Elk Grove USD (EGUSD) received the Silver Standard of Excellence recognition for its district-wide commitment to a better indoor environment:

• Each Classroom has an HVAC unit and MERV 8 filters are routinely changed every three months. In ceramic and carpentry shops, filters are changed monthly.

• Acoustic tiles are used throughout. Most HVAC units are located on the roof, not near windows and doors.

• Classrooms are cleaned and vacuumed daily. Fragrant oils, sprays, etc. are strongly discouraged in rooms. Fragrant shrubs and trees are planted away from classroom doors and windows. EGUSD uses walk-off matting in each room to reduce walkedin contamination. They also use Green Seal-approved products, often hydrogenperoxide based, and, increasingly, OSG (on-site generation) of ElectroChemically Activated Solutions. Making their own solutions saves money, and reduces common chemical exposures.

• The district has formed a standing committee to assess the effect of pollutants and chemicals on asthma, allergies and other breathing problems.

• EGUSD uses diamond-polishing of concrete in several areas to eliminate chemically intensive maintenance.

• EGUSD provides M&O employees a $160 credit for steel-toed footwear.

• Water fountains are in most classrooms. Water-vending machines are in middle and high school campuses. Many office areas have water filters connected to faucets.

• EGUSD has a detailed IPM program that is a part of staff training.

• EGUSD has moved to alternative treatments for burrowing rodents that include non-bait methods such as CO2 and habitat modification.

• EGUSD has protected insect pollinators by harvesting eight honey bee swarms in the last two years. These were turned over to local bee keepers.