Cleaning contractors, often overlooked in this journey, play a crucial role in helping retailers achieve their ESG ambitions. By managing day-to-day operations with sustainability in mind, they can directly influence a retailer’s environmental footprint, improve working conditions for frontline teams, and support transparent reporting.

From introducing energy-efficient equipment and eco-friendly products to creating safe, fair and inclusive workplaces, the right cleaning partner can transform a support service into a driver of positive change. Importantly, contractors are also well placed to provide the data and accountability that retailers need to demonstrate measurable progress against their ESG commitments.

 

Reducing Environmental Impact

Cleaning contractors have a unique opportunity to reduce the environmental footprint of retail operations. By introducing sustainable practices and innovative solutions, they can help retailers meet ambitious carbon reduction goals while creating healthier spaces for employees and customers alike.

This support goes beyond day-to-day cleaning — it ensures retailers have tangible, measurable ways to demonstrate progress against their ESG commitments.

Sustainable Cleaning Products

Switching to eco-certified, biodegradable cleaning products delivers benefits on several levels:

• Safer environments – fewer harmful chemicals for staff and customers.

• Reduced packaging – concentrated solutions cut down on plastic and transport emissions.

• Brand alignment – visible use of green products reassures customers that sustainability runs throughout the retail experience.

According to Cleaning is Caring, 62 companies in the cleaning supply chain have already committed to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 or earlier.

In addition, sustainable products often carry recognised certifications, giving retailers clear evidence to include in ESG reports.

Water and Energy Efficiency

Resource efficiency is another area where contractors make a direct contribution:

• Microfiber systems – reduce both water and chemical use.

• Water recycling equipment – advanced floor machines can reuse water within a single clean.

• Energy-efficient machinery – lowers electricity consumption across multiple sites.

Even small savings, multiplied across dozens of retail locations, translate into significant environmental gains.

Evidence shows that green cleaning does more than protect the environment. For example, BCESG reports that Boston University improved indoor air quality, enhanced occupant health, and reduced operating costs through sustainable cleaning practices.

Carbon Reduction and Reporting

Cleaning contractors can also play a role in helping retailers manage and report on scope 3 emissions. This includes emissions linked to cleaning operations, supply chains, and logistics.

Key contributions include:

• Using electric or low-emission vehicles for transport.

• Consolidating deliveries to minimise mileage.

• Implementing closed-loop recycling systems for waste reduction.

• Providing emissions data to support retailer reporting.

 

By embedding carbon-conscious practices, contractors enable retailers to demonstrate measurable reductions rather than vague commitments.

Driving Social Value

ESG is not just about the environment. The “S” in ESG is equally important, and cleaning contractors are in a strong position to deliver meaningful social value alongside their retail partners.

Fair Employment Practices

Retailers rely heavily on cleaning teams who often work unsociable hours. Contractors that invest in their people make a direct impact through:

• Paying fair wages and ensuring ethical employment standards.

• Providing training and qualifications that support career progression.

• Creating safe working conditions with the right equipment and procedures.

Local Community Engagement

Retailers are often judged by the impact they have in local communities. Cleaning partners can strengthen this by:

• Supporting volunteering initiatives and charity partnerships.

• Offering apprenticeships or entry-level roles that create opportunities.

• Contributing to local supply chains wherever possible.

Diversity and Inclusion

Cleaning contractors can help embed inclusivity in retail supply chains by:

• Promoting equal opportunities in recruitment and advancement.

• Providing training to build awareness of diversity issues.

• Championing inclusive cultures that reflect the communities retailers serve.

Supporting Governance and Compliance

Strong governance ensures ESG commitments translate into real progress. Cleaning contractors can provide the tools and transparency retailers need.

Transparency and Reporting

Accurate data is essential for ESG reporting. Contractors can support governance by:

• Sharing emissions data, workforce statistics, and compliance metrics.

• Using digital dashboards to provide real-time insights.

• Offering evidence for external audits or certifications.

A survey by CleanLink found that 46% of contractors actively promote sustainability offerings, while 64% of facility executives expect cleaning to be included in ESG plans.

Innovation and Technology

Technology is transforming the cleaning industry, and it directly supports ESG:

• Workforce apps like FacilityApps improve monitoring, efficiency, and reporting.

• Digital compliance tools ensure health, safety, and labour standards are consistently met.

• Automation reduces human error and streamlines data collection.

Alignment with Retailer Values

Retailers want supply chains that reflect their own values. Cleaning contractors can demonstrate this by:

• Publishing clear ESG strategies.

• Embedding ethical and sustainable practices into procurement.

• Demonstrating ongoing progress through annual reporting.

According to Deloitte, 73% of retail executives increased sustainability investment last year. Research from KPMG also shows that retailers who prioritise ESG commitments perform better in the medium and long term.

 

Partnering for a Cleaner, Greener Future

Retailers cannot meet ESG goals in isolation. Partnering with cleaning contractors who share the same vision ensures that every site, from flagship stores to local branches, contributes meaningfully to environmental, social and governance progress.

Cleaning is more than a support service – it is a strategic enabler of retail sustainability. Contractors who embrace this role help retailers turn commitments into measurable results, strengthen customer trust, and future-proof their operations.

If you’d like to explore how our team can support your ESG journey, get in touch with us today. We’ll be happy to share how our approach can help you achieve measurable, lasting impact.