Custodial Services plays one of the most important roles on Iowa State's campus by ensuring that all academic and administrative buildings remain clean and sanitary at all times. With the core belief that personal and environmental health are directly linked to an individual's ability to succeed, more than 140 Custodial Services employees work tirelessly to guarantee that all students, faculty and staff have the potential to thrive in their respective academic and professional spaces.

An overarching Green Cleaning Policy, facilitated throughout campus custodial units, is dedicated to reducing the exposure of building occupants and custodial personnel to potentially hazardous chemical contaminants that adversely impact air quality or impede occupants’ well-being.

Most notably, Custodial Services almost exclusively uses green products to clean all campus facilities.  The only exception is a chemical used to strip floors of wax and debris once every few years but alternatives are actively being sought. Other sustainable initiatives include providing input into the design of new buildings, conducting annual audits and reviews to maintain Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards, and the installation of chemical dilution systems that increase water efficiency and minimize waste.

See the dropdowns below to see how Custodial Services is making an impact within each of the three facets of sustainability. Contact Custodial Services via email at custfac@iastate.edu. 

  • ISU Custodial Services prioritizes efficiency in both labor and materials on an ongoing basis to reduce costs.
  • Custodial Services continually conducts audits to organize and monitor custodial spaces to ensure the most efficient use of space and remove unused chemicals.
  • Cost-effective microfiber cloth has replaced paper cleaning products and is utilized on multiple surfaces for a variety of cleaning needs. Microfiber mopping systems greatly reduce the amount of chemical solution used.
  • Custodial Services saves money using accurate chemical dilution systems to eliminate unnecessary waste by measuring the exact amount of cleaning product needed for a given task. With this dilution system, cleaning products are mixed on site further reducing waste from packaging and transportation emissions.
  • In collaboration with Custodial Services, Design and Construction Services uses high quality materials to build and maintain entryways to reduce the amount of dirt that accumulates from people using the building. These designs reduce costs related to labor and cleaning equipment as less dirt makes its way inside in the first place.
  • Custodial Services provides input on the design of new buildings to ensure that custodial areas are efficiently located according to service area needs.
  • A new floor finishing process has been adopted by Custodial Services which eliminates the need to strip and wax floors.
  • By creating trash and recycling centers in buildings, Custodial Services aims to create more opportunities for recycling and to reduce the labor and material costs associated with trash.

  • ISU Custodial Services exclusively uses green cleaning products that are free of harsh chemicals to clean all campus buildings. The only exception (of which Custodial Services is actively seeking a green alternative) is a chemical-based product that strips floors of wax and debris, used once every few years in any given building.  However, Custodial Services has adopted a new floor finishing process which eliminates the use of waxing and stripping for certain types of flooring.
  • All new buildings are required to be cleaned with green chemicals to acquire a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.
  • Custodial Services conducts annual "LEED check-ins" to ensure staff members are meeting or exceeding all regulations regarding the LEED green cleaning protocol.
  • Much of Custodial Services' cleaning equipment and supplies, such as mops, are made from recycled materials. All toilet paper and paper towels are made from 100% recycled materials, and trash bags are made from 30% recycled materials.
  • Custodial Services uses technology related to best management practices, as well as efficient equipment, to use less water and chemicals throughout its operations.

  • ISU Custodial Services employs more than 140 dedicated and talented individuals who work together in eight work areas. Each area consists of a group of custodians who combine different skills and talents to work towards a common goal.  The custodians work together to determine work distribution to provide an efficient response to customer needs. 
  • ISU Custodial Services recognizes the link between student, faculty and staff health and success and is committed to ensuring a safe environment for both custodians and customers. This commitment is the driving force behind every service that Custodial Services provides, with specific focus on the impact of cleaning products and processes on indoor air quality.
  • ISU Custodial Services attends conferences and trade shows to explore new ideas and environmentally-friendly products.
  • Custodial Services is recognized as a leader in green cleaning among peers and serves as a resource to regents, peer and national universities.