Sustainability Takes Center Stage

This year's ISSA Show North America in Las Vegas demonstrated something powerful: Sustainability is no longer a side topic or emerging trend within the cleaning industry. It is becoming one of ISSA's most energizing movements. From packed education sessions to a bustling Sustainability & ESG Hub, members from every corner of the industry showed up not just to learn, but to contribute, collaborate, and celebrate.

One of the most meaningful moments of the week came during the presentation of the ISSA/Green2Sustainable "THINK Sustainability - Excellence in Sustainability" Awards. The excitement among the award recipients was unmistakable, but the emotional highlight was the reaction of ISSA's Sustainability Committee members. Many expressed great pride in the role they are playing to advance sustainability. They are not only improving their own businesses but building a legacy of positive change for future generations of cleaning professionals.

Their enthusiasm underscored an important theme: Sustainability is a growing business driver, but it is also deeply meaningful work for people committed to creating a healthier, more responsible, and more resilient industry.

This year's award recipients included: Imperial Dade, North American Paper, Servicon, ABCO Cleaning Products, Rochester Midland Corporation, Iowa-Des Moines Supply Inc., Baker Paper & Supply, Merchants Building Maintenance, Innovative Cleaning Services, Janitronics Building Services, Sofidel America Corporation, and GreenGuard Commercial Cleaning.

At the conclusion of the awards announcement, ISSA also recognized the founding sponsors of the new Sustainability Reporting Platform: Sofidel America Corporation, Innovative Cleaning Services, and Janitronics Building Services. Their early support is helping accelerate the industry's ability to measure, manage, and improve sustainability performance in meaningful ways.

Sustainability Reporting Panel:
Moving from interest to
implementation

Another major highlight of the show was Monday's Sustainability Panel: Sustainability Reporting, moderated by Steve Ashkin, co-chair of ISSA's Sustainability Committee. The panel brought together speakers representing both the demand side (purchasers and facility managers) and the supply side (manufacturers, distributors, and service providers), offering a clear and balanced view of how sustainability reporting is shaping the industry.

Panelists Dean Stanberry (IFMA), John Kelley (JLL), Carlos Albir Jr. (ABCO Products), Bill McGarvey (Imperial Dade), and Chris McKee (Servicon) shared practical examples from their organizations. They discussed the kinds of sustainability information being requested by purchasers, efforts to reduce energy use in buildings, strategies to lower fuel consumption in transportation fleets, and ways companies are investing in front-line workers through training, healthcare support, and programs for new parents.

Their experiences made one point clear: Sustainability reporting is not just a compliance requirement. It is a pathway to operational improvement, cost savings, employee recruitment and retention, and stronger customer relationships.

The session also introduced ISSA's new Sustainability Reporting platform, developed in partnership with Green2Sustainable. Designed specifically for the cleaning industry, and especially for small and medium-sized companies, the platform helps organizations collect data, benchmark performance, respond to customer requests, reduce operating costs, and manage risk more effectively.

Education and Training Panel:

Building capacity across the industry

Education is essential to advancing sustainability, and Monday's Sustainability Panel: Sustainability Education & Training delivered timely insights about how the industry can build the competencies needed to move forward. Moderated by Brian Johnson of The Ashkin Group and Green2Sustainable, and the co-chair of ISSA's Sustainability Committee, the panel included Candido Rosario (Fairfield University), Jennifer Corbett-Shramo (Innovative Cleaning Services), Bill McGarvey (Imperial Dade), and Matt Strano (Charlotte Products).

A highlight of this session was the introduction of a new certification sustainability course for distributors. This addition to ISSA's Sustainability Program complements the existing ISSA Sustainability Essentials Bundle for Facility Service Providers, which includes the Introduction to Sustainability Course and the Sustainability for Facility Service Providers Course.

Panelists noted that members are eager for accessible training, including micro-learning modules, certificate programs, and hands-on demonstrations. Their discussion reinforced that organizations want credible, real-world guidance to help them meet customer expectations and support worker wellbeing.

The Sustainability & ESG Hub

The Sustainability & ESG Hub quickly became one of the most active spaces at the show. Attendees gathered throughout the week for short presentations, demonstrations, and conversations focused on improving environmental performance and meeting customer needs.

A special moment was Tuesday's Sustainability Committee Meet and Greet, where members came together to celebrate the year's accomplishments, welcome new participants, and strengthen relationships.

The Sustainability & ESG Hub featured a diverse mix of sessions. Presentations included:

• Leveraging Sustainable Practices for Financial and Environmental Success with Brian Johnson, Helge Alt, Dominic D'Amours, and Prabhu Soundarrajan.
• Sustainability in Building Services: Small Changes, Big Impact with Macie Sinn.
• Is It Really Green? with Anna Tsantir.
• Panel Discussion: Healthcare and Sustainability with Jonathan Adkins, Iris Verdi, and Kate Hillier.
• Breaking Barriers: Empowering Success Through Minority and Women Owned Business Certification with Sabrina St. John.
• Why Sustainability and Safer Chemistry Must Go Beyond the Bottle with Jeff Pozen, Gavin Macgregor-Skinner, Keith Schneringer, and Clive Davies.

The Sustainability & ESG Hub also benefited from the work of Jeff Cross, ISSA's media director, who interviewed industry leaders to gather practical tips for ISSA members. Interviewees included Kirsten Hochberg (Clorox), Michael Parkins (GreenGuard Commercial Cleaning), Helge Alt (Puhastusekspert), Brian Johnson (The Ashkin Group and Green2Sustainable), Barbara Laible (RD Industries), Keith Schneringer (BradyPLUS), Scott Hess (FBG), Jaanika Kasemets (Puhastusekspert), Prabhu Soundarrajan (Service by Medallion), Tom Majkozak (Imperial Dade), Anna Tsantir (Two Bettys Green Cleaning), Jacalyn High (ProTeam), Vanessa Bossart (GreenTerra Cleaning), Candido Rosario (Fairfield University), and Annie Laplante (Groupe MMI).

The Sustainability & ESG Hub featured many additional presentations throughout the week. The list we just reviewed represents only part of the full program.

A note of thanks and congratulations

This year's show also marked an important leadership transition. Warm thanks go to John Barrett, ISSA's executive director, who announced his retirement after ten years of service. His leadership and support have been foundational to ISSA's sustainability work.

Congratulations go to Kim Althoff, who has been promoted to executive director. Her commitment to sustainability ensures this work will continue to grow.

And sincere thanks go to Jonathan Adkins, ISSA's executive vice president. His ongoing support, expertise, and encouragement have been essential to the program's success. We truly could not do this without him.

Join the sustainability movement

The energy in Las Vegas showed that sustainability is transforming the cleaning industry. Attendees left with new tools, new relationships, and renewed excitement for the year ahead.

As ISSA's Sustainability Committee continues to grow, we encourage all members to join us. Participation is free for ISSA members at issa.com/sustainability.

Whether your organization is just beginning its sustainability journey or looking to elevate its efforts, the committee offers education, collaboration, and opportunities to make a lasting impact.

And who knows? With the momentum building across the industry, your company could be one of next year's Sustainability Award recipients.