Green Commercial Cleaning Services for Transportation Hubs

Lately, the transportation industry has really started to get on board with global sustainability goals, especially when it comes to trains. Railways crisscross landscapes and impact millions of lives, requiring thoughtful management to keep everything running smoothly.

There's a growing trend towards adopting sustainable practices in every aspect of operations, not least of which is cleaning. This shift is particularly important in transportation hubs like train stations and bus depots, which are bustling with commuters every day.

These places are critical in the daily lives of travelers and have a significant impact on their health and safety. The challenge lies in finding the right balance between ensuring cleanliness and embracing eco-friendly cleaning methods.

Green commercial cleaning services are one of many ways managers are finding this balance and building more sustainable train stations and transportation hubs.  

A Growing Need for Sustainability

The railway industry is crucial in global sustainability efforts. Despite contributing to greenhouse gas emissions, the rail network stands out for its energy and carbon efficiency. Trains have long been recognized for their energy efficiency due to the low friction between steel wheels and rails, making them a sustainable mode of transportation.

And freight rail can move one ton of cargo over 400 miles on just a gallon of diesel, significantly reducing the carbon footprint compared to road transport. Public transport by rail is also more energy-efficient per passenger mile than commercial airplanes.  

Given these efficiencies, there is a pressing need to further integrate sustainable practices into rail transport to keep pace with increasing global transport demands.

How Train Stations & Transportation Hubs Work Towards Sustainability

Transportation hubs increasingly adopt sustainable practices and materials to mitigate their environmental impact and improve operational efficiency. Efforts to reduce emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are prominent, with many stations choosing low-VOC products to enhance air quality. Additionally, installing photovoltaic panels is becoming common, allowing hubs to harness solar energy and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Advanced technologies such as fuel cells and regenerative braking systems are being integrated to produce cleaner power and recapture energy. Stations are also designed to maximize natural light and use smart ventilation systems to decrease the need for artificial heating and cooling, further conserving energy. Water conservation is addressed through systems that collect and reuse rainwater for non-potable uses, significantly reducing the water footprint of these facilities.

In line with these sustainable practices, green commercial cleaning services are gaining traction in transportation hubs. This approach involves using environmentally friendly cleaning products and effective methods that minimize ecological harm. Green commercial cleaning services support these hubs’ environmental goals and align with broader efforts to create more sustainable, health-conscious public spaces.

Facility Management in Sustainable Train Stations & Transportation Hubs

As facility management practices evolve with sustainability efforts, transportation hubs increasingly focus on specialized strategies to enhance cleanliness and sustainability. One innovative approach involves the deployment of “Tiger Teams” — specialized cleaning squads that operate during peak hours to ensure high-traffic areas remain pristine.

These teams are not just focused on cleanliness but are also equipped with green cleaning techniques. Utilizing eco-friendly products and methods, these Tiger Teams effectively reduce the environmental impact of cleaning operations while maintaining the ambitious standards required in busy transit settings.

As mentioned above, many transportation hubs are transitioning to green commercial cleaning services and environmentally safer cleaning products. These products are carefully selected to avoid harsh chemicals, reducing the risk of adverse health effects and environmental damage. The goal is to match the cleaning effectiveness of traditional products while ensuring that the solutions are safer for both users and the environment.  

Government involvement has also been pivotal in advancing green cleaning practices within public transportation hubs. Federal and local governments are increasingly promoting the use of environmentally friendly cleaning methods by establishing guidelines and providing resources to facilitate this transition.

These initiatives aim to create healthier public spaces by reducing pollutants and toxins commonly associated with traditional cleaning products.  

Green Commercial Cleaning Services VS Traditional Cleaning in a Transportation Hub

Green commercial cleaning services are gaining popularity not only for their environmental benefits but also for their effectiveness and cost-efficiency, which rival traditional cleaning methods. One of the primary advantages of green commercial cleaning services is using safer, environmentally friendly products that reduce the risk of chemical exposure to cleaners and facility users alike.

Ingredients in green cleaning products often include natural components like baking soda, vinegar, and plant-based detergents, known for their minimal environmental impact and non-toxic nature.

These green products avoid harsh chemicals such as chlorine, ammonia, and phthalates, common in conventional cleaners and can cause respiratory issues, skin irritation, and other health problems. By eliminating these hazardous substances, green cleaning protects the health of the cleaners and occupants and significantly reduces the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the environment.

In terms of regulatory compliance and safety standards, many green cleaning products meet or exceed the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) guidelines for commercial use.

This compliance is crucial for large-scale operations, especially in transportation hubs, hospitals, and schools, where safety and efficacy are paramount. The EPA’s Safer Choice program, for example, labels products that are safer for human health and the environment, providing a straightforward way for facility managers to select products that meet rigorous federal standards.

Cost-wise, green cleaning products have become more competitive with conventional products. Advances in green chemistry and broader market adoption have led to lower prices and greater availability, making them a feasible option for budget-conscious operations without compromising on cleaning power.

Adopting green commercial cleaning services can also enhance a facility’s public image, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and care for the well-being of all users. This shift can increase customer satisfaction and loyalty, particularly among environmentally conscious consumers.  

Overall, green commercial cleaning services offer a comprehensive range of benefits that extend beyond cleanliness to encompass health, environmental, and economic advantages, making it an attractive alternative to traditional cleaning methods in today’s eco-aware world.

What do Different Logos on Green Cleaning Products Mean?

So, we’ve mentioned green cleaning products a lot, and if you have any experience with them, you’ve probably wondered what the logos on all these products mean. The way the green cleaning industry has grown, and the affordability and availability of green cleaning products have led to a growing and diverse market.

Choosing the right products for your transportation hub or other facility can be complex due to the wide variety of labels and certifications on packaging. Understanding what each label signifies is crucial for making informed decisions that align with health, ethical, and environmental values. Let’s look at the common labels found on green cleaning products:

• Green Labels: Indicate safety for human health and the environment, suggesting fewer harmful chemicals and reduced overall impact.
• Eco-Friendly: Implies a lower environmental impact, though it’s not a regulated term and should be backed by specific details or certifications.
• Non-Toxic: Suggests the product doesn’t contain harmful ingredients; important for sensitive environments but not strictly regulated.
• Cruelty-Free: Indicates no animal testing at any production stage, appealing to those concerned with animal welfare.
• Natural: This means the product contains natural ingredients, although the term is not strictly defined and varies by company.

To provide more reliable guidance for consumers, several third-party certifications have also been established:

• ‍USDA Certified Organic: The National Organic Program regulates this label and ensures that at least 95% of the product’s contents are organic. This means they are free from synthetic additives like pesticides, chemical fertilizers, and dyes and must not be processed using industrial solvents, irradiation, or genetic engineering. ‍
• ECOLOGO: Developed by Underwriters Laboratories, this certification indicates that the product has undergone rigorous scientific testing to demonstrate its environmental performance. ECOLOGO-certified products must meet strict criteria related to energy efficiency, reduced environmental impact, and conservation of resources. ‍
• Green Seal: A nonprofit organization that certifies products meeting high-performance, health, and environmental criteria. Green Seal standards cover everything from the product’s composition and manufacturing process to its efficacy and packaging.

By understanding these labels and certifications, facility managers and commercial cleaners can make more informed choices about their green cleaning products, ensuring they align with their personal and environmental values.

Choose OpenWorks for Sustainable Train Station & Transportation Hub Cleaning

For transportation hubs looking to enhance their sustainability efforts, partnering with a cleaning service that prioritizes green practices is crucial. OpenWorks offers comprehensive green cleaning solutions tailored to the unique needs of transportation hubs, ensuring they remain clean, sustainable, and inviting for all travelers. Transportation hubs can significantly contribute to a healthier planet and a sustainable future by choosing a forward-thinking partner like OpenWorks.

Contact us today to learn how OpenWorks can help you keep your transportation hub safe and clean.