Contracting Profits, in conjunction with BSCAI, published a survey relative to how building service contractors are measuring up against set (environmental, social, and governance) ESG goals. In the last several years, business owners and facility executives are finding new ways to implement ESG practices on top of existing sustainability efforts.

The survey revealed that 31 percent of customers inquire into the use of green-certified cleaning products when in contract discussions. Due to the pandemic, past studies have reflected that customers had been looking for ways to keep overall costs low, which proved to be of greater importance than integrating more green solutions. However, according to this new survey data, 84 percent of respondents agreed that they would now request the use of these products, if offered the option.

Additionally, 63 percent of customers correlate sustainable business practices with using products and equipment that protect building occupants, regardless of certification. Furthermore, close to half of respondents indicated a need for more guidance regarding to improvement in sustainability before feeling comfortable leading a large-scale implementation.

Since the start of the pandemic, it has become a higher priority for BSC business owners to demand fair compensation for frontline cleaning workers. According to the report, 24 percent of respondents agree with this sentiment. Even with this new prioritization, 68 percent of respondents did not agree that they would pay more for cleaning programs regardless of how these workers receive compensation.

The composite of information presented in the report demonstrates that there still exists a hesitancy among executives to dive headfirst into initiatives that would help them realize broader ESG goals. While opinions are skewed on the subject, ESG is becoming a mainstay in the industry.