High Green Development Trust manages The Campus which is an inclusive community centre and business hub for people to go and meet others, do business, learn and participate in sports and other leisure activities.
Recently the Trust came to Killis for help about their need to improve their sustainability.
Both Lucy Whitehouse, Killis Janitorial Sales Manager, and Gail Sutton, HGDT Campus Manager, worked alongside each other to ensure that needs were met, and that High Green were able to incorporate the sustainable products without any difficulties.
Lucy caught up with Gail about the new products installed, how they were getting on with them and how it’s helped contribute to their sustainability and environmental policy to reach their goals.
Did the focus on sustainability following the government sustainability targets speed up the deployment of such solutions?
No, it didn't. I already had a plan that when I took over here and saw some of the products we were utilising. It didn't fit in with my sustainability plan or the environmental policy we developed as a leadership team. As such, I wanted to progress as quickly as I could so the government sanctions didn't come into it.
Can you tell us why you chose these products over other less sustainable alternatives?
I have chosen the products two-fold. One, the relationship that predecessors had with Killis wasn't what I'd call working in a business partnership, which I want to develop. Two, I wanted to utilise Killis products in their portfolio that fit in with our environmental policy and what we want to achieve as a charity campus for the community.
Why are these sustainable products important to High Green Development Trust?
We are a charity working in the community; on-site, we have respite centres, sense schools and nurseries. We must lead by example to develop the environmental plan, sustain our planet, and do our part to play and support our local environment.
What benefits have you had switching to these sustainable products? How has High Green benefitted from switching?
By moving over, we have the confidence that the items we've had are either from recyclable sources or recyclable, or they don't damage the local environment. We’re based at Thorncliffe and Westward Count Country Park, and any potential chemical runoff could harm our environment.
Did you have any reservations about switching to all sustainable products?
Absolutely not. Firstly, it's about the environment, and also, it's about the space-saving of products, particularly of the soaps.
How did these new sustainable products integrate with your cleaning team?
They've really taken to them. They were a little apprehensive at first, thinking particularly of the soap. How can a small item deliver the cleanliness of what we need and the hygiene in our toilet environments; they were amazed.
What's your favourite sustainable product that you buy from us?
ÂI think my favourite has to be the soap. It saves space, cuts costs, the packaging it comes in, and that's from a recyclable source, and it's recyclable. So, it's a one-stop-shop. It completes the circle.
In addition to the soap being a favourite product, I also have to add Zoono. In a community campus environment, it's essential to have confidence in the products. Zoono sanitises touchpoints and is available at hand sanitising stations. It is user friendly and kind to hands while providing long-lasting protection against germs.
What would you say to other organisations considering using more sustainable alternatives?
Personally, I think it's a no brainer. It supports the environment and if, as a business, you have sustainability and environmental policies, then decreasing the amount of chemicals that you use throughout the business is a win-win.
Are you working towards any environmental accreditations, and how have our products helped contribute to this?
Yes, I am working towards several accreditations. I am moving over to FSC paper in the washrooms. That dots the I's and cross the T's for all our papers because our stationery is from FSC products.
I am also looking into ISO and the Green Apples Accreditations.
If you would like any further information, a little guidance or advice on the best products to help reach your goals and how your organisation can benefit from more sustainably conscious cleaning products and alternatives, please reach out to Lucy Whitehouse at lucy@killis.co.uk.
Lastly, we would like to thank Gail at High Green Development Trust for taking the time to take part in our interview.