How to Implement a Green Cleaning Program Pt 2

In our last post, How to Implement a Green Cleaning Program Pt 1, we discussed several of the factors associated with implementation of a green cleaning program. That post highlighted: Establishing Stakeholders, Setting Goals, Green Cleaning Policy, and Evaluation of Current Program. This week, we will conclude this two-part series by focusing on….

• Training and Implementation
• Communication and Promotion
• Continuous Improvement and Reporting

Training and Implementation

Once you have established your green cleaning policy you will be ready to begin the training and implementation phase. The long-term viability of your program will be dependent, in large part, on your success in this phase. Your training and implementation should cover:

• Purchase of Products and Supplies: This would cover the product certifications required for the products and supplies being purchased. The training would include requirements for certifications such as “Green Seal”, “EcoLogo” or recognition by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (“DfE”).
• Green Cleaning Operating Procedures: This portion would cover training and implementation of typical operating procedures such as:
  • Proper use, handling, and storage of chemicals and materials (cleaners, disinfectants, odor control agents, microfiber products, etc.)
  • Chemical dilution procedures
  • Conservation of water, chemicals, and materials
  • Use of appropriate hygiene protocols

 Communication and Promotion

Successful implementation of a green cleaning program is an organizational accomplishment that should be communicated and promoted. You can now actively market your green cleaning capabilities. Your marketing program could include various types of collateral (brochures, web content, newsletters, posters, etc.) to promote your green cleaning service offering.

You will also want to celebrate your program internally. Have a program “kick-off” event that will help foster internal awareness, excitement, and participation.

Continuous Improvement and Reporting

Once your green cleaning program is up and running you will need to set up processes for monitoring the effectiveness of the program. Are you meeting the goals that you set? How satisfied are your external/internal clients? To reach objective conclusions on the health of your program you will need the ability to collect feedback and data.

Feedback can be collected via use of various types of surveys (Employee Satisfaction, Customer Satisfaction, Process Improvement Suggestions, Sustainability Assessment, etc). It will be critical that the results of that feedback be reported and acted upon in a timely manner.

Once a baseline of performance has been established you will be able to define Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s). The KPI’s will provide a flow of ongoing, verifiable, and actionable data back to your cleaning operation. This should include a closed-loop process in which problem areas are dealt with efficiently and effectively. This process will allow your cleaning operation to continuously tweak your green cleaning program so that “continuous improvement” is a reality instead of a mere buzz-phrase.

You will likely invest much time, energy, and resources in the development of your green cleaning program. By taking the time to lay out a defined plan of action you will greatly improve your chances of ultimate success.

What have you done to train and implement your green cleaning program? Let us know in the section for comments below.

And if you need a customized, cost-effective Service Solution for your business, let SMO help. Request a Customized Service Solution today.