ISSA has launched the Sustainability Hot Tips video series, a collection of short videos in which association members share practical ideas that have helped their own organizations work more efficiently, cut waste and deliver more value to customers. 

The series comes from the ISSA Sustainability Committee, a member-driven group of more than 200 ISSA members from 17 countries. Jon Adkins, executive vice president at ISSA and co-chair of the committee, introduces the videos. 

“Many of these things require little investment and can help accelerate your sustainability journey,” Adkins said

Start with the waste stream 

Elias Nacif, executive vice president at Service by Medallion and a TRUE Advisor, recommends beginning with local waste ordinances. What counts as recyclable can change from one city to the next, even between two cities in the same county. 

From there, Nacif follows what he calls the BBB approach, short for “behavior behind the bin.” That means studying contamination data across an entire facility, identifying the zones where problems show up and helping staff see how everyday choices affect diversion goals. 

“Zero waste isn’t won at the dumpster,” Nacif said. “It is won in the decisions people make at the point of disposal.” 

Small changes, real payoff 

Several tips in the series cost little or nothing. One contributor urges facilities to clean their light fixtures, comparing a dusty fixture to a flashlight with a dirty lens. Nobody would buy a bigger flashlight before wiping the lens. Clean lighting helps crews see what they are cleaning and can reduce the need for extra task lighting. 

Another video makes the case for daytime cleaning. Customers get more visible service, buildings can save energy and problems get solved faster because communication is easier. Cleaners benefit too, with better sleep, less stress and more time with family. 

A third tip takes on a habit many workers bring from home: the belief that hot water always cleans better. Most of today’s commercial cleaning chemicals are designed to work well in cold water, and water that is too hot can sometimes reduce the effectiveness of enzyme-based cleaners. Training keeps old household habits from creeping back, and manufacturer directions remain the final word.

Expanding what contractors offer 

Nathan Oxford, vice president at Jani-King Canada, encourages building service contractors to look at the full range of services they can bring to clients. Indoor air quality is one growing example. HVAC systems rank among the least-cleaned areas of commercial space, which can lower efficiency and affect the air employees and guests breathe. 

Because HVAC cleaning is highly specialized, Oxford recommends partnering with a company that already has those capabilities. Clients appreciate dealing with fewer contractors, and the arrangement strengthens the relationship with the building service contractor. 

Looking past the lowest price 

The series also covers product and equipment selection. The right choice starts with the job itself: the surfaces, the soils and how chemicals, tools and equipment work together. Third-party environmental certifications help identify safer options, while concentrated chemicals, reusable cleaning tools and water-recycling equipment conserve resources. 

Price alone is a poor guide. Effectiveness, labor savings, durability, resource use and total cost in use all belong in the decision. 

Members looking to do more can join the ISSA Sustainability Committee, which meets monthly and is free for ISSA members. ISSA also offers sustainability education courses, webinars and online tools, including the ISSA Sustainability Reporting Platform, at issa.com/sustainability.