Net-Zero Schools Raise the Bar on Green Cleaning

By Dan Weltin, Contributing Editor

What happens when your sustainability strategy starts reshaping how your facilities are cleaned and maintained?  During a Show Central conversation at Clean Buildings Conference with NFMT, Dr. Alicia Hart of Alexandria City Public Schools and Cynthia Smith of Baltimore City Public Schools, shared how their net-zero schools are pushing green practices beyond energy efficiency. 

One unexpected benefit of their net-zero initiatives? Better pest management. With policies that prohibit personal appliances like mini-fridges and microwaves in classrooms — due to their energy draw — staff found a secondary win: a noticeable drop in indoor pests like cockroaches and mice. Fewer food sources meant fewer infestations and better indoor air quality, aligning perfectly with both sustainability and health goals. 

That theme of prevention carried over into their cleaning programs. Both districts are prioritizing low-VOC cleaning supplies and sustainable materials selection as part of broader green facilities strategies. In older schools, energy retrofits such as LED lighting and HVAC upgrades are being paired with envelope improvements and moisture control — key strategies in reducing pest harborages and ensuring clean, dry environments. 

Listen to the full conversation to hear how these districts are creating sustainable, healthier facilities. 

Dan Weltin is the editor-in-chief of the facilities market, which includes Facility Maintenance Decisions, a sister publication to Facility Cleaning Decisions.

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posted on 5/23/2025