NC State University Housekeeping was named a Silver winner in the annual Green Cleaning Award for Schools and Universities, a national competition sponsored by American School & University Magazine, the Green Cleaning Network and the Healthy Schools Campaign, in December. 

The award recognizes education institutions for their ※healthy and sustainable approaches to cleaning to protect health without harming the environment,§ which depends on the equipment choices and cleaning methods used, according to the American School & University website. 

“We are proud of the success of our green cleaning program, which we started in 2008,” said Randy Reed, deputy assistant director of University Housekeeping, in a press release from NC State. “We are cleaning the campus better and healthier than ever before, and this award recognizes the daily efforts of our hardworking staff to provide a clean, healthy and safe environment for students, staff, faculty and visitors.”

Some of the practices in place at NC State are: 

•  adopting of an on-site generation technology which converts water, electricity and a small amount of salt into an effective cleaning solution, reducing the amount of packaged chemicals shipped to and stored on campus, according to the press release. 

• using dispensing stations that pre-measure chemicals in order to reduce water use and ensure accurate dilution, which creates non-toxic, EPA-registered disinfectant used throughout campus

• using cleaning products made of at least 45 percent recycled material as well as microfiber mopping systems that reduce water usage and clean more effectively than traditional mop-and-bucket systems

• the university’s nearly 300 custodians receiving monthly training on green cleaning where they learn the latest techniques and become familiar with the newest products and supplies.