LEED Certified "Green" Buildings - Problematic for IPM Practices

PCT has a current article about LEED system designed to foster “green” buildings. Al Green, an entomologist and national IPM coordinator for the U.S. General Services Administration’s Public Building Service notes improvements in the system, however, he also cites some problems with the program as it stands. Some of the issues of the LEED guidelines actually foster pest problems and make solid IPM tougher, not easier. Al Greene says that some of the language has, thankfully, changed from earlier “chemophobic” position that end up hampering IPM practices when needed. However, still “none of the principle elements of sustainable construction have very much applicability to what is required for significant pest prevention.”

One of the situations the author demonstrates is that new buildings automatically have fewer pest issues on average anyhow, regardless of being in the LEED system, and won’t show many pests until the building starts to age. This creates a deceptive result when various aspects of waste handling and building practices are not addressed to truly help reduce pests. Al Green cites examples of plantings on roofs and even ponds that, while aesthetically attractive, are also attractive to pests. Also low-slopped roofs offer opportunity for standing water and inaccessible spaces beneath—not to mention how hard it is to repair a roof that has a layer of soil and plantings on top of it. Also, raised floors designed for computer cables and air conditioning systems readily harbor rodents—a step backward, not forward. Other issues cited within LEED certified buildings were huge millipede infestations, inadequate door sweeps to close out pests, raccoon infestations, house sparrows entering when doors were left propped open. More information can be found within the complete PCT article. For PCOEAG members: what have you encountered with LEED certified buildings? Do you advertise availability to assist with LEED buildings? Don Leland http://www.pctonline.com/Digital/201410/html5/index.html?page=84