CMM spoke with Edward Smith III, an environmental services (EVS) professional for an Alabama school district, about his methods for tackling problem areas in the more than 20 schools he serves. How long have you worked in EVS? Edward Smith: I have worked in environmental services for 25 years and am currently the executive director of facilities at Tuscaloosa City Schools in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where I have worked for seven years. What are some of the biggest problem areas in the facility you clean? Smith: Restrooms are one of our biggest challenges. They set the tone for cleanliness and care of the building. To care for them properly, we maintain cleaning standards that extend during the school day and through any extended hours the building is occupied. How have you solved these problems? Smith: We have established a restroom-cleaning schedule for custodians to follow and provided metered chemicals for restroom use. To make the process easier and eliminate cross contamination, we have created separate custodian carts for restrooms and utilize color-coded microfiber cloths for specific areas and fixtures. We target specific “danger zone” locations, such as under urinals and toilets, for extra cleaning. Additionally, we emphasize that all dispensers must be operational. We also are introducing a new restroom inspection system that will be conducted internally by each district school. What types of cleaning products make the job easier? Smith: We do not use any chemicals or urinal screens with heavy perfumes. We find the more consistently we clean, the less we need to use harsh chemicals. Using equipment and supplies as intended also makes the job easier. Please give a step-by-step account of your problem-solving methods. Smith: When an issue or opportunity arises, we: Listen carefully to gain a complete understanding. Collaborate with all the teams involved and research a remedy. Perform the initial remedy. Assess the situation. Complete the process or repeat it if the remedy didn’t work. What advice would you give to other EVS workers who also struggle with maintaining restrooms? Smith: If I see it, you will see it. In other words, if you notice issues in the restroom, realize that customers and building visitors will see these issues too. Don’t clean in response to complaints. Clean before you get complaints.
Each year, EXHIBITOR Magazine recognizes top-performing convention centers through its prestigious Centers of Excellence program. The 2026 honorees—25 convention centers across North America—represent the best in exhibitor experience, operational performance, innovation, and service delivery. Excellence in today’s meetings and events industry is no longer defined solely by square footage, loading docks, or Wi-Fi bandwidth. In a post-pandemic world shaped by heightened health awareness, sustainability expectations, and workforce safety concerns, the definition of “best-in-class” has fundamentally changed. Increasingly, excellence is measured by how well facilities protect people and support public health. This shift is clearly reflected in the 2026 Centers of Excellence honorees, among which 10 (40%) are GBAC STAR™ accredited and 14 (56%) are LEED certified. Seven facilities among the 25 hold both GBAC STAR and LEED certification: Baird Center, Milwaukee Charlotte Convention Center, Charlotte, North Carolina Greater Columbus Convention Center, Columbus, Ohio Hawaii Convention Center, Honolulu McCormick Place, Chicago Seattle Convention Center, Seattle Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington, D.C. Creating new venue baselines Trade shows and large events bring people from all over the world together. The convention centers where they gather are complex ecosystems where indoor air quality, surface hygiene, waste management, chemical selection, and cleaning protocols intersect. Before they book venues, event organizers are asking new questions: How is cleaning verified and standardized? What protocols are in place to prevent the spread of infectious diseases? How does the building support healthy indoor environments? What sustainability outcomes can be measured and not just claimed? The convention centers recognized in the 2026 Centers of Excellence program demonstrate that leading venues are responding to these questions by aligning operations with recognized third-party standards, including GBAC STAR Accreditation and the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. Cleaning to protect health The Global Biorisk Advisory Council® (GBAC), a division of ISSA, The Association for Cleaning and Facility Solutions, established GBAC STAR accreditation to help facilities implement the highest level of cleaning, disinfection, and infectious disease prevention practices. GBAC STAR is not a marketing label—it is a performance-based accreditation grounded in science, training, documentation, and continuous improvement. Facilities seeking GBAC STAR accreditation must demonstrate: Evidence-based cleaning and disinfection protocols Formal bio-risk management programs Appropriate chemical selection and use Worker training and competency verification Emergency response and outbreak preparedness Ongoing auditing and program review For convention centers, this translates into predictable, transparent, and defensible cleaning operations. GBAC STAR accreditation shows a strong commitment to structured infection prevention and cleaning for health. Accredited venues recognize that cleaning is not simply about appearance. It is about risk reduction, workforce protection, and occupant safety and confidence. Cleaning as essential infrastructure As the global voice of the cleaning industry, ISSA plays a central role in elevating cleaning from a custodial function to a recognized public health service. Through GBAC, professional training programs, standards engagement, and evidence-based guidance, ISSA supports facilities across the built environment in implementing Cleaning for Health™ principles. This approach emphasizes: Risk-based cleaning strategies Safer chemistry and responsible product selection Measurable outcomes instead of visual inspection alone Worker health, safety, and professionalization Alignment between facility management, sustainability, and health goals The Centers of Excellence honorees illustrate how convention centers are operationalizing these principles by embedding cleaning into broader environmental, social, and governance (ESG) frameworks rather than treating it as a back-of-house activity. Designed to support health While GBAC STAR focuses on operational health protection, LEED addresses how buildings are designed, renovated, and operated to support environmental and human health outcomes. LEED-certified buildings demonstrate performance in: Indoor environmental quality Ventilation and airflow effectiveness Energy efficiency and emissions reduction Water conservation Waste diversion and recycling Responsible materials selection LEED certification provides planners and exhibitors with verifiable sustainability data, helping organizations meet corporate sustainability commitments while selecting venues aligned with their ESG goals. Selecting a convention location For event professionals, selecting a venue is no longer just a logistical decision; it is a risk management decision. Venues aligned with GBAC STAR™ and LEED provide: Evidence-based cleaning and bio-risk, management Reduced reputational and operational risk Integration of cleaning, sustainability, and health into core operations Alignment with corporate sustainability reporting In competitive event markets, these factors increasingly influence attendance, exhibitor retention, and long-term brand reputation. Venues investing in health and sustainability are also investing in business resilience and long-term relevance. Envisioning the future The Centers of Excellence convention centers are not simply hosting successful trade shows. They are redefining responsible venue management. By investing in GBAC STAR accreditation, LEED certification, and ISSA-aligned best practices, these venues demonstrate leadership that extends beyond the event floor by committing to healthy indoor environments supported by science.
CMM spoke with Gregory Gardner, director of environmental services (EVS) at a Georgia hospital, about the critical role of EVS staff in preventing the spread of infectious pathogens in healthcare facilities. How long have you been working in EVS? Gregory Gardner: I have worked in environmental services for 15 years. I am currently the director of EVS at Memorial Hospital and Manor in Bainbridge, Georgia. Which infectious diseases does your facility contend with the most this time of year? Gardner: We see a lot of cases of norovirus, flu, and COVID-19 in the winter. Which infections/pathogens are your facility most concerned about? Why? Gardner: We are most concerned about the spread of C. diff, COVID-19, and the flu. Patients and visitors have numerous opportunities to spend time in common areas within the hospital, and that opens up the possibility of cross-contamination. What cleaning protocols do your EVS teams follow to help prevent the spread of infectious diseases? Gardner: Our daily cleaning protocols in patient rooms and public areas include wiping down high-touch surfaces, as well as surfaces closest to the patient. We clean waiting-room furniture, public restrooms, and high-traffic spaces multiple times each day. In addition, we perform blitz cleaning in various common areas of the hospital and manor, including sweeping; mopping; wiping down tables, chairs, walls, and vents; and dusting high surfaces. Then we perform audits to ensure rooms are cleaned correctly and thoroughly and that soap and sanitizer dispensers remain stocked. What is your facility’s top challenge regarding infection prevention? Gardner: We have a problem with family members of patients who don’t follow instructions for infection control precautions. They do not feel that these precautions should apply to them and don’t understand the impact of not following the processes. What are your biggest staff challenges? Gardner: It is important that the EVS team perform its tasks consistently, focusing on safety and using personal protective equipment (PPE) correctly. To accomplish this, PPE requirements must be in effect, including when patients leave the hospital or transfer to another facility. Staff must educate family members and visitors on the importance of PPE and enforce its use. What are the most common misconceptions about infection prevention? Gardner: Many people mistakenly believe their actions don’t affect infection prevention. In reality, the actions of everyone in the building affect infection prevention. For example, hand hygiene is essential, along with keeping each individual’s environment clean. Infection control is not just housekeeping’s job.
Technology is taking an old problem—the transmission of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs)—and looking at new ways to prevent it. Crothall Healthcare, which provides support services and environmental services (EVS) to hospitals and other healthcare facilities, is one of the organizations implementing automated and smart technology to help stop the transmission of HAIs. In 2019, Crothall Healthcare began a partnership with the American Nursing Association in its quest to reduce the instances of C. diff and other HAIs in the facilities it serves. “The association brought a wealth of knowledge on how to best partner with clinical teams on combating healthcare-associated infections,” said Sophia McCrae, vice president of operational strategy at Crothall Healthcare. “It truly takes a team to minimize the spread of HAIs.” The partnership increased the number of accounts that utilize a hygiene monitoring program using radio-frequency identification (RFID) to track whether healthcare employees wash their hands properly. Washing until the green light For example, a New York hospital, partnering with Crothall, installed RFID sensors on sinks, hand sanitizer dispensers, and soap dispensers, which healthcare employees use before treating patients or cleaning patient rooms. This technology communicates with sensors on staff badges to signal how long the employees are washing their hands. “It’s a hospital-wide initiative; every department is monitored, not just environmental services, to create a culture that prioritizes hygiene,” McCrae said. When employees approach an RFID-equipped sink or dispenser, they see a yellow light to remind them to wash. If they don’t wash long enough to remove germs, a red light flashes. The light remains red until they are compliant; then it flashes green. “Green is clean, bright yellow is a reminder, bright red means stop and rewash your hands,” McCrae explained. Employee noncompliance is reported to a supervisor. However, the system is not solely punitive; it also provides data on compliant employees. “This allows us to recognize and reward compliance,” McCrae said. Since the RFID system was installed in 2021, the hospital has seen higher hand hygiene compliance and experienced increased patient satisfaction regarding hospital hygiene. “Accounts that utilize this system are above the 75th percentile for patient satisfaction, based on surveys,” McCrae said. “When patients see hospital staff washing their hands during interactions, this improves their perception of cleanliness and increases their confidence in safety protocols.” Revealing invisible C. diff spores In addition to improving hand hygiene, technology is tackling challenges in surface hygiene, including detecting when a surface is contaminated with invisible pathogens. “In environmental services, we aim to find the dirt and clean the dirt; find the dust and get rid of it,” McCrae said. “But what happens when you don’t really know what is living on a surface because you can’t see it?” Crothall joined forces with an organization that created a microbiological visualization tool that reveals the presence of C. diff with a unique patented spray. Cleaning staff spray down a surface and wait three to five minutes. Then, using ultraviolet lights and goggles, they can see the illuminated C. diff spores. Historically, Crothall EVS teams have concentrated on disinfecting specific high-touch patient room areas such as bedrails and over-the-bed tables. After testing multiple surfaces with the spray, they have added adenosine triphosphate (ATP) swab testing to additional high-touch areas, such as shower fixtures and glove boxes. EVS crews learn how to use the spore visualization spray in simulation labs. New hires are trained to use it as part of their onboarding. “We are exploring it in about 20 of our accounts today, and we are participating in research with an academic medical center,” McCrae said. “We are seeing significant research outcomes, both quantitative and qualitative.” Automating UVC disinfection Ultraviolet (UVC) light disinfection is not a new technology. However, the most modern units now feature artificial intelligence- (AI) powered automation. Crothall-serviced facilities formerly used AI disinfection units that EVS workers needed to move around a room manually. Now they use fully autonomous UVC systems that are mounted in the corner of the room. “You can tell the system which surfaces to disinfect, and when nobody is in the room, it will automatically turn on,” McCrae said. “It knows which surfaces to attack and the exact height of these surfaces. We can pre-set it to sporicidal mode, and if C. diff is present, it will intentionally target the spores.” McCrae said the automated UVC disinfection system has resulted in a 3-log reduction in C. diff spore counts in facilities that use that system. Enhancing manual cleaning Technical advancements like AI-automated UVC disinfecting systems will not replace the importance of manual cleaning and the need for EVS staff to perform that cleaning. However, they can add an extra level of disinfection that lowers the risk of contracting an HAI. “The technology has resulted in a significant reduction in bioburden,” McCrae said. Spore visualization sprays and other advancements also provide a roadmap that guides EVS teams to the surfaces most in need of attention, so they can distribute their time and effort more effectively. “In cleaning, we always talk about turnaround times and benchmarks,” McCrae said. “Cleaning and disinfection technology helps us understand how much time we are spending on each surface and whether we are spending too much time in one area and not enough time in another.”
What has the cleaning industry learned as it transitioned from the first pandemic year to the second? In this episode of BioTalk, a GBACtv production, learn the details about what went well and what didn't in 2021, and what we as an industry need to know right now. Infection prevention experts Patty Olinger, the executive director of the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC), a division of ISSA, and Dr. Paul Meechan, the former head of safety with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and who now serves on the GBAC scientific advisory board, discuss these topics with ISSA Media Director Jeff Cross. This webcast also digs into the science and the layered support when it comes to cleaning, disinfection, and air purification, and how the omicron variant shouldn’t be considered just another type of “cold”. Olinger and Meechan also discuss the possibility of the end of the pandemic. This webcast is brought to you by our sponsor Breezy.
The Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) updated its National Emphasis Program that protects workers from outdoor and indoor heat-related hazards. Agency resources will now focus on inspections and outreach in industries and workplaces where heat stress risks are most likely to occur, including the building services industry. Originally issued in April 2022, the revised National Emphasis Program – Outdoor and Indoor Heat-Related Hazards uses OSHA and Bureau of Labor Statistics data from calendar years 2022-2025 to direct inspection priorities to 55 high-risk industries in indoor and outdoor work settings. Through this data, OSHA identified industries with high rates of heat-related illness and industries with employers that have received heat-related citations or hazard alert letters. The revised emphasis program removes outdated background information, updates links, eliminates the former numerical inspection goal, and introduces two reorganized appendices, one for evaluating heat programs and another for citation guidance. The update also includes clearer guidance that will improve tracking and more effectively implement the program’s enforcement and outreach efforts. Compliance officers will continue to conduct outreach and compliance assistance and expand any inspection where there is evidence of heat-related hazards on heat priority days. Additionally, compliance officers will conduct random inspections focused on heat hazards in high-risk industries on days when the National Weather Service issues a heat advisory or warning. Heat illness remains a serious hazard for indoor and outdoor workers, leading to preventable injuries and fatalities every year. Ensuring that employers take the steps needed to safeguard workers is essential, and this updated program allows OSHA to better focus on outreach, compliance assistance, and enforcement efforts in high-risk industries and promote effective prevention practices. The revised National Emphasis Program is effective immediately and will be in place for five years after the effective date. OSHA will continue its compliance assistance and outreach efforts to industry and labor stakeholders, alliance partners, and media to broaden the reach of heat safety information and resources. The agency’s On-Site Consultation Program, a free and confidential health and safety consulting program for small- and medium-sized businesses, can assist employers with developing strategic approaches for addressing heat-related illnesses and injuries in workplaces.
On Tuesday, Walmart introduced Upstream Facility Services, a new business bringing its in-house maintenance expertise to companies nationwide. Upstream currently focuses on HVAC, refrigeration, general maintenance, electrical, and plumbing trades. Upstream is built for businesses operating across distributed, multi-location footprints, where uptime, consistency, and speed directly impact revenue. Constructed on the systems and scale that support thousands of Walmart and Sam’s Club locations, its maintenance model combines urgent repairs, preventive maintenance, and predictive service. With technicians positioned near many customer locations, the business is designed to respond quickly while helping customers reduce downtime, avoid repeat issues, and extend asset life. That national reach is backed by a dedicated training center where technicians build the skills needed to deliver reliable and consistent service across locations. “We’ve spent years building one of the largest in-house facility service operations in the country,” said R.J. Zanes, Walmart Facility Services vice president. “Upstream takes that capability beyond our walls, combining national scale, skilled technicians, and real-time visibility to help businesses run with fewer disruptions.” Clients have real-time visibility into services across locations, from job status to performance trends, enabling faster decisions, better planning, and more consistent execution at scale. These tools support scheduling, routing, and performance tracking. Upstream is built for businesses managing complex facility operations, especially those operating across multiple locations. The goal is to simplify facility maintenance while improving uptime and reducing costs. Walmart said the key benefits of Upstream Facility Services include: Nationwide technician coverage with local proximity. Service delivered by Walmart-trained technicians. End-to-end maintenance: urgent, preventive and predictive. Consistent execution across locations and operations. Real-time visibility into service performance. Proactive approach to reduce downtime over time.
Tork, an Essity brand, and the Eagles Autism Foundation entered a joint initiative to transform several restrooms at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia in support of providing an inclusive hygiene experience for guests of all abilities. Upgraded restrooms will feature adult changing tables, higher urinal and stall dividers for enhanced privacy and comfort, warm lighting and soothing music to build a calming ambiance, and more enhanced accessibility features. Lincoln Financial Field committed to providing inclusive hygiene for all guests when it upgraded its restroom infrastructure in 2023. The organizations will complete a series of restroom enhancements across the three restrooms located by the Eagles Sensory Room presented by Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia on the lower suites level of Lincoln Financial Field. The three upgraded restrooms will be completed and showcased to fans in May ahead of the annual Eagles Autism Challenge. The Eagles Autism Foundation offers resources at Lincoln Financial Field to provide a smoother stadium experience for individuals of all abilities. Starting with a “visual schedule,” guests can prepare for their experience by understanding what to expect and knowing how to access support. Guests can also visit Fan Services for sensory bags, take a break in the stadium’s sensory room, and now through this innovative partnership, experience a more inclusive hygiene experience. The restroom upgrade is a direct result of collaboration and listening to those who understand the community's needs, including gathering input from the Eagles Autism Foundation community and leveraging the expertise of the Tork Coalition for Inclusive Hygiene. The restroom upgrades also incorporated tips from the Inclusive Hygiene Playbook—a first-of-its-kind resource that provides research-backed tips for facility managers based on deep ethnographic research and over 50 years of Tork sustainable hygiene experience. Additionally, the Eagles Autism Foundation surveyed over 70 respondents in its community and found: Participation starts with comfort: Restrooms are integral to the venue experience. If fans don't feel comfortable, they may opt out entirely. One caregiver shared: "Families like mine want to go out and experience what neurotypical families get to do every day. By making restrooms more accessible, it makes it easier for us to participate too." Valued guests become loyal fans: The restroom experience impacts whether fans feel valued or undervalued, which informs loyalty and repeat visits. A respondent noted: "I think highly of facilities that have more accessible options for visitors because it shows me they care about the people that come to their venue." Belonging builds community: For many families, the ability to share in everyday experiences—without barriers—is everything. "These restroom upgrades at Lincoln Financial Field, paired with the existing sensory room, are exactly what best-in-class fan experience looks like," said Uma Srivastava, KultureCity executive director. "We hope more organizations follow this lead, because when you design holistically for everyone, more people can show up, participate, and truly belong—from attending events to working, dining, learning or traveling." In turn, Tork prioritized the following enhancements to create a more inclusive hygiene restroom experience where all fans feel welcome, safe and empowered to participate. Odor control via installation of Tork Constant Air Freshener with malodor-eliminating technology. Adult changing tables to serve caregivers of individuals with differing abilities, mobility challenges, or medical needs. Surface sanitizing to provide extra comfort and protection for users, with Everwipe® by Tork disinfectant wipes placed by adult changing tables. Higher urinal and stall dividers for improved privacy and comfort. Localized sound system dedicated to the three upgraded restrooms, centrally controlled from a sound panel inside the sensory room to address sensory sensitivities. Warm lighting to build a calming, comfortable ambiance.
The U.S. Department of Labor launched a new suite of voluntary self-assessment tools to empower U.S. companies to strengthen their global supply chains, protect their brands, and defend American workers from unfair competition due to labor abuses overseas. The voluntary self-assessment tools provide practical, user-friendly guidance to help companies evaluate labor practices, map supply-chain risks, and take concrete steps to ensure alignment with U.S. law banning imports made with forced labor. The self-assessment tools launched today are: LaborShield: A mobile app that features information on egregious labor violations in over 145 countries. ImportWatch: A resource that brings together the department’s labor abuse research with U.S. import data from the U.S. Census Bureau to produce a red-flag list of all high-risk goods for U.S. importers. SourcingStrong: A tool to help U.S. businesses build strong labor due diligence systems to identify and manage risk in their supply chains. Supply Chain Traceability Portal: The portal provides visibility across supply chains and beyond the first tier to expose where exploitative labor hides.