Green buildings are structures designed and constructed in a manner which reduces their impact on the environment and public health through the efficient utilization of resources.
Montclair State University has committed to designing all new buildings to meet specifications for a Silver rating under the Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design (LEED) rating system.
LEED is a globally recognized symbol of excellence in green building. LEED certification ensures electricity cost savings, lower carbon emissions and healthier environments where people live, work, learn, play and worship. In the United States alone, buildings account for almost 40% of national CO2 emissions, but LEED-certified buildings have 34% lower CO2 emissions, consume 25% less energy and 11% less water, and have diverted more than 80 million tons of waste from landfills.
Part of green building is the maintenance that occurs after the building has been built/renovated. To that end, University Facilities establishes official green cleaning policies for each of our LEED buildings. This involves purchasing paper products that are made out of recycled materials and certified green cleaning supplies. In fact, 80% of all cleaning products used on the campus are green cleaning supplies including glass cleaners, all purpose cleaners, neutral disinfectant floor cleaner, floor stripper, floor wax, and carpet shampoo. These products are used in all of our buildings, not just those with a LEED certification.
Many cleaning products contain Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) which can negatively affect indoor air quality and the health of building occupants. Certified green cleaning products contain low amounts of, or no, VOCs. That means we’re keeping the buildings clean and helping you stay healthy!