How To Earn GS-42 Certification

Part two of this three-part article looks at the leg work required to become Green Seal and LEED certified.

Compliance with GS-42 certification requires a tremendous amount of documentation. As such, Pioneer has become adept at meticulous record keeping, according to Orellana.

“There are a lot of paper trails that we have to ensure, from communication plans to identifying sensitive populations inside our buildings and adjusting our processes accordingly,” he says.
Pioneer also keeps maintenance logs on each piece of equipment, recording every instance a filter or part is changed.

“By tracking maintenance we can extend the life of the machines and ensure that we’re using them properly,” says Orellana.

Approximately 90 percent of Pioneer’s floor equipment meets GS-42 specifications — well surpassing the 50 percent requirement in the standard. The BSC upgraded or retrofitted several of its backpack vacuums, which are certified by the Carpet and Rug Institute, to meet HEPA filtration requirements. Pioneer’s electric burnishers are equipped to capture and collect particulates and operate at a sound level of less than 70 dBA, as outlined in the standard. The company also uses walk-behind floor scrubbers that clean with engineered water, thereby eliminating the need for cleaning chemicals. These machines are used on a nightly basis, depending on the  building.

Additionally, in accordance with the program’s specifications, Pioneer performs restorative maintenance on hard flooring on an as-needed basis rather than on a predetermined schedule. 

“Where we used to strip and wax a floor more frequently, we have now trained our staff to evaluate the need based on traffic flows,” says Carlson. “So we’re not expensing unnecessary labor resources, and we’re not using unnecessary chemicals in the building.”

Pioneer also uses a color-coded microfiber system to prevent cross-contamination.

“We use different color-coded mops for different floors and color-coded cloths to clean different surfaces: Red is for restrooms, blue is for glass and green is for multi-purpose cleaners,” says Carlson. “We clean restrooms from high to low and toward the doorway with dry cleaning tasks performed prior to wet cleaning operations.”

Strength In Numbers

Both Orellana and Carlson stress the importance of partnering and communicating openly with vendors, distributors, building managers and staff to ensure that Green Seal initiatives are implemented successfully in all cleaning operations.

Pioneer establishes in-depth communication with a building’s management regarding cleaning concerns as well as building-related issues that fall outside the scope of cleaning, such as lighting and plumbing. The BSC also works closely with building management on procedures for recyclable material and implements central-location recycling to encourage tenant participation.

According to Carlson, clients are receptive to changes that not only improve the cleanliness of the building and the health of its occupants, but also the appearance of the facility as well.

“Customers appreciate it when we adjust or critique scopes of work when necessary,” says Carlson. “Anytime we go in to ensure they have ample walk-off matting, for example, it is really well received. It allows them to make changes that keep the building cleaner and provide a long-term value on floor services. And it also has aesthetic benefits. There’s a visual impact that’s really positive when you implement a sustainable cleaning program.”

Pioneer’s green cleaning program also enables clients to comply with LEED requirements for green cleaning. The BSC has 20-plus sites that are LEED-certified, and the company maintains ongoing monitoring and renewal requirements.

“Anytime an existing customer or prospect decides they want to convert the building to a LEED-EBOM certification, we are able to provide a service platform that guarantees the maximum points allowed for cleaning,” says Carlson.