Achieving Green Cleaning Certifications for Businesses

Some certifications emphasize products, others focus on operations or whole‑building performance. Which to pursue depends on your goals and procurement drivers. Below we unpack GS‑42 and how LEED ties cleaning into building performance.

GS‑42 sets product and procedure standards for commercial cleaning services. It requires written protocols, staff competency records, and proof that approved low‑toxicity products are used correctly. During an audit you’ll be asked for product ingredient lists, training logs, dilution and equipment maintenance procedures, and evidence of performance improvements such as fewer complaints. Vendors aiming for GS‑42 must standardize work plans, keep site‑level documentation, and show ongoing compliance during third‑party reviews. Because GS‑42 covers both products and procedures, it’s a strong choice for janitorial providers proving program‑level sustainability and safety.

Getting audit ready for GS‑42 means organizing procurement records and staff files — the same documentation can also support LEED O+M credits, which we cover next.

LEED O+M includes cleaning‑related credits that reward verified green cleaning programs, improved indoor air quality, and sustainable purchasing. Buildings earn points by showing implemented cleaning policies and measurable outcomes. LEED credits often map to actions like using low‑emitting materials, maintaining HVAC filtration, tracking product procurement, and demonstrating occupant satisfaction or IAQ gains. Facilities seeking LEED points must document procedures, use ECOLOGO or equivalent products when called for, and participate in measurements that verify IAQ and occupant comfort. Aligning cleaning operations with LEED typically requires coordination between facility teams, cleaning vendors, and sustainability staff to gather the evidence needed for O+M submittals.

Certification works best when treated as a phased project: assess gaps, implement changes, verify performance, and maintain results. Start with a baseline audit to identify shortfalls in products, equipment, training, and records. Prioritize fixes — product swaps, equipment upgrades, retraining — then formalize procurement specs and SOPs. Pilot the updated program to collect performance data, prepare your application materials, and support the audit. After certification, keep monitoring and documenting to stay compliant for renewal cycles.

This phase roadmap outlines typical actions and deliverables for audit readiness.

A clear timeline and deliverables improve your odds of success. Many teams accelerate readiness by partnering with an experienced local provider — next we describe how McCoy Maintenance can help.

McCoy Maintenance offers consultation, training, implementation, and documentation support for organizations pursuing green cleaning certification — with local experience tuned to Metro Detroit expectations. As a family‑owned cleaning company established in 1984, we provide office cleaning, janitorial services, commercial and residential carpet and upholstery cleaning, floor care, fogging, and construction cleaning across Macomb, Oakland, and the Metro Detroit area. We stand behind a 100% satisfaction guarantee and use trained, insured teams with eco‑friendly options. Our process typically starts with a gap analysis, then we advise on low‑toxicity procurement, train staff in certified procedures, and compile audit‑ready records to streamline application and inspection. Working with a provider who implements procedures, maintains records, and demonstrates measurable outcomes reduces your administrative load and improves the chance of a successful certification.