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Office of Sustainability
Bingham House
97 Richland Avenue
Athens, OH 45701
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OHIO's Green Cleaning Policy

The strategies outlined in the Green Cleaning Practices will assist Ohio University Facilities Management in their efforts to provide services that are valued, effective and efficient while allowing the department to serve as responsible stewards of the university’s resources (in accordance with the VPF&A Mission Statement). While maintaining a clean, healthy and sustainable living, learning and working environment is reliant on the practices of Ohio University custodial staff, it is also essential that building occupants do their part to maintain a safe space. Additional efforts put forth during the construction of new buildings will allow for building occupants to appropriately interact with their built environments in order to contribute to the Green Cleaning Practices as established here.

The Green Cleaning Practices were established to protect university employees and building inhabitants from potentially hazardous chemical contaminants that can be found in common cleaning products. By reducing the campus community’s exposure to such chemicals, the university hopes to improve indoor air quality and occupant well-being. Additionally, limiting the use of dangerous chemicals can offer environmental benefits in the extraction, production and packaging of university cleaning products.

Goals and Strategies

“Green Cleaning” standards are established here to minimize environmental impacts of building operations and assist the university in maintaining LEED Silver status of all new construction and major renovations on all of its campuses. Ohio University Facilities Management continually aims to improve its environmental performance by complying with the following institutional standards.

  • Purchase sustainable cleaning, hard floor and carpet care products that meet the sustainability requirements outlined in LEED 2009 IEQ Credit 3.3 – with an allowance for an alternate compliance path with the purchase of EnvirOx bio-based cleaning products.
  • Purchase of cleaning equipment meeting the sustainability criteria outlined in LEED 2009 IEQ Credit 3.4.
  • Ensuring that all custodial staff is aware of their responsibilities in implementing this environmental policy: Provide consistent practices for the utilization, management and audited use of cleaning practices for hard floor and carpet maintenance. These practices will be highly defined and training will be provided to staff to allow for consistent practices throughout the institution. This procedure is being put into place to effectively utilize staff time, protect building occupants and ensure the longevity of cleaning equipment.
  • All Ohio University custodial staff will be trained on and encouraged to utilize improved hand hygiene practices when on duty.
  • All Ohio University staff will be required to comply with safe handling guidelines for hazardous materials. These guidelines have been established by OU Environmental Health and Safety and all new staff are trained on the proper handling of such materials to ensure the safety of OU staff and building occupants while conserving such resources.
  • All maintenance staff that are to be assigned to specific areas of campus must undergo training regarding the hazards associated with chemical use and disposal. They must also receive information regarding the proper recycling, cleaning, dispensing and packaging of these items.
  • All new construction and renovations must include Facilities Management in a minimum of 2 planning meetings to ensure “Green Cleaning” compliance prior to project completion.
  • Facilities Management encourages occupant feedback regarding these guidelines. If you have any questions or feedback, please contact 740-593-2911

Facilities Management Custodial Services

As such, Facilities Management Custodial Services at Ohio University is committed to:

  • Educating, training, and motivating custodial staff to work in an environmentally responsible manner.
  • Ensuring that all custodial staff is aware of their responsibilities in implementing this environmental policy.
  • Conserving energy, water, and other resources while still providing a cleaned and sanitary environment.
  • Complying with all relevant current legislation and industry standards.
  • Using cleaning products that meet Green Seal standard GS-37 or products with low-volatile organic compounds (VOC) whenever applicable.
  • Using products that meet EPA standards with high post-consumer recycled content.
  • Using equipment with good filtration.
  • Eliminating phosphates and aerosol products.
  • Using concentrated cleaning products when available.
  • Using chemicals that are automatically and accurately diluted using cold water.
  • Using products that are packed with recycled materials.
  • Utilizing customer feedback to establish a priority listing of products to receive preference giving consideration to building occupant comfort and building longevity.