For several years now equipment manufacturers have been developing technology to help laundries use natural resources more efficiently. These developments lead to savings in both water and energy and often in related areas such as chemicals’ use and effluent costs.
Such systems promise significant cost benefits but also mean considerable investment.
Like any investment, the introduction of resource-saving equipment needs to be planned both from the financial point of view and from that of logistics.
As this month’s Materials Solutions feature points out, the starting point for managing energy and other utilities efficiently is to look at the production line in its present state and see how it is being operated and maintained.
A system of good housekeeping measures, regular maintenance checks and a policy of preventative maintenance is essential. Features of the building such as the need for insulation should also be included in any such survey.
This initial preparation may, in some cases, simply underline established practice and perhaps add some fine detail.
In other cases it may call for modest investment including investment in time labour and materials for improvement in certain areas – such as insulation. Such costs will in themselves prove worthwhile. There may be a need for a re-think on maintenance and even operating practices. Changes need to be firmly established.
Businesses that want to go further by installing specific recovery and recycling equipment and/or upgrading equipment will also have plan their introduction in detail.
Though this month’s articles focus on energy efficiency, in practice improving efficiency throughout a laundry involves looking at several areas of consumption for savings in water, energy and chemicals are all inter-related.
Similarly the interaction between machines will influence the way any upgrades are introduced.
Payback time is central to planning for investments and LCNi will be examining this in a future issue.
Finally remember the human element – your staff. Make sure they understand the rules of best practice and are on the look out for early warning signs that problems lie ahead.
Explain any changes in routine, giving reasons why they are being introduced and talk about the benefits. Thank them for their efforts. Optimal efficiency depends on teamwork.
