In the past, restroom maintenance needs were easier to predict for office buildings. Attendance patterns were more consistent, and cleaning teams could build servicing routines around more stable occupancy. Although many restroom cleaning operations are still built around predictable routines, that approach no longer reflects how facilities are actually used. Hybrid work models, fluctuating attendance, and uneven occupancy across days and floors have created new operational pressures. Yet expectations for cleanliness, supply availability, and user experience remain the same. For many facility leaders, setting a standard of cleaning is no longer their main challenge. Instead, they are challenged with maintaining that standard under variable conditions. Success now depends on a different approach to planning, daily execution, and long-term management—supported by systems that can adapt as needs shift. Internet-connected technologies are helping facility teams respond more effectively to changing occupancy patterns and operational demands. Planning and setup: Build for range, not routine Today, office restroom operations need to perform across a wider range of occupancy conditions. The issue isn’t variability—it’s that many restroom cleaning systems were never designed to handle variability. Facility teams should start by evaluating whether current restroom setups match how buildings are used. Traffic patterns can vary by floor, day, and workspace type. Shared areas may create new peaks, while other spaces see lighter demand. Cleaning schedules and product placement should reflect actual usage. Start by asking: Which restrooms experience the most variable traffic? Are high-use areas equipped for heavier demand? Are low-use spaces being over-serviced? Can we standardize products or dispensers to simplify maintenance? Are supplies positioned where teams can respond quickly when needs change? The goal is not to prepare for one average day, but to be ready for a range of demand scenarios. When facility mangers design systems with flexibility in mind, teams are better positioned to adapt without the added burden of unnecessary complexity. Daily operations: Match effort to actual need When facility managers build routines around averages, they often miss what is realistic. New routines need customization for usage variability as demand can vary by day, floor, or occupancy level, requiring teams to adjust where and when they adjust their focus. Instead of relying on fixed rounds, teams can focus effort where it is needed most. This may include: Adjusting servicing frequency based on building activity Prioritizing high-traffic floors or zones Repositioning supplies for faster replenishment Identifying recurring shortage points Reducing unnecessary checks in low-use areas This approach can help facility managers deploy teams more effectively while freeing up time for other operational priorities across buildings. Occupants may not know why one restroom receives more attention than another, but they do notice when spaces are clean, stocked, and easy to use. Visible consistency remains one of the clearest signals of a well-run facility. Ongoing management: Make consistency easier to sustain The challenge for many office buildings is not responding to one busy day. It is maintaining standards over time as conditions continue to change. Long-term performance depends on systems that are simple to maintain, reflect real usage, and can adapt as needs shift. The most resilient restroom systems are built on a few repeatable fundamentals: Clear service standards across locations Easy-to-maintain systems and layouts Standardized products where appropriate Efficient inventory management Regular review of traffic patterns and service needs Willingness to adjust routines as building use evolves In today’s office environment, consistency is less about routine and more about readiness. A smarter standard for office buildings Today’s facility leaders must do more with less, respond faster to changing conditions, and maintain a positive occupant experience regardless of daily attendance. Those expectations present more than a staffing or scheduling challenge. They require an operational strategy challenge. Maintenance team responsiveness increasingly depends on smart restroom technology and internet-connected systems that provide visibility into real usage and enable teams to adapt service in real time. Consistency today isn’t achieved through routine—it’s built through systems that can adapt without breaking.
Restrooms are among the most heavily used spaces in commercial, institutional, and public facilities. From airports and schools to office buildings and healthcare environments, they operate continuously, supporting hygiene, comfort, and well-being for millions of people every day. Because of this high-level use, restrooms represent a powerful opportunity to reduce environmental impact while maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and performance. A truly sustainable public restroom strategy balances hygiene, resource efficiency, operational performance, and user expectations through a practical, system-based approach. By evaluating consumables, dispensing technology, cleaning practices, and maintenance routines, organizations can achieve measurable environmental benefits without compromising reliability or user experience. Reducing resource consumption Paper consumption, water usage. and waste generation are central to restroom sustainability. In high-traffic environments, even small improvements, when applied consistently, can deliver meaningful results at scale. Optimized dispenser systems, for example, help control paper usage by delivering the right amount of product at the right time. Touch-free dispensing technology not only supports hygiene expectations but can also reduce overuse. In fact, surveys show that 80% of Americans consider touchless fixtures important in public restrooms. Product performance also plays a critical role. Durable, highly absorbent paper products help reduce overall consumption per visit, supporting both environmental and operational efficiency. Responsible sourcing, smarter manufacturing Sustainable restroom strategies extend beyond what happens inside the facility. The methods by which raw materials are sourced and paper products are manufactured significantly influences their overall environmental footprint. Standard restroom tissue is often produced using virgin fibers—typically a mix of hardwood and softwood—which can contribute to deforestation, higher water consumption, and increased carbon emissions. More sustainable alternatives include 100% biodegradable, septic-safe options with adaptable sheet sizes that help minimize waste. Biodegradable products are often packaged with less plastic and manufactured using fewer harsh chemicals, such as bleaches, dyes, or fragrances. Many are also engineered to disperse quickly upon contact with water, reducing the risk of clogs and improving system performance. Some biodegradable toilet paper products can break down up to four times faster than standard options. Plastic reduction is another critical priority. Each year, an estimated 19 to 23 million tons of plastic waste enters aquatic ecosystems worldwide. One-way facilities can support circularity is by choosing dispensers made from recovered ocean plastic. When paired with smart dispensing technology that delivers measured quantities per use, these systems help reduce waste, lower water usage, and decrease restocking frequency, benefiting both the environment and day-to-day operations. Equally important are manufacturing processes that prioritize energy efficiency and emissions reduction. Many paper manufacturers now invest in cogeneration, biomass, and renewable energy sources such as solar power. Certifications from independent third parties, including the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®), Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC) and FSC® Controlled Wood, further support responsible forest management and transparent sourcing. Sustainable cleaning practices Cleaning chemicals play a significant role in restroom sustainability and environmental quality. Many conventional cleaners contain harsh ingredients that can negatively affect cleaning staff, building occupants and the environment. Studies have identified hundreds of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in common cleaning products, many of which are classified as hazardous and linked to respiratory issues and other health risks. Choosing less toxic, environmentally responsible cleaning solutions can improve indoor air quality while still meeting stringent hygiene standards. This approach supports healthier environments for both users and maintenance teams, without compromising cleanliness. Sustainability through professional services Professional cleaning and maintenance services can further enhance sustainable restroom operations. A top reason U.S. adults cited for skipping handwashing in a public restroom is a lack of soap and/or paper towels. Routine cleaning services not only ensure hygiene standards are met, but also manage the restocking of dispensers and supplies By managing inventory more effectively, professional services help reduce excess stock, minimize packaging waste, and optimize labor efficiency. The result is a restroom environment that is reliably clean, well-supplied, and aligned with sustainability goals. Hygiene and sustainability working together The COVID-19 pandemic reinforced the essential role of hygiene in public spaces. While some organizations initially viewed sustainability as a competing priority, innovation in product design, materials, and dispensing technology has demonstrated that hygiene and sustainability can, and should, work together. By taking a holistic view of restroom operations and treating hygiene, sustainability, and performance as interconnected priorities, organizations can reduce resource consumption, lower operational costs, and deliver clean, safe, and sustainable restroom experiences. This balanced approach reflects a broader commitment to responsible innovation, one that supports everyday hygiene while respecting the world we all share.
CMM spoke with Edward Smith III, an environmental services (EVS) professional for an Alabama school district, about his methods for tackling problem areas in the more than 20 schools he serves. How long have you worked in EVS? Edward Smith: I have worked in environmental services for 25 years and am currently the executive director of facilities at Tuscaloosa City Schools in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where I have worked for seven years. What are some of the biggest problem areas in the facility you clean? Smith: Restrooms are one of our biggest challenges. They set the tone for cleanliness and care of the building. To care for them properly, we maintain cleaning standards that extend during the school day and through any extended hours the building is occupied. How have you solved these problems? Smith: We have established a restroom-cleaning schedule for custodians to follow and provided metered chemicals for restroom use. To make the process easier and eliminate cross contamination, we have created separate custodian carts for restrooms and utilize color-coded microfiber cloths for specific areas and fixtures. We target specific “danger zone” locations, such as under urinals and toilets, for extra cleaning. Additionally, we emphasize that all dispensers must be operational. We also are introducing a new restroom inspection system that will be conducted internally by each district school. What types of cleaning products make the job easier? Smith: We do not use any chemicals or urinal screens with heavy perfumes. We find the more consistently we clean, the less we need to use harsh chemicals. Using equipment and supplies as intended also makes the job easier. Please give a step-by-step account of your problem-solving methods. Smith: When an issue or opportunity arises, we: Listen carefully to gain a complete understanding. Collaborate with all the teams involved and research a remedy. Perform the initial remedy. Assess the situation. Complete the process or repeat it if the remedy didn’t work. What advice would you give to other EVS workers who also struggle with maintaining restrooms? Smith: If I see it, you will see it. In other words, if you notice issues in the restroom, realize that customers and building visitors will see these issues too. Don’t clean in response to complaints. Clean before you get complaints.
In high-traffic environments, such as stadiums and airports, visitors often view a trip to the restroom as a necessary evil that disrupts their experience. But for the industrial designers who help create the facility experience, this friction point poses a challenge, not a failing. Their professional mandate of “iterate, test, learn, and refine” is a blueprint for pragmatic innovation, which focuses on practical solutions to real-world problems. Applying this mantra to smarter restroom management can yield benefits that translate into faster experiences for users, more efficient routines for custodians, and highly reliable, economical solutions for facility managers. Successful industrial design is not measured by the number of new bells and whistles, but rather by meeting stakeholder requirements with speed and agility. However, innovation never moves in a straight line, so designers must follow the process flow as it meanders in iterative loops to help shape and sharpen restroom management solutions. Pragmatic innovation Pragmatic innovation blends form and function to deliver the most utility with the fewest steps. This no-nonsense approach strips away complexity while alleviating pain points across the entire customer/user experience. For end-users, this means fewer steps when using restroom dispensers. For custodians, it means quicker and easier methods for refilling and servicing dispensers. And for facility managers, it means optimizing labor resources while maximizing dispenser uptime. With these goals in mind, industrial design teams should start with basic questions, such as: How can we reduce the time end-users spend in the restroom? What steps can be removed from the refill process to make the custodian’s job easier? How can we help facility managers reduce labor and inventory costs? Equally important is soliciting continual customer and market insights from ongoing research that illuminate user sentiments and perceptions. In November 2025, GP PRO conducted a Public Restroom Perceptions survey of more than 1,000 American adults based on their experiences during the preceding three months. More than three-quarters of those polled approach public restrooms as a “get in and get out” situation. To that end, most survey participants expressed a preference for seeing refill levels when using dispensers to facilitate a faster, frictionless experience. This feature gives custodians at-a-glance visibility into product levels, helping them avoid the labor of premature refilling and the last-minute scramble when soap or paper towels run out. Data-driven empathy In addition to broad market insights, industrial designers rely on customer feedback, especially during “test, learn, and refinement” phases. Direct customer conversations and timely market research not only inform product decisions but also empower designers to build empathy for target users and specific sectors. For instance, to address the “get in and get out” approach taken by most public restroom users, dispenser designers are adding sensing mechanisms that enable dispensers to perform smarter in response to activity levels. Adapting dispenser operation based on facility traffic patterns allows users to move through the restroom seamlessly. In addition, facility managers can extend battery life and reduce costs by using dispensers that go into “sleep mode” during periods of inactivity. The concept of adapting dispensers to their surroundings is a strong step toward smarter, proactive asset management for facility managers. It is also a major advantage for businesses striving to elevate customer experiences. As GP PRO’s survey revealed, clean and well-stocked restrooms make an excellent initial impression of the overall quality of service at high-traffic venues, high-end restaurants, and everything in between. Among those polled, 64% who had attended a stadium or arena event stated that having clean and well-stocked restrooms enhanced their overall experience, and 58% said this strongly contributed to overall event satisfaction—ahead of seating and food and beverage options. Data-driven designs also benefit the employee experience. Among employees polled in the GP survey, 60% expected their employer to provide a clean, well-stocked restroom. Over half said the restroom impacted their satisfaction with their work environment more than special amenities, such as daycare and gyms. Value-added facility management As restroom care solutions become increasingly intelligence, facility managers will expect much more from their dispensers. Beyond being a mechanism for dispensing products, next-generation dispensers will include new features and functions that boost custodian productivity, decrease dispenser downtime, and reduce unnecessary waste. Not only do facility managers need to ensure their custodial teams can get up-to-speed on new capabilities quickly and seamlessly, but they also want front-line support when troubleshooting issues. Virtual remote assistance is gaining traction by expediting resolutions to service requests. In particular, the use of QR codes is on the rise, offering mobile phone access to specific digital resources, how-to videos, interactive FAQs, order refills, and more. In addition to driving significant operational efficiencies, these digital tools help custodians feel more empowered, which increases their overall job satisfaction. According to a GP PRO Maintainer survey of 200 custodians at U.S. facilities, 42% were receptive to scanning a QR code for instructions on troubleshooting dispenser tasks and issues. Additionally, 61% believed their job satisfaction would increase if restocking restroom supplies could be simplified. Multiple voices and vocations are calling for smarter restroom improvements. The most impactful changes will come from innovative products that deliver better experiences for users, maintainers, and facility managers alike.
Tork PeakServe® Continuous™ Hand Towel System sets a new standard for high-traffic dispensing, delivering a better-quality experience for guests and for cleaning staff. Research shows that dirty, overcrowded restrooms are guests’ primary concern at high-traffic venues like arenas and transportation hubs—even more than long lines. Tork PeakServe is designed to better serve high-traffic venues and improve the guest experience. The system is fully compatible with Tork EasyCube® facility management software, the first to market smart facility management software using technology to drive operational efficiency, increase quality and customer satisfaction, and improve staff engagement. With continuous flow technology delivering a towel quickly and smoothly, the Tork PeakServe system serves guests in three seconds—quicker than jet air drying time—so guests spend less time in the restroom. And, with compressed towels, Tork PeakServe holds up to 2,100 towels per dispenser and serves up to 600 more guests between refills. This gives cleaners a peace of mind to focus on other important tasks, without fear of product runout. Get your restroom crowd-ready with Tork PeakServe! Visit torkusa.com today to learn more, stop by booth 6631 during ISSA, and vote for Tork PeakServe in the ISSA Innovation Awards!
Evolve with EcoShell™ The stylish & wholly unique EcoShell™ universal air freshener provides flexible fragrance options using revolutionary Clip and go, clip and throw™ technology. The stylish EcoShell™ universal air freshener is a non-aerosol, VOC exempt scent solution that brings a variety of locations ‘out of their shell’ – evolve your space with EcoShell™. Eddie World chooses Vectair for their visitor experience Eddie World, based in Yermo, CA, labeled as ‘California’s sweetest destination’ is the premier travel center in the United States. At Eddie World, they want to completely redefine how people perceive gas stations. Hence, the biggest passion for them is their extreme dedication to clean and comfortable bathrooms. Ed Ringle, Owner of Eddie World, says; “We want our customers to have a pristine and perfect restroom experience each and every time they visit.We chose Vectair as their products work, we have no bad odors in the restrooms and our bathrooms smell great.” Recyclable vs. Biodegradable – what’s the difference? Here at Vectair, we recognise that the environment is important, and dedicate our time ensuring our products and industrial processes are recyclable where possible, ethical, environmentally friendly and economically viable. With that in mind, what is the difference between recyclable materials and materials that are biodegradable? Both sound good and both usually come with green, eco-friendly looking labeling, so where do the differences lie? Presenting the Professional Passive Program™ Vectair Systems Inc., has launched the “Professional Passive Program™”. The program includes VOC exempt products that all provide fresh fragrance without the need for batteries, aerosols, harmful solvents or propellants. These are Airloop™, Vectair Wee-Screen™, the World’s first triple action & dual fragrance urinal screen - Vectair P-Screen™, VAZE™ and the multi-award winning Vectair V-Air® SOLID. Vectair ‘Nose’ how to attract visitors with scent Attract new customers. Reach new audiences. It’s all about creating memories & moments that stay in the mind for more than a few hours. Could it be, that scent is the most powerful sensory trigger? With scent marketing, we can create scents to connect with a brand, allowing brands to reach new audiences, in new ways. Scent Marketing is an ever increasing tool that’s used to engage and attract new audiences – but how does it work?
Tork PeakServe sets a new standard for high-traffic dispensing, delivering a better quality experience for guests. With continuous flow technology delivering a towel quickly and smoothly, dispensing serves guests in three seconds—quicker than jet air drying time—so guests spend less time in the restroom. And, with compressed towels, Tork PeakServe holds up to 2,100 towels per dispenser and serves up to 600 more guests between refills. Get your restroom crowd ready with Tork PeakServe! Visit torkusa.com today to learn more, stop by booth 6631 during ISSA Show 2018, and vote for Tork PeakServe Continuous Towels in the ISSA Innovation Awards!
The global HVAC market is witnessing steady growth as it becomes an essential component of modern building infrastructure, supported by stable new construction, replacement demand, and renovation activities across residential and nonresidential buildings, according to a recent Arizton report. The global HVAC market size was valued at US$215 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach $292.2 billion by 2031, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.25% during the forecast period. The commercial end-user segment shows the fastest-growing CAGR of 6.13% during the forecast period. The rapid expansion of real estate and infrastructure projects across major economies, including China, India, South Korea, Brazil, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and Spain, among others, continues to drive demand for HVAC systems. The HVAC market is also witnessing a strong shift as governments across the regions encourage building decarbonization and electrification initiatives through policies such as the European Union’s Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) and the U.S.'s ENERGY STAR. These policies are accelerating the replacement of fossil-fuel-based heating systems with energy-efficient heat pumps and low-emission HVAC technologies, thereby significantly supporting the demand for advanced residential and commercial climate-control systems. In 2025, the air conditioning segment accounted for the largest share of equipment at around 45%. The central air conditioning segment accounted for the largest global HVAC market share. In heating, the heat pumps segment accounted for the largest revenue share of around 40% in the global HVAC market. Regarding ventilation, the air-handling units segment accounted for a significant share of over 38% in 2025. In 2025, Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the global HVAC market, accounting for more than 44% of market share. The North America region was the second-largest market, and the U.S. dominated the region and accounted for a significant revenue share in 2025, characterized by a strong mix of replacement-driven residential demand and cyclical new construction activity. This is further supported by efficiency programs such as ENERGY STAR and incentive frameworks under the Inflation Reduction Act, which are accelerating the adoption of high-performance HVAC systems. Still, Europe remains one of the strongest regional markets for HVAC systems, supported by government-backed renovation programs, stricter energy-efficiency regulations, and growing investments in commercial and residential construction. The region's transition toward low-carbon buildings and renewable heating technologies continues to create significant opportunities for HVAC manufacturers and solution providers. Moreover, the European HVAC market is steadily rising due to stable public investment initiatives such as the Affordable Homes Plans and the Net Zero Strategy 2050, which are driving large-scale retrofit and refurbishment activities across the existing building stock. Germany is the largest contributor expected to grow at a significant rate during the forecast period, and Spain is the fastest-growing market owing to rising large-scale infrastructure investments such as Aena, which announced plans to invest approximately $15.2 billion in airport upgrades between 2027 and 2031.
U.S. employers spend roughly $1.7 billion a year on union avoidance consultants and law firms to keep their workers from organizing and bargaining for better pay and working conditions, according to a recent Economic Policy Institute and LaborLab report. Union avoidance consultants often work to prevent a union election from taking place—and if that fails, to ensure that workers vote against the union and then stall negotiations over a first collective bargaining agreement. During the past several decades, large law firms—such as Littler Mendelson, Morgan Lewis, and Jackson Lewis—have developed substantial business specializing in union avoidance services. Through analyzing Law.com and National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) case data, the report calculates the revenue law firms generate from employers who try to avoid unions and collective bargaining with their workers. The report also updates previous EPI research on spending on union avoidance consultants. After accounting for overlap between these two totals, the report estimates that spending on attorneys (whether for representation, consultation, or both) and non-attorney consultants is roughly $1.7 billion a year.
Visitors to Mission Bay in San Diego will now have to walk farther to find a public restroom, after the city began closing nearly half of the facilities around the bay on July 6, a local news station reported. By the end of this week, 13 of the 28 public restrooms will be shut down due to budget restrictions, a move that many local visitors and business owners are criticizing. In addition, seven of the 14 portable restrooms on Fiesta Island will be temporarily removed. Click here to see a map of the beach and bay park restroom availability. The closures aim to save the city approximately US$546,000, primarily from cleaning and maintenance costs. The Mission Bay Park Conservancy said it is ready to collaborate with the city to find alternative solutions to keep the restrooms open, noting that community members have already offered to donate funds to help. The timeline for reopening the restrooms remains uncertain, with no date specified for when they might resume operations. The city also reduced funding by $750,000 for its strategies to help the homeless, leading to the elimination of portable restrooms and security at four downtown locations.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is seeing the earliest start to the West Nile virus season in the U.S., with the highest number of human disease cases reported by this time of year since 2004. At least 48 cases have been reported as of June 30, and 38 have been cases of severe neuroinvasive disease. The hardest-hit area in the U.S. this year seems to be Maricopa County in Arizona, with 29 confirmed cases reported, including four deaths. At the same point in 2025, the county had seen just 13 cases and one death, according to the county Department of Public Health. Since 2004, an average of 10 human disease cases has been reported to the CDC by the end of June. This year’s surge is driven by early circulation of the virus, with 23 states reporting West Nile virus activity this year already—also the highest number recorded over the last 10 years. (The “activity” metric includes positive tests in mosquitoes and other animals.) CDC recommends taking the following precautions to reduce the risk of mosquito bites: Use an insect repellent registered with the Environmental Protection Agency. Wear long, loose-fitting shirts and pants, so mosquitoes have a harder time biting your skin. Avoid being outside between dusk and dawn when the mosquitoes that spread West Nile virus are most active. Use screens on windows and doors, or use air conditioning, if available, to keep mosquitoes outside. State and local health departments continue to monitor mosquito populations and implement mosquito control measures where appropriate. CDC is working closely with public health partners nationwide to monitor disease activity and provide guidance to help communities reduce the risk of infection. West Nile virus is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the contiguous U.S., with several thousand cases and about 100 deaths on average reported each year, according to the CDC. Most people infected with West Nile virus do not develop symptoms. However, approximately one in five infected individuals develop a fever and other symptoms, such as headache, body aches, joint pain, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Less than 1% of infected people develop severe neurologic disease, including meningitis or encephalitis, which can result in long-term disability or death. Adults aged 60 years and older and people with certain underlying medical conditions are at increased risk for severe illness.