Green Apple is a global movement to put all children in schools where they have clean and healthy air to breathe, where energy and resources are conserved, and where they can be inspired to dream of a brighter future.

Training custodians on effective cleaning processes, protecting health and reducing environmental impacts is essential for helping schools meet their educational goals. Whether it is training new custodial workers, expanding on what they already know, adopting new processes to work more effectively and efficiently, or testing new technologies – the key to success is dependent upon custodians being appropriately trained.

To help promote healthy and green training in schools across the country, the USGBC’s Center For Green Schools offers advice for training custodial crews.

It is a free and easy way to give custodial operations the recognition they deserve. The first step is to identify the training your school is providing for custodial employees based on elements of health and sustainability.

Suggestions include:
 • Orienting new custodial workers; training on new equipment such as the use of floor machines, no-touch restroom cleaning or backpack vacuums; cleaning hard floors, carpets, classrooms or restrooms; new technologies for measuring cleanliness; right-to-know information; using personal protective equipment; etc.
 • Schedule and conduct custodial training sessions with a jan/san distributor on identified topics. Schools should contact their distributors of cleaning products and/or cleaning service providers to ask for their assistance.
 • Ensure that the training sessions are understandable by taking into consideration the custodians skill level, language and other potential cultural barriers of the custodians.
 • Make sure your cleaning program is seen as part of your school's overall sustainability program by promoting your local training program through your school communication channels including school newsletters, PTA or local school fliers.

There are a various resources available for managers looking to improve health and environmental initiatives into their custodial operations. Free information can be obtained through the Healthy Schools Campaign, Green Seal, USGBC LEED-EBOM and ISSA’s CIMS-GB.

Schools that promote healthy, green programs can also take part in a free day of recognition. Green Apple Day of Service events will be recognized on September 26, 2015. Visit http://greenapple.org/greencleaning for more information.