ISSA and Ecoform Move Forward on Development of Environmental Label

Progress is being made in the development of the Information-Based Environmental Label (IBEL), according to Jack Geibig, president of Ecoform, the company collaborating with ISSA in the creation of this next generation of environmental labeling for the commercial cleaning industry.

“With the recent development of several key metrics, we have made significant progress in the development of an information-based environmental label in just a few short months,” said Geibig, who is leading the development of IBEL.

IBEL will complement existing eco-label programs, such as those for chemical cleaners, and will also provide a uniform platform for communicating the environmental attributes for the hundreds of product categories for which eco-label programs do not exist.

As of February 24, metrics have been developed for the following environmental attributes of chemical cleaners:

  • Fragrances
  • Color and dyes
  • Combustibility
  • Post-consumer packaging content
  • Recyclable packaging content
  • Biobased material content

The individual metrics are being developed through the use of a work-group process, the results of which are then reviewed and vetted by the Core Development Committee. To date, the work group has considered seven different metrics, modified the list of future metrics to consider, and established a productive format in which to present information related to future metrics.

In addition, Ecoform recently launched a page on its Web site that is dedicated to the IBEL-development process. The IBEL-development page contains a calendar of upcoming calls with specific topic details; an archive of information developed during the IBEL process, including summaries of work-group and Core Development Committee calls; an area dedicated to recent IBEL activities, where you can keep informed; and a bulletin board for discussing metrics or asking questions. This Web page is open to anyone and will be updated frequently now that IBEL development is moving rapidly forward. The Web page can be accessed at: www.ecoform.com/ibel.html.

Ecoform and ISSA announced their intent to develop IBEL at ISSA/INTERCLEAN® North America 2009. Geibig is leading the development process in cooperation with a Core Development Committee composed of key stakeholders, including health and environmental advocates, unions, state and federal government representatives, eco-label organizations, large and small cleaning-product manufacturers, contract cleaners, and institutional purchasers.

For a complete list of the members of the Core Development Committee, go to www.issa.com/ibelfacts. For more information, contact ISSA Director of Legislative Affairs Bill Balek or Ecoform President Jack Geibig.

USGBC Supports CIMS-GB as Valuable LEED-EB: O&M Resource

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) recently approved a statement in support of the ISSA Cleaning Industry Management Standard’s (CIMS) Green Building (GB) criteria and designation. The official statement reads, “The USGBC supports CIMS-GB as a valuable resource to assist in securing LEED-Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance credits for green cleaning activities.”

The USGBC’s support of CIMS-GB as a LEED-EB: O&M resource further substantiates CIMS-GB as the preeminent green cleaning management framework and certification for cleaning organizations.

Calendar

April 26-29, ISSA/INTERCLEAN® Amsterdam 2010, Amsterdam RAI Exhibition and Congress Centre, Amsterdam, Netherlands.

May 4, The Winning Sales Formula: Steps for Proactive Sales Efforts, Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, Las Vegas, NV. In order to thrive in today’s economic climate, the sales professional must proactively “create” opportunities. Use the tools presented in this full-day workshop, complete with daily sales tactics, to ensure that you or your sales team truly are taking proactive measures. ISSA-member price: US$325; nonmember price: $525. Receive 10 percent off your seminar when you make your room reservation at Planet Hollywood. Register online.

May 6-May 27, Regional Meeting: Develop & Implement a Green Cleaning Program, plus: Green Cleaning University: How to Improve Your Ability to Sell Green. Enhance your green-cleaning knowledge and network with your industry peers at ISSA’s 2010 Regional Meeting, coming to a city near you this spring! This year’s event features a daylong format with three separate sessions: Develop & Implement a Green Cleaning Program; Lunch/Networking; and ISSA Green Cleaning University: How to Improve Your Ability to Sell Green. If you’re serious about competing in the green marketplace, you can’t afford to miss this event! St. Paul, MN (May 6); Los Angeles, CA (May 20); Worcester, MA (May 25); Philadelphia, PA (May 27).

June 9-11, ISSA/INTERCLEAN® Latin America 2010, Cancun Center, Conventions & Exhibitions, Cancun, Mexico.

November 9-12, ISSA/INTERCLEAN® North America 2010, Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL.

November 11-13, BSCAI Annual Convention & Trade Show (Held in conjunction with ISSA/INTERCLEAN® North America 2010), Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL.

The ONE Show for the cleaning industry is now the ONE Show that is ALL ABOUT YOU! Attend ISSA/INTERCLEAN® North America 2010—in Orlando, FL, November 9-12—and find just what you’re looking for to succeed in today’s business environment. Whether you’re interested in suppliers, staying ahead of industry trends, or networking with your peers, this event tries to match you to new opportunities.

Among the opportunities for building service contractors at this year’s event is the show’s first-ever co-location with the BSCAI Annual Convention, November 11-14! BSCAI members will be eligible to attend the ISSA/INTERCLEAN event at member rates.

Registration and housing for ISSA/INTERCLEAN North America 2010 opens April 21—and this year, you can register and book your hotel in one easy process! Go to www.issa.com/register or call the ISSA Customer Service Department at 800-225-4772 (North America) or 847-982-0800.

 

Welcome New ISSA Members!
Asia Tong International Group Pte. Ltd. (ATI)
 SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE

Barag M Ltd.
 SOFIA, BULGARIA

Caribbean Professionals (Bah) Ltd.
 NASSAU, BAHAMAS

CMS Facilities Maintenance, Inc.
 LAS VEGAS, NV

Corvus Holdings, LLC
 DENVER, CO

D.M. Burr Facilities
Management, Inc.

FLINT, MI
Environmental Facilities

Services, Inc.
 MCLEAN, VA

The Everett Clinic
 EVERETT, WA

Fresh House Co. Ltd.
 SOFIA, BULGARIA

G.I.S.A. BG Ltd.
 SOFIA, BULGARIA

Goodwill Industries International
 ROCKVILLE, MD

Green Clean Commercial Cleaning Services
 LAS VEGAS, NV

Guangzhou Universal Cleaning Machine Co. Ltd.
 GUANGZHOU, GUANGDONG, CHINA

Hinds Community College
 RAYMOND, MS

JMC Building Service
 MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA

John Poole Co.
 ACWORTH, GA

Keep It Up, Inc.
 NEW YORK, NY

Kleen1, LLC
 AVENTURA, FL

Koprash Facilities Services
 BURLINGTON, ON, CANADA

Lava Tap de Chiapas, S.A. de C.V.
 TUXTLA GUTIERREZ, CHIS., MEXICO

Martha Carpenter/EG Managed Services
 GRAND RAPIDS, MI

MG Capital Maintenance, Inc.
 MORRISVILLE, NC

Miele, Inc.
 PRINCETON, NJ

Mobile Washer
 BROOKLYN CENTER, MN

Moura’s Cleaning Service, Inc.
 HUDSON, MA

National Appeal, Inc.
 ADDISON, IL

Nature’s Essence Green Cleaning, LLC
AURORA, IL

Nuway Cleaning
 HEBRON, IL

NVS Corporate Services, Inc.
 BROWNSVILLE, TX

Opportunities For The Blind
 FREDERICKSBURG, VA

Optima K Ltd.
 VARNA, BULGARIA

P.U.H. Czysta Przyszlosc
 GDANSK, POLAND

Paul’s Cleaning Service of Broward
 POMPANO BEACH, FL

Peerless Jal Pty. Ltd.
 MELBOURNE, VIC, AUSTRALIA

PERS
 NOWY SACZ, POLAND

PFMI
 MONTGOMERY, AL

Pinnacle Maintenance Systems, Inc.
 SAFETY HARBOR, FL

Porter Industries Environment
 SLIDELL, LA

Prestige Maintenance USA
 PLANO, TX

Prolimsa
 MEXICO CITY, D.F., MEXICO

Rido s.c. Mirosawa Holysz, Wojciech Holysz, Agata Holysz
 POZNAN, POLAND

Rising Sun Resources, LLC
 HOUSTON, TX

Robert W. Baird & Co.
 CHICAGO, IL

S.J. Services, Inc.
 DANVERS, MA

Saint Louis University
 ST. LOUIS, MO

Sauber Ltd.
 SOFIA, BULGARIA

Saubermacher Bulgaria A.G.
 SOFIA, BULGARIA

Sharp Details
 DULLES, VA

Shenzhen Zhongzhi Chengcheng Integrated Service Co. Ltd.
 SHENZHEN, GUANGDONG, CHINA

Sherita M Ltd.
 SOFIA, BULGARIA

Silvouspalvelu Servisone Oy
 HELSINKI, FINLAND

SMS Assist, LLC
 CHICAGO, IL

Sparkling Image of Illinois
 DES PLAINES, IL

Strategic Maintenance Ltd.
 CALGARY, AB, CANADA

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center
TORONTO, ON, CANADA

Suzhou Special Cleaning Industrial Park Ltd.
 SUZHOU, JIANGSU, CHINA

Sylmus Cleaning, LLC
 INDIANAPOLIS, IN

Tara Support Services Ltd.
 ENFIELD, MIDDLESEX, UNITED KINGDOM

TIBH Industries, Inc.
 ABILENE, TX

United States Postal Service
 MEMPHIS, TN

Upkeep Maintenance
 URBANA, IL

Upright Commercial Janitorial
 PHOENIX, AZ

Vasilka Sofia Ltd.
 SOFIA, BULGARIA

Viox Services
 CINCINNATI, OH

VRS Multiservicos Ltda.
 SAO LEOPOLDO, RS, BRAZIL

Westcare Facility Services Ltd.
 CALGARY, AB, CANADA

Alberta Industrial & Safety Supply
 EDMONTON, AB, CANADA

Xanitos
RADNOR, PA

INDIVIDUAL IN-HOUSE SERVICE PROVIDERS

David Simonds, Bassett Healthcare
 COOPERSTOWN, NY

Jason Meyer, Bethel Homes
 OSHKOSH, WI

Rex Stephenson, Cookeville Regional Medical Center
COOKEVILLE, TN

Bob Puckett, Floyd County Board of Education
ROME, GA

Ruthie Davis, Forsyth County Government
 WINSTON SALEM, NC

Willie Merritt, Goodwill Industries of North GA
 ATLANTA, GA

Tom Vaughan, Hanover County Public Schools
 ASHLAND, VA

Keith Sopha, Homewood Health Centre
 GUELPH, ON, CANADA

Gregory Smith, King Fahad Specialist Hospital
 DAMMAM, SAUDI ARABIA

Patty Kawaoka, Miramar at Waikiki
 HONOLULU, HI

Ury Dikih, Dennis Owsley, Nike, Inc.
 BEAVERTON, OR

Keith Stahley, Northland International University
 DUNBAR, WI

Larry Dodson, Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana
 INDIANAPOLIS, IN

John R. Leos, Royal Oaks Lifecare
 SUN CITY, AZ

Debra Goodhart, Southeast Missouri Hospital
 CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO

Randy Scott, St. Therese of New Hope
 NEW HOPE, MN

Dawn Turvey, University of Cincinnati
CINCINNATI, OH

Otis French, University of Medicine & Dentistry of New Jersey
 PISCATAWAY, NJ

Douglas Kuenn, University of Wisconsin - La Crosse
 LA CROSSE, WI

David Krazit, Walt Disney World
 ORLANDO, FL

 

All information in "ISSA Reports" is furnished by ISSA. ©2010. All rights reserved.




POSTED ON: 4/19/2010