Case Studies

Learn How Columbia Public Schools Won 2010 Green Cleaning Award With CRI Approved Vacuums from Tornado®


Columbia Public Schools (CPS) understands that cleanliness effects worker and occupant health, and improves student performance. Located in Columbia Missouri, CPS is the proud recipient of the 2010 Green Cleaning Award, K-12 Best New Program. Sponsored by American Schools and University in conjunction with the Green Cleaning Network and Healthy Schools Campaign, the award recognizes educational institutions around the country for their outstanding achievement and efforts in creating healthy and sustainable cleaning programs that serve to protect the health of staff, students, and visitors, without harming the environment. Awards are determined by an expert jury of green-cleaning experts based on the comprehensiveness and quality of an institution’s cleaning program, including measured:

  • Use of green-cleaning products
  • Use of green equipment and supplies
  • Adoption of green-cleaning procedures
  • Use of green paper and plastic products
  • Shared responsibility initiatives, involving students, staff, and teachers

The Switch to "Green" Cleaning Equipment is Smart

Tornado is proud to play a part in Columbia School District’s (CPS) green cleaning initiatives. CPS has been using Tornado’s CV 38 Upright Vacuums with HEPA filtration, along with Tornado’s PV 10 Pac-Vac Backpack Vacuums with HEPA, to help ensure they meet the criteria for green cleaning equipment, as defined by Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) policy.

Working with Mr. Dave Thompson from the Green Cleaning Institute, the district switched to HEPA vacuums, moving away from the use of exposed-bag units. Since doing so, Mike Jones, Assistant Director of Custodial Services, comments: “We’ve noted a dramatic difference in the amount of dust we’re seeing after vacuuming. Our staff has commented that they not only notice a reduction in dust found on surfaces in the classrooms, they have also noticed cleaner, fresher smelling air.” During education sessions conducted by the Green Cleaning Institute, Columbia School District custodial staff learn how the reduction of dust particles in the air has an immediate and positive impact on their own personal health as frontline workers, as well as the impact on improving Indoor Air Quality (IAQ).

Along with health benefits, the low decibel level (dB) of the Tornado vacuums and other green equipment have allowed the district to employ more daytime cleaning procedures. Jones states, "The environmental benefits, plus the comfortable and ergonomic fit of the backpack vacuums alone on my housekeeping staff, more than prove the choice to switch to Tornado HEPA vacuums and other green cleaning equipment was a smart one."

In accordance with Green Cleaning Guidelines for Schools, Jones’s maintenance staff keeps a detailed log of all maintenance conducted on their equipment, as an example, making sure HEPA filters are replaced every six months, as well as other routine maintenance, ensuring their units stay in top working condition. “As CPS occupies its newest High School under construction, there is no doubt that it will be outfitted with Tornado’s HEPA filtered CV 38 and PV 10 Pac-Vac® vacuums,” concludes Jones. This powerful duo of vacuums from Tornado will be used throughout the school district to protect the health and safety of frontline workers, students, and administration through improved indoor air quality and a cleaner school environment.

With close to 1/3rd of the Columbia, Missouri community using the public school system comprised of 37 buildings, Tornado applauds the Columbia School District’s well deserved recognition, green cleaning initiatives, commitment to their staff, students, and the entire Columbia community

About Green Clean Institute and Mr. David Thompson

With over thirty years of experience in the janitorial industry, David Thompson has been honored with a number of awards, including ISSA Green Clean Expert Certification. As president of the Green Clean Institute, Dave brings his experience and knowledge to front-line workers via education programs designed to maximize cleaning productivity while protecting the health of workers, building occupants, and the environment. Since 2006, the Green Clean Institute (GCI) has educated more than 2,000 people and firms in the basics of Green cleaning. Dave has participated as a sub-committee member establishing the Missouri Green Cleaning Guidelines for Schools, which was adopted by the State of Missouri and signed into law in 2009. Dave is also a senior sales member at a leading janitorial distributor based in St. Louis, Missouri, New System Janitorial & Maintenance. New System is a noted and well respected, authoritative source for Green Cleaning products and training.


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