Laundry


Embracing sustainability in care laundry: a new era


There are many business- critical reasons why care homes need to be looking seriously at sustainable laundry solutions, as Miles Tebay, sales director at Wolf Laundry, explains


In the world of commercial laundry, particularly within care homes, the concept of sustainability has transcended from a buzzword to a crucial aspect of operations. As the healthcare sector faces increasing scrutiny over environmental impact and operational efficiency, the laundry industry is at a pivotal moment. With insights drawn from our very own industry experts, this editorial delves into the rising trend of sustainable practices in commercial laundry for care homes.


While the benefits of sustainable laundry


practices are clear, the transition can pose several challenges for care homes. These include the initial cost of new equipment, training staff to use new technologies, and integrating these systems into existing operations without disrupting service. However, the long-term advantages far outweigh these hurdles.


Investment, staff training, and new tech Investing in sustainable laundry equipment requires upfront capital. However, this investment pays off over time through significant savings on water, energy, and maintenance costs. Advanced machines are designed to be durable and require less frequent repairs, further reducing long-term costs. Additionally, many governments offer grants and incentives for businesses that adopt green technologies, easing the financial burden. For instance, the government has


introduced the Industrial Energy Transformation Fund (IETF) which supports businesses with high energy use – including care homes – in cutting their energy bills and carbon emissions through investing


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in energy efficiency and decarbonisation projects. Utilising these financial aids can substantially lower the economic barriers for care homes transitioning to sustainable laundry practices. Adopting new technologies necessitates


training staff to operate and maintain advanced equipment. Proper training ensures that staff are comfortable and proficient with new systems, which in turn leads to smoother operations and better outcomes.


Continuous education and training


programs should be implemented to keep staff updated on the latest sustainability practices and technological advancements. For example, workshops and hands-on training sessions can be organised to ensure that all team members are well-versed in the efficient and eco-friendly operation of the new laundry equipment. Additionally, creating an in-house sustainability task force can help monitor progress and foster


Energy-efficient machines, water-saving systems, and automated processes reduce operational costs


a culture of environmental responsibility within the care home. Care homes must integrate new laundry


technologies into their existing operations without disrupting their services. This requires careful planning and phased implementation. A phased approach can be particularly effective. This might involve initially introducing new, sustainable machines in one section of the care home, allowing staff to become familiar with their operation before a full-scale rollout. Regular reviews and feedback sessions during this phase can help identify any issues early, allowing for adjustments and ensuring a smooth transition.


Why make the switch in the laundry room? Regulatory and policy pressures Governments and regulatory bodies worldwide are enforcing stricter environmental standards. In the European Union, for instance, the Green Deal emphasises reducing carbon footprints across all sectors, including healthcare. Care homes must comply with these regulations, driving the adoption of sustainable laundry practices.


The EU’s Green Deal includes a roadmap with actions to boost the efficient use of resources by moving to a clean, circular


www.thecarehomeenvironment.com September 2024


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