Why Sustainable Cleaning is the Future (Part 1 of 2):

Introduction to Why Sustainability Matters 

By Steve Ashkin, CEO The Ashkin Group and Co-Chair of ISSA’s Sustainability Committee

As Earth Day 2026 approaches, the professional cleaning industry is evolving rapidly. What was once considered a “nice-to-have” is now becoming a requirement for most buildings. For facility managers, sustainable cleaning is not just about being “green.” It’s about protecting human health, caring for the planet, and supporting workers. Increasingly, it is also about meeting customer expectations and preparing for emerging regulatory requirements. Ultimately, sustainability is good business—it improves efficiency, reduces costs, reduces risk, and helps service providers stand out in a competitive market. 

For those who feel behind, it is important to remember that it is never too late to start working on your sustainability efforts. Whether you are managing or cleaning a single facility or a large portfolio, the best time to begin implementing smarter practices is today.

Earth Day 2026: “Our Power, Our Planet”

The theme for Earth Day 2026, “Our Power, Our Planet,” is especially relevant to the cleaning industry. It highlights both energy efficiency and the ability we all have to create a better future. In our industry, “power” means using equipment that consumes less energy and empowering workers with better tools, training, and support systems.

This aligns with the THINKsustainably mindset—recognizing that every decision matters. Each piece of equipment purchased and every training program implemented represents a choice. Organizations can continue with outdated practices or adopt smarter, more sustainable solutions. Small decisions—like choosing high-efficiency equipment—add up to meaningful environmental and business impact. These choices also signal that a company values long-term success, not just short-term results, and is positioning itself as a forward-thinking partner to its customers.

What is Sustainability? Three Simple Pillars

Sustainability can be simplified into three pillars that help guide decision-making:

• Environmental (The Planet):

This focuses on reducing environmental impact. Durability and performance are critical. Equipment that lasts longer reduces landfill waste, and tools that work effectively the first time prevent wasted energy and resources. A machine that requires repeat cleaning is not truly “green.” High-performance equipment also reduces water and chemical use, further lowering environmental impact.

• Social (The People):

This includes Cleaning for Health®, ergonomics, and worker safety. Programs like LEED v5 emphasize fair treatment, proper training, and safe equipment. When workers are comfortable and supported, they perform better, experience fewer injuries, and stay longer—reducing turnover and training costs. This also strengthens company culture and helps attract new employees in a tight labor market.

• Governance (The Rules):

This involves compliance, data tracking, and risk management. For example, using cordless equipment reduces trip hazards, lowering liability and insurance risks. Strong governance demonstrates professionalism, supports transparency, and builds trust with clients and regulators who increasingly expect documented performance.

New Laws and Keeping Track

Regulatory requirements are expanding. States like California now require large companies to report carbon emissions, and more than 40 major cities—including New York and Chicago—mandate annual energy and water benchmarking.

While cleaning equipment represents a small portion of total building energy use, it still contributes to compliance efforts. High-efficiency equipment helps buildings meet regulatory targets and avoid penalties. For cleaning companies, providing energy-related data to clients is a competitive advantage—it demonstrates leadership, supports customer reporting requirements, and positions the provider as part of the solution.

In the next article, we will discuss the role of efficiency impacting the environment and practical choices you can make to be a more competitive business using sustainable practices.

Steve Ashkin 

Steve Ashkin is a recognized leader in sustainability and the cleaning industry, often referred to as the “Father of Green Cleaning.” With more than 45 years of experience, he has helped shape the industry’s approach to safer products, healthier indoor environments, and more sustainable business practices. He is the Founder of The Ashkin Group, CEO of

Green2Sustainable, and Co-Chair of the ISSA Sustainability Committee, a global group advancing practical sustainability solutions.

Ashkin has played major roles working with organizations including the U.S. Green Building Council, Healthy Schools Campaign, Practice Greenhealth, and the Green Sports Alliance, and has contributed to the development of LEED and WELL initiatives. He also played a key role in developing industry standards and programs such as CIMS–Green Building, EPA Safer Choice, Green Seal, and UL ECOLOGO. He was recognized by ISSA as one of the most influential members of the cleaning industry over the past 100 years.

A frequent speaker and writer, he focuses on helping companies—especially small and mid-sized organizations—use sustainability to improve performance, reduce risk, and drive business growth. He can be reached at Steve@AshkinGroup.com.