Beyond clean: Why FM clients now expect sustainability built in

Clean is the new baseline — sustainability is the new expectation

The fact that FM providers deliver clean, safe and healthy environments for their clients is a core expectation. Where they differentiate themselves from each other is in how they deliver those standards.
Concerns about sustainability are driving FM clients to asking more questions. Not just “is the building clean?” but “how are you cleaning the building?” alongside “what are you using in our facilities?” and “what impact will that have?”

Sustainability initiatives and Environmental Social Governance (ESG) commitments are impacting procurement decisions widely across business and public sector environments. For those with multi-site environments particularly so, because impacts very quickly multiply when talking about multiple buildings and facilities. Criteria around sustainable supply choices are appearing in many, if not most, tender documents. They may well be included in FM supplier performance and contractual reviews in future, if not already.

This shift is placing pressure on FM providers to show exactly how they are moving towards more sustainable operations. The claims they make will need to be evidenced through data and transparent processes, and citing credible products and suppliers. Best intentions and broad policy statements are no longer enough! FM clients now require real evidence.

In this context, hygiene and the supplies that enable it aren’t just a function of operations, but a visible part of an organisation’s environmental and social responsibility.

The decisions surrounding hygiene are now of greater importance than ever before.

Everyday hygiene product and supply choices are where sustainability is won or lost.

Sustainability in FM is often shaped by repeated small decisions. This is nowhere more apparent than in the choice of cleaning and hygiene products and how those products are supplied and used.
Consider paper consumption. In high-traffic areas like washrooms the overuse of toilet paper and hand towels is common – something that’s easy to assume is inevitable. But, they result not only in significant waste and extra cost, but also costs of unnecessary maintenance. Using single sheet dispensers for controlled use systems can dramatically reduce usage without spoiling the user experience. Reduced waste and longer intervals between refills in washrooms and kitchens alone will mean a more efficient operation.

The same principle applies to cleaning chemicals. Many organisations still rely on pre-diluted or ready-to-use chemicals, but these mean huge volumes of water being transported around. By moving to concentrated solutions, FM providers can reduce their carbon footprint across the chemicals supply chain at a single step.

Consistency is another key consideration for any large operator – and not just because of purchasing economies. Without standardisation in choices of cleaning chemicals, it’s likely that product use will vary widely between sites and operatives. Overdosing, misuse and unnecessary variation in cleaning chemicals all increase environmental impact. Whereas a colour coded range of super concentrated chemicals alongside controlled dosing systems, will help FM providers ensure that all products are used correctly and efficiently.

These changes are not headline-grabbing or exciting. Collectively, though, they have a measurable impact on waste, emissions and cost. And they are entirely within the control of the FM provider.

Sustainability must work alongside health, safety and performance.

There is a tendency to view sustainability in isolation. In reality, sustainability must coexist with two other equally important priorities: health & safety and cleaning performance.
Cleaning operatives are the first line of defence for effective product use, but they’re also in the firing line when it comes to whether using those products is done safely.

The choice of chemicals, their formulation and the safe handling of those chemicals all have direct consequences for staff safety. Properly sourced products that are low hazard products, clearly labelled, with compliant SDS and proper training are essential in reducing risk. Sustainability should support safer working conditions, not compromise them.

Although chemicals can be diluted, the effectiveness of cleaning can’t. Buildings must remain clean, safe and compliant, no matter what. Regardless of whether you’re cleaning offices, healthcare settings or public spaces, there should be zero tolerance for reduced hygiene and safety standards.

The link between these areas is often just proper process. Even the best products will fail if used incorrectly. Overdosing, improper dilution and poor handling creates both safety risks and unnecessary environmental impact. Consistent training, clear guidance and reliable systems are what bring sustainability, safety and performance together.

It is at this point that FM providers build their credibility. Not through claims, but through their ability to deliver all three – consistently – across every site.

Choose wisely: how your cleaning & hygiene supplier can strengthen your FM offer

To us, this all points in one direction. Your choice of hygiene supplier is no longer a simple procurement decision, or at least it shouldn’t be. It is a strategic decision that really matters.

The right partner does more than simply supply products. They assist in defining how products are used, how systems are implemented and how outcomes are measured. They provide practical expertise which supports both sustainability goals and day-to-day operations. They can be a first port of call when it comes to altering strategy, striving for savings, or making your FM offer an unbeatable one.

This includes helping you select solutions that actively reduce waste and emissions, providing safer products and assisting in standardising cleaning processes across sites. They can also enable better reporting that is valuable for your own client relationships, by helping you demonstrate reduced consumption, streamlined waste and improved efficiency at your client’s buildings.

This all creates a stronger and more competitive proposition that can adapt to changing client expectations, stand up to scrutiny and also deliver real operational benefits.

Just delivering ‘clean’ in today’s market isn’t enough.