation (see Exhibit MR3-B); and

Exhibit MR3-B
Sample Waste Reduction Tabulation
Load Tag Date Volume Hauled
(cubic yards)
Weight Hauled
(pounds)*

TOTAL
Home Size (SF)
Weight Hauled/ SF of Home
* One cubic yard of waste is equivalent to approximately 160 pounds.



Waste generation should be measured by weight, rather than volume, whenever
possible. Volume can vary substantially depending on how a dumpster is loaded
(compaction can alter volume dramatically). However, if loads are recorded by volume
rather than weight, use the conversion indicated above, below Exhibit MR3-B.

Rationale
Because landfill space is rapidly diminishing, incineration produces pollutants, and waste
of materials in itself carries negative environmental impacts, waste should be avoided to
the extent possible.
The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) has collected data nationally and
estimates that the construction of a typical 2,000-square-foot home generates about
8,000 pounds of waste, occupying roughly 51 cubic yards of landfill space, as shown in
Exhibit MR3-C. This equates to an average of about four pounds of waste per square foot
of conditioned space. These estimates are based on the assumption that three sides of
the homes exterior are covered with vinyl siding and the front facade is brick veneer.
Exhibit MR3-C contains NAHBs waste estimate for this typical home. These numbers are
the basis for the industry norm values used in this credit. Source: NAHB Research
Center, 2001, www.nahbrc.org

Exhibit MR3-C
NAHB Construction Waste Estimate of a Typical 2000-Sq.-Ft. House

Material Weight Volume Density
(lb) (lb/SF) (cu. yd.) (lbs / cu. yd.)
Solid Dimensional Wood 1600 0.8 6 267
Engineered Wood 1400 0.7 5 280
Drywall 2000 1.0 6 333
Cardboard 600 0.3 20 30
Metal 150 0.08 1 150
PVC 150 0.08 1 150
Masonry 1000 0.5 1 1000
Hazardous Materials 50 0.03 - -
Other 1050 0.53 11 95
Total 8000 4.0 51 160

Develop a complete construction and demolition waste management plan by assessing
waste types, quantities and disposal costs; identifying licensed haulers and processors of
recyclables; identifying markets for salvaged materials; employing deconstruction,
salvage, reuse, and recycling strategies and processes, including waste auditing; and
documenting the cost for recycling, salvaging, and reusing materials. Source reduction on
the job site should be an integral part of the plan.



Address reuse or recycling of materials found at the job-site, including demolition
materials, if any, from pre-existing structures, corrugated cardboard, metals, concrete,
brick, asphalt, land clearing debris (if applicable), beverage containers, clean dimensional
wood, plastic, glass, gypsum board, and carpet/ Evaluate the cost-effectiveness of
recycling/reusing rigid insulation, engineered wood products, and other materials. Also
address the minimization and proper disposal of any hazardous materials generated
during construction and/or demolition.

General
NAHB Research Center, Residential Construction Waste Management: A Builders Field
Guide and Residential Construction Waste Management: A Coordinators Guide To
Conducting Workshops At the Local Level, www.nahbrc.org, (Click on Builder Programs,
and then on Green Building Activities, then on Construction Waste Management
Publications). The first publication should be used to produce a step-by-step construction
waste management and recovery plan, while the second should be used to train key
players on the jobsite in the use of construction waste recovery methods.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Characterization of Building-Related Construction
and Demolition Debris in the United States, June 1998
www.epa.gov/epaoswer/hazwaste/sqg/demol.htm. This provides national data that may
be helpful in estimating and characterizing builder waste generation.

Cardboard recycling:
Corrugated Packaging Council can help locate local outlets for cardboard
www.corrugated.org, 800-879-9777.
American Forest & Paper Association publishes a directory of waste paper dealers and
recycling centers www.afandpa.org, 202-463-2700.

Packaging reduction:
US EPA WasteWise program, www.epa.gov/wastewise, 1-800-EPA-WISE.

National Recycling Coalition Source Reduction Forum, Transport Packaging Savings:
Strategies to Source Reduce and Reuse Transport Packaging, www.nrc-recycle.org,
703-683-9025.

Wood recycling:
American Forest & Paper Association, National Wood Recycling Directory (searchable
directory of outlets for wood) www.afandpa.org/recycling/recycling.html.

Wood and gypsum, land application:
NAHB Research Center, On-site Grinding of Residential Construction Debris: The
Indiana Grinder Pilot, February 1999, www.nahbrc.org. (Click on Builder Programs, then
on Green Building Activities, then on Construction Waste Management Publications.)

INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ)
Optional Pathways through IEQ Credits

IEQ Credit 1: ENERGY STAR w/ IAP
Max. Points: 11
IEQ Credit 2: Combustion Venting
Max. Points: 2
Mandatory IEQ 2.1
IEQ Credit 3: Moisture Control
Max. Points: 1
Start
IEQ Credit 4: Outdoor Air Ventilation
Max. Points: 3
Prerequisite: IEQ 4.1
IEQ Credit 5: Local Exhaust
Max. Points: 2
Prerequisite : IEQ 5.1
IEQ Credit 6: Distribution Systems
Max. Points: 2
Important
Note:

A minimum
of 6 points
must be
achieved in
the IEQ
category
IEQ Credit 10: Vehicle Emissions Protection
Max. Points: 3
IEQ Credit 9: Radon Protection
Max. Points: 1
IEQ Credit 8: Contaminant Control
Max. Points: 4
IEQ Credit 7: Air Filtering
Max. Points: 2
Finish

ENERGY STAR with Indoor Air Package


IEQ 1. ENERGY STAR with Indoor Air Package Maximum Points: 11

Intent
Improve overall quality of indoor environment by installing an approved bundle of air quality
measures.

Requirements
None

1. Indoor Air Package. (11 Points.) Complete all of the requirements of EPAs ENERGY
STAR with Indoor Air Package. Note that the ENERGY STAR with Indoor Air Package
initiative is being pilot tested and is not yet available in all U.S. markets.

Perform a visual inspection of installed measure(s) and relevant documents/test results,
to affirm that the requirements above have been completed, and

If using IEQ credit 1, then must skip IEQ credits: 2, 3, 4.1, 4.2, 5.1, 5.2 , 6.1, 7.1, 8.1, 9, and 10.1,
and 10.2.

Rationale
The ENERGY STAR with Indoor Air Package is a comprehensive set of indoor air quality
measures that includes ventilation, source control, and source removal measures.

TBD

Website for ENERGY STAR with Indoor Air Package
http://energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=bldrs_lenders_raters.pt_builder_news#indoorair

Combustion Venting


IEQ 2. Combustion Venting Maximum Points: 2

Intent
Minimize the leakage of combustion gases (e.g., backdrafting) into the occupied space of home.

Requirements
2.1 Basic Combustion Venting Measures. Space and water heating combustion equipment
must be designed and installed with closed combustion (i.e., sealed supply air and exhaust
ducting) or power-vented exhaust, or it must be located in detached utility building or open-
air facility. Homes in hot climates (e.g. EPA climate zone 1 or 2) are exempt from this
requirement. Unvented combustion appliances are not allowed.
AND
A carbon monoxide (CO) monitor must be installed on each floor.
AND
All fireplaces and woodstoves must have tight-fitting doors, and no unvented units are
allowed.


2.2 Enhanced Combustion Venting Measures. (Max. 2 Points.) Design and install fireplace
as per requirements in Exhibit IEQ2-A.

Exhibit IEQ 2-A
List of Combustion Venting Measures Required
for IEQ Credit 2.2

Type of Fireplace / Stove Optional Measures
Better Practice
(1 Point)
Best Practice
(2 Points)
None N/A Granted automatically
Wood-burning stove or
fireplace
Meet requirements in Exhibit
IEQ 2-B
Meet requirements in Exhibit IEQ 2-
B. Conduct back-draft potential test
and ensure P < 5 Pascals (see
note 1)
Natural gas, propane, or
alcohol fireplace
N/A
B
B. Include power-venting or direct-
venting
Meet requirements in Exhibit
IEQ 2-B
Pellet stove

Combustion Venting


Conducting a back-draft potential test. Using the results from a blower-door test, a home can
minimize the back-draft potential by limiting the pressure difference created by the presence of a
chimney vented appliance. In order to ensure a limited risk of back-drafting, the pressure
difference ( P) must less then 5 Pascals, where:

P = (Q/C)
1/n
(must be 5 Pascals)

and Q is equal to air flow, C is the constant (?), and n is the air flow exponent.

Exhibit IEQ2-B
Requirements for Fireplaces and Woodstoves
For IEQ Credit 2.2

Masonry fireplaces must be masonry heaters, as defined by the American Society for Testing and
Materials Standard E-1602, and the International Building Code, 2112.1.
Factory-built, wood-burning fireplaces shall meet the certification requirements of
Underwriters Laboratory UL-127, Standard for Factory-Built Fireplaces, and either have the
EPA-certified label or notice or meet the following requirement: equipment with a catalytic
combustor must emit less than 4.1 g/hr of particulate matter, and equipment without a catalytic
combustor must emit less than 7.5 g/hr of particulate matter.
Natural gas and propane fireplaces shall be power vented or direct-vented, as defined by 3.3.108
of the National Fuel Gas Code, have a permanently fixed glass front or gasketed door, and comply
with the American National Standards Institute, ANSI/Z21.88/CSA 2.33 Harmonized Standard,
Vented Gas Fireplace Heaters of the International Code Councils International Fuel Gas Code.
Wood stove and fireplace inserts as defined in Section 3.8 of Underwriters Laboratory UL 1482,
Standard for Safety, Solid-Fuel Type Room Heaters, shall meet the certification requirements of
that standard, and meet .S. EPA Standard 40 CFR Part 60, subpart AAA, , 60.530-539b,
Standards of Performance for New Residential Wood Heaters, and Washington States
particulate air containment emission standard, WAC 173-433-100 (3).
Pellet stoves shall meet the requirements of the American Society for Testing and Materials
(ASTM) E 1509-04, Standard Specification for Room Heaters, Pellet Fuel-Burning Type.
Decorative gas logs as defined in K.1.11 of the National Fuel Gas Code are not permitted.

Perform a visual inspection of this installed measure, to affirm that the requirements

If using IEQ Credit 1, then must skip this credit.

Combustion Venting


Rationale
Indoor air quality is adversely affected by leakage of combustion exhaust gases into the home.
Direct- or power- venting reduces the risk of combustion gases being drawn into the home when
negative pressure occurs in the home.
Having no fireplace or stove is the most effective way to reduce risk associated with combustion
gases. Meeting the prerequisite (Mandatory measure) for fireplaces or stoves provides minimal
back-draft protection. Meeting better practice provides for improved appliance efficiency, leading
to a more complete burn that results in fewer pollutants and lower risk. Meeting best practice
includes appliance efficiency and extra back-draft protection.

TBD

TBD

Moisture Control


IEQ 3. Moisture Control Maximum Points: 1

Intent
Control moisture levels in order to provide comfort, reduce the risk of mold, and increase the
durability of the home.

Requirements

None

3 Moisture Load Analysis. (1 Point.) Conduct a detailed analysis of moisture loads to
determine if there is a need for a central humidity control system (i.e., to provide additional
humidity, or dehumidification control beyond that provided by the air conditioner). Install
humidity control system where needed to maintain humidity ratios below 0.012 (lb. water
vapor / lb. dry air) per Section 52.2 of ASHRAE Standard 55-2004.

Confirm that the Accountability Form (in Attachment C) has been signed by the engineer
or responsible party, declaring that the humidity control system meets the credit

If using credit IEQ 1, then must skip this credit.
Water leakage through the building envelope can be another major cause of indoor
environmental problems (e.g., mold). The LEED points for improved foundation, exterior wall,
and roof water management water are included in ID credit 2, Quality Management for Durability.

Rationale
Occupant comfort may be adversely affected by very high or very low humidity levels in the
home. High humidity levels may also foster mold growth.

Humidity control equipment should be selected to maintain maximum humidity levels as shown in
Exhibit IEQ3-A, based on the summer design indoor air temperature. Maintaining minimum
humidity levels in winter is controversial. ASHRAE Standard 55 has no lower limit and ASHRAE
Standard 62 suggest 25 percent RH as a lower guideline. Note that adding humidity may waste

Moisture Control


energy and in some cases has been shown to be unhealthy and may have adverse affects on
durability.

Exhibit IEQ3-B
Thermal Environment Conditions for Required Humidity Comfort Control

Summer Indoor
Design Temperature
( F)
Relative
Humidity
(%)
Humidity
Ratio
(lb water / lb dry air)
70 76% 0.012
74 66% 0.012
78 58% 0.012
82 50% 0.012

ANSI / ASHRAE Standard 55-2004, Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy

Outdoor Air Ventilation


IEQ 4. Outdoor Air Ventilation Maximum Points: 3

Intent
Reduce occupant exposure to indoor pollutants by ventilating with outdoor air.

Requirements

a. Forced Air Systems:
4.1 Basic Outdoor Air Ventilation. Design and install a whole building ventilation system that
complies with ASHRAE Standard 62.2 - 2004.
13
Note that Standard 62.2 provides for the
design of alternative (e.g., passive) ventilation designs in Section 4.1.2. ASHRAE 62.2
requirements for minimum whole house ventilation air flow rates are shown in Exhibit EA4-
A.

Exhibit IEQ 4-A
Minimum Required Ventilation Air Flow (CFM) Requirements
Number of Bedrooms Conditioned Floor
Area (ft
2
)
0 1 2 3 4 - 5 6 - 7 > 7
< 1,500 30 45 60 75 90
1,501 3,000 45 60 75 90 105
3,001 4,500 60 75 90 105 120
4,501 6,000 75 90 105 120 135
6,001 7,500 90 105 120 135 150
> 7,500 105 120 135 150 165

4.2 Enhanced Outdoor Air Ventilation. (2 Points.) Install dedicated outdoor air supply
system that complies with ASHRAE Standard 62.2
AND
Provides for heat transfer between the incoming outdoor air stream and exhaust air
streams (except in very mild and dry climates)
AND
Has fully ducted supply (or trickle ventilators) and exhaust.

4.3 Third-Party Performance Testing. (1 Point.) Third-party tests the flow rate of outdoor air
brought into the home through the outdoor ventilation system.

13
Refer to section 4.1.3 of ASHRAE Standard 62.2-2004, to ensure that natural and mechanical
ventilation are properly integrated (i.e., avoid under- and/or over-ventilating).



b. Non-Ducted HVAC Systems (e.g., Hydronic Systems):
4.1 Basic Outdoor Air Ventilation. Homes with non-ducted HVAC systems must have
mechanical ventilation systems that meet the requirements of ASHRAE Standard 62.2
above, except for the two special cases below:
a. If the home is located in a climate with less than 4,500 infiltration degree days
14
;
b. If the home is designed with a passive ventilation system that is stamped by a
licensed HVAC engineer.

4.2 Enhanced Outdoor Air Ventilation. (2 Points.) Same requirements as for forced air
systems, defined in Part a above.

4.3 Third-Party Performance Testing. (1 Point.) Same requirements as for forced air
systems, defined in Part a above.

IEQ 4.1: Basic Outdoor Air Ventilation
or responsible party, declaring that the outdoor air ventilation system meets the credit
requirements;
IEQ 4.2: Enhanced Outdoor Air Ventilation
above have been completed,
IEQ c4.3: Third-Party Performance Testing
Measure outdoor air flow rate into the home to confirm that it at least meets the Std 62.2
requirements, and recommend adjustments as needed; and

If using IEQ credit 1, then must skip credits 4.1 and 4.2.

14
Infiltration degree days are defined by ASHRAE in ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 119-1988. Homes located
in climates with less than 4,500 infiltration degree days are effectively in very mild climates and can meet
their minimum outdoor air ventilation needs by the opening of windows for most of the year. These
homes are also exempt from meeting the air filtering requirements of ASHRAE Standard 62.2 under IEQ
7.1. An infiltration degree day is defined as the sum of the heating season infiltration degree days and
the cooling season infiltration degree days.



Also, note that the natural air leakage through the envelope contributes to the overall ventilation
rate of the home (see EA credits 3.1-3.3). From a health perspective, it is important to not
under-ventilate a home. In IEQ credit 4, required mechanical ventilation may bring in up to 0.2
ACH of additional ventilation air into the home.
However, from an energy perspective, it is also important not to over-ventilate a home.

In section 4.1.3 of ASHRAE Standard 62.2, specific guidance is provided on balancing
mechanical and natural ventilation.
A substantial energy savings can be achieved by using heat recovery equipment for the outdoor
air brought into a home. The LEED points for the energy savings from heat recover have been
included in this credit.

Rationale
Without adequate outdoor air ventilation, humidity, odors, and pollutants may accumulate within
the home, leading to discomfort and increased health risks.

TBD

ASHRAE Standard 62.2-2003, Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality in Low-Rise
Residential Buildings

Local Exhaust


IEQ 5. Local Exhaust Maximum Points: 2

Intent
Reduce occupant exposure to indoor pollutants in kitchens and bathrooms.

Requirements
5.1 Basic Local Exhaust. Design and install local exhaust systems in bathrooms and kitchen
per ASHRAE Standard 62.2. ASHRAE 62.2 requirements for minimum local exhaust flow
rates are shown in Exhibit EA5-A.
AND
Local exhaust systems must be designed and installed to remove exhaust air from the
structure to the outdoors (i.e. exhaust outlets into unconditioned spaces are not permitted).
AND
Use ENERGY STAR labeled bathroom exhaust fans (except for exhaust fans serving
multiple bathrooms).

Exhibit IEQ 5-A
Minimum Intermittent Local Exhaust Flow Requirements

Location Minimum Airflow Notes
Kitchen 100 cfm Vented range hood required if exhaust fan flow
rate is less than 5 kitchen air changes per hour.
Bathroom 50 cfm N/A

5.2 Enhanced Local Exhaust. (1 Point.) Install occupancy sensor OR automatic humidistat
controller OR timer for bath exhaust fans to operate fan either for a timed interval after
occupant leaves room or until humidity level is reduced.
5.3 Third-Party Performance Testing. (1 Point.) Perform third-party test of each exhaust air
flow rate from the home for compliance with Std 62.2 requirements.

IEQ c5.1: Basic Local Exhaust
or responsible party, declaring that the local exhaust system meets the credit
requirements,

Local Exhaust


IEQ c5.2: Enhanced Local Exhaust
above have been completed; and

IEQ c5.3: Third-Party Performance Test
Measure exhaust air flow rate for each bath and kitchen fan to confirm that it meets the
Std 62.2 requirements, and recommend adjustments as needed; and

If using IEQ Credit 1, then must skip IEQ Credit 5.2.

Rationale
Odors, pollutants, and moisture may accumulate in kitchens and baths that have poor local
exhaust.

TBD

ASHRAE Standard 62.2-2003, Ventilation and Acceptable Indoor Air Quality in Low-Rise
Additional information on ENERGY STAR labeled exhaust fans can be found at EPAs website:
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=vent_fans.pr_vent_fans

Distribution of Space Heating and Cooling


IEQ 6. Distribution of Space Heating and Cooling
Maximum Points: 2

Intent
Provide appropriate distribution of space heating and cooling in the home in order to improve
thermal comfort and energy performance.

Requirements

6.1 Room by Room Load Calculations. Perform design calculations (using ACCA Manual J
and D, ASHRAE 2001 Handbook of Fundamentals, or an equivalent computation
procedure) and install ducts accordingly
AND
Ensure that every room has adequate return air flow through the use of either multiple
returns or transfer grills.

6.2 Third Party Performance Test. (2 Points.) Test total supply air flow rates in each room of
home using a flow hood or one of the acceptable methods cited by the ACCA Quality
Installation Specifications
AND
Adjust using balancing dampers to ensure that supply air flow rates are within +/- 15% (or
+/- 10 cfm) of calculated values from ACCA Manual J (as required by EA Prerequisite 6.1).

6.1 Room by Room Load Calculations. Non-ducted systems must be designed to meet
heating and cooling loads in each room of home as calculated with ACCA Manual J (or
equivalent), on a room by room basis.

6.2 Third Party Performance Test. (2 Points.) Install non-ducted HVAC system with at least
two distinct zones with independent controls.

IEQ 6.1: Room by Room Load Calculations
or responsible party, declaring that the supply air system meets the credit requirements,
and
Place signed Accountability Form in the Project Documentation File;

Distribution of Space Heating and Cooling


IEQ 6.2: Third-Party Performance Test.
Measure total supply air flow rate in each room in home to confirm that all flow rates meet
the Manual D calculations within +/-15% (or within 10 cfm), and recommend adjustments
as needed (or for non-ducted HVAC systems, confirm that there are at least two thermal
zones with controls); and

If using credit IEQ 1, then must skip credit 6.1.
Space heating and cooling loads are room air flow rates must be calculated using ACCA Manual
J in EA 6.1. The ACCA Manual D calculations for this credit are based on these Manual J
calculations.
Ducts installation should be visually inspected in credit EA 2 during the pre-drywall insulation
inspection.

Rationale
TBD

TBD

Air Conditioning Contractors Association (ACCA) Manual D - Residential Duct Systems
(http://www.acca.org/tech/manualj/)

Air Filtering


IEQ 7. Air Filtering Maximum Points: 2

Intent
Reduce particulate matter from air supply system.

Requirements

7.1 Good Filters. Install air filters MERV 8 and ensure that air handlers can maintain
adequate pressure (and air flow). Air filter housings must be air-tight to prevent bypass or
leakage.

7.2 Better filters. (1 Point.) Install air filters MERV 10 and ensure that air handlers can
maintain adequate pressure (and air flow). Air filter housings must be air-tight to prevent
bypass or leakage.
OR
7.3 Best Filters. (2 Points.) Install air filters MERV 13 and ensure that air handlers can
maintain adequate pressure (and air flow). Air filter housings must be air-tight to prevent
bypass or leakage.

7.1 Good Filters. Install air filters MERV 8 and maintain adequate pressure (and air flow) in
any mechanical ventilation systems. If the home is located in a climate with less than 4,500
infiltration degree days or utilizes only passive or exhaust-only ventilation, then it is exempt
from this mandatory requirement.

7.2 Better Filters. ( 2 Points.) Install air filters MERV 10 and maintain adequate pressure
(and air flow) for any mechanical ventilation systems.
7.3 Best Filters. ( 3 Points.) Install air filters MERV 13 and maintain adequate pressure
(and air flow) for any mechanical ventilation systems.


Air Filtering


If using IEQ Credit 1, then must skip IEQ Prerequisite 7.1.

Rationale
Inadequate air filtration may have adverse health effects. Improved air filters will remove more
particles from the supply air stream.

TBD

TBD

iNDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
Contaminant Control


IEQ 8. Contaminant Control Maximum Points: 4

Intent
Reduce occupants exposure to indoor airborne contaminants through source testing and
removal.

Requirements
None.
8.1 Indoor Contaminant Control During Construction. (1 Point.) Seal off ducts during
construction.
8.2 Indoor Contaminant Control. (1 Point each, Max. 2 Points) Select from the measures
below:
Design and install permanent walk-off mats at each entry that are at least 4 feet in
length and allow accessibility for cleaning (e.g. grating with catch basin).
Design a space near primary entryway for removing and storing shoes that is
separated from living areas. This space may not have wall-to-wall carpeting and it must
be large enough to accommodate a bench and at least 2 pairs of shoes per bedroom.
Install central vacuum system with exhaust to the outdoors. Ensure exhaust is not near
ventilation air intake.
8.3 Pre-Occupancy Flush. (1 Point.) Flush the home with fresh air continuously for one week
with all windows kept open and the HVAC system fan running continuously. Replace air
filter afterwards if necessary.

IEQ 8.1: Indoor Contaminant Control During Construction
Perform a visual inspection of ducts for cleanliness prior to occupancy, to affirm that the

IEQ 8.2: Indoor Contaminant Control
Perform a visual inspection of installed measure(s), to affirm that the requirements above
have been completed, and

IEQ 8.3: Pre-Occupancy Flush
Confirm that the Accountability Form (in Attachment C) has been signed by the builder, or
responsible party, declaring that the flush was completed;

iNDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
Contaminant Control


Products with low VOC emissions greatly benefit indoor air quality. Thus, the LEED points for
such products are included in MR Credit 2, Environmentally Preferable Products.

Rationale
Indoor air quality may be adversely affected by contaminants brought into home by occupants
(e.g., on shoes). Walk-off mats trap some of the dirt at the entryway that would otherwise be
tracked into the home. Central vacuums exhaust collected dust and particulates to the outdoors.

TBD

TBD

Radon Protection


IEQ 9. Radon Protection Maximum Points: 1

Intent
Reduce occupants exposure to radon gas and other soil gas contaminants.

Requirements
9.1 High Radon Risk Areas. If home is located in EPA Zone 1, design and build home with
radon resistant construction techniques.
9.2 Moderate Radon Risk Areas. (1 Point.) If home is NOT located in EPA Zone 1, design
and build home with radon resistant construction techniques.

or responsible party, declaring that the ground contaminant mitigation system meets the


Rationale
Occupant health may be adversely affected by the presence of radon gas.

A ground contaminant protection system provides the following basic benefits:
o Improved drainage below slab;
o Sealed cracks and holes to prevent penetration of gases; and
o Reduced negative pressure in basement.

The EPA radon zones are shown on the website: http://www.epa.gov/iaq/radon/zonemap.html
EPA info on Radon-Resistant New Construction (RRNC), see RRNC language in revised IAP -
9/30/05 - section 2 and item 7.6.
http://www.epa.gov/iaq/radon/construc.html#What%20are%20Radon-resistant%20construction%20techniques

Radon Protection


IEQ 10. Garage Pollutant Protection Maximum Points: 3

Intent
Reduce occupants exposure to indoor pollutants originating from adjacent garage.

Requirements
10.1 No HVAC in Garage. Do not place air handling equipment or any ductwork in
garage.

10.2 Minimize Pollutants from Garage. (2 Points) Tightly seal shared surfaces
between garage and conditioned spaces, including:
Conditioned spaces above garage
All penetrations sealed
All connecting floor/ceiling joist bays sealed
Paint walls/ceilings (CO can penetrate unfinished drywall through diffusion)

Conditioned spaces next to garage
Weather stripped doors, with CO detector in interior room adjacent to inside
of door;
All penetrations sealed; and
Seal all cracks at the base of walls.

10.3 Exhaust Fan. (1 Point.) Install minimum 100 cfm exhaust fan rated for continuous
operation with automatic timer control linked to occupant sensor, light switch, or
garage door opening/closing mechanism.

OR (in lieu of 10.2 and 10.3)

10.4 Detached Garage or No Garage. (3 Points)

Perform a visual inspection of this installed measure, to affirm that the


Radon Protection


Rationale
Occupant health may be adversely affected by car emissions leaking from garage into
home.

TBD

TBD

AWARENESS AND EDUCATION

Awareness and Education (AE)

Pathway through the Awareness Credits

AE Credit 1
Education of the
Homeowner / Tenant
Max. Points: 2
Prerequisite: HA 1.1
Start
AE Credit 2
Education of Building
Manager
Max. Points: 1
Finish

Education of Homeowner

AE 1. Education of the Homeowner/Tenant Maximum Points: 2

Intent
Maintain the post-occupancy performance of the home through education of occupants
(i.e., homeowner or tenant) about the operations and maintenance of the homes key
LEED features and equipment.

Requirements
1.1 Basic Operations Training. The builder shall provide the homes occupant(s)
with:
a. An operations and maintenance manual / binder that includes all of the following
items:
o The LEED FOR HOMES Rating Certificate;
o The completed checklist of LEED FOR HOMES features;
o A copy of each signed Accountability Forms;
o A copy of the Durability Plan;
o The product manufacturers manuals for all installed equipment, fixtures,
and appliances;
o General information on efficient use of energy, water, and natural
resources;
o Operations and maintenance guidance for LEED for Homes related
equipment installed in the home, including:
Space heating and coolling equipment;
Mechanical ventilation equipment;
Humidty control equipment (if installed);
Radon protection system (if installed);
Renewable energy system (if installed); and
Irrigation, rain water harvesting, and or grey water system (if
installed)
o Guidance on occupant activities and choices, including:
Cleaning materials, methods, and supplies
Water-efficient landscaping (SS 2)
Impacts of chemical fertilizers, insecticide and pesticides
Irrigation (WE 2 & 3)
Lighting selection (EA 8); and
Appliance selection (EA 9).
o Educational information on green power
b. A minimum one-hour walkthrough of the home/building, to include:
o Identification of all installed equipment,
o How to appropriately use measures and operate equipment in the home;
and
o How to properly maintain the measures and equipment in the home.


1.2 Enhanced Training. (1 Point.) The builder must provide 2 hours of training, In
addition to the training provided for HA Prerequisite 1.1.
Some examples of eligible trainings are:
An additional walkthrough or training held in another home that has similar
green measures and equipment;
A builder- or developer-sponsored meeting of potential homebuyers that
informs participants of the unique features of a LEED Home relative to a
conventional home;
A group homebuyer training that includes discussion of items required in the
homeowners manual maintenance, including: information on efficient use of
resources, appropriate use of measures and systems and proper
maintenance of measures and systems; and
A home buyer DVD with operations and maintenance information related to
the LEED for Homes measures in the home.

1.3 Public Awareness. (1 Point.) Promote general public awareness about LEED for
Homes, including at least three of the following activities:
Hold an advertised, attended public open house that lasts at least 4 hours
per day on at least four weekends, or participate in a green building
exhibition or tour; the home/building must display at least four informational
stations about the LEED for Homes features (and/or offer a guided tour that
highlights at least four LEED for Homes features);
Publish a website with at least two pages that provides detailed info about
the features and benefits of LEED homes;
Generate a newspaper article on the LEED for Homes project.
Display LEED for Homes signage on the exterior of the home/building that
exceeds 6 square feet.

Confirm that builder's Occupants Manual meets the requirements above; and
builder or responsible party, declaring that the manual and trainings have been
(or will be) delivered to the occupant, and place in Project Documentation File;
and

N/A


Rationale
The performance and durability of a LEED home can be significantly influenced through
proper use of its features and maintenance of its systems throughout its service life.
Thus, the HA category is a critical one to achieving long-term sustainability goals in the
residential sector. Home occupants need general information about their new LEED
Home, including:
1. What is unique about a sustainable or LEED Home;
2. The value that a sustainable or LEED Home provides;
3. How to use measures and operate the equipment in the LEED Home
appropriately; and
4. How to maintain the measure and equipment in the LEED Home properly.

TBD

A free Homebuyer Manual (with basic content) is available at:
www.dep.state.ct.us/wst/p2/individual/healthyhome.pdf

"Home Energy Guide." Calif. Energy Commission. Publication #
400-99-003 (compliant with Title 24 requirements)

CMHC "Homeowner's Manual" (see: http://www.cmhcschl.
gc.ca/en/burema/gesein/homa/homa_001.cfm )

Donald Wulfinghoff. 2000. The Energy Efficiency Manual. 1536
pages. Energy Institute Press. ISBN: 0965792676

Education of Building Manager

AE 2. Education of Building Manager Maximum Points: 1

Intent
Maintain the post-occupancy performance of the home through education of the Building
Manager about the operations and maintenance of the homes key LEED features and
equipment.

Requirements
None

2 Education of Building Manager. (1 Point.) In multifamily buildings (more than 5
units), the builder shall provide the Building Manager with:
a. A building owner's manual / binder that includes all of the following items:
o The LEED FOR HOMES Rating Certificate;
o The completed checklist of LEED FOR HOMES features;
o A copy of each signed Accountability Forms;
o A copy of the Durability Plan;
o The product manufacturers manuals for all installed equipment, fixtures,
and appliances;
o General information on efficient use of energy, water, and natural
resources;
o Operations and maintenance guidance for LEED for Homes related
equipment installed in the home, including:
Space heating and cooling equipment;
Mechanical ventilation equipment;
Humidity control equipment (if installed);
Radon protection system (if installed);
Renewable energy system (if installed); and
Irrigation, rain water harvesting, and or grey water system (if
installed)
o Guidance on occupant activities and choices, including:
Cleaning materials, methods, and supplies
Water-efficient landscaping (SS 2)
Impacts of chemical fertilizers, insecticide and pesticides
Irrigation (WE 2 & 3)
Lighting selection (EA 8); and
Appliance selection (EA 9).
o Educational information on green power
b. A minimum 60-minute walkthrough of the home before occupancy, to include:
o Identification of all installed equipment;
o how to appropriately use measures and operate equipment in each unit;
o how to properly maintain the measures and equipment in each unit.

Education of Building Manager

Confirm that Building Managers Manual meets the requirements above; and
builder or responsible party, declaring that the manual and trainings meet the

N/A

Rationale
The performance and durability of a LEED home can be significantly influenced through
proper use of its features and maintenance of its systems throughout its service life. The
Building Manager has a critical role in the long-term sustainability goals in a multifamily
building (more than 5 dwelling units). Building owners need to know the following
information about their new LEED Home:
1. What is unique about a sustainable or LEED Home;
2. The value that a sustainable or LEED Home provides;
3. How to use measures and operate the equipment in the LEED Home
appropriately; and
4. How to maintain the measure and equipment in the LEED Home properly.

TBD

TBD

GLOSSARY

Glossary

Adjacent site: A site having at least 25% of its perimeter bordering land that has
been previously developed.

Agriculture residue based materials: Construction materials composed of by-
products created in agriculture (such as wheat chaff). Often
agricultural by-products are used in fiberboards and plywood
alternatives. MRC5

Balancing dampers: Regulates fresh air flow by restricting air flow to specific rates.
IEQC6

Black water: Waste water generated from toilets and kitchen sinks that contains
high levels of bacterial pollutant.

Borate: Borate is used as a wood preservative and is non-toxic to
humans. Borate treated wood must be kept dry to remain
effective. SSC5

Buildable land: The portion of the site where construction can occur. When used
in density calculations, the calculation for buildable land excludes:
public streets and other public rights of way, and land excluded
from residential development by law or other prerequisites of
LEED-ND.

Circulation loop: A system that loops cold water back to the water heater (instead
of down the drain) until hot water reaches the faucet. EA C7

Central vacuum system: Network of tubing with inlets throughout the house designed
to remove debris to an out of the way receptacle. A central
vacuum system is more efficient at the removal of dust and debris
than traditional vacuums. IEQC8

CFM: Cubic Feet per Minute. EAC5

CIR (Credit Interpretation Requests): A request for clarification on certain credits the
design team may have questions about. The CIRs should be
submitted to the Provider who will then bring them to the attention
of a TASC (Technical Advisory Sub-Committee).

GLOSSARY

Climate zones: The climate of a projects location can have a significant effect on
environmental design and construction (particularly in terms of
heating and cooling), thus the LEED for Homes rating system
awards credit to projects that include sustainable goals
appropriate for the local climate. See the Energy Star assessment
of climate zones:
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=windows_doors.pr_crit_wi
ndows#map

Combustion exhaust gases: The most common gases resulting from fossil fuel
combustion include carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulfur
dioxide, and a number of sulfur dioxides. These gases can be
dangerous if allowed to build up indoors. IEQC2

Conditioned Floor Area (CFA): An interior space that utilizes any method of air
conditioning or heating for the comfort of the occupants. CFA is
generally used to determine a buildings habitable floor area.
MRC6

Demand controlled circulation pump: Circulation pumps use looped systems to
ensure hot water is immediately available while keeping unused
cold water in the system. The demand controlled circulation
pumps uses a switch or motion sensor to automatically activate
the circulation of water, thus it saves water and energy.

Density: Density is the amount of building structures constructed on the
project site, measured for residential buildings as dwelling units
per net acre of buildable land available for residential uses, and
for non-residential buildings as floor area ratio per net acre of
buildable land available for non-residential uses.

DHW: Domestic Hot Water. IEQC2

Direct vented exhaust: Part of a system for heaters in which outside air is drawn into a
sealed combustion chamber and then vented back outside often
using no electricity.

Drip irrigation system: An irrigation system that slowly applies water to the root
system of plants to maximize transpiration while minimizing
wasted water and topsoil runoff. Drip irrigation usually involves a
network of pipes and valves that rest on the soil or underground at
the root zone. WEC1

Drywall clips: Provide support for drywall at corners while eliminating the need
for excessive wood backing.

Dry well: An underground structure that distributes unwanted water over a
large area increasing absorption of the water by the soil.

GLOSSARY

Durability plan: This is done to insure a long life span for the structure of the
home, with emphasis placed on the building envelope.

Envelope: See Thermal Envelope

ENERGY STAR Qualified Homes: Homes built to a high standard of energy efficiency
(at least 15% more efficient than the International Energy
Conservation Code). For more information see:
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=new_homes.nh_features

ENERGY STAR with Indoor Air Package (IAP): A rating that recognizes homes with
systems to insure high standards of indoor air quality and rated as
an Energy Star Qualified Home. For more details of the
specifications see Attachment G or go to
http://www.energystar.gov/ia/partners/bldrs_lenders_raters/downlo
ads/IAQ_Specification_093005.pdf

Fly ash: The fine ash residue resulting from coal combustion. It can be
substituted for Portland Cement (a bonding material in concrete).

Formaldehyde: Can pollute indoor air from certain carpets, plywood, plastics, and
insulators that outgas (slowly emit fumes into the air) . Airborne,
formaldehyde can cause strong irritation to the eyes and throat,
and long term exposure has been linked to increased instances of
cancer. IEQC8

Grey water: Waste water that is not clean but is also not heavily polluted.
Generally it comes from bathing, laundry, etc. SSC2

GPM: Gallons per minute.

Gypsum board (also known as drywall): A flat sheet of gypsum used as a building
material for interior walls and ceilings. MRC5

Heat island effects: Higher temperatures due to materials such as asphalt or concrete
that retain heat as well as a lack of vegetation that provides shade
and cooling by evapotranspiration. SSC3

HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Absorbing): An extremely effective air filter that
removes nearly all air particulates. IEQC7

HERS (Home Energy Ratings Systems): An evaluation system for the energy
efficiency of homes with scores from 0-100.

High albedo materials: Materials with a high amount of surface reflectivity. SSC3

High Efficiency Toilets (HET): Toilets that expend a maximum of 1.3 gallons per flush.

HVAC: Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning.

GLOSSARY

Infill site: A site having at least 75% of its perimeter bordering land that has
been previously developed.

Infill development: The use of land that has already been developed for further
development, as opposed to using undeveloped land currently left
to nature or used in agriculture.

Ladder blocking: A method of framing that is used where interior partition walls
meet and are reinforced by exterior walls. This eliminates
unnecessary framing at these intersections. MRC2

LEED for Homes Provider: An organization that works locally to recruit builders,
coordinate raters, certify LEED Homes, and facilitate training in
green building.

Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer: An international
treaty designed to phase out chemicals known to break down the
ozone layer. The phase out of HCFCs (chemicals that deplete the
ozone but are less active than CFCs) began in 1996, and HCFCs
will be completely banned by 2010. The full document can be
found at: http://ozone.unep.org/pdfs/Montreal-Protocol2000.pdf

MERV: The Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value is used to describe worst
case performance of air filters. IEQC7

No-disturbance zone: An area that has no alterations or construction byproducts
located within it. SSC1

Pedestrian oriented design: Elements in the urban landscape that promote walking.
This can include properly wide sidewalks with shading and buffers
from the street (such as on street parking), short pedestrian
crossings, and street level pedestrian access to buildings (as
opposed to access from parking lots). LLC1

Permeable material: Anything porous that allows water to enter the ground beneath it.
When paving with permeable materials, there are fewer problems
with water run-off (erosion, siltation of streams, and SSC4

Post-consumer recycled content: Material used and then recycled by consumers as
opposed to by-products of the manufacturing process that are
recycled (pre-consumer recycling). MRC5

Power vented exhaust: Part of a system for combustion heaters in which indoor air is
used to feed the flame and exhaust is vented outside.

GLOSSARY

Precipitation zone: The precipitation in a projects location can have a significant effect
on environmental design and construction (particularly in terms of
durability and water management), thus the LEED for Homes
rating system awards credit to projects that include sustainable
goals appropriate for the precipitation zone.
http://gis.ncdc.noaa.gov/website/ims-climatls/index.html

Previously developed: Having pre-existing paving, construction, or altered
landscapes. This does not apply to altered landscapes resulting
from current agricultural use, forestry use, or use as preserved
natural area.

Previously developed site: A site consisting of at least 75% previously developed
land.

Prime farmland (as defined by US CFR, Title 7, Part 657.5): Land that has the best
combination of physical and chemical characteristics for producing
food, feed, forage, fiber, and oilseed crops, and is also available
for these uses. For the detailed and extensive definition see:
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-
idx?c=ecfr&sid=322756ad2805e4d0e179fcbc6d18b7b2&rgn=div5
&view=text&node=7:6.1.3.6.27&idno=7#7:6.1.3.6.27.1.1.5

Project: The land and construction that constitutes the basis for LEED-ND
application.

Project boundary: The outermost property line of the project. Projects located on
publicly-owned campuses that do not have internal property lines
shall delineate a sphere of influence line to be used in place of
property line.

Radon: A radioactive gas that naturally vents from the ground. It can be
dangerous if certain areas of the house like basements are not
properly sealed and ventilated. Areas with potentially elevated
indoor radon levels can be found at:
http://www.epa.gov/radon/zonemap.html
IEQC9

Rain garden: Swales (low tracts of land that water flows to) with vegetation
designed to absorb rain water in ways that reduce stress on storm
drains and replenish ground water. SSC4

Rater: An individual that performs field inspections and performance
testing for a LEED for Homes Provider.

Rating: The process or scoring each of the credits for the successful
implementation of LEED measures.

GLOSSARY

Return air flow: The differing air pressure throughout a house can potentially
cause problems with the building envelope, thus it is important to
ensure that pressure is equalized throughout the house by
allowing for vents (usually return or transfer grills) to return air.
IEQC6

R values: A measure of thermal resistance (the number of watts that will be
lost per square meter at a given temperature difference). The
inverse of U value (i.e., R=1/U). EAC7

SHGC (Solar Heat Gain Coefficient): A measure of how well a window blocks heat
from the sun as a fraction of the heat from the sun that enters the
window. A lower SHGC is preferable. EAC4

Siltation: The deposition and accumulation of sediments in bodies of water,
often harming the ecosystem of streams, rivers, and lakes. SSC4

Smart growth: A blanket term for a number of urban planning policies and land
use strategies that seek to provide the greatest benefit to the
community and preserve the natural environment. This often
includes higher density development, mixed-use buildings, and a
strong consideration of transportation issues. LLC1

Solar window screens: A mesh screen that is used to block insects as well as light
and heat from the sun. EAC4

Subterranean drain field: An underground system of pipes and gravel that allow waste
water to be spread over a large area often used with septic tanks.
LEED for Homes recommends the use of a grey water
subterranean drain field that bypasses any septic systems. WEC1

TAG (Technical Advisory Group): Formalized groups in each of the credit categories
that work to assist in understanding of credits and assist in rulings
on CIRs across all the LEED programs.

TASC (Technical Advisory Sub-Committee): Approves Credit Interpretation Requests
(CIRs) and innovative design credits in LEED for Homes.
Advisory committee to LEED for Homes Core Committee.

Termites: Please see the information on risk of termite infestation according to location:
http://www.agoodinspector.com/termite_map.htm

Thermal bridges: Areas in a building envelope that have a high heat conductance
lowering the average R value. EAC2

Thermal envelope: The thermal enclosure created by the building exterior and
insulation. Improving the thermal envelope is one of the most
important aspects to creating an energy efficient home. EAC2

GLOSSARY

Topsoil: The uppermost layer of soil with high levels of nutrients and
organic matter. Healthy topsoil is essential for the survival of trees
and plants.

Tree/plant preservation plan: A formal assessment of the lot and a development of a
landscaping plan that seeks to preserve the most trees and native
plants. This is important to do as one of the first steps in the
design process to ensure the developed area takes into account
the preservation plan.

TVOC: Total Volatile Organic Compounds. (IEQC8)

Ultra Low Flow Toilets (ULFT): Federal standards require all renovations and new
buildings to install ULFTs, which must not exceed 1.6 gallons per
flush.

Undeveloped lot area: Sections of the lot that are not paved or built on.

U value (U-factor): A measure (often used for windows) of thermal conductivity that is
the inverse of R value. A lower U value means a more energy
efficient window. EAC4

Vegetated swales: see Rain garden.SSC4

Vegetated roof (green roof): A roof partially or fully covered by vegetation. By
creating roofs with a vegetated layer, the roof can counter-act the
heat island effect as well as provide additional insulation and
cooling during the summer. MRC5 (and elsewhere)

VOC: Volatile Organic Compounds. VOCs are often released by certain
paints and plastics.

Walk-off mats: Interior mats designed to reduce dust and debris. Walk-off mats
should be placed at the entrances and allow for a few strides on
the mat to be most effective. IEQC8

Wetlands (as defined by US CFR, Title 40, Part 232): those areas that are inundated
or saturated by surface or ground water at a frequency and
duration sufficient to support, and that under normal
circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically
adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. Wetlands generally
include swamps, marshes, bogs, and similar areas. More
information can be found at:
http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-
idx?c=ecfr&sid=322756ad2805e4d0e179fcbc6d18b7b2&rgn=div5
&view=text&node=40:24.0.1.3.26&idno=40#40:24.0.1.3.26.0.17.2

GLOSSARY

List of Attachments

A. Initiative for Affordable Housing .............................................................................. 153

B. Builder Agreement ................................................................................................... 156

C. Builder Accountability Form ................................................................................... 160

D. Durability Inspection Checklist ................................................................................ 162

E. LEED for Homes Project Completion Checklist ...................................................... 168

F. ENERGY STAR Advanced Lighting Package ......................................................... 170

G. ENERGY STAR with Indoor Air Package ......................................................... 172

ATTACHMENTS

Attachment A
Initiative for Affordable Housing

ATTACHMENTS

Overview of Initiative
for Affordable Housing

What are the objectives of the Initiative for Affordable Housing?
The Initiative for Affordable Housing is a component of LEED for Homes that
addresses the inherent differences between affordable housing particularly
multi-family homes and market-rate, single-family homes. It is being funded by
a generous grant provided by The Home Depot Foundation. The ultimate goal of
this initiative is to recognize and reward the intrinsic resource efficiencies of
affordable housing for the LEED for Homes rating system. In this way, USGBC
will promote sustainable building practices specifically for affordable homes.

How does the Initiative for Affordable Housing fit within the scope of the
LEED for Homes program?
LEED for Homes is a collaborative initiative that actively works with all sectors of
the home building industry, including the affordable housing sector. LEED for
Homes is a voluntary initiative designed to actively promote the transformation of
the mainstream home building industry towards more sustainable practices

The Initiative for Affordable Housing is being developed by the LEED for Homes
Committee as an integral part of the LEED for Homes Rating System. With the
inclusion of the Initiative, LEED for Homes will represent a program that
encourages the development of housing based on the three facets of
sustainability: economics, equity and environmental responsibility.
LEED for Homes includes several measures specifically intended to reward
efficiencies typical of affordable projects:
Compact developments;
Site selection and proximity to existing infrastructure;
Limit outdoor water use;
Homes with ready access to community resources and open spaces;
and

ATTACHMENTS

Homes that are smaller than the national average.
Collectively these measures represent more than 50 percent of the points
needed to achieve a certified LEED Home.

Why should I build LEED for Homes qualified affordable housing?
A home is not affordable if its residents cannot afford to operate and maintain it.
Affordable homes that are LEED certified are energy and resource efficient,
healthy, durable, and will perform better than conventional homes. LEED
certified homes benefit residents directly because the LEED Rating System
incorporates prerequisities (or mandatory measures) related to occupant health,
comfort and well-being. In addition, the mandatory energy-related measures
ensure at least 20-30% energy savings relative to the national energy code.
Additional energy measures can result in 30 to 70% reductions in energy costs.
The selection of environmentally preferred materials, recommended in LEED for
Homes, provides improved durability and is more environmentally responsible.

How will the quality of LEED Homes be assured?
The strength of LEED for Homes is third-party verification. This verification
process includes both on-site inspections to ensure that the LEED features have
been installed correctly, and performance testing to ensure proper performance.
LEED for Home Providers are local and regional organizations that have been
selected to provide technical, marketing and verification support services to
builders. A Provider will arrange for certain performance tests to be conducted
on the home. When all of the LEED for Homes features have been verified, the
Provider issues a rating certificate to the builder for that qualified LEED Home.

How do I participate in the LEED for Homes Pilot?
Affordable housing developers interested in participating in the pilot should
contact the Provider located in their geographic region to determine their
eligibility for participation. The list of Providers is available at
www.usgbc.org/leed/homes.

LEED for Homes contact information
For questions about LEED for Homes, please call the USGBC at (202) 828-7422
or send your e-mail to [email protected].

ATTACHMENTS

Attachment B
Builder Agreement Form

ATTACHMENTS

Agreement
for Home Builders Supporting the
LEED
for Homes Rating System

Pilot Demonstration

This Builder Agreement is made between the US Green Building Council (USGBC) and a home builder, or the person with primary
responsibility for the design and construction of homes that are expected to meet the LEED for Homes program requirements
(hereafter the Builder). The purpose of this Agreement is two-fold:
1. To define the terms of use of the LEED brand by the Builder; and
2. To define the roles and responsibilities of USGBC and the Builder.
This agreement is valid for the duration of the LEED for Homes Rating System Pilot Demonstration (Pilot), and expires when the
fully chartered LEED for Homes program is made available to the public (anticipated to be in mid 2007). A new Builder Agreement
will be required at that time.

LEED for Homes: Background Information
The USGBC has established Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) as a recognized national environmental
rating system for buildings in the US. LEED for Homes is a voluntary initiative to actively promote the transformation of the
mainstream home building industry towards more sustainable practices. Like other LEED rating systems, LEED for Homes will
rate at the certified, silver, gold and platinum levels, in recognition of the level of environmental performance achieved in five
basic categories:
1. Use of energy;
2. Use of water;
3. Use of materials;
4. Use of land; and
5. Enhanced indoor environmental quality.

General Commitments by USGBC
1. Increase awareness of the LEED for Homes brand by distributing key messages on the benefits of LEED Homes and
related products.
2. Provide (via the USGBC web site, e-mail, conference calls or other means) current LEED for Homes news, information,
and reference documents.
3. Provide Builders with public recognition for participation in the Pilot (and their role in promoting sustainable best practices
in homes) through the USGBC website, certificates, and other media.
4. Organize a local orientation for each pilot market to introduce LEED for Homes to Builders and Providers.
5. Respond expediently to any Builder requests for information or clarification on the LEED for Homes Rating System and
related policies.

General Commitments by Builders
1. Use the Pilot program and LEED for Homes brand to promote sustainable home design and construction.
2. Adhere to the LEED for Homes Rating System and ensure that authorized representatives, such as advertising agencies,
distributors, and subcontractors, also comply.
3. Participate in a local LEED for Homes orientation as appropriate.
4. Work with a LEED for Homes Provider to build and certify at least one LEED Home before the end of the pilot (USGBC
will not limit the number of homes participating in the Pilot as long as they are certified before the Pilot end date). Builders
not completing and certifying a LEED Home before the end of the pilot will be deemed inactive, thereby forfeiting all
rights to the LEED for Homes name and mark, their listing on the USGBC website, and any inclusion in LEED for Homes
promotional materials.
5. Provide a LEED for Homes label and/or certificate to all homes that are independently verified to meet the LEED for
Homes performance guidelines.
6. Inform homebuyers when their new homes have qualified as LEED Homes under the pilot and be able to describe the
features and benefits of these LEED Homes. Also, provide homebuyers with the Raters Code of Ethics Disclosure form.
7. Provide USGBC with a completed LEED for Homes accountability form and checklist for each certified LEED Home,
within two weeks of completion of the certification process (via the Provider).
Pa

y a $150 registration fee to join the pilot, then a certification fee of $50 per home. Additional fees and services for

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1. participation in the LEED for Homes pilot are set by the Provider and not the USGBC.

Terms and Conditions
1. Builder shall not construe, claim, or imply that its participation in LEED for Homes constitutes USGBCs approval,
acceptance, or endorsement of anything other than the builders commitment to use the LEED for Homes Rating System.
This relationship does not constitute endorsement by USGBC of the Builder, its homes, or its services.
2. It is expressly understood that this Builder Agreement does not create a partnership or common enterprise with respect to
separate operations now being conducted by the USGBC and Builder. This Builder Agreement does not create any joint
ownership of operating assets of USGBC and Builder, or any other entities now owned by either party. Further, this
Builder Agreement does not grant either party any powers of management over any aspect of the other partys operations,
facilities, financial and contractual arrangements, or compensation of officers and directors. No debts or liabilities of either
party to the Builder Agreement are assumed by the other party
3. USGBC and the Builder will assume good faith as a general principle for resolving conflict and will seek to resolve all
matters informally, so as to preserve maximum public confidence in LEED for Homes.
4. Builders use of the LEED brand is limited to the Pilot program, and Builder cannot grant others the right to use the LEED
brand.
5. This agreement is voluntary and can be terminated by either party at any time for any reason, with no penalty. Builders
right to use the LEED brand ceases upon the termination of this Agreement.
6. Failure to comply with any of the terms of this Builder Agreement can result in its termination and cessation of access to
the benefits of LEED for Homes, including use of the LEED brand. Builder must immediately cease use of the LEED
brand upon request of USGBC.
7. USGBC will actively pursue resolution of noncompliance related to the use of the LEED brand.

Authorized Company Representative

Name

Title

Signature Date
USGBC may post basic information about my company or project on its website www.usgbc.org

Organization Name

Address

City/State/Zip

Phone

Email

Fax Website
Please Specify Business Type: (check all that apply):
Custom Builder
Production Builder
Multi-Family Builder

501 (c)(3) Affordable Home Builder
For-Profit Affordable Home Builder
Other
Average # of Homes Built per year: # of LEED Homes Anticipated Certified Under Pilot:
To be completed by your Local LEED for Homes Provider:
Printed Name: Organization:
Signature: Date:
To be completed by US Green Building Council:
Tom Hicks, Vice President, LEED

Signature: Date: .

Mail or Fax this form to: Your Local LEED for Homes Provider
For more information, please call LEED for Homes at 1-202-828-7422 or visit www.usgbc.org/leed

ATTACHMENTS

Attachment C
Accountability Form
ATTACHMENTS

A
General Information
Builder Name:
Subdivision Name:
House Address:
Provider's Name:
Rater's Name:
Innovation and Design Process Energy and Atmosphere
1.2 Integrated Project Team 2.3 Insulation; Above Code
1.3 Design Charrette 6.1 HVAC - Refrigerant Charge Test
2.1 Durability Plan 7.1 Improved Hot Water Distribution System
3.1 Innovative Measure: ___________________ 8.2 ENERGY STAR Advanced Lighting Package
3.2 Innovative Measure: ___________________ 10 Renewable Electric Generation System
3.3 Innovative Measure: ___________________ 11 Residential Refrigerant Management
3.4 Innovative Measure: __________________ Materials and Resources
Location and Linkages 1.1 Waste Factor in Framing Order 10%
2 Site Selection 2.1 Tropical Woods must be FSC Certified
Sustainable Sites 2.2 Select Environmentally Preferable Products
2.1 No Invasive Plants 3.1 Recycle cardboard & document diversion rate
2.2 Basic Landscaping Design Indoor Environmental Quality
2.3 Limit Turf 3 Moisture Control System
2.4 Drought Tolerant Plantings 4.1 Outside Air Ventilation Meets ASHRAE/Std 62.2
3 Shading of Hardscapes 5.1 Local Exhaust; Meets ASHRAE Std 62.2
4.1 Maintain permeable material (permeable paving) 6.1 Supply Air Distribution; ACCA Manual D
6.1 Average Housing Density 7 Units / Acre 8.3 Flush Home Continuously for 1 Week
6.2 Average Housing Density 10 Units / Acre 9.1 Radon Protection System, in EPA Zone 1
6.3 Average Housing Density 20 Units / Acre 9.2 Radon Protection System, not in EPA Zone 1
Water Efficiency Awareness and Education
1.1 Water Reuse; Rainwater Harvesting 1.1 Basic Owner's Manual & Walkthrough
1.2 Water Reuse; Grey Water Reuse 1.2 Comprehensive Manual & Multiple Walkthroughs
2.1 Irrigation System; High Efficiency Measures 1.3 Public Awareness for LEED Home
2.3 Professional Landscape Design 2.1 Education for Building Manager
Other Measures
Official Certification (to be Completed as Part of the LEED for Homes Post -Construction Rating)
Responsible Party Date
Printed Name
Project Role / Title
Organization / Company
Signature
By affixing my signature below, the undersigned does hereby declare and affirm to the USGBC that the LEED for Homes requirements, as
specified in the LEED for Homes Rating System, have been met for the indicated credits and will, if audited, provide the necessary supporting
documents (drawings, calculations, etc.).
Areas of Accountability
Step 4. Maintain a project documentation file to assist in the event of an audit of your credit(s) or of this project by the USGBC.
initial
initial
initial
initial initial
initial
initial
initial
initial
ccountability Form
LEED for Homes
INSTRUCTIONS: This form is to be completed by the person / organization responsible for the design and/or implementation of one or more of the LEED for
Homes credits below. A separate form shall be completed by each design professional responsible for one or more credits.
Step 1. Review the requirements for the credits in the LEED for Home Rating system for which you are responsible.
Step 3. Complete the Official Certification section at the bottom of the form.
Step 2. In the Areas of Accountability section, initial boxes to indicate the LEED for Homes credits for which you have the
primary design / implementation responsibility.

All declarations and affirmations made in this accountability form are made to USGBC solely for the purpose of assisting USGBC in determining whether
LEED Certification is merited. No such declaration or affirmation can be construed as a warranty or guarantee of the performance of the building.
ATTACHMENTS

A
General Information
Builder Name:
Subdivision Name:
House Address:
Provider's Name:
Rater's Name:
Innovation and Design Process Energy and Atmosphere
1.2 Integrated Project Team 2.3 Insulation; Above Code
1.3 Design Charrette 6.1 HVAC - Refrigerant Charge Test
2.1 Durability Plan 7.1 Improved Hot Water Distribution System
3.1 Innovative Measure: ___________________ 8.2 ENERGY STAR Advanced Lighting Package
3.2 Innovative Measure: ___________________ 10 Renewable Electric Generation System
3.3 Innovative Measure: ___________________ 11 Residential Refrigerant Management
3.4 Innovative Measure: __________________ Materials and Resources
Location and Linkages 1.1 Waste Factor in Framing Order 10%
2 Site Selection 2.1 Tropical Woods must be FSC Certified
Sustainable Sites 2.2 Select Environmentally Preferable Products
2.1 No Invasive Plants 3.1 Recycle cardboard & document diversion rate
2.2 Basic Landscaping Design Indoor Environmental Quality
2.3 Limit Turf 3 Moisture Control System
2.4 Drought Tolerant Plantings 4.1 Outside Air Ventilation Meets ASHRAE/Std 62.2
3 Shading of Hardscapes 5.1 Local Exhaust; Meets ASHRAE Std 62.2
4.1 Maintain permeable material (permeable paving) 6.1 Supply Air Distribution; ACCA Manual D
6.1 Average Housing Density 7 Units / Acre 8.3 Flush Home Continuously for 1 Week
6.2 Average Housing Density 10 Units / Acre 9.1 Radon Protection System, in EPA Zone 1
6.3 Average Housing Density 20 Units / Acre 9.2 Radon Protection System, not in EPA Zone 1
Water Efficiency Awareness and Education
1.1 Water Reuse; Rainwater Harvesting 1.1 Basic Owner's Manual & Walkthrough
1.2 Water Reuse; Grey Water Reuse 1.2 Comprehensive Manual & Multiple Walkthroughs
2.1 Irrigation System; High Efficiency Measures 1.3 Public Awareness for LEED Home
2.3 Professional Landscape Design 2.1 Education for Building Manager
Other Measures
Official Certification (to be Completed as Part of the LEED for Homes Post -Construction Rating)
Responsible Party Date
Printed Name
Project Role / Title
Organization / Company
Signature
By affixing my signature below, the undersigned does hereby declare and affirm to the USGBC that the LEED for Homes requirements, as
specified in the LEED for Homes Rating System, have been met for the indicated credits and will, if audited, provide the necessary supporting
documents (drawings, calculations, etc.).
Areas of Accountability
Step 4. Maintain a project documentation file to assist in the event of an audit of your credit(s) or of this project by the USGBC.
initial
initial
initial
initial initial
initial
initial
initial
initial
ccountability Form
LEED for Homes
INSTRUCTIONS: This form is to be completed by the person / organization responsible for the design and/or implementation of one or more of the LEED for
Homes credits below. A separate form shall be completed by each design professional responsible for one or more credits.
Step 1. Review the requirements for the credits in the LEED for Home Rating system for which you are responsible.
Step 3. Complete the Official Certification section at the bottom of the form.
Step 2. In the Areas of Accountability section, initial boxes to indicate the LEED for Homes credits for which you have the
primary design / implementation responsibility.

All declarations and affirmations made in this accountability form are made to USGBC solely for the purpose of assisting USGBC in determining whether
LEED Certification is merited. No such declaration or affirmation can be construed as a warranty or guarantee of the performance of the building.

ATTACHMENTS

Attachment D
Durability Inspection Checklist

ATTACHMENTS

How to Use the Durability Inspection Checklist
Introduction:
These guidelines are provided as a tool to assist you in evaluating and implementing Durabuility Plan for LEED
Homes. This worksheet (1st tab) provides instructions for the use of the remaining worksheets in this file.
The program and measures you develop should document your unique set of responses to the specifics of your
project and location. The strategies listed herein are not intended for this purpose; rather, these are individual
strategies, without a specific context, each of which may or may not be appropriate for a given home. This is not
an exhaustive list of possibilities, nor is it intended to represent a set of strategies appropriate for any specific
project. Additional and/or different strategies are likely to be needed depending on the home's location, details of
construction, and anticipated occupant requirements.
An effective quality management program will consider -- among other things -- the important interrelationships
among energy, moisture, and air quality, and how those dynamics are addressed in other LEED for Homes
credits that you may or may not be pursuing. Among the credits/issues that should be considered are SS4 and 5;
IEQ 3-6; EA 1-6; and MR5.
Tthe Resources worksheet (5th tab) in this file contains a list of resources you may find helpful in your quality
enclosure management program. The Durability Strategies worksheet (4th tab) lists measures that are required
or rewarded in other programs. Please verify detailed requirements by contacting the programs directly.
Durability Evaluation Steps:
1 Collect site- and project-specific data on environmental conditions (outdoor and indoor) and occupancy and enter
into the appropriate sections of the Durability Evaluation Information worksheet (2nd tab).
2 Review the builder's quality management program documents and records of callbacks, warranty claims, and
litigation in order to identify recurring quality problems.
3 Identify issues of particular interest or concern. Record in Issues section of Durability Evaluation Information,
which lists major issues for which quality management strategies typically are needed and provides space for
4 Characterize each of the issues identified as to degree of risk (low, moderate, or high). For each moderate and
high risk issue, complete steps 5 through 8 below.
5 Ensure that the quality management program includes a specific design and/or construction strategy.
6 Ensure that the strategy addresses each of the applicable building systems, assemblies, components, and areas,
and that it addresses all connections, intersections, and interactions between and among them.
7 Ensure that each strategy is adequately drawn and/or described in the relevant project documents.
Durability Inspection Checklist Steps:
1 Prior to construction, create a Durability Inspection Checklist (3rd tab), listing the enclosure management
measures to be incorporated in the home and noting where those measures appear in the project documents
(drawings, specifications, scopes of work). Note that the Verification Checklist lists a few sample strategies
under each heading; these strategies are not intended to be universal, although some may apply to a variety of
projects and sites. They are included for illustrative purposes only.
2 Use the Durability Inspection Checklist to confirm that the quality measures shown in the project documents
are incorporated in the home as drawn and/or specified.
ATTACHMENTS

Builder Name:
Address of LEED Home (Street, City, State):
Home & Occupancy
Conditioned floor area: square feet
Number of bedrooms:
Number of stories:
Number of bathrooms:
Garage (attached/detached/none):
Building type (SF, MF):
Attached or detached:
Structure (wood, etc.):
Site
Site & surrounding terrain:
Type of soil:
Depth of soil (to bedrock): feet
Depth of ground water below structure: feet
Other significant features:
Level/type(s) of pest threat:
EPA Radon Zone: (1, 2, or 3) http://www.epa.gov/iaq/radon/zonemap.html
Climate
ENERGY STAR Climate Zone (N, NC, SC, S) http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=windows_doors.pr_crit_windows#map
Annual rainfall inches per year http://gis.ncdc.noaa.gov/website/ims-climatls/index.html
Heating degree days (HDD):
Cooling degree days (CDD):
Annual maximum wind speed: mph http://gis.ncdc.noaa.gov/website/ims-climatls/index.html
Average annual solar insolation KWh/M
2
http://rredc.nrel.gov/solar/old_data/nsrdb/redbook/atlas/colorpdfs/13.PDF /day
Issues
Degree of Risk
(l/m/h)
Related Credits
IEQ
IEQ
IEQ, EA
EA
SS5
Builder Declaration
Heat loss
Ultraviolet radiation
Insect and rodent protection systems
See Resources sheet for specific guidance.
Pests
Natural disaster (Hurricane, tornado, earthquake, flood,
wildfire, etc.) Types:
Date: ________________________________________________
Name:________________________________________________
Title:_________________________________________________
Signature:_____________________________________________
I hereby declare and affirm to USGBC that I have
evaluated our company's quality management program
and enhanced it, as needed, to adequately address the
issues identified above as moderate or high risks.
Durability Evaluation Information
Protection Systems
Bulk water: Weatherlap drainage plane; design vapor profile with
designated drying potential. Capillary action: include capillary breaks.
Issue Type
Exterior water
Room-specific strategies
Air barrier
Vapor profile that prevents interstitial condensation
Interior water / "wet" rooms
Air infiltration
Interstitial condensation
Thermal barrier
Site storage of UV-sensitive materials and strategy for priming and
finishing in one week or less
Other:

ATTACHMENTS

Builder Name: 0
Address of LEED Home (Street, City, State): 0
Durability Strategies by Issue Type
Exterior Water
Locationin
Drawings, Specs,
and/orScopes
Pre-work
Acknowledgement
(Builder/trade)
Completion
Acknowledgement
(Builder/trade)
Construction
Verified(Rater)
Example Strategy: Site graded to drain rainwater away from building
Strategies/Explanation:
Interior Water (Wet Rooms)
Locationin
Drawings, Specs,
and/orScopes
Pre-work
Acknowledgement
(Builder/trade)
Completion
Acknowledgement
(Builder/trade)
Construction
Verified(Rater)
Example Strategy: Clothes washer - use stainless steel hoses & position washer on drainage basin
Air Infiltration
Locationin
Drawings, Specs,
and/orScopes
Pre-work
Acknowledgement
(Builder/trade)
Completion
Acknowledgement
(Builder/trade)
Construction
Verified(Rater)
Exampl Stratgy: Install all recessed light fixtures inside of the thermal envelope
Interstitial Condensation
Locationin
Drawings, Specs,
and/orScopes
Pre-work
Acknowledgement
(Builder/trade)
Completion
Acknowledgement
(Builder/trade)
Construction
Verified(Rater)
Example Strategy: Wall sections are designed so that if vapor condenses within wall section the moisture can dry to
outside of bldg

Heat Loss
Locationin
Drawings, Specs,
and/orScopes
Pre-work
Acknowledgement
(Builder/trade)
Completion
Acknowledgement
(Builder/trade)
Construction
Verified(Rater)
Example Strategy: Above-code insulation installed in walls, ceiling, under floor
Ultraviolet Radiation
Locationin
Drawings, Specs,
and/orScopes
Pre-work
Acknowledgement
(Builder/trade)
Completion
Acknowledgement
(Builder/trade)
Construction
Verified(Rater)
Example Strategy: Overhangs above south windows
Pests
Locationin
Drawings, Specs,
and/orScopes
Pre-work
Acknowledgement
(Builder/trade)
Completion
Acknowledgement
(Builder/trade)
Construction
Verified(Rater)
Example Strategy: Termite shields installed
Natural Disaster: (Hurricane, tornado, earthquake, flood, wildfire, etc.) Types:
Locationin
Drawings, Specs,
and/orScopes
Pre-work
Acknowledgement
(Builder/trade)
Completion
Acknowledgement
(Builder/trade)
Construction
Verified(Rater)
Example Strategy: Non-flammable roofing specified
Other
Locationin
Drawings, Specs,
and/orScopes
Pre-work
Acknowledgement
(Builder/trade)
Completion
Acknowledgement
(Builder/trade)
Construction
Verified(Rater)
Durability Inspection Checklist
For each of the high and moderate risk areas indicated in the Enclosure Evaluation, list the durability strategies used in the enclosure or, if none are used, provide a brief statement
explaining why not. Remove " example strategies" ; add lines as needed.
ATTACHMENTS

Resources
Specific Issue: Resources:
Exterior water Water Management Guide, http://www.eeba.org
Interior water Builders Guides: http://www.buildingsciencepress.com/books.asp?CatID=1
Air infiltration Energy Star for Homes Thermal Bypass checklist (see LEED for Homes EA2)
Condensation / water vapor Houses That Work building profiles: http://www.buildingscience.com/housesthatwork/default.htm
Builders Guides: http://www.buildingsciencepress.com/books.asp?CatID=1
Heat loss Builders Guides: http://www.buildingsciencepress.com/books.asp?CatID=1
Ultraviolet radiation http://rredc.nrel.gov/solar/old_data/nsrdb/redbook/atlas/colorpdfs/13.PDF
http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/
http://farpoint.forestry.ubc.ca/fp/search/Faculty_View.aspx?FAC_ID=3095
http://www.agriculture.purdue.edu/fnr/faculty/hunt/facade.htm
Pests Mike Potter at U of KY - http://www.uky.edu/Ag/Entomology/enthp.htm
Wildfire http://www.firewise.org/fw_index.htm
http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/pdf2004/fpl_2004_quarles001.pdf
Wind http://gis.ncdc.noaa.gov/website/ims-climatls/index.html
http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/climate/windrose.html (wind speed, direction and frequency)
Climate http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=windows_doors.pr_crit_windows#map
Rainfall http://gis.ncdc.noaa.gov/website/ims-climatls/index.html
Radon http://www.epa.gov/iaq/radon/zonemap.html
General Information: Resources:
Contributors 3-D Building Solutions, LLC, http://www.3-d-buildingsolutions.com
The Building Science Consortium of the U.S. Department of Energys Building America program,
Masco Contractor Services (Environments for Living program), http://www.eflbuilder.com
Misc. CSA Guide S478-95
ASTM standard E 2136-01
The Scopes of Work Program, Linda Haas Davenport, NAHB Builder Press
Durability, A Key Component of Green Building, Environmental Building News , Nov. 2005
Managing Residential Construction Risks, Insurance Risk Management Institute (IRMI), Nov. 2005
http://www.irmi.com/conferences/crc/Handouts/Crc23/Workshops/ManagingResidentialConstructionRisks.p
df#search='insurance%20liability%20risk%20durability%20in%20homes'
Additional info about IRMI: http://www.irmi.com/conferences/crc/Handouts/Crc23/
BASFs Better Home, Better Planet Showhouse Initiative, June 2005:
http://www.basf.com/businesses/plasticportal/PH_Sponsor_Main_Paterson.htm
April 2005, Reducing Builder Risk, Steve Andrews, Homebuilder.com:
http://www.e-
star.com/docs/Andrews/seven_ways_to_reduce_builder_risk_04.2005.pdf#search='insurance%20liability%2
0risk%20durability%20in%20homes'
Warranties and the Bottom Line, Builder News , March 2004:
http://www.buildernewsmag.com/viewnews.pl?id=28
EEBA Houses That Work educational series, http://www.eeba.org
Insurance industry risk maps: http://www.cdsys.com/risk_maps.htm
NIST National Economic Service-life Tools (NEST), 2005:
http://www2.bfrl.nist.gov/projects/projcontain.asp?cc=8601392000
Building for Environmental and Economic Sustainability (BEES):
http://www2.bfrl.nist.gov/projects/projcontain.asp?cc=8601030000
DOE Houses that Work, 2004
http://pix.nrel.gov:8020/BASIS/nich/www/bapublic/DDW?W%3DTITLE_V+PH+WORDS+%27houses+that+
work%27+ORDER+BY+PUBYEAR/Descend%26M%3D1%26K%3D34585%26R%3DY%26U%3D1
Wood Durability", 1999:
http://www.buildingscience.com/resources/misc/wood_durability.htm
ATTACHMENTS

HUD / PATH Concept Home, June 2005:
http://www.pathnet.org/sp.asp?id=11175
http://www.huduser.org/publications/destech/durdesign.html
Oct., 2004, Building Moisture and Durability - Past, Present, and Future Work.
http://www.newportpartnersllc.com/PDFs/NewportPublications/Building%20Moisture%20and%20Durability-
Durability by Design, May 2002
Baseline Measures for Improving Durability, 2002:
http://fire.nist.gov/bfrlpubs/build02/PDF/b02159.pdf
Making the Quality Connection: Improving the Building Industry Insurance Situation Through Quality Assurance
Programs, Jan. 2003:
http://www.toolbase.org/docs/ToolBaseTop/Research/3919_iiqaroundtable.pdf#search='zurich%20%20dura
bility%20in%20homes'
Report of the General Liability Insurance Task Force, National Association of Home Builders, Sept. 2002
Residential Construction Defects: Exposures, Coverage and Risk Mitigation, prepared by Karen A. Reutter,
CPCU, ARM, Senior Vice President, Willis, Inc, Summer 2002
The Liability Insurance Crisis for Builders: Reasons and Responses, prepared for the National Association of
Home Builders by Jeffrey D. Masters, Sandra C. Stewart, and R. Jane Lynch of Cox, Castle & Nicholson LLP, Los
Angeles, CA, Dec. 2001
Durability-Related Web Resources:
http://www.pathnet.org/sp.asp?id=1263&f=2
NAHB Research Center Liability Insurance Issues and Quality Assurance, Ric Glover, Marsh, Inc. & Jim McErlean, HBW Services, Inc.,
http://www.nahbrc.org/Docs/NewHomeNav/NationalHousingQuality/4545_benchmark2004_liability.pdf#sear
ch='insurance%20builder%20liability%20risk%20in%20homes'
Back to Quality Assurance Basics with ISO 9000:
http://www.toolbase.org/tertiaryT.asp?TrackID=&CategoryID=679&DocumentID=1028
National Housing Quality Certified Builder Program:
http://www.nahbrc.org/qualitybuilder.asp?TrackID=&CategoryID=1927
CA Green Builder Program California Green Builder program scopes of work (insulation, air sealing, HVAC installation, window installation):
www.cagreenbulider.com

ATTACHMENTS

Attachment E
LEED for Homes Project Completion Checklist

ATTACHMENTS

[ Under Development ]
ATTACHMENTS

Attachment F
Overview of
ENERGY STAR Advance Lighting Program (ALP)
ATTACHMENTS

WHAT IS AN ENERGY STAR ADVANCED LIGHTING PACKAGE?

1. An upgrade option that replaces fixtures in high traffic areas with quality, high
efficiency, ENERGY STAR qualified models. The table below describes the
ENERGY STAR Advanced Lighting Package specifications.

2. Features advanced lighting technology. Consumers are increasingly attuned
to the benefits of new technology. With the ENERGY STAR mark, they can
be assured that their new home uses the latest in energyefficient lighting
technologies to improve performance, while lowering monthly costs.

3. A marketing tool you can use to differentiate yourself from your competition.

Room
Category
Specific Rooms
Minimum Percentage of Required
ENERGY STAR Qualified Fixtures
Per Room Category
within Category
Kitchen, Dining Room, Living Room,
Family Room Bathroom(s),
Hall(s)/Stairway(s)
50% of Total
Number of Fixtures
High-Use
Rooms
Bedroom, Den, Office, Basement,
Laundry Room, Garage, Closet(s), and
All Other Rooms
25% of Total
Number of Fixtures
Med/Low-Use
Rooms
Outdoor Lighting Affixed to the Home or
Free-Standing Pole(s) except for
landscape and solar lighting
50% of Total
Outdoor Number of Fixtures (including all
flood lighting)

Note: To qualify as ENERGY STAR, all ceiling fans that are included in the
home must be ENERGY STAR qualified. ENERGY STAR qualified ventilating
fans and qualified ceiling fan light kits can be counted as a qualified fixture.

ATTACHMENTS

Attachment G
Overview of
ENERGY STAR with Indoor Air Package Form (IAP)

ATTACHMENTS


ENERGY STAR with INDOOR AIR PACKAGE PILOT
SPECIFICATIONS
April 4, 2005

The following specifications have been developed by the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) to recognize homes equipped with a comprehensive
set of indoor air quality measures. Homes that comply with these
specifications can use Indoor Air Package as a complementary label to
ENERGY STAR for homes. As a prerequisite for this label, a home must
first be ENERGY STAR qualified. These specifications are being released
for this pilot to only a limited number of markets identified by EPA. This is
because EPA wants to avoid widespread dissemination of these
specifications before anticipated refinements can be made following an
evaluation of this initial pilot. EPA feels the need for refinements is virtually
assured based on the substantial scope and complexity of these
specifications. To identify these refinements, EPA will actively monitor and
evaluate the pilot markets regarding a number of key factors including
reasonable cost, strength and fairness of technical underpinnings,
compatibility with production builder practices, and enforceability. It is
anticipated that EPA will be able to fine tune these specifications after one
year and expand the label to more markets in 2006.

ATTACHMENTS


1. Moisture Control Required Measures Reference(s)
Water Managed Roofs
1.1 Provide minimum No. 30 roof felt underlayment or equivalent.

Copper Development Assn.
Design Handbook, Sect. 4
1.2 In IECC 2004 Climate Zones 5 and higher, provide self-sealing water
protection membrane ice flashing over the sheathing at the eave extending
2 feet inside the exterior wall plane.
Moisture Control
Handbook
IRC
1.3 Provide metal drip edge at all exposed roof decking. NAHB Green Home
Building Guidelines
1.4 Provide self-sealing bituminous membrane at all eaves, valleys and
penetrations except in climates with less than 20 inches annual rainfall.

1.5 Provide insulation wind baffle or other air barrier to block wind washing at
all attic eave bays in roof assemblies with soffit vents.
EBBA Builder Guides
Moisture Control
Handbook
1.6 Provide step flashing at all intersections of roof and walls with the
exception of continuous flashing at metal and rubber membrane roofs. Metal
kick-out flashing shall be provided at the end of roof/wall intersections to
direct water away from wall. Drainage plane above shall be direct water flow
onto and not behind flashing. Intersecting wall siding shall terminate a
minimum of 2 inches above roof.
EEBA Builder Guides
EEBA Water Management
Guide

1.7 Direct roof water from house with either:
Guttering and downspouts shall empty to lateral piping that deposit(s)
water on finish grade a minimum of 5 ft. from foundation, or in limited
spaces, deposit to underground catchment system that carries water 10
ft. from foundation.
In dry climates with less than 20 inches annual rainfall as shown in EEBA
Builder Guides, provide minimum 18 roof overhangs that deposit water to
grade sloped away from home.
HUD/NAHB spec for
gutters and downspouts
IRC Code 801.c
EEBA Builder Guides

Water Managed Walls
1.8 Install continuous drainage plane fully sealed at all penetrations that directs
water away from all wall assemblies with either:

monolithic weather resistant barrier (e.g., house wrap) sealed or taped at
all overlap joints, top, and bottom
weather resistant sheathings (e.g., faced rigid insulation) fully taped at all
butt joints, or
lapped shingle-style building paper or felts.
EEBA Builder Guides
Guide
1.9 Fully flash all window and door openings, including pan flashing at sills, side
flashing that extends over pan flashing and top flashing that extends over
side flashing.
ASTM 2112
EEBA Builder Guides
EEBA Water Man. Guide
1.10 All deck ledger boards shall be attached to homes with either:
minimum 3/8 inch spacers and full flashing shingle fashion from drainage
plane to over framing; or
adhesive membrane strip taped to drainage plane running over ledger
board and folded around joists over hanger with adhesive membrane cap
patch over each joist.
Guide
1.11 Provide flashing at the bottom of all wall cladding including weeps holes per
manufacturer specification with insect barrier at the bottom of all masonry
veneer and weep screed at stucco cladding systems.
Guide
EEBA Builder Guides
Attic/Ceiling Interface
1.12 Recessed lights in insulated ceilings must be insulated-can, airtight (ICAT)
rated with trim foam sealed to ceiling if no gasket provided.
Get Washington State
standard
1.13 Provide complete air barrier and sealing between attic and conditioned
space including at chases, penetrations, open wall cavities, dropped ceilings,
and soffits.
EEBA Builder Guides
Guide
ATTACHMENTS


1. Moisture Control Required Measures continued References
Water Managed Foundations

1.14 Slope garage floor toward main vehicle entry doorway min. 1/8 inch per foot. International Residential
ATTACHMENTS

Code (IRC), R309.3
1.15 Seal all plumbing, electrical, and other penetrations of walls and floors, and
joints between building materials with polyurethane caulk.
EEBA Builder Guide
1.16 Sump pump covers shall be mechanically attached with full gasket seal. EEBA Builder Guide
1.17 Surface water management shall be provided as follows:
Final grade shall be back-fill tamped to accommodate settling and be
sloped away from the foundation inch per foot within the first 10 feet.
Where setbacks limit space to less than 10 feet, provide swales or drains
designed to carry water from foundation.
Patio slabs, walks and driveway shall be sloped inch per foot away from
house.
IRC R461.3
IRC R401.3
1.18 Capillary break shall be provided at all concrete slabs:
4 inch bed of inch diameter or greater clean or washed gravel, covered
with minimum 6 mil polyethylene sheeting in direct contact with the
concrete slab, lapped minimum of 12 inches at joints; or alternately
A minimum 4 inch uniform layer of sand, overlain with a layer or strips of
geotextile drainage matting, covered with polyethylene sheeting lapped
minimum of 12 inches at joints.
Exceptions:
In areas with free-draining soils, identified as Group 1 in the International
Residential code by a certified hydrologist, soil scientist, or engineer
through a site visit, a gravel bed or geotextile matting is not required.
6 mil polyethylene sheeting is not required in climates with less than 20
inches annual rainfall.
EEBA Builder Guides
Guide
IRC, Appendix F, AF103.3
Soil Gas Retarder
IRC, Table R405.1, Unified
Soil Classification System
IRC R506.2.3, Vapor
Retarder
1.19 All crawl spaces shall be unvented and conditioned. IRC
Crawl space floor shall be either:
Soil covered with 6 mil. polyethylene (10 mil. recommended) lapped 12
inches and attached to walls and piers with adhesive and furring strips; or
International Mechanical
Code, Section 406.1,
Ventilation of Uninhabited
Spaces Concrete slab over lapped polyethylene and gravel.
Crawl space shall be fully sealed to prevent outside air infiltration and be
provided with supply air at a rate not less than 0.02 cfm per square foot of
horizontal area and an equal size exhaust opening to the conditioned space.
Exceptions:
Marine climates as defined by IECC 2004 Climate Zone map
Raised pier foundation with no walls

1.20 Exterior surface of below grade walls shall be finished as follows: NAHB Green Building
Guide poured concrete, concrete masonry and insulated concrete forms with
damp proofing coating;
wood framed walls with trowel-on mastic and polyethylene, or equivalent
water proofing
1.21 Provide drain tile at footings, level or sloped to discharge to outside grade
(daylight) or to accessible sump pump. Top of drain tile pipe must always be
below level of where bottom of concrete slab or crawl space floor will occur.
Pipe shall be surrounded with min. 6 inches of inch washed or clean gravel
that is fully wrapped with fabric cloth.
EEBA Builder Guides

1.22 Insulate exterior walls with International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
specified R-value; do not install a vapor barrier on interior or living space
side of wall (note that semi-vapor permeable rigid insulation is not
considered a vapor barrier).
Exception: Follow restrictions of IRC R320.4 of the International
Residential Code, Termite protection and prohibition of foam plastics
regarding use of foam insulation on the exterior of foundations.
IECC
EEBA Builder/Water Man.
Guides
IRC Section R320.4
IRC Figure R301.2(6),
Termite Infestation Map

ATTACHMENTS

2. Radon Control Required Measures Reference(s)
Radon Resistant Construction
2.1 The U.S. EPA radon area shall be identified for each home by consulting
U.S. EPA Radon Zone Maps or contacting the State Radon Coordinator
through the state health office.
http://www.epa.gov/iaq/
radon/ zonemap

2.2 All homes in U.S. EPA Zone 1 radon areas shall be constructed with Radon-
resistant features complying with International Residential Code, Appendix
F; One and Two Family Dwelling Code, Council of American Building
Officials, 1998 Edition, Appendix F; or EPA/402-K-01-002, Building Radon
Out.
IRC, Appendix F, Radon
Control Methods, 2000
Edition
One and Two Family
Dwelling Code, Appendix F,
1998 Edition, Council of
American Building
Officials
U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency
guidance document
entitled Building Radon
Out, document
#EPA/402-K-01-002,
available through EPAs
web site:
www.epa.gov/iaq/radon/
pubs

2.3
All homes in U.S. EPA Zone 2 radon areas are highly recommended to be
constructed with Radon-resistant features complying with International
Residential Code, Appendix F; One and Two Family Dwelling Code, Council
of American Building Officials, 1998 Edition, Appendix F; or EPA/402-K-01-
002, Building Radon Out.

IRC, Appendix F, Radon
Control Methods, 2000
Edition
One and Two Family
Dwelling Code, Appendix F,
1998 Edition, Council of
American Building
Officials
U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency
guidance document
Out, document
#EPA/402-K-01-002,
web site:
pubs


ATTACHMENTS

3. Pest Control Required Measures References(s)
3.1 Provide rodent and corrosion proof screens (e.g., copper or stainless steel
mesh) for all openings that cannot be fully sealed and caulked (e.g., clothes
dryer vents).
EEBA Builder Guides
3.2 Foundation and wall construction shall be as follows in areas subject to
termite infestation, identified by the International Residential Code
Termite Infestation Map:
Foundation walls shall be solid concrete or masonry with top course of
solid block, bond beam, or concrete-filled block.
Foundation walls not covered with masonry veneer cladding shall be capped
with un-interrupted sheet metal, plastic or equivalent termite shield that
extends a minimum of inch beyond the interior and exterior sides of the
wall, before installation of the sill plate.
Construct all interior concrete slabs with 6 x 6 welded wire fabric or
equivalent, and concrete walls with reinforcing rods to control cracking.
Sill plate shall be of preservative-treated wood.
IRC R320.4, Figure
R301.2(6)
National Pest Management
Association
3.3 In areas subject to very heavy termite infestation as indicated by
International Residential Code:
Foam plastic insulation shall not be installed on the exterior face of
below-grade foundation walls, or under slabs.
Foam plastics installed on the exterior of above-grade foundation walls
shall be kept a minimum of 6 inches above the final grade and any
landscaping bedding materials, and be covered with moisture resistant,
pest-proof material (e.g., fiber cement board, galvanized insect screen at
bottom-edge of openings).
Foam plastics applied to the interior side of conditioned crawl space walls
shall be kept a minimum of 3 inches below the sill plate and a minimum of 2
inches above the floor of the crawl space.
IRC R320.4, Figure
R301.2(6)
National Pest Management
Association

Based on the substantial scope and complexity of these specifications, EPA anticipates refinements will be needed following
evaluation of this initial pilot. As a result, they are being released only in a limited number of markets identified by EPA.

ATTACHMENTS

4. HVAC Systems Required Measures Reference(s)
Ductwork
4.1 Duct system shall be sized, designed, and installed using latest ANSI/ACCA
Manual D.
Air Conditioning
Contractors Association
Manual D
4.2 Ductwork shall be sealed with either or combination of:
mastic systems that meet the applicable requirements of UL181a, or
UL181b, or
aerosol sealant closures meeting UL 723,
or gasketing systems.

4.3 Ductwork shall not be installed in garage.
4.4 Maximum total leakage shall be 3 CFM to outside per 100 square feet floor
area as measured by the duct pressurization method at 25 Pascals.
IECC 2004

4.5 Building cavities shall not be used as part of the forced air supply or return
system.
EEBA Builder Guides

4.6 Transfer grills or jump ducts shall be provided for any closed room without
a return grill except for baths, kitchens, closets, pantries, and laundry
rooms. Opening size shall be 1 square inch capacity (grille area) per CFM of
supply (including free area undercut below door as part of the area).
EEBA Builder Guides
U.S. DOE Building America
www.eren.doe.gov/
buildings/building-america
4.7 Supply and return duct boots shall be covered during heavy dust-creating
construction activities with duct mask or similar sheeting to keep
ductwork clean.

Heating and Cooling Equipment
4.8 Heating and cooling design loads shall be determined per latest ACCA
Manual J with heating and cooling equipment sized based on these design
loads using latest ACCA Manual S.
Air Conditioning
Contractors Association
Manuals J and S
Drain pans shall be sloped, corrosion resistant (e.g. stainless or plastic) with
drains at the low point. Condensate lines shall be drained to drainage
system; not just deposited under slab.
IRC 4.9
4.10 HVAC cabinet seams, and all seams of plenums and duct work adjacent to
the cabinet shall be sealed with mastic, and cabinet doors shall be gasketed.

4.11 Cooling equipment shall have a maximum sensible heat ratio (SHR) of .70 in
hot humid climates defined by International Code Council unless the home
is equipped with additional whole-house dehumidification.
IECC 2004 Climate Zone
Map
ASHREAE Journal 1/03,
Latent Performance of
Unitary Equipment
4.12 Air handling equipment shall not be located in garages.
4.13 Heating and cooling equipment shall only be used during construction after
specified filter is installed.

4.14 No equipment is permitted that intentionally produces ozone as a product
rather than as an incidental by-product.


ATTACHMENTS

4. HVAC Systems Required Measures (continued) Reference(s)
Ventilation
4.15 ASHRAE 62.2, ASHRAE
Standard, Ventilation and
Acceptable Indoor Air
Quality in Low-Rise
Provide mechanical whole-house ventilation meeting ASHRAE 62.2-2004
accounting for natural air infiltration.

Note, as per ASHRAE 62.2, that outdoor air ducts connected to the return side
of an air handler shall be permitted as supply ventilation only if manufacturers
requirements for return air temperature are met (e.g., air shall be tempered to
maintain minimum 60 degree F continuous air flow across furnace heat
exchanger)

International Code Council
Climate Zone Map:
Proposal for 2003/2004
Code
In addition, whole-house ventilation for warm-humid climates as defined by
the International Code Council shall also include either:
controls that ensure humid outdoor air is not supplied above the minimum rate
specified by ASHRAE 62.2 while indoor relative humidity exceeds 60 percent;
or
whole-house dehumidification system that is capable of removing moisture
even in the absence of a demand for sensible cooling; or
enthalpy exchange equipment (e.g., energy recovery ventilator)
4.16
Provide mechanical spot ventilation (e.g., bathrooms and kitchens) meeting
ASHRAE 62.2-2004.

In addition, all bathroom ventilation fans shall be ENERGY STAR qualified
unless multiple bathrooms exhausted with a central fan.
ASHRAE 62.2, ASHRAE
Standard, Ventilation and
Acceptable Indoor Air
Quality in Low-Rise
4.17 All clothes dryers shall be vented to outdoors.
4.18 Locate all outdoor air intakes for ventilation at least 10 feet away from
exhaust outlets and areas where vehicles may be idling.

Air Filtration
4.19 HVAC filters shall be rated MERV 8 at 295 feet per minute (or higher
MERV rating) according to ASHRAE 52.2-1999. HVAC equipment shall be
able to accommodate pressure drop from filter selected for the system.
ASHRAE 52.2-1999

4.20 There shall be no visible bypass between the filter and the filter rack. The
filter shall not be loose in the filter rack, and the rack shall be fitted on
one side with neoprene gasket material so that fan flow of air brings the
filter into complete contact with the rack.

4.21 Central vacuums, where provided, shall be vented outdoors.

ATTACHMENTS


5. Combustion Venting Systems Required Measures Reference(s)
Combustion Appliances

5.1 Combustion fueled equipment located in conditioned spaces:
In IECC 2004 Climate Zones 4 or higher, gas-fired furnaces/boilers shall
IECC 2004
Consumer Product Safety
ATTACHMENTS

be direct vented and oil-fired furnaces/boilers shall be power vented or
direct vented.
Water heaters shall be power vented or direct vented.
Commission
EEBA Builder Guides
5.2 Fireplaces:
Masonry fireplaces are not permitted, with the exception of masonry
heaters, as defined by the American Society for Testing and Materials
Standard E-1602, and the International Building Code, 2112.1.
Factory-built, wood-burning fireplaces shall meet the certification
requirements of Underwriters Laboratory UL-127, Standard for Factory-
Built Fireplaces, and meet the emission limits in U.S. EPA Standard 40
CFR Part 60, subpart AAA, 60.530-539b, Standards of Performance for
New Residential Wood Heaters.
Natural gas and propane fireplaces shall be power vented or direct-
vented, as defined by 3.3.108 of the National Fuel Gas Code, have a
permanently fixed glass front or gasketed door, and comply with the
American National Standards Institute, ANSI/Z21.88/CSA 2.33
Harmonized Standard, Vented Gas Fireplace Heaters of the
International Code Councils International Fuel Gas Code.
Wood stove and fireplace inserts as defined in Section 3.8 of
Underwriters Laboratory UL 1482, Standard for Safety, Solid-Fuel Type
Room Heaters, shall meet the certification requirements of that
standard, and meet U.S. EPA Standard 40 CFR Part 60, subpart AAA, ,
60.530-539b, Standards of Performance for New Residential Wood
Heaters, and Washington States particulate air containment emission
standard, WAC 173-433-100 (3).
Pellet stoves shall meet the requirements of the American Society for
Testing and Materials (ASTM) E 1509-04, Standard Specification for
Room Heaters, Pellet Fuel-Burning Type.
Decorative gas logs as defined in K.1.11 of the National Fuel Gas Code are
not permitted.
Un-vented combustion appliances are not permitted, with the exception
of kitchen-type cooking devices with exhaust ventilation.
ASTM E-1602
IBC, Section 2112.1
EPA standard 40 CFR Part
60, subpart AAA, 60.530-
539b, Stds. of
Performance for New
Residential Wood Heaters
UL-127, Standard for
Factory-Built Fireplaces
National Fuel Gas Code
Section 3.3108
ANSI/Z21.88/CSA 2.33
Harmonized Standard
UL 1482, Standard of
Safety, Solid-Fuel Type
Room Heaters
Washington State
particulate air
containment standard,
WAC 173-433-100 (3)
ASTM E 1509-04,
Standard Specification
for Room Heaters, Pellet
Fuel-Burning Type
National Fuel Gas Code,
Section K.1.11
Garage Isolation

5.3 Common walls and ceiling between an attached garage and living space shall
be completely sealed before insulation is installed.
EEBA Builder Guides

5.4 All connecting doors between living space and garage shall be gasketed or
made substantially air-tight with weather stripping and an automatic closer.
ASHRAE 62.2 (6.5)

5.5 Garages shall have a 100 cfm exhaust ventilation fan venting to outdoors,
designed for continuous operation.
International Mechanical
Code (2003), 403.3
Carbon Monoxide Alarms

5.6 All homes with combustion appliances shall have one carbon monoxide (CO)
alarm installed outside of each separate sleeping area. They shall be placed
according to National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 720,
Recommended Practice, Installation of Household Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Warning Equipment, and be hard-wired with a battery back-up function.
The alarm devices shall be certified by either the Canadian Standards
Association, CSA 6.19-01, or Underwriters Laboratory UL 2034.
NFPA 720
CSA 6.19-01, Standard for
Residential CO Alarms
UL 2034, Standard for
Single and Multiple
Station CO Alarms

ATTACHMENTS

6. Building Materials Required Measures References(s)
Preparation

6.1 Building materials stored on site shall be protected from exposure to rain.
Materials wetted during the construction process shall be allowed to dry
before closing in building assembly.
American Plywood
Association

6.2 No construction debris shall be discarded and closed inside any wall
assembly.

Installation
6.3 Raise paper covered gypsum board inch above concrete slabs.

6.4 Prime painted siding and trim made of wood or processed wood on all six
sides.
EEBA Builder Guide
6.5 Ventilate home during and shortly after installing products that are known
sources of contaminants.

Materials
6.6 Structural plywood conforming to PS1 And PS2 and oriented strand board
shall be made with exterior-type adhesives. Exterior-type adhesive is
evidence by the appearance of Exposure 1 or Exterior in the panel
trademark.
American Plywood
Association
6.7 Particleboard and medium density fiberboard (MDF) shall be certified
compliant with ANSI A208.1 and A208.2, respectively.
American Plywood
Association
ANSI A208.1 and A208.2
6.8 Hardwood plywood shall be compliant with ANSI/HPV AHP-1-2004 and U.S.
HUD Standard 24, Part 3280.
American Plywood
Association
ANSI/HPV AHP-1-2004
U.S. HUD Std. 24, Part
3280
6.9 Carpets and carpet adhesives shall carry the Carpet & Rug Institute (CRI)
Green Label Plus low-emitting product label.
Carpet and Rug Institute
6.10 No wall-to-wall carpet shall be installed in bathrooms, kitchens, entryways,
and utility rooms.

6.11 Permeability rating of finishes used on the interior side of a homes exterior
walls in hot humid or humid mixed climates shall be greater than 1.


ATTACHMENTS

7. Home Commissioning Required Measures References
Final Preparation

7.1 Inspect air-handling equipment and verify:
equipment is generally free of debris and clean;
heat exchanger and coils in air-handler are free of dust created by
construction activities (e.g., drywall, floor sanding); and
filter is new and clean, and matches specified MERV rating

7.2 Inspect ductwork is clean, dry, and free of debris before installing
registers, grilles, and diffusers.
7.3 Inspect each supply and return point in the system to ensure that air is
flowing and that there are no disconnects or large air gaps between boot
and framed opening.

7.4

During the period between finishing and occupancy, ventilate the building
with outside air at the highest rate the ventilation system can produce.
7.5 Verify HVAC contractor has installed proper refrigerant charge with
Evaporator Superheat Test, Subcooling Test, Weigh-in Refrigerant Test, or
CheckMe!
Specification for Energy-
Efficient Installation and
Maintenance Practices
for Residential HVAC
Systems (Consortium for
Energy Efficiency),
p. 31-36
CheckMe! test by
Proctor Engineering
7.6 Provide owners of homes in U.S. EPA Zone 1 and Zone 2 radon areas two
radon test kits designed for 48-hour exposures, including instructions for
use and guidance for follow-up actions to testing results.
U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency
guidance document
Out, document
#EPA/402-K-01-002,
web site:
pubs
Owners Checklist/Manual

7.7 Provide a checklist listing all required measures from this specification
along with the signature of official representative of builder indicating full
compliance with the checklist.
7.8 Provide home owners manual including at a minimum documentation on all
special equipment with instructions for proper operation and maintenance,
and HVAC load calculations.

Based on the substantial scope and complexity of these specifications, EPA anticipates refinements will be needed following
evaluation of this initial pilot. As a result, they are being released only in a limited number of markets identified by EPA.


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