The growing awareness of environmental issues and the desire for healthier workplaces are responsible for a significant shift in the commercial cleaning industry. Sustainable cleaning practices are becoming increasingly popular as they significantly benefit employee health and the environment. This remarkable shift in the products and processes used by the cleaning industry demonstrates their increasing commitment to sustainability.

Sustainable cleaning practices and products involve using cleaning products that use less water and packaging, thus reducing a building’s carbon footprint by up to 15 per cent. There is also growing evidence that these cleaning products can improve worker health; buildings that use sustainable cleaning practices and products tend to have fewer respiratory issues and headaches from occupants.

Why sustainable cleaning matters in the workplace

Companies are beginning to understand that sustainable cleaning matters. In the commercial workplace, adopting sustainable cleaning practices can significantly impact the business and the environment. Sustainable cleaning practices can improve the bottom line, employee health, and be kinder to the planet. Sustainable cleaning products can also dramatically improve indoor air quality, leading to fewer sick days and complaints, better concentration, and more productive staff.

There’s also the matter of branding and business reputation. Consumers and employees alike are increasingly eco-conscious and are attracted to companies that embrace sustainability.

Of course, there are some challenges. Some sustainable products may not be as effective on tough stains as their traditional counterparts, and there can be a learning curve as staff adapt to new products and processes. Additional training will likely be required regarding the safe use and storage of cleaning products. Plus, some cleaning products do have a higher upfront cost, but the advantages, such as better employee health and enhanced branding, outweigh any initial price premium.

As we face growing environmental challenges, companies that adopt these practices aren’t just cleaning their offices – they’re cleaning up their act and setting themselves up for a brighter, more sustainable future.

Benefits of sustainable cleaning practices

Compared to traditional cleaning methods using harsh and often chemicals that are toxic to the environment, sustainable cleaning offers several advantages for health, the environment, and the bottom line. While conventional methods may seem cheaper and easier in the short term, they typically come with hidden costs, such as long-term health risks and environmental damage. By adopting sustainable cleaning products and practices, commercial buildings become healthier environments with reduced ecological footprints and position themselves more positively with their branding. There are five main benefits:

Improved indoor air quality: Cleaning products with recognized sustainability certifications will often use fewer harsh chemicals and volatile organic compounds resulting in significantly better indoor air quality. This is important as poor indoor air quality can cause or exacerbate health issues such as headaches, respiratory problems, and allergies. Better air quality in commercial buildings leads to healthier and more productive employees. Proper ventilation, microfibre cloths that trap dust and allergens, and sustainable cleaning products work together to produce a healthy workplace environment.

Reduced environmental impact: Cleaning products and practices that make use of renewable materials or are ethically made will help minimize pollution and waste. Commercial buildings already have a large environmental footprint, but sustainable cleaning products and processes help minimize the impact on ecosystems and natural resources.

Enhanced health and safety: Building managers have a critical responsibility to protect the health of cleaning personnel, employees, and visitors. Sustainable and hypoallergenic cleaning products and methods are typically safer for cleaning staff and building occupants than traditional cleaning products with harsh chemicals.

Cost savings: While many sustainable products do have a higher upfront cost, they can lead to long-term savings through reduced operational costs by improving health and productivity while maintaining cleanliness. Plus, they can also require less packaging (or packaging made from renewable materials such as paper or cardboard) and are designed to be used with energy-efficient cleaning equipment and practices. For example, such cleaning methods and products have been shown to reduce chemical costs in hospitals by up to 50 per cent.

Improved corporate image: Adopting a sustainable cleaning approach can enhance a company’s reputation by demonstrating a commitment to environmental and social responsibility. This can be further enhanced by obtaining internationally recognized cleaning certifications and communicating sustainability initiatives in company marketing materials.

Tips for implementing a sustainable cleaning program

Key tips for implementing a sustainable cleaning program in commercial buildings include:

Switch to products with internationally recognized certifications: Swapping cleaning chemicals for certified alternatives such as those with Green Seal, the GECA EcoLabel or EcoLogo is a relatively easy first step, requiring minimal staff training.

Invest in energy-efficient equipment: Upgrading cleaning equipment to include energy-efficient vacuums and floor scrubber machines can significantly cut electricity use and ongoing bills. There will be a higher upfront cost, but the costs can be offset by upgrading equipment as required in a phased approach. Upgrading equipment only as existing machines reach the end of their service life will spread the additional costs over time.

Adopt water-saving cleaning methods: Cleaning smarter pays dividends when it comes to saving water. Train staff in using microfiber mops and high-pressure sprayers to minimize water consumption. Water-efficient cleaning is simple to implement, and though it may require some additional training, it typically doesn’t involve major expenses.

A small change with a big impact

It’s clear that adopting sustainable cleaning methods and equipment isn’t just a trend; it’s a smart business move that can boost employee health and productivity while reducing environmental footprint. There are a few hurdles to jump, like retraining staff or initial equipment costs, but the long-term payoff is substantial. Remember, you don’t have to change everything overnight. A common approach is to start small by swapping out a few products or upgrading equipment as it is nearing the end of its service life. Before you know it, you’ll run a greener cleaning operation that’s kinder to the planet and your bottom line.

Felicity Kelly is the Head of Sustainability at Bunzl Australia & New Zealand. She assists organizations in enhancing their sustainability performance and reputation, as well as managing their entire value chain through stakeholder engagement, communication, risk management, problem-solving, strategy development, and execution.