UMaine Adopts Newly Certified “Green” Cleaning Program
Contact: Nick Houtman, Dept. of Public Affairs, 207-581-3777, houtman@maine.edu
ORONO, Maine — With an eye on employee and student health and the environment, the University of Maine has joined a growing movement to adopt a “green certified” facility cleaning program. UMaine has contracted with Butcher’s, Inc., of Marlborough, Massachusetts, to buy cleaning products that are certified by the independent Green Seal product certification organization.
“Six months ago there was only one company that was certified, but more have now come on board,” says David Fowler of UMaine’s Department of Facilities Management. “We’ve been trying these products in a few of our buildings, and as of August 16, we’ll be using them for all of our cleaning needs.”
The new products include carpet cleaners, floor cleaners, window washing liquid and other supplies. The department maintains over 80 academic and research buildings with an estimated 2.2 million square feet of surface area. The green cleaning products will also be used in UMaine’s dormitories and dining halls.
New dispensing systems will also be installed with the aim of efficiency and reducing waste. Custodians will be able to refill cleaning product containers with concentrates and water.
The new products will cost about the same as what the university has used in the past, says Director of Facilities Management Anita Wihry, but efficiency improvements are expected to results in overall cost savings. UMaine spends about $190,000 annually on paper and cleaning supplied for academic and research facilities.