9-4 Green Cleaning

• Effective date of this revision: May 11, 2011
• Contact for more information:  Facilities Management

BACKGROUND

Cleaning products can have very negative impacts on human health and the environment. It is necessary to implement green cleaning to minimize the impact of cleaning materials on the health of building occupants and protect the environment as a whole.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to require the university to use environmentally benign products and promote housekeeping practices which will limit hazards to the building occupants, as well as maintenance and custodial staff.

DEFINITIONS

Green Cleaning is defined as cleaning to protect health without harming the environment.

POLICY

This policy is to ensure that each building site has low impact environmental cleaning and are good stewards of the built environment.

IMPLEMENTING GREEN CLEANING

• Focus on entryways inside and out. Most pollutants enter the building on people’s feet, so it’s important to implement indoor air quality programs, which will help to trap and remove dirt before it enters the building and to frequently clean the entrances and entry mats.
• Minimize particles and chemicals in the air. Mechanically capturing dust and dirt, using course spray chemicals, and applying the cleaner to the cloth rather than spraying the surface to be cleaned are all important aspects of this indoor air quality program.
• Use environmentally preferable cleaning chemicals along with chemical management systems for accurate product dilution.
• Ensure proper vacuuming, extraction, rinsing and drying. Carpets can be host for moisture problems and mold growth. Use Carpet & Rug Institute’s Green Label approved vacuums. The bags should be emptied more frequently, for efficient operation of the equipment.
• Focus on preventive measures and quick clean up of accidents. Therefore, fewer and milder chemicals can be used.
  
• Mechanically capture dirt and remove it rather than moving it around. Use products like micro-fiber dusting cloths and flat mops, which can eliminate the need for chemicals.
• Focus on touch points. Things like door handles and other areas where people come in contact with the facility or its fixtures.
• Apply disinfectant in restrooms properly. Ensure the chemicals have proper dwell time so that soil is thoroughly removed using less product.
• Promote safety and prevent cross-contamination. Safer products and use and storage create a safer environment. Color-coded tools ensure that pollutants don’t get carried from one area (such as a restroom) to another.
• Use environmentally sensitive paper products, such as recycled tissues and towels that are not bleached or bleached without the use of chlorine.
• Use the recycling program as outlined in the CMU Solid Waste Management Policy.
• Communicate so that building occupants understand they are part of the process. Proper spill notification, food clean-up and clutter reduction will help to ensure a healthy facility.

BENEFITS

• Decreased air pollution, water pollution, ozone depletion and global climate change.
• Reduced health problems associated with allergens, chemical sensitivities and contaminants such as mold and bacteria. Green cleaning products contain low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) levels that emit fewer fumes and are gentler on the facility itself.
• Increased worker satisfaction, improved morale, reduction in absenteeism, increased productivity, increased efficiency and retention among facility occupants.
• Reduced costs to building management, tenants, and custodial staff; including costs associated with sick leave, health care, and productivity loss. In addition green cleaning uses energy efficient equipment and focuses on preventive maintenance to reduce expenses.
• Enhanced reputation of being socially and environmentally responsible.

Central Michigan University reserves the right to make exceptions to, modify or eliminate this policy and or its content. This document supersedes all previous policies, procedures or guidelines relative to this subject.