Custodial Services going green

Rose-Hulman’s Custodial Services is taking a step towards running a healthier, more environmentally friendly campus. The changes are in accordance with Green Seal, which according to Jake Campbell, Manager of Custodial Services, is a “non-profit, third-party organization devoted to environmental standard setting, product certification, and public education. These standards affect what cleaning, floor care, paper, and hand soap products we use, as well as our cleaning techniques and the equipment we use.” The changes have been overseen by Campbell and Rohan Talwar, Manager of Custodial Services.

Among the reasons motivating the changes were the health and safety of ‘Customers and Staff’, a reduction in waste and byproducts (such as air contaminants), and a commitment to environmental stewardship. Changes include eliminating the use of aerosols to increase indoor air quality, ceasing to use bleach and vinegar, and using microfiber cloths to reduce paper towel waste. “Since implementing the use of microfiber cloths our roll towel usage has decreased by 40%. From June 1, 2006 to December 1, 2006 we used approximately 10,080 Wypalls (paper wipers), since December 1, 2006 we have eliminated the use of this product by using the microfiber cloths,” explained Capmbell.

This switch over has no significant budgetary impact on the school. “By purchasing concentrated chemicals which are then diluted for use the cost to use Green Seal certified products will not increase our annual cost,” said Campbell.

These changes do not affect all buildings on campus: Facilities only serves some buildings, which include academic, administrative, and Aleph Park buildings maintained by Facilities Operations Custodial Services.