University Housekeeping Receives Green Cleaning Award

NC State University Housekeeping has been recognized nationally as a Silver winner in the annual Green Cleaning Award for Schools and Universities competition sponsored by American School & University Magazine, the Green Cleaning Network and the Healthy Schools Campaign.

The award recognizes schools and universities for healthy and sustainable cleaning approaches — such as chemical and equipment choices, procedures and training — that protect human and environmental health, while still cleaning at a high level.

“We are proud of the success of our green cleaning program, which we started in 2008,” said Randy Reed, Deputy Assistant Director of University Housekeeping. “We are cleaning the campus better and healthier than ever before, and this award recognizes the daily efforts of our hardworking staff to provide a clean, healthy and safe environment for students, staff, faculty and visitors.”

NC State’s nearly 300 custodians utilize chemicals that meet or exceed standards set by Green Seal, the Environmental Protection Agency and the US Green Building Council, which offers the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification that NC State pursues for major construction projects. NC State’s vacuums, floor scrubbing machines and restroom cleaning machines are Silver certified by the Carpet and Rug Institute for reducing indoor soil levels and improving indoor air quality through HEPA filtration that removes 99.9% of airborne particles.

The university is also an early adopter of on-site generation technology, which converts water, electricity and a small amount of salt into an effective cleaning solution. This reduces the amount of packaged chemicals shipped to and stored on campus.

When cleaning chemicals are required, dispensing stations pre-measure chemicals in order to reduce water usage and ensure accurate dilution. Housekeeping also utilizes this technology to create a nontoxic, EPA-registered disinfectant used throughout campus.

Cleaning products are applied on campus with paper products made of no less than 45 percent post-consumer recycled content, as well as microfiber mopping systems that reduce water use and clean more effectively than traditional mop and bucket systems.

In addition to sustainable products and supplies, employees receive monthly training on green cleaning, including the latest techniques, products and supplies.

NC State and other winners are featured in the December 2015 issue of American School & University magazine.