The Regional Priority (RP) credit category awards a bonus point for achieving a specific, pre-existing LEED credit that the USGBC has designated as particularly important for a project's geographic location. For credits that offer a range of points based on multiple performance thresholds (e.g., achieving 25% vs. 40% energy cost savings), the single RP bonus point is earned as soon as the project meets the requirements for the minimum threshold of that credit. The intent is to incentivize addressing the regional concern, and achieving the credit at any level fulfills this intent.

B. Points are awarded at the maximum threshold: This is incorrect. The RP point is awarded for achieving the credit, regardless of the specific threshold met, as long as the minimum is achieved.

C. Points are awarded when the maximum threshold has been exceeded: This is incorrect. LEED awards points for meeting defined thresholds, not for exceeding them, and the RP credit is tied to simply achieving the base credit.

D. Points are awarded at particular levels of achievement: This is too vague. The rule is specific: the bonus point is awarded upon meeting the first level of achievement (the minimum threshold) for the designated credit.

1. U.S. Green Building Council. (2021). LEED v4 for Homes Design and Construction Reference Guide. Washington, DC: U.S. Green Building Council.

Reference: Page 19, "Regional Priority" section, under "How It Works," states: "For credits with multiple thresholds, the regional priority credit is earned when the project earns the credit, regardless of the threshold achieved." This confirms that meeting the minimum threshold to earn the credit is sufficient to also earn the RP point.