What to look for in a LEED Certified cleaning program

Since 2002, the Canada Green Building Council has been working to advance green building and sustainable community development practices in Canada. This not-for-profit organization is the license holder for the LEED green building rating system with the mission of reducing the environmental impact of the built environment.

As more buildings move toward the LEED green building rating system, the need for outsource cleaning providers to offer LEED certified cleaning programs has grown. Jani-King is proud to partner with LEED certified buildings and environmentally conscious organizations across the country to deliver sustainable cleaning practices that meet even the highest standard of LEED certification.

Here are a few things to watch for when choosing a cleaning program for your LEED certified facility:

Review the types of cleaning products being used

Ensure that all the cleaning products used on site bear the Green Seal or Environmental Choice designation.   Up to date Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for each products used on site should be kept in a centralized area and be accessible to all staff.

Choose sustainable cleaning equipment

All equipment being used in a LEED certified building must meet the following requirements:

• • • Vacuum cleaners: Must be certified by the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) “Green Label” testing program; capture 96% of particulates 0.3 microns in size; operate with a sound level less than 70 dBA.
    • Carpet extraction equipment: Must be certified by the CRI’s “Seal of Approval” testing program for deep-cleaning extractors
    • Automated scrubbing machines: Equipped with carriable-sped feed pumps and on-board chemical metering to optimize the use of cleaning fluids.
    • Battery powered equipment: Equipped with environmentally preferable gel batteries
    • Powered equipment: Ergonomically designed to minimize vibration, noise and user fatigue.

Hand Washing and Sanitizer Stations

Waterless, touchless hand sanitizer dispensers and touchless hand soap dispensers have been installed throughout all buildings to reduce the spread of germs and bacteria. All hand soaps will meet one or more of the following standards: No antimicrobial agents (other than as a preservative) except where required by health codes and other regulations (i.e. food service sand health care requirements); Green Seal HS-41, for industrial and institutional hand cleaners; and Environmental Choice CCD-104, for hand cleaners and hand soaps.

Safe Handling and Storage of Cleaning Chemicals

Cleaning chemicals (concentrated chemicals and diluted versions) must be stored in isolated and secured designated storage areas. Chemicals will be stored in a manner that reduces the possibility for accidental spills or leaks. Janitorial carts will be stored in these designated storage areas when not in use. All chemicals, in storage and on janitorial carts, will be stored in appropriate containers and properly labeled at all times.