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LEED v4.1

Existing Buildings

Indoor Environmental Quality
Green Cleaning

LEED CREDIT

EBOM-v4.1 EQc1: Green Cleaning 1-3 points

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© Copyright U.S. Green Building Council, Inc. All rights reserved.

Requirements

Interiors projects may select up to three options to earn up to 3 points.

Option 1. Custodial Effectiveness Assessment (1 point)
Perform routine inspection and monitoring of the facility’s green cleaning policy to verify that the specified strategies are being used and to identify areas in need of improvement.

Additionally, conduct an annual audit in accordance with APPA Leadership in Educational Facilities’ Custodial Staffing Guidelines, or a local equivalent, to determine the appearance level of the facility. The facility must score 2.5 or better. OR
Option 2. Entryway Systems (1point)
Have in place permanent entryway systems at least 10 feet (3 meters) long in the primary direction of travel to capture dirt and particulates entering the building at regularly used exterior entrances. Acceptable entryway systems include permanently installed grates, grilles, slotted systems that allow for cleaning underneath, rollout mats, and any other materials manufactured as entryway systems with equal to or better performance. Maintain all on a weekly basis.

Warehouses & Distribution Centers only
Buildings are not required to provide entryway systems at doors leading from the exterior to the loading dock/garage, but must provide them between these spaces and adjacent office areas.

Multifamily only
Common area entrances shall meet the requirements above. For residential units with a direct entrance to the exterior, have in place a walk off mat. OR
Option 3. Powered janitorial equipment (1 point)
At least 40%, by cost, of all powered janitorial equipment (purchased, leased, or used by contractors) used to clean the project meets the following criteria.

The equipment must have the following features:
  • safeguards, such as rollers or rubber bumpers, to avoid damage to building surfaces;
  • ergonomic design to minimize vibration, noise, and user fatigue, as reported in the user manual in accordance with ISO 5349-1 for arm vibrations, ISO 2631–1 for vibration to the whole body, and ISO 11201 for sound pressure at operator’s ear; and
  • as applicable, environmentally preferable batteries (e.g., gel, absorbent glass mat, lithium-ion) except in applications requiring deep discharge and heavy loads where performance or battery life is reduced by the use of sealed batteries.
  • Vacuum cleaners must be certified by the Carpet and Rug Institute Seal of Approval/Green Label Vacuum Program and operate with a maximum sound level of 70 dBA or less in accordance with ISO 11201.
  • Carpet extraction equipment, for restorative deep cleaning, must be certified by the Carpet and Rug Institute's Seal of Approval Deep Cleaning Extractors and Seal of Approval Deep Cleaning Systems program.
  • Propane-powered floor equipment must have high-efficiency, low-emissions engines with catalytic converters and mufflers that meet the California Air Resources Board or EPA standards for the specific engine size and operate with a sound level of 90 dBA or less, in accordance with ISO 11201.
  • Automated scrubbing machines must be equipped with variable-speed feed pumps and either (1) on-board chemical metering to optimize the use of cleaning fluids or (2) dilution control systems for chemical refilling. Alternatively, scrubbing machines may use tap water only, with no added cleaning products.
OR
Option 4. Cleaning products and materials(1 point)
At least 75% of all cleaning products and materials, by cost must meet at least one of the following standards. Compliance may be demonstrated via a product inventory or from total annual purchases.

Cleaning products must meet one or more of the following standards, or a local equivalent for projects outside the U.S.:
  • Green Seal GS-37, for general-purpose, bathroom, glass and carpet cleaners used for industrial and institutional purposes;
  • UL EcoLogo 2792 for cleaning and degreasing compounds;
  • UL EcoLogo 2759 for hard-surface cleaners;
  • UL EcoLogo 2795, for carpet and upholstery care;
  • Green Seal GS-40, for industrial and institutional floor care products;
  • UL EcoLogo 2777 for hard-floor care;
  • EPA Safer Choice Standard; and/or
  • Cleaning devices that use only ionized water or electrolyzed water and have third-party-verified performance data equivalent to the other standards mentioned above (if the device is marketed for antimicrobial cleaning, performance data must demonstrate antimicrobial performance comparable to EPA Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics and Design for the Environment requirements, as appropriate for use patterns and marketing claims).
Disinfectants, metal polish, or other products not addressed by the above standards must meet one or more of the following standards (or a local equivalent for projects outside the U.S.):
  • UL EcoLogo 2798 for digestion additives for cleaning and odor control;
  • UL EcoLogo 2791 for drain or grease trap additives;
  • UL EcoLogo 2796 for odor control additives;
  • Green Seal GS-52/53, for specialty cleaning products;
  • California Code of Regulations maximum allowable VOC levels for the specific product category;
  • EPA Safer Choice Standard; and/or
  • Cleaning devices that use only ionized water or electrolyzed water and have third-party-verified performance data equivalent to the other standards mentioned above (if the device is marketed for antimicrobial cleaning, performance data must demonstrate antimicrobial performance comparable to EPA Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics and Design for the Environment requirements, as appropriate for use patterns and marketing claims).
Disposable janitorial paper products and trash bags must meet the minimum requirements of one or more of the following programs, or a local equivalent for projects outside the U.S.:
  • EPA comprehensive procurement guidelines, for janitorial paper;
  • Green Seal GS-01, for tissue paper, paper towels and napkins;
  • UL EcoLogo 175, for toilet tissue;
  • UL EcoLogo 175, for hand towels
  • Janitorial paper products derived from rapidly renewable resources or made from tree-free fibers;
  • FSC certification, for fiber procurement;
  • EPA comprehensive procurement guidelines, for plastic trash can liners; and/or
  • California integrated waste management requirements, for plastic trash can liners (California Code of Regulations Title 14, Chapter 4, Article 5, or SABRC 42290-42297 Recycled Content Plastic Trash Bag Program).
Hand soaps and hand sanitizers must meet one or more of the following standards, or a local equivalent for projects outside the U.S.:
  • no antimicrobial agents (other than as a preservative) except where required by health codes and other regulations (e.g., food service and health care requirements);
  • Green Seal GS-41, for industrial and institutional hand cleaners;
  • UL EcoLogo 2784 for hand cleaners and hand soaps;
  • UL EcoLogo 2783 for hand sanitizers;
  • EPA Safer Choice Standard.
For projects outside the U.S., any Type 1 eco-labeling program as defined by ISO 14024: 1999 developed by a member of the Global Ecolabelling Network may be used in lieu of Green Seal or UL Ecolabel standards. See all forum discussions about this credit »

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Our tab contains overall cost guidance, notes on what “soft costs” to expect, and a strategy-by-strategy breakdown of what to consider and what it might cost, in percentage premiums, actual costs, or both.

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Learn more about The Cost of LEED v4 »

Frequently asked questions

Option 2: Can we clean entryway mats in-house, or do they need to be sent to a “professional” cleaning service?

The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial »

(If you're already a premium member, log in here.)

Option 2: We have a loading dock and an attached underground garage. Both of these areas have access into the building interior. Do we need to have entryway systems for either of them?

The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial »

(If you're already a premium member, log in here.)

Option 2: Do the ten-foot mats need to be one continuous mat?

The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial »

(If you're already a premium member, log in here.)

Option 2: Can an entryway system be split up so that part is located outside and the remainder of the required ten feet is located inside?

The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial »

(If you're already a premium member, log in here.)

Option 2: We already have a carpeted lobby that extends farther than ten feet in all directions from the building entrance. Does this count as a compliant entryway system? Our cleaning staff vacuums and performs restorative cleaning frequently to this area.

The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial »

(If you're already a premium member, log in here.)

Option 2: We don’t have enough space for ten feet of mats. What can we do?

The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial »

(If you're already a premium member, log in here.)

Option 3: In a multi-tenant building, some tenants have their own cleaning contractor. Does their equipment need to be included in the calculations for this option?

The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial »

(If you're already a premium member, log in here.)

Option 3: My vacuum is CRI certified but operates above 70 dBA. Is it compliant with the credit requirements?

The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial »

(If you're already a premium member, log in here.)

Option 1: When should we conduct the audit?

The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial »

(If you're already a premium member, log in here.)

Option 4: What types of cleaning products are often overlooked when documenting this option?

The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial »

(If you're already a premium member, log in here.)

Option 1: How many times can we conduct an APPA audit? We want to use the results of our first audit to improve housekeeping practices and then perform a second audit to see if we’re closer to reaching our desired level of cleanliness.

The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial »

(If you're already a premium member, log in here.)

Option 4: Do I need to track additional cleaning products like dust mops, brooms, spray bottles and the like?

The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial »

(If you're already a premium member, log in here.)

Option 4: Are microfiber rags included in the credit calculations?

The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial »

(If you're already a premium member, log in here.)

Option 1: How frequently do we have to conduct an APPA audit?

The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial »

(If you're already a premium member, log in here.)

Option 4: I’ve heard that you can exclude certain types of trash liners. Is this true?

The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial »

(If you're already a premium member, log in here.)

Option 1: Isn’t the APPA audit just for educational facilities?

The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial »

(If you're already a premium member, log in here.)

Option 4: How should we account for cleaning practices that are done by an outside vendor and only once or twice a year—for example, stone polishing performed semi-annually by a stone polishing company or window cleaning performed quarterly?

The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial »

(If you're already a premium member, log in here.)

Option 1: I have multiple tenants in my building. Do I need to audit 10% of each space type in each tenant area?

The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial »

(If you're already a premium member, log in here.)

Option 4: Would it be sufficient to include a printout of the Green Seal website that lists the certified products?

The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial »

(If you're already a premium member, log in here.)

Option 1: In our multi-tenant building there are many spaces that are currently vacant or mid-fit-out. Should those spaces be included in the audit?

The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial »

(If you're already a premium member, log in here.)

Option 4: In multi-tenant buildings, can I achieve this option by excluding the spaces that are not under owner-operator control?

The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial »

(If you're already a premium member, log in here.)

Option 1: We plan on training two in-house staff to conduct the audit. Do we have to purchase a copy of the APPA Custodial Staffing Guidelines?

The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial »

(If you're already a premium member, log in here.)

Option 4: How should projects outside the U.S. submit for this option, where Green Seal or UL Ecologo labeled products aren’t available but local products might meet the credit intent?

The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial »

(If you're already a premium member, log in here.)

Option 2: How often do entryway systems need to be cleaned?

The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial »

(If you're already a premium member, log in here.)

See all forum discussions about this credit »

Addenda

11/9/2020Updated: 2/3/2021
Form Update
Description of change:
revised green cleaning options from radios to checkboxes
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
No
7/28/2023
LEED Interpretation
Inquiry:

Can Green Seal GS-60 be used for compliance with Green Cleaning?

Ruling:

Yes, trash bags and can liners that comply with the Green Seal GS-60 standard can be used to meet the Green Cleaning- products and materials credit.

Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
No
2/6/2023
LEED Interpretation
Inquiry:

Facility cleaning performance in LEED is based on a subjective visual inspection, using the Association of Physical Plant Administrators (APPA) Leadership in Educational Facilities' Custodial Staffing Guidelines.

As an alternative to this audit procedure which uses appearance level, can we instead perform inspections using testing devices that measure surface contamination (e.g. Adenosine Triphosphate [ATP] meters)?

Ruling:

Yes, performing inspections via testing devices that measure surface contamination can be used as an alternative to a visual inspection. To use this approach to comply with EQ credit Green Cleaning, Option 1. Custodial effectiveness assessment,
develop and implement a protocol for routinely measuring of surface contamination using an ATP meter (or equivalent device). Randomly sample all space classes prioritizing those used by multiple people throughout the day and the high-touch surfaces within those space classes. Create reports to verify testing was completed and identify cleaning performance of the surfaces tested and corrective actions as warranted.

Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
No
See all forum discussions about this credit »

Documentation toolkit

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The Ashkin Group LLC
President

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© Copyright U.S. Green Building Council, Inc. All rights reserved.

Requirements

Interiors projects may select up to three options to earn up to 3 points.

Option 1. Custodial Effectiveness Assessment (1 point)
Perform routine inspection and monitoring of the facility’s green cleaning policy to verify that the specified strategies are being used and to identify areas in need of improvement.

Additionally, conduct an annual audit in accordance with APPA Leadership in Educational Facilities’ Custodial Staffing Guidelines, or a local equivalent, to determine the appearance level of the facility. The facility must score 2.5 or better. OR
Option 2. Entryway Systems (1point)
Have in place permanent entryway systems at least 10 feet (3 meters) long in the primary direction of travel to capture dirt and particulates entering the building at regularly used exterior entrances. Acceptable entryway systems include permanently installed grates, grilles, slotted systems that allow for cleaning underneath, rollout mats, and any other materials manufactured as entryway systems with equal to or better performance. Maintain all on a weekly basis.

Warehouses & Distribution Centers only
Buildings are not required to provide entryway systems at doors leading from the exterior to the loading dock/garage, but must provide them between these spaces and adjacent office areas.

Multifamily only
Common area entrances shall meet the requirements above. For residential units with a direct entrance to the exterior, have in place a walk off mat. OR
Option 3. Powered janitorial equipment (1 point)
At least 40%, by cost, of all powered janitorial equipment (purchased, leased, or used by contractors) used to clean the project meets the following criteria.

The equipment must have the following features:
  • safeguards, such as rollers or rubber bumpers, to avoid damage to building surfaces;
  • ergonomic design to minimize vibration, noise, and user fatigue, as reported in the user manual in accordance with ISO 5349-1 for arm vibrations, ISO 2631–1 for vibration to the whole body, and ISO 11201 for sound pressure at operator’s ear; and
  • as applicable, environmentally preferable batteries (e.g., gel, absorbent glass mat, lithium-ion) except in applications requiring deep discharge and heavy loads where performance or battery life is reduced by the use of sealed batteries.
  • Vacuum cleaners must be certified by the Carpet and Rug Institute Seal of Approval/Green Label Vacuum Program and operate with a maximum sound level of 70 dBA or less in accordance with ISO 11201.
  • Carpet extraction equipment, for restorative deep cleaning, must be certified by the Carpet and Rug Institute's Seal of Approval Deep Cleaning Extractors and Seal of Approval Deep Cleaning Systems program.
  • Propane-powered floor equipment must have high-efficiency, low-emissions engines with catalytic converters and mufflers that meet the California Air Resources Board or EPA standards for the specific engine size and operate with a sound level of 90 dBA or less, in accordance with ISO 11201.
  • Automated scrubbing machines must be equipped with variable-speed feed pumps and either (1) on-board chemical metering to optimize the use of cleaning fluids or (2) dilution control systems for chemical refilling. Alternatively, scrubbing machines may use tap water only, with no added cleaning products.
OR
Option 4. Cleaning products and materials(1 point)
At least 75% of all cleaning products and materials, by cost must meet at least one of the following standards. Compliance may be demonstrated via a product inventory or from total annual purchases.

Cleaning products must meet one or more of the following standards, or a local equivalent for projects outside the U.S.:
  • Green Seal GS-37, for general-purpose, bathroom, glass and carpet cleaners used for industrial and institutional purposes;
  • UL EcoLogo 2792 for cleaning and degreasing compounds;
  • UL EcoLogo 2759 for hard-surface cleaners;
  • UL EcoLogo 2795, for carpet and upholstery care;
  • Green Seal GS-40, for industrial and institutional floor care products;
  • UL EcoLogo 2777 for hard-floor care;
  • EPA Safer Choice Standard; and/or
  • Cleaning devices that use only ionized water or electrolyzed water and have third-party-verified performance data equivalent to the other standards mentioned above (if the device is marketed for antimicrobial cleaning, performance data must demonstrate antimicrobial performance comparable to EPA Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics and Design for the Environment requirements, as appropriate for use patterns and marketing claims).
Disinfectants, metal polish, or other products not addressed by the above standards must meet one or more of the following standards (or a local equivalent for projects outside the U.S.):
  • UL EcoLogo 2798 for digestion additives for cleaning and odor control;
  • UL EcoLogo 2791 for drain or grease trap additives;
  • UL EcoLogo 2796 for odor control additives;
  • Green Seal GS-52/53, for specialty cleaning products;
  • California Code of Regulations maximum allowable VOC levels for the specific product category;
  • EPA Safer Choice Standard; and/or
  • Cleaning devices that use only ionized water or electrolyzed water and have third-party-verified performance data equivalent to the other standards mentioned above (if the device is marketed for antimicrobial cleaning, performance data must demonstrate antimicrobial performance comparable to EPA Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics and Design for the Environment requirements, as appropriate for use patterns and marketing claims).
Disposable janitorial paper products and trash bags must meet the minimum requirements of one or more of the following programs, or a local equivalent for projects outside the U.S.:
  • EPA comprehensive procurement guidelines, for janitorial paper;
  • Green Seal GS-01, for tissue paper, paper towels and napkins;
  • UL EcoLogo 175, for toilet tissue;
  • UL EcoLogo 175, for hand towels
  • Janitorial paper products derived from rapidly renewable resources or made from tree-free fibers;
  • FSC certification, for fiber procurement;
  • EPA comprehensive procurement guidelines, for plastic trash can liners; and/or
  • California integrated waste management requirements, for plastic trash can liners (California Code of Regulations Title 14, Chapter 4, Article 5, or SABRC 42290-42297 Recycled Content Plastic Trash Bag Program).
Hand soaps and hand sanitizers must meet one or more of the following standards, or a local equivalent for projects outside the U.S.:
  • no antimicrobial agents (other than as a preservative) except where required by health codes and other regulations (e.g., food service and health care requirements);
  • Green Seal GS-41, for industrial and institutional hand cleaners;
  • UL EcoLogo 2784 for hand cleaners and hand soaps;
  • UL EcoLogo 2783 for hand sanitizers;
  • EPA Safer Choice Standard.
For projects outside the U.S., any Type 1 eco-labeling program as defined by ISO 14024: 1999 developed by a member of the Global Ecolabelling Network may be used in lieu of Green Seal or UL Ecolabel standards.

In the end, LEED is all about documentation. LEEDuser’s Documentation Toolkit, for premium members only, saves you time and helps you avoid mistakes with:

  • Calculators to help assess credit compliance.
  • Tracking spreadsheets for materials purchases.
  • Spreadsheets and forms to give to subs and other team members.
  • Guidance documents on arcane LEED issues.
  • Sample templates to help guide your narratives and LEED Online submissions.
  • Examples of actual submissions from certified LEED projects.

Option 2: Can we clean entryway mats in-house, or do they need to be sent to a “professional” cleaning service?

The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial »

(If you're already a premium member, log in here.)

Option 2: We have a loading dock and an attached underground garage. Both of these areas have access into the building interior. Do we need to have entryway systems for either of them?

The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial »

(If you're already a premium member, log in here.)

Option 2: Do the ten-foot mats need to be one continuous mat?

The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial »

(If you're already a premium member, log in here.)

Option 2: Can an entryway system be split up so that part is located outside and the remainder of the required ten feet is located inside?

The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial »

(If you're already a premium member, log in here.)

Option 2: We already have a carpeted lobby that extends farther than ten feet in all directions from the building entrance. Does this count as a compliant entryway system? Our cleaning staff vacuums and performs restorative cleaning frequently to this area.

The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial »

(If you're already a premium member, log in here.)

Option 2: We don’t have enough space for ten feet of mats. What can we do?

The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial »

(If you're already a premium member, log in here.)

Option 3: In a multi-tenant building, some tenants have their own cleaning contractor. Does their equipment need to be included in the calculations for this option?

The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial »

(If you're already a premium member, log in here.)

Option 3: My vacuum is CRI certified but operates above 70 dBA. Is it compliant with the credit requirements?

The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial »

(If you're already a premium member, log in here.)

Option 1: When should we conduct the audit?

The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial »

(If you're already a premium member, log in here.)

Option 4: What types of cleaning products are often overlooked when documenting this option?

The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial »

(If you're already a premium member, log in here.)

Option 1: How many times can we conduct an APPA audit? We want to use the results of our first audit to improve housekeeping practices and then perform a second audit to see if we’re closer to reaching our desired level of cleanliness.

The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial »

(If you're already a premium member, log in here.)

Option 4: Do I need to track additional cleaning products like dust mops, brooms, spray bottles and the like?

The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial »

(If you're already a premium member, log in here.)

Option 4: Are microfiber rags included in the credit calculations?

The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial »

(If you're already a premium member, log in here.)

Option 1: How frequently do we have to conduct an APPA audit?

The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial »

(If you're already a premium member, log in here.)

Option 4: I’ve heard that you can exclude certain types of trash liners. Is this true?

The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial »

(If you're already a premium member, log in here.)

Option 1: Isn’t the APPA audit just for educational facilities?

The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial »

(If you're already a premium member, log in here.)

Option 4: How should we account for cleaning practices that are done by an outside vendor and only once or twice a year—for example, stone polishing performed semi-annually by a stone polishing company or window cleaning performed quarterly?

The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial »

(If you're already a premium member, log in here.)

Option 1: I have multiple tenants in my building. Do I need to audit 10% of each space type in each tenant area?

The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial »

(If you're already a premium member, log in here.)

Option 4: Would it be sufficient to include a printout of the Green Seal website that lists the certified products?

The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial »

(If you're already a premium member, log in here.)

Option 1: In our multi-tenant building there are many spaces that are currently vacant or mid-fit-out. Should those spaces be included in the audit?

The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial »

(If you're already a premium member, log in here.)

Option 4: In multi-tenant buildings, can I achieve this option by excluding the spaces that are not under owner-operator control?

The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial »

(If you're already a premium member, log in here.)

Option 1: We plan on training two in-house staff to conduct the audit. Do we have to purchase a copy of the APPA Custodial Staffing Guidelines?

The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial »

(If you're already a premium member, log in here.)

Option 4: How should projects outside the U.S. submit for this option, where Green Seal or UL Ecologo labeled products aren’t available but local products might meet the credit intent?

The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial »

(If you're already a premium member, log in here.)

Option 2: How often do entryway systems need to be cleaned?

The answer to this question is available to LEEDuser premium members. Start a free trial »

(If you're already a premium member, log in here.)

11/9/2020Updated: 2/3/2021
Form Update
Description of change:
revised green cleaning options from radios to checkboxes
Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
No
7/28/2023
LEED Interpretation
Inquiry:

Can Green Seal GS-60 be used for compliance with Green Cleaning?

Ruling:

Yes, trash bags and can liners that comply with the Green Seal GS-60 standard can be used to meet the Green Cleaning- products and materials credit.

Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
No
2/6/2023
LEED Interpretation
Inquiry:

Facility cleaning performance in LEED is based on a subjective visual inspection, using the Association of Physical Plant Administrators (APPA) Leadership in Educational Facilities' Custodial Staffing Guidelines.

As an alternative to this audit procedure which uses appearance level, can we instead perform inspections using testing devices that measure surface contamination (e.g. Adenosine Triphosphate [ATP] meters)?

Ruling:

Yes, performing inspections via testing devices that measure surface contamination can be used as an alternative to a visual inspection. To use this approach to comply with EQ credit Green Cleaning, Option 1. Custodial effectiveness assessment,
develop and implement a protocol for routinely measuring of surface contamination using an ATP meter (or equivalent device). Randomly sample all space classes prioritizing those used by multiple people throughout the day and the high-touch surfaces within those space classes. Create reports to verify testing was completed and identify cleaning performance of the surfaces tested and corrective actions as warranted.

Campus Applicable
No
Internationally Applicable:
No

LEEDuser expert

Stephen Ashkin

The Ashkin Group LLC
President

See all LEEDuser forum discussions about this credit » Unsubscribe from discussions about EBOM-v4.1 EQc1