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, such as termites, without relying on chemical treatments unless specifically allowed.
According to theLEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction (v4):
SS Credit: Nontoxic Pest Control (1 point)
Use treated wood (e.g., pressure-treated or borate-treated) for all wood-to-concrete connections to prevent termite damage in a way that minimizes environmental impact compared to broad chemical treatments. This is considered a nontoxic or low-toxicity strategy for pest control.
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
Using treated wood for wood-to-concrete connections is an acceptable strategy to earn points by preventing pest access while minimizing chemical use.
Source: LEED v4.1 Residential BD+C, Credit Library, accessed via LEED Online.
The correct answer isuse treated wood for all wood-to-concrete connections(Option C), as this is a recognized nontoxic pest control strategy for the credit.
Why not the other options?
[Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, SS Credit: Nontoxic Pest Control, p. 82., B. Install landscaping within 24 in. (0.6 m) of home: This may increase pest access, contradicting the credit’s intent.Reference: LEED Reference Guide for Homes Design and Construction, v4, SS Credit: Nontoxic Pest Control, p. 82., D. Treat all wood framing with a borate product to a minimum of 3 ft. (0.9 m) below foundation: This is not a standard strategy and may involve excessive chemical use, not aligning with nontoxic goals.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 treated wood strategies., 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., ]
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