The future popularity of day cleaning depends on whom you ask, since cleaning experts differ.
Looking ahead, Elliott foresees some growth in the day-cleaning model for a variety of cost reasons, including energy costs.
One variation Elliott mentions is “day cleaning lite,” typically a mixed-shift strategy that uses a limited number of staff who focus on emergency situations and policing involving such issues as litter, touch-ups, spills, and restroom appearance.
For his part, Greig says he sees day cleaning becoming the majority approach worldwide, and the field moving further in this direction once contractors become more aggressive in their pricing methods.
Spencer says he believes day cleaning works for most facilities if it is done properly. The pre-requisites, he says, are: Know your operation, be organized, and implement well-planned scheduling.
Ashkin says day cleaning “is never going to work every place” and there are many issues to consider. But, he says, “especially for buildings that are occupied from just 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., we think it’s a real opportunity for many of them.”
The bottom line: “I look at it that it’s not black and white, that we just have to be thoughtful about it,” says Ashkin.
The BlueGreen Alliance, an organization that unites 15 of America’s largest unions and environmental organizations, published a study of day cleaning in 2010. The study by the Minneapolis-based non-profit organization argued for day shift cleaning on the grounds of less energy use and said it should be coupled with green cleaning.
“Keeping lights and heating or cooling systems turned on throughout the night while janitors clean adds to the environmental footprint of our buildings,” the study said.
The study’s authors attribute the range of these energy cost savings — 4 to 8 percent per year — to “industry estimates.”
The study notes that this is comparatively easy money: “Day Shift Cleaning requires no major installation or large capital investments,” it says. “ The only requirement is a stable and well-trained workforce.”
Among the study’s other conclusions:
The study, titled “Clean Sweep,” can be read in its entirety at: bit.ly/CleanSweepStudy
The Intersection of Day Cleaning and Green Cleaning
Benefits and Potential Problems with Day Cleaning
Should Day Cleaners Use Green Methods?
Experts Differ on Future of Day Cleaning; Study Touts Its Lower Energy Use
