Tag Archive for: better materials

10 Ways to Make Your Existing School a Greener Facility

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Do you ever try to come up with new ways to improve your school’s efficiency? Making a pre-existing school facility greener can be a frustrating concept; but it’s not that hard to take the building in a greener direction with a few implementations and additions. Here are 10 ways that you can make your existing school a greener facility.

 1. Use Green Cleaning Products.

One of the best ways you can take a step toward making your school greener is by using green cleaning products. These products are free of harmful chemicals and leave very little effect on the environment.

 2. Improve Recycling Programs.

Getting behind a more thorough recycling program is essential. Make sure that your facility is executing these practices. You can also use it to educate students about the importance of reusing, reducing, and recycling.

 3. Use Green Building Materials.

If you’re considering any remodels or renovations in the coming year, you may want to utilize green building materials that’ll not only last, but will make your facility more efficient. Materials like HDPE (high-density polyethylene) not only provide high durability due to being impact-resistant, but they’re also recyclable and require very little maintenance due to being power-washable.

 4. Open the Windows.

If the weather’s right, you may want to consider opening the windows, rather than relying on the HVAC system. It helps by providing fresh air to students and faculty, and it helps you save energy costs.

 5. Get Plants for the Classroom.

Placing a plant in each classroom has numerous benefits. A plant can help reduce dust and carbon dioxide levels while preventing the growth of pollutants. It can also help improve humidity.

 6. Find Weaknesses in Your HVAC and Water Systems.

There’s nothing like a flaw in your energy systems to prevent your school from entering the green realm. Conduct an audit of your HVAC and water systems to find out if there are any repairs you should make in order to avoid wasting energy.

 7. Improve Your Air Quality.

Improving your air quality is one of the benchmarks for greening your facility. While air fresheners can be effective, seeking out the culprit that’s reducing the quality of your air is far more effective. Oftentimes, the stalls and partitions in the restroom and locker rooms of your school are sprouting mold. Consider replacing them with the previously mentioned HDPE, which is resistant to moisture and humidity.

 8. Consider Going Solar.

A lot of schools and commercial buildings have made the jump to solar energy. With just a few panels, you can reduce your energy costs while having your facility run on clean solar power.

 9. Test Your Water.

It’s always smart to ensure that you’re supplying your students and faculty with the cleanest drinking water possible. Check the quality of your water supply to make sure it’s in good standing.

10. Reduce Your Energy Use.

While the classrooms and hallways should be well-lit, there are other ways that you can reduce your energy use. One of the best and easiest ways is by turning off all the computers before leaving for the day, rather than setting them to sleep mode.

 

By implementing a few of these practices, you’ll see a noticeable difference, and your school will become greener every day. Do you want to learn more about how to make your school greener? Download the Sustainable Building Products: How to Make Your Facility Eco-Friendly from Top to Bottom eBook, courtesy of Scranton Products.

HDPE Toilet Partitions: Everything You Need to Know When Choosing Plastic Partitions

If you’re going through a much-needed renovation of your facility’s restroom, or if you’re planning out a new facility, it’s crucial to choose the right materials to ensure safety and security for the occupants. When it comes to replacing toilet partitions, there are numerous types of material that can be suitable for the job. However, depending on the material you choose, you may have to replace them sooner than later.

What Is HDPE?

HDPE (high-density polyethylene) is a solid plastic material that can be used for a variety of uses. Due to its solid construction, it proves to be highly durable and even resistant to scratches, dents, and impacts. Its homogenous color makes it resistant to graffiti, which is a common scourge with bathroom stalls. HDPE actually has several advantages over other materials that are commonly used with toilet partitions in commercial bathrooms.

Other Toilet Partition Materials

As you’ve probably noticed, not all restrooms are the same, especially when it comes to their partitions and stalls. Most toilet stalls are made from phenolic and plastic laminate, which on the surface can appear to be suitable materials. However, there are a few drawbacks.

Plastic laminate and phenolic aren’t resistant to scratches, dents, and graffiti. But, one of their weakest attributes is the interior core. Due to restroom location, these toilet partitions are subjected to constant exposure to humidity and moisture. Over a brief period of time, their core interior can actually begin to sprout mold. Once mold has taken over the interior, they need to be replaced immediately, because the mold not only reduces air quality, but it can also lead to respiratory issues with your occupants.

Why HDPE Is a Better Pick

One of the major advantages that HDPE has over traditional plastics and laminates is that it has a solid body construction, allowing it to bask in the humidity and moisture without the threat of mold growth. Because it stands up to the elements and mold, it helps keep the air quality in the restroom safe and clean. Other materials would need a costly replacement if the presence of mold is detected.

HDPE is also stronger than the other toilet partition materials. It can take a few hits and still retain its overall aesthetic. During the presence of graffiti, other materials need to be repainted, which results in VOC (volatile organic compounds) emissions, reducing the air quality. Graffiti on HDPE materials can simply be wiped away.

Lower Maintenance Costs

Another major benefit to choosing HDPE over other plastics is that it’s relatively low maintenance. It doesn’t require a fresh coat of paint or any replacement parts. Other plastics go through plenty of wear and tear; not only do they need a lot of upkeep, but sometimes, they need to be replaced entirely. HDPE just needs to be cleaned every once in a while. HDPE toilet partitions are generally low maintenance and worry free.

 

Are you looking to make the jump to HDPE? Check out The Professional’s Guide to Commercial Bathroom Renovations and Remodels or Choosing Bathroom Materials eBooks, courtesy of Scranton Products.