Formalize Green Cleaning Programs With A Cleaning Survey

As more building owners go green and pursue LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, building service contractors must provide guidance and leadership in assisting them in those goals.  Following are some points to consider in a Green Cleaning Survey to assist them in going green: 

Entrance and Outside Building:  

1) Trash receptacles 

2) Smoking urns 

3) Matting  

Entry Areas: 

1) Matting 

2) Daily/regular servicing 

3) Dusting

Chemical Program: 

1) Dispensing system 

2) MSDS (soon to be SDS) 

3) Secondary labels 

4) Aerosols 

5) All purpose cleaners 

6) Glass cleaner (ammoniated?) 

7) Air freshener

8) Furniture polish 

9) Toilet bowl cleaner 

10) Stripper/finish remover 

11) Dust mop treatment 

12) Seal/finish 

13) Spray buff 

14) Hand soaps/cleaners 

15) Carpet cleaner/spotter 

16) Current condition of area

Equipment/tools: 

1) Vacuum cleaners (upright, back pack) HEPA? 

2) Dust mops (type/disposable) 

3) Buffers/burnishers 

4) Dusters (low and high) 

5) PPE’s (gloves, masks, goggles, etc.) 

6) Microfiber cloths

Restrooms: 

1) Faucets (automatic/manual) 

2) Flush devices (automatic/manual) 

3) Touch points (light switches, latches, door handles, soap levers) 

4) Urinal blocks

Paper products/Liners:  

1) Towels (C-fold, Tri-fold, Bleached roll, Brown roll) 

2) Toilet tissue (Density, sheets per roll) 

3) Post consumer content?

Building:  

1) Hard floor (maintenance) 

2) Carpet (cleaning) 

3) Recycling program 

4)Training programs 

5) Hazmat training 6) Certifications

One suggested process is to inventory all chemicals and use or dispose of any that are not green certified as you transition to green chemicals and processes.  Then implement a comprehensive training program on safe and effective use of the green chemicals and also other aspects of sustainability.  Utilize the resources and support of your equipment and supply distributor.  Oftentimes, the manufacturers can bring in LEED AP support, forms and other guidance.  

Your comments and questions are always welcome.  I hope to hear from you soon.  Until then, keep it clean…

Mickey Crowe has been involved in the industry for over 35 years. He is a trainer, speaker and consultant. You can reach Mickey at 678.314.2171 or CTCG50@comcast.net.