Overture Sustainability Practices: Earth-friendly cleaning with aqueous ozone technology

As we embark on 2024, many of us are likely pondering how we might improve our lives moving forward into the new year. Our New Year’s resolutions may center on a healthier, more balanced lifestyle or even taking steps toward greater financial stability. Perhaps you aspire to better care for the environment and reduce your carbon footprint.

As a large venue with many moving parts, Overture recognizes its potential impact on the local environment and its responsibility to the community. In ongoing efforts to examine our operations through a wide-angle lens, an employee-driven sustainability committee was formed last May.

Co-chaired by galleries director Beth Racette and lead usher Rachael Reis, the committee has initiated better institution-wide sustainability practices. They work closely with COO Mike Conway and director of facilities Tony Wantoch to identify areas where Overture can reduce waste and minimize negative effects on our ecosystem, ranging from the placement of recycling bins to energy consumption. We have a lot of information to share about our sustainability efforts, and we’ll start by digging into the nitty gritty of water usage.

Last September, Overture implemented EPA-approved aqueous ozone technology, investing in three filling stations that provide a general use, earth-friendly cleaning solution that serves the majority of the facility’s custodial needs. The special filtration system infuses tap water with a high concentration of dissolved ozone in the form of nanobubbles, which trap contaminants, sanitizing surfaces as effectively as chemical cleaners. The result is a safer, healthier “clean” that is also cost-effective.

“It's important to remember that there is hidden water in many daily practices,” says co-chair Rachael Reis. “It's more than just turning off the faucet when you're not using it.”

In a city surrounded by lakes, it is of utmost importance to consider where run-off water eventually will go. Due to its harsh environmental effects, chemical waste must be disposed of with great care, whereas the aqueous wastewater can simply go down the drain without harm. For public facilities with high volume cleaning needs, such as Overture, the aqueous ozone system drastically cuts down on costly chemical disposal.

“We had a similar system, but it was very expensive, double the cost of chemicals. Now, this technology is half the cost. We can fill something as small as a spray bottle or large floor cleaner. We are using it in every single application that would require water and soap,” says Wantoch. “It’s remarkable how well it works.”

While there will always be a need for some strong chemical agents, the aqueous ozone solution is a one-stop shop for general cleaning of Overture’s nooks and crannies, from carpets to windows to the towering white marble. Hydrogen peroxide serves as the aggressive cleaner for high frequency touch points, such as elevator buttons and doorknobs.

The reduction in chemical use reinforces Overture’s commitment to employee health as well. Commercial grade chemical cleaners must be diluted for use, a hazardous task for custodial staff.

“We’re talking about our team members breathing and handling chemicals in concentrated form, and they now have to do that far, far less,” says Wantoch.

Long-vision investment in facility maintenance is essential, and much institutional planning goes into the capital projects necessary to keep Overture functional and beautiful for generations to come. Our highly customized building, constructed with marble and other fine materials, requires particular care to keep it functional and beautiful for our guests.

“If we were to use vinegar, it would dry the stones, causing them to chip and crack and create other issues. We are at a 20-year mark, and we want to see another 20 years,” Wantoch says, speaking to Overture’s upcoming 20^th anniversary.

Community health and financial health both play a role in allowing Overture to thrive. Wantoch seeks the sweet spot where cost effectiveness and environmental impact meet. He suggests that all types of businesses take a detailed look into how they use water, especially those with high water consumption, such as carpet and window cleaners.

“If a business spends $3,000 or more per year in cleaning, this is definitely worth the investment,” says Wantoch.

While not a “one size fits all” solution, as some businesses have additional guidelines to follow, such as FDA standards, he believes nearly every workplace or home could benefit from this type of change.

“If it can return itself in three years and is better for the environment, it’s foolish not to consider it,” he says. “I strongly recommend it.”

For Reis, serving on the committee has been a rewarding learning experience that has increased employee engagement.

“Allowing individuals the opportunity to think critically about areas where the organization can improve is a great start. Sustainability is something that a lot of people are passionate about, so it doesn't take much for ideas to start flowing. Plus, when the things you are working on are implemented, it makes you feel like you work for an organization that values your experience and opinion,” says Reis.

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