I will be attending the Cleaning Industry Research Institute (CIRI) 2011 Science Symposium next week (April 27-29, 2011) in Atlanta, Georgia, The Symposium is entitled: “The Future of Clean and The Future of Green: Are They Mutually Supportive or Mutually Exclusive?”

CIRI was an idea first shared by several visionary pioneers before about 50 of the cleaning industry’s leading members followed suit. Shortly thereafter CIRI became the only independent and impartial institute involved in cleaning and maintenance research. Its purpose was to improve indoor environmental quality (IEQ) for all buildings and facility types. Today CIRI is a 501.c.3 not-for-profit scientific, educational and research institute recognized for its groundbreaking cleaning science and research programs. Since its inception CIRI has sponsored unbiased technical research. This has allowed it to uphold the best interests of the commercial and professional cleaning industries while improving the public’s quality of life. The Institute is not meant to replace existing trade organizations or associations. Rather it prides itself on working together with leading industry groups, such as ARCSI, ASHES, BSCAI, CRI, CSPA, CSSA, IEHA, IICRC, ISSA, LMCCA, RIA and SDA.

The Symposium is a great opportunity to inject some “real world, in the field experiences about the green movement” into the dialogue. CIRI wants science to be more important than politically correct banter from people who have never cleaned a commercial building. Some of the panels they will be having will be discussing the following questions:

1. How will the success of the “green cleaning” movement be measured? What criteria will be used? How does green cleaning relate to larger issues such as sustainability, social justice, & science based decision making?
2. Where is the balance between “green cleaning” and “cleaning for health?” Can green cleaning be unhealthy? Does increases use of green cleaning products and processes weaken effective cleaning for health, hygiene, and disinfection?
3. What are the environmental, economic, and health benefits and tradeoffs associated with a cleaning program “going green?”
4. What research is needed to serve as a basis for green labeling and certification? What types of data and levels of testing should be required? What is the proper balance between laboratory and field research?
5. What will “green cleaning” look like in ten years?

I would be interested in your comments and feedback so he can make sure they are represented at this conference. There will be opportunities for questions and comments. You can either respond to this post or email your thoughts to doyleb@bridgepoint.com.

In addition, Doyle will be posting updates live from the Symposium here on Cleanwiki and at the Interlink Supply Facebook page.  Keep an eye out for them.

For more information about the CIRI Science Symposium, click here.

Cleanwiki has an entire reference section dedicated to green cleaning. For more information, click here.