University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
OP-13: Cleaning Products Purchasing

Sustainable Cleaning Products Purchasing Approved by: Associate Director - Custodial Program Last Revised: July 10, 2015 Process owner: Mike Hofer AD-Custodial (LEED-AP, CIMS-GB EXPERT) Effective Date: June 1, 2012 Purpose / Background Provide guidance for the purchasing of custodial related products and equipment with sustainability, health and safety being primary factors in our decision process. By using non-toxic and sustainable cleaning products, we reduce exposure impacts for students, staff, visitors, and the environment, thereby promoting clean and healthy work, living, and learning spaces. Third party certifications related to the sustainability of various product sectors will be considered along with product performance when making final standardized product selections. Products that are Green Seal or UL/EcoLogo certified are preferred and strongly encouraged. Overview / Primary Steps Product Certification Categories: Product Type Sustainable Factors 3rd Party Certifications Sanitary Restroom Paper Products – Toilet Tissue, Hand Towels % postconsumer recycle content, chlorine free processing, fiber procurement, responsible manufacturing and packaging Green Seal GS-01 UL Environment EcoLogo UL175 FSC for fiber procurement EPA procurement guideline – min 20% for toilet tissue, 40% for towels Plastic Can Liners % postconsumer recycle content EPA procurement guideline – min 10% postconsumer content Hand Cleaner Reduced VOC’s and aquatic toxicity, reduced packaging, less product per washing (foam preferred) Green Seal GS-41 UL Environment EcoLogo UL 2784 Routine Cleaning Solutions Limited VOC content, prohibited harmful chemicals, sustainable packaging, concentrated w-dilution controlled dispensing Green Seal GS-37 UL Environment EcoLogo Impacted groups Custodial Program References http://www.usgbc.org/node/2614343?return=/credits/existing-buildings/v4,Greenseal.org, http://productguide.ulenvironment.com/SearchResults.aspx?CertificationID=27

Product selection for all custodial staff is controlled by the Associate Director of the Custodial Program.

Our custodians use Green Seal Certified cleaning chemicals, dispensed through tamper proof dilution control, for all routine tasks. We use laundered microfiber cloths, dusters, cleaning pads and flat mops. Our laundry vendor (Cintas) utilizes green products to wash our microfiber products. Cloths and mops are color coordinated to avoid cross contamination of dirty to clean areas. Vacuums are all CRI Certified and HEPA filtered. Battery equipment is only purchased with AGM or Gel Batteries and the best filtration. Brands include Tennant. Windsor and ProTeam. Periodic project tasks are scheduled and announced to occupants before being performed to alert anyone who might be sensitive. Products are all stored safely and properly labelled. Proper PPE’s are used per product recommendations.