Sustainability is a strategic mindset that touches every part of an organization. This isn’t just about green cleaning or a few eco-friendly practices—it’s about embedding a “think sustainably” culture into the organization’s DNA. Making powerful choices Cultural change begins by rethinking decision evaluation. Traditionally, purchasing has focused on upfront costs and performance. A sustainable mindset asks more profound questions. Before purchasing new equipment, consider its full lifecycle cost—not just purchase price, but energy and water consumption, maintenance, replacement parts, and end-of-life disposal. Is it designed for repair or destined for the landfill? Look at the company behind the product. Is its supply chain ethical? Has it faced environmental or labor violations? By asking these questions, you mitigate the risks associated with partnering with questionable suppliers and make informed ethical choices that enhance brand reputation. Eliminating waste A “think sustainably” culture targets waste—defined as any inefficiency that drains resources, whether energy, water, materials, or human. Why pay for wasted energy? Smart technologies, such as energy-efficient heating, ventilation, thermostats, and HVAC systems, along with LED lighting can significantly reduce electricity use. Low-flow fixtures and efficient cooling or irrigation systems reduce water consumption without sacrificing performance. In manufacturing, “dematerializing” processes—using fewer materials, minimizing scrap, and maximizing output—save money and resources. In logistics, optimizing delivery routes and investing in fuel-efficient or electric vehicles reduces emissions and operating costs. Being mindful The heart of sustainability is mindfulness—toward people and nature. Some organizations view employees as replaceable and communities as resources to exploit. Sustainable organizations see themselves as part of a larger ecosystem, and they invest in people by offering fair wages, safe working conditions, and opportunities for growth. Mindfulness also means actively working to protect biodiversity, reduce our environmental footprint, and restore natural resources. This is not just generosity—it’s enlightened self-interest. Building a strategy Embedding sustainability into strategy involves integrating holistic decision-making, waste elimination, and mindful stewardship into every level of operations. For example, procurement teams can prioritize products with third-party environmental certifications. Facilities teams can commit to annual energy and water audits. Operations teams can set goals for reducing packaging waste or increasing recycling rates. Creating a culture of sustainability means constantly asking: “Is there a better, more sustainable way to do this?” It’s a continuous process—not a one-time project. It requires persistence, creativity, and the willingness to challenge “the way we’ve always done it.” Learn more by watching a StraightTalk! video at cmmonline.com/think.
Hygiene training is already challenging, without the worry of keeping your cleaning teams engaged. Factors such as high staff turnover, limited time and resources, and repetitive content can turn training into a box-checking exercise. But when training is engaging, it can drive long-term behavioral change, empowering teams to follow cleaning and hygiene protocols and protect the facility’s reputation. Redoing the entire training curriculum isn’t necessary—a few tweaks can make the difference between staff boredom and attentiveness. Consider the following three strategies to make your organization’s hygiene training more engaging and effective. 1. Keep it visual and bite-sized Start by delivering information through visual assets in small, digestible moments. With staff juggling so much in one day, microlearning—short, focused learning bursts—can be an effective tool in improving comprehension and recall. For example, provide short, easy-to-access videos or infographics, either in-person or online. Then reinforce key information or tips with posters and signage placed in high-traffic areas. To ensure your staff gets the most out of these materials, customize them to specific job roles or times of the year, like cold and flu season. Consider rotating content regularly to keep it fresh and relevant. And be sure to ask staff members for regular feedback; their input can help ensure training is practical and motivating everyone to work toward shared goals. 2. Connect training to real-world impact Beyond health, hygiene can have a massive impact on facility operations, whether it’s an office building, sports venue, or transportation terminal. When hygiene training is tied to real outcomes, it becomes more than just a requirement—it becomes a shared responsibility. And when staff see how their actions contribute to a safer and more productive environment, they’re more likely to stay engaged and committed. During meetings and collaborative sessions, share stories of hygiene-related incidents and how the team learned from them. Don’t hesitate to share positive feedback, such as a guest complimenting a visibly clean space; this feedback creates a tangible and memorable real-world impact. Make recognition part of the training routine. Acknowledge consistent behavior by highlighting teams or individuals who lead by example—even simple gestures can go a long way in boosting morale. When staff understand the “why” behind executing hygiene excellence, and not just the “how,” they’re more likely to take ownership and remain committed. And the stakes are high. Among respondents of Tork Insight Surveys conducted in 2024 and 2025: More than half (52%) took action after a bad restroom experience, whether it was spending less time at a venue, limiting how much they ate or drank, or not returning to the venue at all. Poor restroom conditions were a serious enough problem for 17% to leave their job. Favorable restroom conditions can also lead to action. According to insights from Airports Council International, a 1% increase in customer satisfaction can lead to a 1.5% increase in non-aeronautical revenue in airport terminals, with restroom cleanliness being a key driver of that satisfaction. 3. Make it interactive Today’s employees are increasingly fluent in digital tools—and they expect training to reflect that. From onboarding to job-specific duties, hygiene training can benefit from the same digital approach. Interactive, hands-on learning doesn’t just make training more enjoyable—it encourages active participation and behavioral change, leading to better outcomes. Consider virtual reality (VR) for scenario-based training that you can tailor to different roles or facility types, or gamified “what would you do?” challenges to spark friendly competition and quick decision-making. For more traditional programs, team discussions or peer-led sessions can instill comfort and understanding. Incorporate the team’s lineup of cleaning and hygiene products into training to build familiarity, reinforce correct usage, and make the learning experience more relevant to daily tasks. Prioritize staff engagement An engaging hygiene training program isn’t just nice to have; it’s essential. Using the varied methods described in the three tips above can help transform hygiene training from a checkbox task into a meaningful experience. Investing in training that is interactive, visual, and grounded in real-world impact can help your team stay safe, compliant, and confident.
This year, several health departments, particularly on the East Coast, have confirmed higher rates of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD), a viral infection that spreads easily from person to person, compared to previous years. For example, in 2025, the Virginia Department of Health saw significant increases in emergency department and urgent care visits for HFMD, as well as a notable increase in reported HFMD outbreaks, when compared to previous years. K-12 schools and childcare centers have reported the most outbreaks. The Washington, D.C. health department alone reported 197 emergency department visits in September related to HFMD, primarily among children under five years. The West Virginia health department also has identified a significant increase in reported outbreaks of HFMD statewide. In 2025, a total of 38 HFMD outbreaks have been reported, including 17 outbreaks since Sept. 1. In Maryland, three counties—Montgomery, Prince George’s, and St. Mary’s—reported an increase in HFMD, including an announcement last week from Prince George's County Public Schools that over 40 schools in the district have reported cases of HFMD as of Oct. 30. Across the country, the New Mexico Department of Health has reported a high number of calls to the department in 2025, suggesting a higher rate of the virus this year compared to the past two years. In August, the Illinois Department of Public Health said HFMD was currently surging in Illinois and nationally, however, no increased illness severity had been observed. To prevent and control HFMD, health departments recommend: Frequent handwashing, especially after diapering and bathroom use and before food handling. Respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette. Regular cleaning and disinfecting of frequently touched surfaces and toys. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also offers steps on how to clean and disinfect child care and education settings.
The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the global developer of the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) standards, opened certification to the LEED v5 rating system and released new tools and resources for users. LEED users can now certify projects under the new rating system. Scorecards focused on LEED v5's core impact areas—decarbonization, quality of life, and ecological conservation and restoration—are available to help guide project teams in planning goals and intent. A wide range of tools, including calculators, a scorecard builder, recertification guidance, and a decarbonization workbook, support the success of project teams in achieving certification. Additionally, USGBC has released updated LEED v5 crosswalks to help streamline the process for projects pursuing multiple certifications. These include the LEED v5 and WELL crosswalk developed in collaboration with the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI), and the LEED v5 and SITES crosswalk. "Since releasing the rating system and launching LEED v5 registration earlier this year, we have seen interest in using the new rating system spread across the industry," said Peter Templeton, USGBC president and CEO. "Recognizing that LEED v5 is a significant step forward, we are committed to helping our community understand and apply the new elements by providing USGBC members and LEED users with detailed resources and enhanced support." LEED v5 offers clear steps for buildings to achieve near-zero carbon status while prioritizing physical resilience and the health and well-being of people and communities. Additionally, a Cushman and Wakefield report found projects that invest in LEED certification see a return on investment through higher asset values, increased occupancy rates, and higher rents.
Last week, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) ended an automatic grace period for immigrants with pending work permit renewals, a ruling that will push out of the workforce many immigrants stuck in a growing administrative backlog. DHS said it intended to cancel the current 540-day buffer given to refugees, asylees, and spouses of certain other visa holders when they file for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) renewal, as well as green-card applicants, Newsweek reported. Immigrants who file to renew their extension of EAD on or after Oct. 30 will no longer receive an automatic extension. Exceptions include extensions for immigrants with employment authorization through Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and extensions provided by statute. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the DHS department that administers immigration benefits, recommends immigrants seek a timely renewal of their EAD by properly filing a renewal application up to 180 days before their EAD expires. The longer an immigrant waits to file an EAD renewal application, USCIS said the more likely it is that they may experience a temporary lapse in their employment authorization or documentation. Bloomberg Law reported USCIS announced the abrupt new ruling amid broader efforts by the Trump administration to limit access to temporary humanitarian benefits, including terminating TPS and parole programs, along with suppressing asylum claims at the border.
The November/December issue of ISSA Today is now available in a digital format. This edition closes out the year with big ideas and bold moves shaping the future of clean. See how industry leaders are redefining innovation—and what’s next for workforce development, certification, and global collaboration. Get a front-row look at ISSA’s leadership transition, plus practical plays for improving indoor air quality, elevating training, and expanding your professional network in 2026. Don’t miss it—this issue is your year-end briefing for leaders who move the industry forward. Here’s a quick look at what you’ll find in this issue: Straight Talk!: @Sustainability President’s Message: Win the week at ISSA Show ISSA In Action!: An inside look at what ISSA is doing for its members today. The ISSA Emerging Leaders Class of 2025: 30 industry professionals who are leading by both determination and example. The Fomite Factor: Target the touchpoints that drive transmission. Think Sustainably: It’s not just another side project. Holistic Strategies for Healthy Buildings: Connect cleaning and air quality for healthier indoor spaces. Run the Plays, Win the Deals: Turn role-play into drills that boost confidence, speed, and win rates. The Q2 Reality Check: Signs of stabilization amid ongoing headwinds. Measuring Worker Intangibles: Turn empowerment, morale, and quality into numbers you can actually use. The Predictive Restroom Advantage: Why it’s time to rethink smart building strategy. The ISSA Partner Program: Unlock exclusive member savings today! From Chasm to Scale: Putting the robotic tipping point in the rearview mirror. Member Spotlight on Champion Service Group: Raising the standard in healthcare cleaning. View the Table of Contents to see everything available in this issue. Keep up-to-date with industry topics in video format. Subscribe today for free. Access the archives of previous issues of ISSA Today magazine. Advertise and promote your company, products, and services in the next issue of ISSA Today magazine!