When selecting a commercial cleaning provider, facility managers across Canada are increasingly examining the environmental credentials of cleaning products used in their buildings. Two certifications — EcoLogo and Green Seal — serve as reliable benchmarks for evaluating product safety and environmental responsibility.
What Is EcoLogo Certification?
EcoLogo is a North American environmental certification program, now managed by UL Environment. Products bearing the EcoLogo mark have been tested and verified to meet strict standards for reduced environmental impact throughout their lifecycle — from raw material sourcing through manufacturing, use, and disposal.
For commercial cleaning products, EcoLogo certification (CCD-146 for hard surface cleaners, CCD-148 for carpet care) evaluates criteria including: toxicity to aquatic organisms, biodegradability, volatile organic compound (VOC) content, and packaging recyclability. Products must meet all criteria — there is no partial certification.
What Is Green Seal Certification?
Green Seal is an independent, non-profit organization that has certified products and services since 1989. Their GS-37 standard for industrial and institutional cleaners evaluates similar criteria to EcoLogo but with some differences in testing methodology and threshold values.
Green Seal certification requires on-site audits of manufacturing facilities and annual verification, adding an additional layer of accountability. The certification also considers human health impacts, including skin and eye irritation potential and respiratory sensitization.
Why These Certifications Matter for Your Facility
Beyond environmental responsibility, certified cleaning products offer tangible operational benefits:
- Reduced indoor air quality complaints from building occupants
- Lower risk of chemical-related workplace incidents
- Alignment with LEED and BOMA BEST certification requirements
- Documentation support for corporate sustainability reporting
- Compliance with municipal and provincial environmental procurement policies
How TrueNorth Approaches Product Selection
At TrueNorth, we maintain a product inventory where every cleaning agent used in client facilities holds either EcoLogo or Green Seal certification. Our procurement process requires certification verification before any product is approved for use.
We review our product list quarterly to incorporate newly certified alternatives and remove any products that have lost certification status. Product Safety Data Sheets are maintained on file and available to clients upon request.
Questions to Ask Your Cleaning Provider
When evaluating cleaning service proposals, facility managers should ask: Can you provide a list of all cleaning products used, with certification documentation? What is your process for introducing new products? How do you handle situations where a certified product is unavailable?
The answers to these questions reveal whether a provider has genuinely integrated environmental standards into their operations or is simply making claims without documentation.