Sustaining by Protecting the Evironment

In addition to seeking cost effectiveness and efficiency in its operations, Facilities Services strives to safeguard the environment.

Custodial Services follows OS1 protocols for cleaning.

• Vacuuming surfaces improves indoor air quality by eliminating chemicals used with dust mops.
• Storing chemicals is limited to designated areas and requires an approved product list. Most chemicals are Green Seal approved and meet LEEDS standards.

Landscape Services protects watersheds and Waller Creek.

• Cleaning streets and drain and catch basins helps keep pollutants and trash out of waterways.  Spill control kits capture hazardous chemicals before they can enter waterways.
• By using an integrative approach to pest control that includes insect growth regulators, Landscape Services is able to minimize its use of chemicals.
• Mulching and composting reduce the need for fertilizers and herbicides.

Facilities Maintenance practices safe disposal or recycling of these and other potential contaminants:

• refrigerant,
• batteries,
• ballasts,
• metal,
• paint,
• fluorescent lights, and
• used oil.

Business Services and Central Stores actively. . .

• research products, including paper and chemicals, with the goal of reducing environmental impact while maintaining or increasing effectiveness.
• evaluate processes for environmental impact. For example, uniforms are no longer leased and commercially cleaned. Instead, they are purchased and employees clean their own. This eliminates the toxicity of industrial cleaning and allows for purchase of a higher quality of uniform.