For more than twenty years, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) has set global benchmarks for sustainability through its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Existing Buildings (LEED-EB) Rating System. This program has shaped the way buildings are cleaned, maintained, and operated with an eye toward health, sustainability, and social responsibility. Today, nearly one-third of all cleaning products are green-certified, and thousands of facilities and service providers are recognized for their eco-conscious cleaning programs.
With the upcoming release of LEED-EB Version 5, expected in early 2025, the spotlight is once again on the cleaning industry. This latest update not only strengthens sustainability standards but also expands recognition for the workers and practices that keep buildings safe, healthy, and environmentally responsible.
Why LEED-EB Matters in the Cleaning Industry
LEED-EB is widely regarded as the world’s leading green building rating system. More than 100,000 commercial and institutional buildings and half a million homes have already achieved certification under its framework. The system relies on a 110-point scale that measures sustainability efforts across categories like energy use, water conservation, building materials, HVAC efficiency, and—importantly—cleaning services.
For the cleaning industry, these points are more than just numbers. They represent how much value the global sustainability movement places on healthy environments, proper sanitation, and worker well-being. Each new version of LEED-EB reflects shifts in both technology and society, ensuring that green buildings are not only energy-efficient but also safe and equitable places to live and work.
The Challenge: Balancing Competing Interests
Updating LEED-EB is no small task. Every five years, the USGBC reviews, adjusts, and strengthens the standards to ensure they remain effective. This process, however, often involves balancing competing interests.
- Building material suppliers push for recognition of sustainable materials.
- HVAC industries advocate for better air quality standards.
- Water and energy groups call for efficiency incentives.
- Advocacy groups and labor unions want to see worker equity and community health prioritized.
The cleaning industry often finds itself fighting for greater recognition, even though it plays a frontline role in protecting occupant health, reducing disease transmission, and ensuring environmental safety.
Round One: Cleaning Industry Pushes Back
In April 2024, the USGBC released its first draft of proposed updates for LEED-EB Version 5. While the draft introduced some overall improvements, it fell short in key areas for the cleaning industry:
- Cleaning’s vital role in occupant health and safety was underrepresented.
- Worker training requirements were not given enough weight.
- Issues of equity and fair treatment for low-wage cleaning staff were overlooked.
The response from the global cleaning industry was swift and unified. Major organizations like ISSA, Building Service Contractors Association International (BSCAI), Cleaning Coalition of America, Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), International Facility Management Association (IFMA), 32BJ Training Fund, and Green Cleaning Network China joined forces. Alongside them, individual service providers, product manufacturers, distributors, and consultants also raised their voices.
Hundreds of comments were submitted during the public comment period, and direct meetings with USGBC leaders were arranged. This widespread advocacy worked. By the time the second draft was released in September 2024, substantial changes had been made.
Round Two: A Win for Cleaning and Sustainability
The second public comment draft of LEED-EB v5 brought encouraging updates for the cleaning sector and sustainability at large.
Increased Points for Cleaning
One of the biggest victories was the fivefold increase in cleaning-related points. While Version 4.1 awarded just one point for cleaning, Version 5 expands that number to five points. This change elevates cleaning as a core component of sustainable building operations, emphasizing its role in health, safety, and environmental stewardship.
With more points at stake, organizations are now incentivized to:
- Implement comprehensive worker training programs.
- Adopt green-certified products and equipment.
- Follow advanced cleaning protocols that reduce health risks.
This shift not only benefits building occupants but also creates new financial opportunities for service providers that align with LEED requirements.
Emphasis on Worker Equity
LEED-EB v5 goes further by addressing the social equity challenges faced by millions of frontline workers. Cleaning staff—often underpaid and undervalued—are now recognized as essential contributors to sustainability.
The new version emphasizes:
- Fair wages and benefits.
- Access to worker protections and safety training.
- The right to take breaks and access services.
These standards are expected to have a ripple effect across the global workforce, supporting over 100 million cleaning professionals worldwide.
Waste Management Recognition
Another major improvement is the expanded waste management category, worth up to 13 points. Workers who handle recycling, composting, and waste sorting are now formally recognized as critical to achieving sustainability goals. By giving credit to these essential activities, LEED acknowledges the direct link between cleaning staff and environmental progress.
Stronger Safety Standards
Version 5 also enhances workplace safety requirements, focusing on:
- Ergonomic training to prevent injuries.
- Proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) like headgear, respirators, and fall-prevention gear.
- Protection from extreme weather conditions, ensuring workers can safely perform tasks such as snow removal or outdoor cleaning in high heat.
These improvements reflect a deeper commitment to protecting worker health while maintaining high sustainability standards.
Why LEED-EB v5 Is a Game-Changer
The upcoming release of LEED-EB v5 signals a transformative moment for both sustainable building management and the global cleaning industry. Unlike past versions, this update puts a strong emphasis on the people behind the practices.
The benefits extend across multiple areas:
- For building occupants: Cleaner, healthier, and safer environments.
- For the environment: Reduced waste, improved energy efficiency, and expanded use of green products.
- For the workforce: Better pay, stronger protections, and recognition of their contributions.
- For businesses: Competitive advantage, higher financial returns, and stronger reputations as sustainability leaders.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is LEED-EB Version 5?
LEED-EB Version 5 is the latest update to the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Existing Buildings rating system. It focuses on sustainability, health, and equity in building operations, with a stronger emphasis on cleaning, waste management, and worker protections.
Why is the cleaning industry important in LEED-EB?
The cleaning industry plays a frontline role in protecting health, reducing disease transmission, and maintaining sustainable environments. With LEED-EB v5, cleaning now carries more weight, earning up to five points compared to just one point in the previous version.
How does LEED-EB v5 impact frontline cleaning workers?
LEED-EB v5 introduces fair wage standards, safety protections, ergonomic training, PPE use, and worker equity measures. It recognizes the essential contribution of more than 100 million cleaning workers worldwide.
What organizations supported the cleaning industry during the update?
Major organizations like ISSA, BSCAI, Cleaning Coalition of America, IICRC, IFMA, 32BJ Training Fund, and Green Cleaning Network China collaborated with service providers, product manufacturers, and consultants to advocate for stronger cleaning recognition.
When will LEED-EB Version 5 be released?
The final version of LEED-EB v5 is expected to launch in early 2025, following multiple rounds of public comments and industry input.
How does LEED-EB v5 support sustainability goals?
The update encourages facilities to adopt green-certified cleaning products, advanced sanitation protocols, and better waste management systems. These practices reduce environmental impact while promoting healthier indoor environments.
How does LEED-EB v5 address worker safety?
Version 5 includes comprehensive training standards, ergonomic best practices, mandatory PPE use, and protections from extreme weather conditions for workers handling outdoor cleaning or waste management.
Conclusion
The release of LEED-EB Version 5 marks a defining moment for sustainable building operations and the global cleaning industry. By expanding recognition for cleaning practices, prioritizing worker equity, and reinforcing safety standards, the new framework elevates cleaning from a background service to a core pillar of health, sustainability, and social responsibility. For building owners, service providers, and frontline workers, these updates bring tangible benefits—from healthier indoor environments to stronger business outcomes and fairer working conditions. Most importantly, LEED-EB v5 demonstrates that the path to a greener future depends not only on innovative technologies and efficient systems but also on the dedication of cleaning professionals worldwide.