SEIU6 janitors achieve green energy milestone

Workers completed an innovative certification program, learning practices that save energy and improve air quality

SEATTLE, WA (August 20, 2025) — A cohort of janitors achieved a milestone on Friday, celebrating the completion of the Green Janitor Health Certification Program, a new training course designed to empower janitors in the new green economy. The first group of SEIU Local 6 members to earn this certification, the janitors were joined by SEIU6 President Zenia Javalera, elected officials, and labor and community supporters for a ceremony at Seattle City Hall.

The Green Janitor program, developed by the US Green Building Council (USGBC)-California, is a comprehensive 30-hour certification program that trains janitors on reducing electricity and water consumption, utilizing green cleaning chemicals, managing waste streams, and promoting worker health and safety. Upon successfully passing two exams, participants earn the title of “Green Janitor.”

Photo: SEIU6

These workers are now equipped with the skills to maintain healthier, more sustainable environments in commercial buildings, improving both their health and safety on the job and the wellbeing of everyone working in or visiting the buildings they service.

This program not only benefits workers but also helps buildings qualify for additional innovation points toward LEED certification, which is globally the most widely recognized green building rating system. SEIU6 reports that 76% of participating buildings have seen reductions in energy and water use.

Since expanding the program beyond California in 2021, hundreds of janitors have graduated nationwide. SEIU6, in partnership with Seattle Office of Sustainability and Environment, U. S. Green Building Council and SEIU Education & Support Fund, brought this groundbreaking program to the Seattle-area to support janitors and building owners in promoting sustainability and health in local communities.

These dedicated janitors are leading the way toward greener workplaces, joining tens of thousands of union members all across the U.S. who are building the skillsets needed to support a green economy that promotes climate resilience and a healthy, sustainable environment for all.

SEIU6 represents a workforce of 10000 janitors, security officers, airport workers, allied industries workers in Washington state. Learn more at seiu6.org.