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Stephen Ashkin, a leading expert in green cleaning, Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) information, and sustainability, has been invited to join LEED's Indoor Environmental Quality Technical Advisory Group.

The advisory group plays a critical role in the ongoing development and maintenance of the LEED rating system. It is a volunteer committee consisting of experts from across the green building industry and business sectors.

"Our LEED committees help recommend new solutions and updates that ensure LEED retains its position as the predominant global green building rating system,” said Melissa Baker, senior vice president for Technical Core at U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). "Their insights and expertise provide the necessary guidance so LEED can continue to evolve and better assist building owners, facility managers, cleaning contractors, and all those focused on creating healthy, sustainable places."

The COVID-19 pandemic is a reminder of the importance of indoor environmental quality and USGBC believes it will remain one of most important issues for the building industry moving forward.

LEED has always been a tool to help teams design and operate buildings in a way that supports human, as well as environmental health. The LEED Indoor Environmental Quality Technical Advisory Groups are integral to advising on market and potential implementation-related issues, while ensuring the rating system continues to push the market forward.

Ashkin had previously provided USGBC with his "subject matter expertise on green cleaning." His new role with the advisory group positions him as a key voice helping to shape the credits and prerequisites in the rating system, ensuring LEED’s integrity remains grounded on technical and scientific considerations of the highest quality.

"Steve and The Ashkin Group have been outstanding partners in helping to evolve and adopt green cleaning guidance in LEED,” added Baker. “Their help has proven invaluable, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. We're delighted to bring his expertise to our Indoor Environmental Quality Technical Advisory Group," 

Ashkin adds that his new position will give him a much stronger voice advocating for the industry.

"I want to hear from people in our industry," he said. "Considering the pandemic, we must all work together promoting the important work our industry does, especially when it comes to keeping people healthy."