Integrated pest management (IPM) aims to limit the negative impacts that conventional pest control often has on the health of building occupants. The goal of IPM is to avoid unnecessary use of pesticides and prioritize the use of least-toxic methods for managing pests.

This credit offers two paths for meeting the requirements. Under the first option you’ll need to create and adopt an IPM plan and implement it 100% of the time.

Alternatively, teams can use a pest vendor that is certified by one of the allowable third-party certification programs.

Pest management activity performed by tenants must be addressed under this credit and tracked in your IPM tracking tool, regardless of which compliance path you select. This credit can be difficult to earn if pest management services aren’t provided throughout the building by a common vendor. That said, up to 10% of the floor area may be excluded from this credit if it is under separate management control.

For projects that choose the IPM plan route, remember to use the template created by USGBC to develop your plan.

Developing an IPM Plan

An IPM plan provides your team with a document of guiding principles and a single reference point for questions. Creating your IPM plan early in your project timeline (preferably before the performance period starts) is ideal to ensure no missteps during the performance period. Working on the policy will familiarize your team and vendor with the requirements for the IPM plan.

Keep the Plan Simple

USGBC provides a plan template that addresses all LEED v4.1 requirements. Using the template document is highly recommended—see the Documentation Toolkit for a link to the plan on USGBC’s website. While teams are free to modify the template, remember that the key to making an effective plan is to keep it simple, straightforward, and easy to use.

Using a Certified IPM Service

Teams can use a certified cleaning company in lieu of developing an IPM plan. The vendor must be certified by one of the approved third-party programs (either GreenPro, EcoWise, GreenShield, or a local equivalent) and must be in good standing.

This option is attractive for projects using a pest management vendor that is already certified, or for projects with a longer timeline that can accommodate the extra time needed to switch vendors or to allow the current vendor to obtain a third-party certification. By putting the onus of LEED compliance on the vendor, project teams may save some attention for other green initiatives.

What’s New in LEED v4.1

• Minor adjustments have been made to clarify the requirements, particularly for the certified IPM service option

Should I upgrade?

Only minor clarifying edits have been made and shouldn’t impact your choice of rating system.