A clean sweep for Union: Staff awarded for sustainability efforts

Union College Cleaning Services staff

Close

Enlarge Union College Cleaning Services staff

The sustainability efforts of the College’s cleaning staff have been recognized with a runner-up finish for the “Green Cleaning Award” sponsored by American School and University (a trade journal), the Green Cleaning Network and the Healthy Schools Campaign.

“This is a satisfying validation of our program,” said Terry Miltner, assistant manager of Cleaning Services. “But more importantly, it recognizes the dedication of the staff who are meeting our goal of sustainability as outlined in the College’s Strategic Plan.”

Criteria for the award included strategies, product use, training and implementation, Miltner said.

Campus staff have collected 7 tons of paper for recycling since the start of the term. They use “green certified” cleaning products in nearly 90 percent of the campus buildings. They monitor building air quality and energy efficiency through regular preventive maintenance checks.

Among the most successful aspects of the two-year-old program was the extension of glass, metal and plastic recycling in residential buildings. In September, nearly 24,000 containers were collected from dorms for recycling, Miltner noted.

About 50 full-time cleaners cover the College’s 1.9 million square feet of building space.