Duke's School of Nursing: Clean and Green

Thursday, July 27th, 2006

When the School of Nursing opens its doors this month, staff and students alike will enter a shiny new building that has been designed with the environment in mind. What's more, "green cleaning" will ensure that the building stays healthy and environmentally sound. The School of Nursing will be the first building on Duke's campus to use a comprehensive program for environmentally responsible housekeeping.

Green cleaning is healthy - in the building and out. By avoiding hazardous substances, conserving water, and reducing waste, housekeeping staff in the School of Nursing will be protecting building occupants and our local environment.

Taking the LEED
Medical Center Architect Greg Warwick has been a champion for incorporating environmentally responsible design into building operations.

"Duke understands the responsibility it has both in the construction process and afterwards, during the life of the building," says Warwick.

Duke has emerged as a regional leader in sustainable design, thanks to a commitment to LEED standards for all new campus buildings. LEED, which stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is the recognized standard in environmentally responsible building.

Among the design benefits incorporated into this project, the building will use a third less water than comparable buildings, and 40% of the materials used in construction come from local or regional sources. School of Nursing also incorporates features - such as bicycle storage and changing rooms - that support employees in making alternative transportation decisions.

"Green housekeeping is a great example of the choice each of us has in completing tasks in ways that will either protect or harm the environment," explains Warwick. "From carpooling to work to turning off your light when you leave for lunch, we are all part of Duke's effort."

How It Works
At the School of Nursing, green cleaning means new ways of thinking about building maintenance. Many common cleaning products contain harmful ingredients. Carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, allergens, and heavy metals all take their toll on human health. Packaging and water use depletes natural resources. But what are the alternatives?

New Methods and the Environmental Benefits

• Green Seal cleaning chemicals - safe for building occupants, and safe for the people, plants, and animals that "live downstream." Concentrated to avoid packaging waste and reduce fuel costs.
  
  
• Microfiber mops - use 95%less water and cleaning chemicals than traditional mops. They are also easier and safer for staff to use.
  
  
• Recycled content paper products - reclaim material, which saves trees and keeps waste out of the landfill.
  
  
• HEPA vacuum filters - keep dust, allergens, and germs out of the air

"A healthy, comfortable building is a good place to work and to learn," says Vanessa Hamer, Duke's Green Purchasing Coordinator. "Up front, we have fewer headaches and lower asthma rates. Down stream, we're conserving resources and keeping toxins out of our air and water."

It's Easy Being Green

"Green cleaning" is becoming increasingly popular, and high quality products are becoming more available. Most local grocery stores now carry environmentally benign cleaning chemicals, such as Seventh Generation and Method. Celebrities such as Don and Deirdre Imus have become champions for safe, healthy products.

For more on Green Cleaning:

Americans Embracing 'Green Cleaning.' ABC News.

Companies help clear the air with 'green-cleaning' method. Jacksonville Business Journal.

Green Seal: The Mark of Environmental Responsibility