Top Strategies for Green Cleaning in Busy Workplaces

Margaret Ntambi
Jun 10
17 min read

Updated: Jun 13

Want a cleaner, healthier workplace while reducing waste? Green cleaning is the way to go. This approach uses eco-friendly products and methods that are safer for people and the planet. Here's a quick breakdown of what you'll learn:

Why Green Cleaning Matters: It improves health, reduces sick days by 30%, and lowers long-term costs.
Key Areas to Focus On: High-traffic zones like lobbies, restrooms, and break rooms.
How to Get Started: Use non-toxic products, reusable tools, and efficient cleaning schedules.
Employee Engagement: Train staff and involve everyone in sustainable practices.
Tracking Success: Measure results through audits, feedback, and health data.

Switching to green cleaning isn’t just better for the environment - it creates a healthier, more productive workplace. Let’s dive in to see how you can make it happen.

How To Clean An Office Training Video for Janitorial Services Using GTC Green Cleaning Products

Finding High-Traffic Areas and Setting Cleaning Priorities

Effective green cleaning begins with pinpointing the areas in your workplace that see the most activity. By identifying high-traffic zones, you can focus your efforts where they’ll have the greatest impact. Take time to evaluate foot traffic patterns and the unique challenges of each space.

Different areas demand varying levels of attention based on how they’re used, their risk of contamination, and their visibility to both employees and visitors. Once you’ve mapped out these zones, you can prioritize your cleaning tasks accordingly.

Locating High-Traffic Zones

Some areas tend to attract more activity than others, making them prime candidates for frequent cleaning. Here’s a breakdown of common high-traffic zones and their specific cleaning needs:

Reception areas and lobbies: These spaces are bustling hubs where dirt, moisture, and outdoor debris accumulate quickly. Floors, door handles, and seating areas require regular attention with eco-friendly cleaning products to maintain a polished, welcoming appearance.
Restrooms: These are high-priority zones due to their frequent use and the need for strict hygiene. Cleaning with non-toxic disinfectants ensures germs and bacteria are eliminated without releasing harmful chemicals into the air.
Break rooms and kitchen areas: Food preparation and socializing often lead to spills, crumbs, and residues, which can attract pests if left unchecked. Frequent spot cleaning with biodegradable products keeps these spaces sanitary and safe.
Elevators and stairwells: These confined areas see heavy foot traffic, leading to dirt and germs building up on buttons, handrails, and floors. Non-toxic cleaners are ideal for maintaining cleanliness in these spaces.
Meeting rooms and conference areas: While usage may vary, these rooms often host key client interactions. A clean environment here reinforces professionalism. In fact, research shows that 85% of people appreciate visible signs of cleaning in facilities they visit.
Corridors and main walkways: These pathways connect different parts of the workplace and can spread dirt and contaminants if not regularly cleaned.

To make cleaning more efficient, consider widening main walkways or creating multiple paths to popular destinations. This helps distribute foot traffic evenly, reducing concentrated wear and tear. Additionally, placing collaborative spaces strategically can balance traffic patterns across the workplace.

By focusing on these areas, you can ensure your green cleaning efforts have the greatest impact.

Performing a Cleaning Audit

Once you’ve identified high-traffic zones, conducting a cleaning audit can help you assess and refine your approach. This structured review evaluates cleaning effectiveness, identifies problem areas, and ensures your eco-friendly methods align with health and safety standards.

Start by creating a checklist that covers all areas, with a special focus on high-touch surfaces like door handles and light switches. Document cleaning frequencies, the products used, and the overall cleanliness of each area to uncover gaps where eco-friendly improvements can be made.

It’s also helpful to consult custodial staff, as they can provide insight into areas that are often overlooked. Pay particular attention to high-touch surfaces, as they pose the greatest risk for germ transmission. Research shows that proper hygiene practices in high-traffic areas can reduce workplace illnesses by up to 80%. However, studies in healthcare settings reveal that only 49% of high-risk surfaces receive adequate cleaning and disinfection, highlighting the importance of a thorough audit.

Systematically document your findings to create a report outlining current conditions, cleaning gaps, and opportunities to introduce green cleaning products. This report serves as a roadmap for sustainable improvements and helps track progress over time.

Timing your audit is also crucial. Conduct it during both peak and off-peak hours. Peak times show how quickly areas become soiled, while off-peak periods reveal baseline cleanliness levels. This information is key to developing cleaning schedules that balance thoroughness with minimal disruption.

Lastly, evaluate the visibility of each area - especially those that shape first impressions for clients and visitors. Prioritizing these spaces for consistent green cleaning enhances your workplace’s professional image while reducing potential safety risks. Use your audit findings to create actionable plans, starting with high-priority zones. Introduce eco-friendly products and adjust cleaning schedules as needed. Regular audits will ensure your green cleaning strategy continues to deliver results.

Selecting Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products and Tools

Opting for eco-friendly cleaning products and tools can help create a healthier workplace while supporting sustainability efforts. Recent data highlights the growing demand for greener cleaning solutions: 92% of homeowners, 64% of consumers, and 62% of businesses prefer eco-friendly options.

Understanding the criteria for eco-friendly products is key to making informed decisions. By choosing the right tools and products, you can significantly lessen your workplace's impact on the planet. Here's how to identify and integrate sustainable cleaning solutions.

Switching to Non-Toxic Cleaning Solutions

Eco-friendly cleaning starts with selecting products that are effective yet gentle on the environment. Look for options that use renewable ingredients, have low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), are biodegradable, and pose minimal risk to aquatic ecosystems. Ideally, these products should also have low flammability, a near-neutral pH, and be fragrance-free or carry certifications like EPA Safer Choice. Steer clear of cleaners containing corrosive chemicals, carcinogens, reproductive toxicants, ozone-depleting substances, or hazardous air pollutants.

Certifications can help you identify truly sustainable products. Labels such as Green Seal, EcoLogo, and EPA's Safer Choice indicate that a product meets strict environmental and performance standards. For instance, Green Seal has been a leader in ecolabeling since 1989, setting benchmarks for sustainable products. While reading product labels, pay attention to terms like "non-toxic", "biodegradable", and "plant-based", but remain cautious of vague marketing claims like "Natural Clean" or "Eco-Friendly".

For businesses easing into greener practices, start small by replacing one or two conventional items with eco-friendly alternatives. You can also experiment with DIY cleaning solutions using simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice. Another innovative option is Stabilized Aqueous Ozone (SAO) cleaning, a chemical-free method that’s 3,000 times faster and 50% stronger than bleach.

Using Reusable Cleaning Tools

Switching to reusable cleaning tools is an effective way to cut down on waste while improving cleaning efficiency. Microfiber cloths and mop heads are particularly useful, as they can be washed and reused multiple times, reducing reliance on disposable products. Microfiber tools are highly effective, removing up to 99% of floor bacteria and lasting through hundreds of washes. They are also durable enough to handle uneven surfaces like grouted or non-slip floors.

"For businesses and schools prioritizing sustainability: Reusable cleaning supplies are the best choice. They reduce waste, offer long-term cost savings, and provide superior cleaning performance." - Maintenance One

To maintain hygiene, establish a proper washing system for reusable tools. Given that only 5% of plastic is recycled globally, investing in high-quality reusable items is a smart move. Training cleaning teams on proper dilution methods and waste reduction strategies can further enhance their effectiveness.

Cutting Down on Packaging Waste

Reducing packaging waste is another important step toward sustainable cleaning. Concentrated cleaning solutions and refillable containers are excellent options for minimizing single-use plastics. Concentrates not only reduce packaging waste but also lower transportation costs. Refillable containers, meanwhile, eliminate the need for new bottles with every purchase, helping to cut down on both waste and expenses.

Choose products with minimal or recycled packaging, and consider suppliers that offer biodegradable options. While eco-friendly products may have a higher initial cost, their durability and health benefits can lead to long-term savings. Partnering with local suppliers who provide bulk refills or container take-back programs can further align your cleaning practices with sustainability goals while fostering community relationships.

Creating Effective Cleaning Schedules and Practices

To maintain a clean and sanitary environment, creating a detailed cleaning schedule is key. This plan should focus on high-priority areas and be tailored to reduce waste while maximizing efficiency. Start by identifying the spaces that need the most attention, then structure your cleaning routine to address those areas first.

A well-thought-out schedule should prioritize critical zones and expand outward to less-used spaces. This method ensures your cleaning efforts have the greatest impact where it’s needed most. Let’s dive into how to adjust cleaning frequencies based on how each space is used.

Setting Cleaning Frequency Based on Usage

Understanding how different areas are utilized throughout the day is the cornerstone of a good cleaning strategy. High-traffic areas like reception desks, break rooms, and restrooms demand daily - sometimes even twice-daily - cleaning during peak hours.

Your cleaning schedule should reflect the intensity of use. For example:

Daily cleaning: Focus on high-touch surfaces and areas prone to spills.
Weekly or bi-weekly deep cleaning: Address larger tasks like floor treatments or wall care, adjusting frequency based on your facility’s needs.

Here’s a quick breakdown of cleaning tasks by frequency:

Frequency	Task	Zone
Daily	Disinfect high-touch surfaces	Door handles, elevator buttons, handrails, reception counters, payment terminals
Daily	Floor maintenance	Spot cleaning spills, vacuuming carpets, damp mopping hard surfaces
Daily	Waste management	Emptying bins, sanitizing bin surfaces, replacing bin liners
Weekly	Deep cleaning	Floor treatment, wall and ceiling care, furniture and fixtures

Strategic timing also matters. Early mornings or late evenings, when foot traffic is lower, are ideal for thorough cleaning without disrupting daily operations. With a schedule in place, the next step is finding ways to clean effectively while conserving resources.

Saving Resources During Cleaning

Reducing resource usage doesn’t mean sacrificing cleanliness. Smart cleaning habits can significantly cut water and energy consumption while maintaining high sanitation levels. For instance, using efficient fixtures and LED lighting can help lower energy costs.

"Saving water at home and in the workplace will help reduce water usage, waste, and costs, while also protecting the environment." - Citron Hygiene

Switching to dishwashers instead of hand washing reusable tools and break room items can also save resources, as they are typically four times more efficient. Regular maintenance of cleaning equipment ensures consistent performance and prevents waste. For example, poorly maintained lighting can lose up to 30% of its brightness within 2–3 years, increasing reliance on artificial lighting.

Lastly, a strong focus on high-touch areas ties the entire cleaning routine together.

Prioritizing High-Touch Areas

High-touch surfaces are hotspots for germs and need extra attention in any cleaning plan. These include door handles, light switches, elevator buttons, desks, keyboards, phones, and shared kitchen appliances - all of which can harbor microorganisms that spread illness.

A six-step cleaning process - pre-clean, main clean, rinse, disinfect, final rinse, and drying - ensures thorough sanitation. Techniques like working from clean to dirty areas, using top-to-bottom patterns, and employing S-shaped motions help prevent cross-contamination while improving efficiency.

Detailed checklists are invaluable for ensuring consistency. These lists should specify all high-touch surfaces and include tracking systems to maintain accountability. Visual site assessments before cleaning can also help identify problem areas and ensure nothing is overlooked.

Quick spill response is another critical element. For spills, especially those involving bodily fluids, a two-step process - cleaning first, followed by disinfecting - prevents the spread of contamination and reduces the need for more intensive cleaning later.

Finally, using clear signage to indicate wet floors or ongoing cleaning activities keeps everyone safe while allowing cleaning staff to work efficiently.

Building a Green Cleaning Culture in the Workplace

Creating a green cleaning culture goes beyond simply using eco-friendly products or following efficient cleaning schedules. It’s about fostering a mindset where sustainability becomes second nature for everyone - from the cleaning staff to top executives. When employees understand eco-friendly practices matter and are actively involved, green cleaning evolves from a task into a shared commitment.

The backbone of any successful green cleaning initiative lies in thorough training and genuine employee engagement. Companies that prioritize these areas often reap rewards, with 71% of job seekers preferring environmentally conscious employers. Let’s explore how training and employee involvement can solidify a workplace culture focused on sustainability.

Training for Cleaning Staff

Proper training transforms cleaning staff from simply completing tasks to becoming advocates for sustainability. Teaching them eco-friendly cleaning methods ensures they play a vital role in reducing the workplace's environmental impact. But this training needs to go beyond just swapping out products.

A well-rounded program should include detailed guidance on handling sustainable cleaning techniques and using alternative products safely. For instance, staff must understand Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for all cleaning supplies - because even eco-friendly products can pose risks if mishandled. Training should also align with industry standards like OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard (HazCom) to ensure workplace safety.

Digital tools can simplify this process. Online platforms provide easy access to training materials, allowing staff to revisit lessons anytime. For hands-on roles like cleaning, video tutorials are especially effective, offering clear demonstrations of techniques. It’s crucial to ensure these resources are accessible to everyone.

Regular evaluations and feedback sessions help reinforce eco-friendly habits. Companies can even offer paid certifications from respected institutions, which not only boost professionalism but also build trust in the program. A structured training schedule ensures new hires are brought up to speed on sustainable practices right from the start. Investing in this kind of education leads to better cleaning outcomes and a reduced environmental footprint.

Once the cleaning staff is well-trained, the next step is involving the broader team to amplify green initiatives.

Getting Employees Involved in Green Efforts

While cleaning staff handle the technical side, engaging all employees creates a ripple effect that strengthens green cleaning practices. In the U.S., over 50% of employees report feeling disengaged at work, so environmental initiatives can also serve as a way to boost morale and job satisfaction.

One effective strategy is forming a "green team" - a group of employees dedicated to driving sustainability efforts. These teams can organize activities that complement professional cleaning, like workspace organization drives or recycling campaigns.

Digital platforms can also play a role in engagement by sharing educational content that combines learning with social interaction. This makes sustainability efforts more interactive and memorable.

Recognition and rewards are key to maintaining enthusiasm. Companies can acknowledge employees who contribute to green initiatives through formal awards or small perks. Setting clear, measurable environmental goals helps employees see the direct impact of their efforts, keeping them motivated.

Encouraging open communication is another critical step. Providing a platform for employees to share ideas and feedback about sustainable practices fosters collaboration and inclusivity. Leadership should also lead by example - employees are more likely to embrace green initiatives when they see management actively participating.

Practical actions, like promoting carpooling, public transport, or cycling to work, can significantly reduce the workplace’s overall environmental footprint. Implementing recycling programs and encouraging reusable items in break rooms are small but impactful daily habits that reinforce environmental responsibility.

The University of Washington offers a great example of how systematic engagement can elevate cleaning performance.

"To me, the most important part of engagement is having a system that is repeatable, ongoing and helps people understand their expectations." – Gene Woodard, Director of the building services department at the University of Washington, Seattle

When employees see tangible results from their efforts - like the "Go Green Challenge", which led to 50 meatless meals, 16 bags of trash collected, and support for 11 local businesses - it strengthens their commitment to sustainability.

Building a green cleaning culture takes time and consistent effort, but the rewards go beyond just helping the planet. Companies with strong sustainability practices often see higher employee retention, a better public image, and even lower operational costs. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.

Monitoring and Improving Green Cleaning Strategies

Once you’ve established a strong foundation for green cleaning, it’s important to keep track of your progress and refine your methods to ensure lasting success. Monitoring your efforts allows you to see what’s working, identify areas that need improvement, and highlight the benefits of your sustainability initiatives.

Tracking Cleaning Results

To truly understand how your green cleaning program is performing, you need to gather solid data from various angles - ranging from employee satisfaction to environmental impact.

Employee feedback is a key source of insight. Use anonymous surveys to ask employees about air quality, workplace morale, and their overall satisfaction with the cleaning standards in place. This feedback can reveal how eco-friendly cleaning practices are influencing the day-to-day experience of those in your workspace.

Health metrics provide another valuable measure of success. Keep an eye on trends in employee sick days to assess the connection between non-toxic cleaning products and improved indoor air quality. Many companies have found that switching to safer cleaning solutions creates a healthier work environment.

Financial tracking is essential for evaluating the return on your green cleaning investments. Compare expenses before and after implementing eco-friendly practices. This includes looking at savings on product costs, waste disposal fees, and any other efficiencies gained. While some green products may have a higher upfront cost, they often lead to long-term savings by reducing waste and improving operational efficiency.

Studies show that aligning key performance indicators (KPIs) with sustainability goals can lead to a 10–20% increase in profitability, while reducing waste by up to 25% in a single fiscal year. Below is an example of how KPIs can guide your progress:

KPI	Description	Average Benchmark
Customer Satisfaction Score	Measure client feedback and service quality	90%
Environmental Impact Reduction	Quantify reductions in carbon footprint and waste	15%
Employee Engagement and Retention	Monitor staff satisfaction and turnover	80%
Operational Efficiency	Optimize scheduling and resource allocation	85%
Financial Performance	Track revenue growth and profitability	$50,000/month

These benchmarks serve as a foundation for ongoing improvement.

Regular Reviews and Adjustments

To keep your green cleaning strategies effective, it’s crucial to evaluate their performance regularly. Conduct reviews on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis to address immediate issues, make strategic adjustments, and implement larger improvements.

Monthly assessments should focus on operational concerns. Use consumer feedback and satisfaction metrics to catch any problems early. Inventory management systems can help you track product usage and ensure resources are being used sustainably. Teams that receive continuous training in green cleaning techniques often see productivity gains of 10–15%.

Quarterly reviews allow for more in-depth analysis. During these reviews, fine-tune your strategies to align with current market trends and consumer preferences. Analyze environmental impact data to ensure you’re meeting your waste reduction targets. Companies that streamline operations during quarterly reviews often reduce service delays by about 20%.

Annual evaluations provide a broader perspective for bigger changes. Use these reviews to adapt to new environmental standards and innovate your practices. Businesses that make regular improvements during annual assessments can see performance boosts of up to 30%.

"Quality assurance is a process of continuous improvement. Regular inspections are a critical part of the process."

Practical steps for evaluations include spot-checking high-traffic areas like lobbies, restrooms, and break rooms for cleanliness and organization. Consult with your staff regularly to gather their insights and suggestions for improvement. These evaluations also help you determine when professional support might be the most effective option.

Working with Professional Cleaning Services

Partnering with experienced green cleaning professionals can take your sustainability efforts to the next level while maintaining consistent results. These experts bring specialized knowledge, advanced equipment, and proven systems that are often hard to replicate in-house.

For example, RIHA Cleaners, based in Columbia, MD, offers customizable cleaning solutions that align with eco-friendly practices. Their services cater to businesses in the DMV area, providing tailored packages to meet specific sustainability goals.

Professional cleaning services ensure compliance with eco-friendly standards by using certified products like those recognized by Green Seal. They also provide cost-effective solutions, such as concentrated cleaning products, which reduce waste and minimize wear and tear on facilities. The global market for eco-friendly cleaning products, currently valued at over $100 billion, is projected to grow to $232 billion by 2030, reflecting the increasing demand for sustainable solutions.

Beyond operational benefits, working with a certified green cleaning service can enhance your brand image. With 85% of customers in the cleaning industry prioritizing sustainability, aligning with an eco-conscious partner can strengthen your market position. Many businesses report ROI increases of 20% or more, as customers are often willing to pay a premium for sustainable services. Additionally, companies adopting green cleaning practices have been able to grow their market share by up to 15% in the first year.

Outsourcing green cleaning can also help businesses earn LEED-EBOM points, adding measurable value to their sustainability credentials. Professional services handle the necessary documentation and compliance, saving time and ensuring proper implementation.

When choosing a partner, ensure they conduct regular reviews of their cleaning practices and gather employee feedback to assess the impact of their efforts. Look for transparency in reporting environmental improvements, such as energy efficiency gains or waste reductions. This level of accountability not only supports your sustainability goals but also resonates with eco-conscious stakeholders.

Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Green cleaning in bustling workplaces isn't just a trend - it's a smart approach that promotes healthier environments, trims costs, and bolsters a company's reputation. This guide has outlined practical strategies for creating cleaner, more sustainable workspaces while meeting the high standards of cleanliness that busy offices demand. Below, we’ll recap the core benefits and offer actionable steps to help you implement green cleaning practices.

Benefits of Green Cleaning

Switching to eco-friendly cleaning methods offers far-reaching advantages that go well beyond just being environmentally conscious. Healthier employees are one of the standout benefits, with studies showing that preventable conditions account for over 75% of workplace medical expenses. By removing harsh chemicals like bleach and ammonia from your cleaning routine, you tackle the root causes of many workplace health issues.

Green cleaning products don’t compromise on effectiveness. In fact, their concentrated formulations not only clean effectively but also help reduce operational costs and extend the life of your equipment by being less corrosive. On top of that, businesses adopting these practices often enjoy a boost in reputation, as more consumers gravitate toward companies that reflect their environmental values. The environmental benefits are equally compelling - biodegradable products minimize long-term ecological harm, while concentrated solutions cut down on packaging waste, shrinking your overall environmental footprint.

Next Steps to Get Started

Ready to make the switch? Here are the key steps to begin implementing green cleaning in your workplace. These actions build on the foundation laid in earlier sections.

Start with an environmental audit to evaluate your current cleaning practices and their impact on the environment. This step helps pinpoint areas that need the most improvement and establishes a baseline to measure your progress.

"One of the first things you need to do is conduct an environmental audit. It's so important that you understand your existing practices and the impact you are having on the environment as a result." – Julie Starr, Taiga Company

Next, focus on choosing the right products. Look for cleaning solutions with eco-friendly certifications like Green Seal, and prioritize concentrated formulations to reduce packaging waste. Using a dosing system ensures precise chemical usage, which saves money, improves safety, and reduces environmental impact.

Staff training is another crucial step. Equip your cleaning team with the knowledge and skills to use green products and equipment effectively. This ensures they can maximize the benefits of these sustainable practices. Set measurable goals for your green cleaning program, whether it’s cutting down plastic waste by a specific percentage or fully transitioning to eco-friendly alternatives within a set timeframe. Buying sustainable products in bulk can also help you achieve environmental targets while keeping costs under control.

Remember, green cleaning isn’t a one-and-done effort. Regularly review your practices, gather feedback from staff, and make adjustments as needed to ensure continued success. Foster a culture of sustainability by celebrating milestones, sharing best practices, and involving employees in your green initiatives.

Adopting green cleaning practices is an investment in your workplace’s future. It leads to healthier employees, lower operational costs, a stronger brand image, and a meaningful contribution to environmental well-being. Start small, track your progress, and watch as these sustainable changes bring lasting benefits to your organization.

FAQs

How can I evaluate the success of green cleaning practices in my workplace?

To gauge how well green cleaning practices are working in your workplace, start by keeping an eye on how often eco-friendly products are used and their effect on indoor air quality. Cleaner air can lead to fewer health issues among employees, like allergies or respiratory troubles, and may even help cut down on absenteeism.

It’s also helpful to track key performance indicators (KPIs) such as cleaning efficiency (like how many square feet are cleaned per hour), employee satisfaction, and how often sick days are taken. Gathering regular feedback through surveys or audits can give you a clearer picture of whether your cleaning efforts are hitting the mark. This approach not only ensures your practices are effective but also aligns them with both wellness and sustainability goals.

For workplaces seeking expert help, RIHA Cleaners provides tailored cleaning services designed to meet specific needs. They emphasize eco-friendly solutions and meticulous attention to detail, making them a great option for businesses aiming to prioritize both cleanliness and sustainability.

How can businesses encourage employees to support green cleaning efforts?

Engaging employees in green cleaning efforts begins with creating a strong sustainability mindset within the workplace. One way to do this is by organizing training sessions that highlight the advantages of eco-friendly cleaning methods and show how individual actions can contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment. Small changes, like choosing eco-friendly products, conserving water and energy, or reducing waste, can make a big difference.

To keep the momentum going, you could introduce a recycling program with clearly marked bins to make sorting easier. Adding a fun twist, like offering rewards or recognition for sustainable habits, can encourage participation. Even friendly competitions or team challenges can boost motivation while fostering a sense of camaraderie among employees. These initiatives not only enhance workplace cleanliness but also spark a collective dedication to sustainability.

What should I look for in eco-friendly cleaning products to keep my office clean and safe?

When selecting eco-friendly cleaning products for your office, it’s important to find options that are both effective and kind to the environment. Certifications like or can help you identify products that meet rigorous environmental and health standards. Also, pay close attention to the ingredients - aim for plant-based, biodegradable components, and steer clear of harsh chemicals such as phosphates or sulfates, which can be harmful to both people and the planet.

Another key factor is sustainable packaging. Look for products that come in recyclable or minimal packaging to help cut down on waste. Concentrated formulas are another smart pick since they reduce packaging needs and lower transportation-related emissions. By keeping these considerations in mind, you can create a workplace that’s clean, safe, and mindful of its environmental impact.