How to Implement A Green Cleaning Program Pt. 1

Are you considering implementing a Green Cleaning Program within your cleaning operation? To stay competitive, an increasing number of cleaning operations are now offering green cleaning as a part of their overall service portfolio. What are the most important components that should be considered when developing and implementing a green cleaning program?

In this week’s Part 1 post we will shed some light on….

• Establishing Stakeholders
• Setting Goals
• Development of a Green Cleaning Policy
• Evaluation of Current Cleaning Program

Establishing Stakeholders

The establishment of a team of stakeholders is crucial. Those individuals that i) will be responsible for design and implementation of the green cleaning program and ii) that will be the actual beneficiaries of the program. The stakeholder team will typically consist of facility management, facility occupants, students, cleaning supply vendors, etc.

It will be important to select a leader to guide the workings of the stakeholder team. The team leader will work to establish meeting agendas and to ensure that the team is functioning effectively.

Setting Goals for Your Green Cleaning Program

Establish the goals and objectives for your green cleaning program. It is important that you establish goals that can be quantified, qualified, and measured. Your list of goals should include a good mix of operational, employee, and competitive targets. A few examples….

• Increase in facility occupancy rate
• Improved employee attendance
• Improved employee productivity
• Higher rates of tenant satisfaction
• Attainment of industry certifications (LEED EB OM or other)
• Measurable competitive advantage within your market

Development of a Green Cleaning Policy

Once you have established your green cleaning goals you will need to develop a Green Cleaning Policy that supports those goals. An effective policy will contain a few essential elements. Those would include (but not be limited to):

• Defined Roles and Responsibilities: Clearly defined roles and responsibilities for those with primary oversight for policy adherence.
• Standard Operating Procedures:  The policy will contain guidelines to address: staff training, handling and storage of materials and chemicals, conservation of resources, hygiene requirements, etc.
• Purchasing of Preferred Products and Supplies:  Guidelines for purchasing products and supplies that will be compliant with your green cleaning program.

For more detailed information on the Green Cleaning Policy please refer to previous posts on that subject.

Creating an Effective Green Cleaning Policy Part 1

Creating an Effective Green Cleaning Policy Part 2

Evaluation of Current Cleaning Program

Where is your cleaning program today? What are the gaps between where you are and where you want to go in terms of green cleaning capability? You will need to conduct an objective assessment to answer those questions. Your assessment should include….

• An Occupant Satisfaction Survey
• Facility inspection using APPA Standards
• An evaluation of the types of chemicals and consumables currently in use
• An audit of current cleaning procedures

In next week’s post we will look at:  Training and Implementation, Communication and Promotion, Reporting, and Continuous Improvement.

What are the most important components you're considering for 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.