This is a good requirement, because it addresses something you can do upfront to prevent health hazards later.  It should be titled “Pest Prevention,” though  — “nontoxic pest control” is what we would want to use once we see that there are pests in the house.

The intent here is to design home features to minimize the need for poisons for control of insects, rodents, and other pests.  In Minneapolis, we are generally at a very low risk for pest infestation and at just a slight risk for termites.  The cold winters apparently effectively kill those pests.  This credit has no prerequisites; for a maximum of 2 points, we need to implement one or more of the measures listed (1/2 point each):

a. Keep all wood (siding, trim, structure), at least 12 inches above soil

b. Seal all external cracks, joints, penetrations, edges, and entry points with caulking.  Where openings cannot be caulked or sealed, install rodent-and corrosion-proof screens (e.g., copper or stainless steel mesh).  Protect exposed foundation insulation with moisture-resistant, pest-proof cover (e.g., fiber cement board, galvanized insect screen).

c. Include no wood-to-concrete connections or separate any exterior wood-to-concrete connections (e.g., at posts, deck supports, stair stringers) with metal or plastic fasteners or dividers.

d. Install landscaping such that all parts of mature plants will be at least 24 inches from the home.

There is one more potential for 1/2 point for areas that are rated “moderate to heavy” through “very heavy” probability of termite infestation, but since Minnesota is rated only slight to moderate, we cannot go for that point (nor did we use those measures).

So, here’s what we have:

a. We have no wood in the soil – it’s all brick or masonry.  1/2 point

b.  Yes – everything is sealed (I can’t imagine that not being the case!)  1/2 point

c.  Did it. 1/2 point

d. Done. 1/2 point

We get the full two points, and we did not do anything that the builders would not have normally done for the sake of durability.

So far, after living in our house for a little more than a year, we have had no pests — except ants.  We cannot figure out how they get into our house.  At least we are using vinegar and water and cinnamon to get rid of them — toxic to the ants, but not to us.

Sustainable Sites points so far: 12

Cumulative points: 26

Additional points needed to get to Gold: 62