Our collective future depends on sustainability. There are many factors that can help people embrace sustainability, whether it’s electric cars, LED lights, or even solar panels. The idea of becoming more sustainable has become increasingly popular, but not just as a growing fad, but as a way to help pave the way to a brighter future.

As a facility manager, you may have heard of different ways to make your facility more sustainable, but have you embraced them yet? We’re going to give you a few tips and tricks to help you learn more about sustainability. We’ll even show you ways that you can make your facility more sustainable and eco-friendly.

What is Sustainability & Why is it Important?

Sustainability essentially means that everything we need to survive, and thrive, as a society all depends on our natural environment. This means utilizing building and energy sources that can either be recycled or continuous. We’ve seen great strides with eco-friendly cars, low-energy devices, and even building materials. Sustainability is important because it helps society become self-reliant and it steers us away from utilizing materials that can be harmful to the environment.

Ways That Can Help You Make Your Facility More Sustainable

Whether you’re about to break ground and build a new facility, or you’re looking to renovate your current one, there are several ways that you can reduce your facility’s carbon output. Utilizing some of these methods and materials will not only help you make your facility greener, but you’ll also notice a reduction in overall costs and maintenance.

  • Saving on Energy: There are several ways that you can reduce your facility’s energy A really effective way is by getting rid of any incandescent or fluorescent lights, and replacing them with more efficient ones like CFL or LED light bulbs. You can even invest in some solar panels to put on the roof, which will help you utilize clean energy while reducing your overall costs.
  • Improve Your Recycling: Recycling is one of the backbones to sustainability, and ensuring that the proper things are being recycled helps the wheels of sustainability turn. This also includes replacing disposable items with more eco-friendly ones that can be easily recycled.
  • Invest in HDPE: HDPE plastic is a strong and durable material that can have a variety of applications, including lockers, vanities, and bathroom partitions. This material is low maintenance, mold/mildew resistant, and best of all, 100% recyclable, containing roughly anywhere between 25-100% pre-consumer material.What Makes HDPE Sustainable
  • Going Green: There are plenty of ways that you can go green. This includes taking advantage of beautiful weather by opening the windows and turning off the air. You can also use green cleaning materials to reduce your use of harmful chemicals.

The Importance of Being Sustainable

Making your facility sustainable can have positive effects on the environment, your occupants’ outlook, and even your overhead costs. Sustainability not only helps you save money on your costs, but it can have a positive effect on the health of your occupants, and it even contributes to reducing harmful emissions that are detrimental to the environment.

Want to start taking the steps towards making your facility more sustainable? Download Sustainable Building Products: How to Make Your Facility Eco-Friendly from Top to Bottom, a free eBook from your friends at Scranton Products.

 

When it comes to picking out the right lockers for your middle school or junior high, you’ll want to choose the right material that can handle a few hits, as well as something that’s not going to cost you a lot on maintenance. There are a few materials out there that facility managers have been using for years, however, there are better options out there, like HDPE plastic. We’re going to list a few reasons why you should consider choosing HDPE plastic for your middle school lockers.

HDPE Locker Durability

Middle school is when most students experience lockers for the first time. They’ve since upgraded from cubbies and desks with storage space. Now it’s time for them to store their materials in a locker, so choosing the right material can go a long way. Metal was always the standard material that was used for lockers, given its strong frame and light weight. However, metal lockers can be subject to a variety of damage and cosmetic issues.

Metal lockers can take a few hits, sure, but after constant slamming, there’s going to be signs of wear. The metal can easily be dented and scratched, but if a student gets the idea of marking the lockers with graffiti, the fresh paint and the man hours are going to cost you. HDPE can be a huge benefit in this situation because it’s a highly durable material that can take a few hits without resulting in damage. It also doesn’t need to be painted because it’s graffiti-resistant.

Easy to Clean HDPE

Cleaning all the lockers in your facility is never a fun experience. Not only are there a ton of lockers to clean, but the process may vary depending on the condition of the metal lockers. If there’s spray paint or even rust, you’ll have to invest in paint for the locker. But while traditional metal lockers can be very time consuming when it comes to maintenance, HDPE provides a simple and easy cleaning experience.

Due to the solid plastic construction, its overall appearance should remain untarnished by dents or scratches, which saves you from having to replace the locker. HDPE doesn’t require any sort of repainting or touch ups, and all HDPE lockers need is a light cleaning every now and then.

Cost-Effective HDPE

HDPE can be an investment…but after 2 years it is typically less expensive than other locker materials, such as metal, due to requiring less maintenance and no painting. HDPE is a cost-effective material that will allow you to save money and time when it comes to maintenance. It’s also a long-lasting material, so you won’t be looking at any costly replacements in the near future, and you’ll be able to keep the same lockers for years to come.

Want to learn more before you make the jump to HDPE lockers? Check out this free eBook, The Ultimate Guide to HDPE Plastic Lockers, from your friends at Scranton Products.

Are you looking for ways to make your facility greener and eco-friendlier? Newer buildings have a great start with using LEED-certified materials and newer practices that can reduce the environmental impact of the facility. But if your facility has already been built before the green movement, you don’t have to worry. There are ways that you can make your facility eco-friendlier. Here are a few steps on how to reduce your facility’s carbon footprint.

Get the Most Out of Your Energy

One of the most efficient ways to reduce your facility’s carbon input is to either reduce your energy use (which is next to impossible) or find ways to use less energy. Any rooms that aren’t being occupied shouldn’t have any electrical equipment running. This includes computers, TVs, and even lights. However, if you don’t think you can run your facility in partial darkness, you may want to invest in solar panels to make your facility a renewable energy source.

Keep Your HVAC System Well Maintained

Did you know that heating, ventilation, and air conditioning are responsible for 40% of all carbon emissions? In order to keep these emissions low, you need to make sure that you keep up with maintenance on your HVAC system to ensure that it’s running as efficiently as possible. You can also reduce these emissions on especially nice days by opening your windows and turning the system off. That way, fresh air pumps through your facility without any emissions.

Use Green Building Materials

If there’s a remodel or renovation project coming up in your facility, you should utilize green building materials to add to your facility to give it a greener edge. Look for any recycled materials to use in your building. If you have a restroom project in the near future, consider using HDPE (high-density polyethylene) plastic for your stalls and partitions. This material is highly durable; impact-, dent-, and graffiti-resistant; and 100% sustainable. Not to mention, HDPE outlasts most other plastic materials, and requires very little maintenance and upkeep.

Use Low-Energy Lightbulbs

While it may seem like a tedious process, it certainly helps reduce the energy bill. Using LED lights can greatly reduce your energy consumption because they only use 10 watts, while bulbs like incandescent lights use up 60 watts. If you do the math, you’ll see huge savings when the energy bill comes in.

Boost Your Recycling

A lot of facilities fall short in this category, but you don’t have to. Consider getting more recycling bins for your building and have them placed in convenient high-traffic areas. Educate the occupants on the benefits of recycling, and even what can be recycled. By implementing a rejuvenated recycling plan, your facility can help pave the way to a greener future.

Are you ready to start reducing your facility’s carbon footprint? Check out this eBook, Sustainable Building Products: How to Make Your Facility Eco-Friendly from Top to Bottom, from us at Scranton Products.

There’s a lot of thought and consideration when it comes to commercial bathroom design. You want it to be inviting, not off-putting, so you’ll want to be careful with your design and choices. Staying up on design trends can help you transform a run-of-the-mill restroom into a warm and welcoming space for occupants to relieve themselves. Here are a few commercial bathroom layout ideas and tips for you to consider in order to bring your restroom into the modern age.

Open Design & Maximizing Space

Right now, open space is a huge trend within different offices because it increases airflow, productivity, and even the social aspect. This trend can be utilized in your restroom, even if you’re working with limited space. The key is using that space and making it seem bigger. Luckily, there are a few ways to make your restroom seem more spacious, without having to knock down the walls or expand its borders.

Sinks and vanities are crucial for every bathroom, so you’ll want to make this space really pop. Make the area under the sink empty to utilize the space. You can even use properly placed mirrors to help make your bathroom seem a little bit bigger, as well as more modern.

Get Creative With Your Sink & Stall Placement

Finding new and inventive commercial bathroom designscan help boost your restroom’s appeal. No one said that sinks have to be attached to a wall. In fact, floating sinks and vanities are becoming increasingly popular in modern offices, and even in restaurants. Placing a series of sinks in the middle of the bathroom, as opposed to against the wall, creates a new and exciting experience for the occupants.

While privacy is one of the most important components to a public restroom, you don’t have to follow the typical layout with three stalls tucked in the corner. You can have free standing, private bathroom stalls. Because the stalls won’t be right on top of each other, and your occupants won’t feel cramped or uncomfortable.

Use Better Materials

One of the biggest downfalls to commercial restrooms is the choice of materials used for the stalls and partitions. The most common materials are coated steel and phenolic plastic. The problem is that these materials can be susceptible to faster-than-normal wear and tear. Due to overwhelming humidity and moisture in commercial restrooms, the steel can rust and the phenolic plastic can sprout mold in its core.

Think about using a stronger, more durable material that can stand up to these factors. HDPE’s moisture and mildew resistance makes it an ideal material for bathrooms. In addition, it provides a strong and durable stall that won’t degrade and become riddled with foul-smelling mold, or cosmetic scratches and dents.

To a school facility manager, the end of summer is a busy time, especially in the current environment. While you may have kept up with some routine maintenance and cleaning throughout the off-season, now it’s time to really get started on preparing the building for the upcoming school year. This means getting a back-to-school cleaning plan and checklist together to make sure that you cover all your bases so your school building can be ready to start the school year off on the right foot.

Clean Those Hallways

It’s important to give your hallways a thorough cleaning before the school year begins. Most germs and bacteria are picked up through foot traffic, and more often than not, those germs end up in the hallways. Utilizing a strong disinfectant cleaner can help combat the spread of germs. However, there are green cleaning products on the market that can help you achieve germ removal and still keep harmful chemicals from contaminating the air.

Focus Your Efforts in the Restroom/Locker Rooms

School restrooms and locker rooms are a breeding ground for bacteria, germs, and, of course, mold. While a thorough cleaning can help reduce the growth and spread of mold, it may already be too late. The constant presence of moisture can actually cause mold to sprout inside your partitions. If this is the case, you’ll need to replace them. But why not replace them with a material that can resist mold growth, and is naturally germ resistant*, such as HDPE (high-density polyethylene)?

Test Your Water & Air Quality

Be sure to check your air and water quality to see if it’s up to code. Find a water tester in the area to help you conduct these routine tests so you can see where the quality lies. If the result isn’t as high as you’d hoped, consider replacing the filtration system. When it comes to air, there are several ways that you can do your part increase the quality. Consider getting indoor plants, utilize HDPE building materials, and have your HVAC system checked for any issues.

Clean/Replace Lockers

You may not realize this, but lockers are a hotbed for germs. When the light catches them just right, you can see the assortment of finger prints, grease, and smudges that have built up over time. You can utilize cleaning products, but if there’s any rust or exterior damage, you may want to consider replacing them. Luckily, HDPE plastic lockers don’t rust, they aren’t easily damaged, and they’re resistant to graffiti, helping you maintain your facility without having to paint over them. And just like HDPE restroom partitions, HDPE lockers are naturally germ resistant*! Because of this, HDPE lockers can also help improve the school’s air quality. This material is also low maintenance, which helps you save time and money on your school cleaning checklist!

Was this back-to-school cleaning plan and checklist helpful in showing you the many ways that you can help get your school ready for the sudden influx of students? Do you want to find ways to make your school a safer and more sustainable environment for the students? Check out this eBook, Safe School Design: How Architecture Plays a Role in Creating Safe & Secure Educational Spaces, from your friends at Scranton Products.

*https://bit.ly/3Cfi6Ge

When it’s time to start a lengthy renovation project in your facility, or you’re about to break ground, it’s important to use the right materials for the job. Not only do you want building materials that are sturdy and reliable, but you want something that’s going to save you maintenance costs in the long run. That’s why a lot of facility managers are utilizing HDPE (high-density polyethylene) as materials in their bathroom for partitions, stalls, and even vanities. If you’re a facility manager who’s in the process of deciding on these types of materials, you may want to learn a little more about HDPE and the benefits of choosing it.

HDPE & Durability

The most expensive form of maintenance is usually the regretful replacement. Whether your stall or partition was damaged beyond repair, or it’s infested with mold, having to replace the entire piece can not only be expensive, but also time-consuming.

HDPE offers a highly durable solid plastic construction that can outlast most other materials when it comes to impacts. Most plastic materials show a sign of damage, whether it’s a dent, a scratch, or even a hole. HDPE has an impact resistance that’s almost 60 times greater than that of other plastics and even metal, meaning it won’t scratch or dent, leaving you with a reliable material that you won’t have to replace any time soon.

Standing Up to the Elements

You’d be surprised at the amount of damage caused by humidity and moisture, especially when it comes to the materials that you choose in your bathroom, where these two elements are a constant presence. Most plastic partitions have a foam or core interior, which over time, becomes tainted by the moisture and begins to sprout mold, resulting in a foul smell and a significant drop in air quality.

HDPE, on the other hand, can stand up to humidity and moisture because it’s a solid piece of plastic with no soft and foamy inner core. Installing HDPE in your facility’s restroom will not only prevent mold from growing on/in the plastic, but it’ll help keep your air quality in good standing. You’ll save yourself from a costly replacement by using HDPE stalls and partitions.

Easy to Clean

One of the major benefits that HDPE has over other materials is that it’s very easy to clean. Other materials will not only absorb germs, but when there’s graffiti present, the piece requires a paint job. Not only does this add to the costs, but it brings your air quality down due to VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions. HDPE doesn’t require any strong expensive cleaning products or paint. Any smudge, dirt, or even spray paint can simply be wiped away, saving you both time and money on your maintenance and cleaning.

Was this article helpful at showing you how you can save on maintenance costs by implementing HDPE in your facility? If you want more information, you can always download eBooks like Choosing Bathroom Materials or The Professional’s Guide to Commercial Bathroom Renovations and Remodels, from your friends at Scranton Products.

Whether you’re looking to renovate your facility’s restroom, or you’re trying to find ways to get your building LEED certified, using HDPE plastic has a variety of benefits. This strong plastic can help make your building more sustainable and eco-friendly; however, some facility managers worry about HDPE’s strength and durability.

The Durability of HDPE

HDPE (high-density polyethylene) is a solid, strong plastic that has many applications when it comes to building materials. Some facility managers aren’t sure that HDPE provides a stronger construct than other plastics, but HDPE has been proven to be one of the more durable plastics on the market, making it a formidable opponent to other plastics that are available.

When compared to other plastics, HDPE has proven itself at providing a strong surface durability. It’s resistant to impacts, and even scratches, which are common when it comes to bathroom partitions and lockers. Over time, when you compare other plastics to HDPE, it won’t be too hard to tell the difference based on their surface scratches or dents.

A Stronger Plastic

A major benefit that HDPE has over other plastics is its quick and easy installation. When installing your restroom partitions, it’s important to know that the material you’re using has strong screw retention. The last thing you need is to have the partitions fall like a house of cards while there’s an occupant inside.

Due to its thick and solid plastic frame, screws will be secure inside HDPE. When we tested SCRC (solid color reinforced composite) against HDPE on screw retention, we saw a major flaw in the former material. When measuring the pull force, not only did HDPE outperform SCRC, but a part of the SCRC’s surface broke off with the screw inside.

Lower Cost Maintenance

Because of HDPE’s strong and durable makeup, it also helps reduce the costs of maintenance. You already know that its surface is resistant to scratches and impact dents, but did you know that it’s also resistant to graffiti? Most plastic surfaces that endure spray paint or permanent marker aren’t easily cleaned. In fact, you’ll need to repaint these surfaces if you want to hide this unwanted piece of “artwork.”

HDPE, on the other hand, doesn’t require an expensive or time-consuming paint job. All this strong plastic needs is a simple cleaning of the surface, and the spray paint will be easily removed. Not only will you save money on paint, and time on the actual painting, but you’ll also help your air quality, thanks to the lack of VOC (volatile organic compounds) emissions that you’re putting into the air by painting.

A Quality Choice

You’ve read a lot about HDPE and about how strong and durable it is. But it can also stand up to the elements. If you’re using HDPE in your facility’s restroom, you’ll be happy to know that this material won’t absorb any moisture, resulting in unwanted mold growth. Most other plastics will absorb the moisture, sprout the mold, and require an expensive and time-consuming replacement.

Want to learn more about HDPE and why it’s a good bet for your facility? Check out this eBook, Choosing Bathroom Materials, from your friends at Scranton Products.

If your facility features a shower area or even dressing compartments, it’s important that you’re using the right materials to make sure that occupants or employees are comfortable, as well as covered with privacy. There are a variety of materials that are in use, but none of them compare to HDPE in terms of durability, security, and sustainability. So, if you’re considering using HDPE showers or dressing compartments, here are some answers to the most common questions that facility managers have.

Get started by looking for the question(s) that’s most relevant to you so you can learn the answer!

How Are These Showers/Dressing Compartments Stronger Than the Standard Materials?

Most facility showers and dressing compartments are made from steel, coated steel, or even phenolic plastic, which can be strong and provide adequate privacy for anyone who’s washing or even changing. However, most of these materials seem strong on the surface, but can be easily scratched or dented, resulting in an eyesore on your shower stall. HDPE plastic is solid and durable. As it’s a solid piece of plastic, it will resist dents and scratches.

How Are They Affected by Humidity and Moisture?

Humidity and moisture are a common threat in your bathrooms, shower facilities, and changing areas. Most of the materials used for showers and dressing compartments have a plastic exterior, but with a softer inner core that’s susceptible to mold growth due to the constant exposure to moisture. Once mold is inside, these materials need to be removed and replaced. HDPE showers and changing compartments are a solid plastic, making them impenetrable to moisture, and they can easily stave off mold growth. These HDPE materials will help you keep your air quality high.

Can They Provide Enough Privacy?

Absolutely! HDPE shower stalls and dressing compartments can be tailored to fit any designated area. You can select your preferred height and width, as well as custom make an ADA-compliant shower stall. Your shower and dressing compartment occupants will be satisfied with the level of privacy that HDPE compartments and stalls provide.

Is There a Lot of Expensive Upkeep?

You’ll be happy to know that HDPE plastic is a low-maintenance building material. Due to the resistance to mold growth, they won’t need to be replaced early in their cycle. As for any stains or blemishes on their surface, they can easily be wiped away without a rigorous and extensive cleanup.

How Long Will These Stalls and Compartments Last?

These HDPE stalls and compartments will last for a long time. Because they’re durable, they won’t endure any surface damage, and due to the low-cost maintenance, these stalls and compartments will eventually pay for themselves after only a few years. These materials are also sustainable, and they’re made from both pre- and post-consumer material, making them up to 100% recyclable.

Want to learn more about how HDPE stalls and compartments would be a great material for your facility? Check out our free eBook, The Professional’s Guide to Commercial Bathroom Renovations and Remodels, from your friends at Scranton Products.

When you’re about the begin a thorough remodel or your facility’s bathroom, or you’re about to break ground on your new facility, there are several regulations and guidelines you need to follow to not only pass inspection, but also to adhere to the needs of the occupants. One of the most common forms of these regulations are the ones set forth by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These guidelines can help you design an accessible restroom and its features are accessible to individuals with disabilities.

What to Think About When Remodeling/Building Your Restroom

When you begin outlining the designs for your facility’s restroom, keep ADA compliance in mind. You’ll need to make sure that you hit the exact measurements when you’re figuring out the stalls and partitions. Forgetting to utilize the required measurements set by the ADA could lead to consequences including fines, as well as having to completely reconfigure the layout of your facility’s restrooms. Doing so would be a painstaking process that would delay construction as well as any tentative finish date of your facility’s renovations.

Specific ADA Compliant Restroom Measurements

Before ordering the parts and materials, you’ll need to lock down the specific ADA compliant measurements for the restrooms. There should be at least one stall designated for a disabled individual.

ADA Compliant Stall Dimensions:

  • 60 inches wide for a wall-mounted toilet
  • 56 inches deep for a wall-mounted toilet
  • 59 inches deep for a floor-mounted toilet

The stall should also include a grab bar for easy access when transitioning from wheelchair to toilet. The grab bar should be at minimum 36 inches long and no more than 6 inches from the inside corner of the stall. The adjacent grab bar shouldn’t be more than 12 inches from the back wall of the partition. All grab bars must be at least 33 to 36 inches from the floor. Bathroom sinks shouldn’t be more than 34 inches from the floor, and they should provide a knee clearance of 27 inches high and 30 inches wide.

Using the Right Materials for Your Restroom

Now that you know the specific measurements for the ADA compliant stall and sink, you’re ready to begin ordering your  materials. However, there are a few factors you should consider before choosing your material. You want to be sure to select a sturdy and durable material because you have to consider that when a disabled individual is using the grab bar, they’re placing their whole weight on the bar, so you’ll need a  bathroom partition that can stand up to the pressure.

While there are plenty of plastic and steel options to consider, HDPE (high-density polyethylene) is one of the more reliable materials to use. It’s impact- and scratch-resistant, and due to its solid plastic construction, it can stand up to the humidity and moisture as well as prevent mold from growing. Best of all, HDPE partitions are customizable, allowing you to choose your specific measurements in order to be compliant with the regulations set by the ADA.

Want to learn more about how to make your facility’s restrooms ADA compliant? Check out our eBook, ADA Guideline for a Compliant Restroomfrom your friends at Scranton Products.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed by Congress in 1990. It’s a civil rights law that prohibits the discrimination of people with disabilities. Not adhering to the strict building standards to meet the needs of disabled people is an act of discrimination, and it’s a law that building managers need to address and to adhere to in order to make their facility easily accessible to disabled occupants. As a facility manager, it’s your job to not only implement ADA-compliant entrances and bathroom fixtures, but you also need to ensure that these designs are legal in accordance with the ADA, and can be easily accessed and utilized by any disabled occupant.

Four Major Priorities for Accessibility

According to the Department of Justice ADA Title III regulations, there are four major priorities to follow to ensure that you’re following the law and ensuring that your facility is ADA-compliant. Whether you’re building from the ground up, in the middle of a renovation, or beginning to embark on a remodel, you’ll want to be sure that you’re implementing these priorities to make your facility easily accessible. Read below to learn about the four major priorities when it comes to making your facility ADA-compliant.

1.      Accessible Approach & Entrance

Not all your facility’s occupants are able-bodied and agile. You need to ensure that entering your facility isn’t a difficulty for anyone with any disability that effects their mobility. Be sure to have a ramp and a railing so any wheelchair occupants can enter your facility without any hassle. The ramp should be 48’’ wide with a one-inch rise for every foot of ramp to ensure that the incline isn’t too drastic for the individual.

2.      Access to Goods & Services

Whether it’s a cafeteria in an office building or a sales rack in a department store, occupants of all abilities must be able to easily access these goods. Ensuring that countertops are at an appropriate height is paramount. The maximum height should be no higher than 36’’ with adequate floor space for any type of wheelchair to easily maneuver.

3.      Access to Public Toilet Restrooms

Every occupant in your facility will need to relieve themselves from time to time, and as a facility manager, it’s your responsibility that they can do so without too much strain or difficulty. Each restroom should have at least one handicapped-accessible toilet stall that consists of 60’’ of width. You also need to install a grab bar that’s 36’’ long with an adjacent grab bar on the other side, both of which should be 33” to 36’’ from the floor. Since occupants will be putting their whole weight on these grab bars, utilizing stronger materials like HDPE (high-density polyethylene) partitions may be a wise idea.

4.      Access to Other Items

This category consists of making sure that essential items like water fountains are easily accessible. Water fountain spouts should be no higher than 36’’ inches off of the ground so any wheelchair occupant can get a drink of water without a struggle.

Making Your Facility ADA-Compliant

It’s important to adhere to these guidelines when you’re building from the ground up, or starting an extensive remodel. Making sure that facets and features of your facility is accessible to all occupants is the law, so be sure to consider these regulations when going over your designs. Following these guidelines will come in handy when your facility gets inspected, and by complying with the ADA regulations, your facility has a great chance of passing the inspection.

Are you looking to get started on making your facility more ADA-compliant? Check out this free eBook, ADA Guidelines for a Compliant Restroom, from your friends at Scranton Products.