LEED v5

Contributed by The Ashkin Group

Beginning earlier this year, Steve Ashkin, president of The Ashkin Group, a leading advocate for sustainability in the professional cleaning industry, along with ISSA, BSCAI, and other leading organizations, began encouraging their members to submit comments to the USGBC regarding the proposed LEED v5 for Existing Buildings: Operations + Maintenance Rating System.

As with many government agencies, the USGBC, which operates the LEED certification program, provides one or more comment periods during which it accepts feedback on new proposals before they are finalized.

According to Ashkin, more than two hundred comments, a significant number representing a powerful voice, were submitted by those in the professional cleaning and related industries. "This volume of feedback is a testament to the industry's commitment to sustainability and its influence on the proposal."

He adds that "we are deeply grateful to the many people and organizations who have played a pivotal role in this journey," says Ashkin, emphasizing the importance of each contribution.

In particular, he lists the following:

• The combined efforts of ISSA, BSCAI, the Cleaning Coalition of America (CCA), IICRC, IFMA, Indoor Health Council, Green Seal, SEIU, and the Thomas Shortman Fund and Building Skills Partnership. 
  
• Members of the China Green Cleaning Network for their support and efforts.

"Collectively, we captured the attention of the USGBC. I hope this will influence how the definitive version of LEED v5 O+M is written," says Ashkin.

Next, LEED v5 must work its way through USGBC committees. Then, there will be likely be a second round of Public Comments.

"We will keep the industry updated on what is happening," adds Ashkin.