Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) is a framework which is crucial for all business operations. In the corporate world, these targets can become increasingly difficult to meet.

In this blog we discuss the ways in which we – as your cleaning partner – can align washroom hygiene protocols with your corporate ESG targets and commitments.

 

The Link Between Washroom Hygiene and ESG Goals

A clean, well-maintained washroom isn’t just for aesthetics. Washroom hygiene can directly impact employee health, safety and well-being, facility user perception, and operational sustainability.

Why Washroom Hygiene Matters for ESG Reporting

For facilities managers and ESG leaders, aligning cleaning operations with corporate ESG goals is a tangible way to demonstrate commitment to the planet. In 2024, Deloitte research found that 76% of global executives include employee health and facility hygiene within their ESG reporting metrics.

Restroom hygiene plays a huge role in cleaning operations and can have a lasting impact on ESG. From water-efficient fixtures to environmentally responsible cleaning products, hygiene management offers measurable data points that can feed directly into ESG reporting.

As an example, some corporate washrooms could go through around 1.5-2.5 standard toilet paper rolls per person, per week. However, these numbers could change depending on the number of employees and working patterns. Statistics like these contribute to high levels of paper and material wastage if your consumables are not environmentally friendly.

Employee Health, Safety and Wellbeing

Social within ESG reflects how a business cares for people within its building, as well as local communities. Washroom hygiene lies within health, safety, and wellbeing.

• Health and wellbeing: A clean washroom prevents the spread of bacteria and viruses, reducing absenteeism and improving workplace morale. Washrooms that are designed with accessibility in mind, shows a company’s respect for diversity, dignity and inclusion.
• Employee and visitor safety: Detailed and consistent cleaning maintenance will prevent slips, trips, and other hazards.

Environmentally friendly cleaning agents and consumables, such as soap, is often gentler on skin. Investing in hygiene and gentle on skin washroom consumables will demonstrate a commitment to employee welfare, equality and environment.

More on this topic can be found in our blogs ‘Why Regular Deep Cleaning Is Essential for Health & Safety’ and ‘How Can a Clean Workspace Boost Team Wellbeing?’

Governance and Accountability

Corporate companies must meet strict mandatory requirements set by national and regional authorities. Transparency, ethics and accountability are essential for corporate governance.

Washroom management and solutions can ensure targets are measurable and that your suppliers meet compliance standards. See below the ways in which cleaning partners can help make governance regulations achievable:

Governance Element	Cleaning Solution	ESG Benefit
Transparency	Real-time monitoring of cleaning schedules and hygiene levels.	Builds stakeholder trust and ensures hygiene standards remain consistent and high.
Accountability	Using verified cleaning agents and supplies.	Supports ethical standards.
Reporting	Data-driven hygiene metrics for ESG disclosure.	Strengths audit credibility for current and future partners and suppliers.

 

 

Practical Steps to Integrate Hygiene into Your ESG Strategy

Integrating new strategies to on-site operations can sometimes prove difficult. With effective communication with your cleaning provider, practical steps can be implemented without interrupting corporate building operations.

Sustainable Cleaning Practices and Products

There are various innovations and strategies that can be implemented for a sustainable cleaning practice. Many of our strategies include adopting the use of eco-friendly cleaning agents and IoT (internet of things) monitoring systems and technology.

By using sustainable cleaning practices and products in your corporate spaces you can reduce initial costs whilst saving on long-term costs. Wessex found that using eco-friendly washrooms consumables and cleaning agents will not only improve ESG progress but also prove cost-effective.

Here are some of the ways you can introduce sustainable cleaning actions in your corporate spaces:

• Switch to eco-friendly cleaning agents made from environmental biotech alternative ingredients.
• Use reusable equipment, such as microfibre cloths, washable mop heads and refillable consumable and chemical dispensers.
• Implement energy-efficient fixtures, such as hand dryers over paper towels.
• Include IoT and proof-of-presence systems to track footfall and waste output.

Real-Time Monitoring and Reporting

Monitoring and reporting can provide ESG data-driven performance. Smart cleaning systems and tools can be utilised by corporate organisations and be effective for both single sites and multi-tenant buildings. These systems can track consumable usage, waste output and prevent overconsumption and waste to landfill.

Technology Reporting System	ESG Impact
IoT Sensors	Monitors washroom usage and automatically alerts on-site cleaning teams when tasks are required.
Smart Dispensers	Tracks consumable levels and stops overconsumption by reducing unnecessary refills.
Digital Cleaning Schedule Logs	Replaces paper checklist, provides real time reporting and transparency for compliance audits.

 

Partner with ESG-Aligned Cleaning Providers

Choosing a corporate cleaning partner that prioritises sustainability and ESG should have a detailed decision-making process.

Here is our checklist for selecting an ESG-aligned cleaning provider:

• Proven use of eco-labelled cleaning products
• Transparent operational reporting
• Staff training in safety and inclusion
• Demonstrated environmental performance metrics

Our Beyond Cleaning Strategy

As a cleaning provider, we are committed to sustainable excellence. Our Beyond Cleaning strategy is comprised of four pillars. To empower our people, create a positive legacy, inspire bold action, and ensure safer spaces.

We ensure our services align with and prioritises sustainable practices. We believe that in order to make a true lasting impact, all operations, including your cleaning solutions, align with your broader sustainability goals.

 

Ready to achieve your corporate ESG goals?

Aligning all corporate business operations will enable you to reach ESG targets. Working with your cleaning partner will ensure you meet these targets faster than those who don’t. With our expertise and commitment to ESG, we will strengthen your performance from the ground up.

Get in touch with our support team today to learn how our sustainable cleaning solutions can help you align hygiene practices with your corporate ESG commitments.