Before the Performance Period

Decide who will conduct the audit. You may choose one of the following paths: 

• Hire an outside auditor, such as a competent cleaning services provider, who is not currently responsible for cleaning the facility.
• Ask your current cleaning service provider to conduct the audit. 
• Conduct the audit with two in-house staff people working independently and average their results. 

Establish a system for tracking all maintenance and repairs performed on  cleaning equipment during the performance period.

Implementing green alternatives may require staff retraining. Alternative equipment may require different techniques, frequency of use, etc.

Consider testing new equipment before committing to a large bulk purchase in order to make sure that the equipment meets your facility's needs.

Dispose properly of your old cleaning equipment in an appropriate fashion. Certain equipment, such as battery-powered machines, may require special disposal procedures.

Generally, there's no cost premium associated with compliant cleaning equipment.

Manufacturer literature often does not specify the environmental standards with which the piece of equipment complies. This may be the case even for compliant equipment. If the manufacturer’s literature does not contain information regarding LEED criteria, secure further documentation that includes this information—such as a letter from the manufacturer verifying compliance.  

Your project team must obtain manufacturer data (through the supplier or your own research) demonstrating that your equipment complies with the equipment-specific standards listed in the LEED rating system. Just because the label says that cleaning equipment is “green,” ergonomic, or has safeguards that minimize damage to building surfaces, does not mean that the equipment meets all of the credit requirements. 

If your team does not currently purchase cleaning equipment through a supplier, you'll need to research compliant alternatives yourself. Begin by looking into the equipment offered by your current distributors. Some popular manufacturers offer compliant cleaning equipment. You can also find a list

Before your team takes on hours of research to identify credit-compliant equipment, consult with your vendor. Many suppliers and vendors are familiar with compliant equipment and may be able to offer guidance on which models best suit your facility’s needs as well as meet the credit criteria. However, always verify vendor claims by asking for product literature that demonstrates its credit-compliant attributes.