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Brad Reames, Owner and Managing Director of Peartree Cleaning Services on ways the cleaning sector can step up its commitment to sustainability
In an era defined by environmental challenges, businesses worldwide are increasingly integrating sustainability into their core operations. By adopting environmentally responsible practices, we can all contribute significantly to the global effort to combat climate change, helping to safeguard our environment for future generations, and aligning with consumer and regulatory expectations for sustainable operations.
In 2024 we embarked on a journey to minimise our environmental footprint, maximising community engagement and upholding the highest standards of governance to reduce our environmental impact and aligning with the United Nations Sustainability Development goals.
From embracing eco-friendly cleaning products to integrating energy efficient technologies, our operations strategy reflects a dedication to environmental conservation. This includes embracing green cleaning solutions, using biodegradable and non-toxic cleaning products that reduce chemical residues and harm to ecosystems, minimising waste across all of our sites, implementing energy-saving technologies throughout our operations, and working with our clients to implement sustainable practices at their sites.
DRIVING EMISSIONS REDUCTIONS
Our commitment to sustainability is underscored by tangible results. Last year we recorded a 21 per cent reduction in total carbon emissions year-on-year reflecting our comprehensive approach to emission reduction across Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 categories, and a 95 per cent electric fleet transition (with plans to transition fully as infrastructure improves in Scotland and Wales). Our commitment to reducing waste led to an 88 per cent reduction in single-use plastics, and efforts are underway to enhance our recycling programs and explore circular waste solutions.
We achieved minimal water-related carbon emissions, with zero pollutants emitted to water, reflecting our responsible water use and efficiency in operations. Energy-efficient upgrades to lighting and heating systems at Peartree House, combined with solar panel installations, reduced reliance on grid power. Our electricity emissions stood at 5.65 tCO2e (location-based) and 10.6 tCO2e (market-based), with renewable energy procurement mitigating the overall impact.
LEADERSHIP IN SUSTAINABILITY
Another milestone is the appointment of Georgie Hull as our Sustainability Manager. This dedicated role marks a significant step forward in embedding ESG into the core of our business operations. Hull is responsible for managing all of our sustainability initiatives, from gathering data for our carbon reduction plans to working with suppliers and teams to hit our ambitious targets. She’s also been integral in leading our Ecovadis submission, a third-party platform that assesses and rates the sustainability performance of companies, particularly within their supply chains.
SCIENCE-BASED TARGETS INITIATIVE
One of our proudest achievements has been joining the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) alongside our valued client, a leading global asset and wealth management firm operating from a state-of-the-art headquarters in London.
This partnership has allowed us to take tangible steps to align our operations with global climate goals and achieve near-term and net zero targets aligned with the global aim of limiting global warming to 1.5°C. We have now formalised both our near-term and net zero targets, and Peartree is officially listed on the SBTi website under ‘Companies Taking Part’. This reflects our dedication to ensuring that our actions align with science-backed standards to limit global warming to 1.5°C.
By engaging our supply chain and leveraging robust data tools, we’ve developed precise strategies to comprehensively address emissions across our operations. This collaborative approach ensures that both Peartree and our partners are advancing together toward a sustainable future.
COLLABORATIVE SUSTAINABILITY
Integral to any sustainability journey is the engagement of the supply chain. Through partnerships like the Neutral Carbon Zone (NCZ), suppliers are empowered to measure and report their emissions. This collaborative approach ensures a holistic reduction in the collective carbon footprint.
A COMMITMENT TO THE FUTURE
True sustainability isn’t just about the environment, it’s about creating opportunities, supporting our communities, and fostering a workplace where everyone can thrive.
Our journey toward sustainability is driven by collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to leading by example. As a responsible organisation we understand that our products, services, and operations have a direct impact on environmental sustainability and that working collaboratively with our clients and suppliers is integral to achieving our climate goals.
As we look to the future, we are inspired by the progress we’ve made and are committed to set new benchmarks for environmental performance within the cleaning and facilities management sector. By embracing green initiatives, exploring innovative technologies, promoting eco-friendly practices and products, reducing waste, and enhancing recycling efforts, the cleaning sector can significantly lower our carbon footprint and align with global environmental objectives.
Our vision for 2025 is to make sustainability part of everyday life, delivering real value for our people, clients, and the planet. It’s not just a goal for us, it’s a responsibility that we embrace every day.
