TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)allows certain credits to award exemplary performance points under theInnovation (IN) Credit: Innovationfor exceeding standard credit thresholds, promoting exceptional sustainability achievements.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
IN Credit: Innovation (1–5 points)
Exemplary performance points are awarded for achieving significantly higher thresholds than required for specific credits. ForLocation and Transportation Credit: Compact Development, exemplary performance is awarded for exceeding the maximum density or proximity requirements (e.g., higher dwelling units per acre or closer proximity to services).
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Innovation Credit: Innovation, p. 190; Location and Transportation Credit: Compact Development, p. 57.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
IN Credit: Innovation
Exemplary performance is available for credits likeLT Credit: Compact Developmentwhen projects achieve significantly higher densities or connectivity than the standard credit requirements.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer isLocation and Transportation Credit, Compact Development(Option B), as it is explicitly identified as offering exemplary performance points for surpassing density or connectivity thresholds.
Why not the other options?
[Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, MR Credit: Durability Management Verification, p. 162., C. Sustainable Sites Credit, Heat Island Reduction: This credit does not list exemplary performance in LEED v4 for Homes.Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, SS Credit: Heat Island Reduction, p. 80., D. Energy and Atmosphere Credit, Envelope Insulation: This credit focuses on insulation quality, not exemplary performance thresholds.Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, EA Credit: Envelope Insulation, p. 120., TheLEED AP Homes Candidate Handbookemphasizes IN credits, including exemplary performance, and references theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Constructionas a key resource. The exam is based onLEED v4, ensuring the relevance of compact development., References:, LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, USGBC, Innovation Credit: Innovation, p. 190; Location and Transportation Credit: Compact Development, p. 57., 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 exemplary performance credits., ]
