LEEDuser’s viewpoint
Explore this LEED credit
Post your questions on this credit in the forum, and click on the credit language tab to review to the LEED requirements.
Credit language
© Copyright U.S. Green Building Council, Inc. All rights reserved.
Intent
To minimize pest problems and risk of exposure to pesticides.
Requirements
Each measure is worth ½ point, except as noted.
- Install a steel mesh barrier termite control system (1 point).
- Install a physical termite barrier system (e.g., basaltic rock) approved by code (1 point).
- For below-grade walls, use solid concrete foundation walls, masonry walls with a course of solid block bond beam, or concrete-filled block.
- Install post-tension slabs.
- 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 all plumbing elements that penetrate the slab, to allow access for inspection and treatment of pest infestations.
- Install a registered termite bait system and provide for ongoing maintenance as required by the manufacturer.
- Design a minimum 6-inch (150 millimeter) inspection space between the surface of the planned landscape 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 (6 millimeters), except where code prohibits their installation (e.g., dryer vents).
- Design discharge points for rain gutters, air-conditioning condensation lines, steam vent lines, or any other moisture source such that discharge is at least 24 inches (600 millimeters) from the foundation.
- Design landscape features to provide a minimum 18-inch (450 millimeter) space between the exterior wall and any plantings.
In addition, multifamily building projects must develop an integrated pest management policy that includes guidance for residents on pesticide use, housekeeping, and prompt reporting of pest problems; incorporate the policy in the Homeowner Education Manual.
See all forum discussions about this credit »What does it cost?
Cost estimates for this credit
On each BD+C v4 credit, LEEDuser offers the wisdom of a team of architects, engineers, cost estimators, and LEED experts with hundreds of LEED projects between then. They analyzed the sustainable design strategies associated with each LEED credit, but also to assign actual costs to those strategies.
Our tab contains overall cost guidance, notes on what “soft costs” to expect, and a strategy-by-strategy breakdown of what to consider and what it might cost, in percentage premiums, actual costs, or both.
This information is also available in a full PDF download in The Cost of LEED v4 report.
Learn more about The Cost of LEED v4 »Frequently asked questions
See all forum discussions about this credit »Documentation toolkit
The motherlode of cheat sheets
LEEDuser’s Documentation Toolkit is loaded with calculators to help assess credit compliance, tracking spreadsheets for materials, sample templates to help guide your narratives and LEED Online submissions, and examples of actual submissions from certified LEED projects for you to check your work against. To get your plaque, start with the right toolkit.
© Copyright U.S. Green Building Council, Inc. All rights reserved.
Intent
To minimize pest problems and risk of exposure to pesticides.
Requirements
Each measure is worth ½ point, except as noted.
- Install a steel mesh barrier termite control system (1 point).
- Install a physical termite barrier system (e.g., basaltic rock) approved by code (1 point).
- For below-grade walls, use solid concrete foundation walls, masonry walls with a course of solid block bond beam, or concrete-filled block.
- Install post-tension slabs.
- 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 all plumbing elements that penetrate the slab, to allow access for inspection and treatment of pest infestations.
- Install a registered termite bait system and provide for ongoing maintenance as required by the manufacturer.
- Design a minimum 6-inch (150 millimeter) inspection space between the surface of the planned landscape 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 (6 millimeters), except where code prohibits their installation (e.g., dryer vents).
- Design discharge points for rain gutters, air-conditioning condensation lines, steam vent lines, or any other moisture source such that discharge is at least 24 inches (600 millimeters) from the foundation.
- Design landscape features to provide a minimum 18-inch (450 millimeter) space between the exterior wall and any plantings.
In addition, multifamily building projects must develop an integrated pest management policy that includes guidance for residents on pesticide use, housekeeping, and prompt reporting of pest problems; incorporate the policy in the Homeowner Education Manual.
