Maintaining the cleanliness of a building shouldn’t mean compromising our commitment to the environment. As more people become aware of the importance of sustainability, facilities management companies are exploring how to keep spaces clean while also caring for the planet. At Aspin FM, our team is passionate about discovering and sharing practical, sustainable janitorial strategies that help modern facilities minimise their environmental impact and create healthier, safer spaces for everyone.
Why Sustainable Cleaning Matters
Traditional cleaning methods can come with hidden costs, not just for the environment, but also for our health.
Harsh chemicals, emissions, and unnecessary waste from outdated cleaning practices can all have a detrimental impact on our ecosystems, wildlife, and the people who use our buildings every day. Choosing green cleaning isn’t just the right thing to do; it’s a smart, caring choice that helps everyone breathe easier while supporting bigger sustainability goals.
So, how do we create a strategy that combines cleaner spaces with a healthier planet, for everyone who walks through our doors?
Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products
Making the switch to eco-friendly cleaning products is an easy and powerful way to demonstrate your care for your building and the planet. Many of these products are biodegradable and free from harsh chemicals, so they’re gentler on both the environment and the air we all breathe.
Choosing eco-certified products, such as those with The Carbon Trust, Soil Association, and FSC certifications, provides you with extra peace of mind, knowing that your cleaning supplies meet high standards for environmental responsibility.
Biodegradable Cleaners – These friendly cleaners tackle dust, dirt, and grime without leaving behind anything harmful. They’re especially great for places like carpets, where residues can build up and affect everyone’s comfort.
Reduced Chemical Use – Microfibre cloths are a small change that make a big difference. They trap dirt with just water, cutting down on the need for harsh cleaners and single-use products.
Eco-Certifications – When you choose products with trusted certifications, you’re showing your commitment to safer, healthier spaces for everyone.
Energy-Efficient Cleaning Equipment
Increasingly, facilities are opting for energy-efficient cleaning equipment, not just because it saves electricity and money, but also because it represents a way to demonstrate care for our planet and our communities. By pairing these machines with thoughtful cleaning schedules, facilities can stay efficient and sustainable while making a positive difference every day.
Low-Energy Machines – Today’s low-energy machines get the job done while using as little water and energy as possible. For facilities aiming high, such as those seeking certifications like BREEAM, these choices help protect resources for the future.
Efficient Cleaning Schedules – By scheduling cleaning during off-peak hours, facilities can cut down on energy use and costs, all while supporting bigger sustainability goals. It’s a simple change that benefits everyone.
Maintenance for Best Performance – Regular maintenance keeps machines running smoothly, reduces wasted energy, and helps everyone enjoy a cleaner, healthier environment.
Comparing different types of low-energy machines, such as steam cleaners and chemical-free vacuums, provides facility managers with the insight needed to make the best choice for their building, budget, and the environment.
Waste Reduction and Recycling
Cutting down on waste is a big part of caring for both our facilities and the world around us. Simple steps like recycling more, reducing what we throw away, and safely disposing of hazardous materials all help us tread a little lighter and run things more smoothly.
Reducing Waste in Janitorial Services – Switching to concentrated detergents and efficient dispensers means less waste and lower costs. It’s a win-win for the environment and for your budget.
Robust Recycling Programmes – Strong recycling initiatives keep waste out of landfills, showing everyone that your facility cares about its environmental impact. When you choose products with recyclable packaging, you’re making that commitment even stronger.
Safe Disposal of Hazardous Waste – Clear, simple protocols for hazardous waste disposal keep people safe and protect the environment. It’s another way we can all do our part, together.
Training and Engaging Staff
Every successful sustainable cleaning program houses the people who make it happen. At Aspin FM, we believe that engaging and supporting our team is the key to making eco-friendly practices second nature across our facilities.
Hands-On Training – Giving our team thorough, hands-on training in sustainable cleaning practices helps everyone feel confident and empowered, whether they’re learning about eco-friendly products, safe chemical handling, or energy-saving equipment.
Engagement and Feedback – When we listen to our staff and encourage their feedback on cleaning methods, we discover new ideas and make our practices even better together.
Recognition of Sustainable Efforts – Celebrating and rewarding our team’s contributions to sustainability helps create a positive culture, where everyone feels proud to play a part in protecting the environment.
Monitoring and Evaluating Sustainable Practices
To maintain momentum, it’s essential to regularly assess the effectiveness of our green cleaning practices. Tracking our progress, spotting opportunities to improve, and celebrating our successes show that we’re serious about making a difference.
Setting Measurable Goals – Setting achievable goals, such as reducing water use by 10% or increasing recycled waste by 20%, gives us something to aim for together. Clear targets help us see how far we’ve come and share our achievements with pride.
Regular Audits and Assessments – By regularly reviewing our resources, waste management practices, and overall impact, we can keep our sustainability goals on track and stay motivated to do even more.
Adapting to Innovations – staying curious about new technologies and methods, such as AI-integrated waste management or advanced cleaning systems, helps us stay at the forefront of sustainable practices and discover new ways to make a difference.
Make Sustainability Part of Your Culture
Making sustainability part of your facility’s culture goes far beyond ticking boxes, it’s about living those values every day. When you choose eco-friendly products, energy-efficient equipment, robust recycling, and meaningful staff engagement, you’re not just protecting the environment, you’re building a place people can be proud of.
​
