| Overall Rating | Silver - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 57.92 |
| Liaison | Keisha Payson |
| Submission Date | Feb. 25, 2016 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Bowdoin College
OP-13: Cleaning Products Purchasing
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
0.60 / 1.00 |
Keisha
Payson Sustainability Director Sustainable Bowdoin |
Does the institution have an institution-wide stated preference to purchase third party certified cleaning and janitorial products?:
A copy of the green cleaning product purchasing policy, directive, or guidelines:
The green cleaning product purchasing policy, directive, or guidelines:
In order to reduce exposure of building occupants and maintenance personnel to potentially hazardous chemical, biological and particle contaminants, which adversely impact air quality, health, building finishes, building systems, the environment and reduce deposition of contaminants in the building, Bowdoin College has adopted Green Housekeeping policies and guidelines for the Bowdoin Campus. All Housekeeping duties are to be completed by Bowdoin College custodial staff and only the policies and chemicals listed in this Green Housekeeping Guide will be utilized. It is the Director of Housekeeping's responsibility to ensure that these policies are followed.
A brief description of steps the institution has taken to ensure that the purchasing policy, directives, or guidelines are followed:
Bowdoin Housekeeping utilizes a range of products that meet the California Code of Regulations maximum allowable VOC level requirements, they use rags instead of disposable towels, and they utilize a floor stripping machine that uses no harsh chemicals - only water. Bowdoin's green housekeeping policy was originally created for LEED certification for Watson Arena, but now covers the entire campus. It is the Director of Housekeeping's responsibility to ensure that these policies are followed.
Does the institution wish to pursue Part 2 of this credit (expenditures on cleaning and janitorial products)?:
Expenditures on Green Seal and/or UL Environment (EcoLogo) certified cleaning and janitorial products:
Total expenditures on cleaning and janitorial products:
Has the institution's main cleaning or housekeeping department(s) and/or contractor(s) adopted a Green Seal or ISSA certified low-impact, ecological (“green”) cleaning program?:
A brief description of the institution’s low-impact, ecological cleaning program:
All Housekeeping duties are to be completed by Bowdoin College custodial staff. The referenced Training & Implementation program, Performance Level Standards, and Housekeeping Policies address the commitment of the Bowdoin College custodial staff to utilize environmentally sound housekeeping procedures and policies through the following management principles: ensuring the safety of workers and building occupants at all times, minimizing the pollutants that enter a building, and disposing of cleaning waste in environmentally preferable ways.
A copy of the sections of the cleaning contract(s) that reference certified green products:
The sections of the cleaning contract(s) that reference certified green products:
The College is currently reassessing its sustainable cleaning program, and hopes to significantly increase the percentage of certified cleaners within the next 12 months. Currently the following products are being used and have been approved for use and are 3rd party verified as meeting or exceeding Green Seal - 37 or Eco-Logo standards: EnziBrite & eLuminate. Additionally, four products are in use that fall under the Sustainability Criteria B California Code of Regulations maximum allowable VOC level requirements for disinfectants, metal polish, floor finishes, strippers or other products not addressed by cleaning product standards such as GS-37 or Eco-Logo: Comet Disinfecting Bathroom Cleaner, Mr. Clean Disinfectant Floor Cleaner, Mr. Clean Toilet Bowl Cleaner and Comet Cleaner with Bleach.
The website URL where information about the institution’s green cleaning initiatives is available:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
The information presented here is self-reported. While AASHE staff review portions of all STARS reports and institutions are welcome to seek additional forms of review, the data in STARS reports are not verified by AASHE. If you believe any of this information is erroneous or inconsistent with credit criteria, please review the process for inquiring about the information reported by an institution or simply email your inquiry to stars@aashe.org.