2004 Projects
Cleaning Products Research
Sponsor
- Facilities Maintenance Operations (FMO), a division of University Operations Services (UOS)
- Private donor from the Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH)
Intern Manager
- Antje Danielson, Manager of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) Computer Energy Reduction Program (now the FAS Campus Energy Reduction Program), Harvard Green Campus Initiative (HGCI)
- Jason Luke, FMO
Intern
Dara Olmsted was a Masters Candidate in the Tufts Environmental Planning and Policy Program, where she was focusing on sustainability and storm water pollution. Previously, Dara had worked with the HRES Sustainable Buildings Program, documenting the sustainable construction and purchasing practices of Harvard Real Estate Services. Following this internship and receiving her Master’s degree, Dara hopes to work for a non-profit, a governmental organization, or “some other group that really makes a difference in the environment.”
Advisory Committee
- Antje Danielson, HGCI
- Jason Luke, FMO
- Susan Jones, UOS Procurement
- Jack Spengler, HSPH
- Tom Vautin, UOS
General Purpose
To develop an environmentally preferred, employee safe and building occupant safe, "green" cleaning program for FMO Custodial Services.
Overview of Tasks
Phase 1: Preliminary Data Gathering
This project included the identification and classification of chemical compounds present in currently used cleaning products and those present in cleaning products labeled "green." The project also evaluated commonly referenced eco-labels and organizations that have green cleaning services and the criteria used for the nomenclature, reliability, dependability, determinants and motivations of those entities. Specific tasks included the following:
- Based on the above analyses, intern gained preliminary insights on any potential hazards presented by cleaning products and their possible association with various environmental and human health problems. The analyses enabled the project team to accurately compare currently used and eco-labeled products and provided a methodology for continued evaluation of future products not yet available.
- Researched eco-labels and their labeling and certification criteria.
- Gathered information from organizations offering green cleaning services.
- Gathered data on "green" and conventional products.
- Compiled environmental and health issues and background research on personal sensitivities.
- Prepared a list of hazardous compounds commonly present in cleaning products and recorded the environmental and personal health problems caused by these compounds.
- Benchmarked and reviewed other organizations' green cleaning operations including site visits and interviews.
Phase 2: Processes Evaluation
Another component of the study was the evaluation of cleaning procedures and industry best practices—including the documentation and rating of available dilution control options—to reduce the environmental and personal impact of cleaning operations. In order to develop a holistic green cleaning service, the intern looked at paper and plastic products, such as toilet paper, hand towels and garbage bags, as well as hand soaps, and she evaluated their relative environmental impact, including recycled content, post-consumer recycled content, manufacturing processes and dispensing systems. Specific tasks included the following:
- Identified systems with the least environmental impact and equal personal safety and comfort.
- Drafted guidelines and suggestions for educational programs for occupants and custodial staff.
- Reviewed current cleaning procedures and documented best practices, such as in floor care procedures and product use minimization.
- Reviewed industry-wide cleaning procedures and documented best practices relative to personal safety and environmental impact.
- Discussed and reviewed green cleaning operations with industry experts (including Stephen Ashkin), product manufacturers, product distributors and other industry insiders.
- Reviewed and rated available dilution control options for effectiveness, practicality, personal safety and environmental impact .
- Reviewed paper products, plastic products and available dispensing systems (including hand soap dispensing systems) for environmental impact and personal safety.
Phase 3: Field Testing
Lastly we field-tested current and "green" product options for cleaning effectiveness and personal health and comfort for employee and building occupant. Specific tasks include the following:
- Select products for chemical analysis and field testing of cleaning efficiency and personal safety.
- Do laboratory tests for active compounds on current products and identified
industry-leading "green" labeled products in the following high-use
categories:
- glass cleaner
- disinfectant
- general purpose cleaner
- neutral cleaner (floor cleaner)
- floor finish
- stripper
- extraction cleaner
- hand soap
- Ensure appropriate customer involvement.
- Select buildings where testing will occur.
- Educate, notify and involve building occupant, as appropriate.
Testing occurred for the following:
- cleaning products for cleaning effectiveness and personal safety
- dilution control systems
- paper and plastic products
- dispensing systems for paper and hand soap
Phase 4: Documentation, Reporting, and Pilot Service
Discovered best practices and recommended products will be documented as the FMO Green Cleaning Program. After the requisite employee and supervisory training, the program will be implemented as a pilot project in a selected area. Specific tasks include:
- Identify customer for pilot of FMO Green Cleaning Program.
- Educate customer and building occupants, as needed.
- Train Green Cleaning Program employees and supervisors.
- Implement service and monitor progress, including periodic cleaning audits.
- Report on findings.
- Propose further studies.
Deliverables
- FMO Custodial Services Green Cleaning Program
- report to HSPH
- proposal for academic research