Innovation

They’ve introduced plant-derived cleaning solutions, such as Benefect Botanical Disinfectant, which uses essential oils and other natural ingredients to disinfect their job sites. These green products are powerful but not harsh. This breakthrough was important for both the environment and the people who were exposed to the chemicals. They aren’t a threat to dispose of as they are less toxic than vinegar and they are packed in recyclable containers. Service Master’s green products are certified through two environmental specialists: Green Seal and LEED.

As a restoration company, Service Master deals with a lot of old, damaged furniture and other items that clients wish to get rid of. Service Master Saint John takes everything they believe can be salvaged and donates them to Habitat for Humanity. This limits landfill and contributes to the idea of reduce, reuse, recycle. Service Master is pleased to be an intermediary in donating doors, chairs, and other household items that are perfectly useful for another owner.

Inspiration

As a clean-up and restoration company, sanitization is of utmost importance, meaning that Service Master wants the most powerful products to kill bacteria, eliminate pathogens in water, reverse smoke damage, and so on. When asked about Service Master’s innovation, Christopher Long said “One of my largest missions when I purchased the company was to find a less harsh chemical, for our everyday disinfecting.” Prior to Long’s ownership, Service Master was using SaniMaster 6, an extremely harsh biocide. The area that had been sanitized required a 6-hour blockade, given that the disinfectant was too hazardous to be inhaled. Due to the frequent use of this product, Long knew that shifting towards a green-based disinfectant would have a profound impact not only on the environment, but the technicians and customers surrounded by it. Christopher Long is a member of Service Master’s National Health and Safety Board that discusses the ways in which businesses can be more impactful yet less harmful to the environment. After an extensive amount of discussion and research, in efforts to find an environmentally-sound product, the company selected Benefect Botanical Disinfectant.

Overall impact

The actions that Service Master have incorporated into their business model align with the UN’s twelfth SDG goal. Responsible consumption and production involves the reduction of landfill as well as the elimination of harmful emissions and materials. “We hope that by taking these steps in the right direction, other companies will follow in our footsteps,” Long expresses. This innovation has benefited the environment, employees and customers in many ways. Service Master is proud to lead by example in contributing to UN’s sustainable development goals.

Business benefit

Customers appreciate businesses who are committed to protecting the environment. The use of certified green products along with the responsible disposal of materials demonstrates to Service Master's clients that they recognize the importance of sustainability. As a result, the business gains a strong reputation. “We know that customers feel even more inclined to hire us once they are made aware of our environmentally friendly products.” As Service Master takes on more jobs, they are increasingly leading customers in their direction and away from other companies who work with hazardous materials. In addition to enhancing Service Master's reputation, their transition toward eco-friendly materials has helped to preserve the wellbeing of their staff and their customers. Given that this company provides services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, their employees are constantly surrounded by these products. Benefect Botanical Disinfectant, for instance, is both safe and healthy for all employees. They take pride in informing customers about the safety of these products. People who have experienced damage to their property find comfort in the fact that all issues will be resolved on the basis of health and safety. Service Masters efforts are acting as a great inspiration to employees as well as other businesses. In order to successfully meet all SDG goals, businesses must work together and lead a positive example.The company is proud of their contribution towards society and the environment. Being that sustainability is one of Service Master’s core values, they are constantly working to maintain a healthy planet, contributing in any way they can. This keeps them aligned with their Sustainable Development Goal of responsible consumption and production. The environment is in dire condition and introducing non-toxic products, as well as recycling, are key factors in reversing climate damage. Utilizing their certified green products significantly helps emit fewer toxins into the atmosphere and reduces their carbon footprint. Implementing these sustainable choices have seriously changed the way Service Master views cleaning chemicals. Additionally, by donating customers unwanted materials, landfill is reduced. These left-over restoration parts can find new homes, rather than sit and contribute to hazardous landfill. Society benefits from this as an individual's discarded restoration items can be reused by another. The recycling process and the use of green products positively impact both the environment and society as a whole.

Social and environmental benefit

The company is proud of their contribution towards society and the environment. Being that sustainability is one of Service Master’s core values, they are constantly working to maintain a healthy planet, contributing in any way they can. This keeps them aligned with their Sustainable Development Goal of responsible consumption and production. The environment is in dire condition and introducing non-toxic products, as well as recycling, are key factors in reversing climate damage. Utilizing their certified green products significantly helps emit fewer toxins into the atmosphere and reduces their carbon footprint. Implementing these sustainable choices have seriously changed the way Service Master views cleaning chemicals. Additionally, by donating customers unwanted materials, landfill is reduced. These left-over restoration parts can find new homes, rather than sit and contribute to hazardous landfill. Society benefits from this as an individual's discarded restoration items can be reused by another. The recycling process and the use of green products positively impact both the environment and society as a whole.

Interview

Christopher Long, Owner/Manager