Sustainability is a priority for many of today’s businesses, as they add ESG goals and watch their carbon footprint, but how can cleaning companies turn their environmental efforts into a long-term strategy? Switching to greener products is a great start, but are those efforts sustainable over the long haul?

Cleaning companies who have already shifted to greener practices and have embraced greener products may be looking for continued improvement and longevity for their environmental efforts. Here are some of the ways business owners can sustain a greener way to run the business:

• Think beyond greener products to water needs, electricity use, and fleet management as the next phase of conservation. Switch to cold water, lower energy use with high-efficiency tools and machinery, and practice route optimization for your cleaners to lower emissions during travel.
• Limit paper waste by switching to mobile apps and software for client communication, work scheduling, quality checklists, and invoicing.
• Avoiding greenwashing by choosing products that are certified or verified environmentally friendly. Look for recognized third-party certifications like Green Seal, ECOLOGO, or EPA Safer Choice to ensure that the products you choose are helping you reach your ESG goals.
• Reduce reinvesting in equipment and adding waste to the landfill with a strict maintenance and repair program that will lengthen and maximize the life of your tools and equipment.
• Work on creating a circular economy for your company by aligning yourself with partners partners, suppliers, and distributors with long-term sustainability goals to implement your strategy across the board.
• Get clients involved, too by implementing a collection planfor recyclables so they can help you reach your goals and stay engaged with your goals.
• Make green goals a priority for your whole team. Train staff on environmental protocols, recognize green initiatives within your company, and encourage teams to help your company reach your goals.

While using green products is certainly a good start, running a sustainable cleaning company goes well beyond simply switching the products you use. True sustainability involves upgrading your equipment, adjusting daily operations, improving office administration, and optimizing vehicle fleets to cut down energy, water, and waste as a company.