Sodexo facilities management experts helped propel Colorado College to a leadership position in sustainable cleaning practices by being named one of only two colleges honored by American School & University magazine, the Green Cleaning Network, and the Healthy Schools Campaign for the 2008 Green Cleaning Award for Schools and Universities.

Sodexo, a food and facilities management service provider, reduced the number of cleaning products by half at Colorado College. By switching to microfiber cloths and mops, Sodexo reduced custodial-cleaning water use by about 247,000 gallons per year in residential and academic areas. The Green Cleaning Award also recognized Sodexo's effort in piloting environmentally preferable chemicals and installing chemical-dispensing systems that reduce waste and prevent the "more is better" pitfall. Sodexo technicians retired harsh floor-stripping chemicals by introducing new technology that uses water instead, which improves student and employee health by reducing toxic chemical use. Indoor air quality also got a boost by switching to dual filtration units instead of using vacuums. Tent cards in all dorm rooms let students know their rooms are cleaned using environmentaly friendly products that are Green Seal certified, a third-party endorsement of environmental responsibility.

"Sodexo congratulates Colorado College for championing effective methods to support sustainable initiatives," said Al Allen, president of education facilities management at Sodexo. "Sodexo managers, employees and vendor partners also made this award possible by applying their expertise in sustainable performance."