Companies expressing an interest in gaining LEED certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) can take their first steps towards this prestigious certification through the implementation of green cleaning measures. LEED certification promotes the use of sustainable building and development practices through a rating system. LEED-certified buildings have lower operating costs and increased asset value. They are designed to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills, conserve energy and water consumption, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Financially, LEED-certified buildings qualify for tax rebates, zoning allowances, and other incentives in cities across the nation.

Businesses which utilize green cleaning benefit from increased employee productivity due to a reduction in employee illnesses. Companies report that a number of their employees suffer from an illness known as Sick Building Syndrome (SBS). Originally identified in the 1960s, SBS is a very real problem exacerbated by the use of chemical cleaning agents. VOCs contribute heavily to this syndrome and may lead to employees experiencing respiratory problems, dry skin, skin rashes, lethargy, headaches, and other health problems. When green cleaning services are rendered, the quality of the indoor environment changes drastically. Employees will notice a marked increase in their health and wellness.

In addition, some cleaning chemical compounds contain cancer-causing carcinogens. Some of these commonly-used chemicals also cause birth defects, kidney damage, and neurological problems. According to a study undertaken by Washington State University, 6% of janitors suffer job-related injuries from exposure to these chemical cleaners each year.

The chemicals so often utilized during routine cleaning have detrimental effects on both the indoor and outdoor environments. Cleaners with water-based VOCs are pernicious pollutants that when disposed of can comingle with the groundwater supply. They also find their way into our rivers and streams and pollute our waterways and by extension harm the food we eat and the water we drink. As these VOCs degrade over time, they may even become more toxic.

The long-term benefits of green cleaning are far reaching. Commercial buildings in the United States consume:

- 17% of our nation’s water;
- 33% of our energy;
- 40% of our raw materials;
- 71% of our electricity;
- 40% of landfill waste (whether directly or indirectly);
- 33% of carbon dioxide emissions;
- 49% of sulfur dioxide emissions;
- 10% of particulate emissions.

If each business in the United States took measures to “go green” (even if just through the implementation of green cleaning programs), these percentages would be drastically reduced. Going green is not only good for a company’s bottom line; it has far-reaching and positive effects on our individual and environmental health.

Delta Janitorial Systems, Inc
10000 N. Central Expressway # 400.
Dallas, TX 75231
214-453-0502
http://DeltaJanitorial.com