Green Shield Certified is an independent, non-profit certification program that promotes practitioners of effective, prevention-based pest control while minimizing the need to use pesticides. Because our approach addresses the underlying cause of pest problems, it is more effective than conventional spray-intensive services. Green Shield Certification is available to qualifying pest control professionals and to buildings and facilities where our standards are attained. Green Shield Certified is operated by the IPM Institute of North America, a nonprofit organization recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for its expertise and accomplishments in promoting integrated pest management. The IPM Institute's Board of Directors includes experts from universities, government and business. The Board makes all final decisions regarding Green Shield Certified standards and is advised by the Technical Advisory Committee, comprised of university professors, non profit experts, consultants and industry leaders.