Frequently Asked Questions

Some questions you may have:

Q: “What do you know about green cleaning?”

A: Green cleaning can also be defined as effective cleaning that protects health without harming the environment. Green cleaning is about more than just green chemicals. A true green cleaning program also has appropriate equipment, tools, disposables, accessories, and perhaps most importantly, training on procedures.

Q: “What are your references?”

A: Depending on the products being proposed, several case studies exist that could be used as references.  One example of a case study is the LEED for Existing Buildings certified Headquarters for JohnsonDiversey in Sturtevant, WI, which uses their Healthy High Performance Cleaning products and procedures. As a matter of fact four of the first six LEED for Existing Buildings certified buildings are using a version of the HHPC process. Another example is the SMUD Building in Sacramento which received LEED for Existing Buildings Platinum certification.  In addition, WAXIE Sanitary Supply is currently involved in assisting several LEED projects.

Q: “What is your green product or service range?”

A: WAXIE offers several options of low environmental impact cleaning products, tools, and equipment, and in addition to recommending products, WAXIE can also provide training.

Q: “Are you familiar with USGBC & LEED? Are you a member?”

A: WAXIE is very familiar with USGBC and LEED. WAXIE Sanitary Supply is a member of the US Green Building Council (USGBC). In addition, WAXIE employs ten LEED Accredited Professionals, and the GPS® Green Partner Support Program™ can help contribute a significant number of the credits required to certify a LEED for Existing Buildings: Operations & Maintenance project. A “Green Housekeeping Program” can also assist a LEED for New Construction, LEED for Core and Shell, or LEED for Commercial Interiors project.

Q: “How do your products differ from traditional products?”

A: It depends on the product. If it is a cleaning chemical, it will be safer for human use and it will have a more favorable environmental profile than a “traditional” product because it will be formulated without ingredients that have been demonstrated to have a negative impact on human health and the environment. If it is a disposable paper product or trash bag, it will contain a recommended amount of post consumer recycled content, or be made from more rapidly renewable materials. If it is a piece of cleaning equipment, it will contribute to better indoor air quality or use less water, and if it is a vacuum cleaner, it will meet filtration requirements set by the Carpet & Rug Institute.

Q; "Are your green products certified?"

A: WAXIE offers certified products in several different categories. Some examples of third party certifications include EPA Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines for post consumer recycled content paper products and trash liners, Green Seal and EcoLogo certification for cleaning chemicals, and Carpet & Rug Institute Green Label certification for vacuum cleaners. In addition, Green Seal and EcoLogo have certifications for floor care products that WAXIE offers, and cleaning chemicals are also available that have been formulated in partnership with the EPA Design for the Environment (EPA DfE) program. In addition to certified products, WAXIE also offers product solutions in categories that are not currently "certified", but which still demonstrate a lesser or reduced effect on human health and the environment.

Q: "What is your level of support on the street?"

A: WAXIE Sanitary Supply offers the support of the sales consultant, who is supported by all the resources of the company, including WAXIE sales management, WAXIE chemical and equipment specialists, as well as manufacturers’ vendor representatives.  WAXIE also employs ten LEED® Accredited Professionals.

Q: "How will you help me communicate the benefits to my customers?"

A: WAXIE can assist a building service contractor communicate the benefits of green cleaning to one of their customers by offering examples of case studies. In addition, a WAXIE sales consultant can assist in end user sales presentations.

Q: "What training programs do you offer?"

A: WAXIE offers training on green cleaning procedures in the form of the Butcher’s Healthy High Performance Cleaning Tool Kit. The procedures in this training program were developed at the LEED for Existing Buildings Gold Certified JohnsonDiversey Global Headquarters Building in Sturtevant, Wisconsin.

Q: "If I am starting with a blank slate – how should I begin?"

A: You should begin with a Green Cleaning Site Survey conducted by a WAXIE Sanitary Maintenance Consultant, who can make recommendations on how to make your cleaning operation "greener".