Green Clean, Laundry Machines: A study of Laundry Operations at the Dalplex

Abstract

The Dalplex is the primary fitness center for Dalhousie students as well as some community members; as such, the facility has a number of costs associated with it. This includes the cost of laundry operations in the Dalplex that are required to provide the rag and towel services for its members and to ensure the cleanliness of the varsity team uniforms. This study measured the type and quantity of laundry done at the Dalplex to determine the amount of detergent, water, and energy used by each washing machine in a single week, and to shed light on the environmental impact of these services. Using deductive techniques the project group was able to roughly calculate how much the Dalplex spends annually on its laundry operations, a grand total of $4314.81. Analysis of the data gathered from the study led to the conclusion that replacing the less efficient washing machine is not the most effective way to reduce costs, but rather a change in policy. It is recommended that the Dalplex create a policy requiring its employees to start a wash cycle only when the machine is at full capacity. The overall result will lead to the Dalplex reducing the amount energy, water and detergent consumed, the environmental impacts associated with the laundry operations, and a total savings of at least $1300 a year.