Custodial Services scored a clean sweep — with honors — in an international certification process.
In an extensive assessment released in August, the International Sanitary Supply Association reported that UNL’s Custodial Services met all criteria to receive Cleaning Industry Management Standard re-certification with honors. Founded in 1923, the ISSA is the worldwide cleaning industry association with a membership of more than 6,000 custodial representative companies.
UNL was first certified by the ISSA in 2012 and is the first Big Ten Conference institution to earn the certification with honors.
“This means, when it comes to cleaning, UNL’s Custodial Services can compete with anybody, anywhere in the world,” said Deen Popoola, director of Custodial Services.
In the assessment, ISSA consultant Bruce Stark wrote that UNL’s custodial service was committed to optimizing taxpayers’ value in purchasing safe, green chemicals and the finest environmentally friendly equipment. He also was impressed with the attitude of front line staff and the organizational skills of Custodial Services’ leadership.
Stark said the combination of factors results in an extremely consistent and high level of service being delivered to all customers at UNL on a daily basis.
“UNL Custodial Services continues to be a vital member of a very elite group of CIMS Certified Organizations that have made the commitment to be one of the ‘Best of the Best’ cleaning organizations and leaders in changing how the world views cleaning,” Stark said.
The award announcement comes as Custodial Services is recognizing International Housekeepers Week, Sept. 14-20. The week’s theme is “Pride, Quality, Excellent, Solving Tomorrow’s Problems Today.”
“Earning this certification is a very proud moment for Custodial Services’ line workers, leaders, specialists, supervisors, managers and directors. It was well earned by everyone,” Popoola said. “Whether they are called custodians, housekeepers or janitors, I think our employees are among the hardest working and most loyal. And, I ask that all faculty, staff and students remember and thank their local custodial staff this week for all they do for the university.”
