CASE STUDY
South Pacific Laundry
Recent energy efficiency improvements by South Pacific Laundry have resulted in a reduction
in gas consumption of between 4–6%, saving the business around $65,000 per year.
Business snapshot
South Pacific Laundry, which commenced
operations in 1990, is an industrial
laundry servicing the hotel and
restaurant sectors. The laundry has the
capacity to processes 1000 tonnes of
linen per week and operates every day of
the year. The business operates in three
locations – Brunswick East, Epping and
Broadmeadows, but is in the process
of consolidating all its operations to the
Broadmeadows site.
The laundry’s management has a stated
commitment to reducing its impact
on the environment. It has drastically
reduced water usage by installing a
water recycling plant utilising ceramic
filtration and reverse osmosis technology
permitting the laundry to recycle up to
65% of its used water.
Overhauling boilers
In 2014 South Pacific Laundry
successfully applied for a $5,000 grant
from Sustainability Victoria toward the cost
of an energy assessment of its operations
at the Brunswick East site. The laundry’s
energy consumption comes from the
operation of two boilers, five batch
washers, 14 dryers, six ironers, a water
recycling plant, a dry cleaner and the
office area.
“We have invested heavily in cutting
edge technology to increase productivity.
Keeping our machines working efficiently
to their full capacity is a top priority to us”
said Ray Hayes, General Manager.
The energy assessment identified
opportunities to save more than $300,000
per year and reduce greenhouse gas
emissions by the equivalent of more
than 2000 tCO2.
of that cost covered by a bonus payment
from Sustainability Victoria.
The assessment found that the boiler
steam traps were not operating
effectively resulting in steam loss in
some and condensate build up in others,
both reducing the efficiency of the boiler.
The report also recommended
overhauling both boilers. In 2015
South Pacific Laundry successfully
applied for a further $35,000 from
Sustainability Victoria toward the
$116,000 cost of overhauling its two
boilers including the installation of
variable speed drives and economisers.
The assessment report identified the
replacement of these steam traps as
the top opportunity for the business.
Three steam traps were replaced for a
total investment of $5,000, with $3,000
CASE STUDY South Pacific laundry
“Having an efficient plant
reduces our overall
environmental footprint,
saves tens of thousands
of dollars per year
and helps to keep us
competitive in a very
tough market“
Ray Hayes,
General Manager,
South Pacific Laundry
Outcomes
The new steam traps are expected to
save South Pacific Laundry an estimated
$28,000 per year, equivalent to 232 tCO2.
“The new steam traps have improved the
consistency of the steam throughput to
the ironer bed, and as such improved
its efficiency and the end product of
our linen. It has also helped us boost
our preventative maintenance scheme”
said Mr Hayes.
The overhaul of both boilers including
installation of variable speed drives and
economisers will reduce electricity use by
an estimated 32,412 kWh or 20%, and gas
by 543Gj or 14%, saving $37,700 and the
equivalent of 316 tCO2 per year.
Overall estimated energy efficiency
improvement from all the implemented
actions is 4 to 6% representing total
annual savings of more than $65,000.
“The funded projects have also helped
boost our preventative maintenance
scheme ensuring maximised productivity,
as well as improving occupational health
and safety” said Mr Hayes.
Energy assessment conducted by
Better by Design
Sustainability Victoria
Level 28, Urban Workshop,
50 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Phone (03) 8626 8700
sustainability.vic.gov.au
Published by Sustainability Victoria.
Smarter Resources Smarter Business Case Study – South Pacific laundry
© Sustainability Victoria, April 2015 RSE016