Championing Environmental Excellence

  • 02/01/14

The Hawai’i Preparatory Academy (HPA) - in Waimea (Kamuela) on the island of Hawai’i - founded in 1949, is an independent coeducational school providing a full range of opportunities for students from kindergarten through grade 12.

According to the U.S. Department of Education, HPA was one of only two schools throughout the state of Hawai’i, and one of only 78 schools nationwide in the U.S., to receive the Green Ribbon Schools (GRS) award in recognition of their accomplishments toward saving energy and reducing costs.

“TANCS Steam Vapor has helped HPA meet the GRS criteria as an awardwinning school because it cleans and disinfects without the use of harsh chemicals, reduces manpower and reduces the spread and growth of mold,” says Robert McKendry, CPA and chief financial officer for the school.

HPA started using TANCS steam vapor from Advanced Vapor Technologies in 2007, and applications now include all campus restrooms, showers, dorm rooms, infirmary, guesthouses and classrooms. Widespread adoption has resulted in reduction of toxic chemistries, and significant cost savings.

“In 2008, we spent $3,800 on disinfectant cleaners, and now our usage - and related expense - of such harsh chemistries is basically zero,” McKendry notes.

Additionally, McKendry and his colleagues have identified the following benefits of the chemical-free TANCS steam vapor intervention:

  • Areas are now much easier to clean;
  • Mold and mildew in shower areas are not growing back as fast;
  • Appearance of shower tiles and grout have improved greatly;
  • Chrome sink faucets/fixtures are now disinfected and gleam brightly;
  • Toilets, urinals and divider walls are sanitized and do not smell as before;

“We are deeply impressed and convinced that the cleaning process can affect student health, attendance and learning,” says McKendry. “TANCS steam vapor, among the many other measures we have taken to achieve environmental excellence, has made our school environment better and safer for everyone.”

www.advap.com

This article originally appeared in the issue of .

Featured

  • Kraus-Anderson Completes Improvements at Minnesota Middle, High Schools

    Construction management, real estate, and risk management firm Kraus-Anderson recently announced that it has finished two K–12 renovation projects in Minnesota, according to a news release.

  • Texas District Finishes Construction on New Middle School, Admin Building

    The Westwood Independent School District recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Westwood Middle School and Administration Building in Palestine, Texas, according to a news release. The campus covers 106,000 square feet and has the capacity for 650 students in grades 6–8, and it will also play home to the district’s staff and administration.

  • Designing Learning Spaces that Support Student Mental Health and Wellness

    In today’s education landscape, schools are more than just centers for learning; they are integral to the holistic development and well-being of students. The global pandemic underscored the importance of addressing mental health in schools, as productivity dropped, stress levels rose and students faced challenges managing emotions.

  • FAU Starts Construction on Holocaust and Jewish Studies Building

    Florida Atlantic University recently began construction on a new academic building for its campus in Boca Raton, Fla., according to university news. The Kurt and Marilyn Wallach Holocaust and Jewish Studies Building will stand two stories, measure in at 22,000 square feet, and play home to the university’s Holocaust education and Jewish studies programs.

Digital Edition