Ask them what cleaning chemicals they use and if those chemicals are Green Seal® certified. Also find out what equipment they use and if they’re using green cleaning procedures. For example, they should be using vacuums with hepa filtration systems, and preferably back pack vacuums, which are more efficient. They should be using microfiber mopping systems, which uses less chemical, less water, and is more
ergonomically efficient for the janitorial worker. They should also be using color-coded microfiber cloths, which helps to eliminate cross-contamination. These are just a few examples of some of the tools, equipment and procedures that are standard for any green cleaning program.

Not at all! The improvement in green cleaning chemicals and procedures has made them just as effective as traditional cleaning chemicals and methods. Some products, such as microfiber cloths, actually clean better than traditional dust cloths that spread more dust than they pick up. And hepa filter vacuums contain soil and dust rather than making it airborne, like the older, bagged vacuum cleaners.

Not any more. When green cleaning chemicals were first introduced a few years ago, they were priced higher than traditional cleaning chemicals. Today the costs of green cleaning products are no more expensive than the cost of traditional cleaning products. Increased research and production of green cleaning products have decreased the cost, so they are no longer any more expensive than traditional cleaning products.

• A healthier work environment for building occupants and visitors due to the use of less toxicchemicals, as well as tools and equipment that remove soil rather than making it airborne.
• Green cleaning chemicals that are dispensed in portion control systems or pre-measured packets reduce the potential for hazardous chemical spills, accidents, and potential liability claims that can occur when using more hazardous chemicals.
• Green cleaning chemicals are manufactured with the environment in mind. They are available in super-concentrates, which means they have less water, less packaging, and need less fuel to transport the product to the end user. These facts may not have a direct impact on your building, but it shows your concern for being environmentally responsible.
• Improved worker productivity and less absenteeism due to fewer chemicals being used and cleaning methods that improve indoor air quality.
• Potentially lower maintenance costs for building owners and managers.
• Increased value and appearance of the building.
• Marketing benefits of having a green building. Building owners and managers may be able to attract tenants who would prefer locating to a green building.

People all over the world are becoming more concerned about the health of the environment, including the workplace environment. Awareness is also growing about the importance of indoor air quality.  According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the level of indoor air pollutants can be 2 to 5 times higher, and occasionally up to 100 times higher than outdoor levels. How a facility is cleaned can be a major factor in the quality of indoor air.

In addition, cleaning employees experience high injury rates. Many of these injuries are caused by the toxic chemicals used in daily activities. Employees working in the buildings are also affected by toxic chemicals used to clean buildings. Some of these chemicals include disinfectant cleaners, acid bowl cleaners, and floor strippers and finishes. Reducing the use of toxic chemicals by switching to greener products can increase employee productivity, reduce injury rates, and reduce absenteeism.