Did you know that 1 tonne of carbon emissions has approximately the same weight as a great white shark?
Sustainability has been a growing focus for businesses globally for many years. As such, facilities management companies and procurement managers are increasingly seeking ethical partners to meet their own internal environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals. Sustainable action is a necessity to ensure alignment with ESG standards while maintaining efficient operations. But what does sustainable action in commercial cleaning actually look like?
Understanding sustainable action in commercial cleaning
Sustainable action in commercial cleaning refers to the integration of environmentally friendly practices, demonstrating social responsibility, and ethical business operations. It is more than just simply using eco-friendly cleaning products. It also includes:
Reducing water and energy consumption
Reducing water and energy usage where possible is key for environmental and economic sustainability. Adopting water-efficient cleaning techniques, such as microfiber systems and iMOPs, significantly reduces water consumption compared to traditional methods. Through our partnership with the Made Blue Foundation, every iMOP introduced also helps provide clean drinking water to communities in need, extending the impact far beyond our sites. Commercial cleaning companies can also cut energy use by investing in modern, energy-efficient equipment like low-energy vacuum cleaners, and switching to battery-powered machinery that charges during off-peak hours. Aligning cleaning schedules with low-demand periods not only reduces electricity costs but also contributes to broader energy conservation goals.
Limiting chemical waste and pollution
Making sure to use biodegradable and non-toxic cleaning products reduces harmful runoff into water systems, whilst also improving the quality of air inside facilities being cleaned. It’s also important to consider the dilution control processes in place to make sure cleaning solutions are used safely and efficiently to minimise waste.
Ensuring fair labour practices
Implementing fair labour practices is essential for creating an ethical and sustainable workforce and safeguarding employee wellbeing. Some core practices include:
- Offering competitive wages
- Providing comprehensive training
- Ensuring a safe working environment
- Promoting equal opportunities to progress
Commercial cleaning companies can host regular safety workshops in relation to chemical handling and cleaning equipment use, as well as providing ergonomic equipment to reduce the risk of injuries. Developing clear and transparent policies that promote equal opportunities and diversity can further help to enhance employee satisfaction and retention.
Supporting local communities
Commercial cleaning companies do not work in isolation, but are part of wider local and global communities.
By sourcing supplies from local businesses and recruiting employees from the local area, they can help strengthen relationships and support social and economic stability in the local area. Participating in local community initiatives can also help demonstrate commitment to corporate social responsibility. For cleaning companies, this could be volunteering for clean-up drives in the local area or sponsoring local events.
As part of our wider commitment to sustainability and social impact, NJC proudly supports Save A Warrior UK (SAWUK) through dedicated funding and by raising brand visibility. SAWUK delivers life-saving mental health support programmes for veterans and first responders, helping rebuild lives through purpose-driven recovery. This partnership reflects our belief that true sustainability includes caring for people as well as the planet.
Why sustainability matters in commercial cleaning
Cleaning companies, like NJC, play a pivotal role in fostering sustainability within industry. By working with ethical cleaning providers and implementing sustainable practices in daily operations, they can meet growing regulatory requirements for the clients they serve by:
- Meeting strict standards and regulatory requirements
- Enhancing corporate reputation for clients and their own business
- Reduce operational costs through efficient resource use
- Contributing to global environmental goals
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Are they achievable?
The United Nations SDGs provide a framework for sustainable action across industries to promote peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. Several of these goals align closely with how commercial cleaning companies work, including:
- Goal 6: Ensure availability and sustainable management of water by adopting water-efficient practices and equipment.
- Goal 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns by consciously choosing to use eco-friendly cleaning products and reducing unnecessary waste.
- Goal 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change by reducing carbon emissions through efficient tools and practices and minimising harmful chemical waste.
Whilst achieving these goals is challenging, strategic collaboration, innovation and effective action make them achievable.
Practical steps for implementing sustainable cleaning practices
Transitioning to more sustainable cleaning and operations practices can feel like a daunting task. Below are some simple, actionable steps to integrate sustainability into commercial cleaning:
- Audit current practices: Assess the environmental impact of your operations and processes. This will help identify any areas for improvement and will act as a baseline to measure future improvements again.
- Switch to certified sustainable products: Choose cleaning agents with recognised eco-labels to minimise negative environmental impact.
- Optimise cleaning schedules: Reduce energy and water use by scheduling tasks efficiently. By committing to regular cleaning, you can extend the lifespan of flooring, carpet and equipment as well as reducing the need for intensive cleans after long periods of build-up.
- Invest in technology: Use equipment designed to minimise resource consumption. Modern cleaning technology is often more effective, which reduces clean times, resource use and costs.
- Engage stakeholders: Collaborate with clients and employees to set and meet sustainability goals, to help create a sense of shared commitment and sense of accomplishment when sustainability goals are achieved.
NJC’s commitment to ESG values
By committing to becoming more sustainable as a company, we can help our clients to achieve their own internal sustainability goals too. Some of our key carbon reduction goals include:
- Total carbon footprint 591.85 tCO2e
- Target reduction of 200 tCO2e over 4 years
- Carbon reduction per employee 0.34 tCO2e
We have also partnered with Ecologi to help support global sustainability projects, such as the Macaúbas Landfill Gas Project in Brazil and supporting on-shore wind power in Sri Lanka.
Our dedication to our ESG values ensures we not only meet but exceed industry standards for sustainable commercial cleaning. We remain committed to further reducing our emissions at source in 2025. Discover more about our environmental and sustainability goals today.
