Sustainability Impacts How Students Identify With An Institution

If you’re in higher education, you might ask yourself how a Princeton Review survey of teens and parents should factor into your retention strategy: 63 percent self-report that commitment to the environment would influence their choice of school. Maybe you’re even skeptical, given how many factors influence that decision.

But it’s becoming more and more important. A Swytch survey reported earlier this year that 70 percent of employees say sustainability impacts their choice to stay with a company long term, and 40 percent of millennials report acting on that feeling directly, taking a job over another because of sustainability.

As these concerns become less of a talking point and more of a deciding factor, having clear, reportable data that supports the values of your institution becomes more important. Transparency is key, so a green cleaning program needs to align perfectly with your sustainability message and deliver measurable results.

Look for green cleaning providers that regularly help facilities achieve or retain third-party certifications, awards or recognitions. For instance, LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is a well-known certification for green buildings that provides high standards beyond whether a cleaning product has a green label, with requirements for standard operating procedures, storage and disposal of chemicals, reduced water use, reusable paper supplies, waste tracking and sustainable cleaning equipment.

Experienced providers will have already invested in technology and process to match your health and sustainability goals, such as UV disinfection, electrically activated water, bio-based cleaning alternatives and zero-waste recycling strategies. Teams upgraded with smart technology can help you improve and streamline service, while controlling cost and reducing the footprint of your operations through more efficient management.

Sustainability has become a clear, overarching concern that effects how students and faculty identify with an institution. Green cleaning is one aspect, but maintenance, grounds and more also contribute. For maximum impact and clear results, talk to a provider with sustainability programs as diverse as your needs, from healthy cleaning to efficient energy use.

Gordon Buntrock is National Director of Service Delivery for education services at ABM and has more than 40 years of experience in the facility services industry. He joined ABM in July 2016.