Nation’s Businesses Find Improved Work Environment
& Health with Green Cleaning

The commercial cleaning industry has seen a great many changes over the years with project tracking technology, process innovations and most recently, more environmentally friendly or “green” cleaning products. Since the concept of “green cleaning” is relatively new, you may be wondering: What is it? What benefits does it provide? Is it really effective? Green cleaning by definition is cleaning to protect health without harming the environment.Green cleaning programs, which have gained popularity in recent years, employ processes that are at least as effective as traditional, yet better promote health, safety and social consciousness, and include the use of environmentally friendly janitorial products and equipment.

Cleaner air = Better health + comfort +performance

Indoor air quality impacts everyone in facilities—from commercial high-rises to university buildings. Green cleaning focuses on improving air quality because contaminants are typically at least two to five times worse indoors than outdoors. In a recent school study, implementation of new cleaning procedures, equipment and supplies had the following positive results:

• Airborne dust inside the building decreased by 52%.
• Volatile organic chemical (VOC) concentrations decreased by 49%.
• Bacteria decreased by 40%.
• Fungi colony-forming units deceased by 61%.

Another study examined the health benefits of improved cleaning at a school. Results attributed to cleaning practices indicated that total illnesses were reduced by 24 percent, doctor visits by 34 percent, courses of antibiotics by 24 percent and days absent by 46 percent.

Studies also show that green cleaning improves employee productivity and children’s ability to learn. For example, Charles Young Elementary School in Washington, DC implemented a program that addressed total environmental quality. Some of their remarkable results included:

Green cleaning ABCs

A thorough green cleaning program takes a holistic view of the facility. Each aspect of “green” building operations and maintenance should be viewed in the context of the goals and benefits the facility manager wants to derive. Following are some benefits of going green:

1. Going green can increase the building safety and protect property values.
   While the crux of green cleaning is implementing practices to protect health without harming the environment, the process provides other benefits to the facility. Green cleaning procedures include proper use, storage and disposal of cleaning chemicals to reduce the likelihood and frequency of spills and splashes. In addition, green products contain low VOC levels, which emit fewer fumes and are gentler on the facility itself.
   
   A green cleaning company also trains its staff to use correctly diluted products and the right product for each job. This means, for example, that stains on carpets or upholstery are treated with the mildest, effective cleaner, thereby prolonging the life of expensive furnishings and reducing exposure to harsher chemicals.
   
   In addition, preventative measures play an important role in a green program. Cleaning products can be used less frequently if the building stays cleaner to begin with, and additional equipment maintenance steps such as emptying vacuum bags when half full, changing filters more often and properly laundered micro fiber all contribute to better indoor air quality. 
   
   
2. Environmentally friendly cleaning creates healthier surroundings.
   Green cleaning can improve indoor air quality and help reduce health problems associated with allergens, chemical sensitivities and contaminants, such as mold and bacteria.
   
   
3. Healthier environments increase productivity and marketability.
   Healthier employees mean happier employees.  Statistics show increased worker satisfaction, improved morale, reduced absenteeism, and increased productivity and efficiency.  A green cleaning program also can help market your business as a socially conscious one.
   
   
4. Green programs help the earth.
   Implementing a green program can help decrease air pollution, water pollution, ozone depletion and global climate change. Green practices also promote recycling, reduce the use of raw materials and minimize toxic products requiring disposal.
   
   
5. Green cleaning helps green the bottom line.
   An effective program can reduce costs to building management, tenants, and/or the janitorial company, including costs associated with sick leave, health care, productivity loss and litigation.  In addition, green cleaning practitioners use energy-efficient equipment (e.g., vacuum cleaners) and focus on preventative maintenance to reduce future expenses.
   
   
6. Becoming LEED certified is good business.
   LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a program that continues to gain momentum in building practices throughout the United States.  Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, LEED establishes standards for sustainability in buildings, both new and existing. Since its introduction in 2002, more than 200 projects have received LEED certification, with nearly 2,000 more registered to become certified.  Combined, that represents 230 million square feet of sustainable building space in the U.S, and that number continues to grow.  

LEED certified buildings enjoy government incentives, marketing benefits and increased property value. Buildings that apply for certification earn LEED points for using green cleaning products and practices.

Levels of green cleaning

Facility managers sometimes think they have to start with a large-scale program or pursue LEED certification immediately, and that’s not the case. The following are a few examples of an easy way to begin green cleaning:

1. Use green cleaning chemicals and products
2. Use effective janitorial equipment to capture fine particles and reduce energy and water consumption
3. Use green paper products such as tissues and towels that do not contain chlorine or its derivatives. Also install hands-free paper towel dispensers to reduce cross-contamination.

Take the next step

If you want to go green, finding the right janitorial company will prove vital. Simply substituting safer cleaning products is a start, but a green cleaning expert will consider your facility holistically and suggest more widespread changes. The field of green cleaning continues to expand, and with the right partner, you can expect greater financial rewards and a happier, healthier environment for all.

About OneSource

OneSource, author of this article, is a provider of outsourced facilities services with more than 31,000 employees offering service throughout 195 metropolitan areas and 45 states, reporting revenues of more than $800 million annually.  For property management firms, facility managers, and building owners in commercial, institutional and industrial markets, OneSource offers both contract and on-demand facility service solutions that include: Cleaning; engineering and HVAC services; landscape and golf course maintenance; aviation support services; and staffing and specialty services. OneSource is in business for more than 50 years with more than 10,000 satisfied customers nationwide.

For more information about OneSource, visit www.one-source.com.