McCormick Place has become the first facility to earn Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS) Green Building + Sustainability Certification with Honors from ISSA, The Association for Cleaning and Facility Solutions.
The certification recognizes McCormick Place’s sustainable cleaning and facility management practices. It also gives the meetings and events industry a new benchmark for verified cleaning operations.
Certification recognizes sustainable operations
CIMS Sustainability Certification uses an independent audit process. As a result, it helps confirm how organizations manage sustainable cleaning across people, processes, and performance.
The standard includes five core areas: quality systems; service delivery; human resources; health, safety, and environmental stewardship; and management commitment. In addition, the Green Building + Sustainability criteria cover green cleaning practices.
“Earning CIMS Sustainability Certification demonstrates that MPEA | McCormick Place prioritizes sustainable cleaning and facility management practices and reflects our deep responsibility not only to our clients and partners, but to the broader industry,” says Larita Clark, chief executive officer at Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA). “As the first facility team to achieve this certification, McCormick Place is proud to help set the standard for what responsible, accountable, and sustainable cleaning practices look like at scale.”
Unlike self-reported claims, the certification includes an independent audit. Therefore, it can give visitors, exhibitors, event organizers, and stakeholders more confidence in the systems behind a venue’s cleaning and facility practices.
A benchmark for meetings and events
“McCormick Place’s achievement represents a defining moment for the meetings and events industry,” says Kim Althoff, executive director of ISSA. “As the first facility team to earn CIMS Sustainability Certification, McCormick Place demonstrates that sustainable cleaning and facility management is built on verified practices, not promises, and a model that other facilities can follow.”
Major venues are facing higher expectations around sustainability and healthy indoor environments. As a result, many facilities are looking for ways to show accountability, transparency, and performance.
CIMS Sustainability Certification gives organizations a framework to document progress, support reporting needs, and communicate sustainable cleaning practices to clients and partners.
McCormick Place credits campus partners
“This achievement would not have been possible without our strong collaboration with the Aramark team,” says Cullyn Doerfler, senior sustainability manager at McCormick Place. “This certification reflects our campus-wide commitment to sustainability, from implementing green cleaning practices and environmentally responsible products to prioritizing the health, safety, and well-being of both frontline staff and campus visitors.”
Daniel Martinez, district manager at Aramark, says the Aramark/Globetrotters team supported the certification process through training, safety protocols, and chemical and equipment tracking.
“Our training programs, rigorous safety protocols, and meticulous chemical and equipment tracking reflect industry-leading best practices,” Martinez says. “We were honored to work closely with the accreditors, showcasing the procedures that help ensure an environmentally responsible campus environment.”
ISSA has also hosted ISSA Show North America at McCormick Place. In addition, the association plans to bring the show back to the venue in 2028.
“ISSA has hosted our ISSA Show North America Show at McCormick Place and experienced firsthand their commitment to best practices, sustainability, operational excellence, and accountability,” Althoff adds. “This certification reinforces the role of CIMS as a credible standard for organizations serious about sustainable cleaning and facilities management. ISSA is excited to be bringing the ISSA Show North America back to McCormick Place in 2028.”
For more information about CIMS Sustainability Certification, visit https://cims.issa.com/cims-sustainability.
About ISSA
ISSA, The Association for Cleaning and Facility Solutions, represents more than 11,000 member organizations and professionals worldwide. Its members include manufacturers, manufacturer representatives, wholesalers, distributors, building service contractors, in-house service providers, residential cleaners, and associate service members. The association provides business tools that help members promote cleaning as an investment in human health, the environment, and the bottom line. Headquartered in Rosemont, Illinois, ISSA has regional offices in Milan, Italy; Toronto, Canada; Sydney, Australia; Seoul, South Korea; and Shanghai, China. For more info, visit www.issa.com.
About McCormick Place
McCormick Place is a convention facility located near downtown Chicago. The venue welcomes about 3 million visitors each year and hosts conventions, meetings, and tradeshows. The campus includes the North Building, South Building, East Building, also known as Lakeside Center, West Building, and the 10,000-seat Wintrust Arena. For more info, visit www.mccormickplace.com.
About Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority
The Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA) owns and operates McCormick Place, Wintrust Arena, Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, and Marriott Marquis Chicago. McCormick Place offers 2.6 million square feet of exhibition space, 173 meeting rooms, the 4,249-seat Arie Crown Theater, and one of the largest ballrooms in the world.
Press release submitted by Hawthorne Strategy Group. Edited by Exhibit City News for clarity, length, and style.
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