Presented by the Sustainability Team at Harvard Maintenance
At Harvard, we’re committed to creating cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable spaces for our clients and communities. Earth Day is the perfect time to learn about sustainability and explore simple, impactful ways we can all contribute to a greener future. Let’s dive in!
What is Sustainability?
Sustainability means meeting our needs today without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. It’s about balancing environmental care, economic responsibility, and social well-being. For those of us at Harvard, it’s also about maintaining spaces in ways that reduce waste, conserve resources, and promote healthier environments.
Why It Matters
- Environment: Reducing waste and emissions helps protect ecosystems, combat climate change, and preserve natural resources.
- Health: Cleaner air, water, and spaces improve well-being for employees, clients, and visitors.
- Cost Savings: Energy-efficient practices and waste reduction can lower operational costs over time.
- Community: Sustainable actions show leadership and care for the planet we all share.
The Three Pillars of Sustainability at Harvard
- Environmental (Planet): Protecting nature by reducing pollution, conserving energy, and minimizing waste.
- Economic (Prosperity): Making smart choices that save money and support long-term growth.
- Social (People): Supporting people’s health, safety, and quality of life in the spaces we maintain.
Sustainability in Action: What Harvard Maintenance Does
Our mission to clean for wellness shapes healthier, safer spaces for building occupants while honoring our commitment to the planet and the communities we serve. Guided by a philosophy that prioritizes environmentally preferable products and processes, we align closely with our clients’ sustainability ambitions. Certifications like ISSA CIMS-GB with Honors and Green Seal GS-42 underscore our commitments. In 2024, Harvard was also recognized as an Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Innovator by Avetta.
- Green Cleaning: Our sustainability solutions are designed specifically to enhance the health and safety, productivity and longevity of your facilities. We use eco-friendly products and methods to keep your spaces spotless while minimizing environmental impact.
- Inspired Workplaces: Our third-party certifications reflect our commitment to environmental responsibility, enabling us to support clients pursuing LEED, WELL, Fitwel, and other sustainability benchmarks.
- Environmental Stewards: Compliance with environmental regulations is our baseline, but we aim higher, continually refining our Green Cleaning policies and updating our progress. Each year, we report our greenhouse gas emissions through the Carbon Disclosure Project platform, holding ourselves accountable to measurable progress.
- Driven by Purpose: Our core values – people first, accountability, client focus, safety, and teamwork – guide every decision, ensuring we operate with integrity. We strive for excellence, fostering trust through ethical leadership, transparent practices and key strategic alliances – including with The US Green Building Council and the Arbor Day Foundation.
- Compliance and Responsibility: From greenhouse gas emissions to diversity in hiring, from safety outcomes to supply chain transparency via EcoVadis, Avetta and others, these metrics keep us focused on continuous improvement.
Simple Steps You Can Take
Sustainability starts with small, collective actions. Here’s how you can join us in making a difference – both here and at home.
- Reduce: Turn off lights and electronics when not in use.
- Reuse: Opt for reusable water bottles, coffee cups, or office supplies.
- Recycle: Use the right bins for paper, plastic, glass, and compostables – ask if you’re unsure!
- Conserve: Report leaks or inefficiencies so we can address them quickly.
- Spread the Word: Share what you learn today with colleagues and friends.
Did You Know?
- Switching to LED bulbs can save up to 80% more energy than traditional lighting.
- Recycling one ton of paper saves 17 trees and 7,000 gallons of water.
- A single dripping faucet can waste over 3,000 gallons of water per year—fixing it matters!
Collaborating on your Sustainability Journey
At Harvard Maintenance, we’re proud to partner with you to keep your spaces thriving while protecting our planet. Have ideas or questions? Reach out anytime sustainability@harvardmaint.com. We’re here to help!
Happy Earth Day from your Harvard Maintenance Team!