Page 132 - Towards A Sustainable Future 2024

The second objective was to analyse the utility consumption Table 2: Six-Month Average Utility Consumption
at Laundry Loft, with a specific focus on water and electricity and CO2 Emissions.
usage, as outlined in Table 2. The aim was to identify potential
areas where utility consumption can be minimised without
compromising customers expectations. By examining
the establishment’s water and electricity usage patterns,
the team aimed to pinpoint opportunities for efficiency
improvements.

Good Environmental Practices

Implementing a semi-automatic glass door at the
launderette’s entrance is a recommended measure for energy
conservation (Figure 2). Without an automatic mechanism, Environmental Review
continual air movement in and out of the facility would
allow cool air to escape, significantly impacting energy
conservation efforts. Throughout June 2022, we observed Laundry Loft’s
operations weekly to gain insight into the company’s
overall activities. This hands-on approach provided valuable
opportunities for close examination and monitoring
of business operations at Laundry Loft, enabling the
identification of operational aspects of the business for
environmental performance enhancement.

Energy Conservation

The air-conditioning system’s efficiency was assessed within
the launderette’s main hall. Meticulous observation showed
that physical gaps were present in various parts of the main
Figure 2: Semi-automatic sliding door at the entrance as entrance to the outlet, as illustrated in Figures 3 and 4. These
above. gaps facilitated the escape of cool air from the launderette
to the broader area while allowing outside air to infiltrate the
Operated by manual switches, the door remains closed by premises. Consequently, this compromised the regulation
default. To enter the hall, individuals must press an ‘Open’ of temperature control within the facility, necessitating the
switch, prompting the door to slide open. Conversely, when air conditioning compressor to work harder to maintain the
activated, a ‘Close’ switch inside the hall facilitates door desired ambient air temperature within the launderette.
closure. This system offers advantages over sensor-operated
mechanisms, as it minimises the risk of unnecessary door Another aspect was the effect of elevated temperature
movements triggered by inadvertent sensor activation sources inside the launderette. Eight clothes dryers in one
which often occurs when individuals pass by the sensor. corner of the outlet operate within a 45 to 83 ⁰C temperature
range. Notably, these dryers lack insulation on their internal
and external surfaces.

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