Climate change is here with us, and the response of players in cleaning sector is
coming under scrutiny.
The sector players include professional cleaning service providers, pest control
service providers, fumigators, landscapers, laundry service providers, waste
management providers, car washers, manufacturers and suppliers of detergents,
disinfectants and industrial chemicals and raw materials for soap production as
well as manufacturers and suppliers of soap/industrial chemicals packaging
materials.
Of interest is the alignment of sector players with revolutionary climate
mitigation and adaptability edicts emanating from the Multilateral
Environmental Agreements (MEAs),as pronounced during the sixth session of
the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-6), held at UNEP headquarters, Nairobi,
(26th Feb 2024 -1st March 2024).
A key outcome of UNEA-6 is the pursuance of the triple planetary crisis
framework, comprising of; climate change; nature and biodiversity loss; and
lastly waste and air pollution, to combat climate change.
With Nairobi hosting the world’s environmental Headquarters (UNEP), it’s a show
of exemplarity for the City to lead the way in solving the triple planetary crisis by
embracing the principles of inclusivity, collaboration and sustainability ,leaving
no one behind and carrying everyone on board.
A whole of community response to the triple planetary crisis makes the process
participatory and inclusive, with enduring sustainability impacts.
Whereas there is a multiplicity of entities and functions involved in climate
mitigation and adaptability, the cleaning sector has been highly impacted by the
rapid pace of green change.
The main functions in the cleaning sector include; manufacture and processing
of detergents and cleaning materials; procurement of industrial chemicals used
in soap and detergent production; transportation of raw materials, intermediate
and finished products; provision of professional cleaning, laundry, pest control,
waste management, landscaping and carwash services; use of chemicals in
provision of the mentioned professional services; packaging of detergent making
raw materials, intermediate and finished products; use of equipment (some
mechanical) in service provision; among other key functions.
Each of the aforementioned functions is potentially a significant contributor to
green gas emissions.
Fortunately, with capacity building and regulations, early adopters in the
cleaning sector have begun adapting climate smart equipment and practices, in
drive towards net-zero carbon emissions.
The growing environmental consciousness in the cleaning sector has led to
internal self-audits in organizations’ processes and organs, aimed at eliminating
negative environmental , health and social impacts, through innovation and
green tech uptake, to limit occupational carbon footprints, as we collectively
build our community assets in climate response at the grassroots.
Paramount to the sector’s green growth is the mainstreaming of Environmental,
Social, and Governance (ESG) Practices across the entire hygiene and sanitation
ecosystem.
There is evidence of the sector’s reorientation towards responsible and
sustainable eco-friendly behavior that puts public health and safety at the heart
business operations.
Use of biodegradable and non-toxic cleaning solutions and green technology, has
gone a long way in reducing the sector’s environmental footprint.
Notably, the sector is a socially responsible leading employer offering quality jobs
to local residents, besides purposing for cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable
communities.
