Brock was presented with the Green Housekeeping Site gold certification Wednesday by Rochester Midland Limited, the company that manufactures the cleaning products used on campus. Shown here are: (from left) Chris Rogers of Corporate Chemicals & Equipment, Paul Woolfrey, senior vice-president at Rochester Midland, Brian Hutchings, Brock's Director of Finance and Administration, custodian Helen Lapp, Tom Saint-Ivany, Associate Vice-President of Facilities Management, and Domenic Maniccia, director of custodial services.

Tom Saint-Ivany loves the smell of Pine Sol.

The Associate Vice-President of Facilities Management always associates the strong evergreen scent with cleanliness.

But as the chair of the University’s sustainability co-ordinating committee, Saint-Ivany also said he thinks the artificially fragranced chemical may not be as good as other options are for the environment or the people using it.

“Being able to use nature to clean things is smart and truly effective,” Saint-Ivany said.

It has also earned accolades for Brock. The University was recognized Wednesday for its shift to using planet-friendly cleaners four years ago, and its effect on the campus and the people who spend their days here.

Rochester Midland Limited, the manufacturer of the the plant-based, fragrance-free cleaning products used at Brock, presented Saint-Ivany, Domenic Maniccia, director of custodial services, and cleaning staff with the Green Housekeeping Site gold certification for their efforts to keep Brock clean and green.

The certification recognizes Brock’s use of a program focused on educating custodial supervisors and staff about healthy cleaning by promoting health, safety and environmental responsibility in cleaning services.
The certification also takes into account indoor air quality, waste and recycling, and other sustainable initiatives on campus.

The certification level awarded to Brock was determined by a site audit of the campus that was evaluated by a third party consultant.

Since switching from harsh, petroleum-based chemicals, Maniccia said indoor air quality has improved on campus and the workplace has become healthier.

“How we clean has such a big impact on health,” Maniccia said. “This program reflects a shifting awareness. The cleaning process really determines the health of a building.”