As winter fades, spring offers schools more than just warmer weather—it’s an ideal time to refresh, repair, and rethink facility maintenance strategies. Spring is when campuses bloom—literally and operationally. These actions extend beyond aesthetics; a well-maintained environment impacts health, energy efficiency, and operational performance throughout the academic year. Strategic approaches to spring maintenance ensure that schools are refreshed for the season—and set up for long-term success.
Prioritizing Green Cleaning for Enhanced Spaces
A clean campus supports student well-being and academic success, but cleaning methods vary in effectiveness. Traditional cleaning products and outdated equipment can degrade indoor air quality while exposing students and staff to harmful chemicals. Therefore, more schools are transitioning to green cleaning programs that promote sustainability without diminished results.
One simple yet effective upgrade is switching to LEED-EB-compliant equipment, such as HEPA-filter vacuums that trap airborne pollutants and vapor steam cleaners that sanitize without harsh chemicals. These methods enhance indoor air quality and align with sustainability standards, such as certifications in ISSA CIMS and CIMS-Green Building.
Sustainable purchasing plays a critical role. Schools reduce their environmental footprint by prioritizing eco-friendly janitorial paper products, biodegradable trash liners, and durable, long-lasting cleaning tools. Paired with strategic recycling programs and waste reduction initiatives, these efforts ensure that sustainability is embedded into daily operations.
Boosting Campus Sustainability Through Partnerships
Sustainability works best as a shared responsibility. The most successful programs don’t rely strictly on facility managers; they engage the entire campus community in meaningful, sustainable change.
An overhauled approach to sustainability transformed campus operations at a small liberal arts college in the Northeast. The school implemented a comprehensive GreenClean Program, prioritized eco-friendly landscaping, and commissioned a biomass heating plant that now supplies 30% of the campus’s energy needs, cutting costs and reducing environmental impact.
But the real game-changer occurred through campus-wide engagement. To achieve this, the school transformed green initiatives from a facilities-led effort into a mission by educating staff and students on sustainability best practices. The collaboration yielded striking results—improved aesthetics, reduced energy costs, and increased productivity while strengthening the campus’s environmental commitment.
Optimizing HVAC Systems for Peak Performance
As temperatures rise, HVAC systems become the backbone of a comfortable and efficient learning environment. Neglecting seasonal maintenance can lead to higher energy costs, poor air circulation, and unexpected system failures—issues that can disrupt the school year.
A private college in Georgia recently took a proactive, data-driven approach to HVAC maintenance: detailed inspections of 547 campus assets to uncover critical maintenance needs. As a result, the facility team optimized building management systems, improving energy efficiency while preventing costly emergency repairs. The school saw a 12% increase in asset productivity and a 20% drop in first-time work orders, reducing disruptions and lowering operational costs.
This example underscores the importance of assessing infrastructure before peak cooling season. A methodical approach to HVAC maintenance improves air quality and occupant comfort, extends equipment lifespan, and reduces energy waste.
Spring Cleaning: A Foundation for Year-Round Benefits
Spring cleaning goes beyond refreshing spaces—it’s about future-proofing facilities. By adopting green cleaning practices, fostering campus-wide sustainability, and optimizing maintenance strategies, educational institutions create healthier environments, reduce operational costs, and improve energy efficiency. These seasonal investments yield year-round results—helping schools remain resilient, sustainable, and ready for whatever comes next.
Now is the perfect time to refresh your campus facilities—but are you optimizing maintenance for long-term impact? Watch our on-demand webinar to learn proven strategies to enhance cooling efficiency, improve air quality, and drive sustainability in educational environments.
View the webinar today to ensure your campus is ready for the seasons ahead.
