Celebrating the Latest Green Janitor Program Graduates: Advancing Sustainable Facility Management in Washington State
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) is proud to announce the graduation of 28 custodians from the Green Janitor Health Certification program in King County, Washington. Celebrated on September 13, 2024, at the Chinook Building in downtown Seattle, this milestone underscores a shared commitment to sustainability, environmental stewardship, and community well-being.
Empowering Custodians for Sustainable Practices
The Green Janitor program—offered as the Green Janitor Education Program (GJEP) in California and the Green Janitor Health Certification (GJHC) elsewhere—is a comprehensive 30-hour course designed for custodial staff. Developed in collaboration with USGBC California, SEIU-United Service Workers West, and other industry leaders, the program equips janitors with critical skills in:
Energy Efficiency: Strategies to reduce electricity and water usage in buildings.
Green Cleaning Practices: Utilizing environmentally friendly cleaning chemicals and methods to improve indoor air quality.
Waste Management: Effective recycling and waste diversion techniques to minimize environmental impact.
Worker Health and Safety: Ensuring safe working conditions and reducing exposure to harmful substances.
LEED Certification Knowledge: Understanding how their work contributes to LEED certification and earning Innovation points for their buildings.
Graduates receive a portable certificate as a Green Janitor, enhancing their professional credentials and directly contributing to their building's sustainability efforts.
Janitors: The Frontline of Sustainable Building Operations
Custodians play a vital role in maintaining building operations and are often the first to notice issues that affect human well-being. By empowering them with sustainability knowledge, the program enables janitors to:
Enhance indoor air quality.
Reduce chemical exposure for occupants.
Promote healthier, more sustainable spaces.
The curriculum also focuses on communication skills, allowing custodians to effectively advocate for sustainability improvements and influence building operations positively.
Collaboration Fuels Success and Expansion
The success of the Green Janitor program relies on strong collaboration between instructors, building management, cleaning contractors, and local USGBC chapters. This teamwork ensures the program is tailored to specific needs and fosters a shared commitment to sustainability.
Looking ahead, there are plans to:
Expand to More Cities: Bringing the program to additional locations to broaden its impact.
Increase Participation: Encouraging more organizations to get involved.
Seek Partnerships: Working with building owners, funding sources, and organizations like the SEIU Education & Support Fund to support growth.
Addressing Challenges and Embracing Diversity
Language diversity among janitorial staff has been both a challenge and an opportunity. The program has embraced this by offering curriculum materials in five languages, enriching the learning experience and making it more inclusive.
Join the Movement Toward Sustainable Facility Management
The Green Janitor program not only supports LEED goals but also emphasizes equity and inclusion within the workforce. With over 355 Green Janitors certified outside California and more than 2,000 within the state, the program is well-positioned for continued growth and significant impact on sustainability practices.
Interested in Partnering or Participating?
Organizations looking to advance their sustainability goals and invest in workforce development can explore opportunities by contacting:
In California: Building Skills Partnership
Outside California: Education and Support Fund
Read the Full Article to Learn More
Discover how the Green Janitor Program is transforming sustainable facility management and how you can be part of this exciting movement. Read the full article here to learn more about the program's impact, success stories, and how to get involved.