Sustainability Services

The gold standard in green cleaning

Green cleaning is about much more than which chemical is used in a spray bottle. Directly or indirectly, it’s hard to find an aspect of a business that green cleaning doesn’t touch. It helps us manage our resources more efficiently. It can improve the health and well-being of everyone who visits campus. It increases our ability to attract and retain students and employees. And it conveys to the community that we are a good partner and neighbor.

Today, green cleaning is one of the most important topics in the facility services industry. It’s hard to believe that just 20 years ago, it was a novel concept. In 2004, members of our UG2 corporate partners were instrumental in helping launch the first comprehensive green services initiative.

Sustainable operations practices matter

They may look like they're standing still, but our buildings are highly dynamic places.

The HVAC is constantly cycling. Sensors regulate water and electricity. Facilities Management staff program building temperatures by anticipating seasonal changes to adjust outside air usage for temperature and humidity.  Our staff also keep track of class and event schedules to make temperature adjustments as needed.

As we plan for our new campus, we will incorporate the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, mobility, satellite, and cloud-based innovations to help us do more  and help us to accurately predict how our systems will perform in the future. Armed with this information, we can make better-informed decisions, plan smarter, reduce our carbon footprint, realize greater efficiencies, and create higher quality facility services.

Our technicians may be able to obtain electric, gas, and water meter readings by scanning asset QR codes with smartphones during their rounds. By pulling that plant log data, which is stored in the cloud, into an analytic platform, we can see usage levels, anticipate when repairs may be needed, take steps to proactively prevent equipment breakdowns, and help customers determine when run-to-fail makes more sense than repairs.

Currently we implement:

• Over night and weekend HVAC temperature reductions
• Reusable water bottle filling stations
• Dual flush water stools
• LED lightbulbs
• Motion and light sensors in offices, hallways and gathering spaces
• Waste reduction – through campus recycling
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for grounds management

Going green keeps your operation in the black

Energy savings
Our partners at UG2 have some of the industry’s finest facility services experts and engineers. Our staff train on existing equipment to understand limitations and design to provide the best service possible.  Our team monitors each building’s usage and occupancy to benefit our campus community with accurate working temperatures and efficient energy usage.

We can look forward to high performance buildings that work on every level
Packed with sensors and other innovations, the high-performance buildings are designed to be ultra-efficient. They even provide data that allows us to optimize performance and proactively address potential issues before they become problems.

We believe in 5-Star services and 100% accountability

Waste Management
Years of championing zero waste and waste reduction initiatives have enabled us to develop industry best practices for reducing waste. We began by creating waste-reduction goals and operating procedures—and then implementing them in every building. To increase productivity and decrease costs, we implement:

• Centralized waste and recycling collection systems
• We educate our staff and manage the waste stream
• Signage to encourage workplace adoption
• Taking unused furniture and other items and giving them to students or outside organizations who can use them

Recycling Programs
From office paper to coffee cups, the average office worker generates 4.4 pounds of waste every workday. To minimize the burden on the environment, DMU maximizes potential recycling opportunities. Our holistic approach includes:

• White office paper (including copier, bond, computer)
• Newspaper & cardboard
• Encouraging the use of e-documents and centralized printers