TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)includes theIndoor Environmental Quality (EQ) Credit: Contaminant Control, Option 2: Shoe Removal and Storage, which aims to reduce indoor contaminants by providing a designated area for shoe removal and storage to prevent tracking pollutants into living spaces.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
EQ Credit: Contaminant Control, Option 2: Shoe Removal and Storage (1–2 points)
Provide a designated shoe removal and storage area near the primary entryway, separated from living spaces by a door or other barrier to prevent contaminants from entering the home. The area must include storage for shoes but does not require ventilation or carpeting.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Indoor Environmental Quality Credit: Contaminant Control, p. 148.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
EQ Credit: Contaminant Control, Option 2: Shoe Removal and Storage
The shoe storage area must be separated from living spaces to prevent the spread of contaminants, typically with a door or partition, and does not require specific ventilation or carpeting.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer isarea must be separated from the living space(Option A), as this is a key requirement to ensure contaminants are contained outside living areas.
Why not the other options?
[Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, EQ Credit: Contaminant Control, p. 148., C. Area must be ventilated to the outdoors: Ventilation is not required for the shoe storage area; separation is sufficient.Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, EQ Credit: Contaminant Control, p. 148., D. Area must be carpeted: Carpeting is not required and may trap contaminants, contradicting the credit’s intent.Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, EQ Credit: Contaminant Control, p. 148., TheLEED AP Homes Candidate Handbookemphasizes EQ credits, including contaminant control, and references theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Constructionas a key resource. The exam is based onLEED v4, ensuring the relevance of shoe storage separation., References:, LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, USGBC, Indoor Environmental Quality Credit: Contaminant Control, p. 148., LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, USGBC LEED Credit Library, accessed via LEED Online (https://www.usgbc.org/credits)., LEED AP Homes Candidate Handbook, GBCI, October 2024, p. 12 (references study resources and exam scope based on LEED v4)., USGBC LEED for Homes Rating System (v4), available via USGBC website (https://www.usgbc.org/resources/leed-homes-design-and-construction-v4)., LEED v4.1 for Homes, USGBC, accessed via LEED Online, confirming contaminant control requirements., ]
