Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to the GBAC STAR™ information page.

If you’re a visitor to a GBAC STAR Accredited Facility, or if you’re an employee working in an accredited space, you may be wondering what GBAC STAR means. Simply put, GBAC STAR means that the facility is cleaning and disinfecting to a higher standard. This standard is built on scientific knowledge of how to properly mitigate infectious diseases and other biohazards.

You’ll find the GBAC STAR Facility seal in large public venues, small local businesses, and all facility types located around the world.

GBAC STAR means that a facility knows how to PREPARE, RESPOND, and RECOVER from infectious disease outbreaks and biohazard situations.

GBAC STAR is an important indicator of a facility’s thoroughness with cleaning, disinfection, and prevention.

GBAC stands for “Global Biorisk Advisory Council” and is a specialty division of ISSA, the world’s leading trade association for the cleaning industry.

The word “STAR” was chosen for facility accreditation because the GBAC STAR program requires facilities to attain higher protocols to keep their spaces clean and safe for occupancy.

When you enter a GBAC STAR Accredited Facility, it’s what you can’t see that counts. A facility may look and smell clean, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that the space has been properly cleaned and thoroughly disinfected. The GBAC STAR seal is reserved only for facilities that maintain the right protocols for cleaning and indicates that the space has been disinfected to higher standards. When you see the GBAC STAR seal, you’ll have the assurance and confidence that the facility staff are properly trained and working hard to renew your trust in building cleanliness and safety. See if your facility is GBAC STAR accredited and make sure to look for the GBAC STAR Facility Accreditation seal the next time you enter a facility.
GBAC STAR facilities have:
  • Proper protocols for cleaning and disinfection.
  • Correct training for chemicals, equipment, and procedures.
  • Thorough knowledge of how germs live on high-touch surfaces.
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A facility first must apply to the GBAC STAR Facility Accreditation program. The program helps commercial and public facilities establish a systematic approach to cleaning, disinfection, and infectious disease prevention. To complete the program, facilities are required to demonstrate capability and compliance with the program’s 20 elements. GBAC Board Members review all completed applications and determine facility accreditation.

Know that the facility has carefully PREPARED to reopen – and stay open safely! You may notice big changes or small changes. Remember that “clean” goes beyond just “looks and smells” clean. That’s why GBAC STAR indicates that behind the scenes, cleaning and disinfection is getting done properly.

You have the assurance that the facility knows how to RESPOND to this situation, properly apply their training and protocols to remove dangerous pathogens and protect building occupants from the spread of infection.

GBAC STAR accredited facilities know that it’s important to fully RECOVER from outbreaks and other biohazard situations. That’s why these facilities make proper cleaning and disinfection an ongoing management priority – not just an afterthought at the end of the business day. So regardless of any biohazard issue, a GBAC STAR accredited facility has the right steps in place to meet their commitment of creating safer and healthier spaces. GBAC STAR facilities must reaccredit every year in order to demonstrate that they are still meeting the latest standards and are aware of industry best practices.

GBAC STAR Accredited Facilities have gone through a rigorous screening process to ensure they adhere to 20 Elements that cover everything from high-level corporate commitment to regular facility inspections – and everything in between.

Office buildings, stadiums, schools and more can receive the GBAC STAR Facility Accreditation. The accreditation is for the facility itself and can be obtained by the smallest local business up to the largest arena or complex in the world.

Looking to learn more about the program?

Learn more about The 20 Program Elements here