Green Cleaning

The Future of Green Cleaning

Green cleaning is the use of products and procedures that are safe for the environment and do not emit any pollutants when used. Green cleaning is important not only for the environment and our planet, but for the health of the general public.

Why does this matter for your business? From the health of your consumers and employees, to your business’ ecological footprint, green cleaning reduces pollutants in the environment. It doesn’t cause the health problems typically caused by non-green cleaning products. This can translate to a more productive, healthy workforce, clearer air for your consumers and an overall better space to do business in.

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is the most widely used green building rating system in the world. Available for virtually all building types, LEED provides a framework for healthy, highly efficient, and cost-saving green buildings. The green building market is changing rapidly, and as technology progresses, it is important to continue to grow, develop, and progress to keep up with the changing times. Later this year, The U.S. Green Building Council (USHBC) will vote on six changes to LEED cleaning credits:

Increasing the points (and value) of cleaning. The LEED technical team has increased the number of possible green cleaning points from one to three. More points for greener products and services will result in more demand, because the focus remains on effective products and reducing negative impacts on both human health and the environment.

Using technology to measure cleaning performance. The LEED Technical Committee developed a new protocol that will require verification that facilities have tested high-risk/high-use spaces as well as the high-touch surfaces within those spaces. This will measure surface contamination and it will provide objective, quantitative, reliable, repeatable, and reportable results.

Defining green disinfectants. For a disinfectant to meet the new LEED requirements, it will have to be formulated with active ingredients identified by the Environmental Protection Agency’s Design for the Environment Logo for Antimicrobial Pesticide Products (products like hydrogen peroxide, citric acid, L-lactic acid, ethanol, isopropanol, and peroxyacetic acid).

Implementing ultraviolet C (UV-C) disinfecting devices. UV-C devices are among some of the most exciting innovations taking place in the cleaning industry as they have the ability to eliminate or minimize some of the health and environmental concerns associated with the use of current chemical disinfectants. New UV-C disinfection technologies are being implemented across the globe in an attempt to eliminate harmful microorganism.

Considering green materials beyond recycled content. Using recycled materials helps protect the environment and reduces the need to extract, refine, and process raw materials that create air and water pollution. New LEED revisions will include additional options that go beyond using basic recycled materials, which will subsequently create opportunities for innovation.

Earning green building accreditation through GBAC STAR^TM. With programs like GBAC STAR^TM Facility Accreditation, LEED is expanding the options to meet its Green Cleaning Prerequisite. GBAC added new requirements that align its requirements for cleaning products and equipment with LEED.

The members of the USGBC have an opportunity and an obligation. Soon, these topics will be deeply looked at and voted upon, and the members of this organization will continue to support the development of prosperous, healthy, and resilient communities while facilitating the growth of the green building industry.

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Step One

Tell us about the cleaning services you need from our professional, trustworthy technicians.

Step Two

Take us on a tour of your office, building, or campus so we can learn more about your needs and expectations.

Step Three

Review and tweak our proposal for customized cleaning and maintenance.

Step Four

Once you have confidence in our plan, we’ll set up the regular service procedures for your office or building and start the transition process to begin your worry-free service.

We use TFC at multiple locations of ours and they have been amazing. It is refreshing to finally work with a a company in this industry that is not only competent, stable and reliable, but who raises the bar on the entire profession.

Pete and his staff are diligent to our needs and do a great job. I do not have to worry about security with them. Top notch service.

Pete and his team did a great job on our carpets. Musty looking one day, and like new the next! Scheduled their service after hours so that our business did not miss a beat.

The owners of this company, Pete and Linda, are the most caring, ethical, and family oriented people I've ever worked for. When you are hired here, you are truly part of the family. Opportunities abound for those willing to work for it, and the sky's the limit! I love TFC!!