Outsourcing green janitorial services for charter and private schools will significantly improve the student learning environment while meeting the modern challenges of social and ecological change.
Outsourcing Janitorial Services for Charter and Private Schools
Unlike public schools, charter, and private schools are held to a higher standard that demands consistent and measurable results--failure to do so could lead to severe penalties, including school closure.
According to Uncommon Schools, a charter school;
[sic]...must demonstrate performance in the areas of academic achievement, financial management, and organizational stability.
If a charter school does not meet performance goals, it may be closed.
Outsourced green janitorial services can address all three areas.
Improving Academic Achievement
Given the number of hours students spend indoors, it is vital that classrooms circulate a high level of indoor air quality.
Studies have recently shown that:
- Ozone levels can range up to five times higher indoors than outside, and;
- High levels of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) can reduce cognitive function.
See Also:
According to a 2015 study released by Blackwell Publishing;
[sic]...certain conditions commonly found in US schools have adverse effects on the health and the academic performance of many of the more than 50 million US schoolchildren.
[sic]...these research findings make a strong case for immediate, targeted actions of prevention and mitigation in school environments.
These actions include ensuring, throughout the life of each existing and future school building, adequate outdoor ventilation, control of moisture, and avoidance of indoor exposures to microbiologic and chemical substances considered likely to have adverse effects.
Reducing Costs
Cost reduction through the adoption of green product purchasing has been validated in two specific areas:
- Reduced student, administrative and faculty absenteeism due to work acquired illness or injury, or adverse reactions to chemical toxins used in conventional cleaning, and;
- Cost reduction through concentrated green chemical purchases, as well as reduced resource utilization.
In a recent report filed by the Green Schools Initiative, the two major cost reduction categories were discussed in some detail, stating;
Green-certified cleaning products save money because they are often more highly concentrated than conventional cleaning products.
Savings are greatest when schools use automated equipment to dilute concentrated green cleaners.
Additionally;
[sic]...savings in better indoor air quality, fewer job injuries due to toxic chemicals, and less damage to the facilities because of spills or misuse of the toxic product.
The green products will most likely save district money with diminished school absences and improved employees’ health….The dilution machines also cut down cleaning time.
Using green cleaners contributes to better indoor air quality, which the U.S. EPA has documented has numerous benefits for student academic achievement.
Outsourcing Facilities Maintenance & Management
Aside from planning and purchasing, training and management tend to top the list of reasons why private and charter schools have neglected the adoption of green cleaning practices.
Typically, those issues are noted in relation to perceived cost and a reduction in performance while the in-house janitorial staff is brought up to speed on the proper use of chemicals and equipment use.
Outsourcing purchasing, management, and advanced janitorial tasks will significantly reduce the time to full adoption by eliminating much of the required training curve, as well as allow for the purchase of high-quality commercial cleaning products at a significantly lower price-point.
Consulting a professional janitorial services provider that specializes in green cleaning early on will ensure that the proposed program includes the necessary information to fast-track proposals and acquire any essential eRate funding.
Takeaway
As the data from environmental and personal health studies continue to point towards a mandatory paradigm shift in how schools view cleaning, as well as total costs in relation to actual capital expenditure, more pressure will fall on districts to make a decisive switch to green cleaning and janitorial practices.
Those failing to adhere to rising societal demands for a cleaner, more eco-friendly environment may find themselves short of necessary funding for many essential, scholastic activities
For charter and private schools, which must maintain a business and educational model, at least on par with public schools, green cleaning offers a cost-efficient avenue that addresses all significant concerns.
If you would like to learn more about the benefits of outsourced janitorial services for your charter or private school, contact us today for a free quote!
In Bakersfield CA, call (661) 395-3009
In Fresno CA, call (559) 473-1790
