Governors State Wins Healthy Building Certification

Governors State University (GSU) is the first public state university in Illinois to be certified as a healthy building by Hygieneering Inc., a company focused on healthy indoor environments.

To achieve the Healthy Building Institute (HBI) recognition, the university engaged in a six-week assessment of indoor ventilation and water systems to ensure they met federal and professional guidelines established by the Environmental Protection Agency; Centers for Disease Control; the Occupational Safety and Health Administration; the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning; and the American Industrial Hygiene Association.

During a recent award ceremony to present the university with a trophy, Hygieneering Vice President, Matt Guidarelli, said the recognition over-communicates the university’s commitment to a safe environment.

“This program is all about protecting the health and safety of those indoor occupants,’’ he said, adding “part of the program has a public outreach component, which is very important these days to build trust.’’

Guidarelli affixed a large blue and white sticker on the door of the front entrance of the D-building to signify the campus is HBI Verified. A quick scan of a QR code on the sticker will provide more details on the award.

Carolyn Johnson, GSU’s Environmental Health and Safety Director who led the project, said the assessment included a visual examination of the facility, which is just under 1 million square feet, and ventilation systems for indications of potential poor indoor air quality risk factors, operation of the HVAC systems, common air contaminants/air quality parameters, water contaminants, and contact surface hygiene practices.

Additionally, special attention was paid to COVID-19 safety protocols to include workplace controls, communication, wellness checks, enhanced cleaning, and engineering controls.

Dr. Corey S. Bradford, the university’s new Vice President of Administration and Finance, said the impact of COVID-19 is undeniable. “It’s a major disruption to all colleges and universities”, he said during the award ceremony.

“This award shows that we have committed the resources and time necessary to achieve this outcome. That’s why this award is something that we’re proud of,” said Bradford before he thanked John Potempa, Associate Vice President for Facilities Development and Management, and his team of 55 employees.

“Our team has gone above and beyond the call of duty to care for the air quality, clean water, and sanitized contact surfaces. They have been proactive and responsible for caring for our GSU community,’’ he said.

For more information on the Healthy Building Institute's Healthy Building Verification Program, please click here.

This article has been reproduced in its entirety from gsunews.govst.edu.