George Manoussakis, Group Executive Chairman and Managing Director at SKG Services

By George Manoussakis, Group Executive Chairman and Managing Director at SKG Services, a family-owned Australian company with a 50-year history delivering cleaning, maintenance and security services across the country

Sustainability is being pushed to the forefront of discussion across industries and the cleaning and facilities services sectors are no exception. From harmful chemicals and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to the significant waste generated by paper products, plastics and packaging, commercial cleaning has traditionally carried a heavy environmental footprint. Today, growing awareness and stronger ESG expectations are accelerating the shift toward greener solutions.

At SKG Services, a 100% Australian-owned family business delivering commercial cleaning, maintenance and security services to more than 2,000 clients across Australia and New Zealand, we recognised early that environmental responsibility would become central to the future of facilities and cleaning services.

In an industry where sustainable practices are not always the cheapest or easiest option, we believe it is important to prioritise doing what is right – while maintaining performance, accountability and commercial discipline.

Embedding sustainability into everyday operations

Sustainability cannot sit on the sidelines as a marketing initiative. It must be embedded into daily operations and decision-making.

Our ESG Committee – comprising a representative from each division – meets regularly to drive initiatives and set measurable goals. Progress and innovation are reported monthly to the executive team and board, ensuring environmental performance remains a strategic priority rather than an operational afterthought.

Key initiatives include:

• Deploying energy- and water-efficient equipment
• Prioritising recycling and waste diversion programs
• Using chemical-free cleaning technologies
• Researching innovations that reduce environmental impact

What began as a learning curve has evolved into a proactive strategy. Early investment in greener systems positioned us ahead of the curve and reinforced our responsibility to contribute positively to the built environment we help maintain every day. 

Rethinking cleaning: reducing chemicals and improving air quality

Traditional cleaning chemicals can contribute to indoor air pollution and affect occupant wellbeing. A game changer for our company has been our adoption of a process that converts ordinary water into an activated cleaning solution. This process removes soils and bacteria without harsh chemicals and safely reverts to water after use to avoid waste.

The benefits are significant:        

• Reduced chemical exposure for staff and building occupants
• Improved indoor air quality and lower VOC levels
• Safer environments for high-traffic workplaces
• Decreased environmental contamination

While greener alternatives can require upfront investment, they enhance workplace health and build credibility with both staff and clients.

 Circular solutions and tackling organic waste

Waste remains one of the most pressing sustainability challenges in commercial buildings. Organic waste sent to landfill produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas, making diversion strategies critical.

We have explored circular waste solutions that move beyond traditional recycling, including initiatives that divert organic waste to be processed and reused rather than buried. One innovative approach involves organic waste being consumed by larvae, rapidly breaking it down and converting it into protein used in animal feed. The by-product becomes a nutrient-rich fertiliser, creating a closed-loop system that diverts waste from landfill and returns value to the agricultural sector.

Waste transformation at scale: a case study

At a 52-level premium commercial tower, we implemented a comprehensive waste management overhaul that demonstrated what is possible with a complete overhaul approach.

The program included:

• Redesigning waste systems to improve sorting and efficiency
• Tenant education and consistent signage across common areas
• Measuring and reporting waste volumes and diversion rates
• Ongoing ESG reporting to identify improvement opportunities

The results were substantial. The building achieved up to 87% landfill diversion and significantly improved the building’s environmental rating. Within two years, the building moved from a 1.5-star rating to a 6-star performance benchmark. This outcome demonstrates that sustainability initiatives, when properly structured and measured, can deliver measurable environmental and operational improvements. 

Balancing sustainability with performance and cost

Sustainable cleaning is not always the lowest-cost option and price remains a key driver for many of our clients. However, greener practices can reduce waste disposal costs, improve building ratings and support tenant retention.

Importantly, sustainability initiatives resonate strongly with staff. Employees value working for an organisation committed to doing the right thing, and their engagement consequently helps reinforce client trust.

 Responsible sourcing and supply chain collaboration

Driving greener outcomes extends beyond operations. We work with responsible suppliers and invest in equipment and materials that support sustainability goals. Local sourcing and long-term supplier relationships help reduce environmental impact while maintaining service quality and reliability. All tenders are completed in-house to ensure compliance and adherence to the highest standards.

Nature in the city: supporting pollination and biodiversity

Sustainability in the built environment should also consider biodiversity and urban ecosystems. We are introducing rooftop beehives at selected sites to support pollination and urban biodiversity. Inspired by global initiatives, the hives help pollinate up to 70 square kilometres of surrounding vegetation – an important contribution as pollinator populations decline.

The initiative also engages building tenants and communities. Two hives can produce up to 200 kilograms of honey annually, which is shared with tenants or donated to charity, reinforcing social value alongside environmental impact. 

Leading the industry forward

In 2023, we received a national environmental innovation award from JLL, recognising our commitment to sustainable practices and industry leadership.

While the financial benefits of sustainability may continue to evolve, the long-term value is clear: healthier buildings, engaged occupants, reduced environmental impact and future-ready operations.

As ESG expectations strengthen and clients seek measurable outcomes, our approach demonstrates that greener cleaning is not simply an operational choice – it is a strategic investment in healthier workplaces, resilient assets and a more sustainable built environment.

About George Manoussakis 

George Manoussakis is the Group Executive Chairman and Managing Director of SKG Services, leading one of Australia’s most trusted family businesses and providers of commercial cleaning and maintenance services. With more than 40 years of experience in operations and service delivery, he oversees SKG’s national strategy, workforce and customer experience. George has been central to strengthening the Company’s reputation for quality, safety and reliability – modernising systems, expanding the company’s footprint and enhancing service capability across education, government, retail, transport and critical infrastructure. Visit www.skg.net.au

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