Preventive Maintenance Department Recognized for Green Water Treatment Program

Greenville County Schools’ Preventive Maintenance Department has been presented the Solid Green Approach Award by AJ Chemical for its efforts in reducing costs, demonstrating environmental responsibility, and making school facilities safer for students, staff, and visitors.

GCS is saving about $7,000 per year since it implemented a solid water treatment process that uses green technology in 26 schools. The environment-friendly approach to treating water is used in cooling towers, boiler loop systems, and heating and air systems that use water for heat transfer.

Traditionally, small boilers and cooling tower water were treated with liquid chemicals, which were delivered and stored on site in large drums. The new solid water treatment process provides a solid concentrate of chemicals with ingredients that are more environmentally friendly and packaged in small, recyclable plastic bottles. Because of its green technology designation, the district is earning points toward LEED certification in these schools.