Month: March 2021

Despite the misconception that going green is costly, businesses with sustainability strategies perform better financially. Businesses are increasingly responding to customer demands for social responsibility. In fact, as of 2019, 90% of business leaders say consumers would hold them accountable for their company’s environmental impact. To meet the need for environmental responsibility, companies are looking for ways to go green throughout their operations, including their cleaning programs. As an active member of the Building Service Contractor’s Association, WOW! Building Maintenance has many resources at its disposal to maintain the highest standards and practices in Green Cleaning.

Sustainability efforts also benefit a brand’s reputation with customers, employees, and all other facility patrons. According to a 2020 study by IBM Institute for Business Value, almost 80% of Americans values sustainability, and nearly 60% would change their purchasing habits to reduce negative environmental impact. Reducing water and energy usage as well as reducing plastic waste through a green cleaning program are ways that organizations can demonstrate their commitment to making a positive impact on the environment.

Steps to Implement a Sustainable Cleaning Program

To promote a culture of sustainability in your facility, here are a few tips to help you get started:

  1. The number one thing to do at the start of any project is to establish key performance indicators (KPI’s). Establish measurable goals for your green cleaning program. Make sure your team understands the importance of meeting sustainability commitments. Establish an achievable timeline for achieving milestones such as: Having 30% more products made from recycled materials in inventory, reducing plastic waste by 20%, and communicating building occupant awareness of your efforts with signage in all restrooms and entrances.
  2. Perform a program assessment. Evaluate your current cleaning program to identify areas for improvement. Ask yourself questions such as: How can we significantly reduce the amount of plastic waste we generate? Are there more sustainable products we can use instead? How much carbon is being emitted into the environment the bring products to our facility? The answers to these questions will help you to develop the blueprint for your sustainability strategy.
  3. Evaluate cleaning chemicals. Assess the ingredients of chemicals to ensure you are not unnecessarily. purchasing multiples that accomplish the same task, such as for hard surface disinfection. Utilize products that reduce the environmental impact and waste associated with their production and disposal.
  4. Validate credentials. Many products may make claims to be sustainable without science or third-party validation to support their claims. When selecting products, check for certifications from organizations such as Green Seal® with rigorous standards for sustainability. Also, look for products that are recognized by the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED Certification as part of a green facility.

Reduce Cost, Increase Productivity

Developing a green cleaning program can help your organization’s goals to fulfill a commitment to employees, customers, and the environment. By incorporating certified sustainable products into your facility maintenance program, you are assuring the community as well as your employees of your commitment to doing your part to protect the planet. Additionally, green cleaning supports employee health and wellness. Reduced productivity due to sick days can cost a company at least $2,660 per worker every year. Green cleaning with safer certified products such as Green Seal® products improves indoor air quality and helps minimize allergy and asthma symptoms, thereby reducing costly absenteeism.

To protect your staff and to ensure that products are used effectively, cleaning professionals should be instructed on how to apply cleaning and disinfecting solutions. No matter which facility is being cleaned, whether it be a commercial or residential building, the EPA says that fighting COVID-19 requires a move forward together by practicing social distancing and other daily habits, such as cleaning and disinfecting high touch and high traffic areas. The virus that causes COVID-19 can be inactivated if the correct cleaning and disinfecting solutions are used. Fortunately, the EPA has compiled a list of disinfectant products that can be used against COVID-19, this includes ready-to-use sprays, concentrates, and wipes.

Three General Framework for Cleaning and Disinfection

In a document titled “Guidance for Cleaning & Disinfecting Public Spaces, Workplaces, Businesses, Schools and Homes,” the EPA provides a general framework for cleaning and disinfecting practices. It begins with these three guides:

• Normal routine cleaning with soap and water will decrease how much of the virus is on surfaces and objects, resulting in a reduced risk of exposure.

• Disinfecting using EPA-approved disinfectants against COVID-19 can also help reduce the risk. Frequent disinfection of surfaces and objects touched by multiple people is very important for health & safety.

• If EPA-approved disinfectants are not available, alternate disinfection solutions can be used. For example, 1/3 cup of bleach added to 1 gallon of water, or 70% alcohol solutions. DO NOT MIX BLEACH OR OTHER CLEANING AND DISINFECTION PRODUCTS TOGETHER. This can cause fumes that may be very dangerous to breathe in.

Proper Cleaning and Disinfecting Protocols

Take steps to reduce your risk of exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19 during daily activities. Reducing exposure to yourself and others is a shared responsibility. To protect yourself, your staff, and your visitors, ensure that the products are used effectively and train staff on how to apply proper cleaning and disinfection solutions. Consider the following steps to help maintain health and safety:

• Clean visibly dirty surfaces with soap and water.

• Clean surfaces and objects using soap and water prior to disinfection. Always wear gloves that are appropriate for the chemicals being used for routine cleaning and disinfecting. Follow the directions on the disinfectant label for additional PPE needs. Remember to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water for 20 seconds minimum.

• Clean or Launder soft and porous materials like seating in an office or coffee shop, area rugs, and carpets. Launder items according to the manufacturer’s instructions, using the warmest temperature setting possible and dry items completely.

• Use the appropriate cleaning or disinfectant products. EPA approved disinfectants, when applied according to the manufacturer’s label, are effective for use against COVID-19. Always follow the instructions on the label for all cleaning and disinfection products for concentration, dilution, application method, contact time and any other special considerations when applying.

Surfaces frequently touched by multiple people, such as door handles, desks, phones, light switches, and faucets should be cleaned and disinfected at least daily. Frequent cleaning and disinfection may be required based on the level of use. To reduce exposure to the risk of spreading COVID-19 in your facility, a strategy for maintaining health and safety will be required. Whether cleaning in-house or partnering with a Building Service Contractor (BSC), a plan-of-action will be needed to maintain a safe and healthy environment for everyone.