Green Seal Finalizes Environmental Standard for Cleaning Services

January 02, 2007 | Written By: Healthy Schools Campaign

by Claris Olson, HSC Environmental Health Specialist

Hiring a green cleaning service just got easier thanks to Green Seal’s Environmental Standard for Cleaning Services (PDF).

The standard, which was finalized in September 2006, establishes requirements for both in-house and external cleaning service providers to create a green cleaning program that protects human health and the environment.

It encompasses all indoor activities required to clean commercial, public and industrial buildings. The standard specifies green chemicals, supplies and equipment as well as cleaning procedures, and it mandates employee training and communication with building owners and occupants. It also requires that a building-specific green cleaning plan be implemented.

The Green Seal Standard for Environmental Services is a great tool for schools in so many ways. It helps if you are looking for a contract service provider that will give you a true “green cleaning” program, but it is also helpful for schools that want to improve their current cleaning procedures.   

Green cleaning is not just good for the environment in terms of the production and disposal of harmful chemicals, but it also results in better indoor air quality, which is so important for schools with so many children having asthma and other chemical sensitivities.