As climate change and environmental sustainability become increasingly important issues, businesses are looking for greener ways to operate, including in office cleaning and maintenance. Implementing eco-friendly office cleaning practices brings environmental benefits and potential cost savings.
Using Greener Cleaning Products
Conventional cleaning chemicals often contain toxic ingredients that negatively affect indoor air quality. Breathing in these vapors has been linked to things like headaches, asthma, and longer-term health issues. Eco-friendly cleaning products are biodegradable, non-toxic, plant-based, and free from harsh chemicals. They get the job done without putting employees’ health or the environment at risk. Before hiring a commercial cleaning company, ensure they use third-party certified green cleaners.
Implementing Effective Cleaning Procedures
It takes more than just using better products to green your cleaning routine. Office cleaning services also need procedures designed to conserve resources. For example, the experts at All Pro Cleaning Systems explain that “green” vacuum cleaners with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters better trap dust while using less energy. Microfiber cloths and mops clean well with just water, eliminating the need for chemical cleaners. Smart scheduling ensures lights get turned off, equipment powers down properly, and cleaning happens at optimal times. It takes some upfront investment to implement green cleaning procedures. Nevertheless, the long-term payoff makes it worthwhile.
Using Sustainable Cleaning Equipment
Swapping out equipment for more eco-friendly alternatives brings impactful sustainability gains. Examples include:
- Rechargeable battery powered floor cleaners – These replace gas-guzzling options that generate noise and air pollution.
- Energy and water efficient dishwashers – They conserve resources in office kitchen areas.
- HEPA filtered, bagless vacuum cleaners – They improve air quality while cutting down on consumable costs.
- Microfiber materials – Using less paper for cleaning reduces waste.
- Foam soap dispensers – They minimize plastic bottle refuse from liquid soap.
Though pricier upfront, sustainable cleaning equipment pays dividends for years through energy savings and lower consumables spending. Plus, tax credits, rebates, and incentives are increasingly available for green upgrades.
Leveraging Sustainable Business Certifications
Looking for third-party sustainability certifications ensures office cleaning services follow strict eco-friendly practices. Credible green cleaning certification programs for janitorial services include Green Seal and ISSA Cleaning Industry Management Standard – Green Building (CIMS-GB). You should require any potential office cleaning companies to hold one of these certifications. That way, you know they adhere to strict criteria like:
- Using approved chemical products that meet health and sustainability standards.
- Implementing effective cleaning procedures that conserve resources.
- Employing staff trained in environmentally preferable cleaning methods.
- Providing documentation to validate sustainable practices.
Some certification programs offer online tools to estimate the positive environmental impact of greener cleaning. Calculators can quantify metrics like greenhouse gas emission reductions, gallons of water conserved, and pounds of waste diverted from landfills. The quantified results provide tangible proof of the benefits of sustainable office cleaning.
Creating a Culture of Sustainability
Business sustainability needs to extend beyond what office cleaning crews do after hours. Foster workplace habits that support, rather than undermine, green cleaning efforts. For example:
- Use online filing systems rather than paper records.
- Set all printers to automatic double-sided.
- Provide centralized waste, recycling, and compost bins.
- Encourage a “clean desk” policy at the end of the day.
- Request employees to bring reusable mugs and food containers.
Workplace norms impact how much energy, water, and single-use items the office goes through daily. Cultivating conservation habits makes it easier to maintain sustainability gains.
Conclusion
Going green brings added value to office cleaning through environmental stewardship, cost savings, and healthier workplaces. Using eco-friendly products, updating equipment, hiring certified services, and engaging employees means organizations can significantly reduce their environmental footprint. What starts with office cleaning can spark wider sustainability action across all business operations.
