The Green Cleaning and Sustainability industry continues to grow in size and influence. What at one time was considered a niche industry has fully evolved into the mainstream. Like any dynamic industry, the green cleaning segment is constantly being infused with new technologies and products. For cleaning operations that offer “green” services it is important to stay abreast of current trends and developments. A couple of areas to keep your eye on....

The Internet of Things (IoT)

In a previous post, Smart Technology for Cleaning Operations, we discussed the impact that Smart Technology is having on the BSC industry in general. The impact of Smart Technology and IoT is also beginning to impact green cleaning operations specifically.

IoT has one purpose---to put actionable data into the hands of those that want it. For a BSC this data will come from "smart" devices and their supporting technology. "Smart" devices (devices with built-in ability to collect and send data) will include: inventory racks, soap dispensers, paper dispensers, foot traffic monitors, recycle bins, chemical containers, and much more.

It is projected that the Internet of Things will be one of the biggest influencers on the green cleaning industry over the next decade. It is a tide that will not be reversed.

Robotics - The Automation of Green Cleaning

The use of robotics has had a firm foothold in many industries for several decades. Robots are now finding their way into many green cleaning operations. Trends in green cleaning now include utilization of robots and other forms of automation to enhance delivery of green cleaning services.

Robots are playing an ever-increasing role in the areas of floor cleaning and maintenance. Robots can offer significant advantages in terms of...

• Consistency of performance: State-of-the-art robotics---when properly utilized---can provide a consistency of performance that is hard to achieve via traditional cleaning methods. Today's robots are capable of amazing levels of accuracy, repeatability, and reliability.
• More precise use and control of chemicals: Conservation of chemicals and materials is a linchpin of any successful green cleaning operation. Robotic floor maintenance equipment can provide an operation with the ability to more precisely control the amount of chemicals being used.
• Cost-effectiveness: As the use of robotics gains more popularity, they will become less expensive. That is already happening. This will offer green cleaning operations an option that could be more cost-effective than their traditional manual methods.

The trends in green cleaning will continue to evolve. It is no passing fad. It will likely never reach a point of dormancy. As green cleaning continues to gain more significance with BSC's it is imperative that you watch the trends. Doing so will allow you to spot those opportunities that could benefit your cleaning operation and your clients.