Green Cleaning
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Reduces occupant and custodial exposure to toxic chemicals and improves IAQ |
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One to two months for development and implementation of a green cleaning policy |
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Green products can be slowly introduced whenever supplies are purchased |
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GEN, FAC, SGT |
Green products used for both interior and exterior building cleaning protect IAQ and ecosystem health. Conventional cleaning products are more likely to contain increased concentrations of VOCs and carcinogens that may cause human reproductive health problems, irritate the eyes or skin, and bioaccumulate in local flora and fauna. Whether used indoors or outdoors, green cleaning and maintenance products minimize the introduction of pollutants into buildings without compromising product performance or maintenance budgets.14
A recommendation is the use of Green Seal®-certified (or equivalent) cleaning products. These products have been tested for toxicity, biodegradability, and air quality degradation, as well as for their potential to impact human health and the environment negatively. Green Seal-certified products are priced similarly to their conventional counterparts, and are available from most janitorial supply vendors.
U.S. Embassy Beijing’s custodial teams procure local non-toxic and biodegradable cleaning supplies, and have reduced hazardous chemicals in cleaning supplies by 60%, resulting in fewer toxins entering the buildings at Post.
Recommended cleaning and custodial products include:
- Cleaning products that meet Green Seal GS-37, Green Seal GS-40, EPA Design for Environment, or Environmental Choice EcoLogoTM standards.
- Disposable custodial paper products and trash bags that meet the minimum requirement of the EPA’s Comprehensive Procurement
With appropriate isolation of chemical storage and mixing facilities, building occupants are better protected from inadvertent exposure to hazardous materials.
Recommended custodial equipment purchasing guidelines include:
- Selection of vacuum cleaners that meet CRI Seal of Approval requirements, which can capture 96% of particulates 3 microns (µ) in size and have a sound level less than 70 decibels
- Use of hot water extraction equipment for deep cleaning carpets, which can remove sufficient moisture to allow carpets to dry in under 24 hours
- Selection of powered maintenance equipment—including floor buffers, burnishers, and automatic scrubbers—that are equipped with vacuums, guards, or other devices for capturing fine particulates; operate with a sound level less than 70 decibels; are ergonomically-designed to minimize vibration, noise, and user fatigue; and have rubber bumpers to reduce damage to building surfaces
- Selection of automated scrubbing machines equipped with variable-speed feed pumps to optimize use of cleaning fluids
- Use of active microfiber technology to reduce cleaning chemicals used
Figure 6: Green Seal is often used as the standard for green cleaning
