Green Cleaning Certifications And LEED Points

 

Green Cleaning Certifications and LEED Points: Quick Guide

Green cleaning certifications validate environmentally responsible cleaning practices, while LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) points reward buildings for incorporating these certified products and services. Understanding how certifications translate into LEED points helps cleaning companies win sustainability contracts and helps facilities achieve certification.

Key Green Cleaning Certifications & LEED Points

1. Green Seal Certification (Most Important for LEED)

Green Seal is the most frequently specified third-party standard in LEED, appearing in five product/service categories.

StandardProduct/ServiceLEED Points
GS-37Cleaning Products1 point (Green Cleaning Credit) 
GS-40Floor-Care Products1 point 
GS-41Hand Cleaners1 point 
GS-1Sanitary Paper1 point M&R + 1 point IEQ
GS-42Cleaning ServicesFulfills mandatory LEED prerequisite 

Critical LEED v5 Achievement: Using Green Seal products (75%+) AND a Green Seal-certified service together qualifies for 5% of the 40 points needed for minimum certification.

2. ISSA CIMS-GB (Green Building)

CIMS-GB is designed specifically with LEED in mind:

AchievementLEED Impact
CIMS-GB certified serviceHelps achieve Silver (50-59 pts), Gold (60-79 pts), or Platinum (80+ pts) 
CIMS Sustainability (newer)Up to 15 LEED v5 points 

Multiple UL standards for cleaners, floor care, and carpet care contribute to LEED O+M certification:

  • UL 2759 (Hard Surface Cleaners)

  • UL 2777 (Hard Floor Care)

  • UL 2795 (Carpet Care)

4. EPA Safer Choice & USDA BioPreferred

Alternative standards that may contribute to LEED points in Materials & Resources.

LEED Requirements for Green Cleaning

Mandatory Prerequisite

Green Cleaning Policy is mandatory for LEED Certification of existing buildings:

Point Categories

LEED CategoryPoints Available
Indoor Environmental Quality (Green Cleaning)Up to 2 points 
Materials & Resources1+ points

LEED v5 Update: Draft proposes up to 2 points for certified cleaning products.

LEED Certification Levels

LevelPoints RequiredGreen Cleaning Contribution
Certified40-49Green Seal products + service = 5% of 40 points 
Silver50-59CIMS-GB helps achieve this 
Gold60-79CIMS-GB helps achieve this 
Platinum80+CIMS-GB helps achieve this 

Benefits for Cleaning Companies

BenefitDescription
New ClientsAccess to LEED-seeking clients unattainable without certification 
Higher PricingClients pay more for certified green services 
Competitive EdgeCertification serves as industry "badge of authentication"
Third-Party ValidationDemonstrates genuine sustainability commitment 

How to Get Certified

For Cleaning Companies

  • Green Seal GS-42: Reduce chemical waste, use eco-products, train staff, document materials

  • ISSA CIMS-GB: Achieve base CIMS first, then add green building element aligned with LEED

  • IJCSA: 6-hour online class + yearly recertification

For Products

Quick Implementation Checklist

  1. Implement Green Cleaning Policy (mandatory)

  2. Use certified products for 75%+ of purchases

  3. Document all materials and maintenance

  4. Train staff on chemical hazards and disposal

Bottom Line

The most impactful LEED strategy is using Green Seal-certified products (75%+) AND hiring a Green Seal-certified service (GS-42), providing 5% of required points. For broader sustainability leadership, CIMS Sustainability earns up to 15 LEED v5 points.

Green cleaning certifications open doors to sustainability-focused contracts and directly influence facility LEED success—essential knowledge for both cleaning companies and facility managers.

Location: 17 N State St, Lindon, UT 84042, USA

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