Innovation is more than a buzzword for us, it’s a commitment and a core part of Principle’s business model. Recognised for our progressive approach to technology and service excellence, we’ve been trialling drone-assisted window cleaning in London since last year to solve long-standing access issues faced at a number of our clients’ estates, where façade cleans have never before been possible.
Cracking the Challenge at 6 Orsman Road
Located on the edge of Regent’s Canal in Hackney, British Land’s 6 Orsman Road is a striking six-storey office building spanning over 34,000 square feet. Façade cleaning here was impossible for a number of reasons: no ground access for MEWPs or cherry pickers due to the adjacent canal, narrow pathways preventing scaffolding or mobile towers, and no anchor points for rope access, with the CLT structure limiting retrofit options. This persistent obstacle impacted both aesthetics and long-term building care.
Collaboration and Compliance: Planning the Trial
With British Land’s backing, we saw a unique opportunity to trial this advanced method. It’s a perfect fit with our sustainability goals and an exciting step forward in smart, low-impact cleaning.
Detailed planning and coordination were required, and we worked closely with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), local council authorities, and the Metropolitan Police. From securing airspace permissions to managing exclusion zones, the operation was a collaborative success that prioritised public safety and transparency at every stage.
A Milestone in Window Cleaning
Several months later, in December 2024, we were ready to launch the trial. In just 30 minutes, the drone cleaned the previously unreachable elevation — compared to a four-hour estimate (and significantly higher risk) using traditional means. The full setup, including safety checks, took just one hour.
The drone, purpose-built for vertical surfaces, uses purified water jets and is tethered to a ground-based system, operated by trained pilots. It’s equipped with anti-collision sensors and stabilisation features, making it ideal for complex environments.
Like all innovations, drone cleaning has been a learning curve. The water pressure creates resistance, requiring skilled piloting, and initial concerns about precision and control needed to be addressed. However, the advanced stabilisation features and operator training ensured a smooth and safe process.
The Results
- 75%+ reduction in cleaning time
- Zero health and safety incidents
- Minimal disruption to tenants and the public
- Full client satisfaction — with a once-inaccessible façade now fully cleaned
The environmental benefits are just as compelling:
- Reduced water usage through precision spray systems;
- No chemical detergents – just purified water;
- Zero-emission operation, eliminating the need for diesel-powered access equipment;
- Quiet and non-intrusive, enhancing the building user experience
Next Steps
Following the trial’s success, we carried out a second drone clean in May, with plans in place for annual cleans going forward. We’re working closely with British Land to assess drone viability across the Broadgate portfolio, and other clients.
We’re excited about what this means for the future of our industry. Principle remains committed to pushing boundaries, delivering smarter solutions, and driving progress through meaningful innovation.
What Our Client Says
“We’re proud to partner with Principle Cleaning Services, whose dedication to innovation and problem-solving was key to the success of the drone window cleaning trial at 6 Orsman Road.
It’s been exciting to be part of one of London’s first drone cleaning projects and finally see that elevation cleaned for the first time. We’re looking forward to seeing how this pioneering method can support similar access challenges across the estate.” – Dulce Franco, British Land