Custodial Services creates a more sustainable Virginia Tech

Behind every Blacksburg campus facility is a Custodial Services team working around the clock to provide clean and welcoming spaces for students, employees, and visitors.

With over 5 million square feet of academic and administrative space across the university, keeping campus tidy is no small task. But cleanliness isn’t the only focus of the Custodial Services team. Sustainability touches nearly every aspect of the work, resulting in a cohesive and coordinated effort to clean campus in an environmentally responsible manner.

These efforts to include sustainability directly support university policy and have contributed to the university’s recent Gold Sustainability Tracking, Assessment, and Rating System achievement. 

The program of custodial care is based on departmental standard operating procedures as well as a cleaning scope that incorporates sustainable and environmentally friendly practices. “We understand the impact that our industry can have on the environment,” said Greg Canaday, director of facilities operations custodial services. “Because of this, we do our best to minimize our footprint and focus on sustainability whenever possible.” 

Everyday items contribute to a more sustainable campus

The Custodial Services team has incorporated environmentally responsible practices into the everyday items that Hokies reach for. From the hand soap in the university’s restrooms to the trash bags used to collect waste, the team implements daily items that lead to a more sustainable campus. 

Some examples include:

• EcoLogo-certified trash bags formulated from recycled resin and high-quality post-consumer resin
• Restroom paper products that utilize 100 percent recycled content with a minimum of 30 percent post-consumer recycled content
• Refillable hand soap dispensers that reduce both plastic and product waste

With these simple yet effective items, the Custodial Services team helps create an environment in which Hokies can participate in reducing waste through daily actions. 

Sustainable partnerships

The implementation of sustainable practices relies on strategic partnerships, both internal and external to the university. These collaborations are crucial for resource conservation and reaffirm the Custodial Services team’s commitment to sustainability. 

By utilizing contracted laundering services, the team has significantly reduced water and energy consumption. The external laundering service provider uses a chemical-free detergent and recycles up to 50 percent of the water used in its operations. Other partnerships, such as those with equipment companies that provide water-regulating systems, further minimize water consumption and waste.

Internal to the university, a partnership with the Office of Sustainability has aided in the application of signage to remind Hokies to be mindful of energy waste. 

Through strategic partnerships and diligent daily practices, the Custodial Services team is committed to creating and maintaining clean, beautiful, and environmentally responsible campus spaces.