TheLEED for Homes Rating System (v4)includes theSustainable Sites (SS) Credit: Nontoxic Pest Control, which awards points for physical or nontoxic strategies to prevent pest entry, particularly in areas with high pest activity like termites, without relying on chemical treatments.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
SS Credit: Nontoxic Pest Control (1 point)
Employ physical barriers to prevent pest entry, such as installing code-approved termite barriers (e.g., physical shields or mesh) around foundations to protect against termite infestation in a nontoxic manner.
Source: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, Sustainable Sites Credit: Nontoxic Pest Control, p. 82.
TheLEED v4.1 Residential BD+Crating system confirms:
SS Credit: Nontoxic Pest Control
Installing a code-approved termite barrier is a recognized strategy to earn points by preventing termite access without chemical treatments, suitable for areas with heavy infestation.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via USGBC LEED Online.
The correct answer isinstalling a code-approved termite barrier(Option A), as this is a physical, nontoxic strategy explicitly recognized for the credit in termite-prone areas.
Why not the other options?
[Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, MR Credit: Environmentally Preferable Products, p. 160., C. Installing wood framing that is treated 3 ft. (0.9 m) above the foundation: Chemical treatment (e.g., with borates) is not considered nontoxic under this credit.Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, SS Credit: Nontoxic Pest Control, p. 82., D. Installing landscaping at least 12 in. (0.3 m) away from all parts of the home: While this may reduce pest access, it is not a primary strategy listed for this credit.Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, SS Credit: Nontoxic Pest Control, p. 82., TheLEED AP Homes Candidate Handbookemphasizes SS credits, including nontoxic pest control, and references theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Constructionas a key resource. The exam is based onLEED v4, ensuring the relevance of termite barriers., References:, LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, USGBC, Sustainable Sites Credit: Nontoxic Pest Control, p. 82., LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, USGBC LEED Credit Library, accessed via LEED Online (https://www.usgbc.org/credits)., LEED AP Homes Candidate Handbook, GBCI, October 2024, p. 12 (references study resources and exam scope based on LEED v4)., USGBC LEED for Homes Rating System (v4), available via USGBC website (https://www.usgbc.org/resources/leed-homes-design-and-construction-v4)., LEED v4.1 for Homes, USGBC, accessed via LEED Online, confirming pest control strategies., ]
