Compliance with Environmental Sustainability Standards Flashcards

Under which condition is it permissible to mix two different cleaning chemicals together?

Answer: Only when the manufacturer's instructions explicitly state they are compatible

Chemicals should only be mixed when manufacturers specifically state compatibility, as many common combinations (e.g., bleach and ammonia) create toxic gases.

A custodial program is certified under ISSA's Cleaning Industry Management Standard (CIMS). What does this certification indicate about sustainability?

Answer: The organization demonstrates best practices in cleaning management, including environmental stewardship

CIMS certification, including the optional Green Building designation, demonstrates that a cleaning organization meets industry standards for quality and sustainable practices.

Why should custodians avoid using hot water when cold or warm water is sufficient for a cleaning task?

Answer: Hot water consumes more energy, increasing the facility's carbon footprint

Heating water requires energy; using the lowest effective temperature reduces energy consumption and the associated greenhouse gas emissions.

A custodian is asked to clean a LEED-certified building's restrooms. Which product characteristic is most important to verify before use?

Answer: The product meets VOC content limits specified in the LEED IEQ credit requirements

LEED IEQ credits specify VOC content limits for cleaning products to protect indoor air quality, and using non-compliant products can jeopardize the building's certification.

What is the environmental risk of improperly storing cleaning chemicals near floor drains?

Answer: Spills or leaks can enter the stormwater system and contaminate local waterways

Floor drains often connect to stormwater systems, so chemical spills near them can bypass wastewater treatment and discharge directly to waterways.

A facility is implementing a sustainability initiative and asks custodians to track chemical usage. What is the primary purpose of this tracking?

Answer: To identify overuse, reduce waste, and demonstrate progress toward sustainability goals

Usage tracking reveals patterns of overuse or waste, enables cost and environmental impact reductions, and provides data to document sustainability progress.

Which of the following is an example of 'source reduction' in a sustainable custodial program?

Answer: Switching from single-use product packets to a bulk dispenser system

Source reduction means generating less waste in the first place; bulk dispensers eliminate the packaging waste created by individual single-use packets.