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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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