Innovation

Campus General Cleaning Service LLC has developed an innovative, targeted cleaning plan that emphasizes health, sustainability, and social inclusion. Since 2018, the company has partnered with the University of Illinois to provide move-out and maintenance cleaning for student housing, as well as janitorial services to offices and neighborhood businesses. What distinguishes the company is its dedication to using non-toxic, biodegradable, cleaning chemicals and implementing waste-reduction practices during peak turnover periods such as semester holidays.

This approach directly helps to achieve SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being by ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all. By eliminating exposure to dangerous chemicals and increasing indoor air quality, which is crucial for student well-being, CGC is protecting its employees and clients. It works toward SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation by reducing water waste and eliminating chemical runoff into local water systems. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production encourages sustainable resource management, which the company practices through procuring sustainable suppliers, decreasing single-use plastics, and teaching employees on waste reduction measures.

They recruit locally, pay fair wages, and train underserved individuals, including immigrants and first-generation professionals. This supports SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth through encouraging inclusive economic growth and dignified work. With a team of 20 workers and experiencing increased demand, Campus General Cleaning Service LLC demonstrates that small businesses can scale their effect by incorporating sustainability into their daily operations.

Inspiration

Claudia Bautista leads Campus General Cleaning Service LLC with a clear sense of purpose and a dedication to continuous growth. She views sustainability not as a trend, but as a responsibility that balances health, environmental care, and economic opportunity. While she has not yet implemented a formal education program for clients or the community, Claudia recognizes the potential and sees the significance of doing so and is open to taking further measures.

Her enthusiasm and interest for green certification reflects this forward-thinking mindset: "Yes, I would like to, and also to become more informed… to help the environment… to avoid using so many toxic products that in the long term affect the health of employees, clients, and animals". This ambition aligns with the UN SDGs 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) - which emphasizes preserving health, water systems, and promoting responsible consumption.

Claudia's choices demonstrate attention and precision. She avoids mixing dangerous chemicals such as limescale and bleach, and uses less toxic goods instead, opting for safer, non-toxic alternatives that reduce coughing irritation and illness among staff and clients. “They make people less sick… they cause less coughing… less irritation in the throat, nose, and eyes”.

She saves water and chemicals by using equipment efficiently. "We try to use as little water as possible". She lowers waste by reusing products and materials. "I try to use parts that still work from things that no longer do…if there's a piece that can be used for another". 

Claudia's leadership is based on fairness and caring. Transforming sustainability from a distant goal into a daily practice will help show that small practices can create long lasting benefits. 

Overall impact

Through sustainable practices and forward thinking leadership, innovation continues to grow within Campus General Cleaning Service LLC. Claudia’s commitment to avoiding dangerous chemicals, reducing water use, and minimizing waste has already made a meaningful impact on her company and community. Her approach aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). 

Claudia's team focuses on innovative cleaning methods that protect both people and the planet. By replacing harsh chemicals with eco-friendly, biodegradable cleaning products, the company reduces health risks. Employees wear protective gear not only to ensure safety but also to reinforce a culture of responsibility and care.  

Claudia emphasizes the fact of reusing cleaning materials. Materials like microfiber towels are washed and reused multiple times to decrease waste and any materials that cannot be reused are properly discarded or recylced. These small but intentional actions contribute to the overall sustainability 

Overall, innovation through Campus General Service LLC will continue to shine and benefit college students and themselves. Claudia, through the work of this interview, will continue to help create new ways to innovate this company and help their clients and ensure healthy and clean living spaces. 

Business benefit

Sustainability continuously helps Claudia's employees by creating a safer, more mindful workplace. By paying attention to what needs to change, sustainability efforts allow both employees and the company as a whole to thrive. At CGC, sustainability has become part of the company's everyday operations. Claudia and her team have made it a daily practice to ensure the proper use of cleaning chemicals, the consistent wearing of protective gear, and the responsible utilization of cleaning products. These practices not only protect employees but also improve the quality of work the company provides. 

This mindset has also encouraged innovation and growth within CGC. By focusing on sustainable cleaning methods, Claudia and her team have learned to stay open-minded about new ways to increase and generate revenue. They recognize that sustainability is not just an environmental goal, but also a business advantage. As more students, faculty, and community members learn that CGC is committed to using safe and sustainable products, the company's reputation strengthens. This awareness fosters trust and appreciation, leading to stronger client relationships and potential business opportunities. 

Ultimately, CGC's commitment to sustainability goes beyond cleaning-it demonstrates responsibility, care, and leadership. By prioritizing the well-being of people and the planet, Claudia and her employees set an example of how small, consistent changes create long-term benefits for both the organization and the community it serves. 

Social and environmental benefit

Being a part of such a large and diverse community, Claudia Bautista is driven to creating a clean, safe, and sustainable environment through her company. She wants to continue having a green mindset through her work which is what motivates her to keep going. Claudia promotes fair and safe employment practices through offering stable jobs and growth opportunities at CGC for latino workers. Her company also supports the Urbana School District by providing high-quality cleaning services at competitive prices - helping the district save over $1 million that can be reinvested into education and student programs. 

Beyond economic benefits, Campus General Cleaning Service LLC also improves community well-being by helping college students stay healthier. CGC helps reduce the exposure to harmful chemicals that can cause irritation, rashes, and sickness, by using non-toxic, biodegradable cleaning products has helped promote a safer environment. These practices will help not only keep present students and their environments safe, but also ensuring cleaner resources for the future. 

Through Claudia’s leadership, she has helped make Urbana more sustainable through her business showing how small businesses can make a big difference. Claudia is a testament of hard work and dedication can take you far and teach you so many things along the way. 

Interview

Claudia Bautista, CEO