EQc3: Integrated Pest Management – Above Green

(1 point)

Intent

To minimize pest problems and exposure to pesticides.

Requirements

Option 1. In-house IPM program

Have in place an integrated pest management (IPM) plan for the building and grounds within the project boundary. 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.
Provisions for 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.
Action thresholds for all pests likely encountered in the building. Also describe a process for modifying action thresholds, if necessary, through active communication between occupants and the IPM team.
Nonchemical pest preventive measures, either designed into the structure or implemented as part of pest management activities.
Pest control methods to be used when action thresholds are exceeded. For each pest, list all potential control methods considered and adopt the lowest-risk options, considering the risks to the applicator, building occupants, and the environment. The plan must preferentially require nonchemical approaches, with pesticides registered for the site applied only if those approaches fail. Give preference to the use of least-risk pesticides based on inherent toxicity and exposure potential. If a pesticide that is not in the least-risk category is selected, document the reason.
A mechanism for documentation of inspection, monitoring, prevention, and control methods and for evaluation of the effectiveness of the IPM plan. Specify the metrics by which performance will be measured, and describe the quality assurance process to evaluate and verify successful implementation of the plan.
A strategy for communications between the IPM team and the building occupants (for schools, faculty and staff). This strategy should include education about the IPM plan, participation in problem solving, feedback mechanisms (e.g., a system for recording pest complaints), and provision for notification of pesticide applications. At a minimum, the facility manager must notify any building occupant or employee who requests it and post a sign at the application site, which must remain in place for 24 hours prior to application. Notifications must include the pesticide name, EPA registration number, treatment location, and date of application. Applications of least-risk pesticides do not require notification. For an emergency application of a pesticide, anyone who requested notice must be notified within 24 hours of the application and given an explanation of the emergency.

Option 2. Certified IPM service

Use an IPM service for the building and grounds within the project boundary that is certified and in good standing with GreenPro, EcoWise, GreenShield, or local equivalent.