The Role of Sustainable Cleaning in Green Building Certifications 🧽🌱
Green building certifications such as BREEAM, LEED, and WELL have set new benchmarks for sustainable construction and facilities management. These certifications assess not only energy efficiency and sustainable materials but also how cleaning activities impact the indoor environment and overall building sustainability.
Sustainable cleaning goes beyond just making spaces look clean, it prioritises environmental responsibility, occupant health, and regulatory compliance. At Ascent Onsite Group, our cleaning services align with these green standards, helping your projects achieve certification while promoting healthier environments.
🌍 Why Sustainable Cleaning Matters More Than Ever
Traditional cleaning often depends on harsh chemicals, excessive water use, and wasteful practices that contribute to pollution and poor indoor air quality. Sustainable cleaning emphasises:
- Eco-friendly cleaning agents: We use biodegradable, non-toxic, and low-VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) products that minimise chemical off-gassing and reduce environmental harm. This helps prevent respiratory irritants and allergens indoors. 🌿
- Water conservation: Our techniques and equipment use water efficiently, for example, microfiber cloths and high-efficiency spray systems reduce water consumption dramatically compared to traditional mopping. 💧
- Waste reduction: By using reusable cleaning materials and ensuring proper recycling of packaging and waste, we help lower landfill contributions. ♻️
- Worker and occupant safety: Training in safe handling of products and procedures ensures that both operatives and building users are protected from chemical exposure and slip hazards. 🧤
📋 How Sustainable Cleaning Supports Green Building Certification Criteria
Each green certification has specific requirements tied to cleaning:
- Minimised use of hazardous chemicals: Reducing or eliminating products with harsh VOCs aligns with indoor air quality criteria in BREEAM and LEED. 🚫🧪
- Water efficiency: Documented reductions in water usage during cleaning operations support sustainable water management credits. 💦
- Waste management: Proper segregation, recycling, and disposal practices ensure waste reduction targets are met and documented. 📑
- Indoor environmental quality: Maintaining clean, allergen- and pollutant-free interiors is essential for WELL certification focused on occupant health. 🏢
Our teams are trained to follow these requirements rigorously from the initial builders clean to ongoing FM maintenance, so your project stays compliant and on track.
🛠 Key Sustainable Cleaning Practices at Ascent Onsite
- Eco-certified products: We select cleaning agents vetted by EU Ecolabel, Green Seal, or equivalent, ensuring environmental safety without sacrificing performance. ✅
- Advanced equipment: Technologies like SpaceVac enable contactless cleaning of ceilings and high areas, reducing chemical use and improving efficiency. 💨
- Specialist training: All operatives complete COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) and environmental awareness courses, ensuring safe and responsible cleaning. 🎓
- Waste minimisation plans: We work with clients to optimise recycling of packaging and avoid single-use plastics, supporting circular economy goals. ♻️
🌟 Benefits Beyond Certification: Why It Pays to Go Green with Cleaning
Implementing sustainable cleaning is a smart business choice that:
- Improves indoor air quality, reducing respiratory complaints and sick days among occupants essential for schools, offices, and healthcare settings alike. 🏥
- Cuts long-term operating costs through efficient water and chemical use, lowering procurement and disposal expenses. 💸
- Enhances your company’s corporate social responsibility credentials, making your projects more attractive to environmentally conscious clients and investors.
- Creates healthier, safer environments that boost occupant comfort and productivity a key factor in employee satisfaction and retention. 😊
📞 Ready to Make Your Project Cleaner and Greener?
Partner with Ascent Onsite Group to embed sustainable cleaning practices throughout your construction and FM lifecycle. From builders cleans to daily maintenance, our eco-friendly solutions help you meet green building certifications while delivering healthier spaces for all.
