The Indoor Environments and Green Buildings Policy Resource Center

Green Cleaning in Schools

ELI Policy Brief

 

Cleaning products are important for maintaining a sanitary environment in schools. However, chemicals in cleaning products may be hazardous to the environment and to the health of students, maintenance workers, and other school staff. "Green cleaning” reduces environmental and health risks by selecting alternative, environmentally-sensitive products, by applying these products properly, and by implementing maintenance practices that minimize exposure to cleaning products. 

Healthy, High Performance School Construction

Developments in State Policy

 

Over the past decade, an increasing number of school districts have taken steps to change the way they design and build school facilities. Districts have begun to incorporate a wide variety of environmental and health strategies into the construction and renovation process, with the goal of creating school buildings that advance the learning process while saving money, protecting the environment, and promoting the well being of staff and students.

Green Cleaning in Schools:

Developments in State Policy

 

New York

Citation: N.Y. Educ. Code § 409-i (2005)

Effective: Sept. 2005

Available: HERE

Summary: This law requires the state to establish guidelines for environmentally-sensitive cleaning and maintenance products to use in elementary and secondary school facilities, and schools are required to use these guidelines.

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