by
Lawton Brothers
| Oct 07, 2025
As companies prepare for 2025 sustainability reporting, facility managers have an opportunity to align cleaning practices with broader environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals. Green cleaning not only reduces a facility’s ecological footprint but also supports healthier indoor environments, enhances brand reputation, and can even improve operational efficiency.
This October, facility leaders should focus on strategies that demonstrate both environmental responsibility and measurable impact. Below are five key areas cleaning managers should prioritize for a sustainable 2025 and beyond.
1. Transition to Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products
Chemical cleaning products contribute to water pollution, air quality concerns, and worker exposure to harmful substances. Switching to EPA Safer Choice or Green Seal-certified products ensures effective cleaning with a lower environmental impact.
Replace harsh chemicals with biodegradable, non-toxic alternatives.
Choose concentrated products to reduce packaging waste.
Train staff on proper dilution and application to maximize effectiveness and minimize waste.
💡 Lawton Bros Pro Tip: Conduct a product lifecycle review. Track how cleaning chemicals are stored, used, and disposed of, and replace items with more sustainable options wherever possible.
2. Optimize Water and Energy Usage
Water and energy efficiency is a growing focus in ESG reporting. Facilities that monitor and minimize resource consumption not only reduce costs but also demonstrate environmental stewardship.
Use microfibre cleaning systems, which require less water and chemicals while delivering superior results.
Maintain and regularly inspect HVAC and water systems to prevent leaks, inefficiency, or overuse.
Invest in energy-efficient equipment, such as vacuums and scrubbers with low power consumption.
💡 Lawton Bros Pro Tip: Incorporate sensor-controlled faucets and flush systems in restrooms to reduce water usage and highlight your commitment to sustainable operations.
3. Reduce Waste and Promote Recycling
Waste management is an essential component of sustainable facilities. Beyond obvious recycling programs, consider operational changes that reduce overall waste production.
Use reusable cleaning tools instead of disposable ones.
Implement centralized recycling stations for paper, plastics, and metals.
Review procurement practices to reduce packaging or prioritize suppliers with sustainable packaging.
💡 Lawton Bros Pro Tip: Track waste reduction metrics quarterly. Reporting these numbers in internal ESG updates or annual reports provides clear evidence of sustainability improvements.
4. Improve Indoor Air Quality with Green Practices
Indoor air quality (IAQ) is directly impacted by cleaning choices. Some traditional products release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can affect worker health. Sustainable cleaning methods focus on reducing indoor pollutants while maintaining effectiveness.
Use low-VOC, environmentally friendly disinfectants and cleaners.
Ensure proper ventilation during and after cleaning.
Incorporate air filtration or purification systems that minimize chemical odors and improve air circulation.
💡 Lawton Bros Pro Tip: Schedule routine IAQ audits using monitors for particulate matter and VOCs. This data supports health-focused sustainability initiatives while enhancing employee comfort.
5. Document and Communicate Your Efforts
Sustainability efforts have maximum impact when they are tracked, measured, and shared. Cleaning managers play a key role in providing actionable data for corporate ESG reporting.
Track energy, water, and chemical usage, as well as waste reduction metrics.
Report accomplishments internally to encourage staff engagement and externally to demonstrate environmental responsibility.
Integrate green cleaning initiatives into employee training, showing your team how their actions contribute to sustainability goals.
💡 Lawton Bros Pro Tip: Develop a sustainability scorecard for your facility. This allows you to benchmark performance, identify improvement areas, and clearly demonstrate progress to leadership and stakeholders.
Green Facilities Are Healthy Facilities
Sustainable cleaning isn’t just good for the planet—it’s good for the people who occupy your spaces and the reputation of your organization. By prioritizing eco-friendly products, efficient resource use, waste reduction, and measurable results, cleaning managers can make a tangible impact on environmental goals in 2025 and beyond.
Partnering with Lawton Bros ensures your facility leverages industry-leading expertise and products to maintain healthy, sustainable, and efficient operations.
📞 Contact your Lawton Bros representative today at 800-432-0813 to build your customized sustainability cleaning plan.
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