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BEAM PLUS FOR EXISTING BUILDINGS INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY (IEQ)
V ERSION 1.2 IEQ 5 INTEGRATED P EST MANAGEMENT
Copyright © 2012 BEAM Society Limited. All rights reserved.
Page 115
6 IEQ 6.2 HYGIENE
IEQ 5 INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT
EXCLUSIONS None.
OBJECTIVE Ensure that the management of pests is safe, hygienic and with limited
environmental impacts.
CREDITS ATTAINABLE 1
PREREQUISITES None.
CREDIT REQUIREMENT 1 credit for implementing an integrated programme for pest
management.
ASSESSMENT The onus is on the Client to demonstrate the suitability of the pest
management programme or system adopted for the particular
circumstances. The Client shall submit details of the measures taken to
control pests in the least harmful manner to humans and the
environment.
Assessment shall take into account:
 the methods used to monitor pests and to keep records on problems;
 actions to identify the root causes of pest problems
 the extent to which pest treatment actions avoid chemicals and
pesticides that may be harmful to staff, building users and passers-
by, and to the environment;
 details of reference/educational material maintained in-house, and
extent of staff training that deals with pest management; and
 availability of documentation detailing pest management in the
buildings and its surrounding site.
BACKGROUND Pesticides pose when people
do not follow directions on product labels or use products irresponsibly.
For example, pesticides might be used when they are not really needed,
too much is applied, or disposal is in a manner that could contaminate
the environment. Even alternative or organic pesticides can have these
unintended consequences if not used correctly.
should adopt pest control in ways that offer a means to reduce the risk
from, and in some cases, the amount of pesticides needed.
Integrated pest management is an approach to pest control that utilizes
regular monitoring and record keeping determining if and when
treatments are needed, and employs a combination of strategies and
tactics to keep pest numbers low enough to prevent unacceptable
damage or annoyance. Biological, cultural, physical, mechanical,
educational, and chemical methods are used in site-specific
combinations to solve the pest problem. Chemical controls are used only
when needed, and in the least-toxic formulation that is effective against
the pest. Educational strategies are used to enhance pest prevention
and to build support for the IPM program.
The US EPA promotes integrated pest management through documents
such as for schools [1], because IPM represents a prudent approach to
understanding and dealing with environmental concerns. Because IPM is
a decision-making process and not a rote method, an IPM program will
always be able to take into account the wide spectrum of pest problems
1 US Environmental Protection Agency. Integrated Pest Management In Schools.