Sustainability marketing has flooded the janitorial supply market with green claims. Only a handful of certifications are backed by independent third-party audits with published criteria. Knowing which is which protects your facility from greenwashing and supports LEED and WELL compliance.
The Four Certifications That Matter
Green Seal GS-37 / GS-40
Independent nonprofit. Covers cleaning products, floor care, and hand cleaners. Requires performance testing plus environmental criteria — a product must actually clean, not just be safer.
UL EcoLogo
Formerly Environmental Choice. Broad multi-attribute standard covering biodegradability, toxicity, VOCs, and packaging.
EPA Safer Choice
US EPA-run. Every ingredient must appear on EPA's Safer Chemical Ingredients List. Growing rapidly among institutional buyers.
LEED IEQ Credit 3.1-3.6
Not a product certification but a facility credit that references the above certifications. Buildings pursuing LEED O+M points typically require Green Seal or Safer Choice products throughout.
What to Ask Your Vendor
- Provide SDS sheets and certification numbers for every product used in your building.
- Confirm dilution stations are calibrated so the certified product actually reaches the surface at the certified concentration.
- Verify certified products aren't quietly substituted with cheaper unlisted alternatives mid-contract.
Green Cleaning Programs
Blue Collar offers full Green Seal and Safer Choice product lines for LEED and WELL-certified facilities.