As many companies evaluate their impact on the planet, developing programs and practices that align with their ESG goals, facility cleaning and maintenance are certainly areas to consider.

“In today’s landscape, where sustainability dominates discussions, there’s a heightened urgency to enact changes that will truly help our planet,” said Carlos Albir, Jr., Vice President of Operations, ABCO Cleaning Products.

It’s estimated that 40 per cent of the ocean’s surface is covered in plastic waste and global plastic waste generation is projected to triple by the year 2060. In an effort to lessen environmental impact, ABCO Cleaning Products offers four ways that maintenance managers and cleaners can prioritize sustainability for greener practices, reduce their carbon footprint, and support the planet.

1. Promote waste reduction and recycling. Implementing a waste reduction program can help decrease the amount of waste sent to landfills, thereby helping decrease greenhouse gas emissions. Encourage employees to reduce waste by providing colour-coded recycling bins, composting, and waste bins. Develop practices that encourage teams to minimize and better manage waste.
2. Invest in renewable energy. Consider installing solar panels to help generate clean, renewable electricity onsite. Switching to renewable energy at facilities helps reduce dependence on fossil fuels and lowers carbon emissions and energy costs. Today’s technology can also help managers obtain the data they need to make greener decisions, lower energy use, and reduce emissions.
3. Use third-party certified cleaning tools. Cleaning tools certified by a reputable third-party organization, such as Green Seal®, help ensure the product is sustainably sourced, manufactured and packaged. Using cleaning tools from certified, trustworthy organizations helps steer clear of greenwashing tactics, allowing companies to make a real impact and get closer to attaining their ESG goals.
4. Conduct regular sustainability audits. A sustainability audit provides valuable insights into a facility’s social, environmental, and economic performance. Utilize the findings to develop targeted strategies, upgrade equipment, and streamline practices to better benefit the environment.

As more companies move towards increasing sustainability in cleaning and maintenance, simple steps like these can help pave the way for a greener approach.

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