Sustainability in Facilities Management: Beyond Green Cleaning Products

True environmental responsibility means looking at the bigger picture.

When businesses think about sustainability in facilities management, the conversation often starts and ends with eco-friendly cleaning products.

And while choosing green cleaning solutions is important, it's just the beginning.

True sustainability in FM goes far deeper. It's about rethinking entire systems-from how we use resources and manage waste to how we train our teams and select our suppliers.

At EBN Facilities Management, sustainability isn't a marketing buzzword-it's a core value that shapes everything we do. Having worked in this industry for over 80 years combined, we've seen environmental awareness evolve from a nice-to-have to a business-critical priority.

But we've also seen a lot of greenwashing: companies making surface-level changes while their underlying practices remain wasteful and harmful.

In this blog, we'll explore what genuine sustainability looks like in facilities management, going well beyond the cleaning products in your cupboard.

Why Sustainability Matters in Facilities Management

Before we dive into the "how," let's address the "why."

The Business Case for Sustainable FM:

1. Client Expectations Are Rising

• 78% of businesses now consider sustainability when selecting suppliers

• Public and private sector tenders increasingly require environmental policies

• Corporate ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) goals demand sustainable supply chains

  
  

2. Regulatory Pressure Is Growing

• UK Net Zero targets require businesses to reduce carbon emissions

• Waste management regulations are tightening

• Extended Producer Responsibility schemes are expanding

  
  

3. Cost Savings Are Real

• Resource efficiency reduces operational costs

• Waste reduction lowers disposal fees

• Energy-efficient practices cut utility bills

  
  

4. Employee and Customer Preferences

• 73% of employees want to work for environmentally responsible companies

• Customers increasingly choose businesses that align with their values

• Sustainable practices improve brand reputation

  
  

5. It's Simply the Right Thing to Do

• We have a responsibility to future generations

• Environmental damage affects everyone

• Business success shouldn't come at the planet's expense

At EBN, we believe that sustainability and quality go hand in hand. You shouldn't have to choose between exceptional service and environmental responsibility.

1. Eco-Friendly Products: The Foundation (But Just the Start)

Let's start with what most people think of first: cleaning products.

What Makes a Cleaning Product "Green"?

True eco-friendly cleaning products are:

✅ Biodegradable - Break down naturally without harming ecosystems

✅ Non-toxic - Safe for people, animals, and aquatic life

✅ Free from harsh chemicals - No phosphates, chlorine, or synthetic fragrances

✅ Concentrated formulas - Reduce packaging and transportation emissions

✅ Certified - Look for Ecolabel, EU Ecolabel, or Cradle to Cradle certification

The EBN Approach to Green Products:

At EBN, we carefully select cleaning materials that:

• Minimise harm to the environment and human health

• Meet stringent safety standards

• Deliver the same (or better) cleaning performance as traditional products

• Come from suppliers who share our environmental values

  
  

But here's the key: Using green products is essential, but it's not enough on its own.

Even the most eco-friendly cleaner still requires water, packaging, transportation, and proper disposal. That's why our sustainability strategy goes much further.

2. Water Conservation: Every Drop Counts

Water is often overlooked in sustainability discussions, but it's one of our most precious resources.

The Hidden Water Cost of Cleaning:

Traditional cleaning methods can waste significant amounts of water through:

• Excessive rinsing and mopping

• Leaking equipment

• Inefficient dilution systems

• Poor training on water-efficient techniques

  
  

How We Reduce Water Usage:

Smart Dilution Systems

We use controlled dilution systems that:

• Dispense exact amounts of cleaning solution

• Eliminate overuse and waste

• Ensure consistent, effective cleaning with less water

  
  

Microfibre Technology

Our microfibre cleaning cloths and mops:

• Require up to 90% less water than traditional methods

• Clean more effectively with less chemical solution

• Last longer, reducing replacement waste

  
  

Water-Efficient Equipment

We invest in modern cleaning equipment designed for water efficiency:

• Low-moisture carpet cleaning systems

• Spray-and-vac technology for hard floors

• Water-saving pressure washers for exterior cleaning

  
  

Staff Training

Every member of our team is trained on:

• Water-efficient cleaning techniques

• Proper equipment usage to prevent waste

• The importance of resource conservation

  
  

Result: Cleaner spaces using significantly less water-better for the environment and your utility bills.

3. Waste Management: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (In That Order)

Effective waste management is at the heart of sustainable facilities management.

The Waste Hierarchy:

The most sustainable approach follows this priority:

1. REDUCE - Create less waste in the first place

2. REUSE - Use items multiple times before disposal

3. RECYCLE - Process waste materials into new products

4. RECOVER - Extract energy from waste that can't be recycled

5. DISPOSE - Only as a last resort

   
   

How EBN Implements Sustainable Waste Management:

1. Minimising Single-Use Items

• Reusable microfibre cloths instead of disposable wipes

• Refillable containers rather than single-use bottles

• Concentrated products that reduce packaging waste

• Durable, long-lasting equipment

  
  

2. Proper Waste Segregation We help clients implement effective waste segregation:

• Clear signage and bin labeling

• Training for cleaning and office staff

• Regular monitoring and improvement

• Recycling education and awareness

3. Responsible Disposal

• Proper disposal of hazardous cleaning waste

• COSHH-compliant chemical handling

• Partnership with licensed waste carriers

• Documentation and compliance tracking

  
  

4. Supplier Take-Back Schemes

• Working with suppliers who accept product returns

• Recycling empty containers and packaging

• Circular economy participation where possible

  
  

5. Client Waste Support Beyond our own operations, we can help you:

• Optimise waste collection schedules

• Reduce contamination in recycling streams

• Implement composting for organic waste

• Track waste metrics for ESG reporting

  
  

The Goal: Move toward a circular economy where waste is minimised and resources are continuously reused.

4. Energy Efficiency: Powering Down While Powering Up Performance

Energy consumption in facilities management extends beyond just lighting and heating.

How Cleaning Operations Impact Energy Use:

• Equipment operation (vacuums, floor machines, etc.)

• Hot water heating for cleaning

• Transportation and logistics

• Heating/cooling loss during cleaning activities

• Manufacturing and transport of cleaning products

  
  

The EBN Energy-Efficient Approach:

1. Modern, Efficient Equipment

• Energy-efficient vacuum cleaners (A-rated where possible)

• Battery-powered equipment to reduce electrical load

• LED task lighting for cleaning teams

• Equipment maintenance to ensure optimal efficiency

  
  

2. Optimised Cleaning Schedules

• Coordinate cleaning with building systems

• Efficient route planning to minimise time and energy

• Off-peak scheduling where beneficial for energy costs

  
  

3. Cold Water Cleaning Systems

• Many modern cleaning products work effectively in cold water

• Reduces energy demand for water heating

• Maintains cleaning efficacy without environmental cost

  
  

4. Reduced Transportation Emissions

• Local team deployment to minimise travel

• Efficient route planning for multi-site contracts

• Transition to electric or hybrid vehicles where feasible

• Bulk ordering to reduce delivery frequency

  
  

5. Smart Building Integration

• Working with building management systems

• Ensuring doors and windows are secured after cleaning

• Reporting equipment or system inefficiencies

• Supporting your energy reduction goals

  
  

5. Sustainable Procurement: Choosing the Right Suppliers

Your sustainability efforts are only as strong as your supply chain.

What We Look for in Suppliers:

At EBN, we carefully vet our suppliers based on:

✅ Environmental Certifications

• ISO 14001 (Environmental Management)

• Carbon neutral or carbon reduction commitments

• Third-party verified sustainability claims

  
  

✅ Ethical Manufacturing

• Fair labor practices

• Safe working conditions

• Living wage commitments

  
  

✅ Transparent Practices

• Clear ingredient disclosure

• Open communication about environmental impact

• Willingness to provide certifications and documentation

  
  

✅ Innovation and Improvement

• Investment in R&D for greener products

• Commitment to continuous environmental improvement

• Circular economy participation

  
  

✅ Local Sourcing Where Possible

• Reduced transportation emissions

• Support for local economy

• Shorter, more resilient supply chains

  
  

Why This Matters:

Partnering with like-minded suppliers ensures:

• Your sustainability values extend through your entire supply chain

• You're not inadvertently supporting harmful practices

• You benefit from supplier innovation and expertise

• Your ESG reporting is accurate and comprehensive

  
  

At EBN, we align our entire supply chain with our sustainability goals-because true environmental responsibility doesn't stop at our door.

6. Staff Training and Wellbeing: The Human Element

Sustainability isn't just about environmental impact-it includes social responsibility too.

Why People Matter in Sustainable FM:

Trained staff deliver better environmental outcomes:

• Proper chemical dilution prevents waste and overuse

• Efficient techniques reduce water and energy consumption

• Equipment care extends product lifespan

• Environmental awareness drives continuous improvement

  
  

Fair employment practices are sustainable practices:

• High staff retention reduces recruitment and training waste

• Happy, valued employees are more engaged and productive

• Living wages support community sustainability

• Safe working conditions prevent accidents and absences

  
  

The EBN People-First Approach:

1. London Living Wage Commitment We pay all employees £13.85/hour because:

• Fair compensation is fundamental to sustainability

• It attracts skilled, motivated workers

• It supports economic sustainability in our community

• It's simply the right thing to do

  
  

2. Comprehensive Training Every team member receives training on:

• Proper use of eco-friendly products

• Resource-efficient cleaning techniques

• Waste segregation and management

• Health and safety best practices

• The importance of environmental responsibility

  
  

3. Employee Recognition & Reward Programme Our R&R programme includes:

• Birthday vouchers

• Performance awards

• Loyalty rewards

• Development opportunities

• Director's acknowledgment

  
  

4. Health and Wellbeing Support

• Safe working conditions and proper PPE

• Exposure reduction to harmful chemicals through green product use

• Open communication and support

• Career progression pathways

  
  

The Result: Motivated, skilled teams who take pride in their work and understand their role in environmental protection.

Remember: You can't build a sustainable business on the backs of exploited workers. Social sustainability and environmental sustainability go hand in hand.

7. Technology and Innovation: Working Smarter, Not Just Harder

Technology plays an increasingly important role in sustainable facilities management.

How Technology Supports Sustainability:

1. Digital Reporting and Communication

• Paperless reporting systems

• Digital quality audits and checklists

• Cloud-based documentation

• Email and app-based client communication

  
  

2. Data-Driven Optimisation

• Track resource usage (products, water, energy)

• Identify inefficiencies and waste

• Measure environmental impact

• Support ESG reporting with accurate data

  
  

3. Smart Cleaning Systems

• IoT sensors to monitor supply levels (reduce overstocking)

• Predictive maintenance to prevent equipment failure

• Occupancy-based cleaning schedules

• Automated dosing systems for chemical precision

  
  

4. Route Optimisation

• GPS and planning software to minimise travel

• Efficient scheduling across multiple sites

• Reduced fuel consumption and emissions

  
  

5. Communication and Training Platforms

• Digital training modules to reduce paper waste

• Video conferencing to reduce travel for meetings

• Shared platforms for best practice exchange

  
  

EBN's Commitment to Innovation:

We continuously evaluate new technologies and methods that can:

• Reduce environmental impact

• Improve service quality

• Increase efficiency

• Provide better value to clients

  
  

Innovation and tradition aren't opposites-they work together to deliver exceptional, sustainable service.

8. Transparent Measurement and Reporting -you can't improve what you don't measure.

Why Sustainability Metrics Matter:

For Your Business:

• Track progress toward environmental goals

• Support ESG and CSR reporting

• Identify cost-saving opportunities

• Meet regulatory requirements

• Demonstrate commitment to stakeholders

  
  

For Continuous Improvement:

• Identify areas for improvement

• Measure impact of changes

• Set meaningful targets

• Hold ourselves accountable

  
  

What We Can Track and Report:

At EBN, we can provide data on:

• Product usage and waste reduction

• Water consumption

• Waste segregation rates

• Carbon footprint (where measurable)

• Compliance with environmental standards

• Progress against sustainability KPIs

  
  

Transparency Builds Trust:

We believe in honest, transparent reporting:

• We'll tell you where we excel

• We'll tell you where we can improve

• We'll work with you to set realistic, meaningful targets

• We'll provide regular updates on progress

  
  

Sustainability isn't about perfection-it's about continuous improvement and honest accountability.

9. Sector-Specific Sustainability Considerations

Different sectors face unique sustainability challenges:

Commercial Offices

• High paper and plastic waste

• Energy consumption during non-working hours

• Printer and electronic waste

• Food waste from kitchens

  
  

EBN's Approach: Comprehensive waste segregation support, energy-efficient cleaning schedules, and staff education programs.

Retail Spaces

• Packaging waste from deliveries and displays

• High customer traffic requiring frequent cleaning

• Window and display cleaning chemical use

• Seasonal waste fluctuations

• 
  

EBN's Approach: Efficient, low-water cleaning methods for high-traffic areas, packaging recycling support, and flexible schedules to match seasonal demands.

Hospitality & Hotels

• Laundry water and energy consumption

• Single-use toiletry waste

• Food waste from kitchens and dining

• High chemical use for hygiene standards

  
  

EBN's Approach: Water-efficient laundry support, eco-friendly housekeeping products that meet hygiene standards, and waste management consultation.

Healthcare & Education (If applicable)

• Stringent hygiene requirements

• High waste volumes

• Diverse waste streams (including hazardous)

• Energy-intensive operations

  
  

EBN's Approach: COSHH-compliant green cleaning, specialised waste handling, and infection control protocols that balance hygiene with sustainability.

Every sector is different, but the principles remain the same: reduce waste, conserve resources, and continuously improve.

10. The Bigger Picture: Contributing to Your ESG Goals

Sustainable facilities management supports your broader Environmental, Social, and Governance objectives.

How EBN Helps You Meet ESG Goals:

Environmental: 

✅ Reduced carbon footprint through efficient operations

✅ Waste reduction and recycling optimisation

✅ Water and energy conservation

✅ Sustainable procurement practices

✅ Transparent environmental reporting

Social: 

✅ London Living Wage employer

✅ Staff wellbeing and development programs

✅ Health and safety excellence

✅ Fair employment practices

✅ Community support through responsible employment

Governance: 

✅ Full compliance with regulations

✅ Transparent business practices

✅ Ethical supply chain management

✅ Regular audits and quality controls

✅ Clear documentation and accountability

Your facilities management partner plays a significant role in your ESG performance. Choose one who takes that responsibility seriously.

Common Sustainability Challenges (And How We Address Them)

Challenge 1: "Green Products Don't Clean as Well"

Reality: Modern eco-friendly products are highly effective. We've tested and selected products that match or exceed traditional cleaners in performance.

Challenge 2: "Sustainable FM Costs More"

Reality: While some green products have higher upfront costs, sustainable practices often reduce overall costs through:

• Resource efficiency (less waste = lower costs)

• Equipment longevity (better care = longer life)

• Utility savings (water and energy reduction)

• Regulatory compliance (avoiding fines)

  
  

Challenge 3: "It's Too Complicated to Implement"

Reality: We handle the complexity for you. Our team is trained, our systems are established, and we make sustainability simple for our clients.

Challenge 4: "One Company Can't Make a Difference"

Reality: Every action matters. If every FM company adopted sustainable practices, the collective impact would be enormous. Change starts with individual commitment.

Challenge 5: "Greenwashing Makes It Hard to Know What's Real"

Reality: This is why transparency matters. Ask for certifications, data, and specifics. At EBN, we're happy to provide evidence of our sustainability practices.

What You Can Do: Working Together for a Sustainable Future

Sustainability isn't something we do to you-it's something we do with you.

How to Maximise Sustainability in Your Facilities:

1. Choose the Right FM Partner

• Look for genuine commitment, not just marketing claims

• Ask about specific practices and measurable outcomes

• Verify certifications and supplier relationships

• Choose partners who share your values

  
  

2. Support Sustainable Practices

• Provide appropriate storage for segregated waste

• Allow access for efficient cleaning schedules

• Engage your staff in sustainability efforts

• Communicate your environmental goals

  
  

3. Measure and Track Progress

• Request regular sustainability reporting

• Set clear, measurable targets

• Celebrate successes and learn from challenges

• Include FM in your ESG reporting

  
  

4. Invest in Long-Term Solutions

• Prioritise quality over cheapest price

• Support suppliers making genuine environmental efforts

• Think about lifecycle costs, not just upfront costs

• Plan for continuous improvement

  
  

5. Lead by Example

• Make sustainability a company-wide priority

• Educate and engage your employees

• Share your successes and challenges

• Inspire others in your industry

  
  

Our Commitment: Sustainability Today, Tomorrow, and Beyond

At EBN Facilities Management, sustainability isn't a trend we're following-it's a core value that's woven into everything we do.

What Sets Us Apart:

✅ Genuine Commitment

We've been implementing sustainable practices since long before it was fashionable-because it's the right thing to do.

✅ Continuous Improvement

We don't claim to be perfect, but we're committed to getting better every single day.

✅ Transparency

We're honest about our practices, our impact, and our areas for improvement. No greenwashing, just real action.

✅ Partnership Approach

We work with you to achieve your sustainability goals, providing expertise, support, and accountability.

✅ People and Planet

We believe social sustainability (fair wages, staff wellbeing) and environmental sustainability go hand in hand.

✅ Proven Results

Our clients benefit from reduced waste, lower resource consumption, and improved ESG performance.

The Bottom Line

True sustainability in facilities management goes far beyond green cleaning products.

It's about:

• Resource efficiency - Using less water, energy, and materials

• Waste reduction - Minimising what goes to landfill

• Responsible procurement - Choosing ethical, sustainable suppliers

• Staff wellbeing - Fair wages and good working conditions

• Continuous improvement - Always seeking better ways

• Transparency - Honest measurement and reporting

• Partnership - Working together toward shared goals

  
  

At EBN, we understand facilities management from the ground up. We've spent 80+ years combined in this industry, starting as cleaners ourselves. That experience has taught us that quality and sustainability aren't opposing forces-they're complementary.

You don't have to choose between a clean workspace and a clean conscience.

The future of facilities management is sustainable-and the future is now.

Ready to Make Your Facilities Management More Sustainable?

We'd love to help you explore opportunities to reduce environmental impact while maintaining exceptional standards.

Our Process:

1. Free sustainability assessment - Review your current practices and identify opportunities

2. Customised sustainability plan - Tailored solutions that fit your goals and budget

3. Implementation and training - Smooth transition with full support

4. Ongoing monitoring and reporting - Track progress and continuously improve

Get In Touch:

📞 Call: 0208 058 3551✉️ Email: info@ebn-fm.com🌐 Visit: www.ebn-fm.com

Let's create a cleaner future-for your business and for our planet.

Driven by care, defined by quality.

EBN Facilities Management - Sustainable facilities management with over 80 years of combined experience. London Living Wage employer. People and planet first.

About EBN Facilities Management

We're a team of four passionate professionals who started our careers as cleaners ourselves. With over 80 years of combined industry experience, we understand facilities management from the ground up.

Sustainability isn't a marketing add-on for us-it's a core value that shapes every decision we make, from the products we select to the way we treat our people.

We're committed to reducing environmental impact, supporting our communities through fair employment practices, and helping our clients meet their ESG goals.

Sectors we serve:

• Commercial offices

• Retail spaces

• Hospitality venues

• Hotels

Learn more: www.ebn-fm.com