Starting your sustainability journey

SUSTAINABILITY IS no longer an issue that can be set aside for another day. It affects the way we work, the resources we use, the communities we support and the future we want to create. For organisations and individuals alike, beginning a sustainability journey is an important step towards becoming more responsible and accountable for the impacts we create.

However, starting does not mean having every answer immediately. In fact, the most effective approach is often to begin with small, practical changes and build on them over time. Attempting to solve every sustainability challenge in one go can feel overwhelming andmay prevent meaningful action from taking place. A more achievable approach is to identify one area for improvement, take action, review the results and then use that experience to guide the next step.

For example, an organisation might begin by reducing unnecessary paper use, improving recycling arrangements, reviewing energy consumption or choosing products with less packaging. These actions may appear modest, but they can create valuable momentum. They also encourage people to think differently about everyday decisions and demonstrate that sustainability is not a one-off project; it is an ongoing process of improvement.

Sustainability is an important part of BICSc mission statement and reflects the wider responsibility of the organisation to support good practice across the cleaning sector. By recognising sustainability as part of its mission, BICSc highlights that professional standards are not limited to the quality of cleaning itself. They also include the way cleaning is planned, delivered and developed for the benefit of people, places and the environment.

This is particularly important for the cleaning industry. Cleaning professionals work with water, energy, chemicals, equipment, packaging and disposable materials every day. The choices made across the sector can therefore have a significant environmental impact. At the same time, cleaning plays a vital role in protecting public health, supporting safe workplaces and maintaining welcoming environments. Sustainability in cleaning is about finding responsible ways to meet these essential needs while reducing waste, pollution and unnecessary consumption.

Practical measures can include using products efficiently, following correct dilution guidance, selecting suitable equipment, reducing water and energy use, extending the life of resources and disposing of materials responsibly. Training also has an important role to play. When people understand why a change matters and how to put it into practice, they are more likely to adopt sustainable habits and encourage others to do the same.

The importance of sustainability extends well beyond the cleaning industry. It is connected to everything: the products we buy, the services we provide, the buildings we occupy and the communities in which we live. Every decision has consequences, even when those consequences are not immediately visible. Becoming sustainable means recognising those connections and taking responsibility for the effects of our actions.

That responsibility should not be viewed as a burden, but as an opportunity to improve. By measuring what we use, setting realistic goals and being honest about where progress is still needed, we can become more accountable. Small steps, taken consistently, can lead to substantial change. The most important thing is to begin, learn as we go and continue building a more sustainable future together.

Neil Spencer-Cook is group managing director at BICSc

For more information visit www.bics.org.uk