Green & Clean
1‘Green & Clean’ Benefits:
Six Steps for Going ‘Green & Clean’
In times past, using a green product often meant settling for lower performance and higher cost. But times change. Cleaning technologies and procedures have improved enormously. Today, not using green cleaning products as part of a total healthy, high performance cleaning program means missing a crucial opportunity for cost-effective improvements in facility management. The transition from traditional cleaning practices to “green” practices is not a simple process. It requires planning, investment and, most of all, commitment. That’s why, as CleanNet moves towards environmentally preferable practices, it is dedicating itself to not only the technology and procedures but, more importantly, to the philosophy of environmentally responsible cleaning services.
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3Green Practices
Over the years, CleanNet Facility Services has traditionally selected products based on safety, performance and price. Our primary focus remains the protection of our employees, the occupants of the facilities we service, and our clients’ property investments. To support our efforts we have established Product Review Teams comprised of CleanNet operations, purchasing and safety staff working with major suppliers to identify products, procedures and Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) training to minimise potential risks. Our task has been made easier by the market shift to environmental responsibility, which has encouraged manufacturers to reformulate complete lines of environmentally safe products from sustainable resources. In first using environmentally safe products, experienced additional product cost and training expense, but the resulting elimination of lost time injuries and insurance claims mitigated the burden on such business practices’ competitiveness. Today, improvements in environmentally preferable products have virtually eliminated the need for harsher chemicals and, with expanding market share, the environmental benefits translate to real cost effectiveness for business.
Transition to Green
The transition to environmentally friendly cleaning practices had been made more difficult by the lack of recognised environmental impact standards for the janitorial supply industry. Yet, despite the lack of standards, the entire industry is making the transition to more responsible practices. Through the efforts of service contractors, like CleanNet, and also the demands of our customers in government, non-profit and commercial sectors, janitorial suppliers are recognisingthe strength of the market demand for environmental facilities programs. Customers have also developed a growing interest in our Clean & Green program. A number have launched initiatives to meet the requirements for carbon emission and green practices. CleanNet Cleaning Services has worked with these customers to convert to green practices.
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5Equipment
In addition to mixing stations, environmentally-preferable cleaning requires equipment that is designed with the environment in mind. In many locations, CleanNet Cleaning Services uses three-step filter vacuums that adhere to HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter standards (Standards that specify that 99.97% of all particulates are collected). Floor machines must also have dust-collecting capabilities. Carpet extraction equipment uses controlled applications of cleaning materials and less water to meet specifications that carpets should dry within 24 hours to cut down on mildew and mould. Virtually every machine has an environmentally-preferable equivalent that, when combined with the right cleaning agents, makes a substantial impact on VOCs and worker and tenant safety. CleanNet Cleaning Services has also bought specialised equipment, such as portable carpet spotters, that quickly spot clean spills to cut down on the need for full cleanings. This particular procedure involves tenants in that they are asked to report a spill when it occurs so service operatives can clean the spot before it dries.
Training
There is no question that switching to environmentally-preferable procedures requires a higher level of training. This can be a challenge for an industry that traditionally has had high employee turnover. CleanNet, which invests heavily in general employee training, requires that its vendors provide training for their environmentally preferable products to ensure that the proper procedures are communicated to employees. This fits well with vendors’ programs since environmentally-preferable product companies also see training as integral to the success of their products.
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7Waste Stream Management
Waste-stream management seeks to minimize trash and maximise recyclables. It starts with using environmentally-preferable cleaning products. This simplifies handling and waste disposal. Hand towels and toilet paper for green sites have 40% and 30% post-consumer paper, respectively. Recycling requires the cooperation of building tenants. Spree works with building management and tenants at many accounts to establish recycling for paper, paperboard, plastic and metals. We publicise the program and facilitate recycling by conveniently placing receptacles and making sure that they are regularly maintained and emptied. Properly set up, a recycling program can save money to help fund other initiatives.