LEED v5 O+M Rating System_February 2026 - Page 086

Extracted Content

Indoor Environmental Quality Credit

EQc8

1 point

To minimize pest problems and exposure to pesticides.

Achievement Pathways	Points
Existing Buildings	1
Option 1. In-House Integrated Pest Management Program	1
OR
Option 2. Certified Integrated Pest Management Service	1

Option 1. In-House Integrated Pest Management Program (1 point)

The building and grounds must have in place an integrated pest management (IPM) plan. The IPM plan must include the following elements:

Identification of an IPM team: Identify roles for building management, pest management contractors, maintenance staff, and liaisons with building occupants. Review social responsibility reports for any pest management service providers to ensure they are using a legal and properly trained workforce and addressing other social responsibility aspects.
Provisions for annually identifying and monitoring pests: Specify inspections, pest population monitoring, and a reporting system that allows occupants, maintenance staff, and others to report evidence of pest infestations.
Pest management thresholds: Specify thresholds to take pest management actions for all pests likely to be encountered in the building. Include a process for modifying action thresholds, as necessary, through active communication between occupants and the IPM team.
Pest control methods: Identify pest management thresholds to be used when action thresholds are exceeded. For each pest, list all potential control methods considered and preferentially adopt the lowest-risk options, considering the risks to the applicator, building occupants, and the environment, as well as the risks of incomplete pest control. When pesticides must be used, first specify the use of least-risk pesticides.

U.S. Green Building Council LEED v5 Reference Guide for Operations and Maintenance, November 2025 Edition 80