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Contributed by The Ashkin Group

Recently, ISSA, The Ashkin Group, and now BSCAI begun harnessing the collective power of the professional cleaning industry to voice their opinions about the next LEED version - v5 - proposed by the U.S. Green Building Council's (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system. 

As expressed by the organizations, LEED v5 is a:

· Setback for the professional cleaning industry

· Fails to recognize the significant contributions of green cleaning to promote sustainability and protect human health.

· Overall downplays the importance of cleaning. 

To address this, Steve Ashkin, president of The Ashkin Group, has conducted seminars and authored posts on LinkedIn, consistently emphasizing the pivotal role of cleaning and frequently using the expression Cleaning Matters. 

"Very quickly, those two words have become a slogan for our campaign and a powerful testament of the importance of our industry."  

Among those believing Cleaning Matters is Dean Stanberry, CFM, SFP, Chair of the International Facility Management Association's (IFMA) Global Board of Directors. 

In an urgent message to IFMA's more than 24,000 members worldwide, he urged his members to contact the USGBC, emphasizing that immediate action is needed. 

"We have an unprecedented opportunity to help shape a globally recognized standard (LEED certification). Your participation in the LEED v5 public comment period helps ensure that FM priorities are addressed in a standard that will directly affect your operational activities. Don't let your voice go unheard. We won't have an opportunity to provide the FM perspective for another five years."

For those who also believe Cleaning Matters, the public comment period is happening now through May 20, 2024. The few steps needed to make a public comment are listed below.

"We're hoping this unexpectedly popular slogan will encourage more people to contact the USGBC," adds Ashkin. "Ultimately, it says everything our industry is all about.”

Here's how you can make your voice heard: 

• Go to their website for LEED Existing Buildings.

• Select Rating System: LEED O+M Existing Buildings

• Select A Version: v5 Public Comment 1

• In the search bar, search for "cleaning." 

• Click on Green Cleaning

• Then click the "COMMENT" button to share your thoughts.