Facilities that embrace green cleaning are getting noticed these days as everyone better understands the importance of using kinder, gentler janitorial services. Green cleaning puts an end to “sick building syndrome” by employing environmentally friendly cleaning products, equipment, and procedures. Benefits include healthier occupants and visitors, and, ultimately, the Earth.

The process involves using third-party certified, non-toxic cleaning products. Additionally, proper use of equipment and implementation of green cleaning procedures are a must. By contracting with a maintenance company that understands the issues and solutions, your school facility can readily become a healthier place.

Below are some tips to demystify the process of choosing a facilities maintenance provider that makes it easy for you to implement a green cleaning program. Keep in mind that each provider will have its own set of skills and experience, and look for one that will partner with you to achieve your facility’s goals.

1.  Educate yourself and understand what it means to go “green.”
A good first step to implementing a green cleaning system is to understand what the program involves and what you can expect when beginning the process. Know that going green is more than just switching from traditional cleaning chemicals to environmentally friendly products. A well-implemented, effective program takes a holistic approach, proactively involving the people who clean, the building occupants and visitors, and the indoor and outdoor environment.

 2.  Determine your reasons for going “green.”
Outline what you hope to accomplish and keep those goals in mind throughout your selection process. Knowing what you want to attain will help to identify the provider that will best meet your goals. As you obtain proposals and even after the program has started, it’s important to stay focused on the benefits you desire and goals you wish to attain. The clearer the vision and the more educated you are on key elements of green cleaning practices, the better you will be at assessing a provider’s ability.

 3.  Ask for an assessment.
As part of the proposal process, request an assessment of your building. This should consist of a complete inventory of the facilities’ current cleaning products and equipment. The maintenance company should provide guidance on which issues to address first and a timeline of when each item will be approached. The changes that are simple and inexpensive should be immediate priorities due to the high return on investment. Other changes should be made based on the risk of harm to both worker and occupant health, or to the environment.

4.  Evaluate the provider’s janitorial products.
Cleanliness is usually judged by outward appearances – what an area looks like after it has been cleaned. The products and processes your provider uses should make your building look clean, of course, but they should also address unseen issues, including the prevention of indoor air pollution and reduction of toxicity and waste.

5.  Request proof that the provider uses third-party certified environmentally safe cleaning products.
Third-party certification processes verify that products meet specific standards. This validation ensures that the products truly reduce risks to the health of users and building occupants, decrease environmental impact, and work as well or better than conventional cleaning products. One such certification is provided by Green Seal, a non-profit organization that tests products and also produces a list of recommended products.

6.  Investigate the provider’s cleaning practices.
How a provider uses its products is just as important as the product itself. Ask questions regarding the janitorial staff’s knowledge of the products and each one’s intended use. Does the provider continually educate its employees on how to use the products, as well as new products and practices in green cleaning? Even with environmentally safe cleaning products, it’s important to use them correctly.

7.  Make sure the cleaning product matches the need.
Does the cleaning company train and supervise its janitors to make sure that they are correctly matching the cleaner to the job? For example, using a product that is too strong for cleaning a mild stain is counterproductive and costly. It wastes the product and might damage the surface being cleaned.  A good facilities maintenance provider will efficiently use the right product, equipment, and procedure for each task.

8.  Make sure your maintenance providers are using the right equipment.
Your janitorial manager should select cleaning equipment that is durable, energy efficient, and quiet. Durable equipment saves costs in the long run and will not be a burden on the waste stream. Energy-efficient equipment promotes conservation, and quiet equipment reduces noise pollution, which creates a healthier environment for the janitorial staff and other occupants. In addition, vacuuming and cleaning up dirt as soon as it appears can reduce the need for the use of harsh cleaning products.  In fact, one of the easiest and most efficient ways to keep a building clean is to use dirt trapping mats at all of the exterior entrances.

This article is courtesy of OneSource, a leading provider of outsourced building services with a long-standing service heritage, www.one-source.com.