Climate change has become an unavoidable external force influencing the Kuwait’s cleaning industry by reshaping its environmental policies and raising its societal expectations and accordingly the Cleaning and FM service providers are compelled to adopt measures to address these challenges by balancing the short-term economic goals with the long-term sustainability objectives. It is clear for most professionals that the cleaning industry in Kuwait was operated largely behind the scenes and was rarely discussed. 

From Behind the Scenes to Under the Spotlight 

Today, that has changed by ESG requirements, sustainability commitments and increasing public scrutiny which made the Cleaning and FM Service providers under the spotlight. What was once viewed as a cost center is becoming now a strategic contributor to corporate reputation, regulatory compliance and environmental performance. 

ESG Cascading Down the Supply Chain 

ESG criteria is no longer nowadays limited to oil, finance or large industrial players in Kuwait but it is now flowing down the supply chain which is impacting the Cleaning and FM contractors by including the ESG-related questions in tenders and contracts like the use of certified green chemicals, worker safety, training standards, effective waste management practices, data reporting, compliance capabilities, indoor air quality, water and energy efficiency, segregation and recycling process, green and smart equipment and much more on the way. 

Beyond Price: ESG as a Market Differentiator 

And also they are no longer selected solely on price. ESG alignment is becoming a differentiator in Kuwait, especially for premium properties and international clients operating in Kuwait. These challenges are pushing the cleaning industry to a structural transformation and redefining what “good cleaning” truly means. 

Cleaning’s Role in Kuwait’s Economic Diversification 

Furthermore, as long as Kuwait continues toward the economic diversification and the global integration, the cleaning industry will play without doubt a critical role in shaping healthier buildings, more sustainable operations, and stronger corporate accountability to become in a way or another a powerful and unavoidable part of the ESG conversation and sustainability goals. 

Government Direction and National Sustainability Vision 

And what is more influential is the Kuwait’s government approach towards sustainability goals and ESG principles, which are considered a big part of its national plan like “New Kuwait 2035” that emphasizes on green and smart buildings, renewable energy, water and waste management, sustainable infrastructure projects and transparency for investors creating more awareness for the Cleaning and FM providers that ESG and sustainability commitments has gone from a “nice to have” to an integral piece of long-term financial and environmental success and that embracing ESG enhances their ability to secure limited talent, strengthen the employee experience, attract the loyal customers and raise the capital. 

The Cost of Non-Compliance 

And they are also aware that failing to meet the ESG requirements will make them under greater pressure to reorient their business to sustainable activities in the future. 

ESG as a Strategic and Financial Imperative 

Last but not least, according to KPMG 2022 study, 72% of CEOs believe that stakeholder scrutiny on ESG will continue to accelerate and 62% of CEOs say that they will be looking to invest at least 6% of their revenues in sustainability related programs which makes it clear that sustainability and ESG requirements are no longer a side activity but a “must to have” especially for the leading companies in Kuwait who will with doubt embed the environmental and social priorities into their strategy and daily operations. 

From Initiative to Corporate DNA 

And by this strategic shift, sustainability and ESG will not only become an achievable goal but will be part of the Corporate DNA. 

About the author: 

Nabil Bekdash is the COO of Tanzifco Kuwait.