Colleges and universities throughout the country have faced an evolving spectrum of challenges. From enrollment declines and budget constraints to heightened expectations for cleanliness and safety, higher education institutions globally are grappling with complex issues. In this landscape, safeguarding the well-being of students and staff has taken center stage.
Stepping up to help universities meet these obstacles head-on is the Ecolab Science Certified™ (ESC) program. ESC is a comprehensive program that combines our best offerings, from our innovative programs to our proven expertise, combined with a co-marketing partnership.
This holistic solution is engineered to enhance cleanliness standards using science-driven products, programs, and procedures. Through strategic partnerships with universities, ESC aims to tackle the multifaceted task of cultivating clean and safe campus environments – exceptional spaces that drive learning and engagement across campuses.
Clean Spaces, a Critical Factor in Driving Enrollment
When we think of higher education institutions as business enterprises, steady enrollment growth represents the development of new business. College enrollment has been declining steadily since 2010, but there was a remarkably steep 6 percent drop from 2019 to 2023.
While there’s a range of criteria prospective students consider when choosing a college, research suggests they are deeply influenced by their impression of a school’s campus:
- One APPA study revealed that roughly a quarter of surveyed students would reject a school if they consider its facilities to be inadequate or poorly maintained.
- A 2022 Student Voice survey from Inside Higher Ed indicated that 40 percent of families say campus cleanliness is a significant part of the university selection process.
It’s clear that clean spaces are a critical factor in driving enrollment. However, with expansive campuses populated by numerous buildings, institutions rely on internal teams and external contractors for maintenance. This can present struggles with consistency when it comes to product usage and procedures.
The ESC program can help tackle these challenges, as evidenced by one of our partners, Clemson University. Our collaboration with the institution is helping ensure consistent cleaning standards across all facilities and teams.
Through our partnership with Clemson, the ESC program has:
- Enhanced cleanliness and streamlined processes with innovative products like the 4-in-1 Ecolab Rapid Multi Surface Disinfectant Cleaner
- Expanded consistent cleaning practices by providing procedural training to Clemson’s external service contractors
- Boosted awareness and stakeholder confidence through strategic co-marketing efforts aimed at students and staff
Our purpose is to provide comprehensive programs that integrate advanced chemistry, employee training, and expert guidance to help create and protect healthy spaces. I've seen first-hand how the ESC program’s science-backed innovation helps safeguard our customers' brands and enhance profitability — a promise that rings just as true for higher education institutions as it does for restaurants, hotels, and food retailers.
Commitment to Student Safety
Cleanliness and safety have become pivotal points of consideration for students, faculty and staff when choosing a college or university. Studies indicate that these factors heavily influence decision-making, impacting both the student experience and overall satisfaction:
- 9 in 10 students consider themselves healthy, but less than half think their college or university makes health and well-being a priority.
- 27% of students base their college selection on the school’s campus rather than its programs.
- 90% of students believe lack of facility cleanliness is a distraction to learning.
- Colleges and universities that have high-performing buildings see increases in course satisfaction scores.
The perception of an institution's dedication to safety and wellness profoundly affects its appeal. By empowering colleges to take proactive measures in fostering clean and safe environments, the ESC program can help schools stand out as leaders in student welfare.
Through our collaboration with Clemson, we've helped the university implement science-based cleaning practices and rigorous training, providing students and staff with confidence in Clemson’s commitment to clean and safe campus facilities.
"Through our collaboration with Clemson, we've helped the university implement science-based cleaning practices and rigorous training, providing students and staff with confidence in Clemson's commitment to clean and safe campus facilities."
Zach Bradbrook
Senior Corporate Account Manager, Facilities, Institutional
Communicating Your Commitment to a Clean, Healthy Campus
Schools often overlook the importance of effectively communicating their clean and safety initiatives to potential students, industry cohorts, and other stakeholders. The ESC program provides institutions with the guidance and resources necessary to communicate their commitment to a clean and safe campus to students, visitors, faculty, and staff.
By leveraging robust co-marketing strategies, we help colleges and universities amplify their messaging to reach a broader audience. The ESC program empowers institutions like Clemson to showcase their commitment, fostering trust and confidence within their communities.
Proudly displaying the ESC seal is another way to provide tangible evidence of your institution's dedication to maintain healthy spaces. Knowing that perceptions of cleanliness are integral to campus decision-making, this type of effective communication can add tremendous value.
Together, we can create campuses where students thrive, staff excel, and communities prosper.
To learn more about how ESC can help you achieve a higher level of cleanliness for your education facility while protecting your reputation and optimizing your operations, visit: Ecolab Science Certified™ for Higher Ed.
