| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 66.74 |
| Liaison | Krista Bailey |
| Submission Date | Oct. 20, 2014 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
Pennsylvania State University
OP-13: Cleaning Products Purchasing
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
0.63 / 1.00 |
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:
Penn State's Purchasing website states that "we purchase environmentally friendly cleaning products whenever possible". A detailed manual entitled, "Blue Cleaning Guidelines" specifies the types of products that should be used. See http://www.opp.psu.edu/intranet/bg/processes/Penn%20State%20Blue%20Cleaning%20Manual.pdf
A brief description of steps the institution has taken to ensure that the purchasing policy, directives, or guidelines are followed:
Both Purchasing and Custodial staff are aware of these guidelines. Training is provided to all custodial staff.
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:
Penn State's Office of Physical Plant has developed a program "ACE Blue Cleaning for Health and Environment" and produced a publication "Blue Cleaning Guidelines" that describes it. The main goal of the program is to "is to reduce the exposure of our personnel and building occupants to potentially hazardous products, equipment or procedures which could adversely affect human health and the environment, indoors and outdoors". Guidelines are summarized here: http://sustainability.psu.edu/sites/default/files/images/BlueCleaningGuidelinesSummary.pdf
Key elements include the use of Environmentally Preferable Cleaning Products; the use of Maintenance Equipment as specified in LEED guidelines for Existing Buildings (LEED-EB); use of environmentally preferable paper and trash items; use of Environmentally Preferable Procedures; staff training; communications, and safety.
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:
See Penn State Blue Cleaning Manual at: http://www.opp.psu.edu/intranet/bg/processes/Penn%20State%20Blue%20Cleaning%20Manual.pdf
Green products are referenced in the section on Cleaning Products and Dispensing Systems, which begins on page 4.
The website URL where information about the institution’s green cleaning initiatives is available:
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
Values include cleaning products, liners, TP, paper towels, and light bulbs. (The latter item does not really belong in this category but it was not possible to remove its value from the totals provided.)
Values include cleaning products, liners, TP, paper towels, and light bulbs. (The latter item does not really belong in this category but it was not possible to remove its value from the totals provided.)
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.