This prerequisite lays the groundwork for achieving the EQ credits for green cleaning.

There are two options for complying with the prerequisite. The first is to develop and implement a green cleaning policy. The second is for using a certified cleaning service, which is new compliance option in LEED v4.

Developing a policy

A green cleaning policy provides your team with a document of guiding principles and a single reference point for questions. It’s a good idea to create your green cleaning policy early in your project timeline. Working on the policy will familiarize your team with the requirements for other green cleaning credits, which will then help you decide which of those credits to pursue.

Remember that you don’t have to achieve the policy targets, such as the targeted percentage of compliant cleaning products, but you do have to implement the policy to the best of your ability. The green cleaning credits reward the actual attainment of your goals. 

Keep the policy simple

USGBC provides a policy template that touches on all the v4 requirements. Using this policy is highly recommended—see the Documentation Toolkit for a link to the policy on USGBC’s website.

Teams are free to modify the template, but remember that the key to making an effective policy is to keep it simple, straightforward, and easy to use. Flexibility is a plus—for example, when you address green cleaning products, list the standards that products should meet, but leave some room for discretion about exactly which products should be ordered.

Using a certified cleaning service

Teams can use a certified cleaning company in lieu of developing a green cleaning policy. The cleaning vendor must be certified by one of the approved third-party programs (either GS-42 or CIMS-GB), and must develop goals and strategies for reducing energy, water, and toxic chemical use. Additionally, an audit of the building and/or cleaning vendor (depending on the certification) must be completed within 12 months of the end of the performance period.

This option is attractive for projects using a cleaning vendor that is already certified, or for projects with a longer timeline that can accommodate the extra time needed to switch vendors or to allow the current vendor to obtain a third-party certification. By putting the onus of LEED compliance on the vendor, project teams may save some attention for other green initiatives.

Readiness Review Questions

• Is the building’s cleaning program managed in-house or by a cleaning vendor? 

• If the cleaning program is handled by an outside vendor, do they have a green cleaning program that they can execute onsite? If not, are they willing to integrate green cleaning practices into their existing program? 

• Is the cleaning vendor certified through one of the programs accepted by this prerequisite? For example, Green Seal’s GS-42 standard?
• What green strategies are incorporated into the existing cleaning program? What opportunities are there to improve upon current practices?
• Do preferred product suppliers carry LEED-compliant options? 

• Who is responsible for purchasing cleaning supplies and equipment? What kind of program do they use to track purchases?
• How is training handled for cleaning staff? What does the training curriculum entail?