Facility Cleaning Standards
Industry-leading certification programs and best practices for professional commercial cleaning operations
Why Industry Standards Matter
Professional facility cleaning standards provide frameworks for quality, consistency, and operational excellence. Adhering to recognized standards like ISSA CIMS and Green Seal GS-42 demonstrates your organization's commitment to best practices, helps you win competitive bids, and assures clients of your professionalism. These certifications are increasingly required by facility managers and building owners who demand documented quality assurance.
ISSA CIMS (Cleaning Industry Management Standard)
The global benchmark for operational excellence in cleaning organizations, defining core principles and best practices.
Green Seal GS-42 (Commercial Cleaning Services)
Environmental leadership standard for cleaning service providers, ensuring sustainable practices and green cleaning expertise.
ISSA CIMS Certification Programs
CIMS Certification
The foundational certification demonstrating operational excellence and customer focus
Core Requirements
- Quality systems documentation and implementation
- Service delivery and customer satisfaction programs
- Management systems and accountability structures
- Human resources policies and training programs
Benefits
- Competitive advantage in bidding and proposals
- Structured approach to continuous improvement
- Enhanced credibility with facility managers
- Recognition as an industry leader
CIMS Green Building (CIMS-GB)
Certification supporting LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance (LEED EB: O&M)
CIMS-GB builds on CIMS certification with additional requirements for sustainable cleaning practices that help buildings earn and maintain LEED certification points:
- •Use of green cleaning products and equipment meeting environmental standards
- •Chemical management and dilution control systems
- •Staff training in green cleaning methods and product usage
- •Documentation systems supporting LEED compliance and audits
- •Indoor air quality protection during cleaning operations
CIMS Sustainability Certification
Advanced certification aligning with LEED v5 and comprehensive sustainability goals
The newest CIMS certification tier expands on CIMS-GB with comprehensive sustainability requirements:
- •Alignment with LEED v5 for Existing Buildings sustainability criteria
- •Broader environmental impact assessment and reduction strategies
- •Waste reduction and diversion programs
- •Water and energy conservation in cleaning operations
- •Supply chain sustainability and vendor partnerships
Green Seal GS-42 Requirements
Green Seal GS-42 establishes rigorous requirements for commercial and institutional cleaning services to ensure effective green cleaning practices across all operations:
Product Requirements
- •All cleaning products must meet Green Seal or equivalent environmental standards (GS-37, GS-40, GS-41, or EPA Safer Choice)
- •Hand soaps and sanitizers must meet environmental criteria
- •Paper products must meet minimum recycled content requirements
- •Trash bags must contain specified recycled content percentages
Equipment Requirements
- •Vacuum cleaners must be Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) certified
- •Powered floor maintenance equipment must meet sound level requirements
- •Equipment must have chemical and water use control features
- •Battery-powered equipment must meet energy efficiency criteria
Training & Operational Requirements
- •All cleaning personnel must complete comprehensive green cleaning training within 90 days of hire
- •Building-specific standard operating procedures (SOPs) must be developed and implemented
- •Communication programs must educate building occupants about green cleaning efforts
- •Indoor air quality must be protected during cleaning with proper ventilation and product selection
- •Waste reduction programs must minimize environmental impact
Benefits of GS-42 Certification
- Meet requirements for green building certifications
- Demonstrate environmental leadership to clients
- Improve indoor air quality and occupant health
- Reduce environmental footprint and chemical exposure
- Gain competitive advantage in sustainability-focused markets
- Qualify for government and institutional contracts
Implementing Industry Standards
Start with Training
Invest in comprehensive staff training on quality systems, green cleaning practices, and customer service. Well-trained teams are the foundation of certification success.
Document Everything
Develop written procedures, maintain training records, and document quality checks. Thorough documentation demonstrates compliance and supports continuous improvement.
Continuous Improvement
Regularly review performance metrics, gather client feedback, and update procedures. Industry standards promote ongoing excellence, not one-time compliance.
Connect with Quality-Focused Facilities
Join the JSN to access opportunities with clients who prioritize professional cleaning operations and industry best practices.
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