What Green Cleaning Means to Me
I joined the MilliCare Network more than 15 years ago, which means that I've seen it grow as new franchisees come aboard, and seen it change as new services are introduced. One constant through the years has been the Network's focus on green cleaning: this is something that is personally important to me. I value the fact that part of MilliCare 's mission is to be environmentally responsible and efficient with resources so that we can all work and live in a healthier world.
Moreover, being "green" is important to the people we serve. In today's world, Facility and Property Managers are striving to incorporate green initiatives into their building and operation efforts. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification program that is offered through the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) seeks to quantify and reward efforts that are made by building management to reduce waste and improve the indoor air quality. This type of certification is a prime example of the importance that the industry places on creating healthy spaces for working and living.
Is "Green" A Technical Term?
Green is not truly a technical term. It is a concept that emphasizes environmental awareness and responsibility. Processes can be green when they reduce the amount of waste that they produce. Products can be green when they minimize their use of toxic chemicals and pollutants. Spaces can be green when they have good indoor air quality. Activities, like cleaning, can be green when they minimize resource use and take advantage of environmentally-friendly products.
How Does It Add Up?
On a grand scale, the USGBC certifies 1.85 million square feet of space per day, which is good news for the environment because it means that a greater number of facilities are taking a look at how they use resources and where they can make improvements. It's also good economic news. In the USGBC 2015 Green Building Economic Impact, it stated that the green building industry's direct contribution to U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is expected to reach $303.5 billion from 2015-2018.
To think about how it adds up on a more tangible level, MilliCare routinely measures the impact of our services. In this year alone, we have helped companies save over:
16 million gallons of water
2 million kilowatts of energy
4 thousand carbon tons
In addition, the Network has cared for over 373 million square feet of carpet this year. Considering that carpet cleaned by the MilliCare Network maintains its condition for 10 years or more, this means that less carpet waste is heading to landfills year after year. Additionally, in the facilities where we care for carpet, we also remove up to 99% of air pollutants when combined with a properly functioning HVAC system.
As someone who individually pursued the title of Green Cleaning Professional, working as part of a company that values green cleaning makes me feel like I'm doing my part in the world. It means using less energy and fewer natural resources, leaving more options available for future generations. It means taking care of people's health by reducing pollutants. And it means preserving the environment by keeping flooring and textiles out of landfills.
Interested in doing your part? Contact a MilliCare professional to talk about green cleaning services for your facility.