Almost a decade ago, the United Nations produced “Sustainable Development Goals” ahead of the Rio+20 Summit (2012). At that time, the topic of sustainability was considered of interest primarily to environmentalists and the “tree hugger” crowd. How times have changed! Moving into 2021, sustainability is now considered mission critical for any business, including those in the commercial cleaning and facilities management sector.

What factors have shifted sustainability into the mainstream, and what’s ahead in the next few years?

Sustainability is now defined, measured and regulated

First, it is now globally recognized that the UN Goals published in 2012 were not a “one and done” initiative. Since then, we’ve seen numerous initiatives aimed at putting sustainability on the global agenda; events such as the Paris Climate Accord and the 2019 Climate Action Summit. These and many others have resulted in a raft of new laws, policies and goals now in place around the world that cover everything from tougher carbon emission regulations to the banning or control of specific cleaning products and substances.

The impact has been felt throughout all industries, including commercial cleaning.  It’s no longer accepted (or even lawful) to make claims that sound good but can’t be backed up by science. In Canada, products can’t be promoted as having sustainability “promises” and green claims such as “organic”. The Canadian EcoLogo (also known as Environmental Choice) identifies products and services that have been independently certified to meet strict environmental standards that reflect their entire life cycle — from manufacturing to disposal.

In addition to the above, there are respected and rigorous certifications in place that mean a commercial cleaning company can’t make a claim of sustainability without backing up how they are measured and implemented.

Being CIMS-Green Building (CIMS-GB) certified , for instance, is a powerful tool for measuring and ensuring that a commercial cleaning company or facility maintenance provider is capable of delivering a comprehensive green cleaning program based on LEED: EB O&M green-cleaning criteria. Companies that meet the ISSA’s CIMS-GB criteria track everything from energy, water, products to air ventilation. The certification provides one of the best guarantees that a company is covering their sustainability goals in a comprehensive manner.

Consumers are now totally on board with sustainability and pay for it

It wasn’t that long ago that commercial cleaning companies would offer green cleaning as a separate or optional service. Now, green cleaning is (or at least should be) expected. The same applies to the rise in green cleaning products.  Citizens across North America and around the world have reached a higher level of environmental conscience. This is particularly the case with the now largest buying market—millennials.

The desire for sustainability isn’t just a wish: consumers are putting their money alongside their actions. They are proving, repeatedly, that they willing to pay more for products and services they see as sustainable or coming from socially and environmentally responsible companies. In a recent survey conducted by ISSA and Sanitary Maintenance magazine, distributors reported that almost one-third of their total sales were green cleaning products, and they covered the gamut of commercial cleaning products—chemical cleaners, powered equipment, paper and plastics, and every other janitorial product.

Sustainability is better for the bottom line

Sustainability may have once been considered an added expense, but this is no longer the case. Sustainability proves time and time again that it yields both bottom-line and top-line returns.

A simple example relates to the move to use cold water in cleaning equipment. Not only is the cleaning result equally effective as using hot water, but there are other benefits to a business’s bottom line in terms of the energy use. Plus, it’s safer, because it helps to avoid minor burn injuries in the workplace.

Countless additional examples of affordable substitutes are now implemented by leading commercial cleaning companies in place of their less sustainable counterparts, including:

  • HEPA, high-efficiency particulate air filtration systems for better air quality
  • No-touch cleaning systems
  • A wide variety of environmentally-friendly solvents
  • Electrostatic spraying for better coverage, ideal when doing large scale and complex disinfecting (such as during the current COVID pandemic)

In addition to the above products and services, leading commercial cleaning and facilities management companies have policies in place for sustainable purchasing, and include comprehensive training on green cleaning.

What does sustainability in the cleaning industry look like in the next few years?

Commercial cleaning will continue to see change driven by customers’ demand for greater environmental responsibility, eco-friendly products and a commitment to sustainability. The most trusted cleaning companies will continue to offer exceptional, consistent service and such such green expectations. In the years ahead, look for:

  • Increased sophistication in technology tools, audits and tracking systems for ensuring and demonstrating the effectiveness and quality of the cleaning
  • Emergence of innovative cleaning methods such as activated (engineered) water, and further development in techniques such as dry steam, ultraviolet disinfection, and electrostatic spraying
  • Innovations in how waste is handled, and/or diverted
  • Even fewer chemicals but greater efficacy, particularly with the increased demand for sanitation and disinfection
  • Demand for higher levels of training for cleaning staff
  • A continued focus on the bigger picture beyond the day-to-day activities, such as measures to reduce the carbon footprint across their entire organization

The commercial cleaning industry has evolved rapidly in recently years. This has been particularly over the last several months because the COVID pandemic has demanded a greater level of health and safety in our workplaces. We will continue to witness the evolution of chemical-free cleaning in both products and the way in which products are provided. Coupled with better cleaning tools, green cleaning products and materials, overall carbon-reduction practices and operation-wide health and safety protocols, the future is very green.

It makes good business sense. It makes good customer sense. And it makes good global citizen sense. Contact us today for a quote.

[1] https://www.epa.gov/greenerproducts/greening-your-purchase-cleaning-products-guide-federal-purchasers#Four