In the shadow of last month’s news coverage on swine flu and pandemic preparedness, the U.S. Green Building Council launched the updated, and much anticipated, LEED Green Building Rating System: LEED 2009. While the new rating system addresses specific regional environmental concerns and places a greater emphasis on energy efficiency, this new version of LEED offers fewer point rewards for green cleaning.

While the USGBC seems to marginalize the impact cleaning has on greening the facility and improving the health of its occupants, lawmakers across the country appear to be embracing cleaning’s green potential.

As of press time, 12 states have introduced laws mandating the purchase of green products and practice of green cleaning — and three more states are on the verge of securing similar requirements. Although some cleaning managers argue that federal requirements aren’t necessary to stress the importance of cleaning green, the legislation will force the issue upon skeptical building owners, while benefiting occupants.

Regardless of your stand on this issue, cleaning’s potential contribution to any green strategy is strong. Click here to learn more about the impact cleaning has on the environment, and for tips on incorporating green cleaning practices.

 




POSTED ON: 6/8/2009