UMD housekeeping earns Green Seal certification

COLLEGE PARK, MD — The Housekeeping Services Unit of the University of Maryland's Facilities Management (UMD) organization has achieved Green Seal certification for Commercial and Institutional Cleaning Services (GS-42), according to a press release.

The certification indicates that the unit's cleaning practices are among the healthiest and most sustainable in the industry, the release stated.

The certification means UMD has met the stringent GS-42 standard by reducing waste and encouraging the use of products and methods that are safer for humans and the environment, the release noted.

According to the release, among the measures that were implemented in order for the university to meet the Green Seal requirements were the following:

• The replacement of floor burnishers that did not meet emissions and noise limits.
• Replacement of disposable materials, such as cleaning cloths, with washable, reusable alternatives.
• Installation of additional matting at building entrances to keep soil outside.
• Staff training on more effective cleaning techniques and the use of new equipment and products.

"This GS-42 achievement will lead to healthier building environments and safer operations for our employees. It is an excellent example of merging the goals of campus sustainability with those of environmental health and safety," said Scott Lupin, director of the UMD Office of Sustainability.

Click here to read the release in its entirety.