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

Pest Control Company Selected for Green Pest Control Practices

Orange Planet, a pest control company in California was selected for their green practices to treat Lewis Stadium in the San Jose area. What's wonderful about this is that it was picked up by ABC affiliate, WBAY television. This is but one example of how and why taking the conscientious approach to pest management is worth the effort.

TM Planet Orange Pest Control

New PCOEAG ....coming November 2014

PCOEAG - the Pest Control Operators Environmental Awareness Group is a collective of pest control companies that share a vision of providing safer, environmentally friendly pest management to the public. --- PCOEAG was first launched right on the heels of the "Great Recession" which was just so much bad timing. Everyone had to "duck and cover" until the worse was over economically. But now it is undergoing a major transformation. --- First of all the doors are open to all pest management professionals who agree to the PCOEAG principles of IPM and/or "green" pest management practices at no cost. BASIC PCOEAG MEMBERSHIP IS FREE. --- Cascade Pest Control, an early pioneer in green pest control, sponsors PCOEAG and it has been decided to insure that every reputable pest control company that truly wants to contribute to pest management with sound environmental practices can join without cost. And each member can proudly display the PCOEAG membership badge. https://www.pcoeag.org

PCOEAG is a wonderful idea who's time came long ago however no one bothered to encourage PCO's separate from other memberships, free of charge at least on some basic level. It's like Email--when it first came out (think AOL) it cost to have an Email account. Now it doesn't. Having said all that, we launched PCOEAG around 2010 when everyone was scrambling to stay afloat in the Real Estate Bubble BUST--the Great Recession. So it's time again to re-launch PCOEAG and make it even easier for PCOs (PMPs) to participate and feel rewarded for their "green"/IPM efforts.

We encourage Pest Management Professionals who genuinely care about their practices in relation to both the naturals environment and the health and safety of people where we provide pest management to join PCOEAG at your earliest convenience. We hope we've made is simple, straightforward and rewarding to participate in this manner. Don Leland