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EBOM-v4.1 EQc1: Green Cleaning

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UL Greenguard Gold

Project location: United States

August 30, 2024

Summer Minchew

Managing Partner
Ecoimpact Consulting

LEEDuser Expert

170 thumbs up

Project location: United States

August 30, 2024

Do products that have UL Greenguard Gold certification meet the requirements for Products & Materials?

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Stephen Ashkin

President
The Ashkin Group LLC

LEEDuser Expert

2 thumbs up

September 13, 2024 - 1:35 pm

Hello Summer,

Specific to the Green Cleaning credit, UL Greenguard certification does not meet the requirements for this credit. The reason behind this is that the UL Greenguard program focuses on emissions/VOCs which as you know is anincredibly important issue. However, with stating this, cleaning products pose risks to product users and building occupants in ways beyond inhalation as the route of exposure. Other certifications from the likes of Green Seal, EPA's Safer Choice program and UL each offer a more comprehensive standard that addresses other routes of exposure to protect human health (e.g. skin /eye contact and ingestion) as well as other environmental impacts during product use and disposal (e.g., biodegradability and aquatic toxicity).

Hope this helps,

Steve

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FAQs about EQc1:

Option 1: When should we conduct the audit?

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.

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

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

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

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?

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?

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

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

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?

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

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?

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 are

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

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?

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

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

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

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

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

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