Chicago’s McCormick Place Achieves ISSA CIMS Sustainability Cleaning Certification

McCormick Place, the largest convention center in North America, has become the first facility to achieve Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS) Green Building + Sustainability Certification with Honors from ISSA, The Association for Cleaning and Facility Solutions. The designation recognizes McCormick Place’s commitment to measurable, third-party-verified sustainable cleaning and facility management practices, including environmental stewardship, sustainable operations, and continuous improvement.

CIMS Sustainability Certification provides an independent framework that validates how organizations manage sustainable cleaning operations across people, processes, and performance, while meeting the five core pillars of the CIMS standard—quality systems; service delivery; human resources; health, safety and environmental stewardship; and management commitment—plus CIMS-Green Building (GB) criteria for green cleaning practices.

“Earning CIMS Sustainability Certification demonstrates that the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA) | McCormick Place prioritizes sustainable cleaning and facility management practices and reflects our deep responsibility not only to our clients and partners, but to the broader industry,” said Larita Clark, MPEA CEO. “As the first facility team to achieve this certification, McCormick Place is proud to help set the standard for what responsible, accountable, and sustainable cleaning practices look like at scale.”

Unlike self-reported claims, CIMS Sustainability Certification is independently audited, providing confidence to visitors, exhibitors, event organizers, and stakeholders that sustainable and effective cleaning and facility management practices are backed up by credible systems and documented results.

“McCormick Place’s achievement represents a defining moment for the meetings and events industry,” said ISSA Executive Director Kim Althoff. “As the first facility team to earn CIMS Sustainability Certification, McCormick Place demonstrates that sustainable cleaning and facility management is built on verified practices—not promises—and a model that other facilities can follow.”

As expectations for sustainability and healthy indoor environments continue to increase, major venues and facilities are looking for ways to demonstrate accountability, transparency, and performance. CIMS Sustainability Certification provides organizations with a trusted framework to document progress, support reporting requirements, and signal leadership to clients and partners.

“This achievement would not have been possible without our strong collaboration with the Aramark team,” said Cullyn Doerfler, McCormick Place senior sustainability manager. “This certification reflects our campus-wide commitment to sustainability, from implementing green cleaning practices and environmentally responsible products to prioritizing the health, safety, and well-being of both frontline staff and campus visitors.”

“The Aramark/Globetrotters team was proud to be part of this process,” said Daniel Martinez, Aramark district manager. “Our training programs, rigorous safety protocols, and meticulous chemical and equipment tracking reflect industry-leading best practices. We were honored to work closely with the accreditors, showcasing the procedures that help ensure an environmentally responsible campus environment.”

“ISSA has hosted our ISSA Show North America Show at McCormick Place and experienced firsthand their commitment to best practices, sustainability, operational excellence, and accountability” Althoff added. “This certification reinforces the role of CIMS as a credible standard for organizations serious about sustainable cleaning and facilities management. ISSA is excited to be bringing the ISSA Show North America back to McCormick Place in 2028.”

For more information about CIMS Sustainability Certification, visit cims.issa.com/cims-sustainability.