| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 63.61 |
| Liaison | Greg Kozak |
| Submission Date | March 3, 2017 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Northwestern University
OP-13: Cleaning Products Purchasing
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
0.71 / 1.00 |
Christina
Cilento STARS Program Intern Office of Sustainability |
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:
Wherever feasible, cleaning products and materials, including hard floor and carpet care
products, used inside and outside Northwestern University facilities shall meet the requirements of LEED® 2009 for Existing Buildings: Operations and Maintenance™ IEQ Credit 3.3: Green Cleaning, Purchase of Sustainable Cleaning Products and Materials as described below. Product types subject to these requirements include, but are not limited to, bio-enzymatic cleaners, hard floor cleaners, carpet cleaners, general purpose cleaners, specialty cleaners, odor control, disinfectants, disposable janitorial paper products and trash bags, and hand soaps.
A brief description of steps the institution has taken to ensure that the purchasing policy, directives, or guidelines are followed:
To ensure the success of the Building Specific Cleaning Plan, the Aramark front‐line staff must have a communications strategy with regard to cleaning personnel and facility managers. The communications plan shall be developed in conjunction with building owners, facility managers, and building occupants.
The Office of Sustainability and Residential Services are jointly responsible for ensuring the implementation of and compliance with our Green Cleaning Policy, by working with Aramark and conducting annual program audits.
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 incorporated green seal product chemicals, certified equipment, and green cleaning supplies in our green cleaning program when we began providing Aramark custodial services in 2012. Over the last two years we've transitioned to a Blue Cleaning® program. There are three elements of a Blue Cleaning® program: Technology, Training and Touch. We use multiple “Technologies” that reduce chemicals. Our “Training” is a key component and requires a unique cultural change approach with our staff and campus community. There is a greater need for “Touch” by providing engagement and awareness opportunities to our faculty, staff and students by communicating our policies' impact on their health, wellness and safety.
Our Blue Cleaning® program strategy is to continue to eliminate chemicals and create the most environmentally responsible approach to cleaning. We currently generate Electrically Activated Water (EAW) on site for cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting. This allows us to reduce the use of harsh chemicals, which reduces the impact on waste disposal and chemical odors. Used on surfaces and floors, EAW provides an effective, environmentally friendly cleaning solution for the campus while protecting staff from handling and storing harsh chemicals. The program has implemented the use of EAW for cleaning on 30-40% of the square footage on campus. Our auto-scrubber equipment for floor and carpet care is equipped with EcH2O Technology, an EAW technology utilized for daily floor maintenance. Microfiber towels and mops are used throughout the campus to improve quality and reduce the amount of chemicals and water used in traditional mop and bucket programs. Scrub brushes are used on equipment when at all possible to reduce the use of floor pads. 100% recycled material paper and liners are utilized for disposable supplies. A green certified hand soap is used in all restrooms.
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:
The following language is included in our ITB (invitation to bid) template:
“When applicable, products and services offered should be of superior environmental performance based on energy use, manufacturing, and end of use disposal – Examples include Energy Star for appliances and electronics and Energy Star and/or EPEAT for computers, GreenSeal certified products for cleaning supplies, and other products which have undergone third-party certification for superior environmental performance.”
“Environmental performance of the supplier and/or producer will also be considered. This includes internal processes such as waste prevention, waste reduction, pollution prevention, clean air and water programs, re-use of materials, minimization of scrap material, low-emission delivery vehicles and other green factory initiatives. NU takes into account a vendor’s commitment to sustainability.”
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.