In recent years, there has been a significant shift towards creating more sustainable buildings, also known as green buildings. Designed to minimize environmental impact, these buildings incorporate features such as high-efficiency HVAC systems, sustainable materials, and solutions that help reduce water waste. In fact, by 2030, sustainable buildings will present a $24.7 trillion investment opportunity. In these green buildings, sustainability is prioritized in all aspects, including day-to-day operations such as cleaning.
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What is considered a green building?
A building is deemed green when its entire life cycle, encompassing planning, design, construction, and operations, prioritizes energy and water efficiency, as well as indoor air quality (IAQ). These buildings often incorporate various design features and technologies aimed at helping reduce environmental impact. To determine if a building qualifies as green, a widely accepted certification to look for is Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). This globally recognized certification signifies a building’s accomplishments in sustainability.
Adapting to the new standard
With more buildings shifting focus towards sustainability, it’s important to understand how to adapt to these changes. For example, traditional cleaning products often contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can pollute the air and pose a potential health risk to building occupants. Using these chemicals within the building would disqualify it from being considered green.
Here are some of the ways your cleaning team can adapt to this new standard:
Use third-party certified cleaning products
Ensure your cleaning products are certified by a reputable third-party organization like Green Seal®. These organizations perform life cycle assessments (LCAs) to ensure the product meets a set of strict environmental and health criteria. Opting for third-party certified products demonstrates your team’s commitment to sustainability.
Offering electrochemically activated solutions (ECAS) as part of your cleaning program helps demonstrate your commitment to sustainability. ECAS are created using salt, water and electricity, created using an on-site generator. Since this solution comprises of only three ingredients, it ensures the absence of VOCs and, being made in-house, diminishes the waste caused by shipping and packaging.
Implement technology in the cleaning routine
Utilizing cleaning machines, such as robotic floor scrubbers, can help reduce chemicals and excess water usage. It can optimize chemical distribution through algorithms, allowing for longer operational periods without the need for tank refills. This technology aligns with green building standards by promoting water conservation.
The robotic floor scrubbers can also operate autonomously, which helps make cleaning more efficient as it does not require human operation. These robots can perform time-consuming tasks for hours on end, enabling your cleaning team to allocate more time and effort to other projects throughout the facility.
Thoroughly train your cleaning team
Training is instrumental in enabling your cleaning team to meet green building standards. A sustainable cleaning program is only successful when every team member understands how to use the cleaning chemicals and equipment properly. Also, training educates them on how their practices help directly contribute to creating a sustainable environment.
It’s time to go green
The rise of green buildings presents opportunities for cleaning services. By embracing sustainable cleaning practices and staying informed about advancements in green building design, your cleaning team can align with and support sustainable building practices. By doing so, they not only help contribute to the environmental and health benefits of green buildings, but also position themselves as valuable partners in the journey towards a more sustainable future.
Kurt Kuempel is the Vice President of GSF USA, a sustainable commercial cleaning company that carefully considers the impact of cleaning on people and the planet. GSF USA is dedicated to building a trusted, professional cleaning staff and cultivating an environment where employees can thrive and grow.
