How Green Cleaning Supports Healthier, Safer Office Environments
Green cleaning has become essential for businesses focused on sustainability. As companies take action on environmental responsibility, even routine tasks like office cleaning support ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) goals.
Enterprise Building Services provides commercial cleaning services designed for eco-conscious offices—delivering healthier, safer work environments through non-toxic methods and sustainable practices that protect both people and the planet.
What Is Green Cleaning?
Green cleaning means using safer products and smarter techniques that reduce environmental damage and health risks. It avoids traditional harsh chemicals like ammonia or bleach, which can trigger allergies and pollute indoor air. This approach is part of a broader shift toward sustainable cleaning—a method that protects both people and the planet over time.
✔ EPA reports show indoor air can be 2 to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air—often due to chemical-based cleaners.
✔ Green cleaning lowers exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which have been linked to asthma and long-term health issues.
Read how eco-friendly cleaning supports long-term sustainability and workplace health: Eco-Friendly Commercial Cleaning Practices & Benefits.
🌿 EPA Insight:
Indoor air is often 2 to 5 times more polluted than outdoor air—mostly due to chemical-based cleaners.
Ready to implement green cleaning in your facility?
Request a FREE consultation today to see how eco-conscious cleaning can support your goals.
Products Used in Eco-Friendly Office Cleaning
The right products are key to any eco janitorial service. Our team relies on certified green supplies that are safe for people and the environment.
Look for certifications like:
- EPA Safer Choice: Identifies products that meet strict health and safety standards.
- Green Seal: Evaluates performance, packaging, and sustainability lifecycle.
- EcoLogo: Certifies reduced environmental impact.
All these products are free of harsh dyes, synthetic fragrances, and harmful acids. Many are biodegradable, breaking down safely without harming waterways. Using green cleaning products helps keep your air and surfaces clean—without leaving behind residue.
💡 Tip: Always ask your provider to list the products they use. Transparency builds trust.
Techniques That Minimize Waste and Impact
Using the right technique is just as important as the right product. Efficient, low-impact cleaning systems help reduce waste and minimize energy use.
Our approach includes:
- Microfiber cloths that attract more dirt and bacteria than disposable paper towels—reducing landfill waste.
- HEPA vacuums that trap 99.97% of airborne particles, improving indoor air quality.
- Low-flow mops and sprayers that use less water without affecting cleaning power.
According to the World Resources Institute, reducing water use in commercial buildings by just 10% can save over 11 billion gallons annually across the U.S. Choosing water-smart cleaning methods supports that effort.
💡 Tip: Use color-coded microfiber cloths to prevent cross-contamination (e.g., blue for desks, red for restrooms).
Find out how office disinfection services help reduce workplace illness: Office Disinfection Services to Combat Workplace Illness.
Certifications and Green Cleaning Standards
Many companies aim to earn or maintain green building certifications like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). Cleaning plays a key role.
LEED cleaning practices require:
- Approved products from EPA or Green Seal
- Documented procedures
- Staff training in sustainable protocols
- Waste tracking and reporting
At EBS, our systems are designed to support these requirements. We help building managers gather and organize documentation to earn points toward certification.
📊 Data Point: LEED-certified buildings consume 25% less energy and 11% less water, and they produce 34% lower greenhouse gas emissions, according to the U.S. Green Building Council.
How Green Cleaning Benefits Employees?
Cleaner environments mean healthier people. Green cleaning directly affects employee well-being and productivity.
Benefits include:
- Fewer allergens and toxins in the air
- Reduced respiratory symptoms or skin irritation
- Improved concentration and mood from better air quality
A Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health study found that employees working in green-certified buildings scored 26% higher on cognitive function tests and had 30% fewer sick building symptoms.
💡 Tip: Ask about non-toxic disinfectants for high-touch areas like desks, keyboards, and break rooms. They kill germs effectively without harming lungs or skin.
Interested in building a healthier workspace that supports sustainability?
Book your green cleaning consultation now or call (708) 296-9650 to get started.
Sample Case Study: Boosting Office Wellness with Green Cleaning
Facility Type: Mid-size multi-tenant office building (approx. 100,000 sq ft)
Location: Downtown Chicago, IL
Challenge: Rising employee complaints about chemical odors, poor air quality, and frequent sick days
Problem
A facility manager overseeing a commercial office building received frequent tenant feedback about musty smells, eye irritation, and lingering chemical odors after nightly cleanings. One tech tenant reported a noticeable uptick in employee sick leave and productivity issues, especially after flu season.
Solution
EBS conducted a walkthrough and implemented a green cleaning protocol:
- Replaced conventional cleaning agents with EPA Safer Choice-certified disinfectants
- Switched to microfiber cloth systems and low-VOC products
- Integrated HEPA-filter vacuuming to reduce airborne allergens
- Timed cleanings with HVAC cycling for better air circulation
- Provided monthly reports for sustainability tracking and LEED documentation
Results (within 60 days)
✔ Improved indoor air quality (measured by portable sensor audit)
✔ 25% fewer employee complaints logged through building management software
✔ Sick leave decreased by an estimated 8–10%
✔ Tenants cited the improved air and cleaning transparency in lease renewal discussions
🗣️ Tenant Feedback
“The air feels fresher, and we no longer smell chemicals every morning. Our staff noticed the difference almost immediately. It’s a big win for wellness.”
📞 Want to explore green cleaning for your facility? Call EBS at (708) 296-9650 or book your walkthrough today.
🧠 Did you know?
Employees in green-certified buildings score 26% higher in cognitive tests and report 30% fewer sick building symptoms.
Aligning Cleaning with Corporate Sustainability Initiatives
Sustainability doesn’t work in silos. Cleaning teams should be aligned with your company’s green goals.
Our office cleaning services include:
- Monthly or quarterly reporting on supplies used
- Energy-efficient scheduling (e.g., after-hours cleanings timed with HVAC operations)
- Waste audit support and recycling plans
- Employee training to comply with your internal sustainability policies
💡 Tip: Include your cleaning partner in ESG and annual sustainability reports. It shows transparency and commitment to green practices.
Take the Next Step Toward Green Cleaning Excellence
Choosing green cleaning supports a safer, healthier workplace while helping your business meet sustainability goals. Enterprise Building Services offers expert commercial cleaning services using non-toxic products, eco-friendly methods, and certified green practices.