Jointly developed operating modelfor residential cleaning
HM Aski is an operating model for maintenance cleaning of residential properties aimed at housing companies in Finland, with clarity and appropriate methods going hand in hand. The service concept arose from the need to harmonise the practices of PHM’s local units and create common operating methods for the cleaning service needs of housing company customers. Previously, PHM’s local units operated strongly based on their own different starting points.
“We compiled the best practices into a common, easy-todevelop operating model that takes into account people, the smoothness of work and the environment. We also built a common procurement model to support the big picture”, says Riikka Koukkumäki, Head of Cleaning Services at PHM Finland.
Employees involved in development work
Nearly one hundred cleaners and supervisors participated in the development work. The cleaners picked and tested the products and equipment, based on which the working methods were defined. In addition, the cleaners carried out the working time measurements according to the activities.
“Through testing, we ensured that cleaners have access to ergonomic and functional products and equipment, and that the working time at the sites is dimensioned correctly. This is how the concept supports the well-being of employees”, Riikka Koukkumäki says.
“We have invested in occupational safety by providing instructions on the correct use of substances and equipment and by carrying out risk assessments. In addition, the online course included in the operating model, provides guidance on the correct use of protective equipment, ergonomics and chemical safety, among other things”, Koukkumäki says.
Environmental responsibility is reflected in concrete matters, from procurement to logistics. Procurement is centralised, which facilitates the wide use of cleaning equipment and agents chosen together, as well as Nordic Swan Ecolabelled products. “More than 90 per cent of the substances and cleaning textiles we use are Nordic Swan Ecolabelled.”
The use of chemicals has been minimised and the life cycle of the customers’ surface materials is taken into account in activities. Preparatory cleaning methods reduce the physical load of the work and reduce the consumption of water and cleaning agents. Emissions are reduced when the cleaning sites are located close to each other and the personnel have the opportunity to use e-bikes, for example, to travel between the sites.
Aiming for the Nordic Swan Ecolabel
Sustainability has aroused interest, especially among property managers, and customers have appreciated the extent to which things have been considered from the point of view of sustainability. “Our goal is that the Aski concept will be awarded the Nordic Swan Ecolabel in 2026. In addition to our own sustainability efforts, it is important for us to be able to have the sustainability of our cleaning services demonstrated by an official independent third party”, says Riikka Koukkumäki.
The article was originally published in the PHM Group’s 2025 Annual Report. PHM Aski was awarded the Nordic Swan Ecolabel in September 2026.
