In today's competitive real estate market, "sustainability" has become more than just a buzzword; it's a powerful driver of property value. Prospective tenants and residents are increasingly demanding healthier, eco-friendly environments, and green building certifications like LEED and WELL can command higher rents and attract premium occupants.
As a property manager, you know that your cleaning program is a visible, daily reflection of your commitment to sustainability. This has led to a surge in janitorial companies branding themselves as "green." But how do you know if you're getting a genuinely sustainable green cleaning service or just falling for clever "greenwashing"?
Greenwashing is when a company spends more time and money marketing themselves as environmentally friendly than on actually minimizing its environmental impact. For a property manager, this is a significant risk. You could be paying a premium for a green cleaning service that doesn't deliver, or worse, using a vendor whose products and procedures could jeopardize your building's health standards and certifications.
To protect your property and your reputation, you need to ask sharp, specific questions. Here are the five essential questions that will help you separate the true green cleaning service experts from the pretenders.
"Beyond Your Own Website, What Third-Party Certifications Do Your Products Carry?"
This is the single most important question you can ask. Any company can put a leaf logo on their bottle and call it "eco-friendly." A true green cleaning service will use products verified by independent, internationally recognized organizations.
- What to Listen For: A genuine expert will immediately reference certifications like Green Seal, UL ECOLOGO, or the EPA’s Safer Choice program. They should be able to explain that these certifications mean a product has been rigorously tested for its environmental impact, performance, safety, and responsible sourcing.
- Red Flags: Be wary of a vendor who talks vaguely about their "own special formula" or "all-natural ingredients" without being able to produce documentation from these recognized third parties. If their proof is their own marketing material, you are likely being greenwashed.
- Why It Matters for You: Relying on third-party certifications is your assurance that the products used in your building meet credible scientific standards. It’s verifiable proof you can confidently share with tenants, residents, and your building's ownership.
"How Do You Specifically Address Indoor Air Quality and VOCs?"
The chemicals used in a building have a direct impact on the health of its occupants. A key concern is Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), which are gases emitted from certain solids or liquids that can cause short- and long-term adverse health effects.
- What to Listen For: A knowledgeable green cleaning service provider will talk about using low-VOC or zero-VOC cleaning agents. They will also discuss the importance of high-filtration vacuums (e.g., HEPA filters) that capture microscopic particles like dust, pollen, and other allergens instead of blowing them back into the air.
- Red Flags: A vendor who dismisses concerns about chemical smells with phrases like "that's the smell of clean" is not prioritizing the health of your indoor environment.
- Why It Matters for You: Excellent indoor air quality is no longer an amenity; it’s an expectation. Promoting your use of low-VOC products and advanced filtration is a powerful marketing tool for attracting health-conscious tenants and can be a critical component for achieving wellness certifications like WELL.
"Can You Describe Your Resource Conservation and Waste Reduction Methods?"
A truly sustainable program goes far beyond just the cleaning chemicals. It encompasses a holistic approach to using fewer resources and creating less waste, which often leads to greater efficiency.
- What to Listen For: An expert green cleaning service will discuss their specific systems, such as:
- Microfiber Technology: Using high-quality microfiber mops and cloths that require significantly less water and cleaning solution to be effective.
- Chemical Dilution Control: Use of automated dispensing stations that mix the precise, manufacturer-recommended amount of concentrated chemical with water. This prevents waste and ensures optimal performance without overusing products.
- Color-Coded Systems: Implementing a strict color-coding for cloths and tools (e.g., red for restrooms, green for general areas) to prevent cross-contamination and improve hygiene.
- Red Flags: A company that shows up with a collection of ready-to-use spray bottles from a big-box store likely has no system for controlling waste or ensuring proper dilution.
- Why It Matters for You: These systems demonstrate a higher level of operational sophistication and professionalism. They translate to a more consistent and efficient green cleaning service, directly impacting the quality and reliability you receive.
"How Does Your Program Support Our Building's Recycling and Waste Stream Management?"
Your cleaning crew is on the front line of your building's waste management program. Their training and diligence are essential to its success.
- What to Listen For: A sustainable partner can describe how their staff is trained to properly separate recyclables from trash in common areas and tenant spaces. They may also be able to assist in waste audits to help you identify opportunities to improve your recycling rates.
- Red Flags: A vendor who sees trash removal as simply "emptying the bins" without regard for proper sorting is not a true sustainability partner.
- Why It Matters for You: Effective recycling programs are highly valued by tenants and are often required by municipal regulations. A green cleaning service that actively supports your efforts is helping you meet both tenant expectations and legal requirements.
"For Our Portfolio, How Can Your Program Specifically Contribute to LEED or WELL Certification?"
For high-performance buildings, this is the ultimate test. A top-tier janitorial partner will not be intimidated by this question; they will welcome it.
- What to Listen For: The best green cleaning service vendors are fluent in this language. They can pinpoint exactly how their services contribute points toward certification, citing specific credits in the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) or WELL Building Standard frameworks. They can talk about their documented green cleaning policy, sustainable purchasing logs, and procedures for improving indoor environmental quality.
- Red Flags: If the vendor looks confused by the question or gives a vague answer about "being green," they do not have the specialized expertise required to service a certified or certification-seeking property.
- Why It Matters for You: If your property has or is seeking these elite certifications, your green cleaning service partner is a critical team member. Choosing an expert who understands the process is non-negotiable for protecting your investment and achieving your building's sustainability goals.
Beyond the Buzzwords: A Strategic Decision
Choosing a genuinely green cleaning service partner is one of the most impactful decisions you can make for your property. It’s a strategic choice that enhances your brand, attracts and retains high-value tenants, promotes a healthier environment for all occupants, and mitigates risk. By asking these tough, specific questions, you can confidently move beyond the greenwashing and select a partner who will deliver true, measurable, and sustainable value.