Sustainability commitments have typically been presented in annual reports. Clients, employees and building landlords have begun to expect a company’s sustainability practices to take form operationally, and even within processes as simple as routine office cleaning. Most importantly, tenants and building management in London are increasing their expectations and shifting the focus to evidence-based sustainable practices instead of low commitment greenwashing, such as adding a green logo to their website.
Cleaning Products
Eco-friendly claims from manufacturers are not perfect predictors of reduced environmental impact. Look for legitimate third-party certifications and ask your cleaning provider for details on the certifications to avoid falling for marketing claims.
Cleaning chemicals and water
Modern cleaning methods, like microfibre systems, use far less water and fewer chemicals, and maintain cleaning standards. These methods should be considered when reviewing or tendering cleaning contracts.
City office waste management
Good office cleaning entails good waste management. A cleaning provider that actively separates and manages waste streams for recycling, confidential waste, and general waste, greatly enhances that firm’s sustainability initiatives compared to a provider that empties each bin into one sack.
Cleaning services and energy use
Cleaning after hours is one of the main causes of wasted energy as lights, heat, and equipment run all night after everyone has left.
Some cleaning companies have protocols for switching off lights and equipment on a room by room basis, rather than leaving everything on for the sake of convenience. This gives a positive impact on a buildings energy footprint over the span of a year.
Reducing single-use plastics
Cleaning companies generate an unexpected amount of plastic waste, such as from single-use bin liners and the packaging that covers cleaning supplies. Those who have refillable, concentrated cleaning products and use recyclable or reusable cleaning supplies, reduce plastic waste from their cleaning operations significantly.
Supporting building-wide certifications
Cleaning practices are evaluated as part of the BREEAM and WELL certifications that many City office buildings are attempting to obtain. It makes the job easier for Facility Teams who are trying to manage these certifications if cleaning contractors align their practices with these standards.
It doesn’t have to cost more
Many mistakenly believe that sustainable cleaning practices, such as using environmentally friendly products, cleaning equipment and practices, costs more money. In fact, using less water and energy, and fewer cleaning chemicals can reduce costs over time, thus eco-friendly products that cost more than regular cleaning supplies can save money.
Ask your provider directly
If sustainability is important to your firm, you should ask your potential or current cleaning contractors about their energy practices, waste management, cleaning products, and methods. Contractors who are transparent will be happy to answer these questions.
If you want to discuss a more sustainable cleaning contract for your City of London office, contact our team.
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