| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 48.37 |
| Liaison | Michelle McCollum |
| Submission Date | Nov. 18, 2014 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
George Brown College
OP-13: Cleaning Products Purchasing
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
0.96 / 1.00 |
Anthony
Scarlato Manager Housekeeping, Facilities Management |
Does the institution have an institution-wide stated preference to purchase third party certified cleaning and janitorial products?:
A copy of the green cleaning product purchasing policy, directive, or guidelines:
The green cleaning product purchasing policy, directive, or guidelines:
• The College’s goal is to meet the Association of Physical Plant Administrators (APPA) cleanliness standard of 2.0.
• In line with the College’s Green Plan, the goal of the College is to implement a Green Cleaning program that meets the standards of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for Existing Buildings. The intent is to reduce the exposure of building occupants and maintenance personnel to chemicals and particulate contaminants which adversely affect indoor air quality, human health, and the environment.
• Cleaning products used are certified environmentally friendly (Eco-Logo or Green Seal) and other cleaning processes such as the use of steam cleaning are used to reduce impacts on the environment.
• The College works to promote the highest standards and best practices in terms of Infection Prevention Control (IPAC) and at the Waterfront Campus the cleaning program for clinical areas meets the criteria set out by the Ontario Health Care Housekeeping Association.
A brief description of steps the institution has taken to ensure that the purchasing policy, directives, or guidelines are followed:
The College has a contractor which
We are using the Aqueous Ozone as a truly multi-purpose cleaning solution (we eliminated 21 other products with it--all Green Certified products themselves)--for all daily and project/periodic cleaning (floor and carpet cleaning, floor scrubbing and refinishing, window/glass cleaning (and all vertical and horizontal surfaces), washroom cleaning/sanitizing, classrooms and public areas. In other words the product is used for cleaning, disinfecting and deodorizing (as odour eliminator) all cleanable indoor environmental surfaces (under the Indoor Environmental Quality umbrella or IEQ).
Important to note that this applies only to 200 King St. E.--the in-house Housekeeping Services of Facilities Management.
Does the institution wish to pursue Part 2 of this credit (expenditures on cleaning and janitorial products)?:
Expenditures on Green Seal and/or UL Environment (EcoLogo) certified cleaning and janitorial products:
Total expenditures on cleaning and janitorial products:
Has the institution's main cleaning or housekeeping department(s) and/or contractor(s) adopted a Green Seal or ISSA certified low-impact, ecological (“green”) cleaning program?:
A brief description of the institution’s low-impact, ecological cleaning program:
We are using the Aqueous Ozone as a truly multi-purpose cleaning solution (we eliminated 21 other products with it--all Green Certified products themselves)--for all daily and project/periodic cleaning (floor and carpet cleaning, floor scrubbing and refinishing, window/glass cleaning (and all vertical and horizontal surfaces), washroom cleaning/sanitizing, classrooms and public areas. In other words the product is used for cleaning, disinfecting and deodorizing (as odour eliminator) all cleanable indoor environmental surfaces (under the Indoor Environmental Quality umbrella or IEQ).
Important to note that this applies only to 200 King St. E.--the in-house Housekeeping Services of Facilities Management.
GEORGE BROWN COLLEGE’S GREEN HOUSEKEEPING PROGRAM
Green Housekeeping is a comprehensive building management program that is meant to provide improved health and safety, reduce liability issues, increase productivity, and improve indoor air quality in every building that adopts its tenets. Cleaning practices and building management are refocused so that the Building Service Contractor cleans primarily for health and environmental benefit.
Topnotch is ISO 14001 certified and includes a complete Environmental Management System (EMS), which provides:
• Continual environmental improvement
• Cost savings through waste minimization and pollution prevention
• Defines how we manage our, and our clients, impact on the Environment
In all of Topnotch’s service contracts; there are standard practices put into place for a healthier and more environmentally friendly work environment. These include our choice of chemicals, the use of paper products and plastic bags with a high degree of recycled content, the use of more efficient equipment and the ability to increase the efficiency of waste management programs.
Benefits to George Brown College:
• Improved Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) through considerably less Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC's)
• A healthier, safer learning environment due to improved IAQ
• An increased sense of ownership by teachers, students, and staff in the college
• Economic savings associated with reduced consumption and operating costs
• Increased protection of natural resources
• Increased connections between the community and the college
• Customizable levels of cleanliness
• Consistent level of health
• Use of the college site and facilities as a teaching tool
In addition to our ISO 14001:2004 Certification, Topnotch has been certified by Franken LeDrew Consulting as Green Housekeeping Contractor. A certified Green Housekeeping contractor is a company that has chosen to commit fully to the Green Housekeeping Program. As a certified contractor, Topnotch have attained the highest level of classification and can implement practices to make George Brown College a Green Housekeeping Site.
Certified Green Housekeeping is the process of cleaning for a healthier workplace and only the most environmentally friendly products and techniques are used to improve the indoor air quality and the overall health of your workplace.
Topnotch Cleaning for Health” Housekeeping Program Standards
1. Topnotch will perform all cleaning with environmentally preferable chemicals.
2. Submit MSDS for all proposed cleaning agents to be used in the building. All products containing ingredients which fall outside the attached product standards must be accompanied by a narrative of not more than 1000 words explaining it selection.
3. Submit an operating plan prior to the start date for approval on how the Green Housekeeping Program will work from beginning to end. This includes description of training, communication, tenant interaction, follow-ups, and the way “cleaning for health” will be carried out to the fullest extent possible.
4. The purpose of “Green Housekeeping” is to reeducate the housekeeping function to maximize reduction of Indoor Air Contaminants (Particulates, V.O.C.’s and Biologicals) and minimize health and safety issues.
5. Formally train all of the custodial staff in the safe use of these chemicals and the most environmentally efficient manner in the application of these agents to maximize the benefits of “Green Housekeeping.”
6. Topnotch will incorporate into the “Green Housekeeping” program tenant interaction in the form of survey’s, communication, interviews and follow-up on all complaints, service calls and inquiries.
7. Topnotch will develop and maintain (as part of our business plan) communication between all elements of the buildings management which can affect indoor Air Quality (i.e., engineering, health and safety personnel, property management and housekeeping services).
8. Topnotch will generate a baseline study which details all products, procedures and I.A.Q. concerns prior to program startup.
9. We will demonstrate expertise as well as the ability to educate all concerned on the merits of “cleaning for health.”
10. Topnotch will employ rigid chemical management to proportion and control chemical usage.
A copy of the sections of the cleaning contract(s) that reference certified green products:
The sections of the cleaning contract(s) that reference certified green products:
CLEANING PRODUCTS
Our major partner in environmental compliances and supplier of Green Cleaning Products is Rochester Midland Limited (RML), a company committed to developing products that meet or exceed applicable regulatory standards, reducing impacts of products on those who use them. RML portion controlled dispensing systems help to improve health and safety by preventing cross-contamination, reducing waste, and ensuring proper use dilution for all products, while reducing end use costs for cleaning products.
RML products or services minimize adverse environmental impact which has a lesser or reduced effect on human health. For over twenty years, Rochester Midland Corporation has helped companies implement sustainable, green cleaning programs to improve the health and safety of their workers and building occupants, and reduce negative impacts on the environment.
Rochester Midland was the first company in the world to receive GreenSeal™ GS-37 certification for institutional cleaners in 2002 - Enviro Care Tough Job, Washroom, Low Foam All Purpose and Glass Cleaners. RML now offer over 14 products certified by GreenSeal™ or EcoLogoM.
RML, Enviro Chem Green Housekeeping chemicals consist of sixteen different maintenance products including cleaners, disinfectants, degreasers, floor finish, floor strippers and carpet cleaners. Every RML product was benchmarked for performance against their conventional products. Every Enviro Chem chemical meets the following criteria:
• No 2-butoxyethanol
• No alkaline builders
• Diluted concentrates have a pH less than or equal to 10
• Ingredients are non-carcinogenic.
• Less than 0.5% total phosphorous
• Non-combustible
• No heavy metals
• Recycling packaging
• Low skin, eye and respiratory irritation potential
The website URL where information about the institution’s green cleaning initiatives is available:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.