Greener, cleaner, safer, brighter

In a proactive and environmentally conscious move, the college has switched to a new product in “green cleaning.” The change to Envirox’s H2Orange2 cleaning product was made permanent after a three-month trial in three of Heidelberg’s main buildings.
 
Rod Morrison, associate vice president for Facilities said the new product also protects the health of students and staff, and that’s an obligation of the college. “An additional important benefit is that the product is a safer one for Heidelberg’s cleaning staff to use every day and we have an obligation to be as caring and sensitive to the needs of our employees as to our students and the environment,” Rod said. “That we can accomplish improved safety in all three areas was a key factor in making the change.”
 
Bill Lemke, a representative for supplier Classic Solutions Inc., said H2Orange2 effectively eliminates harsh, corrosive cleaners. It’s dispensed in two dilution ratios, so it’s easy to use. It leaves no sticky residue and is more cost effective than other cleaners, not only in price, but also that it results in no facility damages and no environmental claims. H2Orange2 is one cleaner that replaces 95 percent of all cleaning products.
 
Beeghly Library also has recently incorporated an environmentally friendly bright idea that benefits its users. During winter break, Beeghly Library switched from incandescent light bulbs to new, smaller fluorescent light bulbs. The new energy-efficient bulbs cost more, but should last up to one year, representing a savings in labor and electricity costs. Previously, the library’s 240 light sockets used 4-5 bulbs per light per year. The fluorescent bulbs use about 27 percent of the electricity of the conventional bulbs.
 
“These new lights are much brighter and the students have noticed the difference,” said Ed Krakora, director of library services. “They like the brighter lights for studying.” Posted on Feb. 4, 2008