Feature image: Two Green Janitor Health Certification graduates proudly hold their certificates, marking their commitment to sustainable facility management in King County. Photo credit: Will Layng, SEIU Education & Support Fund.

USGBC is thrilled to announce the graduation of the most recent cohort of 28 custodians from King County, celebrated on Sept. 13 at the Chinook Building in downtown Seattle. This graduation marks not only the successful completion of a rigorous training program, but also highlights our commitment to sustainability and community well-being.

The Green Janitor program, offered as the Green Janitor Education Program (GJEP) in California and the Green Janitor Health Certification (GJHC) outside of California, is a 30-hour course designed for custodial staff that covers critical aspects of sustainable facility management. Developed in collaboration with USGBC California, SEIU-United Service Workers West and other industry leaders, the program includes training on:

Electricity and water use reduction: Strategies to decrease energy and water consumption in buildings
Green cleaning chemicals and practices: Use of environmentally friendly cleaning products and methods
Waste stream management: Effective recycling and waste diversion techniques
Worker health and safety: Ensuring safe working conditions and reducing exposure to harmful chemicals
LEED certification: Understanding how work contributes to LEED points and overall building certification

Janitors who complete the program receive a portable certificate as a Green Janitor and contribute to their building’s LEED certification efforts by earning an Innovation point.

Enhancing human well-being and maintaining sustainable standards

Janitors play a vital role in maintaining building operations and are often the first to notice issues that affect human well-being. The program empowers them with knowledge to enhance indoor air quality, reduce chemical exposure and promote healthier spaces.

The Green Janitor curriculum is designed to address key areas of sustainability and health: green performance standards, energy efficiency, waste management, water conservation and green cleaning practices.

The program also focuses on communication skills, allowing custodians to effectively advocate for sustainability improvements. Feedback from initial pilot programs led to the inclusion of training on how to voice insights and suggest changes, enhancing janitorial professionals' ability to influence building operations.

One standout aspect of the program is the partnership with Energy Trust of Oregon, which developed a detailed energy efficiency section on its website. This includes practical tools like monitors to measure and analyze energy use in appliances, helping janitors identify and address energy waste.

A large group of people holding certificates

King County graduates of the Green Janitor Health Certification celebrate the completion of their sustainability training, bringing green building practices to local facilities. Photo credit: Will Layng, SEIU Education & Support Fund.

Collaboration and expansion

Successful implementation of the Green Janitor program relies on close collaboration between instructors, building management, cleaning contractors and local USGBC chapters. This teamwork ensures that the program is tailored to specific needs and fosters a shared commitment to sustainability.

Looking ahead, we aim to expand the Green Janitor program to more cities and to increase the number of participating organizations. We seek new building owners, funding sources and partnerships to support this growth and continue enhancing the program’s impact.

The program fosters ongoing engagement through the labor management approach, building janitors’ skills and providing a platform for continuous collaboration and decision-making with building management.

The Green Janitor program directly supports LEED by providing training that contributes to LEED Innovation credit points. By integrating workforce development into building sustainability, the program highlights the importance of investing in people, as well as technology.

Challenges and opportunities

Addressing language diversity has been both a challenge and an opportunity. The curriculum used outside of California is available in five languages to reflect the diversity of janitors in those markets, and experiences like simultaneous translation in Portland and Seattle have enriched the learning process.

Partnering with the Green Janitor program is a valuable way to advance LEED goals, enhance equity and inclusion, and achieve sustainability in a cost-effective manner. With over 355 Green Janitors outside of California and more than 2,000 in California, the program is well-positioned for continued growth and impact.

Organizations interested in partnering with the Green Janitor program can explore opportunities for collaboration, sponsorship or participation in upcoming cohorts by contacting:

In California: Building Skills Partnership
Outside California: Education and Support Fund

Learn more about the program

Celebrating the latest Green Janitor Program cohort