Wednesday, Jan. 18 2012 7:41AM

District earns national Green Cleaning Award

The Lee’s Summit R-7 School District is among 10 educational organizations from across the nation that earned the 2011 Green Cleaning Award from American School and University magazine. The R-7 district was featured in the magazine’s December issue.

The Green Cleaning Award recognizes educational institutions for healthy and sustainable approaches to cleaning that protect health without harming the environment. The award is sponsored by the magazine as well as by the Green Cleaning Network and the Healthy Schools Campaign. Winners are selected by a panel of industry experts. 

Within the magazine, the R-7 district was praised for its ongoing efforts to move toward cleaning processes that are both environmentally friendly and that save money and time.

Some of the cleaning methods recently implemented have included the use of backpack vacuums with improved filtering; switching from cleaning rags to microfiber cloths, which eliminate significantly more bacteria without the use of harsh chemicals; further reduction of cleaning chemicals through touch-less cleaning systems; and auto scrubbers, using water technology to eliminate the use of chemicals to clean floors. In addition, this water technology, which utilizes electrically charged water, is used to sanitize contact surfaces.   Training is an important component of the R-7 district’s emphasis on green cleaning, and building managers and custodians districtwide continue to receive ongoing professional development on the improved green techniques.

The R-7 Facilities Services Department has also seen a reduction in costs for cleaning chemicals as the new technologies are introduced. For example, the microfiber products are lasting longer, which eliminates much of the restocking needed for the traditional cotton rags and mops.

In addition to the emphasis on environmental cleaning, the district operates a comprehensive, districtwide recycling program with bins available at all schools for community members to drop off recyclables. Through Facility Services, the district bales cardboard and recycles fluorescent light bulbs and containers for aluminum and plastic. The school district also recently replaced its in-district delivery vehicles with all-electric trucks.