When the professional cleaning industry gathers this November at the ISSA Show North America 2026 in Las Vegas, one topic will take center stage—sustainability.

This year’s program goes far beyond environmental responsibility. It focuses on how sustainability helps organizations reduce costs, improve efficiency, strengthen customer relationships, manage risk, and build more resilient businesses.

Simply put, sustainability is good business.

THINK sustainably

That philosophy guides the work of ISSA’s Sustainability Committee, whose 250 volunteers from 18 countries have developed one of the most comprehensive sustainability programs ever presented at an ISSA Show. Beginning Monday, Nov. 16, 2026, attendees will find practical education, innovative business tools, and new technologies designed specifically for manufacturers, distributors, building service contractors, residential services, and facility managers.

The Committee’s message is simple: THINK sustainably. Before making an important business decision, ask: Is there a more efficient approach? Can waste be reduced? Will it lower costs, reduce risk, improve customer value, or strengthen the business over the long term? Sustainability is not a separate initiative—it is a mindset of continuous improvement that creates stronger organizations.

Monday’s education sessions focus on practical business applications, including operational efficiency, customer expectations, sustainability reporting, emerging regulations, and competitive advantage. Whether a company is just beginning its sustainability journey or expanding an existing program, attendees will leave with ideas they can apply immediately.

One of the week’s highlights will be the Monday morning keynote presentation by David Gottfried, founder of the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). While many people have promoted sustainability, Gottfried transformed the marketplace by creating the organization that developed the LEED^® green building rating system. Today, LEED influences hundreds of thousands of buildings worldwide and remains one of the most influential sustainability frameworks ever created. The first 500 attendees will also receive an autographed copy of his new book.

The ISSA Sustainability Reporting Platform

The ISSA Show will also feature the ISSA Sustainability Reporting Platform, developed specifically for the professional cleaning industry. As customers increasingly request sustainability information from their suppliers, companies need an efficient way to collect data, benchmark performance, and generate credible reports.

This is especially important for California members. Beginning in 2027, many of California’s largest companies will be required to report their greenhouse gas emissions and climate-related financial risks under the Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act (SB 253) and the Climate-Related Financial Risk Act (SB 261).

As these organizations gather information throughout their supply chains, many cleaning product manufacturers, distributors, and service providers will be asked to provide sustainability data. Companies that can respond with credible information will have a significant competitive advantage, and the ISSA Sustainability Reporting Platform was designed to help members do exactly that.

Extreme weather resources for the industry

Another major introduction is the Preparing for El Niño and Extreme Weather Events Handbook, along with its companion AI Agent. Extreme weather is disrupting businesses with increasing frequency, making preparedness an essential part of sustainability. Designed especially for small and medium-sized organizations, these resources simplify business continuity planning and help companies prepare before disaster strikes.

The message throughout this year’s ISSA Show is clear. Sustainability is no longer measured only by environmental performance. It is measured by how efficiently organizations operate, how well they respond to customer expectations, how effectively they manage risk, and how resilient they are in the face of unexpected challenges.

Companies that THINK sustainably will be better positioned to succeed in the years ahead. If sustainability is becoming more important to your customers—and increasingly it is—this year’s ISSA Show offers one of the best opportunities to learn from recognized leaders, explore practical tools, and discover how sustainability can become a competitive advantage for your business.

Sidebars

Five Reasons to Attend the Sustainability Program

1. Learn how sustainability can improve business performance.
2. Hear David Gottfried, founder of the U.S. Green Building Council and creator of LEED®.
3. Discover why sustainability reporting is becoming a competitive advantage.
4. Explore the new Extreme Weather Handbook and AI Agent.
5. Take home practical ideas you can put to work immediately.