Our project is a multi-unit residential development that is pursuing an innovation point for Green Housekeeping. The Owner will use GS-37 certified chemicals for all public and common spaces within the building, and will purchase a 6 month supply of green cleaning agents for individual use within the residences. Per the CIR Ruling dated 4/08/04, the cleaning agents provided to residents must meet "a clear set of acceptable performance level standards such as Green Seal Standard GS-37." Since GS-37 certified chemicals are most commonly sold as concentrated solutions in bulk packaging for commercial applications, the standard does not seem to be suited for the residential component of a building. As an alternative, we are proposing that the GS-8 Standard for Household Applications be used as the benchmark for selecting chemicals for residential units. GS-8 certified products are typically diluted, sold in smaller packaging, and available "off-the-shelf" at major national retailers. Please confirm whether the GS-8 Standard for Household Applications is a suitable benchmark for selecting chemicals for the residential portion of a building.
The project team is requesting clarification as to whether the Green Seal GS-8 Standard for Household Cleaners is an acceptable alternative to the Green Seal Standard GS-37 for distribution to residential occupants. The proposed innovation credit is based on the preference for "off-the-shelf" products which are easier to distribute to multi-unit residential building occupants in order to meet the requirement for a 6 month supply of green cleaning agents for individual use. In order to qualify for an innovation credit, the project must, in addition to purchasing cleaning supplies that meet the requirement of GS-37 and GS-8, provide evidence indicating how they assure the compliant cleaners are actually used in the facility. Acceptable evidence could include: - lease agreement language requiring compliant cleaners be used in the residential areas - contract language for building services contractors requiring compliant cleaners be used in the common areas - documented green cleaning procedures for how cleaning will be done and what cleaners must be used. - training records indicating contractors and residents have been instructed on green cleaning procedures - records of actual green cleaning activity, including dates, signatures of the people cleaning and the nomenclature of the procedures followed and cleaners used. The Green Seal GS-8 standard is an acceptable alternative for a residential application in compliance with the intent of the CIR ruling dated 04/08/2004.Note: Projects using LEED 2009 rating systems should reference LEED 2009 Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance IEQp3: Green Cleaning Policy when attempting green cleaning as an innovation strategy.