green certification. In the U.S., a green cleaning strategy should, for example, include vacuum cleaners that have earned the approval from the Carpet and Rug Institute. Here are two additional pieces of
green equipment that a club may consider: • Floor machines that use less water
program to one that is environmental- ly preferable.
1. Make the decision Be sure that higher-ups in the com-
pany support the initiative. If top management is not behind its imple- mentation, the chances of success may be limited.
2. Build a team A team typically includes custodial
staff and fitness centre management at various levels. In some cases, club members are also invited to join.
3. Conduct an analysis Evaluate the current cleaning pro-
cedures, tools, chemicals and equip- ment. If cleaning performance varies between locations, use this as an op- portunity to standardize processes and products.
4. Develop a plan Decide which products, tools and
equipment can be replaced with green equivalents. Expect some trial and error because, as with conventional cleaning products, not all green clean- ing products perform equally well. (Usually the most cost-effective pro- cess for old products is to use them up and then replace them with green equivalents. Some janitorial distribu- tors offer a “take-back” program.)
5. Get everyone on board Discuss with all staff members why
the program is being implemented. Everyone should be aware of what and why changes will be happening. Don’t be surprised if there is some resistance among the custodial crew.
and chemical. Many gyms now use cy- lindrical brush floor machines instead of traditional rotary machines because they use less water and chemical. • Low-moisture carpet cleaning pro-
cesses that ensure carpets dry quickly, helping to prevent the growth of mold and mildew. Because some clubs are open 18 to 24 hours a day, seven days per week, some use dry carpet clean- ing methods, such as encapsulation, that require no moisture at all.
The process Here are the key points to trans- ferring from a conventional cleaning
6. Get started Starting a new program usually in-
volves working with a janitorial dis- tributor who can help select the best green products for a facility’s needs. A reputable distributor can also provide custodial training regarding use of the new products.
The benefits Studies show that these are some
of the most common benefits of green cleaning: 1. Improved indoor air quality 2. Fewer complaints from clients
What is “green certified”? In the United States,
the Environmental Protection Agency requires disinfectants to be registered and meet its stringent criteria and standards. However, disinfectants in the U.S. cannot be labeled “green.” This is not true in Canada, where disinfectants may be “green certified” and labeled as such. While bleach can be an
excellent cleaning agent, it also can be potentially harmful to the user, facility users and the environment.
about chemicals used to clean the facility 3. Fewer complaints from custodial
workers about chemicals used to clean the facility 4. Reduced incidences of asthma
attacks caused by dust and chemical allergens 5. Reduced costs (because many
green chemicals are highly concentrat- ed and can cost less over time) 6. Some buildings command higher
rents and report greater tenant loyalty when they market and operate their fa- cilities as green FBC
Jennifer Meek is head of customer service for Enviro-Solutions, a leading manufacturer of green cleaning chemicals and products, based in Peterborough, Canada. Robert Kravitz is the author of two books on the professional cleaning industry and a frequent writer on the industry.
May/June 2013 Fitness Business Canada 39
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