ABM, a leading provider of facility, engineering, and infrastructure solutions, has become the first organization to achieve the CIMS Green Building + Sustainability Certification with Honors, the highest level of certification offered within ISSA’s Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS) program. This milestone not only reinforces ABM’s commitment to environmental stewardship but also establishes a new benchmark for sustainable practices across the cleaning and facility solutions industries.

Administered by ISSA, the association for cleaning and facility solutions, CIMS Green Building + Sustainability Certification with Honors represents the gold standard for organizations seeking to validate their environmental performance, resource conservation, and commitment to health and safety. Notably, it is recognized by the U.S. Green Building Council within the LEED-EB O&M v5 standard, further reinforcing its credibility and value in advancing market adoption of sustainable practices. The “with Honors” designation signifies the highest level of achievement, recognizing organizations that exceed rigorous criteria and demonstrate exceptional, measurable outcomes.

“ABM’s achievement marks a defining moment for our industry,” said ISSA Executive Director Kim Althoff. “As the first organization to earn CIMS Green Building + Sustainability Certification with Honors, ABM is setting a powerful example of what leadership in sustainability looks like in action. This accomplishment raises the bar for our more than 1,300 BSC members and the industry at large.”

Through the comprehensive assessment process, ABM was evaluated on a wide range of criteria, including sustainable procurement, waste reduction, energy efficiency, and organizational commitment to environmental responsibility, while meeting the five core pillars of the CIMS standard: Green Cleaning Policy; Cleaning Practices & Materials; High-Performance Equipment; Indoor Environmental Quality; and Management Commitment.

Earning the certification with Honors signals to customers, stakeholders, and employees that ABM operates at the highest level of sustainability performance and operational excellence.

“At ABM, sustainability isn’t a standalone initiative— it’s embedded in how we operate, how we serve our clients, and how we measure success,” said Bob Clarke, ABM senior vice president of client experience and operations support. “Being the first company globally to earn the CIMS GB Sustainability with Honors certification reflects the rigor and accountability we bring to our cleaning operations across our entire enterprise. ABM is fully committed to helping our customers reduce environmental impact, support healthier spaces, and achieve their own sustainability goals.”

ISSA’s CIMS program helps organizations implement best practices, improve service delivery, and achieve operational efficiencies while prioritizing environmental and social responsibility. As sustainability continues to be a critical focus across industries, certifications like CIMS Sustainability provide a framework for measurable progress.

For more information about ISSA and the CIMS program, click here.

In 2026, 18 states require schools to implement green cleaning policies, and an additional 13 states strongly recommend schools use green cleaning practices, according to recent CloroxPro research. The remaining 19 states have issued no guidance and allow local districts and officials to determine cleaning practice policies.

In total, 31 states now recommend or require green cleaning policies. This represents nearly double the number of states with such policies from a previous analysis four years ago.

While green cleaning policies often require using eco-conscious products, significant variability emerges among green cleaning policies and the types of products to use:

• Policies that vaguely require the use of a “green cleaning product” without defining the term.
• Policies that provide some descriptions of green cleaning product features, such as improved safety features for students and janitors, or improved environmental footprints.
• Policies that provide highly specific requirements or specific third-party certified products including Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Safer Choice, EPA Design for the Environment, Green Seal, and Ecologo. Seven states specifically require third-party certifications: Rhode Island, Oregon, Hawaii, Connecticut, California, Maine, and Missouri.

Regardless of the requirements listed in the laws and recommendations, products certified EPA Safer Choice and EPA Design for the Environment meet the criteria listed in green cleaning policies broadly and are a good choice for any school subject to a green cleaning requirement.