As a building owner or manager, you strive to operate sustainable, high-performance buildings. So it makes sense to reexamine the quality of your cleaning products and their usage requirements (time, water usage, and waste). 

Using green products allows you to save on these resources, use less energy, and disperse less chemicals into the workplace.

 Building Services Contractors

Building services contractors (BSCs) are seeing LEED and green cleaning as a significant marketing opportunity. Indeed, a growing number of clients are seeking sustainable building operation and design. The ability to offer green cleaning is a selling point to all clients, even those not working toward LEED certification. 

The healthcare industry is recognizing that chemicals play a significant role in the development of chronic disease – even with small exposures. 

They are finding ways to not only increase their compliance with chemical regulations and guidelines, but also going beyond those regulations and choosing safer chemicals where possible.

For example, many hospitals have begun robust programs to manage pharmaceutical waste while eliminating the use of mercury, PVC, DEHP, and brominated flame retardants. They are utilizing greener chemicals and transitioning to safer sterilant and disinfectants.

Approximately 55 million U.S. students are negatively affected by suboptimal conditions in their classrooms.

Studies show direct benefits on student health and academic performance after making simple changes to the classroom environment: 

• Introducing more natural lighting
• Improving air quality and circulation
• Optimizing classroom acoustics through thoughtful furniture placement and quieter equipment
• Maintaining proper temperature control 

Furthermore, purchasing greener classroom supplies significantly reduces the volume of irritants and allergens that affect student health and learning:

• Non-toxic cleaning products
• High quality air filters, replaced regularly Wooden desks and tables made without adhesives or glues 
• Rugs made of natural fibers and non-toxic underlay padding
• Markers and paints labeled as being non-toxic without odors, solvents, toluene, or resins 

Switching to green products reduces environmental exposures and health risks for students and teachers alike, minimizing sick days and absenteeism. 

Green schools use an average of 33% less energy than conventionally maintained schools. Typical energy performance enhancements include: 

• More efficient lighting
• Greater use of daylight and light sensors 
• More efficient heating and cooling systems 
• Better insulated walls and roofs