GREEN SUPERS WORKSHOP: DAY 3, P.2

 

Many buildings these are days are into environmentally friendly, "green" cleaning and maintenance. Some of it's just following the simple, timeless advice of our mothers and grandmothers, such as using walk-off mats at entrances to reduce the particulates in the indoor air. They also reduce the amount of dirt and grime that could adversely affect the building's floors. Other greening advice is more technologically up-to-date, of course — as your building staff will be after a course such as this. Vacuum cleaners should be certified by the Carpet and Rug Institute, and bear the CRI Label.

Green cleaning products are non-toxic or of low toxicity, and free of chlorine, petrochemical solvents, glycol ethers, dyes and perfumes, and have no phosphates. (Note: Labeling standards consider less than 0.5% phosphates as "phosphate-free.") Read labels to be aware of ingredients, and use Green Seal labeled products or their equivalents. Seventh Generation products are an example of a Green Seal brand.

Your building staff should test products prior to your buying them in bulk, to ensure that a given product is are appropriate for a certain application. Manufactures and suppliers can train your staff and provide samples. And be sure to require your staff to use gloves and proper ventilation, even though these cleaners are less toxic than standard ones.

Needless to say, remember the money-saving (and Earth-saving) 3Rs: reduce, reuse, recycle,

Field Exercise: 41 Central Park West

We inspected an apartment for proper safety measures and energy-saving opportunities. We did not detect any signs of moisture, rodents or circuit overloads. It was determined that a working smoke-and-carbon-monoxide detector was properly installed. We used a meter and tested the air for CO levels, finding it air clear. We examined air-conditioner installations for possible air infiltration, and learned that, if possible, window units should be covered or removed in the winter to eliminate air infiltration and heat loss.

The bathroom was our next stop. We examined showerheads, faucets and toilets for water-conservation opportunities. This particular bathroom did in fact utilize a low-flow showerhead and aerator, though in many instances, this is not the case.

Our group proceeded to inspect the laundry room, a common hallway and the exterior of the building. In the laundry room, we found that smoke-and-carbon-monoxide detectors were properly installed. Sprinkler heads were installed near the dyers. We replaced the light switch with one that detects motion and body heat, in order to allow the lighting to go off automatically after a period of non-use.

We examined the hallway lighting in an effort to reduce energy costs. The building recently changed to energy-efficient compact fluorescents in the halls, though not yet in the basement.

Outside the building, we examined the condition of window caulking and noted the type of window installed. No voids were visible. If they had been, they would have to be recaulked to eliminate air and water infiltration. The masonry was sound, and we discussed failed mortar joints and their negative impact on the building envelope.

Upon leaving for the day, the supers all agreed with a "WOW!" that we can apply what we learned today to our buildings.