When and how we emerge from this slowed economy remains to be seen, but for those of us in the building services industry, there are signs that it will pay to be “green” going forward.

A recent study by the GREENGUARD Environmental Institute has shown that consumers want products that are certified “green.” This reinforces recent market research from Reportlinker.com that says the U.S. green building materials market is projected to expand by 6 percent a year through 2013.

That means nearly $80 billion worth of green building materials will be purchased in 2013, outpacing the growth of building construction expenditures. Though the fastest gains are expected to come from the residential market, as it rises from its depressed 2008 level, interior products, such as carpets and flooring, insulation, paint and gypsum board, are projected to account for the largest share of green building materials demand.

The report defines “green” building materials as those products that contribute to LEED certification by the US Green Building Council. It’s more than that, though.

In an article entitled, “Choosing Green Cleaning Technologies,” Stan Mierzejewski, senior manager of Sustainability with Tennant Co., says “green cleaning technologies reduce health and environmental impacts compared to similar products used for the same purpose,” and lead to the most common definition of green cleaning, which is “cleaning to protect health without harming the environment.”

These definitions allow the commercial cleaning industry to focus on health and the environment, not just aesthetics. These green cleaning technologies are evolving rapidly as more and more manufacturers strive to better support the cleaning industry with environmentally preferred products and technologies.

As building service providers adopt these new technologies, one of the first issues they must contend with is what to do with all the old and not-so-green cleaning tools, products and equipment.

Experts generally agree that the most environmentally responsible thing to do is use up all the conventional products with the exception of those that might have a negative impact on health or the environment. As to equipment, Michael Schaffer, president of Tornado Industries, suggests replacing conventional vacuum cleaners after three years of service and floorcare equipment within five years or sooner, if possible.

Otherwise, Schaffer suggests the following top ways BSCs can go green:
• Use only green cleaning chemicals;
• Choose vacuum cleaners bearing the Seal of Approval from the Carpet and Rug Institute;
• Select floor machines with built-in vacuum systems to help protect indoor air quality;
• Use cleaning chemical auto-dispensing systems;
• Encourage clients to install high-performance matting systems;
• Transfer to floor machines that use less water and chemicals;
• Extend floor refinishing cycles because some conventional floorcare chemicals can be harmful to the environment;
• Recycle, reuse, reduce—everything.

Recently, Rubbermaid, a consumer and commercial products manufacturer, became the latest to certify to the stringent GREENGUARD Children & Schools Indoor Air Quality standard. A manufacturer of an assortment of products for indoor environments, Rubbermaid said the certification is just one way to demonstrate its commitment to environmental stewardship, said Betty Schmal, Rubbermaid product market manager.

The company recognizes a growing desire for ‘green’ products and wanted to be on the forefront of offering healthy products for the indoor environment. We hope you do, too.

Thanks and good luck.