1. Getting the green light for tenders
In addition to tackling the typical writing, regulatory and pricing issues with tender submissions, cleaning and hygiene companies must now be up to speed with modern demands around environmental, social, and governance (ESG) policies.
In our July/August 2022 issue, INCLEAN’s Cameron Cooper spoke with sustainability and procurement specialists about how to integrate sustainability into the tender writing process.
2. ACCC sets focus to ‘greenwashing’
In September, businesses were warned by the ACCC deputy chair Delia Rickard to be prepared to substantiate any environmental or sustainability claims when marketing their goods and services.
“Unfortunately, the ACCC is hearing growing concerns that some businesses are falsely promoting environmental or green credentials to capitalise on changing consumer preferences,” Rickard said.
“Broad terms like ‘environmentally friendly’, ‘green’, or ‘sustainable’ have limited value and may mislead consumers, as they rarely provide enough information about what that exactly means in terms of the product or service consumers are considering purchasing.”
“It is important that businesses can back up the claims they are making, whether through reliable scientific reports, transparent supply chain information, reputable third-party certification, or other forms of evidence. Where we have concerns, we will be asking businesses to substantiate their claims.”
3. Clearing the air: What’s your plan?
COVID-19 has brought home the importance of indoor air quality to everyone from facility managers and cleaning companies to the general public – but education is required to ensure that effective solutions are affordable and sustainable. In our September/October 2022 issue, industry experts discussed the importance of implementing indoor air action plans.
4. City of Melbourne calls on facility managers to help achieve net zero goals
In October, the City of Melbourne urged facility managers, building owners, tenants, industry associates, and governments to transform and retrofit buildings in the CBD to reduce their carbon emissions and propel the municipality towards the ambitious goal of net zero emissions by 2040.
5. The acid test – does your sustainability strategy pass the test?
Sustainability is a buzz word that many cleaning and hygiene companies have embraced, but as an industry it is crucial that the claims around it can be backed up with substance. Our sustainability feature in the September/October 2022 issue examined how cleaning companies are taking their environmental commitments to the next level.
6. Essity survey finds employees want green offices
A survey released by Essity in June revealed employees have high expectations for green office spaces and expect more eco-friendly practices from their employers.
The study, which surveyed 2000 employees who had returned to the office at least part-time, found that the vast majority of employees (75 per cent) wanted a more environmentally friendly office.
The research also found that those surveyed have become markedly ‘greener’ than before the COVID-19 pandemic began. Just over half of employees working from an office (51 per cent) said they became more eco-conscious while working from home during lockdown periods.
In April, INCLEAN’s Cameron Cooper spoke with industry advocates calling for Australia to adopt progressive Right to Repair laws.
8. All consuming – why ethical sourcing is so crucial
In March, INCLEAN magazine examined how the cleaning consumables sector was responding to the pressures of COVID-19, with an emphasis on innovation and sustainability.
9. Two Good Co launches new sustainable products
In July, Two Good Co and Charter Hall begun the roll out of 3000 touch-free soap dispensers in offices around the country, made with recycled ocean waste by women who have survived domestic violence and homelessness.
10. Quayclean appoints sustainability manager
In January, Quayclean Australia announced it had stepped up its commitment to climate change and creating a sustainable environment with the appointment of a sustainability manager.
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