The Need For Green Cleaning Solutions

Did you know?

The need for green cleaning solutions makes sense when you consider that Americans spend 90% of their time indoors and exposure to pollution can be up to 100 times greater inside than out. (1) Companies going green can positively impact the annual maintenance of buildings where we work and live, which now requires:

• 5 Billion lbs. of cleaning and coating chemicals
• 4.5 Billion lbs. of janitorial paper products (or 50 Million trees)
• 36 Billion plastic trash can liners
• 20 Million vacuum cleaners
  
  

Implementing green cleaning solutions supports other green activities that help reduce the large amounts of energy and water that buildings consume. According to the U.S. Green Building Council, buildings in this country account for:

• 65% of electricity consumption,
• 36% of energy use,
• 30% of greenhouse gas emissions,
• 30% of raw materials use,
• 30% of waste output (136 million tons annually), and
• 12% of potable water consumption.

Corporations going green help decrease atmospheric emission from the use of energy, thereby reducing acid rain, ground-level ozone, smog and global climate change. 

Learn more about green cleaning solutions offered through the ABM Green Care™ program.

Companies Going Green Reap Benefits

Economic Benefits

• Improved bottom line
• Reduced operating costs
• Optimized life-cycle economic performance
• Increased building valuation and ROI
• Decreased vacancy, improved retention
• Reduced liability
  
  

Health & Productivity Benefits

• Enhanced occupant comfort and health
• Improved employee performance and productivity
• Reduced absenteeism and turnover
  
  

Community Benefits

• Reduced natural resource consumption
• Minimized strain on local infrastructures and improved quality of life
• Public recognition for environmental stewardship
  
  

In addition, green cleaning solutions can help companies going green become certified through the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and its LEED rating system (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).

Below are some key points that guide ABM when implementing effective green cleaning solutions.

Cleaning principles for corporations going green:

• Look at the facility holistically – All areas are interconnected through building automation, HVAC systems and even foot traffic.
• Go beyond appearances – Dirt, pollutants and allergens are not readily seen, but can drastically affect indoor air quality (IAQ). Green cleaning solutions are gentle, but just as effective as traditional approaches.
• Reduce pollutants – Pollutants can be dirt, germs, pesti­cides, chemicals or dust. Capture pollutants and remove them, don’t just move them around. Most pollutants enter from the outside, so focus on proper entryway matting as a preventative measure.
• Minimize exposure – Do what you can to enhance air quality and keep environmental toxicity to a minimum.
• Minimize residue and waste – Use only what is needed.
• Promote Safety – Use green chemicals. Ensure proper use and storage of chemicals and equipment.
• Educate and Communicate – Companies going green should inform employees, building occupants and stakeholders of program goals. Let them know how they can contribute to a cleaner, safer facility.
  
  

For companies going green, ABM is ready to help you start small – or big -- today. Let us customize our green cleaning solutions to meet your goals. Contact us for more information

(1) U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)