Sustainability: Going back to basics

IN RECENT years, “sustainability” has become a defining theme across the cleaning industry. Manufacturers have introduced “green” products, robotics have grown, and environmental certifications are now common expectations. But despite this progress, many organisations overlook the most powerful sustainability strategy of all: getting the basics right. True environmental responsibility in cleaning is less about innovation for its own sake and more about disciplined fundamentals, well-trained people, correct product use, and the thoughtful selection of effective, efficient machinery.

One of the most overlooked drivers of sustainable cleaning is the knowledge and skill of the operatives themselves. Training ensures operatives understand how chemicals work, how surfaces respond, and how to choose the right product for the task. Internal training materials highlight the importance of understanding pH levels, chemical composition, and how soil types influence the correct choice of cleaning agent. 

When operatives understand why certain chemicals should be used and how they work, they naturally use less product, avoid unnecessary repeat cleaning, and reduce waste. Proper training also supports safer working environments and more consistent standards, which ultimately strengthens both environmental and operational performance.

Training empowers staff to make responsible, informed decisions that reduce waste and enhance results.

Across multiple site review reports, one theme repeats numerous times: too many cleaning operations hold an excessive and unnecessary variety of chemicals, many of them duplicated or rarely used. Beyond creating clutter and health and safety concerns, this undermines sustainability. Improper dilution leads to overuse, which increases chemical consumption, packaging waste, transportation emissions, and cost. 

Sustainability is not determined solely by whether a product is labelled "ecofriendly." As your internal assessments emphasise, effective dilution ratios are equally, if not more, important. Using concentrated products correctly reduces plastic, weight, and shipping frequency and ensures that the minimum necessary amount of product is used to achieve the desired result.

A sustainable approach to chemicals includes:

• Rationalising chemical ranges to reduce duplication
• Training operatives to dilute accurately and safely
• Selecting concentrated products that reduce packaging and transport emissions
• Storing and handling chemicals responsibly to prevent waste and safety risks.

Dilution accuracy is often more important than the “eco label” on the bottle, using the right amount of the right chemical significantly reduces environmental impact while maintaining high cleaning standards.

Modern machinery plays a vital role in sustainable cleaning when selected and used correctly. The right equipment can reduce chemical dependency, improve productivity, and deliver consistent results.

Benefits of effective machinery include:

• Reduced water and chemical consumption
• Improved mechanical action, reducing reliance on harsh products
• Faster drying times, improving safety and energy efficiency
• Reduced operator fatigue, improving performance and morale.

However, machinery only supports sustainability when it is well maintained, appropriate for the task, and used by trained operators.

Returning to fundamentals offers several powerful advantages:

• Lower chemical usage through accurate dilution and correct product choice
• Consistent standards driven by well-trained operatives
• Higher productivity, reducing labour time and energy consumption
• Lower cost, thanks to reduced waste and streamlined product ranges
• Improved safety, with fewer risks from misuse of chemicals or equipment.

Sustainability does not need to be complicated; disciplined execution of the basics delivers the greatest impact.

Sustainability in the cleaning industry is not achieved by the latest trend but by disciplined, intelligent practice. Training operatives properly, using the correct chemicals at the correct dilution, and investing in effective, efficient machinery form the foundation of an environmentally responsible cleaning strategy.

By returning to these basics and ensuring they are embedded in everyday operations organisations can dramatically reduce their environmental footprint while delivering cleaner, safer, and more consistent spaces.

Neil Spencer-Cook is group managing director at BICSc

For more information visit www.bics.org.uk