How Automated Solutions Are Supporting Sustainability Efforts Within Facilities Management

Sustainability, as a principle of facilities management, has rapidly shifted from that of a “nice to have” tangential goal to a core pillar of responsible practice. Key aspects of sustainable facilities management include reducing electricity and water usage, implementing waste management best practices, and opting for green cleaning/chemical reduction where possible. The goal is to reduce a facility’s environmental impact while maintaining, or even enhancing, operational efficiency.

 

As an automation revolution continues to shake up the traditionally analog world of facilities management, it’s worth taking a look at how new technologies such as autonomous floor cleaning robots and IoT sensors can enhance these sustainability efforts, helping facilities achieve their environmental goals while improving operations to boot.

 

Traditional floor cleaning methods are often guilty of using excessive water, especially in hygiene-conscious facilities that must change out mop water frequently. Even large commercial walk-behind scrubbers can vary in their water-saving efficiency depending on their age, and how well they've been maintained. Cutting-edge autonomous floor cleaning robots address this challenge with advanced water control technology, dispensing only the exact amount of water required for the task. Many models also recycle water through high-tech filtration systems, enabling multiple cleaning cycles with the same water supply. 

 

Harsh cleaning chemicals are a significant environmental concern, contributing to water pollution and hazardous waste, as well as impacting employee health. Exposure to various chemicals present in cleaning products is a daily reality for custodial and facility management workers. Numerous studies have found higher rates of asthma among cleaning and maintenance workers compared to other occupational groups. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in cleaning products, such as formaldehyde, benzene, toluene, ammonia, sodium hypochlorite and chlorine, plus chemicals present in fragrances like phthalates, alcohols and synthetic musks can all irritate the respiratory tract and cause both acute and chronic health effects.

 

Autonomous floor cleaning robots can help reduce these exposures in a couple of ways. Their design limits a custodian’s contact with cleaning solution concentrates thanks to self-maintenance technology that allows them to replenish themselves with fresh water and cleaning solution using a specialized docking station. These high-tech machines are also incredibly efficient, reducing the need for chemical cleaning agents in general. 

 

Autonomous floor cleaning robots are designed to operate efficiently, consuming minimal energy compared to manual cleaning processes. These devices can be programmed to work during off-peak hours when electricity demand is lower, reducing the strain on power grids. Data collected from cleaning robots can also provide useful insights into cleaning frequency and resource use, allowing managers to optimize schedules and reduce unnecessary operations.

Additionally, most modern floor cleaning robots use energy-efficient motors and lithium-ion batteries that have longer lifespans and shorter recharge cycles. Some larger autonomous floor cleaning robots use LiFePO4 batteries, which are even more efficient and environmentally-friendly than traditional lithium-ion batteries. 

 

Combining these robots with IoT sensors boosts efficiency in a holistic way. IoT sensors can monitor foot traffic in different areas of a facility and signal robots to clean only spaces that require attention, preventing unnecessary energy expenditure. And a new wave of AI-powered floor cleaning robots, such as the MT1, are able to directly detect the presence of trash or other debris on floors, thus directing their cleaning efforts in a precise, energy-saving manner.

 

IoT sensors, integrated into a robust facility management software system, can revolutionize how facilities manage resources like water, energy, and cleaning equipment. Traditional buildings often waste significant amounts of energy due to inefficiencies in building materials, insulation, heating, cooling, and lighting systems. IoT sensors enable precise monitoring of things like energy usage, indoor environment and heat loss, allowing facility managers to identify areas of waste and implement targeted solutions for optimization.

 

For instance, sensors can automatically adjust heating and cooling systems based on occupancy levels and external weather conditions, ensuring optimal comfort while minimizing energy consumption. Additionally, real-time monitoring of energy usage patterns can help identify opportunities for equipment upgrades or retrofits to improve efficiency further. They can also monitor concerns such as water usage, supply levels, and equipment utilization, ensuring optimal resource deployment.

 

Proper maintenance is key to reducing waste and promoting sustainability. Autonomous cleaning robots and IoT sensors support predictive maintenance, ensuring that equipment operates efficiently for longer periods. Floor cleaning robots come pre-equipped with usage sensors and data tracking, while IoT sensors can monitor building systems such as HVAC, and stationary equipment or machinery. 

 

Now, other facility assets and equipment can be tracked and monitored as well thanks to innovations in telematics–the same type of technology that enables the recording and transmission of vehicular data. Cleaning equipment running the gamut from commercial vacuum cleaners, to floor polishers, to large ride-on or walk-behind scrubbers can easily be fitted with these IoT-connected devices to track and measure metrics like run time, power usage, charge time, location and battery life. This ongoing, proactive tracking and monitoring can identify potential issues like motor wear or battery degradation before they escalate into failures. By addressing maintenance needs proactively, facilities can extend the lifespan of their equipment, reduce e-waste, and avoid the environmental impact of frequent replacements.

 

Sustainability extends beyond resource conservation to include the health and wellbeing of those who work, live, or spend time in the facility. Dust and biological contaminants are a key contributor to poor indoor air quality (IAQ) within buildings, and commercial carpet is a known reservoir for these sources when not cleaned properly and regularly. Carpet-free facilities such as warehouses tend to accumulate large amounts of dust and debris due to the type of products stored, the activities of on-site or adjacent manufacturing operations, open bay doors, or all of the above.

 

Consistently clean, allergen-free floors go a long way towards improving indoor air quality for all facilities, and autonomous floor cleaning robots are an ideal tool to make this a reality. Their outstanding cleaning ability, advanced filtration systems, and consistent operation mean that facility floors are cleaned to the highest standard. And when floor cleaning is automated, custodians can redirect their efforts towards deep cleaning, surface disinfection, and other tasks that have a big impact on the safety and hygiene of any building. By fostering better air quality, facilities not only support sustainability but also create spaces that enhance wellbeing and productivity for occupants.

 

 

Creating a “smart” facility through the incorporation of autonomous floor cleaning robots and IoT sensors doesn’t only improve operational efficiency—it’s also key to advancing sustainable facility management practices. By conserving water, reducing energy and chemical usage, optimizing resources, and improving IAQ, these technologies help facilities achieve their environmental goals while maintaining high standards of cleanliness and functionality. And, as sustainability becomes cemented as a defining pillar of good facility management, organizations that adopt these innovations will not only reduce their environmental impact but also enhance their reputations as responsible corporate citizens. 

 

Interested in learning more about how our automated facility management solutions can help your facility adopt sustainable practices? Get in touch with our experts today!