What is LEED and Why Should My Cleaning Company Learn More About It?   by Steve Hanson

Companies and businesses across the country are becoming more environmentally conscious and many are starting to adopt LEED standards and protocols. LEED stands for Leadership in Environmental Design. The US Green Building Council, a nonprofit organization, which is working to promote buildings that are environmentally responsible, launched the LEED rating system. The overall goal of the program is to make the places we live in and work at become healthier environments. There are two classifications for LEED; one for existing buildings – LEED-EB and one for new construction – LEED-NC.

As cleaning companies it’s no longer enough to just supply good cleaning services to your customers. Cleaning companies need to be aware of this growing trend towards becoming LEED certified. One important aspect of becoming LEED certified is integrating green cleaning into a building’s overall janitorial services and practices.

To achieve LEED recognition, a building needs to have a thorough evaluation, rating and certification program. The process uses a checklist which evaluates many items including: the building’s power use, its waste management program, the products used to clean the building, and even the storage of those cleaning products.

One portion of the LEED criteria looks at the steps a building takes to lessen the cleaning’s impact on the environment. This is an important area as it is estimated that six billion pounds of commercial cleaning products are used throughout buildings in the United States each year. In addition, commercial buildings use over 4 million pounds of hand towels and toilet tissue and 30 million trash bags each year.

Some cleaning products contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which contribute to indoor air pollution. Cleaning products can also leave residue that causes eye and skin irritation. This is irritating not only to janitorial workers, but also to the building’s occupants. Using safer, less toxic cleaning products can lead to a healthier building and higher worker productivity.

A building owner who wants to become LEED certified will look closely at their janitorial services. Integrating green cleaning practices into your business also means looking for environmentally preferable cleaning products. Labels on cleaning products can be confusing. One way to make sure you are buying environmentally sound products is to buy products that are “Green Seal” certified. Green Seal is a nonprofit organization that promotes products and services that cause less pollution and waste, conserves resources and habitats, and reduces global warming.

Becoming LEED certified shows that building owners are committed to becoming an environmental leader. In addition, some government agencies are providing financial incentives to buildings who take on this leadership role. Learning about LEED and its requirements will give your company an edge up on the competition. Put yourself in the driver’s seat by understanding your company’s role in maintaining healthy and environmentally sound buildings.

For more information on LEED go to: http://www.usgbc.org. To learn more about Green Seal go to: http://www.greenseal.org/index.html.

About the Author

Steve Hanson is co-founding member of The Janitorial Store (TM), an online community for owners and managers of cleaning companies who want to build a more profitable and successful cleaning business. Sign up for Trash Talk: Tip of the Week at http://www.TheJanitorialStore.com and receive a Free Gift!
Adoption Tax Credit: Get Money for Stealing Kids

What I Want My Adopted Child to Know: An Adoptive Parent’s Perspective $9.99 What I Want My Adopted Child to Know: An Adoptive Parent’s Perspective is a tender, revealing look at adoption from the parent perspective. Whether you are an adoptive parent, an adoptee, someone considering adoption, or simply curious about adoption dynamics, What I Want My Adopted Child to Know: An Adoptive Parent’s Perspective will touch your heart and increase your sensitivity to the challenge…

Getting Acquainted With The Adoption Process $6.77 Making the decision to adopt a child is one of the most important decisions you can make. Understanding the adoption process is a big key to setting your expectations and ensuring that you can make the decision to adopt, or not to adopt, based on facts. When you understand the adoption process, you will feel confident that your dream of becoming a parent will come true. “Getting Acquainted With th…

The Do’s and Don’t of Child Adoption – Everything you need to know, national and international Adoption can be an extremely rewarding experience for both the adopter and adoptee. Though the process is complex, those who are in need of loving homes find them, and those who wish to provide a loving home can. With the help of adoption agencies, children can find places to grow that are healthy for their bodies and spirits.The adoption process can be arduous and take time, but there is a lot to…

The Open Adoption Book: A Guide to Adoption Without Tears $13.95 “Updated for a New Paperback Edition, the Definitive Guide to Open Adoption, by the founder of the Open Adoption Movement The exploding popularity of open adoption today underscores what adopting parents, birthparents, and many adoption experts now maintain: Open adoption is the healthiest, most humane, and fastest method available. It’s better for the birthmother, because she (not lawyers or social workers) decides the future of her child. It’s better for children, because they’re raised without the shroud of secrecy and stigma that accompanies most closed adoptions. And it’s better for adopting parents, because it dramatically shortens the time it takes to obtain a baby, from an average of seven years to under one year. As director of one of the country’s leading open adoption agencies and founder of the first nationwide network of open adoption organizations, Bruce Rappaport has facilitated thousands of successful open adoptions and acquired an intimate understanding of the most common and heartfelt concerns of parents seeking to adopt a baby. Interweaving personal stories and real-life experiences of adopting parents, birthparents, and adopted children, he answers the questions clients most frequently ask:> * What is an open adoption? How does it differ from traditional adoption?> * Will I ever feel like a real parent if my child’s biological mother knows I’m raising her child? Will she interfere?> * What if the birthmother changes her mind after the adoption?> * How long will it take to get a child?> Documenting answers with extensive personal experience and research, Dr. Rappaport paints a reassuring yet realistic picture of the open adoption process. The result is a highly informative, deeply moving book that will help many people realize the greatest joy life can offer.”

Successful Adoption: A Guide for Christian Families $19.99 “”Successful Adoption” brings a practical and spiritual view of adoption. Topics include: types of adoption, where to begin, necessary paperwork, finances required – and how to raise funds, listing of reputable adoption agencies, building strong bonds with an adopted child, when and how to tell a child she is adopted, the long-term effects of adoption, and God’s blessing through adoption. Book includes practical checklists, timelines, real life stories, sample documents, phone numbers and web-addresses. “Successful Adoption” also includes real-life stories from families who have adopted, including: Steven and Mary Beth Chapman, Rita Springer, Karen Kingsbury and Donna Van Liere.”

The Adoption Resource Book, 4th Edition: 4th Edition $16.99 “With the heart of an adoptive mother and the eye of a journalist, Lois Gilman navigates the often complicated but ultimately fulfilling world of adopting a child. > This practical, wise, and encouraging book contains all the information a couple or an individual needs to investigate adoption alternatives, arrange for and complete a successful adoption, and raise an adoptive family. Beginning with a broad overview of options for both domestic and foreign adoption, the author provides details about agencies, home studies, paperwork, and legal issues. Also covered are procedures for agency and independent adoptions as well as concerns about intercountry adoption, special-needs children, preparing for a child’s arrival, and longer term questions about the impact of adoption on your family over the years. > This newly revised fourth edition features:>>> more information on open adoption and creating the relationship with birth parents that’s right for you and your child;>> the latest on financing an adoption, including loans, government subsidies, and tax credits;>>the best sources for pursuing an international adoption;>> new stories throughout from birth mothers, adoptive parents, and adopted children to illustrate adoption issues today, and a detailed bibliography for further reading;>> and completely updated listings of over a thousand domestic agencies, parent groups, information exchanges, and public service offices. >”

Orphanology: Awakening to Gospelcentered Adoption and Orphan Care $14.99 “Orphanology unveils the grassroots movement thats engaged in a comprehensive response to serve hundreds of millions of orphans and functionally parentless children. Youll see a breadth of ways to care with biblical perspective and reasons why we must. Heartwarming, personal stories and vivid illustrations from a growing network of families, churches, and organizations that cross culture show how to respond to Gods mandate. The book empowers: – churchesto plan preaching, teaching, ministering, missions, funding adoption, supporting orphans; – individuals and familiesto overcome challenges and uncertainties; – every believerto gain insights to help orphans in numerous ways. Discover how to – adopt; – assist orphans in transition; – engage in foster care; – partner with faith-based fostering agencies; – become orphan hosts. Along with their families adoption stories, Merida and Morton give steps for action and features on churches doing orphan ministry, faith-based childrens homes, orphan-hosting groups, and other resources.”

Adoption as a Ministry, Adoption as a Blessing $13.99 “”Abba, Father ” Of all the pictures the Lord uses to describe His relationship with believers, that of a loving father to adopted children is perhaps the most tender. As the body of Christ observes families who have lovingly welcomed adopted children into their midst, we gain a greater appreciation of our own adoption into the family of God. Exploring what Scripture says about adoption and the value of children, Michelle Gardner demonstrates that adoption can be God’s first choice for some lives. Weaving her own children’s heartwarming adoption stories throughout the book, Michelle presents a new challenge for believers to do something drastic for a child. Adoption as a Ministry, Adoption as a Blessing explores: – what the Bible says about ministering to children in need of families – how the church can minister to adoptive families – whether it is right to spend a great deal of money on one child’s adoption – whether domestic or international adoptions are more worthy – the blessings of adoption If you are touched by adoption in any way, this book will give you a new perspective on the Biblical significance of this unique relationship. Michelle Gardner, the Director of Kingdom Kids Adoption Ministries, is a graduate of Multnomah Bible College. She and her husband Steve were missionaries with CBInternational for several years. Steve is now Pastor to Children and Families at Fourth Memorial Church in Spokane, Washington. They have six children, three of whom are adopted.”

The Heart of Adoption $16.99 “The Heart of Adoption is designed to bring encouragement and a point of contact between God and those who want a child.”

Adoption for Dummies $6.99 Are you ready to adopt? This reassuring guide walks you through the process, from choosing the right form of adoption and finding an agency to filling out forms, meeting with birthparents, and getting through the waiting period. You get tips on surviving the home study, dealing with family members, and sharing the adoption story with your child.

Adoption Is for a Lifetime $14.99 “Nancy was Canada’s first foreign adoptee. She shares her fascinating story of how God orchestrated her adoption from Hong Kong, blessed her with wonderful parents, a loving husband, and in His faithfulness and healing presence, brought them through every struggle, especially the loss of their first daughter, Rebecca Joy. Despite the grief, Nancy shares how God turned their pain into joy and sorrow into victory. From what may have seemed like a tragedy to most, Nancy and her husband, Paul, now see how God used this great trial to prepare their hearts for the adoption of Joylin (5), their first precious daughter and their second, Saralin (1). Take a journey with Nancy, as she testifies of the abiding presence of our heavenly Father’s heart for adoption. Nancy (Lai Kwan Chiu) was born in Hong Kong. At 3 years of age, she was adopted by Chinese parents and became Canada’s first foreign adoptee. She lived with her parents and adopted brother, Gerry, in Montreal until she was 13, after which her family moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She graduated from college with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry and eventually pursued a career in computer programming. Nancy, her husband, Paul, and adopted Chinese daughters, Joylin (5) and Sarlin (1) now live in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where she works as a computer programmer/systems analyst. She enjoys serving as head deacon at her local church and co-teaching an adult Sunday School class with Paul. Nancy’s greatest passion, however, is being a mother to Joylin and Saralin, her pride and joy.”

University of NC Charlotte $19.99 University of NC Charlotte – Premium Poster

The Intentional Family: Celebrating Adoption $14.99 “Adoption brings new life to everyone involved. An abandoned and disconnected child is given a home and a place to belong and an incomplete family receives the gift of a new member to nurture and love. In The Intentional Family, Kimberley Raunikar Taylor reaches into her own experience of adopting a child to give hope and encouragement to those considering the possibility of adoption. With gentle wisdom, she examines the thoughts and emotions many experience before embracing this option then discusses all the joys and challenges one may face on the journey through the adoption process. The Intentional Family helps women: Examine the condition of their own hearts and discover what motivates their desire for a child Find blessings in a season of childlessness Respond to God’s desire to place the lonely and homeless in families Prepare for the changes and challenges of adoption Assimilate a new child into an existing family.”

Ethiopia Adoption Adoption Light T-Shirt by CafePress $14 This beautiful design will speak to any family adopting a child from Ehiopia. Adoption Light T-Shirt Tee, TShirt, Shirt Look cool without breaking the bank. Our durable, high-quality, pre-shrunk 100% cotton t-shirt is what to wear when you want to go comfortably casual. Preshrunk, durable and guaranteed.5.6 oz. 100% cotton. Standard fit.

Beating the Adoption Odds: Revised and Updated $40.95 “The completely revised and updated edition of “the definitive guide to modern infant adoption” (Los Angeles Times).>”

Purebred Rescue Dog Adoption $6.99 Each year, millions of purebred dogs are given up by their owners for a variety of reasons. Thanks to the recovery and rehabilitative efforts of rescue organizations, many of these dogs are saved – and go on to become extraordinary companion animals. Now, Purebred Rescue Dog Adoption helps you decide if adopting a purebred rescue dog is right for you. Professional dog trainer and purebred rescue expert Liz Palika explains how to locate local and national rescue groups, what you can expect in the adoption process – and from your rescue dog – and how to help your dog make a successful transition to your “forever home.”

Adoption Joys: They Expected a Miracle $28.95 “The softer side of the abortion debate … In contrast to the front line war of words that emanate with most protest views, Doris takes us behind the scenes into real life drama. The stories contained in this book will make you smile, cry, and find a place in your heart for hurting people that are usually blurred out of the media headlines. As a Pastor, I appreciate the caring way she approaches the issues and the caring hands that she reaches out with to touch hurting hearts. Pastor Rudy Bond New Life Worship Center, Tyler, Texas Doris has gathered a treasury of hope and joy surrounding the adoption process, including Scriptural encouragement and honesty about the fears and challenges involved. This book is a testament to the hand of God with even the least of these. Sara Maynard is a Texas attorney, specializing in representing children. She is Board Certified in Juvenile Law. ADOPTION JOYS, THEY EXPECTED A MIRACLE, explains God’s plan for unplanned pregnancies through moving testimonies of families who have experienced the joy of adoption. As the mother of two adopted children and one adopted grandson, I found myself rejoicing with the families through their stories. This book will be an effective tool to encourage couples to consider adopting children to complete their family. Birth parents will also understand the joy their baby will bring to the adoptive couple; and, perhaps, cause them to consider releasing their baby for adoption. God patterned adoption by adopting us into His family through His Son Jesus hrist. May this book challenge birth and adoptive parents to allow children to experience God’s unconditional love through the gift of adoption. Judith E. Shalllcross, Retired Christian School principal.”

Political Map of Henderson, NC $19.99 Political Map of Henderson, NC – Premium Poster

Political Map of Hendersonville, NC $19.99 Political Map of Hendersonville, NC – Premium Poster

Political Map of Hertford, NC $19.99 Political Map of Hertford, NC – Premium Poster

Political Map of Hickory, NC $19.99 Political Map of Hickory, NC – Premium Poster

Political Map of Hildebran, NC $19.99 Political Map of Hildebran, NC – Premium Poster

Hatteras Banks, NC $49.99 Eliot Elisofon Hatteras Banks, NC – Photographic Print

Political Map of Wilson, NC $19.99 Political Map of Wilson, NC – Premium Poster

University of NC Chapel Hill $19.99 University of NC Chapel Hill – Premium Poster

Political Map of Burlington, NC $49.99 Political Map of Burlington, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Burnsville, NC $49.99 Political Map of Burnsville, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Butner, NC $49.99 Political Map of Butner, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Canton, NC $49.99 Political Map of Canton, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Carthage, NC $49.99 Political Map of Carthage, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Cary, NC $49.99 Political Map of Cary, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Ahoskie, NC $49.99 Political Map of Ahoskie, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Chadbourn, NC $49.99 Political Map of Chadbourn, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Princeville, NC $49.99 Political Map of Princeville, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Raleigh, NC $49.99 Political Map of Raleigh, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Randleman, NC $49.99 Political Map of Randleman, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Ramseur, NC $49.99 Political Map of Ramseur, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Ranlo, NC $49.99 Political Map of Ranlo, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Reidsville, NC $49.99 Political Map of Reidsville, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Havelock, NC $49.99 Political Map of Havelock, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Hays, NC $49.99 Political Map of Hays, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Hazelwood, NC $49.99 Political Map of Hazelwood, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Ayden, NC $49.99 Political Map of Ayden, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Badin, NC $49.99 Political Map of Badin, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Belhaven, NC $49.99 Political Map of Belhaven, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Newport, NC $49.99 Political Map of Newport, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Norlina, NC $49.99 Political Map of Norlina, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Pembroke, NC $49.99 Political Map of Pembroke, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Enfield, NC $49.99 Political Map of Enfield, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Hillsborough, NC $49.99 Political Map of Hillsborough, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Wadesboro, NC $49.99 Political Map of Wadesboro, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Walkertown, NC $49.99 Political Map of Walkertown, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Wallace, NC $49.99 Political Map of Wallace, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Wanchese, NC $49.99 Political Map of Wanchese, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Warsaw, NC $49.99 Political Map of Warsaw, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Washington, NC $49.99 Political Map of Washington, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Aberdeen, NC $49.99 Political Map of Aberdeen, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Albemarle, NC $49.99 Political Map of Albemarle, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Enochville, NC $49.99 Political Map of Enochville, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Erwin, NC $49.99 Political Map of Erwin, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Etowah, NC $49.99 Political Map of Etowah, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Fairmont, NC $49.99 Political Map of Fairmont, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Fairplains, NC $49.99 Political Map of Fairplains, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Fairview, NC $49.99 Political Map of Fairview, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Farmville, NC $49.99 Political Map of Farmville, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Fayetteville, NC $49.99 Political Map of Fayetteville, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Fletcher, NC $49.99 Political Map of Fletcher, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Waxhaw, NC $49.99 Political Map of Waxhaw, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Waynesville, NC $49.99 Political Map of Waynesville, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Weaverville, NC $49.99 Political Map of Weaverville, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Weddington, NC $49.99 Political Map of Weddington, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Welcome, NC $49.99 Political Map of Welcome, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Biscoe, NC $49.99 Political Map of Biscoe, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Boone, NC $49.99 Political Map of Boone, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Boonville, NC $49.99 Political Map of Boonville, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Brogden, NC $49.99 Political Map of Brogden, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Pinehurst, NC $49.99 Political Map of Pinehurst, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Pinetops, NC $49.99 Political Map of Pinetops, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Andrews, NC $49.99 Political Map of Andrews, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Angier, NC $49.99 Political Map of Angier, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Apex, NC $49.99 Political Map of Apex, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Archdale, NC $49.99 Political Map of Archdale, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Asheboro, NC $49.99 Political Map of Asheboro, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Asheville, NC $49.99 Political Map of Asheville, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Murfreesboro, NC $49.99 Political Map of Murfreesboro, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Southport, NC $49.99 Political Map of Southport, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Sparta, NC $49.99 Political Map of Sparta, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Spencer, NC $49.99 Political Map of Spencer, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Spindale, NC $49.99 Political Map of Spindale, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Stallings, NC $49.99 Political Map of Stallings, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Pineville, NC $49.99 Political Map of Pineville, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Plymouth, NC $49.99 Political Map of Plymouth, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Balfour, NC $49.99 Political Map of Balfour, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Bayshore, NC $49.99 Political Map of Bayshore, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Beaufort, NC $49.99 Political Map of Beaufort, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Belmont, NC $49.99 Political Map of Belmont, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Murphy, NC $49.99 Political Map of Murphy, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Murraysville, NC $49.99 Political Map of Murraysville, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Nashville, NC $49.99 Political Map of Nashville, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Navassa, NC $49.99 Political Map of Navassa, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Charlotte, NC $49.99 Political Map of Charlotte, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Cherokee, NC $49.99 Political Map of Cherokee, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Cherryville, NC $49.99 Political Map of Cherryville, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Claremont, NC $49.99 Political Map of Claremont, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Clayton, NC $49.99 Political Map of Clayton, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Clemmons, NC $49.99 Political Map of Clemmons, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Clinton, NC $49.99 Political Map of Clinton, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Clyde, NC $49.99 Political Map of Clyde, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Coats, NC $49.99 Political Map of Coats, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Concord, NC $49.99 Political Map of Concord, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Weldon, NC $49.99 Political Map of Weldon, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Wendell, NC $49.99 Political Map of Wendell, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Wentworth, NC $49.99 Political Map of Wentworth, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Westport, NC $49.99 Political Map of Westport, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Whiteville, NC $49.99 Political Map of Whiteville, NC – Framed Art Print

Political Map of Wilkesboro, NC $49.99 Political Map of Wilkesboro, NC – Framed Art Print

No Comments

No comments yet.

RSS feed for comments on this post. TrackBack URI

Leave a comment

*Name

*Email (not published)

Website