Exterior Maintenance
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Increases worker safety, improves environmental quality of post sites and surrounding areas, and improves indoor air quality (IAQ) |
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One to three months to review audit results and develop purchasing and maintenance plans |
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Purchase of alternative products during regular reordering |
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FAC, GEN, SGT |
Materials and equipment used for cleaning and maintaining building exterior and site surfaces can impact air and water quality of surrounding areas. Some alkaline and acidic cleaners can be neutralized and safely discharged into storm sewers. However, most solvent-based cleaners, such as pine-oil products, cannot be neutralized, are categorized as pollutants, and must be disposed of by a licensed transport, storage, and disposal facility.5
Rainfall can wash potentially harmful cleaning compounds off cleaned surfaces and onto the ground and off-site into local waterways. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in exterior cleaning and maintenance products can compromise local air quality and can potentially be drawn into buildings through openings and air intakes. Runoff containing phosphorus, nitrogen, and other chemicals found in fertilizers and cleaning products contributes to the growth of the algal blooms that create hypoxic (low oxygen) or ‘dead’ zones in estuaries and coastal areas, where marine life cannot survive.
Of an estimated 400 such dead zones located around the world, the Gulf of Mexico hypoxic zone is one of the largest, at approximately 17,000 square kilometers (km2) (6,600 square miles (mi2)), which is roughly the size of Massachusetts.6
Select cleaning products that have the least environmental impact for building and site cleaning activities, such as Green Seal certified products.
Consider using the following:
- Water-based products rather than solvents for cleaning, paints, sealants, and adhesives
- Exterior paints, sealants, and adhesives that meet Green Seal® standard for Paints and Coatings GS-11 (see Indoor Environment: Contaminant Reduction)
Undertake site maintenance practices that are environmentally safe:
- Use simple methods, such as a brush or low-pressure water wash. Water of slightly higher pressure or with a non-ionic detergent additive also may be effective.
- Minimize use of resource-intensive or polluting maintenance equipment, such as pressure washers and gas-powered mowers. Use only as necessary to maintain safe and operable surface conditions.
- Use hand tools rather than power tools where feasible, such as rakes rather than leaf-blowers or push rather than gas-powered mowers.
- When replacing equipment, consider electric, low-decibel, energy-efficient, and water-efficient models.
- Avoid environmentally damaging products, such as salt or calcium chloride, where snow or ice removal is required. Select environmentally preferable de-icing chemicals, such as magnesium chloride, potassium acetate, and potassium chloride. Use a small amount of de-icer to prevent icing, rather than a large amount to treat existing ice.
Alternative fuels can power a variety of site equipment, such as this propane-powered lawn mower
