| Overall Rating | Gold - expired |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 65.35 |
| Liaison | Gioia Thompson |
| Submission Date | March 19, 2014 |
| Executive Letter | Download |
University of Vermont
OP-11: Cleaning Products Purchasing
| Status | Score | Responsible Party |
|---|---|---|
|
1.90 / 2.00 |
Leslye
Kornegay Director Custodial Services |
"---"
indicates that no data was submitted for this field
None
Does the institution have an institution-wide stated preference to purchase Green Seal (tm) or EcoLogo (tm) certified cleaning products?:
Yes
None
The website URL where the green cleaning product purchasing policy, directive, or guidelines are posted:
None
A brief description of steps the institution has taken to ensure that the purchasing policy, directives, or guidelines are followed:
The University has control over cleaning products used, and can exert that control through its regular procurement process. As such, it does not need a formal policy. The University's green cleaning practices are well established. In 2013 the practices that had been instituted starting in 2007 were codified in the language of the Request for Proposals for the contract for custodial products. See snapshot below.
None
Does the institution wish to pursue points for Part 2 of this credit (expenditures on cleaning products)?:
Yes
None
Expenditures on Green Seal and/or EcoLogo certified cleaning products :
561,000
US/Canadian $
None
Total expenditures on cleaning products :
600,000
US/Canadian $
None
A copy of the sections of the cleaning contract(s) that reference certified green products:
---
Data source(s) and notes about the submission:
In FY13 Custodial spent $561,000 on Green seal/Eco logo products (including $172,000 on ozone machines) and $39,000 on other products. No other mechanical equipment (i.e. vacuums) is in this calculation.
Since 2007, the University of Vermont Custodial Services department has transformed its cleaning operations into a more sustainable, green cleaning system. The department has successfully transitioned from a traditional custodial organization with antiquated tools, methods, and training, to one on the forefront of the industry. Addressing each of the three aspects of sustainability, environmental, economic and social health, the department has instituted systemic changes in operations:
• Environment: Reduction of the department’s environmental footprint
o Generating less waste by using “microfiber” cleaning cloth technologies
o Using less chemical intensive products that work with cold water
o Using 100% recycled (tissue) paper
• Economy: Lowered and controlled operating and overhead costs for cleaning
o Investing in newer modern efficient equipment, systems and products
o Implementing an entryway floor matting system
o Providing custodial staff development and training
• Society: Improved the quality of life for both custodial workers and University customers
o Leveraging vendor & manufacturer services & expertise
o Improving and streamlining office waste collection system, affecting every office on campus and encouraging waste reduction and recycling
o Restructuring work and cleaning frequency schedules to improve human health and quality of life, while reducing utility (electrical) costs
In 2013, when the contract for custodial products came to an end, the University issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) referring to these practices.
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.