Let's be honest, in the United Kingdom, navigating green cleaning certifications is a walk through a marketing minefield. The term “green” isn't heavily regulated with third party green cleaning certifications working as proof that the product and cleaning services is actually providing you with an eco-friendly solution.
Green cleaning certifications fall into two clear categories:
When it comes to checking what products your commercial cleaning company uses or you are looking to purchase green cleaning products, these are the most reputable standards used in the UK:
The EU Ecolabel is a flower mark and is highly recognised for its environmental excellence in the United Kingdom. When it comes to cleaning products, it guarantees the reduced used of hazardous substances, while ensuring you decrease plastic waste. It is also proven for performance, meaning it cleans as well as traditional cleaning products.
This is a global standards with cleaning products scored from Basic to Platinum, based on the category and material, ensuring that any chemical ingredients are safe for both the environment and humans. It also ensures that products are packaged in recyclable or compostable packaging with clean air and climate protection.
EcoCert is respected in the UK for certified eco-friendly cleaning products and detergents. This label guarantees the ingredients are sourced from renewable origins, banning synthetic agents, while ensuring an environmentally friendly manufacturing process.
These are standards for commercial cleaning companies in the UK, enabling you to verify their green credentials:
This is an international gold standard for environmental management systems, proving the cleaning company actively measures and improves their environmental impact. It takes everything into consideration from how they reduce waste and minimise fuel emissions to their management of water, to how they handle chemical disposal safely.
This proves that the cleaning company you are using is providing holistic green cleaning programmes, helping your building achieve sustainability, such as UK's primary green building rating standard BREEAM, or LEED.
Chances are by now you have been researching green cleaning certifications in the UK and you may come across Green Seal or UK EcoLogo, both of which are American certifications used in north America. When seen on products in the UK, they are a clear indicator that the products are sustainable and environmentally friendly.
Green cleaning certifications are important in helping you ensure your business is being cleaned effectively and sustainably. Whether you use a professional cleaning service or looking for cleaning products that align with your green policy, ensure you choose from the product labels and procreate certifications listed above. If you are looking for a green cleaning certified cleaning provider, give Sloane Cleaning Services a call today.