USGBC offers new pilot credit to address green cleaning and COVID-19

The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has introduced a new pilot credit in the LEED green building rating system called “Safety First: Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Space.”

The credit is intended to support building owners and operators as they respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. It provides guidance on effectively cleaning and disinfecting buildings using green cleaning best practices.

These are intended to reduce levels of chemical, biological, and particulate contaminants in buildings that can compromise air quality, human health, building finishes, and systems. Building managers must create a policy and implement practices that focus on a healthy indoor environment and worker safety to earn the credit.

Other requirements include:

· Describe the approach, including a timeline outlining when new cleaning practices were put in place for COVID-19, along with a copy of the green cleaning policy or program.

· Prepare a list of cleaning products and materials used or purchased to clean the facility, noting which are and are not compliant with green cleaning criteria.

· Utilize cleaning equipment that has ergonomic design features to reduce worker injuries due to vibration, noise, and user fatigue.

· Identify “high-touch points” along with frequencies for cleaning and disinfecting them.