Sustainability has been somewhat of a leading subject matter in all of our lives for a good period of time now and quite rightly so. More and more individuals are coming to realise how important it is to make adjustments to the way we operate both personally and professionally in order to manage the environmental impact we have.
Never is this truer than in the arena of modern commercial cleaning, where one of the clearest routes to proven sustainability is achieved through reducing waste. Waste could be the overuse or under-dilution of chemicals, using more water than is required, using too much electricity or spending more time and effort than is necessary.
It is very often the case that implementing a sustainable cleaning system which reduces waste has other attractive benefits for the service provider, be this a reduction in the costs of utilities and consumables or the peace of mind that comes from knowing your cleaning system is being used effectively and offers the best for your building and its fixtures and fittings.
To achieve sustainable results we believe consultation, planning, specifying and training are all key. We advise the first action should be a full site survey which should involve a review of the premises internally and externally, the current cleaning processes and equipment used, the number of people passing through, quieter periods and any other challenges.
From our experience, weighing up the site and the challenges that come with it means a strategic and tailored plan can be created. This is the best way of making sure that objectives and targets are achieved on a case-by-case basis every time.
Training is an essential part of guaranteeing that new products are adopted and used effectively and comes in to play once a final agreement has been achieved. Ensuring members of the cleaning team are fully appreciative of how to make the most out of a new cleaning system is vital to ensuring the success of that system.
However, we believe the cleaning staff should be involved throughout the decision-making process. New equipment can have all the added features and innovation but if the cleaner is confused or feels uncomfortable with a piece of equipment then it is likely to be under used and the investment will have been wasted.
Of course in this day and age a supplier’s ability to demonstrate innovation is crucial, which is why products which make the most out of materials designed to be both effective and efficient are increasingly popular. Sustainable materials are now more sought after than ever before and are something we continue to bring to the marketplace.
Finally, when it comes to new technology it is important to us that it should always offer improved efficiencies which justify any customer’s investment in new equipment.
Sustainability in cleaning is, in our opinion, readily achievable through an inclusive approach to specifying cleaning systems which bring together an understanding of the service provider’s needs, the cleaning team’s concerns, the technology available and the standards desired.
