STRATEGIC SUSTAINABILITY
London-based Cleanology discusses how being environmentally friendly should be a key component in any contract cleaner’s offering.
On the surface, contract cleaning is all about keeping the client’s work environment free from litter, germs and visible dirt. Throw in a paper recycling bin for good measure, and many will think they are doing their best for the environment. In fact, cleaning businesses have a much greater opportunity to make a difference, both at their own premises and out on site.
Cleanology, for example, has taken a strategic approach. As well as bringing in standard recycling and energy efficient light bulbs, Cleanology runs a 100% hybrid fleet, and has even commissioned special cleaning fluids to tackle portion control.
“Setting clear targets and working
towards them helps to motivate staff and demonstrate what is expected.”
CEO Dominic Ponniah said: “We believe consideration for the environment is paramount to successful business. Cleaning revolves around making environments safe, hygienic and attractive and, for Cleanology, it is natural to extend this care to the wider environment.”
In 2012 the company decided to standardise environmental activities. Ponniah continued: “We wanted to ensure that all our employees followed the same procedures, and to demonstrate that we take the environment seriously.”
As a result, Cleanology signed up to ISO 14001. It is now fully accredited and attributes the environmental management system (EMS) with helping it to look for new, innovative ways to improve.
A key element of the EMS is recording and monitoring performance. Setting clear targets and working towards them helps to motivate staff and demonstrate what is expected. All employees are trained on environmental
initiatives and both contracted and sub-contracted staff are expected to follow them.
As well as legislative requirements, such as improving energy efficiency under the Energy Act, or reducing pollution under the Hazardous Waste Regulations, Cleanology has audited all its daily activities.
Possibly the most visible of the resulting initiatives is the introduction of a 100% hybrid car fleet. Cleaning staff need to travel to clients’ sites, and the hybrid vehicles have significantly reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. Staff are encouraged to car share or pay for public transport with a company Oyster card, and future plans include using electric bicycles and a switch to hybrid vans.
Payslips are emailed to staff, and office staff are expected to reuse all paper before recycling, use recycled products wherever possible, and to donate used printer cartridges for recycling.
Cleanology also aims to reduce its impact. Site surveys on energy usage take place at all client sites, and head office. Three-quarters of all light bulbs are already energy efficient and the roll out of this programme continues.
When it comes to cleaning, the focus is on portion control and pollutants. Ponniah said: “We assessed our use of chemicals thoroughly, before trialling chemical-free cleaning products. Today we are on course to be 100% chemical-free on all sites.”
Cleanology has its own range of biotechnology cleaning sachets, helping staff adhere to the correct dosage. Following company-wide implementation, the total volume of concentrate now delivered to all customer sites is now just 108l per year, compared to 16,200l previously.
Ponniah concluded: “As with all environmental initiatives, what starts out being good for the environment, also turns out to be good for business. Our schemes help us provide a more cost-effective service, as well as peace of mind – for us, it is the future of modern cleaning.”
www.cleanology.com 46 | CONTRACT CLEANING
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