TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)integrates theHome Energy Rating System (HERS) Indexin theEnergy and Atmosphere (EA) Prerequisite: Minimum Energy PerformanceandEA Credit: Annual Energy Useto measure a home’s energy efficiency.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
EA Prerequisite: Minimum Energy Performance
The Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index, developed by the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET), is used to assess a home’s energy efficiency compared to a reference home. A lower HERS Index indicates better energy performance.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite: Minimum Energy Performance, p. 112.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
EA Prerequisite: Energy Performance
The HERS Index, created by RESNET, is the standard metric for energy efficiency in LEED for Homes, used to verify compliance with ENERGY STAR and LEED requirements.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer isResidential Energy Services Network (RESNET)(Option D), as RESNET developed the HERS Index.
Why not the other options?
[Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, EA Prerequisite: Minimum Energy Performance, p. 112., B. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): The EPA oversees ENERGY STAR, which uses the HERS Index, but RESNET developed it.Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, EA Prerequisite: Minimum Energy Performance, p. 112., C. U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC): The USGBC administers LEED, not the HERS Index.Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, EA Prerequisite: Minimum Energy Performance, p. 112., TheLEED AP Homes Candidate Handbookemphasizes EA credits, including the HERS Index, and references theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Constructionas a key resource. The exam is based onLEED v4, ensuring the relevance of RESNET’s role., References:, LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, USGBC, Energy and Atmosphere Prerequisite: Minimum Energy Performance, p. 112., 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 HERS Index development., ]
