Eco-Friendly Certifications: How they guide you to pick the best cleaning company
Green Seal Certification
Green Seal is one of the most respected third-party certification organizations in the cleaning industry. When a cleaning company holds Green Seal certification, it means they've met rigorous environmental and health standards for their products and services. This certification evaluates everything from the toxicity of cleaning solutions to packaging waste and product effectiveness. Companies must demonstrate that their cleaning products contain reduced levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), avoid certain hazardous chemicals, and meet strict performance standards. For consumers, this certification provides assurance that the company isn't just claiming to be green but has been independently verified by experts.
EPA Safer Choice Program
The Environmental Protection Agency's Safer Choice label helps identify cleaning products made with safer chemical ingredients. Cleaning companies that use Safer Choice certified products are making deliberate choices to protect both human health and the environment. This program screens every ingredient in a product for potential health and environmental concerns, ensuring that safer alternatives are used whenever possible. When evaluating cleaning companies, ask specifically about their use of Safer Choice products, particularly for high-touch surfaces in homes with children, pets, or individuals with sensitivities.
LEED Certification for Commercial Cleaning
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification, while primarily known for buildings, also applies to cleaning and maintenance practices. Cleaning companies that service LEED-certified buildings must follow specific green cleaning protocols. These include using products with minimal environmental impact, implementing resource-efficient cleaning methods, and properly managing waste. A company experienced in LEED-compliant cleaning demonstrates advanced knowledge of sustainable practices that can be applied to any cleaning environment.
Ecologo Certification
Ecologo, operated by UL Environment, is a globally recognized environmental certification. Products and services bearing the Ecologo mark have been scientifically proven to meet stringent environmental performance standards. For cleaning companies, this certification covers both the products they use and their operational practices. The certification process evaluates the entire lifecycle of products, from raw material extraction through manufacturing, use, and disposal. Choosing a company that prioritizes Ecologo-certified products ensures you're working with a business committed to comprehensive environmental responsibility.
Green Business Certification
Many municipalities and states offer Green Business Certification programs that recognize companies implementing sustainable practices. These certifications typically require businesses to demonstrate waste reduction, energy conservation, water efficiency, and pollution prevention measures. A cleaning company with this certification has gone beyond just using green products—they've restructured their entire operation to minimize environmental impact. This might include using fuel-efficient vehicles, implementing paperless billing, recycling programs, and employee training on sustainability.
ISSA Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS) with Green Building Certification
The ISSA CIMS-GB certification is specifically designed for cleaning organizations. This comprehensive certification evaluates quality systems, service delivery, and environmental stewardship. Companies must demonstrate sustainable practices across their operations, including chemical selection, equipment choices, and waste management. The certification requires regular audits and continuous improvement, ensuring that certified companies maintain high environmental standards over time rather than achieving certification and becoming complacent.
Benefits Beyond the Environment
Eco-friendly certifications guide you toward cleaning companies that prioritize health and safety alongside environmental concerns. Certified green cleaning products typically have lower VOC content, reducing indoor air pollution and minimizing respiratory irritants. They're safer for cleaning staff, reducing occupational health risks and often resulting in better-trained, more health-conscious employees. These companies also tend to have more rigorous training programs, better quality control measures, and stronger commitment to customer satisfaction.
Verification and Transparency
When a cleaning company claims eco-friendly practices, certifications provide objective verification. Reputable certifications require regular audits, ongoing compliance, and public disclosure of standards. This transparency allows you to verify claims and ensure the company maintains its commitments. Ask potential cleaning companies about their certifications, request documentation, and verify credentials through the certifying organization's website. Legitimate certifications are always verifiable and companies should willingly provide proof of their credentials.