Virginia Tech
OP-11: Cleaning Products Purchasing

Two departments share responsibility for housekeeping services at Virginia Tech. The Housekeeping Department of Housing and Dining Services within Housing & Residence Life (HRL) is responsible for the residence halls and dining facilities. The Housekeeping Division of Facilities Services is responsible for the academic and administrative spaces on campus. Both housekeeping departments implement green cleaning procedures and initiatives. Sustainable Housekeeping Efforts in the Housekeeping Department of Housing and Dining Services of HRL: In May 2010, the Housekeeping Department of Housing and Dining Services was awarded the Level III Clean Zone Certification for Green Cleaning initiatives from JanPak Janitorial Solutions. JanPak’s Clean Zone program is a unique certification program designed to create a healthier environment through the implementation of sustainable products, systems and programs. The Level III designation is the highest level of the Clean Zone program and ensures that the Housekeeping Department is using sustainable products and services, has implemented sustainable systems and programs, and has a sustainable facility management program. In order to achieve the Level III Clean Zone Level Certification the Housekeeping Department of Housing and Dining Services within HRL implemented the following green initiatives: • Installed touch free towel dispensers • Installed dispensers to accommodate the green foam hand soap. Less water is consumed when using foam soap. • Purchased walk-off mats that are at least 10ft in length for all areas that would accommodate them. Also purchased mats that have recycled material. • Implemented the flat mopping system using Microfiber mop pads in a charging bucket that are changed frequently instead of using a string mop that is dipped back and forth into the water solution therefore spreading dirt and germs. The flat mop system ensures that the water is always clean. This system creates a healthier environment and makes surfaces 99% cleaner than use of string mops. • Use microfiber cleaning cloths to dust, wipe and wash. Prevents the spread of dust, absorbs dirt and are color coded to prevent misuse. • Installed Command Centers to automatically dispense the chemicals. Ensures the safe handling and use of cleaning chemicals, and accurately measures chemicals for proper usage on surfaces and fixtures. • On-going training programs to include all Health and Safety mandated training. • Inspection/Assessment Program • Policy and Procedures Manual • Recent bathroom renovation projects include auto-flush toilets and touchless faucets for reduction of water usage as well as promoting proper hygiene. • Floor equipment meets Carpet and Rug Institute standards. Vacuums are equipped with HEPPA filters; Floor burnishers are equipped with dust catching covers, and walk behind sweepers have vacuums for capturing dust. Our carpet cleaning machines are all low moisture encapsulation, using very little chemical and water. • The usage of the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser pads reduce the need to use harsh chemicals and degreasers to clean spots, marks, etc. from walls and other surfaces. • Recycling Initiatives: The use of chemicals that are manufactured in containers that are from recycled products and/or the container is recyclable, toilet tissue that is 100% recycled product, and Ecosoft paper towels all contribute to the recycle program. The mattresses used in our residence halls are recycled every five years. For a complete list of green cleaning initiatives, programs, and products that earned the Housekeeping Department of Housing and Dining Services within HRL the “Level III Clean Zone Certification” please see: http://facilities.vt.edu/documents/sustainability/unlinked/STARS/JANPAK_Level_Clean_Zone_Certification_Awarded_Housing_Dining_Services_Housekeeping_Dept_May_2010.pdf For an article highlighting Virginia Tech’s “Level III Clean Zone Certification” in Cleaning & Maintenance Management magazine please see: http://www.facilities.vt.edu/documents/sustainability/unlinked/STARS/OP/copier233620110518093101.pdf To view building signage that highlights the green cleaning “JanPak Clean Zone” designation please see: http://facilities.vt.edu/documents/sustainability/unlinked/clean_zone.PDF Sustainable Housekeeping Efforts in the Housekeeping Division of Facilities Services: The Housekeeping Division of Facilities Services has implemented the following green initiatives: • We work with our vendors to see if there are Green Seal products available when looking to purchase new cleaning products. • Wrote green cleaning requirements into our current cleaning service contract that was awarded in June 2011. • Re-wrote our cleaning procedures to meet green cleaning standards and sent all staff through new training program on the new SOP’s. • Converted our academic buildings to cleaning chemical dispenser systems which use Green Seal products (except disinfectants which are not Green Seal certified). • Changed product ordering forms to include all the Green Seal certified products we have approved for purchase. • Use micro fiber hand cloths and dust mops. • New autoscrubbers do not use cleaning chemicals, only water. Also use AGM maintenance free batteries. • Conduct yearly training on all required Health and Safety instructions such as OSHA Right to Know, Blood Borne Pathogens, and Lead/Asbestos Awareness. • Vacuum cleaner meets the Carpet and Rug Institute standards. • Paper products are either Green Seal certified or made from 100% recycle paper. To view samples of the Housekeeping Division of Facilities Services’ Green Cleaning Standard Operating Procedures, please see: http://facilities.vt.edu/documents/sustainability/unlinked/Sample_Green_Cleaning_Standard_Operating_Procedures.pdf

Margie Lawrence is the Assistant Director for Housekeeping and Furnishings in the Housing & Residence Life (HRL) Department. She can be contacted at Margie@vt.edu or (540) 231-4984 for more information about HRL’s Green Cleaning initiatives. J. Wyatt Sasser is the Housekeeping Director for Facilities Services. He can be contacted at jsasser@vt.edu or (540) 231-7426 for more information about Facilities Services Green Cleaning initiatives.