The San Francisco List of Reduced Risk Pesticides is the LEED standard for least-toxic pesticides. Any chemical pesticide classified as Tier 3 on San Francisco's list is considered least-toxic. However, if a project team chooses to use a product that does not appear on the list but contains the same active ingredients as a chemical classified as Tier 3 on San Francisco’s list, it is up to the team to demonstrate equivalency. If a team decides to use a pesticide that does not meet San Francisco's Tier 3 hazard criteria, they must issue universal notification in accordance with the LEED requirements.

Bio-Integral Resource Center (BIRC) is listed as a resource on the LEED User page and in the Green Building: Operations and Maintenance Reference Guide because it offers valuable guidance for the use of non-chemical pesticides. If a project team decides to use a chemical pesticide that appears on BIRC's directory but does not meet the Tier 3 hazard criteria, the team must issue universal notification at least 72 hours prior to pesticide application under normal circumstances or within 24 hour after emergency applications.