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ALERT: The proposed LEED V5 may be a setback for the cleaning industry
ISSA and The Ashkin Group are holding an online seminar to discuss the implications.
The US Green Building Council (USGBC) is proposing several changes to its LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations + Maintenance Rating System Version 5 (LEED-EB: O+M V5).
The proposed changes, if implemented, could set our industry back significantly and disregard all the hard work, time, resources, and progress our industry has made in improving cleaning effectiveness, reducing cleaning’s impact on the environment, and protecting human health.
Fortunately, Version 5 is now open for public comment, allowing industry members to express their views and thoughts about Version 5 directly to the USGBC. (See how below).
Your comments will help ensure that the USGBC better recognizes the critical role of cleaning in safeguarding occupant health and in supporting over one hundred million frontline workers in the cleaning industry around the world.
“The critical issue with Version 5 is that it undervalues cleaning,” says Steve Ashkin, father of green cleaning and the leading advocate for sustainability in the cleaning industry. “This is a disservice to our industry, our customers, and the communities we serve.”
Ashkin goes on to say that while he applauds many of the new initiatives proposed in Version 5, “when it comes to our industry and professional cleaning, we need to work together to improve LEED-EB: O+M V5, address the issues just mentioned along with other shortcomings.”
Among these shortcomings are the following:
Version 5 eliminates the green cleaning prerequisite, which goes back over a decade and has become an established standard in our industry.
It eliminates requirements on management systems and the number of points earned for green cleaning.
It does not adequately address social equity issues in our industry.
This upcoming online seminar will provide a deeper dive into LEED-EB:O+M V5’s implications. It will also discuss how we can voice our thoughts about Version 5 and better represent cleaning’s essential roles and the broader social equity considerations, especially for frontline cleaning staff.
To learn more, join ISSA and The Ashkin Group for a free webinar on April 22, 2024, at noon Central Time: Webinar Registration - Zoom.
As always, we encourage your thoughts on this topic. Please feel free to contact us here.
The mission of The Ashkin Group is to transform industries with responsible, sustainable business practices.
Our Mission: To transform industries with responsible, sustainable business practices.
The Ashkin Group is the leading advocate for Sustainability and Green Cleaning in the professional cleaning industry.
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The Ashkin Group works with organizations worldwide, helping them operate more efficiently, sustainably, and reduce costs. Services include:
High Performance Healthy Cleaning Workshops
Needs Assessment
Sustainability Programs to Reduce Costs
Evaluation of Current Procedures, Products, and Equipment
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Training and Implementation
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