TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)addresses indoor humidity in warm, humid climates through credits likeIndoor Environmental Quality (EQ) Credit: Enhanced VentilationandEQ Prerequisite: Ventilation, which consider factors affecting moisture levels to maintain indoor air quality.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
EQ Credit: Enhanced Ventilation (1–3 points)
In warm, humid climates (e.g., climate zones 1–3), assess indoor humidity by considering infiltration (uncontrolled air leakage through the building envelope) and ventilation (controlled outdoor air introduction). These factors influence moisture ingress and must be managed to prevent high humidity levels.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Indoor Environmental Quality Credit: Enhanced Ventilation, p. 146.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
EQ Credit: Enhanced Ventilation
Infiltration and ventilation are critical factors in assessing indoor humidity in humid climates, as infiltration introduces moist outdoor air, and ventilation systems must be designed to manage humidity effectively.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer isinfiltration and ventilation(Option B), as these are the primary factors affecting indoor humidity levels in a warm, humid climate, requiring careful design to control moisture.
Why not the other options?
[Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, EQ Credit: Enhanced Ventilation, p. 146., C. Pressurization and dehumidification: While dehumidification is relevant, pressurization is less critical than infiltration control for humidity assessment.Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, EQ Credit: Enhanced Ventilation, p. 146., D. Dehumidification and filtration: Dehumidification is a solution, not a factor to assess, and filtration does not address humidity.Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, EQ Credit: Enhanced Ventilation, p. 146., TheLEED AP Homes Candidate Handbookemphasizes EQ credits, including humidity management, and references theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Constructionas a key resource. The exam is based onLEED v4, ensuring the relevance of infiltration and ventilation., References:, LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, USGBC, Indoor Environmental Quality Credit: Enhanced Ventilation, p. 146., 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 humidity assessment factors., ]
