Cleaning sustainably and effectively
E&G Custodial Services creates professional certification track
This year, Educational & General (E&G) Custodial Services created and launched what is believed to be the first program in the custodial industry to certify individuals based on Green Seal Standards, specifically known as GS-42 Certification for Commercial and Institutional Cleaning.
E&G Custodial Services' entire cleaning program was first certified by Green Seal in 2013 based on the rigorous requirements of its GS-42 standard and has been re-certified annually by demonstrating sustained adherence to these best practices in green cleaning.
Associate Director Vibha Buckingham and her team created and launched the individual certification program with the primary objective to recognize the professionals who apply their knowledge to perform sustainable cleaning every day.
The first wave of graduates totaled 24, which included 10 frontline associates. In a special Oct. 17 ceremony, awardees were presented with their certificates by Green Seal Chief Executive Officer Doug Gatlin. In remarks during the ceremony, Gatlin cited the value that custodians bring to the built environment every day through their sustainability best practices. He also recognized Vibha Buckingham for her leadership in creating the first known certification program based on Green Seal's GS-42 standard.
The individual certification curriculum was created by Staff Development & Quality Assurance Manager Sandra Smith based on the most job relevant aspects of the GS-42 standard. The program was built around seven core objectives:
- Provide an opportunity to E&G frontline associates, frontline supervisors and area managers to gain professional certification in green cleaning best practices.
- Enhance self-value, motivation, engagement and productivity through personal academic achievement and professional recognition.
- Create an engaging experience using “collaborative learning” prior to classroom discussion.
- Create two tracks, one for frontline associates and another for management team positions.
- With over 100 team members, offer the opportunity in manageable “waves” so that over time everyone has an opportunity to earn what could be their first professional certification.
- Sustain the momentum post-class through periodic “micro-learning bursts” and robust rounds of green cleaning “Jeopardy!” games.
- Include an annual recertification track.
During the ceremony, the Green Seal CEO predicted that UVA’s program would become an “inspirational model” for other organizations in the custodial industry and higher education environments. He shared that Green Seal is exploring partnership opportunities with E&G Custodial Services where collaboration and industry input would be valuable in fulfilling Green Seal objectives.
Jane Centofante
Communications senior generalist
UVA Facilities Management
(434) 982-5846
janecentofante@virginia.edu