Green Initiatives; Cleaning Maintenance

Sources and information are contributed by the November 2013 Florida Community Association Journal edition, written by Pat Naldrett-Bilodeau, CFCAM, CMCA, AMS, PCAM

Are you interested in implementing green practices into your building/property?

In this article, Pat Naldrett-Bilodeau, discusses some green initiatives and the technology associated with “being green.” 

“We all know the primary focus of cleaning should be on health and hygiene, but are we aware this focus should also be on technology?” Pat Naldrett-Bilodeau raises the question.

Technology is the systematic knowledge of a particular art, in this case, the art of clean. Not just clean smells that come from chemicals containing cleaning agents and toxins with high VOC content or fragrances, but clean, really clean!

Environmental Benefits of a Green Cleaning Program | SparkleTeamWhat I found out is the goal of “green clean technology” is to provide true alternatives for increased efficiency. Examples of this would be using mops with built-in chemical tanks or charger buckets. Ever see someone using an old fashioned mop that they are dipping into a bucket of dirty water?

Clean technology starts by using cleaning materials with microfiber cloths, mops, and wands that provide superior dirt and bacteria removal agents and much more.

Now we are starting to understand “green cleaning technology.”

Did you know that HEPA filter vacuums provide four levels of filtration? The simple use of HEPA, (high-efficiency particulate air), that satisfies certain standards of efficiency set by the United States Department of Energy, remove 99.97% of particles that have a size of 0.3 micrometers.

Let’s look at some implications of green/sustainable cleaning practices for:

  • Health- With green cleaning practices, improved indoor air quality is achieved by reducing occupant illness and allergies, allowing for fewer sick days and more productivity.
  • Operational Practices- With green technology, it allows for energy savings by water conservation and reduced maintenance costs in reduced chemical purchases.
  • Carpets- Green technology is a life extension program for our carpets. By proper maintenance plans and use of bio-enzymatic spotters and extraction methods with hydrogen-peroxide based carpet cleaner, replacement time is delayed.
  • Environmental Impact- Green technology reduces waste by recycling, becoming good stewards for the planet.
  • Aesthetics- Green technology gives a cleaner appearance of protected asset values.

Sustainability Plan 

Creating a sustainability plan is important to the community’s overall environmental stability. “Sustainability” means protecting and managing our resources to meet current needs without sacrificing the needs of future generations and natural systems. The first step for a community in creating a sustainability plan is to review the current operations and determine where conservation efforts are necessary. The second step is to create and publish the community’s sustainability goals. Typical goals would include reducing water use, reducing waste, reducing energy use, and increasing community awareness. Finally, a list of green practices that will help to reach the stated objectives should be published. This plan should be reviewed and updated annually.