Operating a sustainable in-house hotel laundry is a significant step towards reducing environmental impact while ensuring high standards of cleanliness and guest satisfaction. Here’s how to achieve sustainability in this critical hotel operation by taking the following into consideration:

Efficient Water Usage

Water is a crucial resource in laundry operations. Implementing water-efficient washing machines can drastically reduce water consumption. The new range of highly-efficiency washers use up to 50% less water than older models. Additionally, recycling greywater, which involves filtering and reusing water from previous rinse cycles, can further cut down water usage. Implementing water-saving practices, such as adjusting load sizes and avoiding half-full loads, also contributes to sustainability.

Energy Conservation

Energy-efficient appliances are key to reducing a laundry’s carbon footprint. Investing in ENERGY STAR-rated washers and dryers ensures lower energy consumption. Opting for cold water washes when possible, as modern detergents are effective even at lower temperatures, can significantly reduce the energy used for heating water. Moreover, incorporating heat recovery systems to capture and reuse the heat from hot water discharge can optimize energy use as well.

Eco-friendly Detergents

Traditional laundry detergents often contain harsh chemicals that are detrimental to the environment. Switching to biodegradable, phosphate-free detergents minimizes the release of harmful substances into water systems. Bulk purchasing and using concentrated detergents can also reduce packaging waste and transportation emissions.

Other Sustainable Practices

Implementing a linen reuse program can dramatically reduce the frequency of washing. Encouraging guests to reuse towels and bedding, will certainly lower the laundry load. Training staff on sustainable practices, such as optimal machine loading and timely maintenance of equipment, ensures that the laundry operates at peak efficiency with minimal waste.

New Technological Innovations

Adopting advanced laundry technologies also enhances sustainability. Ozone laundry systems, for example, use ozone gas dissolved in water to clean and disinfect fabrics at lower temperatures, reducing energy consumption and extending the life of linens. Additionally, installing programmable logic controllers (PLCs) in machines can optimize wash cycles and resource usage, providing significant savings in both water and energy.

Waste Management

Proper waste management is a sure must. Ensuring that all laundry packaging materials are recyclable or compostable can reduce the landfill burden. Implementing a system for recycling old linens, such as donating to shelters or repurposing into cleaning rags, extends the life of these materials and prevents waste.

Monitoring and Continuous Improvement

Regularly monitoring water, energy, and detergent usage helps in identifying areas for improvement. Setting benchmarks and goals for reduction can drive continuous improvement. Engaging with staff for feedback and conducting periodic reviews of the laundry process can lead to innovative solutions and sustained efficiency gains.

By integrating these practices, hotels can significantly reduce their environmental impact, improve operational efficiency, and align with the growing demand for sustainable travel options when adopting to above practices.

About the author:

Tatjana Ahmed is the Director of Housekeeping at Grand Hyatt, Dubai and the Chairperson of the UAE Housekeepers Association.