Is your green cleaning program new? Find out how you can ensure its success.
It’s not unusual for clients to seek out a commercial cleaning company with a green cleaning program. There are numerous reasons for this. They may have people allergic to more traditional cleaning chemicals or they might want it for environmental reasons.
Some building managers are required to use green cleaning practices to maintain LEED certification, and some municipalities offer tax incentives to businesses that uphold environmentally-friendly practices. The point is that there is a market for cleaning companies with a solid green cleaning program.
That being said, you still have to do the work of setting your program up for success. Throwing a “green” label on something doesn’t actually make it green. For that matter, even if you have the most eco-friendly business in town, you still need to market, get the job, do the job, and make a profit.
If you’re ready to bring your cleaning organization to the next level, schedule a call with Janitorial Manager to see how our software can make your janitorial operation more successful!
Making your green cleaning program sparkle like a ray of sunshine
How are you going to set your green cleaning program up for success? There are a few things to consider here:
- What it means to have a green cleaning program
- Strategically marketing your program
- Making a profit by selling value vs. price
What is a green cleaning program?
There’s an assumption that green cleaning simply means switching your current cleaning chemicals for something more environmentally friendly. That’s certainly part of the process. And there are plenty of cleaning solutions that meet these standards. However, it’s important to be aware that there are no federal regulations on “green” labeling on cleaning products.
To ensure you’re using environmentally-friendly cleaning solutions, look for the following:
- EPA Safer Choice-Certified Products
- Design for the Environment (DfE) Certified Disinfectants
- UL Ecologo Certification
- Green Seal Certification
That’s one part of a green cleaning program, but there’s so much more. It’s also about your products (concentrates vs. RTU, or recycled paper products, for example) and it’s about your equipment and supplies.
For example, some supplies are longer-lasting and, in some cases, much more effective. Microfiber cloths are one such item. Because of the nature of the material, they remove more germs and are much less likely to spread those germs as compared to cotton cloths.
Here are some other posts if you want to take a deep dive into what a green cleaning program will entail:
- How to Get LEED Cleaning Credits
- 9 Low Waste Cleaning Practices for Professionals
- 5 of the Best Sustainable Cleaning Tools for the Classroom
- How to Follow OSHA Workplace Ventilation Guidelines
- 5 Ways Sustainable Cleaning Practices Reduce Operating Costs
Marketing your program
How can you market your green cleaning program? It’s not much different from regular marketing. There are, however, some items you may want to include, depending on your market.
- Make it clear that you offer LEED cleaning (if you do, of course)
- Highlight the environmentally-friendly practices your company uses
- Lists the certifications of the products you use (Green Seal or DfE, for example)
- Point out the cost-effectiveness of green cleaning (fewer sick days, gentler on floors/carpets, more energy-efficient, more water-efficient, etc.)
- Green cleaning can enhance a business’ sustainability efforts even if they aren’t working toward LEED certification
- Improves indoor air quality
In other words, don’t be shy about it. Put it on your website and social media, and include it in your commercial cleaning proposals.
Making a profit
One thing a lot of companies worry about is the added cost of green cleaning. Because the entire process is based on sustainability, products and supplies can be more labor-intensive to make, and some of the materials and ingredients can be more expensive.
There are some things to consider here, the first of which is that the cost of green cleaning products is coming down, generally speaking. With more acceptance and use, these products aren’t at the premium price they once were. There’s also the benefit of some of these products lasting longer, so even if they’re more expensive up front, you’re getting a better price long-term.
Of course, that’s all dependent on so many things. Even so, there are some excellent ways to set your green cleaning program up for a nice profit. On your end of things, it’s important to be organized. That will help prevent the added costs that often come with emergency equipment repairs and rush orders of supplies.
As for “selling” your program, it’s almost always helpful to sell on value vs. price. You don’t have to have the lowest rates. In fact, low-cost commercial cleaners can undercut you pretty easily. What they can’t do is offer the same level of customer service, attention to detail, and carefully considered green practices.
That’s your value. Your prospects won’t get that with a low-cost operation. You have a well-trained team, certified green products and supplies, and you care about your customers. Don’t underestimate the importance of that.
It might take some strategizing and maneuvering to set up a green cleaning program (or to reposition one so it’s effective). But people are looking for this. It’s just a matter of helping them find you.
Streamline your cleaning operation like never before. Learn more today with a discovery call and find out how Janitorial Manager can make your cleaning operation more efficient and cost effective!