Hawaii Preparatory Academy was one of three schools selected nationally to receive a 2017 Healthy School Award from the Healthy Facilities Institute, in partnership with School Planning and Management and College Planning and Management magazines. ADVERTISING Hawaii Preparatory Academy was
Hawaii Preparatory Academy was one of three schools selected nationally to receive a 2017 Healthy School Award from the Healthy Facilities Institute, in partnership with School Planning and Management and College Planning and Management magazines.
Winners were selected based on submitted applications, interviews and a strong commitment to facility health and practical steps.
Health factors assessed included indoor air quality, chemical exposure, water quality, sound levels, lighting, cleaning and disinfecting, sanitizing and food service, integrated pest management and ergonomics (musculoskeletal, strains, slips/falls).
“We’re very pleased to be recognized for our efforts to achieve environmental excellence and to make our school environment better and safer for everyone,” said Robert McKendry, head of the Waimea school.
HPA was commended for:
• Monitoring the indoor environment using devices that detect carbon dioxide, temperature and sound levels.
• Making standing desks and anti-fatigue mats available to employees.
• Using dry steam vapor for cleaning and disinfecting, and a hydrogen peroxide-based cleaner, having reduced annual spending on chemical cleaners by about $4,000.
• Using low-toxicity plant-based intervention to control insects.
Winning schools will be featured in a webinar Nov. 2, “Thirty Days to Healthy Schools at Lower Cost” (webspm.com/articles/2017/07/01/healthy-facilities.aspx?m=1).
For more information, visit www.healthyfacilitiesinstitute.com.
