Cleanzine: your weekly cleaning and hygiene industry newsletter 18th April 2024 Issue no. 1110

Your industry news - first

The original and best - for over 20 years!

We strongly recommend viewing Cleanzine full size in your web browser. Click our masthead above to visit our website version.

Facilities managers and Cleaning Pro's 'will pay more for sustainable products'

According to a survey conducted for The Sustainability Dashboard, a Web-based system that helps organisations measure and monitor their use of fuel, water, energy, etc.. The survey finds that 43% of facilities managers and cleaning professionals would pay more for products made by a company that practices sustainability.*

However, 28% of respondents indicated they would not pay more and 30% were "not sure".

The survey was conducted online in January 2012. Nearly 150 people participated in the survey.

When asked, how much more are you willing to spend for a product produced by a sustainable company, 90% answered 5% to 10%.

The survey also asked if the respondents would need proof a company is practicing sustainability: 78% responded yes; about 10% would "take the company's word for it" and the rest were unsure.

"Transparency and credibility when it comes to sustainable issues are paramount today," says Elizabeth Steward, marketing manager for Sustainability Dashboard Tools. "No one wants another Greenwashing experience."

Nevertheless, the respondents were divided on how this "proof" would be determined. About 25% would accept the company's published reports. "But, 57% wanted [the reports from] independent, third-party organisations and not just the company's word for it," adds Elizabeth.

Finally, the respondents were asked if operating a business or property in a more sustainable manner costs more, less, or about the same as operating in a conventional manner.

Somme 41% were sure sustainability produced cost savings; 27% noted it costs more; and the rest were unsure or believed it was "cost neutral."

"What we are finding is that cost savings is becoming a prime motivator for organizations operating in a sustainable manner," says Steward. "Instead of being on opposing sides, sustainable and cost savings are now on the same team".

* For purposes of this survey, sustainable companies are defined as those that operate in a socially, environmentally, and economically responsible manner.

The Sustainability Dashboard is an advance reporting system designed for everyone who is involved in sustainability programmes. It is specifically designed to be easy to use, reduce environmental impacts and save money.

E: [email protected]
W: www.green2sustainable.com

2nd February 2012