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When it comes to cleaning, the use of sustainable methods, equipment, and products is now a wise choice for growing businesses. Australian customers, investors, employees and regulatory bodies now demand more environmentally and socially responsible business practices than ever before. And, what they are looking for is no longer confined to niche ‘green’ companies.
Incorporating sustainable cleaning strategies into your business – or even rebranding your business around them – could put you at the head of the pack. If you’re serious about improving your brand, sustainable cleaning should be part of your strategy.
To clean or not to clean sustainably
For many, the first things that spring to mind when they think of workplace sustainability are paperless filing systems, recycling programmes and solar panels.
Cleaning is another underappreciated field where commercial cleaning services can make an immediate, tangible impact and support business goals. In fact, choosing the right approach to workplace cleaning is now one of the most direct ways to help your sustainability efforts.
The fact is that switching to green products, equipment, and processes can make a tangible difference to the environment while also helping to promote your brand to your customers, employees and target market.
The benefits of green cleaning
Green cleaning means a lot more than just replacing hazardous chemicals with green sprays.
It is a set of practices and procedures designed to ensure cleaning services have minimal impact on people and the planet. In general, it involves:
- Using biodegradable, non-toxic products;
- Minimising the production of waste;
- Reducing energy consumption; and
- Conserving water.
So, what can green cleaning actually do for your business? When it comes to cleaning, here are a few things to consider.
- Image and reputation
Australian companies have become increasingly aware of the benefits of promoting their brand to customers. As businesses increasingly turn to ‘clean and green’ solutions to support their workplace policies and the environment, the image you present to visitors and potential customers also speaks volumes.
In many cases, visitors will have an immediate and positive impression of your business if they walk into a building and see an office that is clean, hygienic and environmentally responsible. The use of green cleaning is an easy way to ensure this positive first impression.
Many organisations are also actively seeking to improve their corporate responsibility and image. In order to meet their ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) requirements, businesses often search for suppliers that also practice sustainability. Green cleaning can easily be featured as one of the initiatives your business is doing. It can also provide supporting data for tender applications or evidence of sustainable practice for Corporate Sustainability Reports (CSRs) and audits.
- Meeting regulation and customer expectations
Pressure is also coming from customers and the Australian government to improve environmental practices in the workplace. The industry is under pressure in many different sectors for this to be the case.
Stricter environmental and health standards are being applied to cleaning services. Offices in metropolitan areas in Australia are required to have systems for waste minimisation and improved air quality standards. Customers will also be increasingly looking at the sustainability credentials of their procurement choices. They can use this as a criterion for which suppliers to select.
The same can be said for your investors. Picking a green cleaning company is another excellent way to demonstrate your business’s commitment to the environment and show that you are a sustainable employer.
- Improved workplace health
One of the most significant benefits of using sustainable cleaning methods is their impact on workplace health and well-being. Many cleaning products leave residues and fumes that can be irritating or exacerbate allergies, asthma and other respiratory illnesses. Green cleaning methods can help reduce and eliminate these toxins and allergens, improving the overall health of employees.
Fewer sick days also mean less time off and greater productivity in the workplace. There are plenty of studies that have proven the connection between a clean office environment and improved morale and motivation.
Beyond keeping employees healthy, a green cleaning initiative will build your business’ reputation and make your company more attractive to future employees. When your business uses environmentally friendly cleaning practices and ethically sourced office supplies, it demonstrates to both employees and the public that the organisation cares about its people as much as its profits.
- Cost savings
It’s a common misconception that changing to green cleaning and office products increases costs, when in fact it is likely to reduce expenses and improve efficiency in the long run. Premium, durable, concentrated solutions, reusable microfibre cleaning products, and energy-efficient equipment have longer lifespans, minimise waste, and reduce the frequency of replacements. These help your business to save money while keeping your workplace clean.
Greater employee retention, lower absenteeism and reduced use of sick days also directly benefit the business’s bottom line. In addition, companies that do not adequately manage their environmental impact risk penalties in many Australian states.There are numerous compelling reasons to use green cleaning methods. A facility service company with green cleaning expertise can help companies meet these goals. Not only does it enable businesses to meet their own standards of corporate responsibility and reputation but also, in many cases, regulatory and customer demands for sustainable business practices too. Green cleaning is a proactive way to ensure that your company is future-ready, responsible, and committed to sustaining its operations into the future.
