Diversey, Purell and Spartan Support Green Seal’s New Indoor Air Quality in Schools Campaign

Green Seal and Healthy Schools Campaign (HSC) launched the Healthy Green Schools & Colleges program to help school facility professionals identify and implement low- and no-cost measures that proponents say can make a big difference in indoor air quality without major capital investments.

Platinum-Level sponsors of Healthy Green Schools & Colleges include Diversey, Spartan Chemical Company and Purell (Gojo)—all leaders in the I&I marketplace. Each are also part of Happi’s 2022 Top 50 Companies Report, a ranking of the leading US companies in the pesonal care, beauty, household care and industrial cleaning marketplaces.

The first slate of Healthy Green Schools & Colleges participants  include Cape Elizabeth School Department, Consumnes River College, Kansas City Public Schools, University of Georgia and West Allis-West Milwaukee School District.

The Healthy Green Schools & Colleges program was developed in partnership with recognized school facility management leaders and covers the full range of facilities management practices, including cleaning and disinfecting; integrated pest management; sustainable purchasing; HVAC and electric maintenance; indoor air quality testing and monitoring; training; and communication.

The Healthy Green Schools & Colleges program is available to school districts, colleges and universities across the spectrum, whether they are just getting started exploring environmental health and sustainability improvements or already are leaders.

“The pandemic has highlighted the importance of creating healthier indoor environments, yet many schools struggle to maintain facilities that support the health of all students and staff,” said Doug Gatlin, CEO of Green Seal. “This nationally available program addresses a critical gap by providing schools with the guidance and network to continuously improve the health and sustainability of their facilities.”

“Unhealthy indoor air, inadequate ventilation, and chemical exposure from cleaning and maintenance routines put the health of students and staff at risk and are linked to poor concentration and test performance,” said Rochelle Davis, president and CEO of Healthy Schools Campaign, Chicago. “These conditions are disproportionately found in schools serving primarily low-income Black and Latino students, making this an important issue of equity. The Healthy Green Schools & Colleges program addresses these systemic challenges and is designed to be accessible for any school district or university that commits to providing safer, healthier indoor environments.”

HSC works to ensure that all students have access to healthy school environments, including clean air, nutritious food, physical activity, mental and physical health services, and outdoor spaces, where they can learn and thrive. It provides school stakeholders with knowledge and leadership skills to have a voice in health and wellness policy; advocates for practical policy recommendations; and builds strong partnerships and coalitions.

Healthy Green Schools & Colleges will host a live program kickoff webinar with the program director and representatives from the first participating schools on Tuesday, Oct. 4 at 1pm Central.