Mexico’s New Sustainability Rules Are an Opportunity for the Cleaning Industry

La Mexicana, Mexico City

Corporate accountability is changing, and the cleaning industry is right in the middle of it. Mexico has introduced two new mandatory sustainability reporting requirements that will create a ripple effect across all sectors, including professional cleaning.

This isn't just a story about Mexico; it's a look into the future of sustainability reporting, which will be spreading throughout North America and beyond. That’s because these new rules are significant and align with a global trend toward greater transparency.

1.    One set of regulations requires certain companies, including those on Mexico's main stock index, to use the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) for sustainability reporting starting with 2025 data. This makes Mexico the first country in North America to mandate these global standards.

2.    The second rule applies to other companies that use Mexico's financial standards. They must now use the country's new standalone sustainability standards, known as NIS. These include 30 indicators covering environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors.

Why This Matters for the Cleaning Industry

The key takeaway for cleaning companies is Scope 3 emissions. While a cleaning company may not be directly subject to these new rules, they are a vital part of their clients' supply chains. The companies required to report will need to account for their entire value chain, including the services they hire, like cleaning.

For example, a large corporation in Mexico will have to report on its energy use, water consumption, and waste.4 To do this accurately, they will need data from their suppliers. This means a cleaning company will be asked to provide metrics on:

• The products they use

• The energy efficiency of their equipment

• Their water usage and waste management

Because of these changes, a cleaning company's sustainability efforts will no longer be an optional "nice-to-have" service. They will be a necessary component of their client's ability to comply with these new rules.

This trend is also happening elsewhere. From Europe's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) to new regulations proposed in the United States, the demand for verifiable sustainability data is growing. Mexico's mandates are a clear signal of what's to come and offer cleaning companies a valuable opportunity to get ahead of the competition.

Cleaning businesses should view these changes as opportunities, not roadblocks, to gain a competitive advantage.

By establishing strong data collection and reporting systems now, they can become essential partners to their clients. This involves:

·        Tracking Key Metrics: Systematically monitor and quantify your business's environmental impact. This includes everything from using concentrated cleaning products to optimizing your vehicle routes to reduce fuel consumption.

·        Investing in Sustainable Practices: Adopt green cleaning certifications, use energy- and water-efficient equipment, and implement effective waste reduction strategies.

·        Engaging with Industry Leaders: Join the ISSA's Sustainability Committee to help shape the future of sustainability in the cleaning sector.

·        Leveraging New Tools: Use ISSA’s new Sustainability Benchmarking and Reporting Platform to measure your company's performance against industry standards and create reports that demonstrate your commitment to sustainability.

·        Preparing for Assurance: The Mexican regulations will require external verification of sustainability disclosures by 2027. Cleaning companies should start preparing to have their records audited to verify their claims.

The days of making generic "green cleaning" claims are over. We are now in an era of data, transparency, and accountability.

Cleaning companies that embrace this shift will not only meet their clients' future demands but will also build a more resilient, efficient, and reputable business. By proactively integrating sustainability reporting into their business model, cleaning companies can ensure they are not just cleaning for today, but for a more sustainable tomorrow.

Steve Ashkin is CEO and founder of The Ashkin Group; an internationally recognized consulting firm working to green the professional cleaning industry and help organizations implement effective and cost-effective sustainability programs.

To contact The Ashkin Group, click here.