LEED and WELL janitorial standards guide green building cleaning programs. This guide covers certification requirements, green cleaning products, sustainable practices, and best practices for maintaining LEED and WELL certified commercial buildings.
LEED Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and WELL Building Standard are the two most influential green building certification programs in the commercial real estate industry. Both certifications include specific requirements for janitorial cleaning programs that must be met to achieve and maintain certification. LEED focuses primarily on environmental sustainability including green cleaning products, sustainable purchasing, and waste reduction. WELL focuses more on human health and wellness including cleaning products that do not harm occupant health, infection control procedures, and cleaning practices that support indoor environmental quality. Facility managers of certified buildings or buildings pursuing certification must understand and implement janitorial programs that meet certification requirements. Commercial cleaning and professional janitorial services can help achieve and maintain certifications. See RBM Building Services for more.
LEED and WELL certified buildings demonstrate commitment to sustainability and occupant health. Contact RBM Building Services or call 800.403.3564.
LEED and WELL Janitorial Standards: Complete Guide for Facility Managers
LEED certification includes several credits that directly affect janitorial cleaning programs. LEED for Existing Buildings Operations and Maintenance includes the Green Cleaning prerequisite and several green cleaning credits. The Green Cleaning prerequisite requires implementation of a green cleaning program that includes cleaning products, equipment, and procedures that meet environmental standards. The Green Cleaning Products credit requires that cleaning products meet specific environmental standards including Green Seal or EPA Safer Choice certification. The Green Cleaning Equipment credit requires that cleaning equipment meets specific standards for environmental performance including vacuum cleaners with HEPA filtration and floor care equipment that minimizes environmental impact. The Custodial Effectiveness Assessment credit requires measurement of cleaning effectiveness through occupant surveys or inspections. Facility managers should work with their janitorial provider to ensure compliance with all applicable LEED credits. Commercial cleaning providers experienced with LEED can assist with certification. Contact RBM or call 800.403.3564.
Understanding LEED Janitorial Requirements
The WELL Building Standard includes Cleaning and Sanitization features that address janitorial cleaning programs. WELL Feature X01 Cleaning Protocol requires development and implementation of a cleaning protocol that specifies cleaning frequencies, products, and procedures for all building areas including protocols for outbreak situations. WELL Feature X02 Cleaning Products requires that cleaning products meet specific health and environmental standards. Products must be certified by Green Seal, EcoLogo, or EPA Safer Choice. WELL Feature X03 Cleaning Equipment requires that cleaning equipment meets specific standards for performance and environmental impact. Vacuum cleaners must have HEPA filtration and demonstrate high soil removal. Microfiber cleaning cloths and mops must be used for most cleaning tasks. The WELL standard also includes requirements for hand hygiene promotion. Janitorial services can be designed to meet WELL requirements. Contact RBM Building Services or call 800.403.3564.
WELL Building Standard Cleaning Requirements
Green cleaning products are central to both LEED and WELL certification programs. Certified green cleaning products must meet specific environmental and health standards established by independent third-party certification organizations. Green Seal certification covers a wide range of cleaning products including general purpose cleaners, glass cleaners, restroom cleaners, carpet cleaners, and floor care products. EPA Safer Choice certification covers cleaning products that contain ingredients that are safer for human health and the environment. Ecologo certification covers cleaning products that meet environmental standards for biodegradability and toxicity. Cleaning product selection should prioritize products that meet these certifications and minimize volatile organic compounds VOCs. Concentrated products that reduce packaging and transportation impacts should be preferred. Product dispensing systems that control dilution ratios should be used to ensure proper product use. Commercial cleaning providers can recommend LEED-WELL compliant products. Contact RBM or call 800.403.3564.
Green Cleaning Products and Certification Programs
Sustainable janitorial practices go beyond product selection to include procedures that minimize environmental impact. Microfiber cleaning cloths and mops reduce water and chemical use while improving cleaning effectiveness. Microfiber technology captures and removes soil more effectively than traditional cotton cloths. Color-coded microfiber systems prevent cross-contamination between areas. Entryway mat systems reduce soil tracked into buildings, reducing cleaning requirements and extending floor finish life. High-performance mat systems should be used at all building entrances. Vacuum cleaners with HEPA filtration improve indoor air quality by capturing fine particles and allergens. HEPA vacuums should be used for all carpet cleaning. Floor care programs should minimize stripping and refinishing through proper maintenance. Sustainable practices should be documented in the janitorial program manual. Janitorial services can implement sustainable practices. Contact RBM Building Services or call 800.403.3564.
Sustainable Janitorial Practices and Procedures
LEED and WELL certifications require monitoring and verification of janitorial program performance. Custodial effectiveness assessments should be conducted regularly to evaluate cleaning quality. Assessments may include occupant satisfaction surveys, visual inspections, and ATP testing for surface cleanliness. Cleaning product usage should be tracked to verify that certified products are being used correctly. Equipment maintenance records should be maintained to verify that equipment is performing properly. Training records should be maintained to verify that custodial staff are properly trained. Documentation should be maintained for certification audits including product specifications, safety data sheets, and training records. A LEED or WELL compliant janitorial program should be documented in a program manual that includes all policies, procedures, products, and equipment. Commercial cleaning providers can help with monitoring and documentation. Contact RBM or call 800.403.3564.
Monitoring and Verification for Green Cleaning Programs
Implementing a LEED or WELL compliant janitorial program requires commitment from building management and the janitorial provider. The first step is understanding the certification requirements that apply to the specific building. The janitorial provider should be evaluated for experience with green cleaning programs and certification compliance. The janitorial program should be designed to meet all applicable certification requirements. Products and equipment should be selected to meet certification standards. Staff should be trained in green cleaning procedures. Performance should be monitored and documented. RBM Building Services has provided commercial cleaning and janitorial services for LEED and WELL certified buildings since 1974. Contact us or call 800.403.3564. Read more on our company blog.
LEED WELL janitorial standards green building cleaning programs certifications
Implementing a LEED or WELL Compliant Janitorial Program
LEED and WELL janitorial standards provide a framework for green building cleaning programs that protect both the environment and occupant health. Certification requirements ensure that cleaning practices meet the highest standards for sustainability and wellness. RBM Building Services has provided commercial cleaning and janitorial services for certified buildings since 1974. Contact us or call 800.403.3564. Read more on our company blog.
