Environmental, social and governance (ESG) laws are becoming increasingly strict as the years go on. Within corporate industries, it is crucial for businesses to meet their ESG targets to ensure regulatory compliance and maintain stakeholder trust.
If organisations do not meet regulatory compliance standards, it can result in financial penalties and reputational damage. Proactively integrating ESG considerations into operations, such as cleaning, can open opportunities for innovation, long-term sustainability and competitive advantage.
As a commercial cleaning partner, we are heavily driven by our own ESG strategy, Beyond Cleaning, partnering with us will align our operations with your corporate ESG targets in four easy steps:
1. Clear Measurable Goals
For a successful ESG strategy, a comprehensive review needs to be conducted of the current procedures, products, waste management and staffing.
Following the review, the practices and procedures should be analysed in detail and refined where necessary to ensure alignment with ESG targets and drive continuous improvement. These standards should not only meet external global standards but also your organisational brand values.
Global Standards
Aligning ESG targets means ensuring credibility and consistency. Internal goals should be based off brand values as well as the widely recognised global frameworks such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and ISO Global standards for trusted services.
Internal Standards
Internal standards and benchmarks should be set specific, measurable, and realistic, based on internal ESG policies. Key performance indicators (KPIs) could be established to track the steps taken in achieving the goals. These might include:
- Reductions in harmful chemical usage
- Staff wellbeing
- Energy consumption related to cleaning equipment
- Recycled waste output, limiting landfill waste
As an example, you may wish to improve labour standards for outsourced cleaning staff. To achieve this goal, you can communicate with your cleaning partner about their recruitment practices, employee initiatives and benefits.
2. Operational Solutions
Once your goals are defined, the next step will be to integrate sustainable practices into your cleaning operations in order to make these goals achievable. Operational solutions are crucial for adhering to environmental targets, but it will also enhance your public image as a responsible business.
Environmentally-Friendly Cleaning Supplies
Switching to sustainable cleaning products can make a huge impact on your environmental footprint. Eco-friendly cleaning solutions will reduce the release of toxins into water systems, improve indoor air quality, and safeguard the health of both employees and cleaning staff.
Additionally, sourcing products from responsible suppliers, such as Amplify Goods RE:MIND range, can reinforce other ESG commitments. Using products like these can support the local community by providing work for homeless people and crucial funds to support a healthier planet.
Waste Systems
Reducing landfill waste is critical due to the severe environmental and health impacts of landfills.
Landfills release of harmful greenhouse gases, such as methane, and the generation of leachate that contaminates soil and water. Statista found that in 2023 methane emissions from landfills in the UK were equivalent to 14.5 million metric tons of carbon dioxide (MtCO₂e).
As your commercial cleaning partner, we can implement waste management systems that suit your needs. Whether the system is a smart AI-powered waste solutions, such as NANDO Waste Management, or whether your waste streams can be enhanced with waste awareness talks, bin placement and signage. Together we can reduce, and in some cases eradicate, your contribution to landfill.
Stakeholder Engagement
Stakeholders are individuals, groups, or organisations with an interest in a company’s practices, actions and performance. Key stakeholders include:
- Shareholders
- Employees
- Customers
- Suppliers
- The government, which regulates it
- The local community
By communicating openly and honestly with stakeholders, transparency and trust can be built through long-term partnerships.
As an example, we openly publish updates about our ESG progress yearly to show our commitment in action and to encourage others to improve their own ESG practices. We also work closely with our own stakeholders and clients through ESG focus groups and reviewing their ESG impacts.
3. Monitoring & Reporting
To ensure cleaning operations remain aligned with ESG targets, organisations must actively monitor and measure progress.
Monitoring Systems
Leasing with your cleaning partners compliance, ESG and operations teams, regular audits and inspections can take place to help track performance against KPIs. These inspections can include:
- Usage tracking of chemicals, water, and energy
- Waste reports to measure recycling rates and landfill diversion
- Staff wellbeing surveys to ensure fair treatment and satisfaction
Using digital reporting tools like FacilityApps can streamline data collection, making it easier to analyse results and identify areas for improvement.
Transparent Reporting
Once the data is collected by the necessary teams, it must be reported in a transparent, credible and secure way. Companies should provide regular ESG updates to both internal and external stakeholders. This could take the form of quarterly reports, sustainability statements, or annual impact reviews. Transparency in reporting will build a strong and trusted relationship with clients, employees, and investors.
Providing staff with ongoing training in sustainable cleaning methods ensures standards remain high and consistent. Training also improves staff morale and retention, supporting the social aspect of ESG. Pairing the steps above with our 6 steps to turn your business green will ensure your corporate ESG goals are not only met but exceeded.
Get In Touch
At DOC Cleaning, we pride ourselves in being environmentally conscious and driven by our ESG strategy.
If you are looking for a cleaning partner who understands the pressing need for an ESG strategy, get in touch today with our friendly support team to discuss tailored solutions for your organisation.