GreenCampus

February 27, 2009

Photo by Mark Ferguson

Campus is getting a bit greener while it’s getting cleaner these days, thanks to the new ecologically friendly cleaning products being used by Facilities Management Division (FMD).

“It’s not that the chemicals we used in the past were bad,” said Lonnie Harder, associate director of Building Services. “But they were much harsher. These new products are much better on the skin.”

Starting May 1 last year, Harder and his team began using cleaning products certified by EcoLogo, which is recognized by the Canadian government for environmental standards. The four main cleaning products - glass cleaner, degreaser, neutral detergent, and quaternary disinfectant - as well as some floor cleaners all comply with the EcoLogo.

According to Harder, the new cleaning products have a very low PH level (about 7) compared to the old products (with a PH level of around 10). 

Along with the new cleaning products, Harder also purchased new chemical metering systems that are hooked up to a water supply and accurately mix the cleaning liquids with the right amount of water.

“No more glug-glug,” said Harder, referring to the old method of mixing by hand. “No more waste.”

If you know an initiative to make the U of S a greener campus, please email us at ocn@usask.ca.