EXPERT ADVICE ARE YOU GREEN?
Why and how should companies make their cleaning service greener? Carl Robinson, Marketing Manager of cleaning and FM services specialist Nviro, outlines a hard-headed approach.
Not so long ago ‘green’ was a pejorative term – if someone was ‘green’ they were inexperienced and naïve. Nowadays it’s shorthand for anything considered good for the environment, nature and health. Except there’s still a lot of scepticism and cynicism surrounding the green agenda in the business world.
As the Nviro company name suggests, we were an early adopter of environmental responsibility. But we’re not naïve. To be sustainable financially, we have to be professional, efficient and profitable. So we take a hard- headed approach when encouraging clients to be environmentally responsible by reducing reliance on chemicals. It’s a commitment that needs to be thought through to ensure the switchover is smooth and effective.
Our approach to green cleaning boils down to a series of seven questions:
1
WHY DO IT? It’s the right thing to do for various
reasons. Most traditional cleaning products and solutions contain substances that are hazardous. While concentrations may be relatively low, toxic cleaning chemicals are released into the air and left in residues on surfaces. They can trigger allergic reactions when ingested, and over time potentially cause more serious harm if they accumulate in the body.
This is a risk for cleaning staff and building users. At each stage from manufacturing, through use to disposal, there’s potential for harm to the natural environment and human health. So there are benefits for people’s welfare and the natural world in minimising chemical use.
2
WILL IT BE EFFECTIVE? We won’t do clients and customers
any favours if we compromise standards of cleanliness and hygiene. The cleaning contractor needs to understand chemical-free cleaning solutions and research the
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effectiveness of the environmentally friendly alternatives available.
Microfibre cloths and mops trap microbes as well as dirt and contaminants, but they need to be sterilised through high-temperature washing and replaced regularly.
Steam cleaning, wall-mounted air sanitisation units, and other methods that eliminate or minimise chemical usage should also be considered. And the cleaning regime needs to be pragmatic, so that in certain cases chemicals may be used – eg: to disinfect in emergencies or remove stubborn limescale.
3
IS IT FINANCIALLY VIABLE? Every decision in business needs
to be costed and justified. There is a financial case too to be made for chemical-free cleaning.
There are higher up-front costs when investing in microfibre materials, the logistics for collecting used cloths and mops and washing machines for sterilising them. Ecolabel cleaners may be more expensive than traditional products too.
But our experience is that staff can devote the time previously spent preparing solutions to clean more thoroughly. A greener cleaning service can be more cost-effective too.
4
DOES THE CLIENT REALLY BUY IT?
The switch to environmentally responsible cleaning works best when the client shares the same goal. Many companies have corporate responsibility policies committed to minimising environmental impacts – and promoting the wellbeing of their staff.
When a facilities manager shares that commitment, client and contractor can work together to pave the way for the switch, resolve any problems that arise, and implement the greener cleaning regime fully.
“The switch to
environmentally responsible
cleaning works best when the
client shares the same goal.”
5
CAN OUR PEOPLE DELIVER? All Nviro employees receive
environmental awareness training during induction, but specific coaching is essential on the alternative cleaning products, techniques and equipment that will be used.
6
HOW TO IMPLEMENT IT? We believe in trialling and testing
the new approach in one building or area first. The levels of cleanliness achieved through traditional and alternative cleaning should also be tested – both visually and with ATP meters. Only when both client and contractor are convinced that greener cleaning has at least maintained standards should it be rolled out to other areas.
7
. WHAT ABOUT COMMUNICATION?
A successful transition also depends on clear communication with building managers as well as regular review meetings with cleaning supervisors. Ideally all building occupants should also be informed about the changeover and its benefits. This will reassure them that the client and their service provider has their welfare at heart and that – even in the absence of pungent disinfectants and chemicals – high standards of cleanliness are being maintained.
www.nviro.co.uk Tomorrow’s Cleaning June 2016 | 65
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