Sustainable action in commercial cleaning means taking practical steps to make cleaning services more environmentally and socially responsible, including new sustainable products, waste management and ensuring cleaning teams work safely and responsibly.
Commercial cleaning happens every day across offices, schools, healthcare settings, public buildings, retail spaces and managed properties. As it is a regular service, small improvements can make a meaningful difference over time.
What Does Sustainable Action Mean?
Sustainable action means taking clear and practical steps that support environmental, social and operational responsibility.
In commercial cleaning, this can include reducing unnecessary chemical use, improving waste management, choosing suitable products, using resources more efficiently and supporting cleaning teams with proper training.
Why Sustainability Matters In Commercial Cleaning
Products, water, energy, transport, waste and consumables all form part of the cleaning process. If these are not reviewed, cleaning can create unnecessary waste or use more resources than needed.
The UK Government’s resources and waste strategy focuses on reducing waste, using resources more efficiently and supporting more sustainable ways of working. This reinforces the value of reviewing day-to-day services as part of wider environmental responsibility.
Sustainable commercial cleaning can also support building users. Cleaner, healthier and better-managed spaces help employees, visitors and clients feel more confident in the workplace.
Examples Of Sustainable Action In Commercial Cleaning
Sustainable cleaning should be practical. It should be based on actions that can be explained, reviewed and improved.
| Sustainable Action | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| Using appropriate cleaning products | Reduces unnecessary use of harsher chemicals |
| Reviewing cleaning frequencies | Avoids repeat cleaning and focuses resource where needed |
| Improving waste segregation | More responsible waste management |
| Reviewing consumables | Reduces avoidable paper, plastic and single-use waste |
| Training cleaning teams | Supports safer methods and better results |
| Planning work efficiently | Less duplicated visits and unnecessary disruption |
The most effective actions will depend on the building. A busy office, healthcare environment, heritage site or public venue will each need a different approach.
How Sustainable Cleaning Supports ESG Goals
Many organisations now have measurable ESG objectives linked to waste reduction, resource efficiency, responsible procurement, employee wellbeing and supplier performance.
Cleaning services contribute to these goals through practical solutions and a tailored approach supporting safer working environments and providing clear service reporting.
The environmental aspect means reducing waste sent to landfill, improving recycling rates and using resources more efficiently.
The social aspect includes supporting cleaning operatives with training, fair working practices and safe systems of work. Governance is strengthened through regular service reviews, transparent reporting, documented processes and accountability across the supply chain.
The UK Green Building Council describes itself as a network working to transform the sustainability of the built environment. Cleaning is one part of that wider picture because it affects how buildings are maintained, experienced and operated day to day.
This aligns with our Beyond Cleaning approach. We focus on delivering high standards while also considering people, sustainability and long-term value for our clients.
Sustainable Cleaning Is Also About People
Sustainability is not only about products and waste.
A responsible cleaning programme should also consider the people delivering the service and the people using the building.
This means safe systems of work, suitable training, realistic schedules and clear communication with facilities teams.
The British Institute of Cleaning Science has accredited training and best practice for the cleaning industry. This matters because sustainable cleaning depends on trained people using the right methods, equipment and products correctly.
Avoiding Greenwashing In Cleaning
Sustainable cleaning should be specific and evidence-led.
Broad phrases such as “eco-friendly cleaning” are less useful unless they are supported by clear actions. Facilities managers should look for cleaning providers that can explain what they do, why it matters and how it fits the building.
This might include product choices, waste processes, training records, scheduling decisions, consumable reviews and regular service meetings.
The British Cleaning Council’s 2024 research describes cleaning and hygiene as a major UK industry that supports safe, clean and pleasant workplaces.
As sustainability expectations increase, the sector has an important role to play in helping clients make practical improvements.
How We Support Sustainable Commercial Cleaning
We work with clients to develop cleaning programmes that support high standards, operational efficiency and responsible service delivery.
Our approach can include reviewing cleaning frequencies, supporting waste and recycling processes, using appropriate products and methods, planning around occupancy and maintaining clear communication with facilities teams.
Through our Beyond Cleaning strategy, we focus on delivering value beyond the cleaning task itself. This means supporting our people, our clients, our communities and more sustainable ways of working.
Our Sustainability Impact In Practice
Our Beyond Cleaning strategy is supported by measurable action across our people, clients, communities and environmental commitments.
Recent sustainability impact highlights include:
- 75% of staff paid the Real Living Wage
- 64.1% reduction in waste-related emissions
- 55kg of textiles recycled through SMi’s Divert from Earth scheme
- £4,557 raised in support of local charity Grove Cottage
These figures show how sustainable action can move beyond intention and become part of everyday service delivery. For our clients, this means working with a cleaning partner that considers environmental impact, social value and long-term responsibility alongside high cleaning standards.
To find out more about what we’ve achieved, read our recent 2025 Sustainability Impact Report.
Get In Touch
If you are looking for a cleaning partner to support your sustainability goals, we can help.
Our teams provide commercial cleaning services designed around each building, its users and its operational priorities.
Get in touch today to discuss how we can support a more responsible cleaning programme.
Related blog: How Cleaning Contractors Can Help Retailers Meet ESG Targets – DOC Cleaning
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