From water consumption to greenhouse gas emissions, commercial laundry operations affect the environment in more ways than one. This makes it important for businesses to have a proactive approach in managing the impact of their actions. From investing in eco-friendly industrial laundry equipment, like the washers from Continental Girbau, to training employees on their individual roles, laundry establishments must engage in strategies to go green.
Water Consumption
According to the Alliance for Water Efficiency, washer-extractors usually require three to four gallons of water for every pound of fabric. These days, washers are fitted with innovative features that allow a significant reduction in water consumption. For instance, some have built-in water recycler. It stores the rinse water from the previous load and uses it in the next batch. This reduces water consumption to only about 2.5 pounds of water per pound of fabric.
A water monitoring system can be attached in the machines to determine exactly its resource usage and find ways to make it more efficient.
Using rainwater in the laundry is another eco-friendly practice. One of the best things about rainwater is it does not contain minerals that contain limescale. This also means that you will use less detergent compared to washing using tap water. To use rainwater, there should be a system of collecting and filtering to ensure its cleanliness when washing clothes.
Energy Usage
Aside from water, commercial laundry equipment is also notorious for its energy consumption. Companies like Continental Girbau developed innovations that allow their commercial laundry machines to deliver exceptional performance while consuming minimal energy.
The best way to minimize energy use in a commercial laundry facility is to choose the right appliances. Choose those with Energy Star certification for an assurance that they are eco-friendly. They have higher capacity while using minimal electricity, allowing you to wash more without spending a lot on energy use.
To add, heating and cooling systems in the laundromat also add to the electrical consumption of the business. One of the best ways to address this is to install automated heating and cooling that adjusts on its own based on external conditions.
Chemicals
Chemicals in laundry detergents help to get rid of bacteria, soften fabric, and brighten colors, among others. However, they also pose significant threats to the environment. They contaminate the water supply. Worst, they also have negative impacts on human health.
The common chemicals found in laundry detergents include sodium lauryl sulfate, phosphate, chlorine bleach, dioxane, ammonium sulfate, and formaldehyde, among others.
Today, it is common to find detergents with natural ingredients instead of harsh chemicals, which is a good way to minimize the environmental impacts of laundry operations. Using natural laundry detergent also helps to protect the fabric and make it long-lasting. It does not contain harsh ingredients that can cause colors to fade.
If you plan to build a commercial laundry business or you already have one, it is important to pay attention to its environmental impacts. Invest in technologies and practices to make your business eco-friendly.
