Advancing sustainability through green cleaning

With an increasing number of organisations prioritising sustainability, innovative thinking is needed to help occupiers and landlords transform their ambitions into tangible results. 

One key area for efficiencies: cleaning.

“Cleaning represents one of the largest expenses for any building – usually two-to-three times more than other services – and plays a pivotal role in achieving broader sustainability goals,” says Henri Fadli, APAC head of workplace supply chain and procurement at the global real estate services company, JLL.

As part of a global sustainability program to accelerate the transition to net zero in buildings, enhance building performance and mitigates risks, JLL has developed an industry-leading approach to the delivery of sustainable cleaning services.

The Green Standard for Cleaning Services, designed for corporate offices and retail sites, outlines the minimum requirements for sustainable cleaning practices across the entire supply chain, explains Julian Vega, JLL’s ESG lead in sourcing and procurement, Asia Pacific. “After piloting the framework in our Sydney office, then fully implementing in our office in Perth, we’ve been able to demonstrate its effectiveness and scalability,” Julian says. “We’re now rolling it out to our clients, offering them a proven method to enhance their sustainability practices in cleaning services."

JLL’s framework was created in collaboration with vendors, industry organisations, and subject matter experts, and includes provisions for independent auditing. This provides clients with evidence-based reporting and assurance of the effectiveness of their new, sustainable practices.

Its comprehensive scope allows for influence over the supplier’s service delivery and product use. This includes the use of green certified chemicals and chemical substitutes, sustainable consumables like biodegradable bin liners, and energy and water-efficient equipment. It also emphasises employee training on the importance of these green practices. 

Additionally, the framework ensures policies and procedures are in place to safeguard fair work and labour rights for all employees. “This holistic approach addresses both environmental sustainability and social responsibility in cleaning services,” Julian says. 

JLL recognises that not all cleaning service providers have the capacity to meet the Green Cleaning minimum requirements and so it is working with those suppliers to help them meet the criteria.

“This way, we can manage the delivery of cleaning services for our clients from start to finish, including auditing and reporting results,” says JLL’s Henri. “This makes it easier than ever to achieve comprehensive sustainability objectives while also promoting industry-wide improvement."

JLL's Green Cleaning Standard is part of a comprehensive suite of sustainability and other real estate services JLL offers to government and private sector clients. Learn more here.