TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)addresses indoor water use in theWater Efficiency (WE) Credit: Indoor Water Use, which requires calculating the baseline water consumption to determine savings from efficient fixtures. For showers, key data points are needed to estimate usage.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
WE Credit: Indoor Water Use (1–6 points)
Calculate baseline indoor water consumption using fixture flow rates (e.g., gallons per minute for showers), the number of bedrooms (as a proxy for occupancy), and the number of bathrooms to account for all fixtures. The baseline assumes standard flow rates and typical usage patterns based on occupancy and fixture counts.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Water Efficiency Credit: Indoor Water Use, p. 96.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
WE Credit: Indoor Water Use
Indoor water baseline consumption is calculated using fixture flow rates, the number of bedrooms (to estimate occupants), and the number of bathrooms (to account for fixture distribution).
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer isfixture flow rates, number of bedrooms, and bathrooms(Option A), as these are essential for calculating baseline shower water use based on flow rates and estimated occupancy.
Why not the other options?
[Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, WE Credit: Indoor Water Use, p. 96., C. Size of shower compartments, fixture flow rate, and number of shower heads: Shower compartment size is irrelevant; the number of showerheads is accounted for in bathroom counts.Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, WE Credit: Indoor Water Use, p. 96., D. Number of recirculating shower systems, fixture flow rates, and number of bedrooms: Recirculating systems are not part of baseline calculations, which assume standard fixtures.Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, WE Credit: Indoor Water Use, p. 96., TheLEED AP Homes Candidate Handbookemphasizes WE credits, including indoor water calculations, and references theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Constructionas a key resource. The exam is based onLEED v4, ensuring the relevance of these parameters., References:, LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, USGBC, Water Efficiency Credit: Indoor Water Use, p. 96., 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 baseline consumption parameters., ]
