Florida Department of Agriculture
and Consumer Services
Adam Putnam COMMISSIONER
Pest Management and
Green Building Rating
Systems
Pest Management Requirements for
LEED v4 Credits
LEED v4 includes updates to these rating
systems:
LEED for Existing Buildings - Operations and
Maintenance
LEED for Homes
Proposed credits more in line with EPA IPM
policy/Green Pest Management Standards
Proposed credits need to be adopted by
USGBC
Existing Buildings: O&M Indoor Environmental Quality (EQ)
EQ CREDIT: INTEGRATIVE PEST MANAGEMENT
EB:O&M - 2 points
Existing Credit
Intent
To reduce levels of chemical, biological and particulate
contaminants that can compromise air quality, human health,
building finishes, building systems and the environment.
Proposed Credit –
Intent
To minimize pest problems and exposure to pesticides.
LEED 2009 for EB: O&M
IEQ credit 3.6
IPM : least-toxic chemical pesticides, minimum use of chemicals, use
of chemicals only in targeted locations and only for targeted species.
“Least-toxic” pesticides are defined as those listed under Tier III of the
City and County of San Francisco’s SF Pesticide Hazard Screening
List.
Pest population monitoring, evaluation of the need for pest control and
one or more pest control methods, including sanitation, structural
repairs, mechanical and living biological controls, other nonchemical
methods, and if nontoxic options are unreasonable and have been
exhausted, a least-toxic pesticide.
“Universal notification” to building occupants - which requires advance
notice of not less than 72 hours before a pesticide under normal
conditions and 24 hours after application of a pesticide in emergencies,
other than a least-toxic pesticide
Proposed LEED v4 EB: O&M
EQ credit
IPM plan with these components: IPM Team with roles for building management, pest management
contractors, maintenance staff, building occupants.
Identification and monitoring of pests using inspections, pest
population monitoring, and reporting of evidence of pest
infestations.
Action thresholds for common pests and a process for modifying
action thresholds
Nonchemical pest preventive measures either designed into the
structure or implemented as part of pest management activities.
Description of pest control methods to be utilized when action
thresholds are exceeded.
Proposed LEED v4 EB: O&M
EQ credit
Preference to nonchemical approaches.
If results unsatisfactory, application of pesticides registered
for the site and pest to be controlled is permitted.
Preference given to the use of Least Risk pesticides based
upon inherent toxicity and exposure potential – defined as
registered pesticide in Tier III (lowest toxicity) category
using the San Francisco Hazard Ranking system, or
an insecticide sold as a self-contained bait, or
a crack and crevice treatment used in areas inaccessible
to building occupants
Rodenticides are never considered least-risk pesticides
Proposed standard
EQ O&M Allowance for use of pesticides not in category of Least
Risk, provided reason for selection is documented.
Documentation of inspection, monitoring, preventive and
control methods and evaluation of the effectiveness of the
IPM Plan.
Record keeping and documentation required.
“A project meets the requirements if the IPM service is
provided by a certified member in good standing of the
GreenPro, EcoWise or GreenShield programs or a
program with equivalent IPM standards, provided that the
service provided complies with the respective program’s
standards”.
LEED for Homes Sustainable Sites credit 5:
Non-toxic Pest Control
SS CREDIT 5: NON-TOXIC PEST CONTROL
0.5-1 point
LEED 2008-
Intent
Design home features to minimize the need for poisons for control
of insects, rodents, and other pests.
LEED v4-
Intent:
To minimize pest problems and risk of exposure to pesticides.
LEED for Homes
SSc5: Non-toxic Pest Control
LEED 2008
No chemical pesticides for termite control,
Use integrative pest management (IPM)
Develop resident guidance related to pesticide use, housekeeping, and
prompt reporting of pest problems to be included in the Homeowner
Education manual for cockroaches, rodents, and bedbugs.
LEED for Homes
SSc5: Non-toxic Pest Control
Existing standard
For termites:
Install a steel mesh barrier termite control system. (1 point)
Use solid concrete foundation walls, masonry walls with a course
of solid block bond beam, or concrete-filled block.
Install post-tension slabs and top feed utilities.
Seal all external cracks, joints, penetrations, edges, and entry
points with appropriate caulking. Install rodent- and corrosion-
proof screens (e.g., copper or stainless steel mesh), on all openings
greater than ¼ inch, except where code prohibits their installation
(e.g. dryer vents).
Treat all cellulosic material (e.g., wood framing) with a borate
product to a minimum of 3 feet above the foundation.
Install a physical termite barrier system approved by code (e.g.
basaltic rock).
LEED v4 for Homes
Install a steel mesh barrier termite control system.
Install a physical termite barrier system (e.g., basaltic rock) approved
by code.
For below-grade walls, use solid concrete foundation walls, masonry
walls with a course of solid block bond beam, or concrete-filled block.
Treat all cellulosic structural material (e.g., wood framing) with a
registered pesticide containing borates, following the manufacturer’s
directions for preconstruction treatment.
Use noncellulosic material for all structural elements.
Install ports or openings for plumbing elements that penetrate the slab,
to allow access for inspection and treatment of pest infestations.
LEED v4 for Homes
Install a registered termite bait system/provide for ongoing maintenance
minimum 6-inch inspection space between grade and nonmasonry
siding.
Seal all external cracks, joints, penetrations, edges, and entry points
with appropriate caulking. Install rodent- and corrosion-proof screens
(e.g., copper or stainless steel mesh) on all openings greater than ¼
inch, except where code prohibits their installation (e.g., dryer vents).
Provide discharge points for rain gutters, air-conditioning condensation
lines, steam vent lines, to discharge is at least 24 inches from the
foundation.
Leave a minimum 18-inch space between the exterior wall and any
landscape plantings.
Multifamily building projects develop an integrated pest management
policy in the Homeowner Education Manual.