Beach Solar Laundromat
Beach Solar Laundromat in Toronto, Ontario strives to be a sustainable enterprise. With principles that include optimal energy usage, innovative design, consistent pricing and community good, they have achieved extensive results in the area of pollution prevention.
Description
The sole proprietor of Beach Solar Laundromat Alex Winch designed and implemented a major building retrofit to successfully reduce greenhouse gas emissions. To achieve the most energy efficiency possible, the 18 month building retrofit incorporated both big and small modifications.
Heating efficiency in the building was substantially improved through several key upgrades. To start, the roof and the windows of the Laundromat were all insulated. Consequently, the waste heat from the clothes dryers in the Laundromat is sufficient to heat the entire building when the outdoor temperature is -5 °C or warmer.
Traditionally laundromats require a large amount of energy to run the machines and heat the wash water. To overcome the need for fossil fuel based energy, Beach Solar installed eight solar panels on the roof of the building. The panels capture 20 000 kilowatt hours of heat annually. The heat captured from the panels is used to pre-heat water in a 200-gallon tank. This warmed water is fed to another 200-gallon water tank, which is maintained for clothes washing at 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
Beach Solar developed a very unique air conditioning system which uses cold water and air to provide cooling. Fans draw air across cold water circulating through coils mounted at ceiling height. This system captures heat from the ambient air to warm the water in the coils, resulting in cooler ambient air and pre-warmed water for the washers. This system reduces energy consumption while providing very efficient climate control.
Finally, a major lighting retrofit of single bulb T-8 fluorescents with electronic ballasts replaced dual bulb T-12 fluorescents with magnetic ballasts. Electronic and magnetic ballasts, devices which regulate electrical current, have different operating efficiencies. The T-8s with electronic ballasts use 35-40% less energy than the T-12s with magnetic ballasts, provide the same high quality light and last just as long.
Benefits
Environmental
Electricity consumption has remained the same at approximately 55 kWh per day with clientele up about 160%. This means that there has been a net reduction of electricity consumption of 38% per customer. Energy consumption for lighting alone has been reduced by 65%. The total carbon dioxide emissions saved from all activities at the Laundromat is 118 tonnes per year.
Economic
Revenues are also up 160 % while electricity costs and natural gas costs are down per load of laundry. The value of completely eliminating the old heating system is approximately $4500. The solar panel project cost $24 000 and captures approximately $1300 per year of energy. The fluorescent lights cost $1300 to purchase and they save $650 per year in electricity. Running the air conditioning system at maximum capacity reduces utility costs by $0.60 per day.
Social
Alex has provided space and a start-up loan to run a wash and fold business staffed by recent immigrants who get the opportunity to learn English by talking to the Laundromat self-serve customers. Alex is a recognized community leader and innovator. He is eager to share his business and environmental design knowledge with others, demonstrating that a relationship with the environment has diverse benefits.
Recognition
Alex is a Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment 2004 small business and Greenhouse Gas reduction pollution prevention award winner. As well the wash and fold service of the Beach Solar Laundromat won the prestigious international environmental Bremen Partnership Award in September 2004.
Contact Information
Alex Winch
Owner
2240 Queen St. E.
Toronto, Ontario
M4E 1G2
Phone : (416) 712-1488
E-mail : a.winch@sympatico.ca
Date Submited
February 2005
Note: The purpose of this sheet is to give recognition to this specific activity in pollution prevention. Environment Canada does not per se endorse the company.