EQp3: Green Cleaning Policy – Above Green

Required

Intent

To reduce levels of chemical, biological, and particulate contaminants that can compromise air quality, human health, building finishes, building systems, and the environment.

Requirements

Operate the project using green cleaning best practices.

Option 1. In-House Green Cleaning Policy

Have in place a green cleaning policy for the green cleaning procedures, materials, and services that are within the project and site management’s control. Include the following elements:

Performance Targets

Use of cleaning products and materials that meet the green cleaning criteria in EQ Credit: Green Cleaning
Use of cleaning equipment that meets the criteria in EQ Credit: Green Cleaning

Goals and Strategies

Standard operating procedures for effective cleaning of hard floors and carpets that will be consistently used, managed, and audited.
Provisions for addressing protection of building occupants during cleaning, including vulnerable populations.
Guidelines for selection and appropriate use of disinfectants and sanitizers.
Guidelines for safe handling and storage of cleaning chemicals used in the building, including a plan for managing hazardous spills and mishandling incidents.
Strategies for reducing the toxicity of the chemicals used for laundry, ware washing, and other cleaning activities.
Strategies for conserving energy, water, and chemicals during cleaning.
Strategies for promoting and improving hand hygiene.

Personnel

Requirements for maintenance personnel including contingency planning to manage staffing shortages under a variety of conditions to ensure that basic cleaning services are met and critical cleaning needs are addressed. Include a process to obtain occupant and custodial staff input and feedback after contingency plans are implemented.
Timing and frequency of training for maintenance personnel in the hazards of use, disposal, and recycling of cleaning chemicals, dispensing equipment, and packaging.

Option 2. Certified Cleaning Service

Clean the project with a cleaning service certified and in good standing under one of the following:

Green Seal’s Environmental Standard for Commercial Cleaning Services (GS-42); or
International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA) Cleaning Industry Management Standard for Green Buildings (CIMS-GB); or
Local equivalent for projects outside the U.S.

In addition, work with the cleaning contractor to create goals and strategies for conserving energy, water, and chemicals during cleaning.