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.

Next Steps

ASPCRO is a member of USGBC

Have already commented on proposed credits

Vote on proposed credits when voting is opened

Assist in development of training materials if

new credits adopted