Over the past two years corporate America has faced increasing pressure to “go green”, sustainability has become a media buzz word and increasing numbers of suppliers are now selling “green” in their standard proposals.

Much of the burden to go green falls on the shoulders of purchasing departments and facility managers as stakeholders begin to demand comprehensive recycling programs and more environmentally friendly janitorial services.

Before “going green” you must consider why are you going green? Companies essentially go green for two reasons. The first is out of a real commitment to sustainability and the health of their employees, stakeholders and environment. The second is to generate some positive PR. For the purpose of this blog I am going to assume that all readers fall into the former group rather than the latter.

A few things to consider before “going green”

What is your timeline to roll out green services?
Implementing a green cleaning program can take some time as your building services contractor may have to provide additional training to service personnel, acquire new equipment and restructure the nightly workflow.

How much disruption are you willing to accept?
To a certain degree green cleaning is different from conventional janitorial services and implementing a new program could cause some minor disruption Many of the disruptions are temporary as recycling programs are implemented, toilets retrofitted and paper products change. Some changes are ongoing. Before going green most be consider the willingness of the end users to help make change. A greener building does involve some sacrifices; floors may not shine as much, employees may not be able to dispose of their lunch in their desk-side waste cans and your facility may look different once a greener program is implemented.

Is cost a factor?
While contributing to the earth’s sustainability is a noble goal practical considerations must come into play. Green cleaning services are, most likely, more expensive due because of the initial cost of implementation. Before discussing greening your facility you must first consider what the service is really worth to your organization. Regardless of how much or little you are willing to extend your facility services budget your cleaning contractor should be able to come up wit ha green program that is right for your facility.

Is your goal to improve indoor air quality alone?

Using green cleaning products is often the logical choice as low VOC products improve air quality and have been linked to a reduced absenteeism. Depending on the nature of your facility and your company’s commitment to going green a transition to green seal products may be the only change that needs to be made.

Are you looking for a serious change and a holistic green cleaning program?
Green Seal products are only a first step in the greening process. If you are looking to implement truly “green” facility services you must find a contractor that is familiar with and capable of adhering to the GS-42 Standard.

Is this all you’re doing?
Greening your facility and reducing your company’s carbon footprint doesn’t start and end with facility services and recycled paper products. If a corporation is truly ready to change it must look at its entire operational structure and see where there are other areas that can be improved.