Green Commercial Cleaning in Ireland
Sustainability is no longer a nice-to-have for Irish businesses. Under the Climate Action Plan 2024, the European Green Deal, and growing stakeholder pressure, companies across Ireland are scrutinising every aspect of their operations for environmental impact. Your cleaning contract is one of the easiest areas to make a measurable difference — and with Optus Glean, it comes at no extra cost.
Our eco-friendly cleaning programme uses EU Ecolabel certified products, advanced microfibre cleaning systems, concentrated chemical dispensers, and waste reduction practices to deliver the same standard of cleanliness as conventional methods while dramatically reducing your environmental footprint. We cut water consumption by up to 90%, eliminate single-use plastic packaging, use only biodegradable and plant-based cleaning agents, and provide metrics to support your ESG reporting.
Eco-friendly cleaning is available across all of our service lines including office cleaning, retail cleaning, hotel cleaning, and apartment block cleaning. It is not a separate service with a premium price tag — it is how we believe all commercial cleaning should be done.
Our Eco-Friendly Cleaning System
Optus Glean's green cleaning programme is built on four pillars: certified products, microfibre technology, water reduction, and waste elimination. Together, these deliver a cleaning service that is better for the environment, safer for your staff, and just as effective as conventional methods.
EU Ecolabel and Green Seal Certified Products
Every cleaning product in our eco-friendly programme carries independent environmental certification from one or more recognised schemes. The EU Ecolabel, established by the European Commission in 1992, is the most rigorous environmental certification for cleaning products available in the Irish market. Products carrying this label have been independently verified to meet strict criteria covering biodegradability, aquatic toxicity, reduced packaging, sustainable ingredient sourcing, and efficacy performance.
Our product range includes multi-surface cleaners, glass cleaners, floor care products, washroom sanitisers, and kitchen degreasers — all EU Ecolabel or Green Seal certified. These products contain no phosphates, no chlorine bleach, no synthetic fragrances, and no volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that contribute to poor indoor air quality.
Microfibre Cleaning Technology
Microfibre is the single most impactful technology in green cleaning. A microfibre cloth contains millions of split fibres, each 100 times finer than a human hair, that physically trap and remove dirt, bacteria, and allergens from surfaces without the need for chemical cleaning agents. The benefits are substantial and measurable.
- 90% water reduction — Microfibre mops require only a fraction of the water used by traditional string mops. A microfibre flat mop uses approximately 0.5 litres of water per room, compared to 5+ litres for a traditional mop and bucket.
- Chemical-free cleaning — For many routine tasks including dusting, surface wiping, and glass cleaning, microfibre cloths achieve the same or better results using only water. This eliminates chemical usage entirely for these tasks.
- Better hygiene outcomes — Independent laboratory testing shows that microfibre removes 99% of bacteria from surfaces when used with water alone, compared to 30% removal rates for traditional cotton cloths used with chemical cleaners.
- Reduced waste — Each microfibre cloth can be washed and reused for up to 500 wash cycles, eliminating hundreds of disposable wipes or paper towels from landfill.
- Colour-coded system — Our four-colour microfibre system (blue for general, red for washrooms, green for kitchens, yellow for clinical) prevents cross-contamination between areas, a key infection control measure.
Concentrated Product Systems
Instead of buying cleaning chemicals in single-use plastic spray bottles, Optus Glean uses concentrated product dispensing systems. A single 1-litre concentrate sachet produces 100+ ready-to-use spray bottles of cleaning solution. The environmental savings are significant: 95% less plastic packaging, 90% less transport weight (no shipping water), 80% less storage space required, and precise dosing that prevents chemical waste from over-dilution.
Waste Reduction and Recycling
Our eco-friendly cleaning programme extends beyond products to encompass all operational waste generated by the cleaning process itself. We eliminate single-use plastic wherever possible using refillable spray bottles and bulk dispensers. All packaging materials from our cleaning supplies are recycled through our central depot. On client sites, we separate waste streams and support recycling infrastructure. We use reusable mop heads, cloths, and covers rather than disposable alternatives. Equipment is maintained and repaired rather than replaced, extending service life and reducing landfill contribution.
Eco-Friendly Cleaning Pricing in Ireland (2026)
One of the most common misconceptions about green cleaning is that it costs more. With Optus Glean, eco-friendly cleaning is available at the same rates as our standard cleaning service on most contracts. The efficiencies of microfibre systems and concentrated products offset any premium on certified eco products.
| Service | Standard Rate | Eco-Friendly Rate | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Office cleaning | €13 – €25/hr | €13 – €25/hr | No premium |
| Retail cleaning | €13 – €22/hr | €13 – €22/hr | No premium |
| Deep cleaning | €500 – €5,000 | €500 – €5,000 | No premium |
| Carpet cleaning | €3.00 – €5.00/m² | €3.00 – €5.50/m² | 0–10% premium |
| Monthly contract (small office) | €400 – €800 | €400 – €800 | No premium |
The only services where eco-friendly options may carry a small premium are specialist floor care treatments and some industrial cleaning applications where certified eco alternatives to heavy-duty chemicals are more expensive per litre. For standard office, retail, and commercial cleaning, there is no cost difference.
Environmental Certifications Explained
The cleaning products market is filled with greenwashing claims. Terms like "natural," "eco," and "green" have no legal definition and can be used by any manufacturer. The only reliable way to verify a product's environmental credentials is through independent third-party certification. Here are the certifications we use and what they mean.
EU Ecolabel
The EU Ecolabel is the official environmental certification of the European Union, established by Regulation (EC) No 66/2010. For cleaning products, EU Ecolabel certification requires compliance with strict criteria covering biodegradability of surfactants (complete biodegradability within 28 days), limited aquatic toxicity (critical dilution volume thresholds), restrictions on hazardous substances (no carcinogens, mutagens, or reproductive toxins), reduced packaging (weight-to-volume ratios), and proven cleaning efficacy (independently tested to EN standards). The EU Ecolabel is audited and renewed every four years, ensuring standards keep pace with scientific advances.
Nordic Swan Ecolabel
The Nordic Swan is the official ecolabel of the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden) and is widely recognised across Europe. Its criteria for cleaning products are comparable to the EU Ecolabel with additional focus on raw material sourcing and manufacturing energy consumption.
Green Seal
Green Seal is a US-based environmental certification that is internationally recognised. Its GS-37 standard for cleaning products sets criteria for environmental impact, human health protection, and product performance. Green Seal certification is particularly relevant for multinational clients operating across both European and North American markets.
Eco-Friendly Cleaning and Indoor Air Quality
One of the most significant but least discussed benefits of switching to eco-friendly cleaning is the improvement in indoor air quality (IAQ). Conventional cleaning products release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) including formaldehyde, benzene, and toluene that contribute to sick building syndrome, respiratory irritation, headaches, and fatigue.
The European Environment Agency identifies indoor air pollution as a significant health risk, with concentrations of some pollutants being 2 to 5 times higher indoors than outdoors. Cleaning chemicals are a major contributor to indoor VOC levels, particularly in buildings with limited ventilation.
Eco-certified cleaning products contain zero or near-zero VOCs. Combined with microfibre systems that physically remove particulates rather than spreading them with chemical sprays, our green cleaning programme measurably improves the air quality in your building. For businesses concerned about employee wellbeing, asthma, allergies, or general workplace health, eco-friendly cleaning delivers tangible health benefits alongside environmental ones.
Supporting Your ESG and Sustainability Goals
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting is now a requirement for large Irish companies under the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), and a growing expectation from clients, investors, and stakeholders for businesses of all sizes. Your cleaning contract contributes to several ESG reporting areas.
- Environmental metrics — Chemical usage volumes, water consumption, waste generation, plastic reduction, and carbon footprint of cleaning operations
- Social metrics — Fair wages for cleaning staff (above NMW), Garda vetting, training and development, health and safety compliance
- Governance metrics — Documented procurement standards, certified product specifications, quality audit programmes
Optus Glean provides quarterly sustainability reports for eco-friendly cleaning contracts, covering all key metrics that your ESG team needs for disclosure purposes. We track product volumes, water usage estimates, waste quantities, and recycling rates, and present them in a format ready for inclusion in your sustainability report.
Chemical Safety and COSHH Compliance
Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Chemical Agents) Regulations 2001, employers and cleaning contractors must assess and control the risks posed by chemical substances used in the workplace. This includes cleaning chemicals. Eco-friendly products simplify COSHH compliance because they contain fewer hazardous substances, carry lower toxicity ratings, produce fewer harmful fumes, and require less stringent PPE.
For businesses in sectors where chemical safety is a particular concern — healthcare, food processing, education, and childcare — eco-friendly cleaning reduces the regulatory burden and the risk of chemical-related incidents involving both cleaning staff and building occupants.
The Carbon Footprint of Cleaning
Commercial cleaning has a carbon footprint that encompasses product manufacture and transport, water consumption and heating, energy use by cleaning equipment, waste generation and disposal, and vehicle emissions from cleaning teams travelling to sites. Optus Glean's eco-friendly programme addresses each of these areas through concentrated products that reduce transport emissions, microfibre systems that reduce water and energy consumption, efficient equipment with low energy consumption, waste reduction and recycling, and route optimisation for our mobile cleaning teams. While we cannot claim to be carbon-neutral, our eco-friendly cleaning programme demonstrably reduces the carbon footprint of your cleaning operations compared to conventional methods.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eco-Friendly Cleaning
What is eco-friendly cleaning?
Eco-friendly cleaning uses products and methods that minimise environmental impact while maintaining high hygiene standards. This includes EU Ecolabel certified biodegradable products, microfibre systems that reduce water and chemical usage by up to 90%, concentrated dispensing systems that eliminate single-use plastic, and waste reduction practices including recycling.
Does eco-friendly cleaning cost more than standard cleaning?
No. Optus Glean offers eco-friendly cleaning at the same price as standard cleaning on most contracts. Hourly rates are €13 to €25 per hour, identical to our standard commercial cleaning rates. The efficiencies of microfibre and concentrated products offset any product cost premium.
Are eco-friendly cleaning products as effective as conventional chemicals?
Yes. EU Ecolabel certification requires products to pass rigorous efficacy testing. For standard office, washroom, and floor cleaning, eco products deliver identical results. The only exceptions are extreme situations such as heavy industrial degreasing or clinical-grade disinfection where specialist products may be required.
What certifications do your eco-friendly products carry?
Our products carry EU Ecolabel, Nordic Swan Ecolabel, Green Seal, and AISE Charter for Sustainable Cleaning certifications. These verify biodegradability, reduced aquatic toxicity, minimal packaging, sustainable ingredient sourcing, and cleaning efficacy.
How does microfibre cleaning reduce environmental impact?
Microfibre reduces water consumption by up to 90%, eliminates the need for chemicals on many surfaces, removes 99% of bacteria with water alone, and each cloth is reusable for up to 500 wash cycles. Our colour-coded system also prevents cross-contamination between different areas.
Can eco-friendly cleaning help my business meet ESG targets?
Yes. Eco-friendly cleaning directly supports ESG reporting with measurable reductions in chemical usage, water consumption, and waste generation. Optus Glean provides quarterly sustainability reports covering all key metrics for your ESG disclosures.
Is eco-friendly cleaning suitable for healthcare environments?
Eco-friendly products are suitable for general healthcare areas including offices, waiting rooms, and corridors. Clinical areas requiring HIQA-compliant disinfection may need specialist products. We use a hybrid approach: eco products for general areas and clinical-grade disinfectants only where IPC protocols specifically require them.
What is COSHH and how does it relate to eco cleaning?
COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) relates to Ireland's Chemical Agents Regulations 2001. Eco-friendly products have lower risk ratings, contain fewer hazardous substances, produce fewer fumes, and require less PPE. This simplifies COSHH assessments and creates a safer environment for everyone.
Do you offer chemical-free cleaning?
Yes, for many routine tasks. Microfibre systems clean surfaces effectively using only water for dusting, surface wiping, glass cleaning, and general floor maintenance. Washroom disinfection and kitchen sanitisation still require eco-certified cleaning products for proper antimicrobial action.
How do you reduce waste in your cleaning operations?
We use refillable spray bottles and bulk dispensers instead of single-use plastic, reusable microfibre cloths and mops, recycled packaging, proper waste segregation on client sites, and maintained equipment to extend service life. We can also help clients implement waste reduction strategies as part of a facilities management package.
