ISSA Supports Green Cleaning For Schools Guidelines

ISSA has expressed its strong support for the broad, multi-faceted approach taken by the state of Illinois in defining green cleaning products and services for the purpose of implementing the state’s Green Cleaning Schools Act.

SSA Director of Legislative Affairs, Bill Balek expressed ISSA’s support for Illinois’ approach to defining green cleaning products in formal comments submitted on behalf of ISSA in response to draft guidelines issued by the Illinois Green Government Coordinating Council (IGGCC).

In particular, ISSA supported the IGGCC’s approach to qualifying green cleaning product formulations by referencing not only Green Seal certified products, but also products certified under the Environmental Choice EcoLogo program and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Design for the Environment Formulator program. In addition, the IGGCC draft guidelines would allow companies to qualify their products as “environmentally sensitive” by providing verification through independent third-party laboratories.

In applauding the approach taken by the IGGCC, Balek said that “Each of these (ecolabel) programs is a valid, credible, scientifically sound program that serves to effectively qualify cleaning product formulations with a preferred environmental, and health and safety profile.” Balek went on to comment that the IGGCC approach “will ultimately ensure that Illinois schools have available a robust supply of efficacious and environmentally preferable cleaning products at a competitive price.”

The draft guidelines adopt a similar approach to qualifying environmentally sensitive jansan paper products by referencing Green Seal, Environmental Choice, and the U.S. EPA Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines for Commercial and Industrial Sanitary Tissue. In addition, the draft guidelines provide specifications for green powered cleaning equipment.

The draft guidelines also set forth a non-mandatory section that sets forth recommendations on how schools can implement a comprehensive green cleaning program that addresses a broader range of cleaning products and practices.

Pursuant to the Illinois Green Cleaning Schools Act, the IGGCC must finalize the guidelines by Feb. 11, 2008. Schools, in turn, must comply with the act and its underlying guidelines after May 9, 2008, which effectively means that schools must establish a green cleaning program, including buying and using green cleaning products. The act allows Illinois schools to continue to use existing cleaning supplies and equipment after May 9 until such supplies and equipment are exhausted.

 ISSA is working with the Healthy Schools Campaign and the Illinois lieutenant governor’s office to develop a program and sponsorship opportunity that would direct business to ISSA distributor and building service contractor (BSC) members that are capable of providing green cleaning products and services that comply with the Illinois Green Cleaning Schools Act. More information on this program and sponsorship opportunity will be forthcoming in the next few weeks.

For additional information, please contact Bill Balek at , (800) 225-4772 (North America) or (847) 982-0800.