The Lowdown On Certification According to the Green Seal, the objec-tive of the pilot certification program is to gain practical understanding about the GS-C1 requirements and procedures from companies that are going through the cer-tification process. Because the standard is still in the pilot phase, it is not yet available for all product manufacturers. Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS). According to ISSA, CIMS is the first consensus-based management standard that outlines the primary characteristics of a successful, quality cleaning organization. While certification programs like Green Seal and GREENGUARD are more focused on the products that will be used in an indoor environment, CIMS is also con-cerned with how those products are used. CIMS is a standard that applies to man-agement, operations, performance sys-tems and processes. According to ISSA, compliance with the Standard demonstrates an organization is structured to deliver consistent, quality services that are designed to meet the cus-tomer’s needs and expectations. The Standard is divided in to six best practice areas: Quality systems Service delivery Human resources Health, safety and environmental stewardship Management commitment Green building. CIMS is a program designed to save money. CIMS helps facilities impleme men an effec-implement m k tha tive management framework that allows for o efficienc nc allowing optimum operational efficiency, rvice to t the end-user, r, w better service which natu-n cost savings. s rally results in According to o ISSA er to t achieve ISSA, in order on, a facility f serv erv CIMS certification, service provid-ust submit su wr er organization must written docu-ting their th compliance compl mpl mentation supporting with s described desc d in the t five key the requirements Standa andard. sections of the Standard. CIMS differentiates iates itself i from rom o other cer-rams because b tification programs the Standard n entire ent cleaning organization, or applies to an ther programs prog apply to pe while other people, prod-cle sep ucts or cleaning procedures, separately. The Standard does not recom T recommend any specific product, equipment or p procedures and, therefore, allows the cleaning organi-zation flexibility to choose the best prod-ucts, equipment and procedures for their organization, while still remaining compliant with the Standard. CIMS certification is also a key for facili-ties that are looking to become, or remain, LEED certified. Seeing The Difference It is important to note that, at this point in time, no one certification program or sys-tem is all-encompassing. Green Seal takes in to account the chem-ical composition of a product: If the mixture of ingredients in a particular product will have no adverse affects on those using the product or living and working in the envi-ronment after its use, then the product can become Green Seal certified. GREENGUARD will take the safety of a product one step further and test it in real-world situations. A product that is GREENGUARD certi-fied has been used in the environment that will be cleaned and, after testing, has been deemed to be safe. CIMS takes systems thinking in to account. A facility that is CIMS certified not only uses products that are environmentally friendly, but employs other practices and techniques that contribute to the overall “greenness” of the facility. There are other certification programs that consist of a mixture of all of the previously mentioned programs, but none are as highly recognized by the cleaning industry — yet. GREENGUARD T he GREENGUARD Environmental Institute was created to “protect human health and quality of life by enhancing indoor air quality and reducing people’s exposure to chemicals and other pollut-ants.” GREENGUARD certifies products and materials for low chemical emissions and provides a resource for choosing healthier products and materials for indoor environ-ments. When choosing products that are GREENGUARD certified, you can be sure that all products meet strict emissions standards set forth by the Institute. GREENGUARD offers three certifica-tion programs: GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certified, GREENGUARD Children & Schools Certified and GREENGUARD Building Construction Certified. r Air Quality Certified is s a certifi-Indoor ogram for low-emitting itting build cation program building , furniture, furnishings, furnishing ishings, finishes, materials, electro and con-cleaning products, electronics ducts. sumer products. n & Schools ools C Certified is a certi-Children rogram for low-emitting lo building fication program , furniture, re, finishes, fin cleaning prod-materials, tronics and consumer products ucts, electronics sed in n envir environments where chil-that are used nsitive populations spend dren and other sensitiv sensitive d periods of f time. extended g Construction on Ce Building Certified is a pro-ewly constructed ted multifamily multi and gram for newly ial properties that follows best commercial uidelines for preventing mold ld and practice guidelines moisture intrusion during design, construc-tion and ongoing operations. Building projects are registered and must undergo review during design, construction and initial operational phases. Making The Choice No matter what, the decision to be green has to be a conscious choice. The decision to be certified green is an even more important choice. No matter what certification you look at, there are rigorous standards that have to be met and upheld. If you are looking to certify your entire cleaning operation, every single person has to be onboard. Certification is a group effort. If you are a company that chooses to have their products certified green, that, too, is a choice that should not be made lightly. Consumers, both commercial and pri-vate, will look to your products as the top of the green industry. Certification should not be undertaken simply to make you look good. Certification can improve a company image, but it will also hold you to a higher standard. This is not necessarily a bad thing; just think of all the good you’re doing for the environment and the health of others. CM CIMS One of the more visible and all-encompass-ing standards, offered through ISSA, is the 16 CM/Cleaning & Maintenance Management ® • April 2011
CMM – Archives Apr 2011: 16
