Sustainability doesn’t always have to be complicated or costly. While many maintenance managers may be looking at adding technology like sensors or taking on a complete renovation project, if you are not at that stage, there are a few simple steps you can take for a greener approach in your public restrooms.

These steps not only help you work towards your ESG goals, but they may also have a broader appeal for your staff and visitors, as more and more companies move to adopting greener initiatives.

Consider making a few small changes to prioritize sustainability in your public restrooms:

• Use environmentally friendly toilet paper. With built-in enzymes, many of these options can help eat away at bacteria on your pipes, helping to reduce the risk of issues with your plumbing.
• Conserve water. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a faucet dripping at one drip per second wastes 3,000 gallons of water annually. Switching out old faucets, replacing cartridges, and adding sensors can all help reduce your water consumption.
• Lower your lighting costs. LED lighting offers up to 80 per cent more efficiency than fluorescent lighting, making it a good choice for large spaces. They also have a longer lifespan and perform better. Consider setting timers or motion sensors so that lights only have to be on when someone is in the room.
• Get greener with your cleaning products. Choose products with low VOCs and natural ingredients to lessen your environmental impact. Look for product certifications like Green Seal or ECOLOGO® to choose products that meet the standards set out in the certification with minimal health effects. These products may also be safer to use for your cleaning staff.
• Get smarter. If you are considering an upgrade, smart restrooms provide technology like sensored hand dryers and flushing toilets, real-time analytics to measure inventory levels, use and traffic, and programmable features.

With a few simple steps, you can make your public restrooms more sustainable, cut down on costs, and work towards your company’s ESG goals.