"Green cleaning" has become a marketing buzzword, making it difficult to separate genuine environmental benefits from greenwashing. This guide cuts through the noise to explain which certifications actually matter, which products deliver both cleaning performance and environmental responsibility, and how to build a sustainable cleaning program that doesn't sacrifice effectiveness.
Certifications That Matter
Not all "green" labels are created equal. The certifications with rigorous, independent verification include Green Seal (GS-37 for industrial cleaners, GS-42 for commercial cleaning services), EPA Safer Choice (formerly Design for the Environment), UL ECOLOGO, and USDA BioPreferred. These certifications require third-party testing for both environmental impact and cleaning performance. Products with these labels have been verified to work — not just to be "natural." Beware of vague claims like "eco-friendly" or "natural" without specific certification backing.
Green Products That Actually Clean
The early days of green cleaning were plagued by products that were environmentally friendly but ineffective. Modern Green Seal certified products have closed this gap significantly. Hydrogen peroxide-based cleaners provide excellent disinfection without harmful residues. Enzyme-based cleaners outperform traditional degreasers on organic soils. Microfiber technology reduces chemical usage by 60-70% while improving surface contact. And properly diluted concentrate systems reduce packaging waste by up to 90% compared to ready-to-use products.
Implementing a Green Cleaning Program
Transitioning to green cleaning doesn't have to be all-or-nothing. Start by replacing general purpose cleaners with Green Seal certified alternatives. Implement microfiber systems to reduce chemical volume. Switch to HEPA-filtered vacuums to improve indoor air quality. Use concentrated products with dilution control systems to prevent waste and overuse. Train staff on proper product usage — green products are only effective when used correctly, particularly regarding dwell times and dilution ratios.
The LEED Connection
For buildings pursuing or maintaining LEED certification, green cleaning is a direct contributor to Indoor Environmental Quality credits. LEED v4 specifically credits the use of Green Seal GS-37 or UL ECOLOGO certified products, and GS-42 certified cleaning service providers. Working with a green-certified cleaning company can help buildings earn or maintain these credits without any additional effort from the property management team.
GreenPoint uses exclusively Green Seal certified products across all facility types. Our Green Seal GS-42 service certification means your facility receives environmentally responsible cleaning without compromising on performance — and it counts toward LEED credits.