ISSA Update on Sustainability

In recent years, sustainability has evolved from a buzzword to a critical business imperative, driven by growing awareness and urgent regulatory changes. The time to act is now.

This shift reflects a broader recognition that sustainability is not a political issue but a pragmatic response to market demands.

Many ISSA members, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, seek guidance on integrating sustainable practices into their operations.

The Sustainability Committee at ISSA

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. It 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/Brady- PLUS, Imperial Dade, Jani-King, Innovative Cleaning Solutions, and The Ashkin Group.

This course serves as a foundational resource for members as it clearly defines sustainability from the cleaning industry’s perspective, addresses overcoming common objections, and other helpful information.

During past ISSA North America conventions, 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 Las Vegas convention in November.

Additionally, the committee recorded numerous interviews with global sustainability leaders with the support of Jeff Cross, the media director for ISSA.

The Education Committee

This committee, led by Bill McGarvey, Bruce Vance, and Vanessa Bossart, has been pivotal in advancing our goals. Its flagship project, the Introduction to Sustainability course, is a comprehensive resource designed to help members effectively communicate sustainability concepts to their customers and enhance their companies’ performance.

The course covers a wide range of topics, from the basics of sustainability to advanced strategies for integrating sustainability into business operations. It 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 Sofi-del, Envoy Solutions/BradyPLUS, Imperial Dade, Jani-King, Innovative Cleaning Solutions, and The Ashkin Group, whose support is crucial for ongoing and future initiatives.

The 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 will officially launch at ISSA Show North America in November, providing members with a robust tool for comprehensive sustainability reporting.

The 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.

The Membership/Marketing Committee

This committee, led by Fabio Vitali and Candido Rosario, focuses on building a solid 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.

For more information about the ISSA Sustainability Committee, contact Stephen P. Ashkin at [email protected].

To join, simply express your interest to Stephen, and he will guide you through the process. We look forward to welcoming you to our committee and working together to promote sustainability within our industry.

-Steve