| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 66.39 |
| Liaison | Shane Stennes |
| Submission Date | Dec. 15, 2015 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
OP-13: Cleaning Products Purchasing
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
0.73 / 1.00 |
August
Horner Sustainability Student Asst 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:
Sustainable Cleaning Products Purchasing
Approved by: Associate Director - Custodial Program
Last Revised: July 10, 2015
Process owner: Mike Hofer AD-Custodial
(LEED-AP, CIMS-GB EXPERT)
Effective Date: June 1, 2012
Purpose / Background
Provide guidance for the purchasing of custodial related products and equipment with sustainability, health and safety being primary factors in our decision process. By using non-toxic and sustainable cleaning products, we reduce exposure impacts for students, staff, visitors, and the environment, thereby promoting clean and healthy work, living, and learning spaces. Third party certifications related to the sustainability of various product sectors will be considered along with product performance when making final standardized product selections. Products that are Green Seal or UL/EcoLogo certified are preferred and strongly encouraged.
Overview / Primary Steps
Product Certification Categories:
Product Type
Sustainable Factors
3rd Party Certifications
Sanitary Restroom Paper Products – Toilet Tissue, Hand Towels
% postconsumer recycle content, chlorine free processing, fiber procurement, responsible manufacturing and packaging
Green Seal GS-01
UL Environment EcoLogo UL175
FSC for fiber procurement
EPA procurement guideline – min 20% for toilet tissue, 40% for towels
Plastic Can Liners
% postconsumer recycle content
EPA procurement guideline – min 10% postconsumer content
Hand Cleaner
Reduced VOC’s and aquatic toxicity, reduced packaging, less product per washing (foam preferred)
Green Seal GS-41
UL Environment EcoLogo UL 2784
Routine Cleaning Solutions
Limited VOC content, prohibited harmful chemicals, sustainable packaging, concentrated w-dilution controlled dispensing
Green Seal GS-37
UL Environment EcoLogo
Impacted groups
Custodial Program
References
http://www.usgbc.org/node/2614343?return=/credits/existing-buildings/v4,Greenseal.org, http://productguide.ulenvironment.com/SearchResults.aspx?CertificationID=27
A brief description of steps the institution has taken to ensure that the purchasing policy, directives, or guidelines are followed:
Product selection for all custodial staff is controlled by the Associate Director of the Custodial Program.
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:
Our custodians use Green Seal Certified cleaning chemicals, dispensed through tamper proof dilution control, for all routine tasks. We use laundered microfiber cloths, dusters, cleaning pads and flat mops. Our laundry vendor (Cintas) utilizes green products to wash our microfiber products. Cloths and mops are color coordinated to avoid cross contamination of dirty to clean areas. Vacuums are all CRI Certified and HEPA filtered. Battery equipment is only purchased with AGM or Gel Batteries and the best filtration. Brands include Tennant. Windsor and ProTeam. Periodic project tasks are scheduled and announced to occupants before being performed to alert anyone who might be sensitive. Products are all stored safely and properly labelled. Proper PPE’s are used per product recommendations.
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.