| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 52.56 |
| Liaison | Juanita Van Norman |
| Submission Date | May 21, 2015 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
University of Manitoba
OP-13: Cleaning Products Purchasing
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
0.00 / 1.00 |
Ian
Hall Director 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:
A brief description of steps the institution has taken to ensure that the purchasing policy, directives, or guidelines are followed:
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:
A variety of green cleaning strategies have been implemented. These strategic
deliver life cycle cost savings, contribute to workplace health and safety, and/or have positive indoor environment outcomes:
Green Cleaner: Caretaking Services has reduced the number of cleaning
chemicals from over 12 to one Hydrogen Peroxide universal cleaner. The chemical composition of this cleaner does not have a negative impact on the environment yet is able to clean and sanitize. The new cleaner is being introduced one building at a time as we use up old stock.
Tennant ride-on auto scrubbers with the EC-H20 system: The technology electrically converts water into a solution that cleans effectively and reduces environmental impact by eliminating the use of chemicals to clean flooring. In addition it is 75% quieter than older models, and uses up to 75% less water.
Batteries: Initiated a replacement program for battery-operated equipment, replacing the wet cell batteries with sealed cell GEL or AGM batteries. These batteries do not require maintenance by the equipment operator, therefore eliminating exposure to acid spills; eliminating fumes produced from battery charging. We have set up a battery recycling program with our supplier to receive credit toward new batteries from the old battery core, as well as disposed of old batteries in a safe and environmentally responsible manner.
Reusable cardboard boxes: Reusing empty sturdy cardboard boxes that were previously being put into cardboard waste stream as lab glass recycling containers.
Microfiber-based cleaning system: Increased microfiber-based cleaning system and continued phase out of loop mops; the new system delivers superior performance with green cleaning solutions.
Toilet tissue: Switched to a “coreless” toilet tissue system that eliminates cardboard core inserts from the waste stream.
Hand soap: Switching to Clean & Green fragrance free foaming hand soap in all dispensers.
Eco Traction: We have purchased Eco Traction grit for snow and ice control to reduce the
amount of chemical treated sand/salt previously used.
Trials of additional equipment and techniques are also underway. If successful, these trials and pilot projects have the potential to deliver additional operating cost savings or performance gains. Projects include:
3M floor pads: Trial purchase of 3M floor pads that strip the floor with water only, thereby eliminating the harsh chemicals found in floor stripper. This will not only impact the environment, but also the physical work task by reducing muscle strain that was previously evidenced by hours spent wet stripping, picking up and emptying large amounts of water.
Sealer/burnishing: Testing the use of “sealer/burnishing” that could eliminate the need for waxing of hard surface flooring.
Vacuums: Running a trial of bagless dry/wet vacuums for entrances to reduce bags going to landfill.
Pro2000 Ice Melter: Testing an ice control product called Pro2000 Ice Melter. This product is 100% green yet provides all the qualities necessary for ice and snow control, provides traction and does not promote tracking onto floors or carpets.
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 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.