Building Management Hawaii December/January 2014 - (Page 34)
Be Green:
Resources & Tips
Run a greener, more cost-effective facility.
By Gail Suzuki-Jones
H
awaii Building Maintenance
(HBM) has been involved in
the cleaning industry in Hawaii
since 1957. According to HBM vice
president of operations Jarrett
Walters, "Green cleaning first started
getting national traction in the
mid-2000s. As it was very new, the
products were expensive and often
ineffective compared to their nongreen counterparts. At first, 'green'
usually referred to having fewer dyes
and fragrances. People in our industry
tinkered with green products, but the
barrier to entry was fairly severe due
to the impact in operations. Within a
few years, though, the gap between
green and standard chemicals
diminished to nearly nothing. Now,
it's often quite simple to turn a
cleaning operation into a green one."
HBM representatives also note that,
"Green cleaning is often associated
with environmental sustainability
and is a key to promoting a healthy
environment for the building
occupants." According to Walters, a
proper green cleaning operation uses:
* microfiber
cleaning cloths
that capture and
trap dust and debris
better than alternatives
* proper HEPA vacuums
with filtration that keeps
dust out of the atmosphere
* Properly diluted chemicals that
lack in ingredients that may cause
allergic reactions
It's quite simple to turn
a cleaning operation
into a green one.
~ Jarrett Walters of HBM
These efforts, combined with an
operation that keeps a building clean,
will help keep its occupants healthy.
"Instead of costing money to
be green," Walter says, "a proper,
green cleaning operation now
actually maintains costs, increases
tenant satisfaction and promotes a
green cleaning
Top 10 Green Cleaning Tips
1. Use Green Seal and EcoLogo certified chemicals.
2. Improve indoor air quality by using Greenguard certified chemicals.
3. Use microfiber cloths from Tough Guy® while cleaning to reduce waste
and excessive chemical use.
4. Use vacuums and other items certified by the Carpet & Rug Institute.
5. Use paints that are VOC compliant to keep your facility productive and
free of toxins.
6. Adhesives, sealants and tapes can save energy, and can also improve
indoor air quality if low emitting.
7. Utilize lubricants and other products certified by the USDA BioPreferred
program.
8. Use concentrated chemicals with ready-to-dispense cleaner systems to
improve efficiency.
9. Install entry-ways mats to minimize dust and dirt inside your facility.
10. Monitor indoor air quality with an air quality meter.
Resource: Grainger's Green Resources: 40 Ways to Go Green
34
December 2013 - January 2014
BMH
Microfiber cleaning cloths
healthier living environment and
workplace," Walters says.
A green cleaning operation not only
utilizes environmentally products,
but reduces and diverts waste into
recycling programs. A green cleaning
operation also makes sure the building
is using products such as walk-off mats
at building entry points, designed to
minimize tracking dirt and debris into
the building.
There are a number of
considerations in transitioning to
green cleaning. Without the dyes and
fragrances, some tenants or customers
may no longer smell "chemical"
scents often associated with clean,
or see "blue" toilet bowls as signs of
their restrooms being cleaned. Tenant
education and awareness programs
are good vehicles to educate and
prepare occupants on what to expect
with the transition to and benefits of
green cleaners.
Why use green cleaners?
It is important to maintain the
air quality in your facility by using
lower volatile organic compounds,
filtration and fresh air. This will help
protect occupant health and improve
employee productivity. There are
many environmental, health-related
and financial benefits, such as:
* Improving air quality, since many
people spend a lot of time indoors
* Minimizing hazardous material
exposure, spills and disposal
* Reducing contamination of local
water sources and waterways such
as local streams, rivers, aquifers,
and the ocean, which can also harm
humans and wildlife.
www.buildingmanagementhawaii.com
http://www.buildingmanagementhawaii.com
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Building Management Hawaii December/January 2014
Signs & Safety How Do I Get Out Of Here?
Signs Of A Safe Building
A Sign From The Feds
Water Savings Coming Clean With Recycled Water
Water & Energy: Two-For-One Savings
Solar Hawaii’s Leaders In Solar
Waterproofing Cementious Coating Vs. Polyurethane Foam
Sky Arches
The $1 Million Mistake
Seal The Deal
Resin Injections Save Basement
Waste Management Keeping The Trash Industry Clean
Special Offer
Assistance Animals Making Room For Rover
Green Cleaning Be Green: Resources & Tips
Building Management Hawaii December/January 2014
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