Whether you’ve become an expert on cleaning green or are just wondering where to begin, we can help.
Want to start small? We can begin with basic green cleaning options, such as switching to Green Seal certified cleaning products. Green Care can also take a broader approach to cleaning green and include things like, recycling programs and touchless water conservation equipment. Whatever route you choose, there are simple steps you can take to decrease pollutants spread throughout your facility and to promote indoor air quality. Green cleaning provides benefits to businesses, buildings, occupants, visitors, and the environment.
For our customers working toward LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification, your Green Care program from ABM will include use of the green cleaning products and procedures required to earn points toward certification. By being able to speak intelligently to our customers about this emerging trend as it relates to janitorial, we truly become a partner in achieving your green goals.
What Does Cleaning Green Entail?
First, a definition: Green Cleaning is cleaning to protect health without harming the environment.
In recommending a green cleaning program for you, ABM takes a holistic view of your facility. We consider the purpose of the facility and the activities that take place in and around it. We study each aspect of “green” building operations and maintenance in the context of your goals and the benefits you expect to derive.
The ABM green cleaning process ensures the success of your program. Basic principles of Green Care include:
- Focus on entryways inside and out. An important goal in cleaning green is to trap and remove dirt and pollutants before they enter the building and to frequently clean the entrances and entryway mats.
- Minimize particles and chemicals in the air by mechanically capturing dust and dirt, using course spray for chemicals and applying the cleaner to the cloth rather than spraying the surface to be cleaned.
- Use chemical management systems for accurate product dilution. We train our employees to use chemicals properly to minimize waste and maximize cleaning efficiency, an important element of cleaning green.
- Empty vacuum bags at the end of shifts or when half full for cleaner and more efficient operating.
- Ensure proper vacuuming, extraction, rinsing and drying. Carpets can be a host for moisture problems and mold growth. Green cleaning means minimizing these problems.
- Focus on preventative measures. Our janitorial staff washes their hands and keeps equipment clean and well maintained.
- Focus on touch-points. These are door handles, bright work and other areas where people come in contact with the facility or its fixtures. Focusing here makes cleaning green easier.
- Apply disinfectant in restrooms properly and make sure the chemical has proper dwell time so that soil is thoroughly removed using less product.
- Promote safety and prevent cross-contamination. Safer products and proper use and storage of chemicals help create a safer environment. Color-coded tools ensure that pollutants don’t get carried from one area (such as a restroom) to another.
Start today with these simple green cleaning steps
Depending on your need, ABM stands ready to implement proven cleaning green methods at your facility, including the following.
Use of Green Cleaning Chemicals and Products
- Green Seal’s Standard for Industrial and Institutional Cleaners (GS-37) certified chemicals for general purpose, washroom, glass, and carpet cleaning or recommended chemicals for those not covered by standard, but go beyond current industry specifications (e.g., furniture polish, metal cleaner).
- Hand soaps that do not contain antimicrobial agents (e.g., Triclosan) except where required by law or regulations (i.e., healthcare or food preparation).
- Micro-fiber dusting cloths and flat mops to collect dust and dirt. These out-perform traditional dusting and mopping materials and can often be used to remove soils without the need for chemical compounds. Also can be reused for minimal waste.
Use of Effective Janitorial Equipment
- Carpet & Rug Institute’s Green Label Program for vacuums (www.carpet-rug.com).
- High-speed burnishers with active vacuum attachments that capture fine particles.
- Carpet extractors and automatic floor scrubbers that reduce water consumption.
Use of “Green” Paper Products
- 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 chlorine or its derivatives.
- Products dispensed from large rolls to minimize packaging and waste. Folded paper towels are discouraged.
- “Hands-free” paper towel dispensers that reduce the potential for cross-contamination.
- High-capacity dispensers that promote waste-reduction by controlling towel usage.
Other Considerations
We can help you:
- Implement an effective recycling program, including proper rinsing of recycled containers.
- Create a green communication program so that building occupants understand they are part of the process. Proper notification of spills, minimizing eating at work stations and reducing clutter will help to ensure a healthy facility.
- Implement and communicate an indoor plant policy. Improper care and placement of plants can generate contaminants and require application of harsher chemicals that defeat the goals of a green program.
- Install touchless water conservation equipment and more energy-efficient HVAC systems.
We also offer other “green” maintenance services that go beyond cleaning green. Just ask us!
Through our Green Care program, Advanced Building Maintenance becomes your green cleaning expert, always keeping up with the latest trends and processes. That way, you can be sure your green cleaning program contributes to the success of your business
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