In recent years, sustainability has evolved from a buzzword to a critical business imperative, driven by growing awareness and regulatory changes.

Notably, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and other global bodies have introduced stringent sustainability reporting requirements, underscoring the importance of standardization, transparency, and accountability relating to business risks impacted by climate change and environmental issues.

This shift reflects a broader recognition that sustainability is not a political issue but a pragmatic response to market demands. Many customers and ISSA members, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, are seeking guidance on integrating sustainable practices into their operations.

ISSA’s Sustainability Committee

The Sustainability Committee, led by ISSA’s Jonathan Adkins, assisted by Martha Schmitt, and co-chaired by Steve Ashkin and Brian Johnson of The Ashkin Group, has rapidly expanded its influence and reach.

With 209 members from 16 countries, the committee includes some of the industry’s most innovative, forward-
thinking companies. The committee operates through five dedicated working groups, each focusing on distinct aspects of sustainability.

Since its inception, the committee has made significant strides. For example, it developed the Introduction to Sustainability course sponsored by Sofidel, Envoy Solutions/BradyPLUS, Imperial Dade, Jani-King, Innovative Cleaning Solutions, and The Ashkin Group, which serves as a foundational resource for members as it clearly defines sustainability from the cleaning industry’s perspective, addresses overcoming common objections, and other useful information.

During last year’s ISSA Show North America convention, the committee hosted various events, including educational sessions, the Sustainability Hub, and the judging of the Sustainability Awards. It plans to host similar activities at the upcoming convention in November.

Additionally, the committee recorded numerous interviews with global sustainability leaders, with the support of Jeff Cross, the media director for ISSA, and produced a webpage to identify the organizations and requirements behind global sustainability reporting requirements, developed educational videos for Earth Day with a special shout-out to Candido Rosario for his contributions, and published numerous articles on sustainability topics.

Committee updates

Education Committee: This committee, led by Bill McGarvey, Bruce Vance, and Vanessa Bossart, have been pivotal in advancing the committee’s goals. Their flagship project, the Introduction to Sustainability course, is designed to help members effectively communicate sustainability concepts to their customers and enhance their companies’ performance. The course will be updated regularly to reflect new developments and best practices in the field. Members can access the course through ISSA’s online platform.

The committee also extends gratitude to its sponsors Sofidel, Envoy Solutions/BradyPLUS, Imperial Dade, Jani-King, Innovative Cleaning Solutions, and The Ashkin Group, whose support is crucial for ongoing and future initiatives. In the near future, a new course tailored for facility service providers is set to launch in 2024.

Reporting Committee: This committee, led by Renae Hesselink and Ashley Gladney, with outstanding support from Sara Baran and Katrina Saucier, has been instrumental in standardizing sustainability reporting. Their efforts include the development of an entity report and an international survey to determine essential reporting requirements. Initially, the focus is on greenhouse gas emissions (scope 1 and 2), aligning with the mandates of the SEC and other global regulatory bodies. The ISSA Sustainability Reporting Platform, set to pilot this summer, will officially launch at ISSA Show North America in November, providing members with a robust tool for comprehensive sustainability reporting.

International Committee: This committee, led by Abdul Salam, Jake Robinson, and Thomas King, with support from Toni D’Andrea, plays a crucial role in broadening the reach of the committee’s initiatives. They are working on translating the Introduction to Sustainability course into multiple languages and localizing the content to meet specific governmental and regulatory requirements in each country. This effort ensures that sustainability education is accessible and relevant to members worldwide.

Membership/Marketing Committee: This committee, led by Fabio Vitali and Candido Rosario, focuses on building a strong and engaged membership base. Recognizing that significant impacts require widespread participation, the committee employs creative strategies to engage members, including games like Jeopardy and engaging video content. These initiatives educate but also foster a sense of community.

ISSA Convention Committee: This committee, which will reconvene soon, is responsible for organizing sustainability-focused activities at the annual convention. Highlights include the Sustainability Hub, educational sessions, and the judging of the Sustainability Awards. These events enable members to be recognized for their contributions, present at the convention, showcase their achievements, and learn from each other’s experiences.

How to join

Sustainability is clearly an issue whose time has come. It is becoming a “must have” and not just a “nice to have,” driven by global governmental regulations, investor requirements, and best practices in business decision-making. The ISSA Sustainability Committee is making significant strides in promoting sustainability within the industry by fostering education, standardizing reporting, and engaging its global membership.

Members interested in contributing to the advancement of sustainability in the industry are encouraged to get involved. Participation offers numerous benefits, including access to valuable resources, networking opportunities, and the chance to be at the forefront of sustainable innovation.

Joining the committee is easy and free. Simply visit issa.com/sustainabilityform.

Stephen P. Ashkin is president of The Ashkin Group, a consulting firm specializing in green cleaning and sustainability. He can be reached at [email protected].

BONUS VIDEO CONTENT: issa.com/sustainability-2024