With so many office buildings and commercial facilities around the country only half fullat best, facility managers are reevaluating all building operations to align with their future goals and organizational values. Further, right now they are very focused on ways to reduce costs and save money, and the professional cleaning industry plays a key role in helping them achieve their goals and reduce costs.
A focus on sustainability offers such opportunity for the following reasons:
Sustainability generates actual cost savings. Many sustainability initiatives involve improving efficiency and reducing consumption of resources, which can lead to significant cost savings. Investing in energy-efficient equipment and practices can also lower operational costs. Reducing the amount of fuel used by service vehicles can help as well. Moreover, conserving water and minimizing waste can reduce the environmental impact and the waste disposal costs of businesses.
Sustainability is essential to clients and prospects. Sustainability is a key factor for clients and prospects. Studies have proven that prospects care about sustainability even in times of crisis, such as during the pandemic. Further, according to the G&A Institute, 86 percent of the companies in the S&P 500® Index publish sustainability reports. This means that the cleaning industry, among many other industries providing products and services to facility managers, need to report on their sustainability efforts and practices to win business opportunities.
Sustainability initiatives drive innovation. Innovation in the cleaning industry continues to accelerate. From energy-efficient powered equipment to certified products ranging from chemicals to mops and brooms, manufacturers are benefiting from their sustainability commitments, both from a cost and a quality perspective. This differentiation also benefits distributors and service providers as they compete for business in an increasingly competitive global marketplace.
How to identify opportunities and gaps in your sustainability strategy.
The first step facility managers and members of the professional cleaning industry can take is to systematically analyze opportunities using a comprehensive framework such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards.
The components that most directly affect facility managers and the professional cleaning industry include the following:
Operations—Look at operational efficiency across the board and appropriately address measures that result in enhanced energy efficiency, reduced water use and waste generation, and improved vehicle mileage.
Procurement and sales—Most organizations’ energy and water procurement are front and center in their sustainability efforts. For the professional cleaning industry, it is crucial to market and use environmentally friendly/preferable products. Further, make sure they are from organizations that are committed to sustainability. Realize that they are an essential part of the program.
Personnel—The focus on people differentiates a sustainability program from a green program. Our frontline workers in the cleaning industry must be appropriately trained and compensated, and an organization’s commitment to the communities it serves is reported.
Final Though
Sustainability is not only beneficial for the environment, but also for your organization’s bottom line and reputation. By implementing sustainable practices, you can reduce costs, improve performance, and meet your customer’s expectations. Sustainability also enhances customer loyalty and satisfaction, as they value your commitment to environmental and social responsibility.
Steve Ashkin is CEO and founder of The Ashkin Group; an internationally recognized consulting firm working to green the professional cleaning industry and help organizations implement effective and cost effective sustainability programs. Our commitment to Green Cleaning and sustainability is more than business, it is a passion, a calling, a mission in life – to transform the cleaning industry.