Green Cleaning Is Reshaping the Industry
The commercial cleaning industry is at a pivotal moment. Green cleaning, once considered a niche market, now represents a rapidly growing segment of the $400 billion global cleaning services sector. While it currently accounts for less than 10% of the market, projections show dramatic growth over the next decade. The message is unmistakable: companies that embrace sustainability now will dominate tomorrow.
As Doug Flaig, CEO of Stratus Building Solutions, explains in his latest article, "green practices aren't just a way for companies to say they are planet-friendly. They're good for business." From increased margins to stronger client retention, sustainability has become a true competitive differentiator.
But this shift requires more than surface-level commitment. Real green leadership starts in the C-suite. CEOs must champion sustainability through third-party certifications that build credibility, implement green standards organization-wide, and measure environmental impact with transparency. Today's clients, from Fortune 500 companies to local municipalities, evaluate vendors on sustainability credentials, not just price and performance.
The stakes are clear: clients with ESG mandates don't ask if you're green anymore. They expect it. They want quantifiable results like waste diverted, water saved, and carbon reduced. Companies that can demonstrate validated environmental credentials will command premium pricing and earn long-term client loyalty.
The green cleaning revolution isn't coming. It's here. The question for CEOs is simple: will you lead or lag behind?