Since being extended to existing buildings, LEED certification is the new standard in building practices. LEED-EB (specifically for existing buildings), concentrates on the operations and management of facilities. As a result, the way in which the building is cleaned plays an important factor in reaching certification.

As outlined in the USGBC Handbook for LEED-EB, green housekeeping can earn many points. A total of eight points are aimed specifically at cleaning practices. Fulfillment of these credits can garner an additional six credits as they are closely tied to credits awarded for Water Use Reduction, Occupant Recycling, and Green Cleaning: Entryway Systems. In addition, the Innovation in Design program can help the building to gain an extra credit for exemplary or innovative performance in an existing category. Meaning, a building can gain a total of 15 points just on the cleaning practices it employs. That’s almost half of the credits required for LEED-EB Certification! Clearly, green housekeeping is a worthwhile investment for any building.

As LEED standards are becoming more and more popular and in demand, green cleaning products as well as companies specializing in providing green cleaning services are becoming more readily available. The competition between products and service providers have also driven the market price to more appealing price points. With green housekeeping becoming so easy, many building maintenance committees are looking to it for certification credits.

LEED-EB is not simply a trendy concept or marketing ploy. It is a guideline to improve and maximize efficiency in building operations and management. It also helps to create a safe and healthy environment for building occupants.