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FAQs about EQp3 :

Our project’s custodial vendor is certified by the British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICS). Does this program qualify as a local equivalent for projects outside the U.S. (per Option 2)?

What if my project has rules or regulations that contradict the policy requirement, such as using bleach in a school or using abrasive cleaners in a healthcare environment?

Our project consists of a building with multiple tenants. The core areas are maintained by building management but the tenants are responsible for their own cleaning. Can I still achieve the prerequisite?

What happened to the green cleaning program credit?

I use a third-party-certified cleaning vendor. Which audits are required?

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EBOM-v4 EQp3:Green cleaning policy

Option 2 Certified Cleaning Service: British Institute of Cleaning Science Certified Cleaning Contractors

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Shakir Ismail
Associate Director - Sustainability Accreditation
Red Sea Global
LEEDuser Premium Member
8 thumbs up

Hi,

For an GCC-based project, our client has confirmed they currently have a cleaning contractor holding British Institute of Cleaning Science (BICS) certification. Is anyone familiar with this certification? Would this qualify as a local equivalent of GS-42 or CIMS-GB?

Thanks :)

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Tue, 09/18/2018 - 16:47

Hello Shakir, I am the person who wrote that requirement in LEED-EB and also worked on both GS-42 and CIMS-GB.    I am 99% sure that BICS would meet the requirement and will send them an email to confirm this.  I should have further confirmation for you in a few days. Best regards, Steve Ashkin
Profile picture for user shakir1985
Shakir Ismail
Associate Director - Sustainability Accreditation
Red Sea Global
LEEDuser Premium Member
8 thumbs up

Sun, 09/23/2018 - 10:10

Hi Steve - thanks for reaching out. Any updates on whether or not BICS will be deemed compliant for our project?

Mon, 09/24/2018 - 22:44

Hello Shakir - the response from BICS was unclear.  So I have requested some additional information and hopefully they will get it to me in the next day or two.  Sorry for the delay, but I want to get it right for you.  Steve

Tue, 09/25/2018 - 19:28

Hello Shakir - I got the additional information that I was looking for from BICS.  I would not consider the BICS program to be similar to either ISSA's CIMS-GB or Green Seal's GS-42 Service Standard because BICS does not audit or verify if the service is actually doing what the standard requires.  Rather, BICS program should be thought of more as a training program, as opposed to a certification system.  Perhaps GBCI will look at this differently, but this is my opinion.  Hope it helps,  Steve
Profile picture for user shakir1985
Shakir Ismail
Associate Director - Sustainability Accreditation
Red Sea Global
LEEDuser Premium Member
8 thumbs up

Wed, 09/26/2018 - 05:37

Hi Steve - that's what I feared because when I asked the person in charge of cleaning from the building management he didn't seem to think the cleaning contractor was audited by any party. Thanks for attending to this with interest. I appreciate your support. 

Wed, 09/26/2018 - 15:22

Hi Shakir --- sorry this didn't work for you.  The good news is that through my discussions with BICS they want to make improvements to their standards so it can be used in the future.  So at least your interest will encourage them to improve.  While it won't be done in time for your project, you have made a difference!  Best regards,  Steve

Mon, 08/11/2025 - 23:16

Hi Shakir,In my opinion, as the person on the LEED EB Committee and previously on the LEED EQ committee who drafted the cleaning credits – the answer should be no.As far as I know, BICSc provides excellent training, expertise, and best-practice guidance for cleaning professionals, but does not function as a certification scheme.  Whereas, Green Seal’s GS-42 and ISSA’s CIMS-GB are formal third-party certifications that verify a cleaning service’s implementation of environmental, health, and management practices—including the use of specific cleaning products—and are recognized in programs like LEED.While this is my opinion, I am not sure what the LEED reviewers would decide.

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