According to Stephen Ashkin, President of The Ashkin Group, misinformation about the proposed changes to the LEED rating system, known as v4, has resulted in pressure on the U.S. General Service Administration (GSA) to possibly discontinue the use of the LEED rating system.
 
"This could prove economically detrimental to a great number of companies within the green building industry, including many [in the jansan industry] who have invested heavily in green cleaning products and services," says Ashkin.
 
As Ashkin explains, LEED has played an undeniable role in helping the GSA save taxpayer money managing its more than 14 million square feet of office and work space while also helping to protect the environment and promote sustainability.
 
For example, the GSA has accomplished the following in its facilities:
• Reduced overall emissions by 20 percent
• Reduced energy intensity by 20 percent
• Cut water use by 14 percent since 2007
• Significantly improved energy efficiency

"The LEED program has aided in the development of better products, better designs, better engineering and better buildings," says Ashkin. "This saves U.S. taxpayers and businesses millions of dollars annually and is one reason why many Fortune 100 companies are using LEED to reduce operating costs and resources every day."
 
The Ashkin Group is asking members of the professional cleaning and building industries to show support for LEED by signing a "support the USGBC letter" today.
 
"It will demonstrate our industries' and our communities' strength and commitment to LEED," says Ashkin.