UIW has taken another unique step in the direction of becoming a “green” campus. In December 2012, the university, in collaboration with ARAMARK, custodial service provider to the university, installed an innovative Electrically Activated Water (EAW) cleaning system called Hydris.

Utilizing the university’s water, Hydris is an onsite system that produces three powerful cleaning and sanitizing products to clean multiple surfaces. The innovative technology was developed by Ecolab, a global provider of water, hygiene and energy technologies serving the food, energy, health care, industrial and hospitality markets.

Julian Gonzalez, ARAMARK director of custodial services, and Red the Cardinal, pose in the nursing building with one of two new Electrically Activated Water (EAW) cleaning system units on campus.

Julian Gonzalez, ARAMARK director of custodial services, and Red the Cardinal, pose in the nursing building with one of two new Electrically Activated Water (EAW) cleaning system units on campus.

Some of the major benefits of using the Hydris technology include: less chemical residue on floors which will lead to higher slip resistance; cleaner carpets which will extend the life of newer instillations; the emission of less chemical aerosol odors which will allow ARAMARK employees to work diligently in populated areas without concern for aggravating allergies; and, because EAW is not harmful to eyes or skin, an increase in the level of safety for employees, students and staff.

UIW’s installation of the Hydris system is also progressive in terms of its use on a national level. “No other cleaning company in San Antonio will be able to match our sustainability efforts because UIW was the first location in the country to receive this new technology,” explained Julian Gonzalez, director of custodial services at UIW.

To learn more about Ecolab and its technologies, please visit www.ecolab.com.

To read more about sustainability on campus, visit www.uiw.edu/greenuiw/.