The New York State Office of General Services (OGS) has published the final version of its Green Cleaning Procurement Specifications and Guidelines for Schools as required by Chapter 548 of the Laws of New York. 

The purpose of the specifications is to provide direction and guidance to all elementary and secondary schools in New York State that are required by state law to purchase and use green cleaning and maintenance products, effective September 1, 2006.
Of particular importance, the recently finalized document sets forth specifications for green cleaning products.  In regard to chemical based cleaning chemicals and paper products, OGS has adopted by reference products certified by Green Seal, and Environmental Choice. In addition, OGS has adopted the Carpet and Rug Institute’s Green Label standard for vacuum cleaners. 

OGS also has created Green Cleaning Product Lists that consist primarily of products certified by Green Seal, Environmental Choice and the Carpet and Rug Institute.  OGS encourages schools to consult the lists for the purpose of identifying cleaning products that comply with the New York State law.

The New York State Green Cleaning Product Specifications also set forth “Best Cleaning Management Practices” which were based on the Guide developed by the Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS) program.

While the Green Cleaning Product Specifications are intended for schools, the document will also be used to help state agencies implement New York State’s Executive Order No. 134 that requires all state agencies to “…procure and use cleaning products having properties that minimize potential impacts to human health and the environment…”

It is important to note that in introductory comments to the Green Cleaning Product Specifications, OGS pointed out that it is the intent of New York State to evaluate its specifications and guidelines over the next 12-18 months to make the specifications “…even more health and environmentally sensitive…”