Green Products And Equipment And Their Benefits

Thinking of implementing a green cleaning program? Here's a list of products and equipment to consider using. To make it easy for you, the ABM Green Clean program can provide some or all of these items, depending on your needs and goals. Plus, we offer expert green cleaning services using our proven processes to ensure your green program's success.

Environmentally friendly cleaning chemicals.

• General purpose, washroom, glass, and carpet cleaning products that meet Green Seal's Standard for Industrial and Institutional Cleaners (GS-37). These will clean effectively while helping to reduce toxic pollution and waste, conserve resources and habitats, and minimize global warming and ozone depletion.
  
  

Hand soaps that do not contain antimicrobial agents (e.g., triclosan).

• Except where required by law or regulations (i.e., healthcare or food preparation), employing a strong antibiotic agent such as triclosan for everyday use is not recommended. It kills some of the harmful microscopic organisms, but it also destroys beneficial bacteria. These friendly bacteria are necessary in our bodies and environment; for example, they aid metabolism and inhibit the invasion of harmful pathogens.
• Also, the safety of triclosan has been questioned. While the companies that manufacturer products containing this chemical claim that it is safe, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has registered it as a pesticide. The EPA gives triclosan high scores both as a human health risk and as an environmental risk.
  
  

Source: http://www.health-report.co.uk/triclosan.html

Microfiber dusting cloths and flat mops.

• Microfiber material used in mops and dust cloths have microscopic "hooks" that act as claws, scraping up and holding dust and dirt. The material is very effective for cleaning, because the fibers quickly and easily capture dirt rather than just moving it around. Microfiber, which can absorb up to 7 times its weight in water, is sometimes described as having a magnetic attraction to dirt and dust.
• Cleaning with microfiber products is environmentally friendly because chemical use can be minimized. Microfiber products are lint free, extremely soft and do not scratch surfaces, but at the same time, they are sturdy and tough on dirt. Test results show microfiber can reduce bacteria levels by 96% yet requires less labor.
  
  

Proper door mats and entry systems.

Most pollutants in buildings are brought in from outside and spread throughout, so capturing contaminants at entryways is an easy way to keep the building clean, which in turn, minimizes the use of harsh chemicals and keeps the inside air cleaner. The most effective mats have rubber-reinforced face nubs and a crush-proof waffle design. A raised-rubber "water-dam" border traps dirt and water, keeping carpets and floors clean by working double duty, absorbing water while scraping shoes.

Efficient vacuums and floor care systems.

• Vacuums that have the Carpet & Rug Institute's Green Label certification have gone through a stringent testing process that measures three key performance factors:
  
  

Soil Removal - Must remove a set quantity of soil from carpet in four passes.

• Dust Containment - Must not release more than 100 micrograms of dust particles per cubic meter of air. This protocol evaluates the total amount of dust particles released by the brush rolls, through the filtration bag and via any air leaks from the system, and is more stringent than the National Ambient Air Quality Standards.
  
  

Carpet Appearance Retention - Should not affect the appearance of the carpet more than a one-step change based on one year of normal vacuum use.

• High performance vacuum cleaners have a significant impact on improved indoor air quality (IAQ). At the same time, vacuums that effectively remove and contain soil while keeping the carpet looking good will help carpets last longer. Ultimately, better performing vacuums provide a greater return on investment and ensure a healthier indoor environment.
• Backpack vacuums increase productivity. They've been proven by the International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA) to double the speed of cleaning versus standard upright vacuums.
• Because vacuums are the most audible of daily cleaning tools, low decibel vacuums are preferred to protect hearing and minimize "noise pollution." The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends that cleaning equipment be no louder than 85 decibels. Good vacuums range between 61-80 decibels.
• High-speed burnishers with active vacuum attachments can capture fine particles and save labor costs.
• Carpet extractors and automatic floor scrubbers that reduce water consumption minimize impact on the environment and save costs.
  
  

High efficiency HVAC systems, using HEPA filters

• High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters remove a minimum of 99.97% of contaminants at 0.3 microns in size. In comparison, a human hair is about 60-75 microns in diameter. Particles less than 35 microns can't be seen with the naked eye. Pollen is in the 10-100 micron range, with dust at .5-5 microns. Particles under 5 microns can penetrate deep into the lungs.
  
  

Wise lighting solutions

• Newer designs in lightbulbs, especially florescent, can reduce energy consumption by up to 75%.
• Occupancy sensors turn lights off automatically when no one is in a room.
• Daylighting uses natural light to illuminate buildings and is the most economical and environmentally responsible lighting technique available today. It:
  • Saves money on energy bills
  • Makes a statement that you care about the environment
  • Helps people and organizations succeed: Shoppers linger longer and buy more, students do better on tests, and offices experience less absenteeism.
    
    

Recycled paper products, such as tissue and paper towels.

These should meet EPA's Comprehensive Procurement Guidelines and Green Seal's Standards for Tissue (GS-1) and Towels (GS-9) for recycled content in janitorial paper products bleached without the use of harmful chlorine or its derivatives.

Environmentally preferable paper dispensing systems.

• Products dispensed from large rolls minimize packaging and waste. Folded paper towels are discouraged.
• "Hands-free" paper towel dispensers reduce the potential for cross-contamination, control the amount of paper used, minimize waste and reduce maintenance time.
  
  

This list is not all-inclusive. Advanced Building Maintenance can design a program that addresses your specific needs, even if they are unusual or challenging.