855773667-LEED-v5-O-M-Reference-Guide-Launch-Edition-1 - Page 269

Extracted Content

Pests are organisms that pose health, environmental, economic, or aesthetic risks to buildings and sites. Invasive species and non-native organisms can cause significant harm if not properly managed. Their control is essential for protecting occupant health. Improper chemical applications, however, can lead to adverse reactions if humans and animals are exposed to pesticides.

Integrated pest management (IPM) is a sustainable approach to pest management that combines biological, cultural, physical, and chemical tools to minimize economic, health, and environmental risks. [123] When pests are accurately identified and their activity monitored, pesticide applications can be limited to targeted species in specific locations instead of sitewide. IPMs should focus on exclusion, use pest control methods and products sparingly, and partner with qualified and licensed pest professionals.

Option 1. In-House IPM Program

For projects that create an in-house program, teams must clearly define the scope, roles and responsibilities, actions, and communication plan for program implementation across the building and site. The IPM Plan must identify all applicable areas under building management control.

The IPM Plan must guide the implementation team on how to effectively manage pests to avoid infestation. Include the following sections in the plan.

IDENTIFICATION OF AN IPM TEAM

Identify roles for key stakeholders, including the building management team, maintenance staff, and tenants (if applicable). Where pest management contractors are employed as part of the inhouse program, projects must use properly trained contractors with legally employed staff.

PROVISIONS FOR ANNUALLY IDENTIFYING AND MONITORING PESTS

Regular inspections can help teams identify minor infestations before they become a major issue. The IPM must outline, at a minimum, an annual inspection process. If necessary, perform more frequent inspections (such as monthly or seasonal), depending on the types of pests and the project’s location.

123 Office of Pesticide Programs, United State Environmental Protection Agency, Integrated Pest Management in Buildings (2011), epa.gov/sites/default/files/2015-11/documents/ipm_in_buildings.pdf.

U.S. Green Building Council LEED v5 Reference Guide for Operations and Maintenance, April 2025 Launch Edition 259