Green Cleaning Policy

It is the goal of Facilities Management to promote a clean and healthy campus while continuing to support environmental stewardship and sustainability.

This policy documents Facilities Management’s commitment to reduce the exposure of building occupants to potentially hazardous chemical, biological and particulate contaminants, which adversely affect air quality, human health, and the environment.

Cleaning Chemicals

In accordance with Green Seal standards, dispensing units that regulate chemical concentrates will be used for dilution control. Currently, Hillyard Arsenal Jr dispensers are in use.

PurposeStandardCurrent Product(s)
General purpose cleanersHydrogen peroxide based Green Seal certified (GS-37)

multi-surface cleaner
Hillyard 33 - Suprox
Glass CleanerNon-ammoniated cleaner for glass, stainless steel and chrome fixturesVinegar

Shaklee – H2
Restroom CleanerGreen Seal Certified (GS-37)Hillyard 29 – Green Select Restroom cleaner
DisinfectantsThe use of disinfectants is minimized and used on as needed at primary points of contact (bathroom sinks and toilets)Hillyard32 – Suprox D – hydrogen peroxide based

Shaklee – Basic G

If a non-green chemical is used for an isolated issue, its use is limited and tracked.

Facilities Management will continue to test environmentally preferred products from a variety of vendors to become a cleaner and more sustainable campus.

Floor Care Systems

PurposeStandardCurrent Product(s)
General floor cleaningGreen Seal Certified (GS-37)Hillyard 8 - Super Shine-all
Carpet cleaningHillyard 18 - Neutralizer
Floor StrippingGreen Seal Certified (GS-40)Hillyard Green Select Stripper
Floor finishGreen Seal Certified (GS-40)Hillyard EP-22 Zinc free floor finish

When possible the floor is top scrubbed and recoated with wax in lieu of stripping, using far less chemicals.

A written floor maintenance plan and log will be kept that details the number of coats of floor finish applied, along with relevant maintenance and restoration practices and the dates of these activities.

Other Products

PurposeStandardCurrent Product(s)
Toilet Paper100% recycledEcoSoft 2ply jumbo rolls
Paper Towels100% recycled – no bleachingCoromatic GP291
Can liners70% post-consumer contentGreenCore
Washing handsGreen Seal Certified

Envirologix packaging, less plastic, recyclable
Hillyard Affinity Green Select Foaming hand soap
Public showersEnvirologix packaging, less plastic, recyclableHillyard Affinity Foaming Hair and Body Wash
Hand sanitizingEnvirologix packaging, less plastic, recyclableHillyard Affinity Foam Hand Sanitizer
Laundering mops and ragsBio-degradable, non-toxic and phosphate freeBioKleen BKP1204 liquid laundry soap

Files for MSDS sheets are regularly maintained and available for access by custodial employees

Mops and cleaning rags are laundered to minimize waste, Microfiber rags are used where applicable.

High velocity hand dryers are being installed throughout campus as appropriate; to further eliminate cost and was of paper towels.

Equipment

As a signatory to the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment (ACUPCC) Kalamazoo College has established an Energy Star purchasing policy. All energy consuming equipment purchased by the College, including cleaning equipment, is required to be Energy Star certified.

Auto scrubbers that use electrolyzed water as a cleaning agent in lieu of chemicals are currently being used successfully in Hicks Student Center and Upjohn Library. It is required that this technology be a campus standard for future purchases of auto scrubbers.

Vacuum cleaners are required to have a seal of approval by The Carpet and Rug Institute. They shall operate at a maximum sound level of 69dBA.

Battery powered equipment will be equipped with environmentally friendly gel batteries when applicable.

Training and Personnel

Newly hired custodians will receive 16 hours of training in green cleaning techniques and requirements. Existing employees will participate in an 8 hour refresher training session on an annual basis. Training will include familiarization with and review of this policy, classroom review, computer-based training and assessment along with hands-on technique assessments. Topics will include: the benefits of going green; green cleaning basics; proper and safe equipment; Right to Know (MSDS) requirements. Practical procedures include what to use where, when, and why, and various cleaning methods.

Custodian – Custodians are knowledgeable of and responsible for the hands-on implementation of the departments green cleaning policy. They will utilize the prescribe equipment, materials and chemicals to insure proper completion of cleaning and assigned duties.

Custodial Coordinator – Custodial Coordinators are knowledgeable of and responsible for overseeing the departments green cleaning policy. Coordinators will train and correct custodians as needed chemical usage, proper equipment use and maintenance. Coordinators will follow up with assigned duties to insure proper cleaning has taken place and to monitor quality of completed tasks.

Manager – Managers are knowledgeable of and responsible for overseeing the proper adherence to the departments green cleaning policy. Managers will coordinate and direct Custodial Coordinators and Custodians to meet the needs of the customer and match them with the resources of the department. Manager will monitor and track supply/chemical/equipment usage.

Performance Metric

The cleaning frequencies and levels of cleanliness are based upon the APPA (Association of Higher Education Facilities Officers) guidelines. These metrics are taken from the APPA publication “Custodial Staffing Guidelines’ which is available by request in the Facilities Management office.

This policy will remain in effect going forward from its inception date of January 1, 2013.

Transportation Policy

Kalamazoo College Transportation Policy - Effective February 1, 2024

The Transportation Policy at Kalamazoo College is designed to protect drivers, passengers, surrounding people, property, and vehicles when activities of Kalamazoo College require transportation. The College is committed to ensuring the safety of faculty, staff, and students and to stewarding College resources appropriately. In an effort to support College activities, Kalamazoo College owns and maintains a fleet of vehicles of various types, and frequently rents or charters other vehicles.

Human Resources and Facilities Management partner to administer this policy. Human Resources is primarily responsible for the people to whom the policy applies while Facilities Management’s primary focus is fleet management.

The program institutes policies and procedures for the following:

I. Vehicle Types
II. Vehicle Usage and Reservations
III. Driver Policies
IV. Trip and Route Safety
V. Driving Time Limits
VI. Collisions, Emergencies, and Mechanical Failure Reporting

I. Vehicle Types

The College owns several types of fleet vehicles. Other types of vehicles are also covered in this Transportation Safety Policy.

  1. Class I vehicles - Class I vehicles are any vehicles with a gross vehicle weight under 10,000 lbs. such as a pickup truck, sedan, or minivan.
  2. Class II vehicles - Class II vehicles are any light-duty truck or cargo van designed primarily for cargo, not passengers, with a gross vehicle weight over 10,000 lbs., whose driver does not need a Commercial Driver's License (CDL). These vehicles typically are larger, heavier, and more unstable than Class I vehicles, with a wider turning radius and longer stopping distances required when loaded.
  3. Class III vehicles - Class III vehicles are any vehicles designed to carry up to 12 passengers, and whose driver is not required to have a Commercial Driver's License (CDL). These vehicles are larger, heavier, and more unstable than Class I vehicles, with a wider turning radius and longer stopping distances required when loaded. Most collisions, with this type of vehicle, occur when a driver swerves suddenly or is backing up.
  4. Class IV vehicles -Class IV vehicles are vehicles that require the driver to have a Commercial Driver's License (large trucks, buses, etc.), or have passenger accommodations for 12 or more persons. The College maintains two 35-passenger buses that can be reserved for College-related events.
  5. Rented vehicles - Rented vehicles are considered fleet vehicles for purposes of the Kalamazoo Transportation Policy. Driver qualifications apply based on one of the Class I-IV designations above. All other transportation policies apply as appropriate.
  6. Charter bus services - The College will periodically rent additional buses through external resources as needed.

II. Vehicle Usage and Reservation

a. Vehicle Acquisition and Maintenance

  1. The Facilities Management Office is responsible for all vehicles in the College’s fleet as well as external vehicle rentals for supplemental fleet vehicles. No department or student group may obtain a fleet vehicle without the approval of Facilities Management.
  2. Safety features and the carbon footprint impact will be considered in the purchase or lease of new and used vehicles.
  3. Facilities Management is responsible for the maintenance of all College-owned vehicles.

b. Vehicle Availability

  1. College-owned vehicles are available for use by College departments or registered Student Organizations. For more information about student use, please see the Student Development policies. College-owned or College-rented vehicles are not permitted for personal use.
  2. All student organizations are required to use a vehicle procured by Facilities Management. All vehicle requests must be approved by the sponsoring Department Head.
  3. Personal vehicles are not considered part of the College fleet. The College discourages the usage of personally owned vehicles as transportation for official College functions. Every effort should be made to use College or rented vehicles for College business. However, there may be times in which usage of a personal vehicle is appropriate, such as weather conditions, availability of a College vehicle, or due to the close proximity of a College event. Under these conditions, the College's insurance will not cover personal damage to privately owned vehicles, and personal vehicle insurance will need to be the primary level of coverage.

c. Regular Daily Departmental Use

A small percentage of the fleet is reserved for regular use by certain Departments to which appropriate vehicles are assigned. These vehicles are not normally available for use by other departments. However, all other transportation policies, including driver training requirements, the use of trailers and hitches, seat belts, and cargo stowage still apply to these vehicles at all times.

d. Reserving Vehicles

College vehicles are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. All reservations are made through the Facilities Management Office, including reservations for rented vehicles. The process for reserving a vehicle is as follows:

  1. All Departments and Student Groups reserving College-owned vehicles, or renting vehicles, are required to complete the online Vehicle Reservation form. This form must be completed and submitted to the Facilities Management Office a minimum of five (5) business days prior to the scheduled trip.
  2. In order to reserve a vehicle, all drivers must meet the driver policies (see Section III)
  3. Keys and mileage forms should be picked up at the Facilities Management Office during Facilities Management office hours. Vehicles must be picked up before the Facilities Management Office closes for business.

e. Usage Costs

Fees charged to Departments or to Student Groups are reevaluated regularly. The College reserves the right to modify fees as necessary. Current rental fees may be found on the Vehicle Reservation page.

  1. Fuel: It is the responsibility of all Departments using College-owned or rented vehicles to cover the cost of gas for the vehicle. College-owned vehicle’s gas tanks should be full at the time they are picked up (please note on mileage slip if they are not) and full when the vehicle is returned, or the Department's account will be charged a $100 fee, plus the cost to fill the tank.
  2. Tickets: All parking, moving violations, or other traffic tickets or fines are the responsibility of the driver and may impact the driver’s ability to use College vehicles.
  3. College Sanctions:

    (1) Failure to give 24-hr. cancellation notice associated with a rented vehicle - costs incurred will be passed along to the reserving department

    (2) Taking vehicle early/returning late - Daily Vehicle rate - costs incurred will be passed along to the reserving department

    (3) Failure to fill gas tank upon return - $100 fee + cost of gas - costs incurred will be passed along to the reserving department

    (4) Vehicle is left in a state that it requires cleaning after use - the actual cost of cleaning will be passed along to the reserving department 

    (5) Cost of key(s) replacement - costs incurred will be passed along to the reserving department

    (6) Failure to report damage to a rental vehicle to Facilities Management, regardless of “at fault” status. See Section VI for related sanctions.

f. Rental Vehicles

  1. If no vehicles are available from the College fleet, Facilities Management will rent an appropriate vehicle from an area rental agency. Facilities Management cannot guarantee the availability of rental vehicles and strongly encourages requests be made as early as possible to improve vehicle availability. Rental vehicles must be returned with no less than the amount of gas available at the time the vehicle was delivered. Drivers must be at least 18 years old for a car and 21 for a van, and be a College-approved driver to drive a rental vehicle. Aged related fees charged by the rental agency will be passed along to the renting or sponsoring department.
  2. Please note when renting vehicles through the local rental agency there is no delivery on weekends or before 8 a.m. on Monday. To accommodate, the rental company may deliver the vehicle on the preceding Friday, which would cause an additional fee to be charged to the department.

g. College Bus

Trips must be booked at least ten (10) working days in advance by submitting the online Vehicle Reservation form. Current rental fees are available on the Vehicle Reservation page.

Note: The trip begins when the bus leaves Facilities Management and ends when bus is parked. If the trip is overnight, the organization using the bus is responsible for the driver's meals and accommodations.

III. Driver Policies

Kalamazoo College prioritizes safety and expects all drivers to do the same. Drivers are expected to comply with all laws, regulations, and College policies. Kalamazoo College reserves the right to revoke driving privileges at its sole discretion.

a. Become a Kalamazoo College Driver

Kalamazoo College drivers must meet the following qualifications and be approved by Human Resources before driving.

  1. Be at least 18 years of age to drive a College car or minivan, or be at least 21 years old and have been licensed for a minimum of three (3) years prior to driving a 12-passenger van.
  2. Possess a valid driver's license issued from a state in the United States.
  3. Undergo a Department of Motor Vehicles verification by submitting the required information to Human Resources. Please allow one week for processing.

    (1) Drivers age 18-21: During the last three (3) years, drivers age 18-21 can have no At-Fault accidents and no more than one minor violations. Drivers age 18-21 may not have any major violations (see appendix) or driver’s license suspensions within the previous 5 years.

    (2) Drivers age 22+: During the last three (3) years, drivers age 22+ can have no more than two minor violations and/or At-Fault accidents. Drivers age 22+ may not have any major violations (see appendix) or driver’s license suspensions within the last 5 years.
  4. For usage of College or rented 12-passenger vans, all drivers (employees and students) must complete an online training course.
  5. All student drivers reserving College vans or rented 12-passenger vans must complete both an online training course as well as an on-the-road driving test scheduled through Campus Safety. Request a driving test time by sending an email to campussafety@kzoo.edu.

b. Remain a Kalamazoo College Driver

The Office of Human Resources verifies drivers’ driving records at least every other year and reserves the right to verify driving records more frequently if deemed necessary.

  1. During the last three (3) years students can have no moving violations.  During the last five (5) years, students can have no convictions for driving under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances and no convictions for serious infractions such as reckless driving, leaving the scene of an accident, or fleeing from a police officer. 
  2. During the last three (3) years, Faculty/Staff can have no more than two moving violations. During the last five (5) years, Faculty/Staff can have no convictions for driving under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances and no convictions for serious infractions such as reckless driving, leaving the scene of an accident, or fleeing from a police officer.

IV. Trip and Route Safety

a. Route Instructions

Use the shortest route possible while maintaining a safe experience.

  1. Plan your route: Use a reliable navigation app or website to plan your journey. Make sure to select the option for the shortest route or fastest route, as this will help you find the most efficient path. Whenever possible, notify a local person of your travel plans. College vehicles may not be used to conduct personal business.
  2. Avoid high-traffic areas: Check real-time traffic updates before you start your trip. Avoid congested areas or rush hours to minimize the chances of accidents and delays.
  3. Follow traffic rules: Always obey traffic laws, including speed limits, stop signs, and traffic signals. Adhering to these rules contributes to a safer driving experience.
  4. Stay alert and focused: Keep your attention on the road and avoid distractions such as using your phone or engaging in activities that may divert your attention from driving. This helps ensure your safety and the safety of others.
  5. Be cautious at intersections: Intersections are common areas for accidents. Approach them carefully, yield to the right of way, and check for oncoming traffic before proceeding.
  6. Use defensive driving techniques: Maintain a safe following distance, signal your intentions in advance, and anticipate the actions of other drivers. Being defensive and proactive can help you avoid potential hazards.
  7. Watch for pedestrians and cyclists: Stay attentive for pedestrians and cyclists, especially in urban areas. Give them the right of way when necessary and exercise caution when passing or crossing paths with them.
  8. Be aware of road conditions: Keep an eye out for any road hazards such as potholes, construction zones, or inclement weather conditions. Adjust your speed and driving style accordingly to maintain safety
  9. Remember, even when using the safest and shortest route, unexpected situations can arise on the road. Stay calm, be flexible, and prioritize safety throughout your journey.

b. Passenger Capacity

No drivers shall transport more passengers in a vehicle than the vehicle's designation.

c. Seat Belt Usage

All occupants of the vehicle must use seat belts/safety restraints, if available. Drivers shall not begin the operation of the vehicle until all passengers have complied with the seat belt rule. Passengers must not remove their seat belts during travel. It is the responsibility of the driver to ensure that all occupants are wearing seat belts during any movement of the vehicle.

d. Avoid Distracted Driving

Remember, distracted driving poses serious risks to your safety and the safety of others on the   road. By eliminating distractions and focusing on the task of driving, you can help prevent accidents and promote safer road conditions.

  1. Put your phone away: Keep your phone out of reach while driving. If you need to use your phone for navigation or receive important calls, a hands-free device or enabling a voice assistant is required. Manual use of a cell phone while driving is prohibited.

    Michigan Cell Phone Law 2023: Michigan cell phone law prohibits all drivers from using a hand-held cell phone to text, talk on the phone, watch videos, and go on social media while they are driving. There is an exception for phones that are used in “hands-free” mode. Violators face fines, community service, points on their license, and suspension/termination of College-related driving privileges.
  2. Pre-set your GPS: Set your destination in the GPS or navigation system before you start driving. Avoid adjusting or typing in addresses while on the road.
  3. Limit multitasking: Focus solely on driving and avoid engaging in other activities like eating, grooming, or extensive conversations with passengers. Your primary focus should be on the road and your surroundings.
  4. Secure loose items: Ensure that any loose items in your vehicle are properly secured. Objects rolling around or falling can divert your attention while driving.
  5. Take care of personal tasks before driving: Finish personal tasks such as grooming, eating, or adjusting your clothing before you start driving. Being prepared in advance reduces the temptation to attend to these tasks while on the road.
  6. Avoid emotional conversations: Try to avoid or limit emotionally charged or stressful conversations while driving. Emotional distractions can affect your concentration and reaction time.
  7. Pullover for necessary tasks: If you need to make a call, send a message, or address an urgent matter, pull over to a safe location before doing so. This way, you can give your full attention to the task at hand without endangering yourself or others.
  8. Set up your music or entertainment beforehand: Choose your desired music playlist or entertainment options before you start driving. Adjusting music or searching for entertainment while driving can lead to distraction.

e. Front Passenger Seat

On any trip with one or more passengers, drivers should make sure that the front passenger seat is occupied and that the person sitting in this seat remains awake. Drivers should remind the front seat passenger that it is his/her/their responsibility to help the driver stay alert and to assist the driver as needed.

f. Trailers

Special permission must be granted from Facilities Management before a trailer can be attached to either a College-owned vehicle or to a rental vehicle. Facilities Management reserves the right to require training prior to granting permission to pull a trailer.

g. Modifications

No modifications (ski or bike racks, tow hitches, signs, etc.) will be made to fleet or rental vehicles without the consent of Facilities Management.

h. Speed Limit

At no time should a College fleet or rental vehicle be driven at a speed exceeding the posted speed limit.

i. Radar Detectors

The use of radar or other speed monitoring detection systems is not permitted.

j. Medications

No driver, before or during trips, will use medications, alcohol, drugs or other substances that may cause drowsiness or other physical or mental impairment.

V. Driving Time Limits

It is recommended that the driver of a College vehicle or rental vehicle transporting passengers should not commence driving after 11:00p.m. or before 5:00a.m. Trips and events should be planned so that no drivers are expected or pressured to begin driving between these hours. If driving during these hours is unavoidable, the driver should discuss the trip and any related modifications with their supervisor. No driver may exceed 10 total hours of driving in any 24-hour period.

  1. College Vehicles & Rental Vehicles: Driving limits for all College-approved drivers, except where noted below for Kalamazoo College bus drivers.
  2. Daylight: four (4) hours at one time without a break
  3. Nighttime: three (3) hours at one time without a break
  4. Kalamazoo College Bus Limitations: Kalamazoo College abides by the following U.S. Department of Transportation Bureau of Motor Carrier Safety guidelines in planning itineraries for multiple-day trips. Commercial bus drivers are limited to:

    (1) 15 consecutive hours of duty in any one day.

    (2) A maximum of 10 of these 15 hours may be driving hours, and

    (3) Upon reaching a destination (and the driver's total drive time is completed), the driver must have a minimum of eight hours off before local driving may be performed or an extended period of driving may begin.

VI. Collisions, Emergencies, and Mechanical Failure Reporting

If the vehicle is in a collision or is damaged on a public roadway the driver is responsible for contacting local police for a report and must provide the report number and documentation to Facilities Management.  If immediate non-medical assistance is needed, use the instructions provided in the vehicle’s glove box to contact the College’s roadside assistance provider.

All collisions, emergencies, and/or mechanical failures must be reported. Failure to report damage to the vehicle (i.e. chipped windshield, exterior scratch or dent, etc.), a collision, emergency, or mechanical failure within 24 hours may result in suspension or revocation of College driving privileges.

The following applies to At-Fault accidents, minor violations, and/or collisions that result in damage to vehicles and/or property regardless of law enforcement presence.

Kalamazoo College reserves the right to adjust sanctioning as the College sees fit.

Responsible Entity:
Student Drivers: Student Development in coordination with Human Resources
Faculty/Staff/Volunteers: Human Resources

EventDrivers Age 18-21Drivers Age 22+
First At-Fault and/or Minor ViolationSuccessful completion of driver training program and a written warning added to the driver's personnel file located in Human ResourcesSuccessful completion of driver training program and a note to file added to the driver’s personnel file located in Human Resources.
Second At-Fault and/or minor violation within 36 months of the First IncidentSuspension of driving privileges for 12 months*Final written warning issued by driver’s primary department.
Third At-Fault and/or minor violation within 36 months of the First IncidentForfeiture of driving privileges*Forfeiture of driving privileges*
Any major violations within the preceding five yearsNot permitted to drive College owned or rented vehiclesNot permitted to drive College owned or rented vehicles
*Suspension or forfeiture of driving privileges may negatively impact the driver’s ability to remain employed at Kalamazoo College in cases where driving is a requirement of the person’s role at Kalamazoo College.

Approved: President’s Staff, January 2024

Appendix

Major Violations

Major Violations within the last five (5) years include:

  • Speeding in excess of 20 miles per hour over the speed limit
  • Reckless, negligent, careless driving or racing
  • Permitting an unlicensed person to drive and/or someone who is not approved to drive a College vehicle
  • Driving under a suspended, revoked, or expired license
  • Operating a motor vehicle without the owner’s permission
  • Fleeing or attempting to elude police; failure to stop and report an accident in which the driver was involved
  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol and/or the refusal to take a blood/breath test
  • Any felony involving use of an automobile
  • A violation in connection with a fatal accident including negligent vehicular homicide

Minor Violations

Minor Violations within the last five (5) years include:

  • Failure to report a collision within 24 hours, regardless of location or police presence
  • Speeding under 20 miles per hour of the speed limit
  • Failure to signal a turn
  • Running a stop sign/red light
  • Tailgating