Green building standards, a new type of certification program promulgated internationally and in the U.S., were being developed utilizing materials and construction practices that would enhance energy efficiency and reduce exposure to chemicals and pesticides to building occupants. However, some of these requirements being developed would have complicated and hindered pest management professionals from performing optimally and placed limits on the use of pesticide tools that could be used to control pests in structures certified under the developing standards.
The Building Code Committee was established to offer expertise in the areas where green construction practices and limitations on pesticide tools may impede pest management professionals from solving structural pest problems. The committee has advised this group on issues such as structural integrated pest management (IPM), termite control construction practices and fumigation pest control.
The committee also responds to proposed changes to the international building codes and green building standards that could detrimentally affect pest control or pest control regulation. Proposed revisions to building codes are reviewed for impact on state pest control regulatory programs and the effectiveness of pest control, and revisions are proposed, as appropriate, that help facilitate and promote good structural pest management. The committee develops and provides resources and guidance to state lead agencies on building construction practices and state and local building codes.
Recent activities:
- Polyurethane Spray Foam Insulation Survey of State Lead Agencies.
- Polyurethane Spray Foam Insulation white paper.
- Maintain contact with International Code Council (ICC) through membership and monitor proposed changes as part of code cycle to review any modifications that impact practice of or regulation of structural pest control. The ICC develops the International Codes, a coordinated, modern set of building codes used in all 50 states.
- Monitor the US Green Building Council (USGBC) and Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design (LEED) green certification program and provide guidance where green policy may impact pest management.
- Track resources in state programs for building code activity (e.g. in Florida, FDACS provides CEUS to builders and building code officials on termite prevention measures).
