Championing Environmental Excellence
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.”
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This article originally appeared in the issue of .