The U.S. Green Building Council recently published its proposed updates to the LEED certifications and the public has until December 31, 2010 to comment. Jan/san distributors should take notice — and possibly even add their two cents — because numerous revisions have been made to the green cleaning portion of LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance.

Although the number of points awarded for green cleaning (which is still a prerequisite for certification) hasn't changed, if the proposed updates go through, the requirements to earn these points will be stricter. For example, green cleaning policies will need to include strategies for identifying and purchasing products that are environmentally friendly, but currently do not have existing third-party certifications, such as mop buckets, floor pads and carts. Also, the number of required green products (chemicals, paper, etc.) in a program will double to 60 percent and 75 percent of equipment must meet green criteria.

However, it will be easier to meet these purchasing goals because the revisions will recognize products that meet the EPA's Design for the Environment (DfE) or EcoForm's Information-Based Environmental Label, in addition to Green Seal and EcoLogo.

The revisions will also provide many opportunities for distributors to be a valuable resource to their customers. For example, new accepted ways for end users to meet the requirements of a high-performance cleaning program is to be GS-42 or CIMS-GB certified. Those who have earned the corresponding distributor designations (GS-42 TAP and CIMS I.C.E.) will already have the resources to easily help building service contractors and in-house service providers earn this point.

Like the green movement in general, LEED will also look past the environment and stress the importance of healthy buildings. To meet requirements, distributors can create programs for cleaning around vulnerable occupants and outline appropriate use of disinfectants depending on the setting.

Distributors should take note of these and other proposed changes to LEED. Those who disagree should speak up now.


 




POSTED ON: 11/30/2010