5 Green Practices for Sustainable Facility Maintenance

As the demand for sustainability grows, embracing green facility maintenance practices will separate industry leaders from laggards. That is to say, while sustainable facilities management brings significant ecological benefits, it also offers added value on the operational level, allowing businesses to become more sustainable holistically as they move forward.
This blog post explores five pillars of sustainable facility maintenance, which are also becoming more prevalent in janitorial services and O&M services. Adopting these eco-friendly initiatives not only aligns with corporate social responsibility but also creates a healthier, more sustainable future for all.

5 Pillars of Green Facility Maintenance

Energy-Efficient Systems and Equipment

Upgrading to energy-efficient systems and equipment has a double benefit for facility managers and maintenance teams. First and foremost, it helps reduce environmental impact, aligning with the business’s sustainability goals. Secondly, and equally important, it leads to cost savings through reduced energy consumption. 

Replacing outdated, energy-intensive machinery with modern, energy-efficient alternatives around a facility can include:

• Green HVAC systems and air compressors
• Lighting upgrade with LED or CFL bulbs
• Electric vehicles for transporting machinery/personnel
• High-efficiency, correctly sized machinery motors
• Dual flush toilets
• Upgrading kitchen equipment
• Upgrading back office equipment 

Fun fact: Energy efficiency in buildings can save approximately 25% of a company’s energy bill, although actual savings may vary depending on factors like sector and company size.

Integrate Renewable Energy Sources

By integrating clean renewable energy sources, facilities can not only meet their energy needs but also contribute surplus energy back to the grid, fostering a more sustainable energy ecosystem. 

Techniques for integrating renewable energy sources include:

• Installing solar panels
• Utilizing wind turbines 
• Installing geothermal heat pumps
• Incorporating passive solar heating features (e.g., heat-retaining materials like brick walls or special tile floors)

Fun Fact #1: While several variables make it difficult to quantify the exact cost savings of solar energy compared to grid electricity, studies suggest significant long-term savings, especially in sun-rich areas.

Fun Fact #2: Data from the Solar Energy Industries Association shows that by 2023, the total number of commercial solar panel installations across the United States approached 20,000.

Eco-friendly Cleaning and Maintenance Products

Choosing eco-friendly cleaning materials and products is another essential pillar of green facility maintenance. Janitorial and commercial cleaning that prioritizes substances free from harsh chemicals benefits both the environment and facility occupants. This is especially true in school maintenance, where creating a healthy and safe environment for students and staff is paramount. 

Examples include:

• Cleaners that produce electrochemically activated solutions instead of harsh chemicals
• Sustainability-focused cleaning equipment (e.g., machines that convert water into effective cleaning solutions) 
• Sustainable multiuse cleaning items (e.g., refillable spray bottles and microfiber cloths)
• Biodegradable sanitation towels
• Water saving techniques

Fun fact: US&S has been awarded the Cleaning Industry Management Standard – Green Building (CIMS-GB) certification by the International Sanitary Supply Association (ISSA), serving as a testament to US&S’s commitment to sustainability and green cleaning.

Leverage AI Technology

The AI revolution hasn’t skipped the facility management landscape, presenting fantastic opportunities for reducing environmental impact while ensuring optimal operational performance through data-driven systems.

Incorporating AI into facility maintenance includes:

• AI-powered monitoring and control systems for energy optimization across HVAC, lighting, and other building systems
• Advanced analytics and data sensors for proactive equipment maintenance
• Machine learning algorithms for optimized maintenance schedules
• Automation software for streamlined operations based on strategic data-driven conditions

Fun fact: Boston Consulting Group projects that using AI for climate control could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2.6 to 5.3 gigatons by 2030.

Preventative Facility Maintenance

A preventive maintenance strategy is central to sustainable facilities management, and it involves implementing a scheduled facility maintenance plan based on data-driven insights. This proactive approach offers several ecological benefits, such as reducing electronic waste and carbon footprint, as well as optimizing efficiency. Furthermore, it also presents several operational benefits, including minimizing downtime, avoiding costly repairs, extending equipment lifetime, and achieving occupational health and safety. 

Achieving predictive maintenance usually involves the application of software and sensors to collect and analyze data, which is then translated into actionable items for more strategic facility maintenance. 

Fun fact: In 2020, 76% of global manufacturing companies prioritized preventive maintenance.

Sustainable Facility Maintenance: A Journey Worth Taking

The journey towards sustainable facility maintenance is ongoing. It is no longer just a buzzword, but a necessity for organizations seeking to minimize their environmental impact while maximizing operational excellence. 

While there are several eco-friendly practices to follow, each business can tailor its approach based on its resources, location, and needs. Nevertheless, it’s always recommended to partner with a facility maintenance service provider, who can consult and conduct facility maintenance in an environmentally responsible manner. 

Are you ready to embark on this sustainable journey? At US&S, we are here to help. Together, we can create a more sustainable future – one facility at a time. The world will thank you.