Calabash is not just another cleaning company - we are trailblazers, champions of change, and pioneers of sustainability. Our mission goes beyond profit; it's about creating a harmonious balance between the environment and society and the communities that we all live in, especially in urban environments. We wholeheartedly believe that the entire industry needs to transition towards more sustainable practices, and we're leading the charge.
From fair pay and empowering conditions for our valued team members to responsible resource management, we are driven by a passionate commitment to inclusivity and growth for all stakeholders. As an ethical and responsible business, sustainability isn't just a buzzword for us; it's a way of life and a collective responsibility we take to heart.
From reducing emissions to protecting our precious ecosystems and driving towards Net Zero, we're determined to be pioneers within the facilities management industry. That's why we have an active partnership with a specialist sustainability consultancy, which is helping us to continually derive, implement and measure the impact of a comprehensive sustainability strategy which will not only fuel our future development but also empower our valued customers to make a real difference.
We are determined to be a pioneer within facilities management by starting a debate, sharing best practice and demonstrating what can be achieved when you commit to the triple bottom line.
We deeply value and respect the incredible people who work with us, and in April 2023, made a public pledge to encourage all our clients to embrace The London Living Wage, as part of our ambitious sustainability strategy.
We passionately believe that paying a living wage that meets people's everyday needs is not just a step in the right direction; it's a bold move to future-proof our entire operation. The London Living Wage is the UK's only wage rate rooted in real living costs. It's applicable to all workers over 18 and has been independently calculated by the esteemed Resolution Foundation, reflecting exactly what people need to thrive in the bustling city of London.
We are members of The Living Wage Foundation demonstrating our commitment to doing right by workers and their families and paying the real living wage, enabling them to met their everyday needs; the weekly shop, household bills and new school uniform.
We can only meet the high standards expected by our clients by attracting and retaining the best talent. We are very proud of our rich and diverse workforce which comprises more than 30 different nationalities. They are highly trained and are the reason why the name Calabash is synonymous with quality.
We do not use zero hours contracts and believe staff deserve permanent contracts and to be paid enough to afford a decent standard of living. We encourage continuous development through NVQ, Health & Safety and a variety of other training courses. Workers who excel are offered additional responsibilities and we support promotion from within the company.
We believe that through the way we treat our people, we can help change mindsets and be a force for good within the facilities management sector.
All life on Earth depends on water, yet supplies are under increasing pressure in the face of threats including population growth and a heating planet. If water efficiency action is not prioritised, the UK could be hit by water shortages by 2050. As a major consumer, the facilities management sector can play a key role in minimising water wastage and helping protect our most precious resource.
As part of our sustainability strategy, Calabash is offering customers a range of water-saving services that help them drive efficiencies. We want to demonstrate how things can be done differently so that we can influence the debate and offer clients more sustainable choices.
Our flat mopping system provides a far more efficient alternative to traditional methods. It has an internal water reservoir and spray trigger to dispense water directly in front of the mop and if used daily is estimated to save 7,000 litres of water a year. Our hygiene department also uses a movement detector system to keep urinals clean whilst minimising water usage.
We are conscious of how our practices influence the world around us and believe we all share a responsibility to minimise negative environmental impacts wherever we can. As part of our unwavering commitment to sustainability, we are dedicated to offering our valued customers more sustainable alternatives. We are on a passionate drive to minimise the use of toxins and implement waste management services that leave nothing behind in landfills, to help create a greener, cleaner, and more sustainable future for us all.
Every time we use a cloth it goes straight into the laundry basket to be washed and reused. This is significantly more environmentally friendly than continuously replacing cloths. And we wash our equipment in bulk, utilising as little water, heat and resources as possible, while still ensuring a thorough and hygienic clean.
We use First Mile for our waste management solutions and use bicycles for the collection of smaller waste items. They are B-Corp certificated and carbon neutral.
We use GreenTick products from supplier Evans Vanodine. The GreenTick system scores products on a range of criteria encompassing the raw materials used, through making, filling, transportation and impacts of use. It is aligned with some of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and those products with the lowest impact are identified with a logo.
We encourage customers to opt for cleaning products and systems that have minimal environmental impact. For instance, our jet washing specialists use hot water high-pressure machines which are often able to remove dirt from surfaces without the use of toxic chemicals.
Businesses large and small have a responsibility to manage and dispose of waste responsibly. Pressure is on from regulators and stakeholders to invest in effective waste management to both reduce costs and environmental impact.
Calabash operate a zero waste to landfill policy. We work closely with our waste management partners to enhance our recycling rates and those of our clients.
To achieve this, our partners carry out comprehensive waste audits and make recommendations on enhancing recycling rates for our clients. This might involve training the cleaning team to correctly segregate and dispose of waste and raising awareness amongst stakeholders through signage, awareness campaigns and educational sessions.
In addition, we can provide detailed reporting on the carbon produced from our clients’ waste and advise on introducing additional waste streams.
Calabash is passionate about supporting charities that are aligned with our values. For the past 16 years we have sponsored four young people in Africa as part of our support of Polio & Children in Need Charity. The charity provides nutritional, educational, healthcare, and vocational training support to children with polio or other neuromuscular disorders and for those children who come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
We support a range of other good causes, from tree planting projects to nature conservation. Our latest commitment is to becoming a business member of the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, a charity committed to protecting our precious pollinators.
Our team of experts is here to collaborate with your organisation, providing tailored solutions that align with your environmental goals. Whether it's reducing toxins, implementing waste management strategies, or adopting eco-friendly practices, we've got you covered.
Talk to our team of experts about how we can support your organisation.
Company No: 02764589 | Registered address: The Coach House, Powell Rd, Buckhurst Hill, Essex, United Kingdom, IG9 5RD | VAT No. GB609134553