November 12, 2008—Dalhousie University is the first university in North America to receive an EcoLogo Environmental Stewardship Award for “green” cleaning and purchasing.
Since January 2008, Dalhousie custodians have been using environmentally safe, biodegradable, EcoLogo-certified products manufactured by the Canadian company Avmor Ltd., including certified general purpose cleaners, degreasers, carpet cleaners, and deodorizers.
Dalhousie explains that these new cleaning solutions are less toxic, and can be used with cold water, making them safer while saving energy, emissions, and costs. In addition, less volume of product is required, thus reducing packing and chemical costs by up to 25%.
Dalhousie was also recently honored with the Champion of Sustainability in Communities Award by the Sustainable Endowments Institute, a special project of the Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors in the US that examines education and sustainability at campuses throughout North America.
The award singles out the work of Dalhousie’s Eco-Efficiency Centre, a Faculty of Management-based extension service that engages large to small businesses in improving environmental and economic sustainability.
