San Francisco's first LEED-EB hotel

SAN FRANCISCO — The Orchard Hotel has become the first in San Francisco to obtain Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Existing Buildings (LEED-EB) certification, according to Green Building Elements.

The owner of the Orchard Hotel, Mrs. S.C. Huang, has pressed for more environmentally friendly elements in her hotel ever since the cancer-related deaths of three family members, the story stated.

The Orchard Hotel is Energy Star rated and is 90 percent more energy efficient than a comparable, non-rated hotel, the story noted.

Some of the hotel's sustainable aspects are a plate and frame heat exchanger on the rooftop that reduces heating and cooling costs, organic and naturally anti-microbial bed linens and restaurant menu items that incorporate local ingredients, the story added.

Click here to read the complete article.

Mold forces school to relocate

BENICIA, CA — Kindergarten students from St. Dominic's School may finish their school year at Mills Elementary School after the discovery of mold in the ceiling, walls and floor forced school officials to seek an alternate location to hold classes, according to the Vallejo Times Herald.

Mills Elementary School, which is slated to be turned into a community center, was quickly remodeled to accommodate the incoming kindergarten students; city officials replaced the carpet, repaired the heating and air conditioning unit and repaired both restrooms, the story stated.

The $7,400 price tag for the remodeling and rent for the remainder of the school year will be split between St. Dominic's School and the City of Benicia, the story noted.

The Benicia City Council will make a final decision tomorrow to approve or deny the move, which school officials hope will allow them to move in Wednesday, the story added.

According to the story, St. Dominic's School students are on spring break this week.

Click here to read the complete article.

District may outsource 23 custodial positions

PORTAGE, MI — Portage Public School custodians were surprised to learn that 23 second- and third-shift positions could be eliminated if the district follows through with plans to outsource afterhours custodial work, according to the Kalamazoo Gazette.

Pamela Roman, a custodian at Angling Elementary School, worries that she it may be almost impossible for her to get another job that includes medical insurance and a wage high enough to keep her family financially secure if she loses her job, the story stated.

Bids for private custodial services in the district are due May 12, and only after that will the district make a final decision whether or not they will outsource the work, the story noted.

The district can save considerable amounts of money by outsourcing because private companies generally do the work for less due to the fact that their employees' salaries and benefits are lower than that of district employees, the story added.

Click here to read the complete article.

City's proposed green building policy

EAST LANSING, MI — The City of East Lansing has proposed legislation to create a green building policy that would require new businesses that receive funding from economic development programs to meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification standards, according to the State News.

Buildings would be required to meet various levels of LEED certification depending on the amount of funding they receive from development programs, the story stated.

Dave Smith, an environmental specialist for East Lansing, said: "The benefits for tenants are a better-quality work environment, and energy efficiency means the long-term costs of tenants would be less."

If the legislation is passed, East Lansing will become the first city in the state to tie economic incentives to sustainable construction, the story noted.

The legislation applies only to buildings with site plans that have not yet been approved and will be voted on by the East Lansing City Council later this week, the story added.

Click here to read the complete article.

Man beats 834 applicants for janitor position

MASSILLON, OH — After beating more than 800 other applicants, David Patron has been offered the coveted janitor position at Edison Junior High School, according to the Canton Repository.

The Perry Local Board of Education will vote to approve or deny the one-year contract April 28; Patron's appointment is expected to gain the Board's approval, the story stated.

Previously, Patron worked as an independent contractor for the U.S. Postal Service, a job that came with no benefits and no pension program, the story noted.

According to the story, the Edison Junior High School janitor position pays between $15 and $16 an hour and includes benefits.

Patron, who has a child attending Edison Junior High School, was selected in part for his effective communication skills and previous experience working with the public, the story added.

Patron said: "The hiring process was very structured. With each step or platform, it was another opportunity to present yourself better than the time before. I’m fortunate that I met those requirements. My references spoke highly of me. And I believe God had a big hand in it, too."

Click here to read the complete article

Southern California's first ultra-luxury LEED-certified hotel

BEVERLY HILLS, CA — The Montage Beverly Hills has earned Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification, making it the first ultra-luxury hotel in Southern California to each such a designation, according to a press release.

The Montage Beverly Hills is one of only four hotel worldwide to have earned the U.S. Green Building Council's (USGBC) LEED-Gold certification for new construction, the release stated.

Mark Slymen, director of sustainability for Montage Hotels & Resorts, said: "All future projects are being designed and constructed with the sustainable commitment that Montage has towards the environment and surrounding communities. We will continue to lean on the USGBC and the LEED rating system in order to benchmark our success."

The 201-room Montage Beverly Hills Hotel opened in November 2008 and was developed by The Athens Group and designed by HKS Hill Glazier Studio, the release noted.

To qualify for LEED certification, a property must meet the LEED rating system's requirements for water efficiency, energy efficiency, materials and resources and indoor environmental quality, the release added.

Click here to read the complete release

The first all Green Seal-certified hotel chain

MADISON, WI — Great Wolf Resorts has become the first and only national hotel chain to have all of its U.S. properties Green Seal certified, according to a press release.

After realizing that Green Seal certification only covers the lodging portion of Great Wolf Resorts' business, the company decided to further examine its properties and set out to create accountability and guidelines to green the rest of the resort amenities, creating Project Green Wolf, the release stated.

Kim Schaefer, chief executive officer of Great Wolf Resorts: "We believe green tourism is the most important travel trend of our lifetime, and we wanted to do the right thing by taking a leadership position on this. It’s nice to be recognized as the first national hotel chain to achieve Green Seal Certification, yet more importantly, it’s gratifying to know we’re doing our part to create a sustainable tourism product for lots of families and generations to come."

Highlights of Project Green Wolf include: Management of fresh water resources; waste minimization, including a recycling program; increased energy efficiency; environmentally responsible purchasing; and educating guests on ways to lessen their environmental footprint, the release noted.

Great Wolf Resorts spent the last year making the necessary changes to its properties to meet the Green Seal requirements, the release added.

Click here to read the complete release.

Jamestown Civic Center cleaned after flood relief efforts

JAMESTOWN, ND — After sangbagging efforts to aid in flood prevention ended, the Jamestown Civic Center has been thoroughly cleaned by Munters, according to the Jamestown Sun.

There were at least 25 workers in the labor crew cleaning at any given time, along with a supervisor and project manager, the story stated.

The total cost of the project was $181,150, including $137,950 for general cleaning and $43,200 for air duct cleaning, the story noted.

According to the story, Munters had until April 20 to finish the project, but because of their dedication and expertise, they were able to finish the project early.

Pam Fosse, Jamestown Civic Center director, said: "We’re hoping it will bring back a sense of normalcy to the city. It’s not difficult to drive down the street and realize the situation we’re in … We’re hoping to give people a break and take their minds off the situation."

It is unknown where the money to pay for the cleaning will come from, but the Civic Center hopes the majority will be funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the story added.

Click here to read the complete article.

Ohio inmates to replace laid-off janitors

COLUMBUS, OH — The Ohio Civil Service Employees Association filed a grievance against the state earlier this week after plans were announced to use prisoners to replace laid-off Statehouse janitors and groundskeepers, according to an Associated Press story hosted by Google.com.

After Governor Ted Strickland ordered a $640 million reduction in state government operations last year, the Statehouse lost 17 janitorial and maintenance employees, the story stated.

If the plan is approved, two inmates will work as groundskeepers and another five as nighttime janitors, the story noted.

The inmates will wear uniforms identifying them as prisoners and will be supervised by a guard while they work, the story added.

According to the story, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees said it's unaware of any other state directly replacing laid-off workers with inmates.

Click here to read the complete article.

New superbug-killing paint

VERMILLION, SD — A team of scientists from the University of South Dakota have developed a paint strong enough to kill superbugs that infect hospital patients and kill thousands of people annually, according to WebMD.

According to research published in the American Chemical Society’s journal, Applied Materials & Interfaces, the paint kills disease-causing bacteria, mold, fungi and viruses, including Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE).

The new paint won’t completely eliminate the transmission of such infections, but has the potential to significantly reduce the risks of infection, the story stated.

Unlike this new paint that has a broad range of kill claims, antimicrobial paints in stores now provide protection against only a narrow range of disease-causing microorganisms, the story noted.

This new paint, which is designed to decorate and disinfect, stays potent for extended periods of time and can be recharged with a simple chlorination process, the story added.

Click here to read the complete article.

Janitors protest unsafe conditions

LOS ANGELES — Janitors who work for Albertsons Grocery stores in several Southern California locations protested outside of the stores over alleged unsafe working conditions, according to KPFK-FM.

The janitors claim the cleaning chemicals issued to them are toxic and they have not been trained on their proper use and do not have access to personal protective equipment (PPE), the story stated.

The janitors were also upset that the supermarket chain is trying to reduce health care coverage and force more of the cost burden on the workers, the story noted.

According to the story, the janitors were demonstrating with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) group Justice for Janitors.

Protests were staged earlier this week at Albertsons chains in Los Angeles, Santa Ana, San Diego and Santa Barbara, the story added.

Click here to read the complete article.

Hospital cleaners experience hair loss and respiratory problems

NANAIMO, BC, Canada — After introducing toxic chemicals to eradicate an outbreak of Clostridium difficile (C. diff), cleaners at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital have experienced respiratory ailments and hair loss, according to the Nanaimo Daily News.

According to WorkSafe B.C., a workplace watchdog, Compass Group Canada, the company contracted to clean the hospital, failed to provide adequate training for its employees, did not provide personal protective equipment (PPE) to cleaners working with corrosive chemicals in areas with inadequate air ventilation systems.

The Vancouver Island Health Authority is being urged to take responsibility for vetting the health and safety record of Compass Group Canada, the story stated.

Cleaning employees suffered from nose inflammation, respiratory problems, skin irritation, fatigue and hair loss when working with Virox 5, the toxic chemical used to eliminate the spread of C. diff, the story noted.

After WorkSafe B.C. conducted an inspection of the facility last year, 16 health and safety concerns were noted against Compass Group Canada; this latest inspection noted only five, the story added.

Click here to read the complete article.

MRSA strikes House of Representatives gym

WASHINGTON — The gym that is used as a workout and recreational facility by some of Washington's most powerful and influential people has been invaded by Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), according to InjuryBoard.com.

As a precautionary measure, the House of Representatives gym has been thoroughly disinfected with Simple Green D Pro 3 disinfectant and anyone who frequents the facility has been provided with literature about the infection, the story stated.

The House Chief Administrative Officer said: "A House employee has reportedly contracted Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA). That House employee is also a member of the House Staff Fitness Center (HSFC)."

Some lawmakers often sleep in their offices and use the gym facilities to shower, the story noted.

It remains unknown how or where the employee contracted the infection, the story added.

Click here to read the complete article.

DuPont workers urged to take unpaid leave

BELLE, WV — Roughly 125 salaried workers at DuPont's Belle chemical plant have been asked to take two weeks off without pay by the end of the year, according to the Charleston Gazette.

DuPont claims the voluntary unpaid furloughs will save the company money it has lost during the recession, the story stated.

Roger Hess, human resources manager at the Belle plant, said: "DuPont, like everybody else, is having a tough time during the recession. We're looking at ways to conserve cash and preserve jobs. You can do it a week at a time, or you can do it in single days. The employees can manage it the way they want to."

DuPont has stated that they have no intention to decrease salaries or bonuses for executives.

The voluntary furlough program does not affect the plant's 270 hourly workers, the story noted.

DuPont's senior corporate officers have been asked to take three weeks off without pay by the end of the year, the story added.

According to the story, the furloughs are strictly voluntary, so it remains unknown how many, if any employees will participate.

Click here to read the complete article.

The top 10 greenest buildings

WASHINGTON — The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has selected its 2009 top 10 greenest buildings list, according to Greener Buildings.

The winners will be honored at the AIA's National Convention and Design Expo April 30-May 2 in San Francisco, the story stated.

Included on the list are the following Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum rated buildings: The Chartwell School in Seaside, CA; the Great River Energy headquarters in Maple Grove, MN; the Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation in Evanston, IL; the Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center in Orange, TX; and the Synergy at Dockside Green in Victoria, BC, Canada, the story noted.

The remaining building on the 2009 list have incorporated several energy efficient and sustainable aspects, they include: The Charles Hostler Student Center in Beirut, Lebanon; the Gish Apartments in San Jose, CA; The Terry Thomas in Seattle, WA; the Portola Valley Town Center in Portola Valley, CA; and the world headquarters for the International Fund for Animal Welfare in Yarmouth Port, MA, the story added.

To see a listing of previous winners, click here.

Kimberly-Clark acquires safety products company

IRVING, TEXAS — Kimberly-Clark Corporation has acquired Jackson Products Inc., according to a press release.

Jackson Products is a safety products and personal protective equipment (PPE) company based in Fenton, MO, the release stated.

Jan Spencer, president of Kimberly-Clark Professional, said: "The acquisition of Jackson Safety is consistent with our global business plan strategy to accelerate growth of high-margin workplace solutions. Jackson Safety brings a wealth of strengths to Kimberly-Clark's professional business, including an outstanding product portfolio and a highly experienced sales force. It enables us to focus resources more effectively by increasing sales and marketing manpower to support growth in safety while at the same time dedicating other teams that will help us sustain our leadership position and grow our traditional washroom and wiper businesses."

Jackson Products employs 400 people, all of which will remain employed with the company, but now under the Kimberly-Clark banner, the release noted.

Click here to read the complete release.

Weber County gets a LEED-Gold library

WASHINGTON TERRACE, UT — Weber County's Pleasant Valley library has achieved Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), according to WARN-TV.

The 38,000-square-foot building was built with recycled steel and has a price tag of $9 million, the story stated.

The building, which will officially open April 23, is designed to be more energy efficient than a comparable non-LEED building of its size by using renewable energy sources to generate at least 35 percent of its power, the story noted.

A unique sustainable aspect of the building is the preferred parking for alternative fuel vehicles and the charging stations for electric vehicles, the story added.

Click here to read the complete article.

W.W. Grainger posts first-quarter loss

LAKE FOREST, IL — JanSan distributor W.W. Grainger posted a first-quarter net income decline of 16 percent, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Net income for the quarter was $96.4 million, down from $114.2 million in the year-ago quarter, the story stated.

W.W. Grainger President and Chief Executive Jim Ryan said: "We do not believe that we've seen the bottom to the sales decline and expect increased pricing pressure throughout the remainder of the year."

Total quarterly revenue fell 11 percent to $1.47 billion, narrowly missing analysts' expectations of $1.49 billion, the story noted.

LEED-Platinum cheese factory

PICTON, ON, Canada — Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum certification has been achieved by the Fifth Town Artisan Cheese Company factory and retail outlet, according to the Journal of Commerce.

Lapointe Architects was responsible for the design of the facility, while Enermodal Engineering served as the energy efficiency consultant for the project that was built by K. Knudsen Construction Ltd. for $2 million, the story stated.

The key to the facility's 15 percent energy savings over a comparable non-LEED building is the water-to-water-to-ground heat pump system, the story noted.

According to the story, additional energy savings are achieved through the use of a 1.8 kilowatt wind turbine and 9.4 square meters of photovoltaic panels.

A rainwater collection system that powers the flush of each low-flow toilet and abundant natural lighting, as well as subterranean cheese-aging cave facilities that reduce cooling costs, are some of the many sustainable aspects of the building that reduce water and energy usage, the story added.

Click here to read the complete article.

Woman donates kidney to her cleaner

HAYDEN, ID — After losing her husband to kidney disease, Chris Breazeal made a selfless choice to end the suffering of her cleaning lady: She donated her kidney, according to an Associated Press story hosted by FOXNews.com.

After completing a series of compatibility tests, Breazeal discovered that she was a near perfect match for Karine Nelson, her cleaning lady of four years, the story stated.

Breazeal said: "I just never felt like it was my choice to be pulling out. If I matched and I was a good candidate, that's what God wanted me to do."

Six months after a phone conversation where Nelson proclaimed to Breazeal that she was having health challenges and needed a kidney transplant, the two women underwent surgery, the story noted.

The transplant was successful and the women hope their experience encourages others to consider a lifesaving kidney donation, the story added.

Nelson said: "I keep telling her 'Thank you' and thank you doesn't cut it. It's beyond thank you."

Click here to read the complete article.

School board sued over mold problem

CROSS LANES, WV — The Kanawha County Board of Education is being sued by a student's mother and a teacher for an illness the two claim is due to mold problems at Andrew Jackson Middle School, according to the West Virginia Record.

Pamela Lawson and the unnamed youth's mother allege that the mold problem began when the air conditioning systems at the school malfunctioned and broke down prior to the start of the 2008-2009 school year, and though the school was aware of the problem, they failed to address the issue, the story stated.

After falling ill with flu-like symptoms and seeking medical attention, the principal allegedly told Lawson to "make sure you tell the doctor that you have been exposed to mold," the story noted.

According to the story, the severity of Lawson's illness caused her breathing problems that now require her to be on oxygen, while the unnamed student chose to transfer to another school.

In addition to compensatory and punitive damages, the plaintiffs are asking the judge to order school officials to have each school tested for mold by an independent contractor, the story added.

Click here to read the complete article.

Law proposed to mandate MRSA screenings

SEATTLE — Under a proposed law that unanimously passed the Washington State Senate on Monday and now awaits the governor's signature, all hospitals in the state must screen high-risk patients for the potentially fatal infection Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), according to the Seattle Times.

According to the story, the bill, ESHB 1123, passed the House 97-0 on March 9, and was approved by the Senate 45-0.

Representative Thomas Campbell said: "People are dying, and we have to take action. I think that's why you're seeing unanimous votes in the House and the Senate."

Screening is quick, painless and inexpensive; the nasal swab test costs about $20, the story stated.

The proposed law would require hospitals to adopt a MRSA screening policy by January 1, 2010, and would require hospitals to notify patients of a MRSA diagnosis and provide education on treatment and prevention, the story noted.

Washington hopes to become one of only five states that mandate MRSA screenings; California, Illinois, New Jersey and Pennsylvania have already adopted mandated screenings, the story added.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), MRSA infections have become epidemic and kill at least 18,000 people a year, more than acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Click here to read the complete article.

Contamination cleanup creates thousands of jobs

CARSON CITY, NV — Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced that thousands of jobs will be created over the next three years to assist in environmental cleanup work at a Nevada test site and across 11 other states, according to Mesothelioma.com.

The cleanup is part of $6 billion in funding under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, $44 million of which was funneled toward the Nevada cleanup, the story stated.

According to the story, the facilities that will be demolished and necessitate cleanup include an engine maintenance assembly facility in Area 25, the Pluto Disassembly Facility, the Reactor Maintenance Assembly and the Disassembly Facility and two ancillary structures used in Test Cell C.

Workers will clean up asbestos, lead, mercury, batteries and light bulbs, among other things, and install groundwater monitoring wells, the story noted.

Click here to read the complete article.

Cabin at ski lodge is LEED-Platinum certified

MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN, CA — Cabin 11 in Tamarack Lodge located in California's Mammoth Mountain Ski Area has been awarded Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), according to First Tracks magazine.

The 1,336-square-foot, three-bedroom, two-bath cabin is one of only 12 projects in the state to earn Platinum certification, the story stated.

Rusty Gregory, CEO of Mammoth Mountain, said: "Constructing the Tamarack cabin to LEED-Platinum standards is one of many important steps that Mammoth Mountain is taking to fulfill our commitment to the environment. As one of only a dozen Platinum certified projects in California, we’re proud to be taking a leading role in what can be accomplished with sustainable building practices."

Sustainable aspects of the cabin include: Environmentally friendly hardwood flooring, recycled carpeting and decking material, pest-resistant siding, recycled drywall and energy efficient windows, the story noted.

The USGBC awards LEED certification based on pre-specified features in categories such as innovation and design process, location and linkages, sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources and indoor environmental quality, the story added.

California's Green Ribbon Science Panel selected

SACRAMENTO, CA — The California Environmental Protection Agency's Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) recently announced the selection of 27 members to the state’s new Green Ribbon Science Panel, an advisory panel created for California’s Green Chemistry program that strives to remove or reduce toxic chemicals in products sold in California, according to a press release.

The DTSC selected the 27 panel members from more than 80 applicants based on the following criteria: Education, expertise and practical experience; experience serving on scientific and environmental policy advisory panels; and proven excellence with collaborative problem-solving skill and communication skills, the release stated.

Of those selected is Roger McFadden, chief scientist for Staples CE who has worked as a formulating and consulting chemist and product design engineer for several product manufacturing companies in the U.S. and Canada, the release noted.

The initial meeting of the panel will be held April 29-30 at the Red Lion Inn in Sacramento; the panel will meet a minimum of twice per year, the release added.

Tennant wins Business Innovation of the Year Award

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — Tennant Company announced that its breakthrough ec-H2O™ technology has won the 2009 European Business Award for the Business Innovation of the Year, according to a press release.

Tennant was chosen for the honor out of more than 7,000 applications from various companies, the release stated.

The Business Innovation of the Year competition is designed as a way for companies to benchmark their success against other top performing companies and aims to foster, inspire and encourage others to emulate the winners' success, the release noted.

Karel Hujiser, international vice president of Tennant, said: "We are very pleased with this independent recognition of our ec-H2O technology. It strengthens our belief that developing more environmental cleaning solutions is the right way to go for Tennant Company, also — and perhaps especially — in these challenging economic times. Our customers benefit from the cost-savings and efficiency increase while at the same time they can preserve natural resources."

ec-H2O technology converts plain tap water into a powerful cleaning agent without any added chemicals, the release added.

Fumes sicken several students and staff

CARPENTERSVILLE, IL — Several students and staff at Golfview Elementary School were hospitalized yesterday after complaining of headaches and nausea caused by a strange odor, according to the St. Charles Sun.

Students were sent to the gymnasium while air quality tests were performed throughout the school, the story stated.

Joe Stevens, president of the School Board in District 300, said: "It smells like a lemony odor or like ant spray."

An odor was found in two classrooms and in the library, but air quality tests found nothing noteworthy, the story noted.

Officials believe the symptoms were caused by fumes left in the building from cleaning products used after contractors removed tile and asbestos from the building during spring break, the story added.

According to the story, the school remains closed today so it can be properly ventilated.

http://cmmonline.com/news.asp?N_ID=71755

MEMPHIS, TN — The Memphis City School Board approved an $875 million budget for the entire district, which means 246 custodians will lose their jobs, according to WPTY-TV.

The Memphis City School District hopes to save $2.83 million from the 346 total layoffs, the story stated.

Many argued against the cuts, but when facing severe budget deficits, job cuts are a necessity, the story noted.

The district still needs to come up with another $1 million to cover operating costs, but claims there will be no other layoffs, the story added.

$750,000 state park restroom facility

GRAND HAVEN , MI — A $750,000 restroom facility at Grand Haven State Park earned an honor award for sustainable design from the Grand Valley Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, according to the Grand Rapids Press.

The restroom features windows that allow lots of natural lighting, solar panels, timer-controlled showers and on-demand water heaters and is the prototype restroom facility for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the story stated.

The facility was designed by Integrated Architecture LLC, and the state plans to use the design in parks throughout Michigan, the story noted.

Architect Ryan Brouwer said: "They wanted to come up with a new, sustainable prototype. It's good to see the state thinking about these things."

DMV mold remediation project completed

WEST HAVERSTRAW, NY — After being closed for a month to facilitate a mold remediation project, Rockland County's only Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) branch has reopened, according to the Journal News.

The project included cleaning mold inside the building's walls and mold that had infiltrated the ventilation system, the story stated.

The mold problem began last fall after a water leak in a pet store located above the DMV flooded the back offices and the area around the front counter, the story noted.

DMV officials are unsure of the total cost of the remediation project, the story added.

Boston hospital tagged for infection control problems

BOSTON — After 18 mothers and 19 infants contracted Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) over the past six months, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) has been cited for serious problems with its infection control practices, according to the Boston Globe.

Department of Public Health officials noted significant lapses in the hospital's policies for preventing infections and training employees during a recent inspection of the facility, the story stated.

Officials have yet to determine the source of the outbreak and have enlisted the help of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the story noted.

Hospital chief executive Paul Levy said: "While we are justly proud of many of our quality and safety initiatives at BIDMC, we have to acknowledge that we still fall short in a number of ways."

All of the patients once infected have been treated and have fully recovered, the story added.

NYC schools join Green School Alliance

NEW YORK — New York City Public Schools are the first in the nation to join the Green Schools Alliance program, which will analyze the energy efficiency of the district's 1,260 school buildings, according to the Epoch Times.

The effort is part of New York City's overall effort to reduce municipal government energy consumption and carbon emissions by 30 percent by 2017, the story stated.

According to the story, through the Green Schools Alliance, schools share experiences and expertise to lower their energy consumption and carbon footprint.

Schools will be benchmarked through a rating system that factors in: Indoor environmental quality, the site of the school building, water and energy consumption and construction materials utilized; additional credits will be given for sustainable choices such as low-emitting furniture, storm water recovery, use of natural light and roof quality, the story noted.

Rohit Aggarwala, director of the Mayor's Office of Long Term Planning and Sustainability, said: "If you can't measure it, you can't manage it. The Department of Education's benchmarking of 1,260 school buildings will enable us to make decisions as to which measures we should implement to reduce our city's greenhouse gases and save money on our energy bills. It also demonstrates that benchmarking is an easy process that yields important information for any kind of building."

Fishing - Deal, MD Chesapeake Bay with PSI

Jeremiah with PSI (Permanent Solutions Industries, Inc.) invited me to go fishing out on the Chesapeake Bay. We left the Happy Harbor located in Deal, MD around 2:00 p.m. and returned around 7:30 p.m. The fishing was pretty bad, with 25 lines in the water we managed to snag 3 Rock Fish. We were hoping for better fishing. I want to thank Jeremiah for invitening me out on the trip it was very enjoyable. I do hope to do it again soon when the blues are running.


I highly recomend PSI. Their Janitorial Software(JAMS) is top notch and the best I have seen in the industry, and believe me, I have reviewed everything from TMA to ManageWize. If your looking for a company that offers solutions, ease of use, and will help your company optimize the quality and production of your services then click here to learn more about PSI.

Hospital workers complain of unsafe conditions

OAKLAND, CA — Workers at Alameda County's Fairmont Hospital, represented by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 1021, held a rally yesterday to protest what they call unsafe working conditions, according to the Oakland Tribune.

One incident involved Lillie Ray, a six-year veteran at the hospital, being attacked by a patient with an infectious disease, the story stated.

According to the story, many workers are afraid of complaining about unsafe and potentially dangerous situations for fear of losing their jobs.

SEIU Local 1021 leaders claim that talks with the hospital about improving training and safety measures have produced no results, the story noted.

Valery Myers, a nurse at the hospital, said: "I can honestly say I felt safer working at a jail than I do here."

The rally drew roughly 30 attendees and was a chance to unveil a new whistle-blowers hot line for hospital workers to report unsafe conditions, the story added.

School considers outsourcing and layoffs

NORTH ANDOVER, MA — The North Andover Public School System is looking for ways to save money and maximize their custodial department's $2 million budget, $1.9 million of which covers the salaries of their 41 custodians, according to the Eagle-Tribune.

Next year's budget calls for the layoff of at least 10 custodians, which would limit the ability of the remaining custodians to clean effectively, the story stated.

The custodial department is flirting with the idea of converting the cleaning operation to an every-other-day schedule to limit hours worked and minimize cleaning chemical consumption, the story noted.

The school system could save upwards of $850,000 a year by outsourcing its custodial staff, something it is considering, the story added.

School Committee member Brian Major said: "These days, we know we have to reposition how we're delivering services and at what cost we're delivering services. Everything's on the table."

According to the story, union rules require the custodians be notified if the school system considers privatization of cleaning services and the schools must provide the union with an analysis of the potential savings so the union can try and better any deal offered by a private contractor.

Mobile phone-controlled vacuum

SEOUL, South Korea — The South Korean telecommunications firm KTF recently released a new vacuum cleaner that can be controlled by a mobile phone equipped with 3G technology, according to Engadget.com.

The CW100 was designed and manufactured in collaboration with a Korean company called Microbot and is similar to the popular Roomba vacuum, the story stated.

The CW100 has an onboard video camera that sends live images to the user's mobile phone and is controlled through the phone's keypad, the story noted.

According to KTF, the new robot vacuum can also be used for monitoring children, elders or pets at home.

The CW100 will cost $370 and the data plan needed to operate it is an additional $3.70 per month, the story added.

Opera-singing mall janitor

CHARLOTTE, NC — Robert Thompson shows up at the SouthPark Mall to begin his workday long before the stores are open and when the only people there are mall walkers, according to WCNC-TV.

Those early bird exercisers who pace the mall at dawn do not need soft jazz music playing through the mall's PA system to entertain them, they have Thompson and his opera music, the story stated.

Thompson was never trained in the art, but found his niche after realizing that singing a song he had once heard was to the liking of the mall walkers, the story noted.

Now, all of the mall walkers know Thompson, not for his talent in keeping their mall clean, but for his talent in singing, and they look forward to listening to him in the wee hours of every morning, the story added.

Proctor & Gamble investing in new plants

ALBANY, GA — Proctor & Gamble is eliminating two paper machines within the next month from its Albany plant and is investing in alternate locations in Utah, Wisconsin, Missouri and Pennsylvania, according to the Albany Herald.

Continuing operations at the Albany plant is no longer feasible for the company because of the rising costs to ship raw goods from Canada to the Southeast United States and because of Georgia's taxation on energy usage, the story stated.

Plant Manager Trey Bloodworth said: "Georgia is one of 10 states that still have the tax on energy used in manufacturing,” Bloodworth said. “None of the competing in-house paper plants have that tax. Missouri had it and they repealed it. Wisconsin had it and also repealed it. We’re competing against sister plants for volume and now they have a bigger cost advantage over us."

Health care costs are also affecting the plant's bottom line as they are 19 percent higher at the Albany plant than Proctor & Gamble's national average, the story noted.

Without help from the Georgia General Assembly to "level the playing field" so the Albany plant can compete with sister plants across the U.S., it is likely the plant's profitability will continue to dwindle, the story added.

3M offers buyouts to 3,600 employees

MAPLEWOOD, MINNESOTA — 3M is offering early retirement buyout packages to 3,600 of its non-union U.S. employees, according to the Pioneer Press.

Packages are being offered to 11 percent of 3M's total workforce and are based on an employee's age and their years of service, the story stated.

Lenny Sanicola, a benefits expert at human resources consulting firm WorldatWork, said: "It just goes to show how tough it is out there. Larger companies often turn to early retirement offers because they can save more money in pension expenses with such programs. One thing you have to be careful of: You don't want to diminish your work force so that when things turn around you're at a competitive disadvantage. There may be key talent they need to retain."

More than half of 3M's workforce now operates outside of the U.S. and the company is unsure how many U.S. employees will accept the early retirement offer, the story noted.

Eligible employees have until May 31 to make the decision whether or not to accept the buyout offer, the story added.

America's first LEED-certified arena

MIAMI — The American Airlines Arena is the first in the country to be certified green by the U.S. Green Building Council's (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system, according to the Miami Herald.

The American Airlines Arena is a concert and event venue and home to the National Basketball Association's (NBA) Miami Heat, the story stated.

The news of the certification was announced by Mayor Manny Diaz yesterday in a press conference with Miami Heat President of Business Operations Eric Woolworth, the story noted.

To obtain LEED certification, buildings must meet stringent standards for sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality, the story added.

University offers LEED-AP preparation courses

COLUMBIA, SC — Two-day preparation courses for individuals preparing for the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED-AP) exam are now being offered through the Office of Academic Enrichment and Conferences at the University of South Carolina, according to the Charleston Regional Business Journal.

The preparation courses include a complete review of LEED credits, worksheets, a practice exam and strategies for passing the exam, the story stated.

According to the story, classes will take place April 20-21; June 9-10; Sept. 1-2; Oct. 13-14; and Nov. 23-24.

The courses are administered by LEED Accredited Professionals from Everblue Energy Inc., an official education provider for the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the story noted.

Preparation course participants will receive continuing education credit (CEC), the story added.

For fee and registration information, contact the university’s Academic Enrichment and Conferences office at (803) 777-9444.

MRSA infection prompts parental notification

RICHMOND, KY — The confirmation that a seventh-grader contracted Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) prompted Model Laboratory School to send a letter home to the parents of all 685 students to warn them of the infection, according to the Richmond Register.

After learning of the incident, the school immediately followed its MRSA incident protocol by notifying the Madison County Health Department and sanitizing common areas of the school, the story stated.

Christie Green of the Madison County Health Department said: "MRSA is not a readily transmittable disease. It requires skin-to-skin contact with an open wound or skin-to-surface contact with surfaces contaminated by an open wound. If a staph-infected wound is kept properly covered with clean, dry bandages, there is very minimal risk to the people around them in schools or workplaces."

Under state and federal laws, it is not mandatory for schools or other institutions to report cases of MRSA, the story noted.

The Model Parents Organization has scheduled a meeting for April 20 to discuss the incident and to ease the worries of some, the story added.

Kimberly-Clark hosts cruise to benefit the United Way

IRVING, TX — Kimberly-Clark will host the first “Kimberly-Clark United Cruise” May 30 to benefit the United Way, according to The Dispatch.

All cars, trucks and motorcycles are invited to participate in the event that will begin at Kimberly-Clark's plant on Clyde Fitzgerald Road in Linwood at 11 a.m. and travel 35 miles to the Richard Childress Racing Museum, the story stated.

According to the story, the cost to participate is $20 and includes a T-shirt, live entertainment and a hot dog lunch.

Donna Lane, United Way campaign director, said: "Kimberly-Clark is no doubt our top producer in not only what they give but the number of events they do. United Way is blessed to have management support and help from so many employees that care about this community."

Advanced registration is available by calling Dennis at (972) 248-7303; registrations will also be taken the day of the event beginning at 10 a.m., the story noted.

Last year, Kimberly-Clark raised $132,006 for the United Way, the story added.

Many outraged over janitors' overtime

WATERBURY, CT — Many members of the Waterbury Board of Education are outraged and curious about how some Waterbury Public Schools' custodians more than doubled their salaries by putting in upwards of 2,000 hours of overtime last year, according to the Republican-American.

Thirty-two custodial and maintenance staff put in for more than 500 hours of overtime in the past year, the story stated.

According to records released by the school, John Laforme, a custodial supervisor at Rotella Interdistrict Magnet School, made $82,161.04 last year, of which $51,296.48 was paid for 2,138 hours of overtime.

Board member Paul D'Angelo said: "We have serious management shortcomings within the department and people seem to be willing to turn a blind eye to it."

Board members responded to the "outrageous and disgraceful" clocking of overtime by asking for details of any overtime requests of more than 400 hours per year, the story noted.

Some see the high number of overtime hours as normal and necessary because many of the schools are open more than 12 hours a day and the district was short 15 custodians last year, the story added.

Clorox has first EPA-registered bleach to kill C. diff

OAKLAND, CA — Clorox Commercial Solutions® Ultra Clorox® Germicidal Bleach is the first and only product to obtain U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registration for killing Clostridium difficle (C. diff) spores on hard, non-porous surfaces, according to a press release.

A study by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control (APIC) found that C. diff infection rates are 6.5 to 20 times higher than previous estimates and costs health care institutions $17.6 to $51.5 million each day, the release stated.

C. diff spores can persist in the environment for many months and are highly resistant to many disinfecting formulations, until now, the release noted.

Ultra Clorox Germicidal Bleach is registered for use in all 50 states to effectively kill C. diff spores, the release added.

For more information on Ultra Clorox Germicidal Bleach, visit www.cloroxprofessional.com/cdiff.

Green claims for disinfectants and sanitizers

WASHINGTON — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) officials voiced interest in recommending the adoption of a policy that allows suppliers to make valid green claims for disinfectants and sanitizers, according to a press release.

It is also possible that a policy will be established that would allow the use of ecolabels in conjunction with the marketing of hard surface antimicrobial products in cooperation with the EPA's Design for the Environment (DfE) program, the release stated.

According to the release, this represents a significant departure from the EPA's policy that prohibits green claims to be made in conjunction with the promotion of any antimicrobial pesticides.

Stephen Ashkin, president of The Ashkin Group, said: "I am very pleased to see this development from EPA that will make it easier for green consumers and manufacturers to clearly identify ‘greener’ disinfectants which in turn will help eliminate confusion in the marketplace and accelerate green cleaning in critical segments such as health care, schools and others with vulnerable populations."

The EPA will make the recommendations on green claims at the April 22-23 meeting of EPA’s Pesticide Policy Dialogue Committee, the release noted.

In the meantime, the EPA and DfE will continue to conduct the internal pilot, which is designed to identify the parameters under which the DfE ecolabel could be bestowed upon certain disinfectants and sanitizers, the release added.

Boise's green library is nearly complete

BOISE, ID — Though it is still under construction, the green elements in the new Boise West Library are noticeable, according to KIVI-TV.

The City of Boise mandated the new library meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold standards set forth by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the story stated.

The project, slated to be completed this summer by contractor PETRA Inc., hopes to pave the way for more green building projects in and around the Boise area, the story noted.

PETRA Marketing Director Mark VanGulik said: "Implementing it, has been a little difficult. They're not used to it. It's something new."

Sustainable elements in the new library include a rainwater collection system, polished concrete, temperature-regulating glass, recycled materials and aspects to accommodate a green lifestyle for workers, such as showers for those who bike to work, the story added.

Harvard Medical School employees protest layoffs

BOSTON — Nine employees subcontracted from American Cleaning Company to work at Harvard Medical School staged a protest Monday morning in response to their recent layoffs, according to the Harvard Crimson.

Escorted by nearly 30 students and members of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 615, the custodians' representing body, the displaced employees attempted to clock in before heading to the basement for a small ceremony, the story stated.

Protestors held hands and presented the laid off workers with bread representing livelihood and roses representing dignity before the group was removed from the building, the story noted.

According to the story, Ana Guevara, one of the laid off custodians, said that she had been studying to get her GED through a bridge program with Harvard, but because she will no longer be affiliated with the University, she will have to leave the program after this semester.

Harvard Medical School says it is doing all it can to help the former custodians regain employment, the story added.

Dallas area hospitals invest in infection prevention

DALLAS — With growing concern over hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) like Clostridium difficile (C. diff) and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), several Dallas area hospitals are investing heavily in infection education and prevention, according to the Dallas Morning News.

The Baylor Health Care System has allocated $20 million for infection education, part of which included inviting Victoria Nahum who started the Safe Care Campaign to educate hospital staff and administrators about the dangers of carelessness after three of her family members became infected in three hospitals in three states in 10 months, the story stated.

Another facility, Texas Health Resources Inc., reinforces infection prevention protocols with "time outs" in surgical situations to double-check the sterilization of equipment and supplies, the story noted.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), health care associated infections account for an estimated 1.7 million infections and 99,000 deaths each year, and cost hospitals $28.4 billion to $33.8 billion annually, or $26,000 per patient.

Many of the efforts employed by hospitals to fight infections revolve around creative programs that stress proper hand hygiene, the story added.

According to the story, Methodist Health System spent $80,000 on small hand sanitizer pumps in and around patient rooms, a $30,000 increase from 2004.

Brigham Young students prepare for LEED-AP exam

PROVO, UT — A construction management student at Brigham Young University took his passion for the environment and started the Sustainable Build and Design Club to educate others about sustainability, according to The Maneater, Brigham Young's student newspaper.

As part of the club, Dave Robinaugh and other members help prepare students for an exam to become a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED-AP), the story stated.

Robinaugh said: "The idea of the club is to help people realize that what they do has an impact on the world around them and that everyone in their specific area can make a difference. To me, it’s just about building responsibly. I think for so long the majority of my industry has built in a manner that was irresponsible and people have demanded buildings that didn’t show respect for the world around them, the people around them or the creations of God."

At the beginning of the year, only two students were accredited in LEED, but there are now 16, with another dozen students expected to take the test at the end of the semester, the story noted.

The club sets aside four Saturdays a semester to help prepare for the test and takes students on a tour of a green-friendly building to help solidify the principles they have been learning, the story added.

Industry donates resources in NY massacre cleanup

BINGHAMTON, NY — Following the horrific events that unfolded last Friday at the American Civic Association in Binghamton, NY, the American Bio-Recovery Association (ABRA) has completed the cleanup, according to a press release.

The ABRA, a non-profit international association of crime and trauma scene professionals sought help from two local companies to assist in the biorecovery cleanup efforts, the release stated.

Disaster Cleanup of Endwell, NY, and Bio-Recovery Corporation of New York, NY, donated their labor and supplies to professionally and legally remediate the scene with a crew of six highly skilled biorecovery technicians, the release noted.

As a community service, the ABRA provided no cost biohazard cleanup services to the non-profit American Civic Association in hopes of helping the community heal from the loss of 13 innocent would-be American citizens and the wounding of four others, the release added.

The thoughts and prayers of the CM/Cleaning & Maintenance Management® and CM/Cleanfax® staff go out to all of the friends and families affected by this tragedy.

Thirty sickened by norovirus at Michigan State University

EAST LANSING, MI — Two more students at Michigan State University have been sickened by norovirus, a highly contagious gastrointestinal infection whose eradication requires extensive cleaning of surfaces, bringing the total of hospitalized students to 30, according to the Lansing State Journal.

Disinfection efforts were continuing at Shaw Hall, which was closed last Wednesday and where many of the infected students either resided or dined; the building is expected to reopen today, the story stated.

Symptoms of norovirus include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, and can last anywhere from a few days to a week, the story added.

LEED-Gold certified juvenile justice center

SAN LEANDRO, CA — The 379,000-square-foot Alameda County Juvenile Justice Center that houses five courtrooms, nine related agencies and 360 beds, is Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certified, according to Corrections.com.

Some of the attributes in the complex that was planned, designed and now operates as a green facility, are water-efficient irrigation systems and waterless urinals that save around 7,000,000 gallons of water annually, the story stated.

The entire facility is cleaned using only green-certified cleaning chemicals and products, adding to its environmentally friendly aspects, the story noted.

Steven Ashkin, president of The Ashkin Group, said: "Don’t forget the intangible savings that often result from the use of environmentally preferable cleaning products. We now know that a number of health problems — from respiratory ailments such as asthma to headaches, dizziness and fatigue — have been tied to conventional cleaning products. When inmates get sick, it costs the facility — and ultimately the taxpayer — more money."

Given the current economic state, it is a rare opportunity when a facility can be cleaner, healthier and more fiscally responsible all at the same time, the story added.

Meth lab cleanup laws scrutinized

INDIANAPOLIS — A two-year-old Indiana law that requires property owners to cover the costs of a methamphetamine lab cleanup is being scrutinized as the epidemic becomes widespread, according to the Chicago Tribune.

The average cleanup cost for a methamphetamine lab in Indiana ranges anywhere from $5,000 to $35,000 depending on the length of time the lab was functioning and the level of contamination, the story stated.

Indiana State Police and other local and federal agencies uncovered 1,092 labs in the state in 2008, a 31 percent increase from 2007.

The fumes from the toxic chemicals used to manufacture methamphetamine soak into virtually every porous surface, including carpet, drywall, upholstery and ceiling tile, and then are gassed off over time, leading to nausea, headaches, malaise and even memory loss, the story noted.

The law that took effect in March 2007 sets stringent standards for cleanup and says properties where methamphetamine was manufactured, or "cooked," cannot be sold, rented or occupied until they are deemed safe by a state-certified inspector, the story added.

According to the story, it is often cheaper to demolish a former methamphetamine lab site, especially in the case of mobile homes, than it is to pay for remediation.

First Green Seal-certified hotel in Texas

HOUSTON — The Hilton Americas-Houston hotel has earned Green Seal certification, making it the first and only hotel in the state to bear such a distinction, according to the Houston Business Journal.

In order to comply with the Green Seal Environmental Standard for Lodging Properties, the hotel implemented an extensive recycling program, initiated food waste composting, installed compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs and began using nontoxic and biodegradable cleaning products, the story stated.

To qualify for certification, a hotel must demonstrate sustainable practices in waste minimization; energy efficiency, conservation and management; management of fresh water resources; wastewater management; hazardous substances management; and environmentally sensitive purchasing, the story noted.

According to the story, the 1,203-room, 91,500-square-foot Hilton Americas-Houston hotel exceeded basic requirements and achieved certification at the silver level.

Certification requires an evaluation by Green Seal, including an on-site audit of the property and annual monitoring to ensure ongoing compliance, the story added.

Mold and roaches found throughout school

WILMINGTON, NC — A recent health inspection score of 70.5 at E. A. Laney High School revealed a serious problem — roaches in classrooms, mold in the gym bathroom, fieldhouse and on floors, baseboards and walls throughout the school, according to the Wilmington Star-News.

The heavy scrubbing and deep cleaning operation needed to clean and remediate the dirt and mold festering throughout the school will continue through next week while the students are on spring break, the story stated.

Susan Wright, environmental health program specialist with the New Hanover County Health Department, said: "The previous school building inspection, conducted on June 4, 2008, had a final score of 71. Considering that every item marked on the current inspection was a repeat violation and the score remained consistent clearly indicates that some improvements have been made but obviously more are needed."

According to the story, a health inspection score below 70 would warrant the immediate closure of an establishment.

The 30-year-old, 2,000 plus student school is operating with a custodial staff of nine, and the New Hanover County School District plans to drastically cut that number in the next year, the story noted.

A "clean team" consisting of custodians from other schools within the district was brought in to assist in cleaning the school; according to school officials, the operation was planned before the health inspection report came out, the story added.

Citigroup to lay off 107 custodians

NEW YORK — Just weeks after the anti-union position taken by Citigroup in their opposition to the Employee Free Choice Act, the company announced plans to lay off over one-third of their custodial workforce responsible for maintaining six properties, according to the Huffington Post.

In response to the 107 proposed layoffs, the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 32BJ, the representative body for the custodians, proposed that Citigroup decrease the number of positions cut and provide severance packages and Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) health insurance to those impacted by the decision, the story stated.

According to Cushman & Wakefield, the property management company contracted by Citigroup, "We are engaged in good faith negotiations with SEIU Local 32BJ and are working on a solution that will be responsive to market conditions and the issues raised by the union. We have and continue to comply with both the spirit and letter of the current bargaining agreement and hope to resolve the matter to everyone's satisfaction."

Citigroup hopes to save an estimated $6.5 million by laying off the custodians, the story noted.

Many are wondering why the layoffs are necessary, as Citigroup was the recipient of a recent $50 billion taxpayer bailout that was intended to save jobs, the story added.

Oreck's Clean for the Cure campaign

NASHVILLE, TN — Oreck is currently promoting their Clean for the Cure campaign by selling the specially-created Pink Oreck XL Ultra Hypo-Allergenic Plus Vacuum Cleaner, according to a press release.

With each purchase of the Pink Oreck XL, Oreck will make a $50 donation to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation to help the fight against breast cancer, the release stated.

President and CEO Tom Oreck said: "The response to the Pink Oreck XL vacuum was so strong, we vow to continue and raise more money to help find a cure for breast cancer. Susan G. Komen for the Cure is clearly a cause that touches our consumers and we want to give back to the people who buy our products."

In time for spring cleaning and Mother's Day gifts, the Pink Oreck XL Ultra Vacuum Cleaner makes home cleaning more effective and easier, especially for allergen control, the release noted.

Oreck pledges a minimum donation of $500,000, with no limit to the amount it will donate, the release added.

According to the release, Oreck raised over $740,000 during its inaugural campaign last year.

Mandatory LEED standards for City of Bloomington

BLOOMINGTON, IN — The Bloomington City Council passed the city’s first green building ordinance last week that requires 15 government buildings to meet stringent energy efficiency standards, according to the Indiana Daily Student.

The ordinance requires that all 15 buildings, including City Hall, Department of Public Works buildings, Parks and Recreation buildings and the Utility Service, meet the U.S. Green Building Council's (USGBC) Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED-EB) Silver standard for existing buildings, the story stated.

Bloomington Mayor Mark Kruzan said: "We continue to strive to be better environmental stewards, and identifying energy efficiencies is critical since, in the long run, they reduce our operating costs and decrease our carbon footprint."

The cost of the energy-efficient upgrades will be offset within a 10-year period, the story noted.

The city's efforts will save taxpayers money in the long run and will reduce the city's carbon footprint, the story added.

Custodian throws wrench at principal

WEST VALLEY CITY, UT — A custodian at Robert Frost Elementary School has been charged with felony assault for throwing a wrench at a principal, according to the Salt Lake Tribune.

After being confronted about his work, the custodian became irate and threw a 14- or 16-inch crescent wrench at the principal; the wrench did not hit her, the story stated.

The custodian said that he "could have hit her with the wrench" if he wanted, and that the only way to get her attention is to "blow up," the story noted.

The custodian faces up to five years in prison if convicted, the story added.

Staph infection initiates jail lockdown

BLACKFOOT, ID — After seven inmates became infected with a staph infection, the Bingham County Jail was put on lockdown and visitation has been suspended, according to KIDK-TV.

The lockdown is a precautionary measure to curb the infection's spread while staff and medical personnel clean and disinfect everything in the jail, the story stated.

Sheriff Dave Johnson said: "These things happen in jail. They happen in hospitals. They happen in schools, and you just get on it as quick as you can and get it taken care of."

The jail claims the infection is not Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and that nobody is in imminent danger, the story noted.

According to the story, the inmates have been so cooperative during this matter that the sheriff plans to buy everyone pizza.

The jail plans to end the lockdown and visitation suspension on Monday, the story added.

Study proves the worth of LEED buildings

WASHINGTON — The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RCIS) released the results of the first study on the financial performance of green office buildings that meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and/or Energy Star requirements, according to Consulting-Specifying Engineer.

The 48-page report, "Doing well by doing good?" shows that tenants and investors are willing to pay more for an energy-efficient building, but not for a building advertised as sustainable, the story stated.

The estimated annual rent for a green building is approximately $329,000 higher than its non-rated counterpart, the story noted.

The value of a green building is estimated to be about $5.5 million more than the value of a comparable unrated building, the story added.

According to the article, the researchers identified a control group consisting of 7,488 commercial properties located within 1,300 feet of a LEED or Energy Star rated building for its comparison.

Custodian accused of being a bookie

METHUEN, MA — A Timony Grammar School custodian is accused of using school computers to participate in illegal gambling, according to the Eagle-Tribune.

Patrick Winn was charged with registering bets and using a telephone for gaming on March 5; he is due back in court April 15, the story stated.

According to police, there is reason to believe three Timony School computers contain evidence of Winn's illegal gambling, and they, along with another computer and several documents from Winn's home, were confiscated.

Arthur Broadhurst, Winn's attorney, said: "Pat Winn is not a bookie and they'll find that out when they've done their investigation. There's nothing on the computers. This is a wild goose chase."

Winn, who can be put on administrative leave at the discrepancy of Superintendent Jeanne Whitten, remains on the job as the investigation continues, the story noted.

Asbestos removal training fraud

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has added Albania Deleon, former president of an asbestos removal training school, to its fugitives website after she failed to appear for her sentencing on March 23, according to a press release.

Last November, Deleon was convicted of selling certificates from Environmental Compliance Training in Methuen, MA, which shut down in May 2007, to hundreds of illegal immigrants who had not taken the mandatory training course, the release stated.

According to the release, hundreds of untrained and undocumented illegals were sent to asbestos demolition sites in Massachusetts and other New England states after filing falsified documents with the Massachusetts Division of Occupational Safety.

Deleon, who employed the illegals through her temporary employment agency and paid them "under the table," failed to report the employees to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and workers compensation organizations, allowing her to save more than $1 million dollars in tax and insurance payments, the release noted.

Deleon was convicted on 28 felony counts, including one count of conspiracy in making false statements, encouraging illegal aliens to reside in the U.S., and hiring illegal aliens; five counts of making false statements; sixteen counts of procuring false payroll tax returns; and six counts of mail fraud, the release added.

Any information on Deleon's whereabouts should be reported to the EPA Criminal Investigation Division office in Boston, Massachusetts, at 1-617-918-2300.

Custodians save woman from fire

EL PASO, TX — Three Northloop Elmentary School custodians were honored for saving a woman from a house fire on Monday, according to KFOX-TV.

A fire at a house across the street from Northloop Elementary began in a bedroom where a child was playing with a lighter, the story stated.

The custodians said they heard someone pleading for help and instinctively ran toward the screaming, the story added.

According to the story, the custodians had to break the bathroom window to rescue the woman who suffered minor injuries.

Rafael Camacho, Everardo Chacon and an unnamed custodian were honored at an assembly by students, staff and the El Paso Fire Department with certificates of bravery, the story noted.

Wausau Paper mill fire ignited by dust

MIDDLETOWN, OH — A small fire at a Wausau Paper mill Tuesday night started due to excessive dust buildup on a machine, according to the Middletown Journal.

By the time Middletown firefighters arrived at the 700 Columbia Avenue mill, employees had already extinguished the blaze, the story stated.

In the short 34 minutes firefighters were at the scene, they checked all of the equipment to ensure the fire was out and another would not ignite, the story noted.

Though there was a small amount of smoke, there was no damage and the mill was not evacuated, the story added.

Thieving house cleaner pleads guilty

GARDNERVILLE, CA — A cleaning lady pleaded guilty to theft after she was discovered to have stolen several items from houses she cleaned, according to the Record-Courier.

Stacia Boddy, who faces up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine, stole jewelry while she was contracted to clean houses by Merry Maids, and then sold the items to a Nevada pawn shop, the story stated.

Boddy claims she stole and pawned the jewelry for money to pay her bills, the story noted.

Boddy said: "I was getting garnished at work. It’s just me and my 5-year-old son."

The jewelry was recovered and returned to its respective owners, the story added.

According to the story, the pawn shop is out the $775 it paid Boddy for the items.

Hospitals advised against green cleaning

OTTAWA, ON, Canada — The Quebec Health Ministry recently issued a warning to hospitals urging them to ensure that products marketed as environmentally friendly will effectively clean surfaces and keep patients safe and protected, according to the National Post.

Experts warn that many manufacturers are marketing products that are simply diluted versions of traditional chemicals that are often ineffective in combating infections that sicken thousands of patients a year.

There is a growing fear that ineffective green products are making hospitals more susceptible to pathogens like Clostridium difficile (C. diff) and norovirus, the story stated.

Syed Sattar, a microbiologist at the University of Ottawa who specializes in disinfectants, said: "What that does is gives the infection-control professional, the people on the front-line in hospitals, a certain false sense of security. [Custodians and administrators] are all busy individuals and don't have either the time or deeper understanding to be able to look at the product label or brochure to decipher what exactly it is saying or not saying."

According to the story, the drive to make cleaners more environmentally friendly is an important one; however, increased care and vigilance is needed to ensure the right green products are used.

Health Canada, in an effort to end the confusion over the efficacy of green cleaners and to eliminate greenwashing, is planning to mandate more stringent testing, the story noted.

Hospitals are urged to do their research and test new products on the small-scale before they are widely utilized throughout the entire facility, the story added.

Broward County sued over moldy courthouse

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL — Broward County is being sued by two judicial aides over health problems they claim developed due to mold exposure in the Fort Lauderdale courthouse, according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel.


Former Senator Walter "Skip" Campbell’s law firm is suing the county and three contractors because water damage from Hurricanes Katrina and Wilma created toxic mold that was never effectively remediated and compromised the indoor air quality (IAQ), the story stated.


According to the story, at least five additional employees are expected to file suit this week.


Campbell said he would not only seek damages for his clients, but that he would also seek a court order to force Broward County to meet its obligations of providing a safe courthouse, the story noted.


Campbell said: "The indoor air quality was already judged to be 'sick' when more damage occurred. Burst pipes in December 2008 and January 2009 and a leaky urinal in February of 2009 continued to infect the air quality, making work at the courthouse hazardous to one’s health."


Voters rejected a 2006 ballot initiative to borrow $450 million to improve Broward County's court system, the story added.

Proctor & Gamble's sustainability goals

CINCINNATI — Proctor & Gamble recently announced a series of updated corporate sustainability goals it hopes to achieve by 2012 , according to the Dayton Business Journal.


The company hopes to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, energy consumption, water usage and disposed waste by 20 percent, the story stated.


Proctor & Gamble CEO A.G. Lafley said: "P&G’s commitment to sustainability is strategic. It is how our company conducts business. By increasing sustainability goals, we demonstrate our ongoing commitment to innovate continuously to improve results."


Another of Proctor & Gamble's goals is to increase the number of children benefiting from their Safe Drinking Water Program to 300 million, up from their original 2007 goal of 250 million, the story noted.


Proctor & Gamble also hopes to develop and market at least $50 billion in innovative and sustainable products and increase their use of rail transportation from 10 percent to 30 percent by 2015, the story added.

C. diff outbreak hits St. Joe's

HAMILTON, ON, Canada — St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton has declared that it is experiencing an outbreak of the superbug Clostridium difficile (C. diff), according to the Hamilton Spectator.


The infection, which causes severe diarrhea, nausea, painful cramping and sometimes death, has spread throughout seven wards and sickened 15 individuals, the story stated.


According to the October 2008 cover story from Cleaning & Maintenance Management, C. diff is a spore-forming organism that presents many challenges for cleaners.


Chief of staff Dr. David Higgins said: "In the spring, there is an expected increase in respiratory cases such as pneumonia that require antibiotics. Those drugs are well-known to contribute to the development of C. diff. We did believe our processes and protocols were in place to manage it and we had hoped by the end of March it would have started to fall, but it hasn't. If anything, it's increased."


According to the story, three patients infected with C. diff died in September at St. Joseph's in an outbreak of 26 cases that prompted the closure of two units.


All of the infected patients at St. Joseph's are frail, elderly patients with already-compromised health, the story noted.


The hospital is also treating 10 patients for a gastrointestinal ailment believed to be norovirus, the story added.