Brock University has once again received Gold Status as a Certified Green Housekeeping Site.

The certification lasts for three years, and this is the second-straight time the custodial staff at the University has been awarded the gold-level status.

“Being a Certified Green Facility speaks volumes to the University’s commitment to the environment,” said Domenic Maniccia, Director, Custodial and Grounds Services. “It emphasizes the effect our custodial team has on the overall health and cleanliness of the campus.”

The certification recognizes Brock’s use of a program focused on educating custodial supervisors and staff about healthy cleaning by promoting health and safety and environmental responsibility in cleaning services.

The certification also takes into account indoor air quality, waste and recycling management and other sustainable initiatives on campus. The Gold Status certification for Brock was determined by a third-party site audit of the campus of many factors such as cleanliness, chemicals and equipment used, door matting, procedures, practices and filtration levels.

Maniccia said the custodial staff’s use of cleaning products that are plant-based rather than petroleum-based makes a positive impact on air quality.

“There has been a big change over the last decade with a movement towards the chemical manufacturers producing more environmentally friendly chemicals,” he said, adding the Canadian Environmental Protection Act controls the level of toxic substances in commercial products, which has led to an increase in the number of ‘green’ products to choose from.

“A little more elbow grease is needed to compensate for the loss of harsh cleaning agents previously used,” he said.