Enviro-Building
This study was undertaken in 2003
The main goal of this study is to put to test a number of cleaning and sanitation products that are promoted as "environmentally friendly". OK, so what does this mean? Are they really better for the environment? Do they work satisfactorily? Are they worth any additional cost? Will there be a need for additional man hours to achieve the same results as a typical product?
Location
We started out looking for a building that met the following criteria:
- High traffic
- Extended hours
- Multi use: Library, classrooms, offices and food service.
We looked at a number of different locations on campus and decided the Law School would make a great site. Next, with the support of Dean Patrick Borchers and with Sandy Ciriaco (committee member and staff member at the Law School!) taking the lead on the study we moved to the next phase.
Products
With help from Lou Marcuccio of Environmental Services, we were supplied with a list of all the products currently being used in the building. Next Michael Robinson (new committee member!), the new Universal Waste Coordinator, set up a product show with one of Environmental Services suppliers. With input from the product rep we were able to cross reference the typical products currently used with comparable products claiming to be environmentally friendly and/or to be made from recycled material.
Study
This study will be a year long trial starting around the end of April 2003. On April 15 with the help of George Tangeman of Facilities Management we will set up a sophisticated piece of test equipment which takes samples of in-door air and can deliver a detailed report on the condition of the air quality. This data will be used as our benchmark to determined if and/or how much contamination is caused by normal day to day cleaning products. We will do another reading at the 6 month period and at the completion of our study. As far as how well the new products clean will be a subjective assessment made by our cleaning people and our lead person Sandy. With regard to the functionality of the paper products (toilet tissue and paper towels) made of recycled material we hope and expect to receive feed back from the day to day occupants directed at Sandy's email or the Energy Awareness Committee's email.