Peter J. Sheldon Sr.

Most people would agree that partnerships and cooperation make achieving your goals easier. That generalization certainly applies to facilities working toward lowering their carbon footprint. Two guest authors disclose how facility managers and in-house cleaners have a better chance of reaching their sustainability goals when they partner with other segments of the cleaning industry. Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) expert Peter J. Sheldon reveals how professional cleaning contractors can help an organization stay on track with its sustainability objectives, and former building service contractor (BSC) Robert Kravitz explains the benefits of partnering with a distributor dedicated to environmental solutions. Peter J. Sheldon Today, it’s not enough for business owners to simply say they are committed to ESG issues. Governments, investors, and consumers increasingly demand that companies demonstrate their commitment. This insistence has led to the introduction of stringent environmental regulations and reporting requirements related to ESG performance. Stakeholder groups also pressure companies to be more transparent about their ESG practices. For example, the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) developed a framework for companies to disclose their climate-related risks and opportunities. The TCFS was created by the Financial Stability Board in 2015 to improve and increase reporting of climate-related financial information. As a result of these trends, organizations face increasing pressure to integrate ESG factors into their business strategies. One way they can accomplish this goal is to partner with a reputable commercial cleaning company. Robert Kravitz Before you set sustainability goals for the facility you are cleaning and maintaining, you might want to consider its carbon footprint. According to the World Green Building Council, commercial buildings and construction account for 39% of all carbon emissions (carbon dioxide greenhouse gases) in the world; more than half of those emissions are the result of energy expended for lighting, heating, and cooling buildings. Carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases trap heat when they are released into the atmosphere. This trapped heat is contributing to the Earth’s warming and is one of the critical reasons the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Centers for Environmental Information declared 2023 the warmest year ever recorded. In addition to the sources mentioned above, greenhouse gas emissions released by buildings include: Fossil fuels consumed on-site in response to electrical demand Embodied carbon (a greenhouse gas resulting from the extraction, production, and transport of products and goods) found in building construction materials Emissions from materials such as fabrics, wall coverings, and paint Refrigerants used in cooling and refrigeration systems Conventional cleaning chemicals. Seek sustainability guidance The amount of greenhouse gas emitted by buildings is expected to rise as more people return to offices from remote work and building owners find ways to repurpose their current properties. In the meantime, building owners and facility managers are looking for strategies to lower the carbon footprint of their buildings. “The buildings and construction sector, as a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, must urgently be decarbonized through a triple strategy of reducing energy demand, decarbonizing the power supply, and addressing building materials’ carbon footprint,” said Inger Andersen, executive director of the United Nations Environment Program. Cleaning professionals and facility managers, who often turn to jansan distributors for products and services, are also seeking guidance for implementing sustainability measures. “Jansan distributors and cleaning contractors have become guides and teachers for their clients,” said Stephen Ashkin, president of The Ashkin Group, a consulting firm specializing in green cleaning and sustainability. “Twenty years ago, they helped educate their customers about green cleaning and its necessity. They are doing the same today when it comes to sustainability.” “Historically, contractors and managers have always turned to [jansan] distributors for guidance,” said Michael Wilson, CEO of AFFLINK, a distributor-membership organization. “This is occurring again with sustainability. That’s why we are training our distributor and cleaning contractor members on the many components of sustainability, including pointing out the countless ways it benefits their own businesses.” According to Wilson, sustainable practices benefit businesses by: Cutting utility costs through the more efficient use of energy and water Reducing purchasing and disposal costs by using recycled materials and minimizing packaging Expanding a company’s customer base by appealing to other sustainability-focused consumers and businesses Enhancing a business’s reputation by generating positive media coverage and public recognition Attracting investors who value environmental and social responsibility Boosting employee morale and retention by creating a workplace culture that revolves around sustainability Placing a company one or more steps ahead of future environmental regulations and requirements. Peter J. Sheldon Commercial cleaning services also play a pivotal role in helping their customers adhere to evolving ESG regulations and showcase their commitment to sustainability. By incorporating sustainable cleaning practices—such as utilizing eco-friendly products and equipment, as well as minimizing energy and water consumption—commercial cleaning companies empower businesses to reduce waste and preserve resources. Furthermore, commercial cleaning services offer businesses access to specialized knowledge and best practices in sustainable cleaning techniques and technologies. This invaluable expertise helps businesses develop and implement comprehensive ESG cleaning strategies, resulting in enhanced environmental performance, cost savings, and a stronger reputation as an environmentally responsible organization. By partnering with reputable commercial cleaning companies, businesses can demonstrate their commitment to responsible and sustainable practices, gaining a competitive advantage in today’s ESG-conscious marketplace. This strategic alliance enhances a company’s environmental performance and cost efficiency, while elevating their brand image and reputation as a socially responsible organization. Consider the benefits of certification Many cleaning companies that market themselves as ESG-compliant are taking their commitment a step further by becoming ESG-certified by professional administrative networks. Implementing the practices required for ESG certification not only showcase a company’s commitment to responsible business practices and sustainability. It also helps a company or facility mitigate various risks that can affect its reputation and its bottom line. For example, adopting environmentally friendly cleaning methods and using eco-friendly products can minimize the chances of becoming involved in legal or regulatory issues and mitigate reputational risks associated with harmful chemicals or unsustainable practices. Despite all its benefits, an ESG certification won’t help

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Peter J. Sheldon Sr.

Chief Strategy Officer, Anago Cleaning Systems

Articles by Peter J. Sheldon Sr.

Create Partnerships for Sustainability Success

Business and Management

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