Buildings and Grounds
Building Maintenance
Smith began a transition to green cleaning products in 2004. Since then, staff has tested more products and is using them in increasing quantities. We currently use cleaning chemicals that meet or exceed Green Seal guidelines or are certified for cleaning the majority of areas that do not require disinfecting, such as offices, common spaces and classrooms.
As we replace floor cleaning equipment (auto-scrubbers and carpet cleaners) we are purchasing items that are industry certified as "green machines," which means that they use 70 percent less water than traditional models.
Ford Hall (Smith's new LEED-certified science and engineering building) uses comprehensive "green cleaning" processes, equipment, chemicals and floor sealers.
Building Services has also taken the following steps to move toward sustainability:
- Phased out the use of aerosol products for cleaning.
- Switched to waterless hand sanitizer in the upstairs bathrooms of student houses to conserve water. In the academic buildings, we have switched from bar soap to a foam soap.
- Paper towels and toilet paper throughout the campus are made from recycled products.
- We are in the process of shifting to more energy-efficient light bulbs
- We run an on-campus CFL recycling program which helps protect the environment from mercury contamination by improper disposal.
