Algoma University recognized as green and sustainable

PETERBOROUGH, ON, Canada — Algoma University recently received a certification of accomplishment from Boreal Solutions, an Ontario-based JanSan distributor, recognizing the university's commitment to becoming a greener and more sustainable school, according to a press release.

Along with Boreal Solutions, the university has been working with Enviro-Solutions Ltd. to test and evaluate cleaning products that are proven safer for the university's staff and students, are environmentally preferable and meet the performance needs of the school, the release stated.

Goals of the one-year project include: Eliminating toxic and corrosive materials used to clean and maintain the campus; Improving energy efficiency; Reducing the amount of waste generated by the school; and transferring to only green-certified cleaning products bearing either the Green Seal^® or EcoLogo^™ label, the release noted.

Kevin Hemsworth, divisional director of external relations for Algoma University, said: "One of the biggest and surprising achievements [in this process] is that the green measures have resulted in no additional cost to the university. In fact, we may even be saving money as a result of this team effort that [also] helps the school continue to be a leader in environmental stewardship."

Selecting green-certified products was a requirement because it guarantees the products selected have been independently evaluated and proven to have less impact on users, building occupants and the environment, the release added.