The Certification With such a heavy emphasis on being “certified,” which is the best certification for you? By: Amanda Martini-Hughes, assistant editor Lowdown On A A healthy work environment doesn’t have a down-side, and increasing numbers of companies and facilities are turning to the practice of green clean-ing in order to show their customers, competitors and the world that they are serious about doing their part to preserve the fragile state of our planet. But, how can you be certain that the building you work in is actually practicing what they preach? Many in the JanSan industry are turning to third-party certifiers in order to say: This is real. We are accountable. A number of green certifications began pop-ping up: ISSA’s Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS), the GREENGUARD Environmental Institute, Green Seal Inc., etc. They are quickly becoming household names, but what exactly do they mean for green cleaning? With so many green certification standards available, it is sometimes difficult to decipher which products and services are superior based on their certification label. This can lead to confusion and opens the door to potential greenwashing. Green Seal Green Seal is a non-profit organization that uses science-based programs to empower consum-ers, purchasers and companies to create a more sustainable world. Products that bear the Green Seal mark have complied with “a rigorous set of criteria designed to achieve leadership levels in sustainability.” Companies who choose Green Seal certifica-tion are establishing an ongoing commitment to health and the environment. By choosing to certify with Green Seal, com-panies can: for more info Visit www.cmmonline.com and type in search keyword: Green Cleaning . For more information on related products, visit www.cmmonline.com , select SUPPLIER SEARCH from the main navigation bar, and enter keyword: Certification . Improve the environment by reducing toxic pollution and waste, conserving resources and habitats and minimizing global warming and ozone depletion Increase the health and well-being of your customers, particularly those most affected by product choice, such as schoolchildren, service staff and the elderly Demonstrate that environmentally respon-sible products and services can meet or exceed performance and quality expecta-tions. The use of Green Seal-certified products can also help a facility earn and maintain Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) cer-tification. With Green Seal certification, manufacturers can back up their claims that their products are less harmful for the environment and the health of those who will come in contact with these prod-ucts daily. Green Seal certification can be achieved in the following areas: Household products (GS-8) Construction materials and equipment (GS-13, GS-31) Paints and coatings (GS-11, GS-43) Printing and writing paper (GS-7, GS-10, GS-15) Paper towels, napkins and tissue (GS-1, GS-9) Food packaging (GS-18, GS-35) Institutional cleaning products (GS-37, GS-40) Hand soaps and cleaners (GS-41). Commercial and institutional cleaning services can also be certified by Green Seal through the new GS-C1 Pilot Sustainability Standard. 14 CM/Cleaning & Maintenance Management ® • April 2011
CMM – Archives Apr 2011: 14
