TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)addresses rainwater harvesting in theSustainable Sites (SS) Credit: Rainwater Management, which aims to reduce runoff and its environmental impacts, particularly in areas with significant rainfall events.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
SS Credit: Rainwater Management (1-3 points)
Rainwater harvesting systems (e.g., rain barrels, cisterns) capture and store rainwater, reducing runoff volume and mitigating on-site erosion, especially during substantial rainfall spikes, by preventing excessive water flow across the site.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Sustainable Sites Credit: Rainwater Management, p. 76.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
SS Credit: Rainwater Management
A key benefit of rainwater harvesting is mitigating on-site erosion by capturing runoff, particularly in areas with heavy rainfall, reducing soil displacement and environmental damage.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer ismitigates on-site erosion(Option A), as rainwater harvesting reduces runoff, preventing erosion during rainfall spikes.
Why not the other options?
Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, SS Credit: Rainwater Management, p. 76.
C). Little-to-no benefit since precipitation is seasonal: Rainwater harvesting is highly beneficial during rainfall spikes, storing water for later use.Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, SS Credit: Rainwater Management, p. 76.
D). Eliminates the need for low-flow plumbing fixtures: Rainwater harvesting addresses outdoor water, not indoor plumbing fixtures.Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, WE Credit: Indoor Water Use, p. 96.
TheLEED AP Homes Candidate Handbookemphasizes SS credits, including rainwater management, and references theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Constructionas a key resource. The exam is based onLEED v4, ensuring the relevance of erosion mitigation.
References:
LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, USGBC, Sustainable Sites Credit:
Rainwater Management, p. 76.
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 rainwater harvesting benefits.