TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)includes theIndoor Environmental Quality (EQ) Credit: Enhanced Garage Pollutant Protection, which aims to prevent garage pollutants (e.g., vehicle exhaust, chemicals) from entering conditioned living spaces.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
EQ Credit: Enhanced Garage Pollutant Protection (1–2 points)
To achieve the maximum points (2 points), use a detached garage, as it physically separates the garage from conditioned spaces, eliminating the risk of pollutant transfer. Other strategies, such as sealing the garage-conditioned space interface or installing exhaust fans, earn fewer points.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Indoor Environmental Quality Credit: Enhanced Garage Pollutant Protection, p. 149.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
EQ Credit: Enhanced Garage Pollutant Protection
A detached garage is the most effective strategy, earning the maximum 2 points by preventing any pollutant transfer from the garage to the home’s conditioned spaces.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer isusing a detached garage(Option C), as it achieves the maximum points by eliminating the risk of pollutant infiltration.
Why not the other options?
[Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, EQ Credit: Enhanced Garage Pollutant Protection, p. 149., B. Keeping HVAC systems out of garage: This is a requirement but does not earn maximum points alone.Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, EQ Credit: Enhanced Garage Pollutant Protection, p. 149., D. Providing a tight seal between garage and conditioned space: This earns 1 point but is less effective than a detached garage.Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, EQ Credit: Enhanced Garage Pollutant Protection, p. 149., TheLEED AP Homes Candidate Handbookemphasizes EQ credits, including garage pollutant protection, and references theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Constructionas a key resource. The exam is based onLEED v4, ensuring the relevance of detached garages., References:, LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, USGBC, Indoor Environmental Quality Credit: Enhanced Garage Pollutant Protection, p. 149., 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 garage protection strategies., ]
