Green Housekeeping

University Housekeeping is leading the way in green cleaning.

Housekeeping staff undergo regular training to ensure we are continuously delivering a clean, healthy environment for building occupants. NC State’s comprehensive approach to green cleaning includes:

  • Saving energy and water
  • Improving indoor air quality
  • Furthering recycling efforts
  • Increasing occupant productivity
  • Purchasing environmentally-friendly products

Housekeeping staff engage in practices such as:

  • HEPA filtration vacuum systems that removes 99.9 percent of airborne particles and aids in relief from asthma and allergies
  • Energy efficient light bulbs that are responsibly recycled when no longer of use
  • A water-based cleaning system allows housekeepers to clean most campus surfaces with technology that converts water, electricity and a small amount of salt into an effective cleaning solution. This reduces the amount of packaged chemicals shipped to, stored and used on campus.
  • Housekeeping now uses more Green Seal-certified cleaning products than ever. Dispensing stations pre-measure chemicals in order to reduce water usage and ensure accurate, safe dilution.
  • Microfiber clothes reduce waste and water use while also cleaning more effectively than paper towels. Housekeeping even added a small laundry facility in Polk Hall so that microfiber clothes could be cleaned cost-effectively and with sustainable soaps.
  • Floor cleaning pads are shipped to a nearby refurbishing facility after use. There, pads can be regenerated for reuse up to 8 times, saving money and reducing waste.
  • Lights out walk throughs
  • Microfiber mops that reduce water usage by up to 90 percent over traditional style mops
  • Recycled content paper products
  • Catch and release pest control

How You Can Help

1. Report odors or water leaks to your building liaison.
2. Turn off lights when your office, restrooms, breakrooms and other areas are not in use.
3. Turn off computers and monitors, printers, copiers and coffeemakers at night.
4. Use desk-side recycling bins
5. Use building entry mats to remove soil or water from your shoes.

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