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Submitted by: Anthony Pasquale
One of the hottest topics in the facilities maintenance industry today is green cleaning and LEED Certification.
It is true, that if you work with your cleaning company, the nine cleaning related points needed towards LEED Certification can be met.
1. Institute the use of environmentally-preferable and/or bio-based and reduce risk cleaning chemicals.
2. Install and use a closed loop chemical management dispensing system, minimizing human exposure.
3. Use concentrated cleaning chemicals, and dilute accurately via a chemical management system.
4. Institute the use of environmentally-preferable paper products throughout the facility.
5. Institute the use of environmentally-preferable plastic refuse bags.
6. Install walk-off mats at entry-ways.
7. Use micro-fiber mops and cloths
8. Use energy-efficient vacuums with filters.
9. Utilize a chemical management software program to manage, monitor and supply documentation.
However, there are still almost thirty more points pertaining to the operation of the lighting, plumbing, electrical, HVAC and design and function of your facility. Depending on the level of LEED Certification you are seeking, it may take several months and even several years before you get that highly desired LEED Certification. During that time, you will have to document the use of the chemicals, equipment and procedures that your cleaning firm will require. The procedures will have to be sustained through the interim waiting period and then audited after your facility receives LEED Certification. It will be quite beneficial to choose a cleaning firm that will document the use of and have access to third party certified green cleaning products and equipment. There are many distributors and suppliers in the cleaning industry however there are not many that have the infrastructure to supply real green cleaning chemicals and products.
I would suggest using a larger cleaning firm as they will have greater access and purchasing power with the green cleaning supply distributors. These products are not so cheap, so larger purchasing power will help. Furthermore, many green cleaning products do not work that well, so you must have someone with a proven track record. Make sure to always request MSDS sheets and product use and effectiveness. Another important factor is to make sure that the actual personnel that will be using these chemicals are properly trained in the use of the products. One great system that saves time and money while adhering to the green clean program is a J-Fill automated water and chemical system. The system is mounted on a wall next to a water source and it has several different chemicals that are concentrated and connected to a water hose. It automatically mixes the right amount of chemical and water for all cleaning requirement such as floors, windows, bathroom fixtures, etc.
Whether a building succeeds in obtaining LEED Certification status or not it will be a great sense of achievement and pride knowing that your organization did everything in its power to create an environmentally friendly facility. This will resonate in the community, setting an example and paying dividends well into the future.
Written By: Anthony Pasquale
Operations Manage
Boston Cleaning Company, Inc.
Our online brochure is a valuable resource of information for facility and office managers.
It contains additional services related to office cleaning and maintenance services. Just click on our link and it will download a free copy. http://www.bostoncleaningcompanyinc.com/brochure
About the Author: Graduate of Wentworth Institute of Technology in Engineering, senior member of the Institute of Sciences and Technology in clean room operations. Operations manager for Boston Cleaning Company, Inc. website:
bostoncleaningcompanyinc.com
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