Let's turn things upside down when it comes to the Six Pillars of Green Cleaning and Sustainability. Let's start with the last pillar first, which is the result of an effective green cleaning and sustainability program. 

That last pillar is: celebrate.

Why celebrate? Green cleaning reduces cleaning's impact on the health of the users of the cleaning products, as well as the health of the building users, and the environment. That alone is worth a big cheer. There is great value in green cleaning.

But there's more. Green cleaning products may be made from renewable resources. That means every time we apply green cleaning solutions to surfaces – anything from counters to carpets – we may be reducing our use of natural resources, ensuring they are plentiful for future generations.

And two more reasons to celebrate. In most parts of the world, green cleaning solutions are made as concentrates. This helps promote sustainability by reducing packaging needs. 

Furthermore, when delivered as concentrates, the products last longer. This reduces the number of greenhouse gasses released into the atmosphere during transport.

Now, let's take a closer look at the other Pillars of Green Cleaning and Sustainability. For help on this, we turn to Mike Sawchuk, a leading consultant and coach to the professional cleaning industry.

Practices

Ensure that you use the correct cleaning products, procedures and practices. Green cleaning is a science, and it is now taught by leading consultants and cleaning associations worldwide. "In many ways, the procedures are more important than products," says Sawchuk. "It ensures the products are used effectively, with the end result, a cleaner, healthier, and safer indoor environment.”

Proven

Have you ever wondered what green "certification" really means? Sawchuk says it means:

• That a product has been evaluated by an independent third party, using science-based, multi-criteria, environmental and human health leadership standards
• That it performs as well as or better than other products in its class based on accepted standards

“The fact that it has been ‘independently certified’ is crucial,” adds Sawchuk.  “So be sure to use as many certified Green products as possible, not just a ‘token’ few.” 

IAQ

Green cleaning helps protect indoor air quality (IAQ). Traditional cleaning solutions typically contain ingredients that can trigger asthma attacks and other respiratory problems, for instance, especially in children. The use of green cleaning solutions helps minimize or eliminate these issues. This is the key reason why so many schools worldwide have transferred to green cleaning products.

HVAC

Often overlooked, ensuring HVAC systems are well-maintained plays an important part in green cleaning. Pollutants, including dust and pathogens, can be in and circulated by the HVAC systems. While some pollutants can be stopped by filters, this is not necessarily the case. All too often, filters are not changed as frequently as necessary, or the most effective filters are not installed. The result is that pollutants can be released into the indoor air we breathe. 

Furthermore, we must ensure sufficient air exchanges, proper ventilation, humidity control, air sanitization, and IAQ monitoring are taking place. If the goal of green cleaning is to protect the health of building users, then we defeat our purpose if HVAC systems are not designed, cleaned and maintained on a regular and frequent basis.

Testing

Especially now, after two years of the pandemic, we can no longer assume anything has been cleaned effectively. We must prove it. Fortunately, we have scientific ways to do this using ATP (adenosine triphosphate) meters. Used for years in food service, laboratories, and pharmacies, ATP systems give cleaning professionals the feedback they need to ensure surfaces are clean and healthy. Testing surfaces before and after cleaning, according to Sawchuk, ensures we have done our job of keeping building users healthy and allows us to compare products for their efficacy.

"There is one more pillar we should point out," adds Sawchuk. "When I work with cleaning contractors or in-house custodial operations, I help them operate their businesses more sustainably—by selecting and using more effective products, higher-performing equipment, instituting recycling and waste control programs, and more. 

So often, the result is my clients lower their operating costs, their businesses run more efficiently, and they save money. It’s almost like putting money in the bank."

About the author

Robert Kravitz is a former building service contractor and now president of AlturaSolutions Communications, a jansan Thought Leadership marketing agency founded in 2002.  He can be reached at robert@alturasolutions.com.