ABM becomes first company to achieve ISSA CIMS Green Building + Sustainability Certification with Honors

ISSA, the association for cleaning and facility solutions, has announced that ABM, a leading provider of facility, engineering, and infrastructure solutions, has become the first organisation to achieve the CIMS Green Building + Sustainability Certification with Honors, the highest level of certification offered within ISSA’s Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS) program. This milestone not only reinforces ABM’s commitment to environmental stewardship but also establishes a new benchmark for sustainable practices across the cleaning and facility solutions industries.

Administered by ISSA, CIMS Green Building + Sustainability Certification with Honors represents the gold standard for organisations seeking to validate their environmental performance, resource conservation, and commitment to health and safety. Notably, it is recognised by the U.S. Green Building Council within the LEED-EB O&M v5 standard, further reinforcing its credibility and value in advancing market adoption of sustainable practices. The “with Honors” designation signifies the highest level of achievement, recognising organisations that exceed rigorous criteria and demonstrate exceptional, measurable outcomes.

“ABM’s achievement marks a defining moment for our industry,” said ISSA Executive Director Kim Althoff. “As the first organisation to earn CIMS Green Building + Sustainability Certification with Honors, ABM is setting a powerful example of what leadership in sustainability looks like in action. This accomplishment raises the bar for our more than 1,300 BSC members and the industry at large.”

Through the comprehensive assessment process, ABM was evaluated on a wide range of criteria, including sustainable procurement, waste reduction, energy efficiency, and organisational commitment to environmental responsibility, while meeting the five core pillars of the CIMS standard: Green Cleaning Policy; Cleaning Practices & Materials; High-Performance Equipment; Indoor Environmental Quality; and Management Commitment.

Earning the certification with Honors signals to customers, stakeholders, and employees that ABM operates at the highest level of sustainability performance and operational excellence.

“At ABM, sustainability isn’t a standalone initiative — it’s embedded in how we operate, how we serve our clients, and how we measure success,” said ABM SVP, Client Experience and Operations Support Bob Clarke. “Being the first company globally to earn the CIMS GB Sustainability with Honors certification reflects the rigour and accountability we bring to our cleaning operations across our entire enterprise. ABM is fully committed to helping our customers reduce environmental impact, support healthier spaces, and achieve their own sustainability goals.”

ISSA’s CIMS program helps organisations implement best practices, improve service delivery, and achieve operational efficiencies while prioritising environmental and social responsibility. As sustainability continues to be a critical focus across industries, certifications like CIMS Sustainability provide a trusted framework for measurable progress, and ABM’s achievement sets a new standard for others to follow.

For more information about ISSA and the CIMS program, visit cims.issa.com/cims-sustainability/.

Learn more about how ABM Industries is turning CIMS into a competitive advantage.