The International Facility Management Association has updated its Sustainability How-to Guide: Global Green Cleaning. The green cleaning guide for facilities managers is free to download. This guide outlines the steps to establish a comprehensive green cleaning program, covering key topics such as indoor air quality, green cleaning products and equipment, greenwashing, green cleaning service providers, the business case for green cleaning, how to develop a green cleaning program, and performance measurements. The authors of the guide have decades of experience in commercial and green cleaning.
According to the authors, “The guide has been created to serve as an instrument for those in the built environment who either manage their own employees or contract with a cleaning service provider. Further, this guide is designed to help readers understand the objectives of a green cleaning program, assist in the implementation of a comprehensive program and help measure the effectiveness of such a program.”
Oftentimes, the perception is that green cleaning costs more. The guide’s authors contend, however, that green cleaning is a good investment and can lead to a reduction in waste and a facility’s demand for energy and water. Green cleaning also can improve productivity.
How to Detect Greenwashing
The guide explains what eco-labels to look for, what “biodegradable” and “natural” really mean, what to consider when purchasing green cleaning equipment, and how to detect greenwashing.
For those pursuing LEED certification for their properties, the guide explains how green cleaning activities can help one achieve LEED. Did you know, for example, that up to 25 percent of the points for LEED-EBOM certification can be attained strictly through green cleaning activities?
The authors touch on what is next for the world of green cleaning—cleaning without any chemicals at all, for example, using electrolyzed water.
While the case studies in the guide are not hotel-specific, they are valuable reads as they provide important lessons learned.
Be sure to download and read the Sustainability How-to Guide: Global Green Cleaning.
